Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio, where hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock cut through the noise to talk about the hottest issues affecting Ohio—and the nation at large. In this June 11, 2025 episode, the guys dive headfirst into the recent wave of riots spreading across cities like a contagion, unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes, and debate the government’s response. They draw fascinating connections to history—think Magna Carta—and discuss its continued impact on American law and governance.

Steve and Norm don’t shy away from controversy. They tackle explosive topics like the chaos following targeted ICE arrests in LA, the politics behind deploying the National Guard, and the persistent double standards in how law enforcement actions and protests are perceived by the media and politicians. They also take a look at broader societal shifts, such as the landmark Supreme Court decision in Ames vs. Ohio Department of Youth Services and what it means for anti-discrimination law in America.

Switching gears, the episode delves into the big changes on the college sports front, with Ohio universities now legally paying athletes under new NIL agreements, and the challenges this brings. Plus, they poke at some big philosophical questions—from the legalization of gambling and marijuana to the privacy risks of DNA testing companies like 23andMe selling genetic data during bankruptcy proceedings.

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As always, Steve and Norm wrap things up with their weekly outrages and wins—touching on recent law enforcement issues in Ohio, the importance of recognizing military service in schools, and surprising moments of accountability in public service. It’s thought-provoking, sometimes fiery, and quintessentially Common Sense Ohio.

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio! In this week’s show, recorded on May 28, 2025, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock deliver their no-nonsense take on everything from historical scandals to hot topics right here in the Buckeye State.

They kick things off with a look back at the infamous Watergate break-in—unpacking the enduring legacy of political coverups—and quickly draw parallels to the modern controversies swirling around today’s leaders. From the ongoing questions about accountability in the White House to new revelations about COVID-19 policies and vaccine recommendations, no stone is left unturned.

The hosts then pivot to free speech, comparing American First Amendment protections to the increasing crackdowns across Europe and the UK, where people are being arrested for social media posts and even silent prayer. If you’ve ever wondered what separates American liberties from those abroad, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Closer to home, Steve and Norm get fired up about everything from controversial school bathroom policies in Upper Arlington, the changing safety climate in Columbus’ Short North, to whether schools do enough to honor new military recruits. There’s also spirited banter about the NBA’s “doctors,” LeBron James’ newly minted honorary degree, celebrity activism, and a heartfelt farewell to Ohio musician Rick Derringer.

Rounding out the episode, the guys tackle Chinese-owned businesses in Ohio, local government cyberattacks, the fallout from the Jussie Smollett case, and, as always, their picks for outrage and triumph of the week—including chipmunks wreaking havoc, and a tribute to the legacy of Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson.

Grab your coffee and settle in for a fast-paced, sharp-witted discussion that covers the headlines, the history, and everything in between—from the heartland’s common sense perspective.

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00:00 Nixon's Watergate Cover-Up Attempt

05:55 "Current Scandals and Historical Parallels"

09:14 "Imagining U.S. Without First Amendment"

11:43 "Hyde Park Soapbox Origins"

16:21 London Police Chief's Online Speech Warning

17:36 Liverpool Parade Incident

23:18 Short North Seeks Tax Authority

25:15 "What Went Wrong?"

27:40 NBA Legend's 1980s Dominance

32:25 Ohio House Bill Targets Foreign Ownership

36:43 Deputy Killed by Recidivist Shooter

39:48 Columbus Data Breach Lawsuits

42:19 Jussie Smollett Case Closure

46:44 "Impact of Faked Race Crimes"

50:09 Upper Arlington Graduation Highlights

51:52 Memorial Day: Honoring Fallen Heroes

56:19 Chipmunk Conquest Costs Friendships

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.

We jump straight into the headlines and controversies shaping both Ohio and the nation. The conversation opens with breaking news about President Biden’s cancer diagnosis, sparking a candid discussion on transparency, leadership health, and the responsibilities of both elected officials and political parties.

Digging deeper, we draw thought-provoking parallels between historical crimes, moral philosophy, and the shifts in America’s foundational values—referencing everything from Crime and Punishment to Nietzsche, the role of religion, and what happens when societies lose their moral compass.

Turning to the legal front, we tackle Supreme Court decisions on birthright citizenship and immigration, unpacking the implications of recent rulings, the intent behind the 14th Amendment, and the complicated realities for children of undocumented immigrants.

Ohio issues get the spotlight as well, with lively debate on property taxes, the challenge of keeping taxes fair, and the possible ripple effects of abolishing the property tax altogether.

Of course, no episode would be complete without a look at the latest from the national political circus—Trump’s business deals in the Gulf, the scrutiny over accepting international gifts, and honest takes on the ongoing Trump/Biden saga, media narratives, and party loyalty.

From philosophical deep-dives to the hard realities of law, politics, and policy, this episode is packed with the lively, unfiltered Common Sense Ohio perspective you know and love.

A Big Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Plus Accounting. They provide more than just basic transactions, offering expert business consultation as well. They go beyond the basics, providing comprehensive advice on saving, planning, and optimizing taxes.

Key Moments

00:00 Crime, Guilt, Redemption in "Crime and Punishment"

05:01 "The Dangers of Authoritarianism"

07:16 Atheism as Religious Belief

11:55 SCOTUS Decision Sparks Controversy

13:23 Injunction Lifted: Deportations Proceed

16:36 "Supreme Court and Birthright Citizenship"

19:56 Trump Secures Gulf States Investments

25:12 "Appearance vs. Actual Impropriety"

26:37 "Biden's Prostate Cancer Timing Discussed"

29:46 Cancer Confusion in 2022 Speech

32:14 "Voting, Friendship, and Democracy"

35:16 Who's Running the Country?

40:53 Misinterpreted Intent and Influence

44:08 Ohio Considers Property Tax Elimination

46:10 "End of Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty"

48:25 Seat Belt Paradox Explained

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.

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