Straight Talk with Bill Frady 9/16/26 Hour 1-A higher burden of proof

The government collects our money without meeting a higher burden of proof. New taxes are frequently imposed without adequate explanation, leaving us to watch our hard-earned pay directed toward places we cannot easily track. Politicians tend to spend freely, wasting funds due to a lack of oversight and accountability to the public—even though we, the people, are ultimately their bosses. With crude oil climbing past $100 a barrel, local gas stations are seeing prices surge beyond $4 per gallon. This rapid increase is raising fears of broader price hikes for everyday consumers and fueling broader inflation concerns. A key question remains: is the geopolitical turmoil in the East driving this spike, and will relief arrive before or after the upcoming Midterm elections—or will higher costs become the new normal?