Professor of political science at Hofstra University, Leslie D. Feldman, discussed how television shows, including The Twilight Zone and The Beverly Hillbillies, addressed important discussions about human nature, the American Dream, class struggles, and our place in the universe. According to Feldman, a major underlying theme of Hillbillies was an examination of how our society looks at success and prosperity. "Americans don't really like inherited wealth, they don't respect it as much," she said, noting the Clampett family was worth millions but not held in high-regard by the other characters in the show because they did not earn their money. Feldman disclosed how the seemingly innocent sit-com I Love Lucy dealt with the role of woman in the 1950s. Lucy is often seen trying to get out of the house and go to work, she revealed.
Rod Serling tackled numerous political and social issues on Twilight Zone, Feldman continued. In an episode titled "The Shelter," which aired mere days before the Cuban Missile Crisis, Serling examined Cold War hysteria in an era of backyard fallout shelters. In episode "Third From The Sun," Serling warned of the dangers of nuclear proliferation through the plight of two families escaping nuclear war on their planet in a spaceship bound for Earth, Feldman explained. Serling also reflected on prejudice in "The Gift," where an alien lands in a Mexican village with a gift to cure cancer but is run off and his gift destroyed, she noted. "Serling's view of human nature... it's frequently very negative", she suggested, noting it reflects the perspective of 17th century philosopher Thomas Hobbes.
The contemporary television landscape is filled with socio-political content, as seen in the animated hit series Simpsons and Family Guy and numerous other programs, Feldman pointed out. She also spoke briefly about a secret Bunker at The Greenbrier resort and conspiracies surrounding the bizarre murals at Denver International Airport. Feldman proposed the murals may be related to the New World Order.
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Open Lines followed in the latter half of the program. Several callers phoned in about the situation in Syria and potential war with Russia. Daniel from Wichita, Kansas, sounded off against the US missile strike against a Syrian airfield. "How dare us think that we should punish Assad," Daniel blasted, noting America sells arms to countries that have used them against Syria and is essentially condemning someone for doing what they've done.
Donna in Benson, North Carolina, told George she lives close to two military installations and witnessed markedly increased activity in the skies over her house last week. "I knew that they weren't just training... and something told me I think something is going to happen," she said, pointing to the US strike against Syria.
Nathan in Middletown, Ohio, recounted his recent astral projection experience. "Something woke me up and I opened my eyes, and the entire room was filled with a very bright whitish-blue light," Nathan recalled, noting how he had the sensation of hovering over his bed looking down at his body. According to Nathan, a light was emanating from his hallway, a shadow figure appeared, and he heard, "it's an angel," three times before crashing back down into body.
News segment guests: Lauren Weinstein / Peter Davenport