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January 9th, 2025

Crime, Time, and Redemption: The Jack Straw Story

  1. Crime, Time, and Redemption: The Jack Straw Story Bob Gatty 27:37

HIJACKED NATION – Donald Trump’s attack on America’s greatness. GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7

Life After Prison Release: John Graham’s Mission to Change Lives

Should ex-cons be given a second chance at life after prison release? See how John David Graham has dedicated his life to helping convicts once they are released from prison. It’s a positive, uplifting story you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, Dr. Graham shares his inspiring journey from homelessness to becoming a business owner, published author, and founder of Good Samaritan Home, a network of refurbished homes that provide safe living space for just released convicts.

At 53, Graham began helping people rebuild their lives after prison, and by 75, he had published his debut novel, “Running as Fast as I Can.” Link: https://amzn.to/3DKjpl5

He discusses his nonprofit’s impact on the community, the challenges faced, and the success stories of those who’ve benefited from his efforts.

Tune in to hear about his philosophy of giving second chances and his take on political and social issues over the decades. Graham’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering belief in a moral universe.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to John David Graham

00:51 Inspiration Behind Good Samaritan Home

02:35 Building Good Samaritan Home

10:50 Challenges and Community Resistance

16:39 Success Stories and Impact

17:53 Writing and Publishing Journey

23:21 Reflections on the 60s and Political Climate

31:37 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

About Bob Gatty

A former journalist and communications consultant, Bob Gatty is the founder and editor of the Lean to the Left blog and host of this podcast, which focuses on progressive politics and the important social issues of our time.

Please check out Bob’s new book, Hijacked Nation: Donald Trump’s Attack on America’s Greatness, now available on Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble and other outlets. Paperback: $11; Hardcover: $24. Digital version: $3.99. Here’s a direct link: https://amzn.to/4eK8ghZ.

As we continue to explore pressing social issues, I encourage everyone to share their stories and experiences. Your voice matters!

DISCLAIMER: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, you won’t pay any extra – in fact, you may even save with a discount! Using these links helps support this channel, allowing us to keep providing free content to help you on your journey. Thank you for your support.

Bob Gatty Author, Podcaster, Blogger

For many years, Bob Gatty worked as a writer, editor, and communications consultant, based on the Washington, DC area with a focus on government and politics. He began at The Pittsburgh Courier, an African American weekly, covering crime and the courts. His salary was $55 per week before moving on to two local Pennsylvania dailies. At age 24, he began reporting for United Press International covering state politics in Pennsylvania and then New Jersey, where he was UPI’s state capitol bureau in Trenton.

Tempted by the allure of Washington, DC and big-time politics, at age 29 Bob became press secretary and chief of staff for two Congressmen – first Republican Edwin B. Forsythe, and then Democrat James J. Florio, who later became governor of New Jersey and until his recent death was a frequent podcast guest and co-host of Bob’s NFN Radio News podcast (now called Lean to the Left).

After seven years on Capitol Hill, Bob opened a communications business in Washington, first providing political media consulting to candidates and then freelance Washington coverage for business and trade magazines, plus creative communications services for trade and professional associations, including social media. This work involved articles and analyses of key governmental developments affecting businesses, such as the food and Health industries, retailing, and the environment.

His work as a communications consultant to trade and professional associations included launching and editing association publications, providing website content and social media assistance, and covering conferences and conventions.

Bob retired from G-Net Strategic Communications in 2016 and moved to Myrtle Beach, SC, where he launched his blog site, first called Not Fake News, now known as Lean to the Left.

Hijacked Nation
In August, 2020, Bob and co-author Chris Waldron, one of Lean to the Left's most loyal and prolific contributor, published "Hijacked Nation-Donald Trump's Attack on America's Greatness," a two-volume compilation of blogs regarding Trump's presidency and the consequences for our nation. A followup volume was published by Luna Global Media in September 2024. It is available at https://amzn.to/4ePrTF7 .

In all three volumes, blogs from Not Fake News and Lean to the Left create a virtual play-by-play of key actions of the Trump administration and Congress. For more information, please visit https://leantotheleft.net/books/, and visit Bob's Author's Page on Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bob-Gatty/author/B08C7HWXZ5?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=4e603563-7251-4074-b54d-40800c4ce40a.

The Lean to the Left Podcast
The Lean to the Left podcast provides commentary and interviews with newsmakers and others with interesting stories to tell. Video and audio podcasts stream twice weekly on major channels. More info at https://podcast.leantotheleft.net.

The Lean to the Left YouTube Channel
You'll find all of the audio tracks for the Lean to the Left Podcast here plus original videos, including complete video versions of each podcast.
https://www.youtube.com/@LeantotheLeft.