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    <fireside:genDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:54:10 -0500</fireside:genDate>
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    <title>The Right Side of the Rivers - Episodes Tagged with “Venezuela Crisis”</title>
    <link>https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/tags/venezuela%20crisis</link>
    <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
    <description>The Right Side of the Rivers is where Pittsburgh’s history and values meet today’s challenges. This show takes on public issues from a distinctly Pittsburgh point of view — offering commonsense conversations, right-of-center perspectives, and thoughtful discussions on the people, policies, and principles shaping Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Pennsylvania.
Whether it’s local government, community priorities, or statewide debates, The Right Side of the Rivers brings clarity, balance, and a grounded approach to the issues that matter to our city and our future.
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    <itunes:subtitle>Pittsburgh perspectives on public issues.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:author>Pittsburgh City Committee &amp; Sidekick Media Services</itunes:author>
    <itunes:summary>The Right Side of the Rivers is where Pittsburgh’s history and values meet today’s challenges. This show takes on public issues from a distinctly Pittsburgh point of view — offering commonsense conversations, right-of-center perspectives, and thoughtful discussions on the people, policies, and principles shaping Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Pennsylvania.
Whether it’s local government, community priorities, or statewide debates, The Right Side of the Rivers brings clarity, balance, and a grounded approach to the issues that matter to our city and our future.
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  <title>Benson Fechter - Candidate for Congress</title>
  <link>https://therightsideoftherivers.fireside.fm/benson-fechter-candidate-for-congress</link>
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  <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
  <author>Pittsburgh City Committee &amp; Sidekick Media Services</author>
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  <itunes:author>Pittsburgh City Committee &amp; Sidekick Media Services</itunes:author>
  <itunes:subtitle>Todd and Russell sit down with Benson Fechter, one of the candidates for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District, to discuss his campaign, policy priorities, and the state of national and local leadership. The episode also covers Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela, ICE protests in Minneapolis and Pittsburgh, and how strong leadership is needed to address both global and local challenges.</itunes:subtitle>
  <itunes:duration>1:12:18</itunes:duration>
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  <description>In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Benson Fechter, one of the Republican candidates for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. A South Hills native, small business owner, and family man, Benson shares his story, outlines his motivation for running, and explains how his campaign is working to connect with voters across both Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.
The conversation also features a deep dive into Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela and why Russell believes the mission has long-term significance for U.S. policy, energy independence, and regional stability. The discussion also includes a look at ICE protests in Minneapolis and Pittsburgh, the importance of law enforcement cooperation, and the leadership challenges that arise when city and county officials hedge on public safety. 
From managing infrastructure to confronting propaganda and chaos, this episode covers how strong leadership and clear communication are essential at every level of government. Whether you’re focused on Pittsburgh’s snow removal failures or shaping the future of Congress, this episode offers grounded insights from citizens who want to fix what’s broken. Special Guest: Benson Fechter.
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  <itunes:keywords>benson fechter, pittsburgh, politics, pennsylvania district 12, operation absolute resolve, ice protests, summer lee, congressional campaign, allegheny county, conservative values, local government, infrastructure, snow removal, leadership, election 2026</itunes:keywords>
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    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Benson Fechter, one of the Republican candidates for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. A South Hills native, small business owner, and family man, Benson shares his story, outlines his motivation for running, and explains how his campaign is working to connect with voters across both Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.</p>

<p>The conversation also features a deep dive into Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela and why Russell believes the mission has long-term significance for U.S. policy, energy independence, and regional stability. The discussion also includes a look at ICE protests in Minneapolis and Pittsburgh, the importance of law enforcement cooperation, and the leadership challenges that arise when city and county officials hedge on public safety. </p>

<p>From managing infrastructure to confronting propaganda and chaos, this episode covers how strong leadership and clear communication are essential at every level of government. Whether you’re focused on Pittsburgh’s snow removal failures or shaping the future of Congress, this episode offers grounded insights from citizens who want to fix what’s broken.</p><p>Special Guest: Benson Fechter.</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://secure.winred.com/city-of-pittsburgh-republican-committee/donate-today">Support The Right Side of the Rivers</a></p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Benson for PA 12 (Campaign Website)" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.bensonforpa12.com/">Benson for PA 12 (Campaign Website)</a> &mdash; Learn more about Benson. Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives. Support Benson's campaign by volunteering or donating.</li></ul>]]>
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  <itunes:summary>
    <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of The Right Side of the Rivers, hosts Todd McCollum and Russell Dryer welcome Benson Fechter, one of the Republican candidates for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. A South Hills native, small business owner, and family man, Benson shares his story, outlines his motivation for running, and explains how his campaign is working to connect with voters across both Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.</p>

<p>The conversation also features a deep dive into Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela and why Russell believes the mission has long-term significance for U.S. policy, energy independence, and regional stability. The discussion also includes a look at ICE protests in Minneapolis and Pittsburgh, the importance of law enforcement cooperation, and the leadership challenges that arise when city and county officials hedge on public safety. </p>

<p>From managing infrastructure to confronting propaganda and chaos, this episode covers how strong leadership and clear communication are essential at every level of government. Whether you’re focused on Pittsburgh’s snow removal failures or shaping the future of Congress, this episode offers grounded insights from citizens who want to fix what’s broken.</p><p>Special Guest: Benson Fechter.</p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://secure.winred.com/city-of-pittsburgh-republican-committee/donate-today">Support The Right Side of the Rivers</a></p><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a title="Benson for PA 12 (Campaign Website)" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.bensonforpa12.com/">Benson for PA 12 (Campaign Website)</a> &mdash; Learn more about Benson. Find out about campaign events and community outreach initiatives. Support Benson's campaign by volunteering or donating.</li></ul>]]>
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