To the Point

Latest Episodes:

Pentagon Lifting Ban on Women in Combat Jan 24, 2013

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Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has lifted the ban on women in combat. We look at the pros and cons for the military, in Constitutional law and American culture.

The Legacy of Too Big to Fail Jan 23, 2013

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Despite the Toxic Assets Relief Program 12 banks are still "too big to fail," with protection secured by taxpayers. We update the bailout and promise of foreclosure relief.

Roe v. Wade, at Forty Jan 22, 2013

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It's 40 years to the day since the US Supreme Court ruled that a woman has a constitutional right to abortion. We update America's most bitter cultural controversy.

Barack Obama Begins His Second Term Jan 21, 2013

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Barack Hussein Obama was inaugurated today for his second term, with an inaugural speech that looked to the future...

Can Science and Medicine Help Prevent Violent Crime? Jan 18, 2013

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President Obama and Congress are looking for ways that mental health agencies to share information so law enforcement can take action. Is the next step preventive detention for people who’ve never committed crimes? Is prediction possible—or is there no choice but to wait for violence to happen?

As Israel Tilts More Right, Is a Showdown with Washington Looming? Jan 17, 2013

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At a time of upheaval all over Middle East, Israel’s alliance with the United States is in trouble.

Obama Takes Executive Action on Gun Control Jan 16, 2013

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The President today signed 23 executive orders and asked Congress for additional gun control measures—with an appeal to the public…

Aaron Swartz and Free Speech on the Internet Jan 15, 2013

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Last week, a celebrated Internet genius committed suicide—having written about the ravages of acute depression. Do 20-year old restrictions infringe on a human right made possible by a rapidly changing technology?

The President, Republicans and the Debt Ceiling Jan 14, 2013

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At a surprise news conference this morning, President Obama said the latest dispute over the debt ceiling is already damaging the economy.

Afghanistan: Should We Stay or Should We Go? Jan 11, 2013

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Today’s meeting between Presidents Obama and Karzai was billed as crucial to mapping the end of America’s longest war.