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The President's Speech and the Politics of Tragedy Jan 13, 2011

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President Obama delivered an emotional tribute last night to the victims of Saturday's shooting in Tucson. Will he succeed in changing the tone of America's public discourse? Also, the rising foreclosure rate, and a new look at Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The State of Mental Healthcare in America Jan 12, 2011

Show notes

Mentally ill people may threaten violence. Most never come through. But should laws protecting their privacy and their freedom be changed, just in case? Would that mean treating sick people like criminals before they've done anything wrong? Also, the first anniversary of Haiti's earthquake.

Guns and Politics in Arizona Jan 11, 2011

Show notes

In the aftermath of Saturday's shooting, Arizona is a state divided. Should gun laws be strengthened or made more permissive? Have the economy and illegal immigration created a "toxic atmosphere" for political dialogue? Also, the Presidents oil spill panel recommends tighter rules, and Verizon gets the iPhone.

Shooting Rampage in Tucson Jan 10, 2011

Show notes

There's been no change in the condition of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, two days after she was shot while conducting a townhall on Saturday. Doctors in Tucson say that's good news. In Washington, Congress has suspended business for this week, including the vote on repealing the President's healthcare reform. But in print, on TV and on the Internet, debate rages over what led to a shooting rampage that killed six, including a 9-year old girl, and wounded 18 others. Did vitriolic political rhetoric play a role? Is a tragedy being used to make political points? Also, more on 22-year-old suspect Jared Laughner.

Reading the US Constitution, Then and Now Jan 07, 2011

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Republicans now controlling the House claim the Constitution demands reductions in the size of government. Is America’s founding document all that clear? We get a variety of opinions reflecting how open it is to different interpretations. Also, Obama's economic team and unemployment, and "citizen scientists" outclass computers.

Is There Such a Thing as Internet Privacy? Jan 06, 2011

Show notes

Tracking consumers on the Internet and selling detailed profiles is a $400 million business expected to double this year. Advertisers have real-time access to whatever you're doing on-line. Will new privacy laws be needed to restore consumers' confidence? Is there any good news about this kind of intrusion? Also, a historic reading of the Constitution in the Congress, and shake-ups at the White House.

The New Congress, the Deficit and the Pentagon Jan 05, 2011

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The new House majority wants to reduce federal spending, and every commission on the deficit has called for cuts in the Pentagon. So, why are they off the table? How much could be saved without endangering national security? Also, Mark Twain and the "N" word.

Republicans in the House: A New Era on Capitol Hill Jan 04, 2011

Show notes

Tomorrow's Republican takeover of Congress will be heavy with symbols appealing to Tea Party stalwarts and other enemies of "Big Government." We hear about the strategy, the agenda and the prospects for Democrats to fight back. Also, the Governor of Pakistan's Punjab Province is assassinated, and an innocent man is exonerated after 30 years in a Texas prison.

Economic Stimulus: The Promise and the Reality Jan 03, 2011

Show notes

In two years, President Obama's stimulus package has not produced the infrastructure projects many people expected. Is that what it was really designed to do? We hear from two state "stimulus watchdogs" and others. Also, Goldman Sachs friends Facebook, and cold weather and global warming.

Facebook: The Social and the Anti-Social Network Dec 31, 2010

Show notes

This year's film about the founder of Facebook and the suicide of a student whose sexual orientation was revealed online have focused attention on Social Networking. We talk about what it is and how it's changing the real world as well as the virtual world. Also, the BCS championship and college bowl games, and America as a "patchwork nation."

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