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Drug Violence, Illegal Immigration and the President of Mexico May 20, 2010

Show notes

Brown oozed has begun to show in marsh grass on the coast of Louisiana, and part of the oil slick has entered the “loop current,” which could take it around Florida and up the East Coast. Felipe Calderon got a standing ovation today from a joint session of Congress when he pledged to continue his all out war against violent drug cartels, however critics say his actions could be counterproductive. Also, another major art theft in Europe.

The Votes Are In. Now It’s Time for the Spin. May 19, 2010

Show notes

President Obama called Arizona’s immigration law “misdirected,” and said it’s the federal government’s responsibility to pass what he calls “comprehensive immigration reform. Also, did Tea Partiers in Kentucky send a message to Republican Party leaders in Washington? Did President Obama get a slap from organized labor in Arkansas? Did Democrats in Pennsylvania demonstrate more strength than expected—at the same time showing a preference for new blood as opposed to the old? And on Reporter's Notebook - Is BP coming clean with information on the oil spill and worker safety?

Will the Senate Get Tough on Finance Reform? May 18, 2010

Show notes

After the House passed finance reform last year, it was widely assumed that the Senate would produce a kinder and gentler measure. But, think again. Incumbents of both parties are facing tough challenges in this election year, and Goldman Sachs has been charged with consumer fraud. Also, We'll talk about the the US Supreme Court and justice for juveniles.

Fear and Loathing as Well as Praise for Arizona May 17, 2010

Show notes

BP has been able to siphon up some of the crude oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico. Arizona has stirred a political hornets’ nest with its new law against illegal immigration. Over the weekend, Sarah Palin gave the new law her blessing. Meanwhile, has Iran found a solution to its nuclear standoff with Western nations - or only another tactic aimed at derailing new sanctions?

A Supreme Court Without a WASP: Good or Bad for American Values? May 14, 2010

Show notes

If Elena Kagan’s nomination is confirmed, it’ll be the first time in history there’s no white, Anglo-Saxon protestant on the US Supreme Court. There will be 6 Catholics and 3 Jews and nobody who did not go to law school at Harvard or Yale. Do religious background and education determine how a judge sees the law? What about ideology, legal philosophy—and sexual orientation? Does the high court’s changing makeup mark the end of white, Anglo-Saxon protestant domination of a country founded by WASP’s? Lastly, what happened to LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers?

The Gulf Oil Spill and Climate Change in an Election Year May 13, 2010

Show notes

Because of the Gulf oil spill, polls show increased support for climate change legislation among American voters. But Senate Republican leaders say they’ll oppose a compromise measure unveiled yesterday by Democrat John Kerry and Independent Joe Lieberman. The bill would provide incentives for offshore oil exploration—while also allowing states to veto drilling in the waters of neighboring states. What else would it do? We’ll hear more today about nuclear power, so-called “clean coal” and consumer protection. Also, Why is the “Peace Process” more process than peace?

President Karzai Comes to Washington May 12, 2010

Show notes

After a campaign of tough love that appeared to go nowhere, President Obama has turned on the charm for Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Has this visit produced a plan for what happens next? Also, a House committee in Washington probed the cause of the Gulf oil spill, a new containment box was lowered over the gusher 5000 feet down. And, a day after cobbling together an unlikely coalition, Britain’s new Prime Minister pledges “a government that will last.” How long?

The Gulf Oil Spill and the Blame Game May 11, 2010

Show notes

At a Senate hearing in Washington today, three companies pointed fingers at one another for what’s shaping up as a world-class disaster. Democrats, as well as Republicans, said offshore oil drilling still makes sense—if it’s made safer. Forensic investigators now report there were warnings of trouble and arguments over how to proceed before the deadly explosions 3 weeks ago. In the Gulf itself, the oil slick continues to grow as changing winds are pushing it west toward Louisiana. And on Reporter's Notebook.... will other states follow Arizona’s example?

Greece Gets the Money. Kagan Gets the Nod May 10, 2010

Show notes

Stock markets were up all over the world today on news that Greece and other European economies won’t be allowed to fail—at least for the moment. Over the weekend, almost a trillion dollars was pledged to protect the Euro. Has a potential global crisis been resolved—or only postponed? Also today, President Obama has named Solicitor General Elena Kagan to replace John Paul Stevens on the US Supreme Court.Liberals say she’s not progressive enough. Conservatives don’t like her record on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Republicans could filibuster if they wanted to. What are the prospects for Senate confirmation

Is Homegrown Terrorism Blowback from the Predator Drones? May 07, 2010

Show notes

President Obama has increased the number of CIA-drone strikes in Pakistan. Insiders claim they’ve taken out hundreds of militants dangerous to the US. But has that apparent success created a new threat—on American soil? Was Faisal Shahzad’s failed bombing in Times Square attempted revenge? Supporters of the drone program concede there’s a toll on innocent Pakistanis. Nobody really knows how much collateral damage there is. What do American Muslims—Pakistanis and others—think about that? Is short-term alienation worth it if the strikes produce long-term gains?

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