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A New Thrust against Nuclear Weapons Sep 24, 2009

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In another departure from the policies of George W. Bush, President Obama has put a ban on nuclear weapons back on the agenda for the US and for the United Nations. We hear about today's unanimous resolution by the UN Security Council. Will its provisions be verifiable? Will it make the world safer? Also, Ted Kennedy last wish granted as a temporary senator is named for Massachusetts, and a hoard of gold and silver that goes back to the days of Beowulf in 7th Century England.

Barack Obama at the UN: New Approaches or More of the Same? Sep 23, 2009

Show notes

President Obama has made his first address to the UN General Assembly, with more than 120 world leaders on hand. We hear some of the highlights. On Reporter's Notebook, will US forces in Afghanistan be increased or scaled back?

World Leaders Take on Climate Change Sep 22, 2009

Show notes

On his first day at the United Nations, Barack Obama addressed a multitude of issues, starting with climate change. Can he help set the stage for international action? Is it already too late to prevent life-changing developments all over the world? Also, Obama urges Netanyahu and Abbas to restart Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and new rules for net neutrality.

Healthcare Reform: Is the President Doing It Right…or Not? Sep 21, 2009

Show notes

Recent reports say healthcare reform is in trouble, but the American Medical Association has done an about face. After decades of opposition, why is Washington's most potent lobby running TV ads that favor a government overhaul? Can the doctors get the public on board? Also, an urgent need for more troops in Afghanistan, and three arrests in what might or might not be a terrorist plot linked to Al Qaeda.

Russia, Iran and Missile Defense in Europe Sep 18, 2009

Show notes

Vladimir Putin calls it "right and brave." John McCain says it is "seriously misguided." President Obama's decision not to locate a missile shield in Eastern Europe. What are the military consequences? What about Iran? Is it time for a "new beginning" for relations with Russia? Also, The soft sell of First Lady Michelle Obama, and the flap over ACORN.

Incivility, Racial Hostility and Dissent in America Sep 17, 2009

Show notes

Attacks on America's first black President and his proposals have inflamed America's ongoing controversy about race and politics at a time of economic anxiety. We look at the possible consequences. Also, the US drops the proposed missile defense shield in Eastern Europe, and public lands and public trust during the Bush Administration.

One Year after the Wall Street Meltdown Sep 16, 2009

Show notes

It's been a year now since Lehman Brothers was allowed to go bankrupt, and the financial meltdown really got under way. Since Barack Obama took over, has there been more continuity than change? Could it happen all over again? Also, Senator Max Baucus releases his long-awaited healthcare bill, and mysterious "double eagles" have turned up again.

Politics in America and Reality in Afghanistan Sep 15, 2009

Show notes

Despite fading support from the public and Congress, President Obama will likely be asked for another increase in troops for Afghanistan. We look at some difficult options, on the battlefield and on Capitol Hill. Also, the White House proposes tougher fuel standards, and a federal judge rakes Wall Street and federal regulators over the coals.

Capital Punishment, Due Process and the Constitution Sep 14, 2009

Show notes

The US Supreme Court says a defendant proven guilty after a fair trail does not have the same rights as a free man. Does that mean a condemned man should be put to death, even if new evidence shows he was innocent? We hear about capital punishment, due process and the Constitution. Also, President Obama today made the case for regulatory reform, and the rules of civility have been violated in Congress, at the US Tennis Open and at the MTV Music Awards.

Islamist Terrorism: Eight Years Later Sep 11, 2009

Show notes

Eight years after September 11, the UK may be at greater risk than the US from Islamic extremists. Why are young British Muslims so ripe for radicalization? Did the US jeopardize British efforts to foil a plot that could have been more deadly than 9/11? Also, the media mistakes a Coast Guard training exercise for the real thing, and global warming and open seas.

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