To the Point

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Chinese Imports and Product Safety Nov 23, 2007

Show notes

Toys, tires, foods and toothpaste have raised questions about the safety of imports from China. Is China trying to clean up its act? What about the demand for cheap products from US companies--and from consumers? We hear a program that's as relevant today, as the holiday season gets underway, as it was when it was first broadcast back in July. Also, will immigration enforcement mean a shortage of Christmas trees? (This archived edition of To the Point will not air live on KCRW as it will be pre-empted by special holiday programming.)

Biofuels: The Benefits and the Bad News Nov 22, 2007

Show notes

The UN has given mixed reviews to biofuels that produce energy from agricultural products. They may be counter-productive for the environment. America's corn farmers are reaping a financial harvest from ethanol. Is it really cleaner and cheaper? What does it mean for the price of food? Also, the upcoming Middle East peace summit in Annapolis, and is thin really healthier than fat? (This archived edition of To the Point will not air live on KCRW as it will be pre-empted by special holiday programming.)

Can President Bush Bring Peace to a Scarred Holy Land? Nov 21, 2007

Show notes

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is leading a final push for Mid-East peace next week in Annapolis. There are already harsh critics, but she has invited 49 participants and President Bush will personally try and create momentum for his proposed two-state solution. Also, GOP conservative Huckabee rises in the presidential polls, and at the start of the holiday movie season, few films promise as much debate as an odd look at Bob Dylan. Jim Sterngold guest hosts.

Is America's Thirst for Expensive Oil Fueling Dictators? Nov 20, 2007

Show notes

After a decade in which oil-producing countries struggled with weak markets, booming prices have suddenly rearranged global politics. All but forgotten during the 1990's, OPEC now is influencing decisions from Washington to Beijing. Also, producing stem cells without destroying human embryos, and Southeast Asia's booming trading powers try to unite. Will concerns about Myanmar's military dictators leave them divided? Jim Sterngold guest hosts.

Is the US Losing Influence over the Crisis in Pakistan? Nov 19, 2007

Show notes

Since 9/11 the Bush Administration has supported the government of General Pervez Musharraf. Washington has provided more than $10 billion in aid in return for Pakistan's support in the fight against the Taliban and al Qaeda. Now that Musharraf has declared emergency rule. Also, the Bush Administration's Middle East peace initiative, and the FBI is questioning hundreds of criminal convictions. Jim Sterngold guest hosts.

Healthcare Reform and the Presidential Campaign Nov 16, 2007

Show notes

Healthcare is on the top of the list for potential voters of both parties in the presidential campaign, but Republicans and Democrats sound as if they're in different worlds. When the election's over, will they be able to come together or will partisanship prevent the compromise required by two-party rule? Also, the Iraq War funding bill stalls in Senate partisanship, and auto-makers say they're "going green." Do they really mean it?

Iraq, the 'Surge' and US Withdrawal Nov 15, 2007

Show notes

The US military says violence has been reduced in Iraq to the lowest point in two years, but top officers complain that Iraq's government is missing the opportunity for political reconciliation. Also, federal investigators slip bomb-making components past airport security guards, and local cities are making life easier for illegal immigrants.

Repairing Injustice in the War on Drugs Nov 14, 2007

Show notes

Congress has relaxed overly harsh and discriminatory penalties for crack, as opposed to powder cocaine. But federal prisons are still full of blacks and whites serving different sentences for the same crimes. Also, a transit strike in France, and some big decisions for Michael Mukasey, the new Attorney General.

Military Service and Civilian Patriotism Nov 12, 2007

Show notes

The all-volunteer military has created a gulf between US civilians and those who choose to serve. We ask veterans of different ages what it was like to come home… and how they want to be treated. For most Americans, is this holiday mainly a chance to go shopping? Also, a massive oil spill in the Black Sea, and mass murderers who worked for Saddam Hussein are scheduled for execution. Why is the US holding things up?

Pakistan and the Global Economy Nov 09, 2007

Show notes

Police-state tactics smothered political protest today in Pakistan, but a nuclear power is dangerously unstable. We hear what happened and what continued trouble could mean for the world economy, where the falling dollar and sub-prime mortgages are a threat to America's clout. Also, the spreading oil spill in San Francisco Bay.

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