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Colonial History, Cultural Misunderstanding, and Foreign Adoption Nov 08, 2007

Show notes

The adoption of foreign children reflects the most basic of human needs and emotions. It’s also a growing international business—subject to abuse and corruption. We hear about personal and cultural conflicts and national pride. Also, Congress overrides a Presidential veto, and bad news for Wall Street and the economy.

Democrats, Republicans and Taxes Nov 07, 2007

Show notes

Republicans and Democrats agree that it's time to reform the tax code, but "reform" almost always means that, when somebody's taxes go down, somebody else's go up. Also, former Pakistani Prime Minister Bhutto defies emergency rule, and on Capitol Hill and the Bush White House France is back.

The Next Attorney General and Waterboarding Nov 06, 2007

Show notes

Michael Mukasey's on his way to the full Senate for likely confirmation as Attorney General of the United States, but the issue of waterboarding could still cause him problems. Also, a suicide bombing in Afghanistan, and drug lords in South America are building submarines.

Pakistan's State of Emergency; Writers' Strike Nov 05, 2007

Show notes

Pakistani police are cracking down on political opposition under President Musharraf 's state of emergency, creating a delicate problem for US diplomacy. Also, television and film writers are on strike in New York and Los Angeles.

The Death Penalty in America: Is It Time for a Change? Nov 02, 2007

Show notes

Executions are on hold in America until the US Supreme Court decides whether lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment. Is it time for the states to review the death penalty process from arrest to conviction? Also, devastating floods in Mexico's state of Tabasco and Venezuela's exceptional program for training children in music.

New Drums of War in the Middle East Nov 01, 2007

Show notes

With 100,000 Turkish troops massed on the border with Iraqi Kurdistan, the US is trying to avoid an explosive new conflict. Also, Chrysler cuts thousand of jobs, and waterboarding and Senate confirmation.

Presidential Politics: Eight Weeks from the Starting Line Oct 31, 2007

Show notes

Last night's Democratic presidential debate was the liveliest yet. Also, verdicts in the 2004 Madrid subway bombing, and the Federal Reserve on interest rates.

Should America Use 'Soft Power' in the Middle East? Oct 30, 2007

Show notes

With the US bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan, even tough-minded conservatives are talking about a new emphasis on "soft power." We talk about what that means and how it could serve America's interests in an increasingly dangerous world. Also, immunity for Blackwater security guards, and the US Supreme Court, the First Amendment and child pornography on the Internet.

Sub-Prime Loans and the Economy Oct 29, 2007

Show notes

The subprime mortgage crisis may force 2 million people out of their homes and a small army of Wall Street executives out of their jobs. Will there be a recession? Would government intervention make things better or worse? Also, the US turns another province over to Iraqi control, and Christina Fernandez de Kirchner succeed her husband as President of Argentina. What that could mean for other women in politics?

'Cheap' Imports from China: Who Pays the Real Cost? Oct 26, 2007

Show notes

Recalls of toys and other products have American consumers worried about imports from China. What about the workers who make them? Also, Iran responds to new US economic sanctions, and a UN report on the environment and human survival.

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