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Illegal Immigration and the Politics of Punishment Aug 15, 2007

Show notes

The Bush Administration is cracking down on illegal immigrant workers, at the same time warning of "unhappy consequences for the economy." We debate what those "consequences" are likely to be. Also, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty of two felony charges today, and a possible new US challenge to Iran.

Global Warming and the Rush to the Arctic Aug 14, 2007

Show notes

Global climate change is melting the ice above the Arctic Circle, creating a rush to control new shipping lanes and untold riches beneath the sea. Will the Russian flag beneath the North Pole be a "Sputnik moment" for the United States? Also, another recall on toys from China, and America's "bumbling" use of bad guys in the war on terror.

A Crucial Vacancy at the Bush White House Aug 13, 2007

Show notes

Karl Rove, the President's top political strategist, will leave the White House at the end of this month. Also, the Red Cross report describing CIA treatment of detainees in the war on terror, with techniques learned from countries known to use torture.

America's Changing Image in the Middle East Aug 10, 2007

Show notes

Middle Easterners are used to seeing the US as the invincible Superpower, but events in Iraq are changing America's image. Also, stock prices continue to drop, and gay rights and Democratic presidential candidates.

Is America Ready for the Next Disaster? Aug 09, 2007

Show notes

State and federal coordination is crucial to prepare for disasters, but state leaders say the Bush Administration's latest national plan is "not a plan… and it's not national." Also, President Bush on infrastructure repair, and next year's presidential voting--which will start this year.

Terrorism, Opium and International Politics Aug 08, 2007

Show notes

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has backed out tomorrow's summit with President Hamid Karzai of Afganistan. Will Karzai have to go it alone against terrorists funded by the opium trade? Also, next year's Olympic Games, and Barry Bonds breaks Hank Aaron's home-run record.

President Bush, the Democrats and the Fear of Terror Aug 07, 2007

Show notes

Alleged violations of privacy in the war on terror helped the Democrats win last November, but last week, both houses of Congress expanded the President's power of electronic surveillance. Plus, the instability of Iraq's Shiite-dominated government, a new challenge to America's voting systems.

Is Iraq's Government on the Verge of Collapse Aug 06, 2007

Show notes

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has been publicly disappointed at Iraq's failure to achieve political reconciliation. Today, five more ministers quit, leaving no Sunnis in Prime Minister al-Maliki's cabinet. Also, President Bush meets with Afghanistan's President, Hamid Karzai, and the financial consequences of the Iraq war on American national security.

Obama Gets Tough on Pakistan Aug 03, 2007

Show notes

Barak Obama's threat to attack al Qaeda in Pakistan has made that country an issue in the presidential campaign. Is it time to get tough with President Pervez Musharraf? Plus, an update on the Minneapolis bridge collapse, and liberal bloggers and the DailyKos convention.

Ethics Reform; Minnesota Bridge Collapse Aug 02, 2007

Show notes

Last night's bridge collapse on a major commuter artery for Minneapolis could be a wakeup call for America's infrastructure. Also, with one of its senior members under investigation, will the Senate agree to ethics reforms passed by the House? Is Washington really trying to clean up its act?

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