To the Point

Latest Episodes:

How the Immigration Act Has Changed America Oct 01, 2015

Show notes

On its 50th anniversary, we look at the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965, which has changed the face of America. A nation dominated by white people from Europe has become a real ethnic melting pot — with lasting consequences — social, economic and political.

Russian Planes Strike Assad's Enemies Sep 30, 2015

Show notes

Russian planes struck targets in western Syria today with almost no warning to the United States. Although both countries are opposed to ISIS, Russia's strikes appear to be aimed at helping Bashar al-Assad. Are Russian airstrikes a challenge to the United States?

Defunding Planned Parenthood: GOP Ideology and Political Reality Sep 29, 2015

Show notes

With the resignation of House Speaker John Boehner, it appears that federal agencies will stay in business—at least for the moment. But Republicans are divided among themselves, and the fight over Planned Parenthood threatens a possible government shutdown.

Diplomacy, Dictators and Double-Speak at the United Nations Sep 28, 2015

Show notes

UN headquarters is providing "the greatest geopolitical show on Earth," according to one reporter, as the world body celebrates its 70th anniversary with speeches by heads of state from all over the world. When the UN was founded in 1945, the focus was on the US and the Soviet Union. Today, it's on the US and Russia. While much has changed, much remains the same.

House Speaker John Boehner Abruptly Resigns from Congress Sep 25, 2015

Show notes

Yesterday, Pope Francis made history on Capitol Hill -- at John Boehner's invitation. Today, Boehner is making history of a different kind. He'll resign at the end of October to avoid what he calls the “irreparable damage” of “leadership turmoil” among House Republicans. We ask if a government shutdown over Planned Parenthood is more -- or less – likely and what this means for Tea Party power in Congress.

Pope Francis Makes History with Speech before Congress Sep 24, 2015

Show notes

As the first Vicar of Christ to address a joint meeting of Congress today, Pope Francis delivered challenges to both political parties. In addition to abortion and global warming, he also addressed the death penalty and the arms trade. We hear excerpts of his historic speech and sample reactions.

Can the European Union Survive the Refugee Crisis? Sep 23, 2015

Show notes

The biggest flood of refugees since World War II has divided the European Union against itself, with Western countries agreeing to accept proportional quotas while four members of the former Warsaw Pact are refusing to go along.

Diplomacy and Big Business from Washington State to Washington, DC Sep 22, 2015

Show notes

Before he goes to the White House this week, the President of China will meet with the leaders of US tech firms that are the victims of Chinese cyber attacks. He reportedly wants an unlikely alliance against the Obama administration, which has threatened sanctions against China for cyber attacks and theft of intellectual property.

Will Pope Francis Be an Agent of Change? Sep 21, 2015

Show notes

Pope Francis helped renew diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba. Now he's visiting both countries, with a lot to say about their different ideologies, economies and treatment of those Jesus called "the least among us."

A Portrait of the Muslim American Life Sep 18, 2015

Show notes

This week's arrest of a 14-year-old Muslim student whose home-made clock was mistaken for some kind of bomb raised the issue of Islamaphobia in America. Now it's become an issue in the presidential campaign.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected