President Obama, Democratic leaders in Congress and even some of the top figures at the Pentagon are all pushing for a repeal of the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy banning gays in the military. But many of the military brass believe allowing gays to serve openly would be a big mistake. What is the case against gays in the military? What should we think of how lawmakers are trying to include this as part of a must-pass defense spending bill? How would members of the military react to the policy being repealed? Would it impact recruiting and retention? We ask retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Tom McInerney, who also has some choice words for Defense Secretary Bob Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen. We also get Gen. McInerney’s thoughts on the latest developments in Afghanistan.
Archives for September 21, 2010
Marriage, Kids and Poverty
Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau reported the highest increase in poverty in recorded history. The down economy is partly to blame for the increase, but Heritage Foundation expert Robert Rector says one factor dwarfs all others in explaining why the poverty rate continues to rise despite almost 50 years of government efforts. Why is getting married before having kids the key to fighting poverty? Why do single parents make up the bulk of those living in poverty? How many would escape poverty simply by getting married? What can the government do to encourage people to be married before having kids? We ask Robert Rector, senior fellow in domestic policy at the Heritage Foundation.
Restore the Republic
The public seems to be in the mood to give Democrats the boot in November, but if Republicans do reclaim the majority, what will their agenda look like? How will they address rampant federal spending? What drives the vast majority of our spending and debt? How would they change the tax code? What would a GOP energy plan look like? And are Republicans going to look markedly different than the Republicans who lost the majority four years ago? We ask California Rep. Devin Nunes, author of “Restoring the Republic: A Clear, Concise and Colorful Blueprint for America’s Future”.