Archives for May 2009

We start our coverage of Memorial Day 2009 with an extended conversation with retired U.S. Air Force General Richard Myers, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. What was it like to become the nation’s highest military officer just three weeks after 9-11 and six days before the start of war in Afghanistan? How much work was required to put a workable strategy in place in Afghanistan and why did it work so well? Why does he believe the Taliban is reasserting itself now? How long did he and other commanders work on the combat plans for Iraq? What triggered the insurgency there and why was the U.S. surge so effective? And how much is Iran still trying to destabilize Iraq? We ask Gen. Myers, author of the new book “Eyes on the Horizon: Serving on the Front Lines of National Security”.

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In the second part of our interview with Gen. Richard Myers, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discusses what makes America’s armed forces so special, so unique and so worthy of the honor we give them on Memorial Day and every day.

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Who are the heroes of the current war against Islamic radicals?  Can you name a single recipient of the Medal of Honor?  You will now.  Listen in as we talk with retired Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North, author of the new book “American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam”.

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The U.S. effort to oust the Taliban from power in Afghanistan in 2001 was a stunningly swift success.  But why?  Who were the service members who played some of the most pivotal roles in bringing down the regime harboring al qaeda?  What dire predicaments did our Special Forces face?  How did they work so well with the war lords and others fighting against the Taliban?  And how did horses come into the equation?  We ask Doug Stanton, author of “Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of U.S. Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan”.

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Our final thoughts and tributes to those who serve and have served this nation in uniform – including those who lost their lives in service to this nation.  We close with the song “On This Day”, a song commissioned by The White House Commission on Remembrance and sung by country star Sara Evans.

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We have Friday’s top news… What messages did President Obama have for graduates at the U.S. Naval Academy?  How will new legislation trim the amount of Pentagon spending?  What is Obama saying about the new credit card reform legislation he signed on Friday?  Why are GM’s creditors balking at the latest restructuring plan?  Who is coming out in support of the creditors?  What happened on Wall Street Friday?  And which state will be at the forefront of the marriage debate again on Tuesday?  We have the answers as we bring you the biggest stories for Friday, May 22, 2009.

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On Friday, President Obama signed credit card reform legislation into law.  The plan received overwhelming support in both chambers of Congress.  So why will consumers come to regret this bill before too long?  Why could this plan limit choices for credit card customers?  Why could the most responsible credit card holders end up being penalized?  And why did so many Republicans really vote for the bill?  We ask John Berlau of the Competitive Enterprise Institute.

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The Obama stimulus plan was passed back in February at a pricetag of $787 billion.  Congressional Republicans offered an alternative plan they say was cheaper and more likely to create jobs.  Now two GOP members say they can create millions of jobs without costing the taxpayers another dime.  So how can they do that?  How would it work?  how many jobs would it create?  And will ever get a chance to succeed?  We ask Louisiana Sen. David Vitter, one of the sponsors of the no-cost stimulus plan.

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On Monday, Americans will pause to honor all those who have worn the uniform of our armed forces – with a special gratitude for those who gave their lives for this country.  As we remember those heroes of the current and previous generations, we pause to visit with one very special veteran.  Frank Buckles is 108 years old and is the last living U.S. veteran of World War I who actually was in Europe during the war.  Listen here as Mr. Buckles takes us back more than 90 years to describe the war and his memories of “The War to End All Wars”.

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With the U.S. and our allies cracking down on the Somali pirates, the pirates are hard up for some money.  That’s where The Capitol Steps come in with their celebrity fundraiser.  Our guest is Steps star and co-founder Elaina Newport.

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