After two weeks of withering international condemnation, Israel has agreed to ease its blockade on Gaza with respect to food. Why did Israel allow this? How do we know Hamas will allow the food to get to the people? Does this compromise Israeli national security? We ask Dr. Walid Phares of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. We also get his reaction to the U.S. sending $400 million in aid to Gaza.
Grave Threat to Energy Security
President Obama has ordered a six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling leases in the wake of the massive BP oil spill. But what economic impact will this moratorium have on the U.S. economy and on jobs along the Gulf coast? Just how much energy is beneath the Gulf of Mexico? Why is the Obama response short on substance? We ask Elizabeth Ames Jones, head of the Texas Railroad Commission, which is the state agency which oversees energy production.
George W. Bush’s History
Liberals allege that conservatives are pushing an agenda through changes they’ve approved to Texas history books. So the Capitol Steps call on the most famous Texan of all to verify the accuracy of the changes.
Honoring Conservatism
On Wednesday, four major figures in the conservative movement will be honored as the seventh annual Bradley Prizes are awarded at the Kennedy Center in Washington. What is the Bradley Foundation and why does it give these awards? What ideas and work is honored by the awards? And who are this year’s winners? We ask Mike Grebe, president and CEO of the Bradley Foundation.
Students Ready for Kagan Fight
In just two weeks, the Senate Judiciary Committee will begin confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. Why are many college students concerned about the impact Kagan might have on the court? What issues raise red flags for them right now and which ones could impact them in the years ahead? And what kind of influence could young activists have on the confirmation process? Radio America’s Jasen Sokol looks at this week’s “Keep Out Kagan” event and how the confirmation fight is heating up online.
EPA on Brink of Huge Power Grab
On Thursday, the U.S. Senate is taking up a bill from Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski that would forbid the EPA from regulating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Why is this imperative? Why should the idea of expanded EPA power scare every small business owner in America? We ask William O’Keefe, CEO of the Marshall Institute and former CEO of the American Petroleum Institute. He will also discuss President Obama’s moratorium on new offshore oil leases.
Empire State Embarassment
Last year the Empire State Building honored the 60th anniversary of Communist China by lighting up in red and yellow. Yet the building managers have now twice refused to shine blue and white lights later this summer to honor what would have been the 100th birthday of Mother Teresa. What reasons are being given for this decision? Why is the ‘angel of Calcutta’ not worthy of a tribute while a nation founded by murdering at least 60 million people gets such an honor? And why should anyone care? We ask Dr. Paul Kengor, professor at Grove City College and author of the forthcoming book “Dupes: How America’s Adversaries Have Manipulated Progressives for A Century”.
Gizzi Talks Midterms, Helen Thomas
John Gizzi of Human Events got half of his predictions right in Tuesday’s primaries. Why did the Republican CEO’s in California romp to victory? How did Tea Party darlings Sharron Angle and Nikki Haley easily defeat better known and better funded challengers? Gizzi also takes us inside the White House Press Corps reaction to the Helen Thomas controversy. And he also offers his own mixed review of her final years in the press room.
The News
Republican women dominate biggest primary day of the midterm election cycle. Blanche Lincoln survives in Arkansas. The UN Security Council approves tougher sanctions against Iran. Louisiana Sen. Vitter and Rep. Scalise demand clear chain-of-command in oil response.
Vitter: Oil Response Still Lacking
More than seven weeks into the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, some of the oil spewing from the ruptured rig is being contained. But more oil is still flowing into the Gulf and shorelines, marshes and wildlife are increasingly threatened. So what needs to be done to minimize the impact of this disaster? Is the federal government doing any better at responding to the needs of the Gulf states? And what is the impact of so many government agencies on the scene? We ask Louisiana Sen. David Vitter.