You’ve heard the debate about what cap and trade legislation might do to the economy. What about the environmental impact. Why could legislation designed to save the planet actually do it great ecological harm? What’s the truth about carbon dioxide and what levels are ideal? We ask Leighton Steward, author of ‘Fire, Ice and Paradise’.
A Mixed Bag on Education for Obama
President Obama says he wants to overhaul the ‘No Child Left Behind’ law, by changing the system away from the pass/fail mark for schools to a more graded process. He is also pushing changes to the testing policy by which schools are judged. Are these good ideas? What’s encouraging and what’s discouraging about the Obama agenda? Will he really push to have bad teachers fired? And why is Obama’s decision to let the DC vouchers program expire a sign that he’s not committed to doing what’s necessary to give every kid the best possible education? We ask Dr. Jay Greene, professor of education reform at the University of Arkansas and a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute.
More Fiscal Irresponsibility
On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved the largest-ever increase in the federal debt ceiling – to the tune of $1.9 trillion. The ceiling now stands at $14.3 trillion. South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson calls this a sad day for the American people as President Obama proposes the largest annual deficit in history. Wilson says the added PAYGO provisions are just a ruse and are littered with loopholes for a free-spending Congress. He also addresses the health care debate and the controversy over where to hold the 9-11 terror trials.
Obamacare, Immigration Both Dead
Scott Brown will be sworn in today as the new U.S. senator from Massachusetts. John Gizzi of Human Events says this one vote kills any hopes of the Democrats passing their preferred version of health care legislation. He says we won’t even see a pared-down version. Gizzi also predicts immigration reform is dead before it really even starts. He says Republicans are poised to win President Obama’s former senate seat in Illinois and also make a run at the Indiana seat held by Democrat Evan Bayh.
Threats Mount, Obama Needs Clarity
This week, intelligence leaders said an attempted Al Qaeda attack in the U.S. is ‘certain’ in the next few months. What’s behind the heightened concern? What’s the smartest way to stop the attack before it happens? And why would President Obama admitting the extent of the threat frm radical Islam be a huge step in that direction? We ask Dr. Walid Phares, terrorism expert and senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. We also ask him if the Taliban leader in Pakistan is really dead and what the impact will be if he is dead.
The News
Terrorists will try to strike again within the next few months, Republicans say it’s time to stop treating terrorists like criminals, GOP senator calls Obama’s Iran policy unsuccessful, Obama rallies Democrats and says Republicans are to blame for Congressional gridlock.
What’s Best for the Military?
This week, Pentagon officials began the process which may lead to gays serving openly in the military. But is this good for military cohesion and readiness? What will it do for recruiting and retention? We ask retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bob Maginnis. He also explains his concerns over President Obama increasingly assigning the military to handle climate change projects – at the likely expense of distracting us from real threats.
Talking Superbowl with Joe Montana
Four-time Superbowl winner Joe Montana tells us what he expects this Sunday in Superbowl XLIV. Is Peyton Manning or Drew Brees the better quarterback? Which team will win in the end? How do teams try to handle the blizzard of distractions leading up to the big game? And what party tips does Montana have for all of us?
The News
President Obama announces plan to give $30 billion in money paid back to taxpayers to shore up local banks, Obama also says every economist considers his stimulus plan a success, bipartisan Senate group pushes to deny funds for 9-11 trials in civilian courts, Senate hearings take up Obama push to allow gays to serve openly in the military.
Secure America or Appease Critics?
Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso is part of a bipartisan group calling for federal funding to be withheld for the 9-11 trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his co-conspirators. Why are they taking this step? Will it pass Congress? Why does he see a civilian trial as a big mistake? And how does he react to President Obama’s claim that the trial shows we can secure America and uphold our values at the same time?