To the Point

The income gap between the rich and the poor makes America comparable to some banana republics. What are the causes? What needs to be done? Also, Iran releases one of three imprisoned US hikers; and France, the Roma and outrage in Europe.

Back in session today, Congress has about 14 working days left before the November elections. With a lot of major work yet to be done, is Washington politically paralyzed? Also, the largest international arms deal in US history, and opponents of health care reform get their day in court.

Nine years after the attacks of September 11, are hundreds of new intelligence bureaucracies making America safer? Are they a wasteful over-reaction that’s counterproductive? Also, President Obama sounds a campaign note in this morning's press conference, and he gets passionate about Islam in America.

The run on Kabul Bank in Afghanistan raises a disturbing question: what if government corruption is more dangerous than the Taliban? Also, US Marines raid a hijacked ship off Somalia, and Koran burning and the media.

Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Gulf oil spill and Middle East peace talks have diverted President Obama from what voters care about most: the economy.  Is it too late to make a difference before November's elections? Also, BP assigns blame for the Gulf oil spill, and light bulbs, the green economy and American jobs.

"Value-added analysis” has been used to fire public school teachers who failed to measure up.  In Los Angeles, the value-added rankings of 6000 teachers were published on line. We hear about the strengths and weaknesses of the latest fad in education reform.  Also, graft at Afghan's Central Banks causes political turmoil, and Koran-burning in Florida and US troops in Afghanistan.

On Labor Day 2010, the union movement is becoming a toothless tiger.  As the recession evolves into the New Economy, will organized labor be left in the "dustbin of history?" Also, President Obama goes on the economic offensive, and the political clichés of 2010. (Tonight's 7pm rebroadcast of this program pre-empts Which Way, LA?)

The rising cost of college is forcing students and parents to borrow whatever they can afford and sometimes even more. Does higher education have to create an unsustainable burden? Can students learn what they need without a lifetime of debt? Also, the latest jobs, and victims of Gulf oil spill face delays in getting their money. What about BP?

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are together again for the first time in almost two years. How long will it last? What’s the role of Iran? How great is the risk for Obama?  Also, another off-shore explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, and a British view of Tony Blair's new memoir.

In last night's speech from the Oval Office. President Obama said it’s time to "turn the page" from Iraq to Afghanistan and the economy.  We look at impact of seven years and almost  trillion dollars on Iraq, America’s reputation and the upcoming elections. Also, Middle East peace talks get underway in Washington, and the increasing cost of flying coach.