To the Point

A bailout of the Big Three automakers now seems likely, but why is Detroit being asked for more concessions than Wall Street? We look at the double standard for federal bailouts and ask whether a real industrial policy would make things better or worse. Also, Pakistan has moved against the mastermind of the group that attacked Mumbai, and more bad news for the news business in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. 

Even when the recession is finally over, the US may have problems competing with the rest of the world. That's because of a growing education gap. Family incomes aren't keeping up with rising cost of higher education. We hear what that means for competition in the global economy.  Also, unemployment climbs faster than expected, and OJ Simpson has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

The Big Three automakers have updated their plans and increased what they’re asking in federal help for survival. Instead of $25 billion, now they want $34. We hear how their latest appeals were received by a Senate Committee today. Also, Canada's newly elected, conservative Prime Minister has nearly been forced out of office, and US Senate candidates in Minnesota may have to draw lots to see who won. 

President Bush has often said that Iraq is the "central front" in the war on terror.  Barack Obama says it's Afghanistan, and even Defense Secretary Robert Gates seems to be coming around to that point of view. But no easy transition is possible from one to the other. Also, the UAW agrees to reopen contract talks as

Last week's deadly terrorism in Mumbai has increased tensions between India and Pakistan, nuclear powers that have gone to war three times in the past 50 years. We update events and ask if one target was Barack Obama's foreign policy goals. Also, the Big Three submits plans to Congress in a second attempt at a rescue, and in Tijuana, 38 people killed in three days as Mexico's drug wars continue.

Barack Obama today appointed what's called his "team of rivals," including a defeated primary opponent, a holdover from the Bush Administration and a former commandant of the Marines. Will Hillary Clinton, Robert Gates and General James Jones work together or does Obama face unintended consequences? Also, tensions between Pakistan and India increase after the attacks in Mumbai, and Eric Holder as Barack Obama's choice to reform a troubled Justice Department.

More than a year ago, we looked at the health and safety of workers in China, who make so much of the merchandise in American stores.  In the meantime, the summer Olympics gave China's image a shot in the arm, but for millions of working people, nothing has changed. On this archived edition of To the Point, we hear who's paying the real cost of supposedly "cheap" merchandise.   Also, a gloomy outlook for holiday spending, and the last word on traffic.

The economic crisis has increased the need for charitable giving, but at the same time it has decreased contributions to from foundations and individual givers. You might not believe it, but private business is one of the victims. We look at the current damage and what the future might hold. Also, the essays of George Orwell, an old voice for new times.

This is "the American weekend," a day of thanksgiving normally followed by the biggest shopping day of the year. But these are not normal times. Retailers are bracing for a tough sales season and consumers are re-thinking what they buy and where they buy it. Also, more Obama appointments, and protesters have closed down Bangkok's international airport after four months of unrest. Sara Terry guest hosts.

The Sirius Star is a Saudi freighter the size of an aircraft carrier, which is being held by a small band of Somali pirates. With a load of two million barrels of crude oil and a crew of twenty-five, the ship is a valuable hostage for the pirates and a potential environmental disaster if negotiations fail and an oil spill occurs. There been more than two hundred incidents of piracy this year. Guest host Sara Terry explores what's happened to millions of dollars in ransom paid for the release of other vessels, who the pirates are and why they aren’t being caught by naval forces. Also, the Fed targets consumer spending and mortgage rates, and how to trim the fat from the federal budget in tough economic times.