To the Point

Memorial Day originated after the Civil War, but a somber remembrance

The Justice Department's Inspector General reports that FBI agents thought the CIA and Military Intelligence were abusing, possibly torturing, terrorist suspects in the aftermath of September 11.  House Democrats have subpoenaed lawyers who approved harsh tactics. Did a few soldiers at Abu Ghraib take the fall?  Should higher ups in the chain of command face trial for war crimes?  Also, Myanmar to admit aid workers, and John McCain releases eight years of medical records. 

After the massive earthquake struck central China, the demand for information overwhelmed government censorship.  Is the open window about to be closed?  The death toll, the damage and the continuing risk to five million homeless refugees.  Has open criticism shaken an authoritarian regime already coping with Tibet while it's promoting the summer Olympics?  Also, General Petraeus on Iraq troop reductions, and John McCain and the Religious Right.

Obama won big in Oregon.  In Kentucky, Clinton won a lot bigger.  But Obama's still the likely Democratic nominee. We look forward to the November election.  Are the states as evenly divided as they were in 2000 and 2004? Which Red or Blue states look Purple—and why? What about race and gender? Is the vice-presidential nominee likely to matter? Also, as oil set records, lawmakers try to look tough, and rumblings of peace—and pragmatism-- in the Middle East.

Eleven hundred people have died in Mexican President Calderon's

California's state supreme court says gays and lesbians have the right

President Bush has moved on from Israel to Saudi Arabia amid rumors that he's considering attacks against military encampments inside Iran.  Also, Barack Obama fires back over the President's 'appeasement' remark, and a conversation with a man who does talk with Hamas.

US immigration enforcement has created a network of secret prisons where detainees are deprived of legal rights and adequate medical care. That's according to a lengthy series in the Washington Post. Also, the California Supreme Court rules on gay marriage, and President Bush denounces "appeasers." Did he mean Barack Obama?

Hillary Clinton beat Barack Obama by 41 points in West Virginia, but he still looks like he's cruising.  Can Clinton go on with a debt of $20 million? Will Obama be a weak candidate against John McCain? Also, President Bush is back in Israel, and cracks in hydroelectric dams threaten another disaster in China.

The Myanmar government's continued refusal to facilitate aid to its own people has raised a challenging question: would an invasion for "humanitarian purposes" make things better or worse?  Also, the devastating earthquake in China, and Mexico's deadly struggle against organized crime.