To the Point

Donald Trump took office with more generals in his cabinet than any previous president. It didn’t take long for all to resign or be fired. Peter Bergen’s new book is “Trump and His Generals: the Cost of Chaos.”  He takes readers from the Pentagon’s secret decision room to the battlefields of Afghanistan, and assesses the consequences for the chain of command and America’s interests.

When political protesters were gunned down by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, was it a victory or a defeat for President Trump? Also on this episode: the rude disruption of this year’s Harvard-Yale football classic in the fight over climate change. Should their massive endowments divest themselves of fossil fuel stocks?

“Draining the swamp” was a popular slogan, and President Trump has made good on his promise.  Crucial firings and resignations have hit almost every department. Are Americans better off? Joel Stein gives his answer in a new book titled “In Defense of Elitism.”

Presidential debates have become reality TV, and performance is more important than substance. With 10 candidates onstage and two more in the wings, potential voters are far from consensus. Can the Democrats unite in time to take on the reality TV veteran now in the White House?  

Personal medical records behind public health regulations are now stamped "confidential."  If they aren’t opened up, the Trump EPA says it will ignore them. Is that “transparency” really needed, or is it a way to avoid tough rules against new health risks that climate change is bound to require?

With support from Democrats as well as Republicans, President Trump agreed to release inmates from harsh prison terms due to the War on Drugs.  But his own Justice Department wants them back behind bars. With 4700 former inmates already on the street, does the First Step Act have a future?

President Trump’s denial of climate change has him at war with California.  Their battle over fuel emission standards has divided the auto industry as well as drivers. Meanwhile, 11,000 scientists say we’re facing a “climate emergency.”   

Surveillance cameras are capturing what we do on the streets, at airports, in stores, and in much of our public space. Facial recognition software is touted as making us safer. Is it worth the risk of misidentification -- and the violation of privacy? Is the genie out of the bottle or can it be controlled?

Fire season now lasts all year long in Southern California, and residents of Topanga Canyon have set an example for how to get ready. Volunteers are on the alert to help their neighbors, save their homes and protect their animals, or to evacuate.     

Impeachment by Democrats in the House may lead to trial in the Senate, with Chief Justice John Roberts presiding.  Can he prevent the Republican majority from rushing to judgement? Whatever the outcome, will it restore or erode America’s faith in democracy?