Fullerton homeless man beaten – did the cops go too far? Does debt deal weaken defense? Ace songwriter John Hiatt in his own voice.
Fullerton homeless man beaten – did the cops go too far?
In early July, a homeless man named Kelly Thomas, who suffered from schizophrenia, died after receiving a brutal beating from several Fullerton policemen. The cops were responding to a report of a person breaking into cars in the area, who reportedly matched Thomas’s description. When police found Thomas at a bus depot, he tried to run. According to eye witnesses the police Tased him multiple times, kicked him and beat him with a flashlight as he repeatedly called out for his dad. Several people pulled out their smart phones and taped the event. Now those chilling videos are coming out, but most are dark and grainy and don’t show the beating itself. There are apparently more detailed videos, which some Fullerton council members want released. But the Fullerton district attorney’s office has refused, citing concerns about tainting witnesses should this go to trial. In pictures taken at the hospital after the incident, Thomas’s face appeared badly swollen, bloodied and almost unrecognizable. He died five days later. One of the officers was placed on administrative leave shortly after the altercation. Five more were reassigned to non-patrol duty. But yesterday, they too were placed on administrative leave. Residents of Fullerton reacted with outrage at a raucous council meeting late Tuesday. The Fullerton Police Department has said it’s fully cooperating with an investigation. The FBI has also launched its own probe. We'll get the latest details.
Guest:
Lou Ponsi, Reporter, The Orange County Register
Frank Stoltze, Reporter, KPCC
The Update: Chilean miners keeping busy above ground
It has been nearly 10 months since the miraculous rescue of 33 men from deep inside a collapsed mine in northern Chile. People around the world were invested in their fate. They had been trapped underground for more than two months. After four different drilling attempts, they emerged with the world watching. In the days and weeks that followed, there were the obligatory public appearances -- on late-night TV, at sports appearances and awards shows. But where are they now? There have been reports of mental and physical illness of the miners. They have been courted by Hollywood. They are also trying to prevent future mining disasters in Chile. Jonathan Franklin, an investigative reporter based in Chile, had extensive access during the rescue operation. He joins us today to give us the latest.
Guest:
Jonathan Franklin, Author, 33 MEN: Inside the Miraculous Survival and Dramatic Rescue of the Chilean Miners; Award-winning investigative journalist; joins us from Santiago, Chile
Does debt deal weaken defense?
Despite the debt deal’s passage, economists don’t predict any forthcoming sign of relief for an economy wracked with rising unemployment, slumping stocks and a depressed housing market. This year, security spending was set at $689 billion. Under the new debt deal, security spending would be capped at $684 billion next year. But the United States’ involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya continues with no clear end game. On one side, the total defense budget for the upcoming fiscal year is at an all-time high since World War II, and an escalating war budget could exacerbate the already-faltering economy. Still, cuts in next year’s military budget will likely be minimal, however military budget analysts say that cuts add up to over $500 billion over the next decade. What’s at stake for the military? Do the cuts make that big a difference in defense spending? Do you know someone in the military and if so do you think the cuts are significant?
Guest:
William Hartung, Director of the Arms and Security Project at the Center for International Policy. He is the author of Prophets of War: Lockheed Martin and the Making of the Military-Industrial Complex
James Carafano, Director, The Heritage Foundation’s Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies
Mubarak on trial
Even in a country with the most ancient of histories, today's event was a seminal moment for Egypt. The first day of trial for 83-year old Hosni Mubarak who ruled the country for three decades. He faces charges of corruption and complicity in the killing of protestors during the revolt that rocked the country earlier this year. The image of Mubarak today was striking. The reportedly ailing man was wheeled on a hospital bed into a cell that more closely resembled a cage. The court house was surrounded by Egyptians who never thought this day would come. Mubarak appeared defiant but answered to the charges, "I deny all these accusations completely." How significant is this trial for Egypt, its people, the entire region and the "Arab Spring?" For many years, Mubarak was a heroic statesman to his people and the Arab world. Is there a generation divide over how this trial is viewed? Why is it important that this trial occur? How could it play out? Could an unpopular verdict inspire more unrest?
Guest:
Sherine Tadros, Al Jazeeera correspondent in Egypt
Ace songwriter John Hiatt in his own voice
Although he has had a nearly 4-decade career as a performer in his own right, Nashville-based singer and songwriter John Hiatt is perhaps best known for the impressive list of artists who have covered his songs. Household names such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Emmylou Harris, Jewel and a host of others have all recorded versions of Hiatt’s songs - and credentials like these have made Hiatt one of the most respected songwriters in the business. Hiatt’s brand new album, Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns, is his 20th, and it finds him addressing tried and true topics: family, cars, aging, longing, love lost and found… all with his unmistakable wit and style. What are your favorite John Hiatt songs? What does it take for a writer to create such a large catalog of songs so coveted by such a wide variety of performers?
Guest:
John Hiatt, singer/songwriter who just released Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns