White House Accepts McCain Torture Bill; Election Day in Iraq; Whooping Cough Outbreak; Orange County Journalist "Roundtable"; House Approves Patriot Act; LA Times Book Review Editor David Ulin
White House Accepts McCain Torture Bill
After months of resistance, the White House has agreed to accept Sen. John McCain's call for a law specifically banning cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of foreign suspects in the war on terror, several congressional officials said Thursday. The congressional officials spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they did not want to pre-empt an expected announcement later in the day at the White House, possibly by President Bush and McCain. These officials also cautioned the agreement was encountering opposition in the House. Larry Mantle talks with Eric Sears, spokesman for Amnesty International and director of their “Denounce Torture” Initiative.
Election Day in Iraq
Iraqi citizens go to the polls Thursday in an historic election to choose two-hundred-seventy-five parliamentary representatives to serve a four-year term. Larry talks with experts about voter turnout, security, and what the results may mean for the future or the country.
Whooping Cough Outbreak
The number of whooping cough cases in California is at a 30-year high. At the end of November, doctors had reported 2,169 cases – nearly triple last year’s level. Larry Mantle talks with Los Angeles County Director of Public Health Dr. Jonathan Fielding about what whooping cough is, why cases are rising, and his concerns about the local outbreak.
Orange County Journalist "Roundtable"
Larry Mantle talks with OC Weekly senior editorial writer and columnist Gustavo Arellano and KPCC reporter Rob Schmitz about the latest news events and developments in Orange County.
House Approves Patriot Act
The Republican-controlled House on Wednesday voted to extend 16 expiring provisions of the USA Patriot Act. The bill has White House support but faces Democratic-led opposition and a possible filibuster in the Senate. “This bill ensures that our law enforcement keep the tools they already have in place to root out and prosecute terrorists,'' House Speaker Dennis Hastert said as lawmakers voted 251-174 to renew the legislation. The law initially was passed after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Despite criticism that the bill shortchanged civil liberties, the vote was relatively bipartisan. The 44 Democratic supporters included two members of the leadership. Larry Mantle talks with critics and supporters of the Patriot Act.
LA Times Book Review Editor David Ulin
Larry Mantle talks with LA Times Book Review Editor David Ulin about his favorite books of the year. To view his picks, go to LA Times Book Review.