Today on AirTalk, we'll examine the potential impact of the nomination of Chuck Hagel to the defense secretary position. We'll also discuss Los Angeles road repairs and the pros and cons of telecommuting. Later, we'll consider whether California should pass a "Homeless Bill of Rights," check in with updates on an NHL agreement, and speak with author Jared Diamond about the remnants of our ancestry left over in modern society.
Obama nominates Chuck Hagel for Secretary of Defense
Today, President Barack Obama has nominated Chuck Hagel to serve in his cabinet as Secretary of Defense. Hagel, a Republican and former Senator from Nebraska, would be the first enlisted soldier and veteran from Vietnam if he secures the position.
While a Republican chosen by Obama seems on paper to be a sure confirmation for both sides of the aisle, the process could prove to be contentious. Republicans are suspect of Hagel’s support of Israel and his seemingly weak stance on Iran. Meanwhile, Democrats and Log Cabin Republicans take issue with Hagel’s past support of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and a remark he made fourteen years ago when he questioned a man’s ability to serve as an ambassador because he was “openly, aggressively gay.”
But Obama seems dead set on seeing his choice secure the position, especially after Republican attacks on Susan Rice over Benghazi derailed her ascension to Secretary of State. What questions and issues are anticipated to play a key role in Hagel’s confirmation hearings? How would he serve as a Secretary of Defense? He’s always worn his commitment to stopping and preventing war on his sleeve, so how would he reconcile that with a job that includes overseeing American military relations with Afghanistan, Iran, Israel and elsewhere around the world? Why is Barack Obama convinced that Chuck Hagel is the right candidate for this job?
Guest:
Michael Cohen, Senior Fellow, Century Foundation; Columnist at the Guardian
Michael Rubin, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and former Pentagon official
Does LA need a $3 billion road repair bond?
Two Southern California Councilmen have proposed a 20-year property tax increase to generate $3 billion dollars to repair city streets. The measure, billed as the “Los Angeles Emergency Local Street Safety and Traffic Empowerment Act,” will appear on the May 21 ballot and would need a two-thirds majority to pass.
If approved, this tax increase would would fund new construction and eliminate a 60-year backlog of street repairs. The cost to property owners? Around $24 more for a $350,000 home during the first year, increasing to a peak of $120 more in 10 years. Councilman Mitchell Englander said the primary complaint from residents is that poor road conditions are causing damage to cars.
Angelenos may get a bad case of tax fatigue, however; another, separate, half-cent sales tax increase is already on the March 5th ballot, with the majority of those funds dedicated to police and fire services.
Have you ever encountered problems with potholes or other disrepair on city streets? Has your car ever been damaged because of the condition of the streets? Should property owners have to shoulder this burden? Do you think another tax increase is the best way to pay for repairs, or is there a better alternative?
Guest:
Joe Buscaino, councilman for Los Angeles’ 15th District, which includes San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway and Watts
Richard H. Close, president, Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association
How telecommuting splits, stretches and eats your time
If you asked people from a few decades ago about what they expected to see in the future, you’d hear some seemingly outlandish predictions. By now, we were supposed to all be riding around in driverless cars. Well, Google is on its way to take care of that. And the Internet was meant to revolutionize the way we present ourselves to the world and communicate. Facebook’s got that covered. And technology was going to advance in such a way that we’d all be able to work from the comfort of our own homes.
As many employees know, telecommuting is now a possible and accepted means of getting work done without having to make the weekday journey to an office. In fact, a recent Ipsos/Reuters poll shows that, across the globe, one in five workers telecommunicate. But what was intended to be a way of making life easier now seems to be backfiring.
A Freedom of Information request of a U.S. department which gave employees free reign in choosing when, where and how to do their work revealed that the output got worse, while employees and employers felt disconnected and uncertain of their performances. Even when telecommuting seems to work, as it does at Aetna, there are still problems. The insurance company’s telecommuters are heavier than those who go into work, and now Aetna offers online trainers to keep their employees healthy.
What other examples are out there of telecommuting gone wrong? What about in your own lives? Have you ever had the telecommuting job from Hell? What was so bad about it? Did you notice a physical problem or an emotional one? Was it harder to work at home with the kids than putting them in a daycare and trudging to work? Call in and give us your horror stories, from the comfort of your own home.
Guest:
Mary C. Noonan, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Iowa, co-author of the recent study “The Hard Truth About Telecommuting” which appeared in ‘Monthly Labor Review’
Sacramento considers Homeless Person's Bill of Rights
Legislation proposed by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco could protect California’s homeless population from discrimination. The Assembly Bill 5, better known as the “Homeless Bill of Rights” would give legal protection to homeless people who engage in life-sustaining activities on public property.
California has struggled with laws relating to its homeless population in the past: Sacramento’s “tent cities” have been a frequent point of contention, and both Los Angeles and San Francisco top the list of U.S. cities with laws criminalizing homelessness. Ammiano’s proposed bill would decriminalize behavior such as sleeping in public places, congregating, urinating, and panhandling. The bill would also give the homeless right to legal counsel in the event of citation, and to receive funds through public welfare programs. If Assembly Bill 5 passes, California communities would still have some say in the extent to which the law would apply in their area – communities could close parks and other public spaces at night for safety reasons.
Should homeless populations be protected under the law? Should life-sustaining activities in public places be criminalized? Is there an alternative to legalizing these activities in public spaces that could better serve all Californians – homeless or not?
Guest:
Paul Boden, Director of the Western Regional Advocacy Project; Co-Sponsor of Homeless Person's Bill of Rights introduced by California Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco)
Estela Lopez, Executive Director of the City Central East Association, the principal advocate for property owners, businesses, employees and residents in the eastern half of Downtown Los Angeles.
NHL finally readies to drop the puck
Hockey fans rejoice! After a nearly four-month long lockout the National Hockey League and the Players' Association have reached a labor deal. At first glance, it seems the owners came out on top. However, if fans don't return, it could be a lose-lose deal.
We'll find out quickly because the players are facing a compressed season. Teams have to go from a dead halt to break-neck speed this 2013 season. As the Stanley Cup holders, the Los Angeles Kings have the highest expectations, but may have the easiest time winning back fans.
Will you be eager for a return to center ice? Or has hockey lost your attention for good? What is in the new collective bargaining agreement and was it worth the wait? Are the Kings ready to defend the title?
Guest:
Bob Miller, television play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles King, NHL team
Nicholas J. Cotsonika, NHL writer for Yahoo! Sports
Huell Howser, iconic host of 'California's Gold,' dies
Viewers loved him for his genuine sense of wonder. Californians loved him because he shone a light on some of the state’s most beautiful, interesting and unique areas, businesses and events. To the sorrow of many, Huell Howser has died today.
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Larry Mantle and Off-ramp’s John Rabe take a moment to look back and remember the special host who touched so many by simply being himself. What will you remember most about Huell? What is your favorite memory of Huell Howser?
Guest:
John Rabe, host of KPCC’s Off-ramp