Can we ratchet down the vitriol in the aftermath of the shootings in Tucson? Cash-strapped cities debate “crash taxes.” Surge in gun sales triggered following Arizona tragedy. Chalkboard chat with LAUSD’s new chief – John Deasy. Rebuilding Haiti one year after the devastating earthquake.
Vitriolic language from the left & right – can’t we all just say what we mean without being mean?
In the wake of Saturday’s tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona, the use of vitriolic language has been in the public's crosshairs, leading to calls that we all tone it down. Lefties argue that Sarah Palin’s use of gun metaphor and imagery in “targeting” candidates is dangerous – whether or not it contributed to the alleged actions by Jared Lee Loughner, which no one really knows at this point. In a video response posted to her FaceBook page yesterday, Palin shot back, “Within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn.” One could argue that accusations that Palin has “blood on her hands” are also dangerous and hyperbolic. The use of hyperbole isn’t limited to politicos. Every day people exaggerate, describing a mediocre cup of coffee as amazing, awesome or genius. What impact - if any – is hyperbole having on the evolution of language? Should language be ratcheted down? Is that even possible? If so, how?
Guest:
Geoffrey Nunberg, Linguist and professor in the School of Information at UC Berkeley; his latest book is "Talking Right"
Cash-strapped cities debate “crash taxes”
Picture this – you’re cruising down the highway. A cat crosses your path. You swerve, crash and take out a stop sign. While you question your attempted good deed, emergency crews arrive to clean up the mess. A month later you’re hit with a bill for the emergency services provided on that fateful day. Seems wrong, right? Well, in these tough economic times, cash-strapped local governments are increasingly turning to motorists, to help struggling fire and police departments recoup the costs of providing emergency services. The fees can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars, billed to insurance companies. But if insurers don’t pay, cities have the option of going after the motorists themselves. At least 50 cities and counties in California have already adopted so-called crash-tax laws. And Sacramento could soon be the largest city in the state to do so. Public officials say budget woes are compelling them to find new ways of raising revenue. And proponents say going after the person who caused an accident is only fair. Critics argue that taxpayers already pay for such basic services and can’t afford extra fees. Is this a good way for fire and police departments to recover costs? Or is it a breakdown in the social contract–since drivers in crashes are also taxpayers? How does cost recovery work anyway?
Guests:
Senator Tony Strickland, R-CA’s 19th District, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura County. In Los Angeles County, the district incorporates Santa Clarita.
Chief Bill Soqui, Cathedral City Fire Department
Surge in gun sales triggered following Arizona tragedy
One example of the ripple effect of Saturday’s tragic shooting in which 19 people were shot or killed, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, is a sudden uptick in gun sales. In the aftermath of the tragedy, several lawmakers have proposed stronger gun control legislation, perhaps prompting potential gun buyers to stock up before any ban could be put into place. On Monday, gun sales in Arizona were up 60% from the same day a year ago. And national sales are up 5% for the same time period. The specific model of Glock 19, 9mm pistol allegedly used by Jared Loughner was high on the list of sought after weapons. What’s behind the surge in sales? What impact might the Tucson shooting have on future of gun laws? Would tighter controls make a difference?
Chalkboard chat with LAUSD’s new chief – John Deasy
The Los Angeles Board of Education today approved the appointment of Dr. John Deasy as the next superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Deasy, a widely known educator, will succeed Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines who is retiring this spring. Previously, Deasy headed the Prince George’s County Public Schools, a large and diverse school district in Maryland, adjacent to Washington, D.C. He is associated with working to improve the effectiveness of teachers through controversial methods that link evaluations to student achievement. What reforms does Deasy envision for the nation’s second largest school district?
Guest:
John Deasy, incoming Superintendent, LAUSD
Haiti one year later – despite massive aid, huge needs remain
One year ago, a devastating magnitude 7 earthquake struck Haiti. An estimated 220,000 people were killed, hundreds of thousands of homes and commercial buildings were destroyed, and vital infrastructure was severely damaged. Despite a tremendous aid response and numerous aid organizations working to rebuild Haiti, millions of people are still living in tent camps without hope of finding permanent housing or regaining lost jobs. Americans, moved by the terrible plight of the Haitian people, gave generously, contributing nearly $2 billion to charities. So why has the recovery process been so slow? What progress are these organizations making and are the aid dollars being spent wisely? Are these organizations trying to restore Haiti to what it was or turning it into what it could be?
Guests:
Richard Walden, President and Founder of Operation USA
Suzy DeFrancis, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the American Red Cross
Sofie Delauney, Executive Director of Doctors without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in the US.