Larry discusses the extension of benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers, and takes listener calls on Obama's response to the Iranian elections.
Same-sex benefits for federal employees
President Obama is expected tonight to expand benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers. The news follows criticism from gay rights activists who have expressed frustration that the President has not fulfilled campaign promises that he made to gays and lesbians. Days ago, the Obama administration filed a brief defending the Defense of Marriage Act, the very Act the President opposed during his campaign. Is the president sending out mixed signals to the gay community?
During the segment, Larry also gets an update from KPCC reporter Brian Watt about the Lakers parade.
Jessica Garrison, LA Times reporter
Obama's response to Iran
While President Obama has condemned the Iranian government's crackdown on protesters, he has refrained from calling the election a fraud. Some critics say that Obama's muted response is inadequate, and that he should more forcefully denounce the actions of the Iranian government. Others support Obama's stance, and say that he is respecting Iranian sovereignty by not getting directly involved. Larry Mantle opens the phones to hear from our Iranian listeners. How should the U.S. respond to the contested election, and what type of government would you like to see in Iran?
Nuclear stimulus
The government is offering $18.5 billion in Federal funds for the development of a new generation of nuclear power plants, in an attempt to jump start an industry that's lagged since the Three Mile Island accident some three decades ago. Word is new reactors could start construction in as little as two years. Nuclear energy offers the promise of dependable emissions-free power...it could go a long way to reducing green house gases. But fears of another meltdown or serious accident linger--and opposition remains fierce. Is America ready for a second look at nuclear power?
In this segment, Larry gets another update from KPCC reporter Brian Watt at the Lakers parade.
Rebecca Smith, Wall Street Journal reporter
Jim Connaughton, Executive Vice President at Constellation Energy
Travel as a political act
For the past 30 years Rick Steves has been teaching people how to travel. Not just giving you the cliff notes of where to go sightseeing and where to stay, but encouraging travel as a stimulating and learning experience. In his new book Travel as a Political Act, Steves advocates travel as a method of fostering better cross-cultural relations. Larry talks to Rick Steves about how traveling can not only be fun but can broaden perspectives personally and politically.
Rick Steves, author of Travel As A Political Act