Today we'll discuss the Steubenville rape case, rehash the latest from the Conservative Political Action Party Conference, and examine the secrets of Big Food. Later, we'll talk about background screening in the California healthcare system and take a look at Republican Senator Rob Portman's change of mind regarding same-sex marraige. All that and more, on AirTalk.
Steubenville teens sentenced to one-year minimum for rape
In an emotionally charged Ohio courtroom yesterday, two high school students were convicted of raping a drunk and apparently unconscious girl at a party last summer. Trent Mays, 17, and Ma'lik Richmond, 16, were sentenced as juveniles to a minimum of one-year for sexually assaulting an unidentified 16-year old.
The case drew international attention, particularly because of the extent of social media involved. The morning after the assault, the perprators and friends shared rapid-fire text messages, photos and video about the rape. The viral media caught the attention of the "hacktivists" that accused Steubenville town leaders of protecting assailants because they were popular football players. Yesterday, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a widespread probe of the case - with the possibility of more charges.
As for Mays and Richmond, the length of their sentence beyond the minimum one year will be determined by juvenile authorities; they can be held until they're 21, according to Associate Press reporting.
What is your reaction to the sentence? What should come of the AG's probe - particularly for those who knew about the crime? How common are crimes such as this? The victim apparently had no knowledge of rape, having blacked out from drinking. What trauma would she have experienced unconsciously without such memories and in the absence of photos to alert her?
Guest:
Rachel Dissell, Cleveland’s "The Plain Dealer" reporter who covered the case; Dissell specializes in youth, crime and corruption for "The Plain Dealer"
RNC election post-mortem warns its party to adapt or die
At the Conservative Political Action Party Conference (CPAC) this weekend, Republicans were all smiles and backslapping, celebrating their commitment to conservatism while cheering on ideological icons like Sarah Palin and Donald Trump. Conference sponsor Grover Norquist called it “Woodstock for Conservatives.” But a report issued by the Republican National Committee today tells a different story.
In the review, prepared by the GOP’s “Growth and Opportunity Project,” the party is given a thorough dressing down for its performance in the 2012 presidential campaign. RNC Chairman Reince Preibus went further in a statement, calling the GOP’s approach weak, inefficient, behind the times and non-inclusive. Along with modernizing its procedures and revamping its primary, the report calls on the party to develop “a more welcoming conservatism,” one that would be inclusive of minorities and more appealing to women and LGBT voters. It stops short, however, of mentioning such hot-button issues as abortion and same-sex marriage. In conclusion, the report warns that “unless changes are made, it will be increasingly difficult for Republicans to win another presidential election in the future.”
Republicans are starting to champion minority figures like Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, but are turning a cold shoulder to moderates like New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Is the Republican party out of touch? Will it take heed of this dire warning, or are its leaders clinging to conservative principles at its own peril? Is a new GOP ready to rise from the ashes of the failed 2012 campaign?
Guest:
Paul West, Los Angeles Times reporter, Washington, D.C. bureau
'Salt Sugar Fat': the secrets of Big Food
In his new book, Michael Moss, of Pulitzer Prize-winning “pink slime” fame, chronicles the many ways big food is harmful to America. Moss’ reporting on the pink slime used in much of the beef found in fast food restaurants did what no amount of gentle chastising and healthy recommendations could.
“Salt Sugar Fat” is not a cut-and-dry expose, but an exploration of the ways big food companies capitalize on pleasure triggers, addiction, and aggressive marketing. Called a “public service” by the New York Times, “Salt Sugar Fat” paints an elaborate picture of what goes on behind the scenes in the food industry. Michael Moss joins Larry to talk about his work and how to eat healthy in a salty, sugary, fatty world.
Guest:
Michael Moss, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The New York Times and author of “Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us” (Random House)
Should workers enrolling Californians in the state health insurance exchange be required to undergo background checks?
In October, 20,000 workers hired by the state will pour out into communities to enroll Californians in the state’s new health insurance exchange, which is called Covered California. Workers won’t be government employees, but they will be handing quite a bit of personal information (including social security numbers, financial information, and tax records), and a debate has broken out as to whether these workers should undergo strict background checks before being put in a place where they have access to people’s important personal information.
On one side, Covered California and state insurance commissioner Dave Jones worry that not screening puts citizens at risk of potential large-scale identity theft and fraud, while critics argue that perfect shouldn’t be the enemy of the goal of the program: signing up 1.4 million Californians within the year, many of whom don’t speak English, don’t have regular access to the Internet, and could potentially be disenfranchised by excluding their peers from the complicated process of explaining complex options.
Though state certified insurance agents go through an extensive background check and fingerprinting every couple years, the suggestion that these workers be fingerprinted as part of a potential background check has met with the most stern resistance. Some argue that the types of people who would benefit most from Covered California are the types who might be turned off by the potential legal implications of rigorous background screening.
Should these workers, who will handle many Californians most sensitive information be required to submit to a thorough background check? Or is it more important that we enroll as many people as possible, even if that means some amount of crime in the process?
Guests:
Carla Saporta, Health Policy Director at the Greenlining Institute in Berkeley, a nonprofit group that advocates for racial and economic justice
Pam Dixon, Executive Director at the World Privacy Forum - a non-profit organization focused on privacy issues based in San Diego
Rob Portman’s reversal on same-sex marriage - when the personal becomes political
Ohio Senator Rob Portman spoked out last week in favor of marriage equality, becoming the only sitting Republican Senator to take that position. Portman isn’t the first conservative to reverse his opinion on same-sex marriage for personal reasons – coming out of the closet is a more political event now than it ever has been. Many hail shifting positions for personal reasons as a sign of changing times. But some critics say that political empathy should not have to come from an intimate interaction.
What does it take to change someone’s mind about LGBT rights on a personal level? A son or daughter? A prominent celebrity? A friend of a friend? How effective are these personal connections at changing public opinion in big (or small) ways?
Family secrets that fuel family togetherness
“Our family’s falling apart.” When Bruce Feiler’s father spoke those words to him, Feiler had to face reality. And Feiler is likely not the only person who’s ever been in that position.
Determined to make his family stronger, Feiler set out to write a parenting and marriage manual. He interviewed families and self-help experts, trying to figure out how families can make it work. In his new book, “The Secrets of Happy Families,” Feiler advocates that parents need to make their families as important as their careers. He encourages families to “develop a strong family narrative.” Evidence from a research study shows that children gain more control over their lives and self-esteem when they learn about the family’s history - its struggles and successes.
However, Feiler didn’t want to write a traditional self-help book. He made this book for the modern family, with more than 200 useful strategies, including: the right way to have family dinner, what your mother never told you about sex (but should have), and why you should always have two women present in difficult conversations.
Have you ever felt like your family is falling apart? What did you do? What are your secrets to having a happy family?
Guest:
Bruce Feiler, New York Times columnist and author of “The Secrets of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Rethink Family Dinner, Fight Smarter, Go Out and Play, and Much More” (William Morrow)