Lookup "Frontline" Director Martin Smith on Bernie Madoff; Afghanistan's Top US Commander is Replaced; Propostion 1B; Erotic Ads on Craigslist
"Frontline" Director Martin Smith on Bernie Madoff
A new "Frontline" documentary traces the evolution of Bernard Madoff's rise to power and very public downfall. Since the mid-60s Madoff tapped money from businessmen and corporations creating one of the first global Ponzi schemes. Larry talks to director Martin Smith about the rise and fall of Bernie Madoff and the scandal's lasting impact on Wall Street.
Afghanistan's Top US Commander is Replaced
The Pentagon is replacing General David McKiernan, the top commander in Afghanistan, less than a year after he took over. It is thought that Defense officials wanted a more unconventional approach to address the increasingly complex situation in Afghanistan. McKiernan will be replaced by Lt. Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, who recently ran all special operations in Iraq. Larry Mantle discusses the announcement with Afghanistan expert Larry Goodson from the U.S. Army War College.
Propostion 1B
California schools are hurting and legislators are hoping that Prop 1B will help soften some of the economic pains. The plan would mandate supplemental payments of $9.3 billion to schools and community colleges. The proposal is part of the 2009-2010 state budget and tax increase agreement. Larry talks to Dean Vogel of the California Teachers Association about the measure.
Erotic Ads on Craigslist
State attorneys general are pressuring Craigslist to crack down on the posting of erotic services on the classified-ads website. Scrutiny of the website's postings has increased after the killing of a masseuse who police believe was found through a Craigslist ad. Craigslist has stated that it is shielded from federal prosecution, but that it has already removed 95 percent of inappropriate postings. Larry Mantle finds out more about the controversy from LA Times reporter David Sarno and Stanford cyberlaw expert Ryan Calo.