Protests for gay rights; Plans for California's water system; Insurance companies resist health reform; Pop music critic Robert Hilburn about his book "Cornflakes with John Lennon"
Gay rights marching forward
In a flurry of gay rights events in Washington, D.C. this weekend, President Obama pledged to end the military's "don’t ask, don't tell" policy at Human Rights Campaign's annual dinner, and participants in the National Equality March spoke out for gays' and lesbians' right to marry and serve without discrimination in the military. Meanwhile, Maine and Washington State debate whether to legalize homosexual marriage. Will backlash follow, or are gay rights gaining momentum and popular acceptance?
Guests:
Bill Rosendahl, LA City Councilman for District 11
Kerry Eleveld, Washington Correspondent for The Advocate
Water deal or no deal?
California legislators worked through the weekend toward a deal to overhaul the state's water system, and Governor Schwarzenegger has called a special session this week to address water issues. Schwarzenegger also signed over a hundred state bills into law, backing off of an earlier threat to veto them unless a water deal was reached. Larry gets the latest on the water talks.
Guests:
Michael Rothfeld, Reporter for the LA Times
Sam Aanestad, (4th District, Northern CA), California State Senator, and Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor
Anna Caballero (28th District, Salinas), California State Assembly Member
Health insurance companies switch gears on support for reform
As the Senate Finance Committee prepares to vote on legislation for health care reform tomorrow, the insurance industry is releasing a report arguing that the current health proposal would cause insurance premiums to drastically increase compared to the current system. Larry Mantle finds out more as legislative momentum picks up in Washington.
Guests:
Chris Frates, Reporter for Politico and author of Politico Pulse, which covers health care reform
Michael Cannon, Director of health policy studies at the CATO Institute
Jerry Flanigan, health care policy director for Consumer Watchdog, a consumer advocacy group
Cornflakes with John Lennon and other tales from a rock 'n roll life
Rock critic Robert Hilburn gives a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of some of the most iconic music figures in his new book "Cornflakes with John Lennon" (Rodale). He met and became friends with John Lennon during Lennon's "Lost Weekend" period in Los Angeles. Hilburn also talks about his interviews with Bob Dylan and Michael Jackson. In this account of the relationship between critic and musical artist, Hilburn reflects on the ways in which he has changed and been changed by the subjects he’s covered.
Guest:
Robert Hilburn, former LA Times pop music critic and author of "Corn Flakes with John Lennon: And Other Tales from a Rock 'n' Roll Life" (Rodale Books)