Today we’re rebroadcasting our hour long cram session from yesterday, Wednesday, October 17, in which Larry Mantle was joined by a panel of experts to break down the props. We also examine relations between the US and Saudi Arabia after the Khashoggi fallout; discuss the stereotypes and expectations placed upon LGBTQ individuals; and more.
After Khashoggi fallout, how should the US proceed with Saudi Arabia?
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he told President Donald Trump on Thursday that Saudi Arabia should be given a few more days to complete its investigation into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi before the U.S. decides “how, or if” to respond.
Pompeo, who spoke with reporters on the White House driveway after briefing Trump on his talks with leaders in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, said Turkey also promised to share the results of its own investigation with the Saudis.
Pompeo said he believes those combined efforts will produce “a complete picture” of what happened to Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist living in the U.S. who had been critical of the kingdom. Khashoggi has not been seen since he entered the Saudi consult in Istanbul more than two weeks ago and is feared dead.
Turkish authorities say Khashoggi was killed. The Saudis have denied involvement.
How should the U.S. proceed in its talks with Saudi Arabia? What is the best course of action going forward?
With files from the Associated Press
Guests:
Scott Horsley, NPR White House reporter; he tweets @HorselyScott
Aaron David Miller, vice president for New Initiatives at the Wilson Center, a Washington-based non-partisan policy forum that tackles global issues through independent research; former advisor to Republican and Democratic Secretaries of State on Middle East policies; he tweets
Henri Barkey, adjunct senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations; professor of international relations at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania; he served on the State Department Policy Planning Staff (1998-2000) working on the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East and intelligence-related issues
AirTalk debates 2018 ballot initiatives: Prop 11 - should EMTs and paramedics be allowed entirely off-duty breaks?
Prop 11 is a ballot measure that aims to require private-sector ambulance workers to remain on-call during breaks and rest periods.
This practice is currently being performed by private ambulance companies, and a “yes” vote would simply allow them to continue it. In contrast, a “no” vote would hold these companies to the same labor laws as the rest of the industry, meaning that EMT’s with off-duty breaks would not be responsible for 911 calls during those times.
Proponents of Prop 11 state that it would greater guarantee a timely response to most 911 calls, and that the interrupted breaks would be made up at a later time. Those against the measure argue that it is simply an attempt for ambulance companies to avoid a slew of pending lawsuits involving past violations of meal and break times.
We debate the proposition.
To read the full explainer of Prop 11, click here.
Ready for Election Day? Get up to speed on what you need to know with our Voter Game Plan at elections.laist.com. Read up on the candidates and ballot measures, find out about registration deadlines or ask us your questions.
Guests:
Carol Meyer, former director of the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency
Jason Brollini, nationally registered paramedic for 25 years; executive director of the United EMS Workers, an affiliate Local of AFSCME, which represents nearly 4000 private sector EMS workers in CA
No, you don't need a ‘gay best friend.’ And yes, asking for one is offensive.
When freelance writer Philip Ellis was young, it wasn't uncommon for people who found out he was gay to ask "Oh my god! Will you be my gay best friend?"
Fast forward to today, and Ellis has continued seeing this desire for a token gay friend not just among peers, but in TV and movies as well. Hence came the inspiration for his recent article, "Just Because I’m Gay Doesn’t Mean I Want to Be Your Sidekick," where he outlines the stereotypes and expectations placed upon LGBTQ individuals by their seemingly well-meaning heterosexual counterparts. As he states in the piece, he found himself conforming to the image that straight friends and media set before him: that he was there to "respond to the emotional and sartorial needs of a straight protagonist."
AirTalk discusses the issue with Ellis, and opens the phones to listeners who have experienced similar social pigeonholing. Have you found yourself in a situation where a straight person wants to befriend you purely for your sexual preferences? As an LGBTQ youth, did expectations to check particular boxes influence the way you came out? Call 866.893.5722.
Guest:
Philip Ellis, freelance writer and author of the piece "Just Because I'm Gay Doesn't Mean I Want To Be Your Sidekick," which was featured on the style and culture blog ManRepeller.com; he tweets
Voter cram session: AirTalk breaks down the ballot propositions
Voters have fewer propositions to sift through than two years ago, but will be asked to vote on 11 statewide ballot measures this fall.
Among them, Californians will decide whether local governments should be able to expand rent control, whether to retain the gas tax, and if the state should only sell cage-free eggs.
Haven’t studied up yet? No problem.
Today we’re rebroadcasting our hour long cram session from Wednesday, October 17 in which AirTalk host Larry Mantle was joined by a panel of experts to break down the props. So open up your sample ballot and follow along.
Ready for Election Day? Get up to speed on what you need to know with our Voter Game Plan at elections.laist.com. Read up on the candidates and ballot measures, find out about registration deadlines or ask us your questions.
Guests:
Michael Alvarez, professor of political science at Caltech; he is spearheading Caltech’s research project with Orange County working to develop tools and measures to understand voting and election integrity
Melody Gutierrez, Sacramento bureau chief and political reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle
Salvador Rodriguez, interim opinion editor for the Southern California News Group
Katie Orr, government and politics reporter for KQED
Fernando Guerra, professor of political science and Chicana/o Latina/o Studies and Director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University