To the Point
The Supreme Court and the Bankrupt: Is Debt the American Way?
US consumers scaled back in the first years of the Great Recession, but now they're buying again and getting extended credit. Are the laws written to encourage debt? Are Americans born to shop, even when they can't afford to? Also, Tunisia's president flees the country amid mounting protest, and John Paul II on a fast track to sainthood.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenUS consumers scaled back in the first years of the Great Recession, but now they're buying again and getting extended credit. Are the laws written to encourage debt? Are Americans born to shop, even when they can't afford to? Also, Tunisia's president flees the country amid mounting protest, andPope Benedict XVI has approved a miracle by his hugely popular predecessor, John Paul II. But questions are being raised about his qualifications for sainthood.
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In this episode
3 storiesTunisian President Flees Country amid Mounting Protest
Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has fled that North African country after promises of lower food prices and more political freedom failed to stop massive street protests in the capital city of Tunis. Blake Hounshell, Managing Editor of Foreign Policy magazine, is in Doha, Qatar, and updates the rapidly changing situation.
Read the story8 minThe American Dream and Extended Credit
Despite the recession and unemployment near 10 percent, Americans are still accumulating more debt. Solicitations for credit cards doubled last year. Lenders and retailers say the American Dream -- a big home, a big car and college — makes consumers willing to go into hock. They also see signs of "frugality fatigue."
Read the story34 minPope John Paul II on the Way to Sainthood
A French nun diagnosed with Parkinson's disease prayed to Pope John Paul II after his death. She wrote his name on a piece of paper and, the next day, she woke up cured. Pope Benedict XVI said today that meets the standards for a miracle and beatification, the first step toward sainthood.
Read the story9 min
