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Pentagon Lifting Ban on Women in Combat
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has lifted the ban on women in combat. We look at the pros and cons for the military, in Constitutional law and American culture.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is stepping down after just 18 months at the Pentagon, but his legacy is guaranteed to be a long one. He has lifted the ban on women in combat. We look at the pros and cons for the military, in Constitutional law and American culture. Also, Democrats unveil an assault weapons ban pleading for grass-root support, and a White House message to Wall Street.
Banner image: Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta (L) and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Department of Defense photo by Glenn Fawcett
In this episode
3 storiesDems Unveil Assault Weapons Ban Pleading for Grass-root Support
California's Senator Dianne Feinstein today announced a new bill to ban assault weapons , replacing a ban that expired in 2004. She called on the public to overcome opposition from both Republicans and fellow Democrats. Dan Freedman is national editor at Hearst Newspapers ' Washington Bureau.
Read the story8 minAnother Gender Barrier Is about to Come Down
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta made a historic announcement today when he lifted the ban on women in combat , at the request of a unanimous Joint Chiefs of Staff. In fact, the nature of modern warfare already puts women in combat, where they've earned purple hearts and medals of honor, been wounded and died.
Read the story36 minObama Nominates Prosecutor Mary Jo White to Head the SEC
Yesterday on this program , we heard that 12 big banks are still too big to fail and that guaranteed taxpayer support could mean risky investments and another financial bailout. Today, the White House said it's trying to prevent that with appointees to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Read the story7 min