To the Point
Congress Takes Up Strikes on Syria
President Obama's asking Congress to support his decision to punish Syria for the use of chemical weapons. We hear about the politics and the long-term consequences.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenPresident Obama says he's decided to punish Syria for the use of chemical weapons. Now he's asking support from Congress, even though both parties are sharply divided. We hear about the politics and the long-term consequences for coping with weapons of mass destruction. Also, Israel tests its missile defense, and declining financial support for America's Parks and Forests. Is the nation turning it's back on the concept "public good?"
In this episode
3 storiesIsrael Tests Missile Defense
When it appeared that the US was about to attack Syria, Israelis flocked to collect gas masks in case it might be a target of retribution. Today, Israel test-fired a missile, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "it is not advisable" for anyone to harm his country. Edmund Sanders is in Jerusalem for the Los Angeles Times .
Read the story8 minThe President, Congress and the 'Red Line' in Syria
Republican John Boehner and Democrat Nancy Pelosi left the White House today supporting President Obama's plan to punish Syria's use of chemical weapons. But both the parties they lead are sharply divided. So why has the President asked Congress to debate a decision he says he's already made?
Read the story36 minNicholas Kristof on the Dilapidated State of Our Public Lands
The western writer Wallace Stegner called America's National Parks the nation's "best idea." But facilities in both the Parks and the National Forests are being allowed to decline. New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof grew up on a sheep and cherry farm in Oregon.
Read the story8 min
