Which Way, L.A.?
Big Banks, Medical Marijuana and the LAPD
The federal government won't crack down any more on medical marijuana, but local officials are itching to prosecute. Plus, Mayor Villaraigosa says keep the LA Police Department at full force — whatever it costs. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, even Alan Greenspan says it's time to break up financial institutions that are "too big to fail."
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenUS Attorney General Eric Holder won't prosecute for medical marijuana, even though it's illegal under federal law. What will that mean in Los Angeles, where the District Attorney and the City Attorney say dispensaries are violating state law? Also, a conversation with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa about a hiring freeze at the Los Angeles Police Department. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, even Alan Greenspan says it's time to break up financial institutions that are "too big to fail." But is it too late even to regulate the banks and brokerages that caused the financial meltdown? Does a new agency for consumer finance protection have a chance?
Banner image: Dave Warden, a bud tender at Private Organic Therapy (P.O.T.), a non-profit co-operative medical marijuana dispensary, displays various types of marijuana available to patients in Los Angeles, California. Photo: David McNew/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesIs It Time to Bust the Trusts Again?
In a major shift from his days as head of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan said last week that America's major financial institutions are "too big to fail." He said that means they're too big and ought to be broken up. But even new regulations to limit excessive risk and protect consumer finance may be in trouble on Capitol Hill.
Read the story28 minUS Attorneys Told to Go after Pot Traffickers, Not Patients
Marijuana is illegal under federal law, but 15 states, including California, have legalized it for medicinal use. Today US Attorney General Eric Holder reversed national policy and ordered federal authorities not to arrest or charge suppliers or users who conform to state laws.
Read the story13 minMayor Villaraigosa and the LAPD
Since Bill Bratton became chief of the LAPD, the number of cops has increased and crime has gone down . But the city faces a shortfall of $405 million. Two city council committees voted to stop police recruitment and hiring from now until January, which could reduce the force by 300 officers.
Read the story12 min
