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Back to To the Point

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.

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By Warren Olney • Jan 14, 2011 • 51m Listen

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, 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.

Banner image: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

  • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

    Sonya Geis

    Senior Managing Editor

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