To the Point

Will the Social Safety Net Hold A Sagging Economy?

Every holiday season, Americans feed the hungry and help the poor. This year, recession and terrorism have created even greater urgency. Yet, despite calls for unity, there's division over how to spur the economy. Will welfare reform and cutbacks in government programs leave millions without a safety net? Will tax breaks for business benefit those who need help the most? We look for the best way to cope with a sagging economy, with labor experts, a welfare reformer, and Barbara Ehrenreich, whose Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America recounts her working unskilled jobs to make ends meet. Newsmaker: Portland Police Refuses to Cooperate with Feds - Portland police have refused a request from the US Department of Justice for help in interviewing Middle Eastern immigrants in its ongoing investigation on terrorism. Jeff Brady, of Oregon Public Broadcasting, explains the refusal from a police bureau already under fire for racial profiling. Reporter's Notebook: Thanksgiving's Truths and Myths - Thanksgiving is America's oldest celebration, and its history is shrouded in myth. Beyond the legends are sad truths and important facts about the Pilgrims and Native Americans. Los Angeles Times' columnist John Balzar suggests that, at least for tomorrow, we should forget the history and "feast" on the myths.