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Reason magazine
Editor-in-Chief at Reason, a libertarian magazine
PROFILE
Katherine Mangu-Ward
Guest
FROM Katherine Mangu-Ward
To the Point
Recycling: Are the Benefits Worth the Cost? It's been 20 years since John Tierney first argued in the New York Times magazine that the benefits of recycling were not worth the cost. Since then, the recycling movement has vastly expanded. But, this past weekend, Tierney wrote that it's as inefficient as ever — and he compared the movement to a "religious ritual." Angry defenders insist it protects the environment, saves public money and generates profits for a growing industry. With mandatory recycling on the increase, the argument's going on in more and more places. We hear from both sides.
To the Point
Recycling: Are the Benefits Worth the Cost? It's been 20 years since John Tierney first argued in the New York Times magazine that the benefits of recycling were not worth the cost. Since then, the recycling movement has vastly expanded. But, this past weekend, Tierney wrote that it's as inefficient as ever — and he compared the movement to a "religious ritual." Angry defenders insist it protects the environment, saves public money and generates profits for a growing industry. With mandatory recycling on the increase, the argument's going on in more and more places. We hear from both sides.
To the Point
Do Pregnant Women Suffer Workplace Discrimination? Women are nearly half America's work force, and three quarters will be pregnant at least once during their working lives. When UPS driver Peggy Young became pregnant, her doctor told her not to lift packages weighing more than 20 pounds. But UPS refused to accommodate her. She had to take unpaid leave, lost her medical coverage — and sued for damages. Lower courts have disagreed about the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act , and today the US Supreme Court agreed to decide if pregnant workers are entitled to special accommodations — just like employees who are injured on the job. Many companies — small and large — call that an expensive burden that discourages the hiring of women. Women's groups, evangelical Christians and the Obama Administration call it a violation of equal rights. We hear about today's arguments.
Which Way, L.A.?
Will Thanksgiving Become "Black Thursday?" “There was something terribly offensive… about this violent, gluttonous, materialistic shopping holiday eating up the one day we’re just meant to be thankful for what we have.” That’s according to Brian Rich, a marketing worker at a credit union in Idaho who’s “ Boycott Black Thursday ” page on Facebook is booming.
Which Way, L.A.?
Outcry Grows Over LA’s Digital Billboards Two years ago the Los Angeles city attorney signed a truce with billboard companies in the battle over the spread of their signs. The companies agreed to remove some of their big signs but in return they got permission to put up nearly 900 powerful new digitally illuminated billboards. Some neighborhoods are fighting back against what they call eyesores and safety hazards. City officials have reversed course and now say they want a halt, but can they force the advertising companies to pull them down?
Recommended
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?