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Christian Science Monitor
Staff writer for the Christian Science Monitor
PROFILE
Patrik Jonsson
Guest
FROM Patrik Jonsson
To the Point
Guns, Race and Trayvon Martin It's taken almost a month for the shooting death of 17-year-old, African American Trayvon Martin to become a national issue. After Florida prosecutors declined to prosecute Neighborhood Watch volunteer George Zimmerman, the story began to go viral on the Internet. It made the mainstream media — producing a demonstration this week in New York City and a rally last night in Sanford, Florida. Today President Obama weighed in , stressing that "all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves, and we are going to get to the bottom of exactly what happened." We hear about America's expanding gun culture, "stand your ground" laws and the "rules" that black parents teach their sons about how to deal with authorities.
Which Way, L.A.?
More US Soldiers Are on Their Way to Iraq President Bush has called for an increase in troops for Iraq , but US forces are already stretched thin. The so-called "surge" means an escalation of 21,500 troops. Soldiers of the Army's 3rd Division, which led the invasion of Baghdad, is the first to leave for its third tour. How is the increase likely to be accomplished? How do soldiers feel about leaving their families to face brutal combat? Are the troops worried that the war has lost the support of those back home? What about post-traumatic stress disorder? We hear from the Pentagon about the prospects for other American soldiers.
Recommended
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.