Science Correspondent, Reason magazine
Science correspondent for Reason Magazine, a publication of the Reason Foundation, and author of Global Warming and Other Eco-Myths: How the Environmental Movement Uses False Science to Scare Us to Death
PROFILE
Ronald Bailey
Guest
FROM Ronald Bailey
To the Point
Does the Oil Spill Buck Stop with Us? It could be months before BP can stop the gusher of oil. Beaches, marshes and wildlife are threatened in the Gulf of Mexico, along with traditional lifestyles. But what about the lifestyles of all Americans? Could the spill be a wake-up call? Does this country's unceasing demand for oil have unacceptable consequences? If the benefits of the oil economy are not worth the cost, is it time to get serious about the kind of sacrifices that lead to real conservation? Is that a formula for going back to the 19th Century?
Which Way, L.A.?
Global Warming and the Energy Bill Federal law requires comprehensive reports on global warming every four years. Last year a lawsuit forced the Bush Administration to issue its first such document since it took office in 2001. Yesterday, the Obama White House updated that draft report with stronger language and ten "key findings."
To the Point
Global Warming and the Energy Bill Federal law requires comprehensive reports on global warming every four years. Last year a lawsuit forced the Bush Administration to issue its first such document since it took office in 2001. Yesterday, the Obama White House updated that draft report with stronger language and ten "key findings." The report comprises dire warnings from thirteen federal agencies about the increasing impact of global warming. It's already changing ocean levels and weather patterns in the United States, with dramatic effects on water supplies, agriculture and human health. The report comes as Congress tackles a massive energy bill designed by supporters to slow and reduce the consequences of climate change. Is it too complex and expensive or too little to late? Will Republicans — and Democrats — water it down?
Which Way, L.A.?
Behavioral Science and Political Change The Obama Administration is using behavioral science " to try to transform the country ." That's according to Michael Grunwald in Time magazine. He says it all began during the presidential campaign with a "dream team" of 29 economists and psychologists who are now advising the White House. We talk with Grunwald, one of those advisors and others about how the process works. Does it preserve or limit the opportunity to choose? Is it psychological trickery that smacks of Big Brother or a subtle new form of leadership in a complex and confusing world?
To the Point
The Behavioral Science behind Obama’s Politics of Change Barack Obama wants all Americans to change their behavior, to make "better" choices about money, health and the use of energy. In his campaign, and now in his White House, he's relied on 29 behavioral scientists to formulate ways of "nudging" us all to accomplish his goals. We talk with one of those advisors and others about how the process works. Does it preserve or limit the opportunity to choose? Is it psychological trickery that smacks of Big Brother or a subtle new form of leadership in a complex and confusing world?
Recommended
To the Point
Janesville and the American Dream Janesville, Wisconsin is the hometown of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. But he couldn’t prevent the closing of the General Motors factory after 100 years. On this Memorial Day rebroadcast of To the Point, we hear what’s happened to what once was a model of American middle-class unity.
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.