- Social:
historian and writer
Historian and writer in the African Griot tradition, he blogs at Black History 360 and Southern Perlo
PROFILE
Walter Rhett
Guest
FROM Walter Rhett
To the Point
Charleston Grapples with Mass Killing at Historic Church Just 14 hours after nine people were killed during prayer service a historic black church in South Carolina, 21-year old Dylann Storm Roof was arrested at a traffic stop 200 miles away in the town of Shelby, North Carolina. He's reported as saying he wanted to kill black people. Charleston Police Chief Gregory Mullen voiced appreciation for "all the people who came together during a very tragic situation, a horrific situation. And one that has touched the heart and soul of every person who lives in this community." The federal government has opened a hate-crime investigation. We hear how the victims are being remembered and get President Obama's reaction .
Which Way, L.A.?
The Politics of Race in the Era of Barack Obama Barack Obama is the first black man elected President of the United States. Nobody can deny that constitutes progress toward Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of a "colorblind" society. But others call Barack Obama a Muslim who was born outside the country. What role does race play in American politics? In the re-election campaign?
To the Point
Dr. King's Dream and American Politics Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed of a colorblind society. Forty-three years after he was gunned down, the first black president is running for re-election. Barack Obama has been criticized by African-Americans, including Cornell West and Tavis Smiley, for failing to focus more on the problems of black people. Republican challengers have called him a " food stamp president " who doesn't "understand America" and wants to "transform" it into a "socialist" country. Is that political code implying that a black man is different from other Americans? Is race still very much a part of American politics?
Recommended
To the Point
The Trump agenda: where's the beef? President Trump says big things are happening. After celebrating a House bill on health care, he doesn’t yet have Senate agreement. With James Comey’s public testimony scheduled tomorrow, the President today tweeted his selection of a new FBI Director. Is the Chief Executive all style and no substance? Later, terror attacks in Iran and conflicting claims about who’s behind them.
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
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
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.