To the Point

Genetically Modified Foods: The New Transatlantic Fight

Genetically modified crops have been on American grocery store shelves for years. Roughly three-quarters of all US soybeans, more than 70 percent of US cotton and more than a third of all the maize produced in the United States have been genetically modified. For nearly 5 years, the European Union has placed a moratorium on such crops, prompting the US to threaten to bring its case before the World Trade Organization to force the EU to drop its ban. Is the move a case of consumer protection or mere protectionism? Guest host Jim Moret joins an EU commissioner, a US trade policy negotiator, a plant geneticist and a consumer advocate for a look at the transatlantic battle over what we eat. Making News: Justice Department Reveals Its Power and Scope Since the World Trade Center attacks of September 11, the Patriot Act has loosened law enforcement restrictions on monitoring and surveillance. On Tuesday, the Justice Department gave Congress its most detailed public accounting of how it has used those expanded powers to combat terrorism. Eric Lichtblau, who covers the Justice Department for the New York Times, reveals much of what was contained in the 60-page report. Reporter's Notebook: The PGA Gets a "Birdie" She-s the number one female golfer in the world, but that was on the professional ladies tour. The first woman to play in a PGA event in more than 50 years says she just wants to see how her game measures up against the men, but she-s playing with a sponsor-s exemption, and some of her male counterparts say she is taking a spot that should go to a man. The St. Petersburg Times- Bob Harig reports on the controversy over Annika Sorenstam.