To the Point
Homeownership and the American Dream
President Obama wants big money to forestall foreclosures. Is that a sound public investment? Why is homeownership equated with the American Dream? What's wrong with renting? Also, eight Wall Street CEO's get a grilling on Capitol Hill, and artificial arms controlled by the brain.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenPresident Obama wants big money to forestall foreclosures. Is that a sound public investment? Why is homeownership equated with the American Dream? What's wrong with renting? Also, eight Wall Street CEO's get a grilling on Capitol Hill, and new technology means that artificial arms can be controlled just by thinking about them. We hear what that means for amputees.
Banner image: An eviction team carries out a family's belongings during a foreclosure eviction in Adams County, Colorado. The bank foreclosed on the property and called the Adams County sheriff's department to supervise the eviction. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesEight Wall Street CEO's Get a Grilling on Capitol Hill
For the first time since Washington's $350 billion bailout, the CEO's of eight major banks appeared before Congress today. Democrat Barney Frank was among those who picked up on public anger.
Read the story6 minWhat's Wrong with Renting?
Six years ago, George W. Bush declared that, "owing a home lies at the heart of the American dream." Yesterday, President Barack Obama said that home foreclosure means losing a "foothold in the American Dream," an idea that dates back to the Great Depression.
Read the story35 minMoving Prosthetic Arms Just by Thinking
Until recently, the different movements of prosthetic arms — bending the elbow, turning the wrist and opening and closing the hand — all required separate motors. They were capable of very limited movement, and each to be separately activated. But that's not so any more.
Read the story8 min
