To the Point

Katrina and Healthcare - Two American Crises

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, people without medical insurance are among the most desperate victims. Many of the displaced are getting medical treatment for the first time in years, and in the case of some children, for the first time in their lives. President Bush says Washington will pay the bills, but he's resisting a bipartisan Senate bill extending Medicaid coverage. In fact, he wants cuts in Medicaid nationwide--to help cover disaster relief. Is the White House giving with one hand and taking back with the other? Is America's healthcare system a slow-moving disaster as devastating as a hurricane? We hear from reporters, policy analysts, healthcare advocates and providers, and a doctor who-s been on the front lines. Making News: President Bush Defends Iraq War in Global War on Terror President Bush made what the White House called a "major policy address" on Iraq today. Amid dropping public support for the war, he told the National Endowment for Democracy that terrorists are trying to "intimidate the whole world..." Bill Schneider is senior political analyst for CNN. Reporter's Notebook: CIA Won't Discipline Officials for September 11 Failures The attacks of September 11 are often said to have happened because of the worst intelligence failure in US history. The CIA Inspector General has recommended an "accountability board" to pass judgment on high-level officials, reportedly including former Director George Tenet. But Director Porter Goss says half the officers named in the confidential report have retired and calls the others "amongst the finest we have." Former CIA analyst Ray McGovern now leads Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity.