To the Point
The World's Biggest Challenge: Feeding Humanity
Some 800 million people around the world are already hungry and millions more face starvation due to the rising price of food. Also, a possible government bailout for two mortgage lenders, and war powers conflicts between the White House and Congress.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenSome 800 million people around the world are already hungry and millions more face starvation due to the rising price of food. We look at the causes and possible solutions to a problem that will plague humanity for years to come. Also, a possible government bailout for two mortgage lenders, and we talk with a former Secretary of State about the President, the Congress and the power to declare war.
Banner image: A woman checks her bag of cheap government rice at a market in Manila on July 4, 2008. Rising food prices in the Philippines pushed its June inflation rate to 11.4%, the highest level in 14 years. Photo: Jes Aznar/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesFannie May and Freddie Mac Struggling
The two mortgage lenders at the heart of America's system of housing finance may need a government bailout. Shares in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac today dropped to their lowest prices in 17 years. Michael Mandel is chief economist for BusinessWeek magazine.
Read the story6 minThe World's Biggest Challenge: Feeding Humanity
The G-8 leaders took heat from Britain's Guardian newspaper this week for discussing the world's food crisis over a 19-dish dinner prepared by 25 chefs in Hokkaido, Japan. Meantime, the World Bank reported that 75% of the rise in food prices is due to bio-fuels.
Read the story35 minNational War Powers Commission Report
The Constitution gives the Congress the power to declare war and names the President as the Commander in Chief. But Truman intervened in Korea and Johnson went to war in Vietnam without even consulting Congress. In 1973, the War Powers Resolution was passed to require such consultation, but everybody agrees it has not been effective.
Read the story8 min
