Which Way, L.A.?
A 'Civilian Surge' in Afghanistan; Political Warfare in Sacramento
Sacramento politics and shades of Willie Brown, Plus, why does the leader of LA's Roman Catholics call the Senate's healthcare reform bill "immoral?" On our rebroadcast of To the Point, the President's escalation of force in Afghanistan will have a civilian component, although he's left it to others to explain the details.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenThe next Speaker of the State Assembly will be a Latino from Los Angeles, but there's a major fight to determine which one. Republicans are talking about "the ghost of Willie Brown." Also, Cardinal Roger Mahony makes the case for illegal immigrants to buy government-sponsored health insurance. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, he President's escalation of force in Afghanistan will have a civilian component—although he's left it to others to explain the details. We'll hear about the hopes for success and the risks of failure.
Banner image: Assemblymen John Pérez (L) and Kevin de León (R)
In this episode
3 storiesAfghanistan and the 'Civilian Surge'
Laying out his strategy for Afghanistan last March, President Obama called for "agricultural specialists and educators, engineers and lawyers…to develop an economy that isn't dominated by illicit drugs." But last week's speech on increasing troops contained only a single reference to a "civilian surge."
Read the story26 minFamily Feud Breaks Out in Speaker's Race
The Latino caucus in Sacramento is growing fast, but it's losing its solidarity. Instead of settling their differences in private, three Latino Democrats from Los Angeles are conducting a very public fight with leadership of the State Assembly at stake.
Read the story18 minIncluding the Undocumented in the Healthcare Debate
Republicans and some conservative Democrats say the inclusion of undocumented immigrants in a government-supported healthcare plan would reward illegal behavior. The House bill would allow them to buy such insurance with their own money. The Senate bill currently bars them altogether.
Read the story8 min
