Which Way, L.A.?
Gays in the Military and Slavery in America
There are some 40 to 50,000 slaves in America today, and Los Angeles is a center for human traffic. We hear about the anti-slavery activists being recognized here tonight. We also talk with KCRW’s Matt Holzman, on a sailing ship above the Arctic Circle. On our rebroadcast of today’s To the Point, President Obama has again promised to revoke “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but legalizing gays and lesbians in the military will take an act of Congress.
By Warren Olney • • 53m ListenSlavery was abolished in America in 1865, but Los Angeles is a center for modern-day trafficking in human beings. The Free the Slaves Freedom Awards are being given out here tonight. We also hear a familiar voice from above the Arctic Circle. On our rebroadcast of today’s To the Point, President Obama has once again promised to revoke “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but legalizing gays and lesbians in the military will take an act of Congress. We hear that even the Pentagon wants the issue out of the closet.
Banner image: A sweatshop worker called 'Jayne' (2nd L) cries on the shoulder of her friend 'Kanit' (3rd L) during a press conference announcing the filing of a federal law suit by 62 Thai immigrants against "garment contractors." Photo: Dan Groshong/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
4 stories'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Comes Out of the Closet
At a gay rights dinner on Saturday night, President Obama repeated a promise he made during last year's campaign, to revoke Bill Clinton's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Now, from the Pentagon's highest levels comes a call for repeal of the ban against homosexuals in the military.
Read the story29 minLos Angeles Struggles over Police Funding in Bad Economy
Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti says "there are no fights right now" between council members and Mayor Villaraigosa, at least over the issue of how many cops make up the LA Police Department.
Read the story5 minSlavery in America
When state and federal agents raided an El Monte garment factory in 1995, they confirmed that slavery is a reality in modern America. Nationwide, some 40 to 50,000 people are being held in various forms of involuntary servitude.
Read the story11 minMatt Holzman, Arctic Explorer
Own Matt Holzman, producer of The Business and voice of The Business Brief , is about as far away from Hollywood as you can get! He's in the Arctic Circle on a 124-food two-masted schooner on an Arctic adventure .
Read the story8 min
