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It Was 20 Years Ago Today: The Fall of the Berlin Wall
There are huge celebrations in Berlin, as world leaders gather to mark an event that changed the face of the world. It was twenty years ago today that the Berlin Wall came down. In this rebroadcast of today's To the Point, guest host Sara Terry asks whether the past two decades have lived up to the promise of that moment, and how the end of the Cold War era shaped the political and economic realities of today. Also, the Supreme Court considers life sentences for children, and why pro-choice activists are upset with the vote on healthcare reform.
By Sara Terry • • 1h 0m ListenThere are huge celebrations in Berlin, as world leaders gather to mark an event that changed the face of the world. It was twenty years ago today that the Berlin Wall came down. In this rebroadcast of today's To the Point, guest host Sara Terry asks whether the past two decades have lived up to the promise of that moment, and how the end of the Cold War era shaped the political and economic realities of today. Also, the Supreme Court considers life sentences for children, and a last-minute change in the healthcare bill passed by the House has given abortion opponents their biggest victory in years.
Banner image: The individually painted dominos fall in front of Brandenburg Gate along the former route of the wall in Berlin, as part of the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Photo: Axel Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesSupreme Court Hears Appeals on Non-homicide Cases for Youths
Today the Supreme Court will hear two cases that challenge life sentences for children, without possibility of parole, in cases where murder was not involved. Four years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that juveniles who commit crimes before the age of eighteen should not be subject to the death penalty.
Read the story7 minIt Was 20 Years Ago Today: The Fall of the Berlin Wall
It seemed like a fact of geopolitical life that would never change: the Berlin Wall , part of the aftermath of World War II and an unyielding reality of the Cold War. But all that changed in the blink of an eye twenty years ago. In one of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century, the Wall came tumbling down.
Read the story34 minLast-minute Abortion Deal in Healthcare Reform Bill
Late Saturday, a provision was added to the healthcare bill passed by the House that has sharpened the battle in the abortion debate. The provision blocks the use of federal subsidies for insurance that covers elective abortions. It’s been called one of the most significant victories for abortion opponents in recent years.
Read the story8 min