Web exclusive: US opening second base in Kyrgyzstan

Web exclusive: US opening second base in Kyrgyzstan


The United States plans to build a new military base in Kyrgyzstan, the US originally planned to open the base before Kyrgyzstan's former leader was ousted. US defense secretary Robert Gates says the US will decrease spending, so why are they continuing with this base? Rick Rozoff says that the United States is doing this in order to gain stronger footing in the region, especially in Afghanistan.

WikiLeaks: Heroic or treasonous?

WikiLeaks: Heroic or treasonous?


Will the WikiLeaks leak go down as the new Pentagon Papers? Will history record PFC Bradley Manning and Julian Assange as heroes or treasonous rebels? RT contributor and media expert Danny Schechter said that in the past the Pentagon Papers were seen as scandalous and treasonous. When they were first published the Nixon administration fought hard to suppress the information and attempted to prosecute those who brought the documents to the surface. Schechter pointed out that whistleblowers are hardly welcomed in their time, but that history can record a different picture.

The Resident: Wyclef for president?

The Resident: Wyclef for president?

Following the announcement Wyclef Jean will run for President of Haiti, The Resident asks people in New York City: should pop culture and politics mix?

The 3 Minute Download: George Hemminger, Danny Schechter and Thom Hartmann

The 3 Minute Download: George Hemminger, Danny Schechter and Thom Hartmann

As the United States Federal government continues to lose touch with the American public, is there a potential Civil War ahead? Plus, Bradley Manning who leaked the military documents to WikiLeaks had activists rallying on his behalf today, what will his fate be? Finally, Radio Host Thom Hartmann argued that historically, due to the massive size of the United States, people were viewed as disposable, whereas in Europe people were more closely connected to one another because of the denser population centers.

'Dismantle the welfare state'

'Dismantle the welfare state'

As the United States Federal government continues to lose touch with the American public, is there a potential Civil War ahead? Jacob Hornberger says that US citizens are fed up with the national debt and constant spending but not yet to the point where they will take action. He adds that the government has its citizens believing that we cannot live without this political paternalism.

Web Exclusive: US convicts receive no slack

Web Exclusive: US convicts receive no slack

As jails and prisons in America are filling up, the US might want to re-think their policy towards throwing people into prison. Harold Cook says it is ironic that he is speaking from Texas who has the worst record in keeping people behind bars in the US. In Europe authorities work to reeducate and reintegrate the prison populations. Cook adds that there is a fine line between seeking revenge and seeking justice.

California parole system often dictated by political aspirations

California parole system often dictated by political aspirations

For inmates in the state of California, life without the possibility of parole is often the same sentence as life with the possibility of parole. Even once they are deemed suitable for parole by the California Parole Board, the majority of these inmates end up getting those decisions reversed by California's governor, including women acting in self-defense from abusive partners. Some experts say the reason has to do with the governor's political aspirations.

US Civil War: Fed vs. states

US Civil War: Fed vs. states

As the United States Federal government continues to lose touch with the American public, is there a potential Civil War ahead? George Hemminger (George4Title) says that the Obama administration has continued to polarize the public, Arizona is trying to defend its borders and as the patriot movement gains steam, it is likely a conflict will occur.

No mercy for American convicts

No mercy for American convicts


Reeducation vs. lock-up: what's right for American convicts? In Europe authorities work to reeducate and reintegrate the prison populations. In the US however authorizes prefer to lock them up for as long as possible. Radio Host Thom Hartmann argued that historically, due to the massive size of the United States, people were viewed as disposable, whereas in Europe people were more closely connected to one another because of the denser population centers. Today the US is confronting this issue head-on as US population density increases. The US is large and hosts at least six distinct cultures, said Hartmann, which makes reform even more challenging.