Posted on Wednesday 19 August 2009
Two stories about health care in America: in LA, a week-long free clinic at the Forum in Inglewood brought thousands of people to camp out in the parking lot in the hopes of seeing a doctor or a dentist – dramatizing the problem of health care in America today. KIMI YOSHINO will explain – she was there, covering the story for the LA Times. The clinic was organized by the Remote Area Medical volunteer corps, an amazing organization.
Meanwhile in DC, Obama first said he was willing to give up a public option for health care; then he said maybe not. Then liberals in the House said they would not vote for any bill unless it included a public option. HAROLD MEYERSON will comment – he’s an op-ed columnist for the Washington Post.
Also: The “State Secrets Privilege” allows the president to withhold documents and block civil litigation in the name of national security. It didn’t always exist – it was created in 1953. BARRY SIEGEL will explain how that happened — his book CLAIM OF PRIVILEGE is out now in paperback. (Originally broadcast 6/25/08) Update on Obama and the State Secrets privilege from the NY Times HERE and ACLU HERE.
And we’ll also listen to music from Les Paul — he died Aug. 13 at 94. Playlist: “How High the Moon,” “The World is Waiting for the Sunrise,” “Bye Bye Blues.”
