7/18/07 The Nation investigates…

At noon tomorrow we will be discussing something we try to return to often: Iraq War veterans issues.

First, an update from Joshua Kors.  You might remember we’ve had him on twice to discuss the work he did investigating the personality disorder scandal.  That is when soldiers wounded in active duty in Iraq were being discharged under Chapter 5-13, a personality disorder.  But personality disorder is a pre-existing condition, and that meant the Army was not responsible for providing disability or medical benefits.  Kors’ investigative work showed that men who were very clearly wounded DURING their service were being cheated of benefits they rightfully deserved by this classification.  His work has attracted the attention of senators who have petitioned Defense Secretary Robert Gates to investigate and who have also introduced an amendment that would temporarily suspend Chapter 5-13 until an investigation can be had.  You can learn more at the website for ABC World News with Charles Gibson, where Bob Woodruff has been working with Kors to continue reporting the story. 

And then…more new shocking investigative work from The Nation.  The Nation has spent the past several months interviewing 50 combat veterans of the Iraq War and these interviews have uncovered what the Nation says is a brutal side of the war and a shocking record of disturbing behavior by American troops.  You can read the report here.  We are going to be joined by the reports authors and by some of the veterans who were interviewed.  Join us for this important show.

-Jessica

07/18/07 Dr. Andrey Bundley

I’ve had people tell me that Dr. Andrey Bundley is the kind of guy whose candidacy should get a lot more press and attention than it does-that he should be a candidate that attracts attention, but his campaign has seemed to ride under the radar.

 I have to admit I am kind of disappointed by the Baltimore mayoral election so far.  When we were working hard on shows about the senatorial and congressional campaigns, I remember thinking, “Wow, I cannot wait to see how exciting the Mayoral campaign is!”  But it’s been sort of quiet and….okay…boring. 

Have people just sort of decided that the interim mayor and thus incumbent Sheila Dixon is going to win?

Well I haven’t–forget that!  Come on people, let’s have a race here!  Let’s get serious!  Let’s get excited! Let’s pay some attention!  Let’s call and write in and ask Andrey Bundley important questions!!!!

I am counting on all of you to restore my flagging civic enthusiasm!

-Jessica

7/17/07 Crime

Five people were shot this weekend.  Two people were fatally stabbed last week.  One of the victims was a 15 year old girl.  A witness in a murder case was shot, and police have charged a 15 year old boy with the crime.

 The murder toll has hit 180.

Do you think the police and the Mayor are doing enough?

We’re going to talk today with Marcie Jones of the Baltimore Crime Blog,Ser Greene of the Ashburton Area Association, and Brian Dale, President of the Ridgely’s Delight Neighborhood Association.

Bring your comments and thoughts to the table….

-Jessica

 

Our discussion of Citizens on Crime in Baltimore began with a conversation with Anna whose husband Zach was attacked in front on his home on June 1^st.  The attack on Zach shows how vulnerable we all are to crime in our city. As a show of solidarity and an attempt to reclaim our streets from violence friends and family of Zach are organizing a Neighbors’ Night Out on Sunday, August 5^th from 2 – 8pm. For more information on this event go to: www.zachsowers.com/neighbors-night-out.php