Gov. Schwarzenegger’s special session on education meets today to pass reforms to make California eligible for federal “Race to the Top” grants—link student achievement data with teacher performance data, repeal the state cap on the number of charter schools, give parents at the lowest-performing schools the choice to switch schools, and reward teachers doing the toughest jobs with merit pay. How will the committee accomplish their goals and what opposition will they face?
For what has been the most rock-steady diplomatic relationship on the global scene, the past year has proven to be a little difficult for the United States and the United Kingdom. Public opinion in the U.K. is starting to turn against the war in Afghanistan, and the British national health care system has been a source of ridicule and disdain as part of the American debate over health care reform. Is the British-American relationship still a special one? Patt gets the 411 straight from the British Ambassador.
Can you trust a logo on Froot Loops that says the cereal is a smart nutritional choice for shoppers? That's the question being asked about a controversial new food-rating program that says its logo will help people pick better food. Developers of Smart Choices say people won't eat food that doesn't taste good, and critics say junk food is getting a pass.
Why don't you weigh in?
To say that America’s foreign policy has been complicated since 2001 is an understatement, but the U.S. has entered a particularly delicate time in its foreign affairs. As President Obama weighs sending more troops to Afghanistan; on how to restart stalled peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians; and deliberates on military policy in general, we turn to a proven expert for answers. Retired Gen. Anthony Zinni, himself now directing a military contractor, plays the role of foreign policy maven for us.
"What is happening to our world? What can we do to reverse the damage? How long have we got? And, most importantly - what kind of 'we'? In other words, what kind of people might undertake the challenge? Dedicated ones - they'd have to be. And unless you believe our planet is worth saving, why bother?" That's Margaret Atwood on the ideas that inspired her new novel, "The Year of the Flood," in which she sends up most every facet of 21st century life - politics, religion, science and more.
Patt Morrison is known for its innovative discussions of local politics and culture, as well as its presentation of the effects of national and world news on Southern California.
