Americas Struggling Economy and The Iraq Troop Surge
Episode Segments
The State of the US Economy
Dave welcomes Mark Vitner, Director and Senior Economist for Wachovia Bank. Mark explains how the US economy got to the point where it is now, but says we are not in a recession, and things arent as bad as people think. Plus - why those tax rebates are like cough syrup - they treat the symptom, but dont cure the problem.
The American Job Front
Dave and Mark talk about the American job situation; how outsourcing isnt as much of a problem anymore, and how people can learn new skills to change careers. Plus cutting or raising taxes: which would help the economy more?
Inflation
Dave and Mark discuss if inflation rates are squeezing the spending rates, if the American public has any confidence in its leaders to fix the problem, and what you should do to make it through these tough times.
Grading the Troop Surge
Dave is joined by Harvard Law Professor Noah Feldman to discuss the troop surge in Iraq; why is it working, and why its success could lead to a long-term troop presence in Iraq. Plus - why Iraq doesnt trust us, what is needed to win over American public support, and Professor Feldmans insight into the battle between the CIA and Department of Defense in the early days of the war.
Vets for Victory
Dave welcomes Army LTC Steve Russell (retired), Chairman of Vets for Victory. Colonel Russell discusses the purpose of his organization, and explains why the public doesnt seem to have a connection to the military anymore.
The Rules of Engagement
Colonel Russell talks about how the rules on engagement have changed in Iraq, how our troops are viewed there, and how he sees victory being achieved. Plus - why he feels the war isnt being fought on the streets of Baghdad, but on the Main Streets of America.
Links to Related Websites
Vets For Victory Official Site
Find out more about how you can get involved with LTC Steve Russell, his fellow veterans and their fight to counter defeatist opinions on the home front in the War on Terror, by visiting their website
Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode
Noah Feldman
NOAH FELDMAN specializes in constitutional studies, with particular emphasis on the relationship between law and religion, constitutional design, and the history of legal theory. Professor of law at Harvard Law School, he is also a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine and an adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. Before joining the Harvard faculty, Feldman was Cecelia Goetz Professor of Law at New York University School of Law. In 2003 he served as senior constitutional advisor to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, and subsequently advised members of the Iraqi Governing Council on the drafting of the Transitional Administrative Law or interim constitution. He served as a law clerk to Justice David H. Souter of the U.S. Supreme Court and to Chief Judge Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He received his A.B. summa cum laude in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University in 1992. Selected as a Rhodes Scholar, he earned a D.Phil. in Islamic Thought from Oxford University in 1994. He received his J.D. from Yale Law School in 1997, serving as Book Reviews Editor of the Yale Law Journal.
Steve Russell
STEVE RUSSELL commanded the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry and was a central player in the hunt and capture of Saddam Hussein. His unit was featured in Discovery's 'Ace in the Hole' and BBC Panorama's 'Saddam on the Run.' Russell speaks across the US and Canada, rallying the American public to support the troops with victory, not just words. Russell turned down promotion to colonel and a war college fellowship to Kingston, Canada to retire from the US Army after serving 21 years in Airborne, Light and Mechanized infantry assignments in the Arctic, the desert, the Pacific, in Europe and in the Continental United States. He served more than 7 years overseas and has deployed operationally to Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. He settled his wife and 5 children in Oklahoma and founded Vets for Victory to combat defeatists on the home front and encourage Americans to support victory in Iraq and Afghanistan. Russell travels extensively as an exclusive speaker for Premiere Speaker's Bureau and is a war analyst on radio and television and in the print media. He serves as the Chairman of Vets for Victory.
