NPR Today 2/15/05

Just a few small tidbits from Morning Edition today...

There was an interesting story about lobbying firms in Washington -- it seems like no suprise, but it helps to be republican these days. The story focused on a firm called Lunquist, Nethercutt and Griles, which is a new K St. firm formed by ex-civil servants. Why should we care? Environmentalists are up in arms because 2 out of 3 of these guys were supposed to be stewards of the land when employed by the government, and were "really benefiting a few with deep pockets" so that when they quit, they could make tons of money in the private sector. As it turns out, that is exactly what has happened.

Next was a report on kidnapping as an industry in India. Doctors have armed guards. Children are vulnerable at school and on the street. Both doctors and children have staged protests. Elections are coming up and kidnapping is a huge issue in the campaign. Police refused to comment for the report, and some think they are part of the problem in some cases. It has become so much like a business, kidnappers have begun offering installment plans. Ugh.

Then there was a report on the TV show "24" -- a TV show that has depicted Muslim Americans as terrorists. Fox has had Keefer Sutherland do a PSA saying that what is on the show is pure fiction and is not meant to harm or disparage Muslims, but according to some interviewed by NPR, that is too little too late. People begin to believe things that aren't true if they watch enough TV. A sad but true fact. Fox refused to comment other than the PSA.

Today Rafik Hariri was killed in Lebanon by terrorists. Accusations are blaming Syria, but Syria claims they had nothing to do with it. Can't wait to see where this goes. Seria out of Lebanon, anyone?