The Brian Lehrer Show

Culture Club

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Economists often argue that the richer a society gets, the more secular it becomes. New York Times columnist David Brooks says this view is growing out of fashion as cultural differences become more pronounced the more educated and wealthier people become. Plus: Two views on Silverstein's plans for Ground Zero, NJ lawmaker's bid to curb online anonymity, and calls on whether homosexuality runs in the family.

Listen to the whole show

Mixed Uses

Petra Todorvich, associate planner at the Regional Plan Association
- believes the World Trade Center site should be a mixed use development
and
Nicole Gelinas, contributing editor to the Manhattan Institute's, City Journal
- belives that Larry Silverstein has a good development plan for the World Trade Center site

» Regional Plan Association
» Manhattan Institute
» "WTC rebuilding wrongs: Mike's Guess vs. Larry's" by Nicole Gelinas in the New York Post

Biondi Belief

Kevin Coughlin, technology reporter for the New Jersey Star Ledger
- talks about a bill by NJ assemblyman Peter Biondi that would curb anonymity in online forums

» "Somerset lawmaker may reconsider his bill to limit online free speech" by Kevin Coughlin in the Star Ledger.
» the NJ.com forums that inspired Assemblyman Biondi to introduce the legislation

Culture Club

David Brooks, New York Times columnist and author, On Paradise Drive: How We Live Now (And Always Have) in the Future Tense (Simon & schuster)
- why he thinks culture is becoming more important than economics as an answer to world problems

» "Hillary and the Ports" by David Brooks in the New York Times

Big Brother

Michael Bailey, professor of pyschology at Northwestern University and author, The Man Who Would Be Queen Joseph Henry Press (April 2003)
- on the science of sexual orientation

» Michael Bailey's website at Northwestern University