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(U.S. Navy)
Today we take a look at the darker side of Ronald Reagan’s legacy. According to veteran journalist T.D. Allman, Reagan’s "Star Wars" mindset paved the way for current struggles against terrorism, both at home and abroad. Then Ofra Bikel, director of Frontline’s documentary, The Plea, on why plea bargains endanger the constitutional rights of defendants, who may be pressured to admit their guilt whether they're guilty or not. And Helen Fielding shares her latest novel.
T.D. Allman
T.D. Allman, a veteran journalist, is the author of Rogue State. He writes: "Ronald Reagan made Americans feel good...But with his 'Star Wars' obsession he started America down the road to strategic defenselessness."
Ofra Bikel
Nearly 95 percent of all people who are convicted of felonies never reach a jury, but instead their cases are settled through plea bargains. Ofra Bikel is director of Frontline’s The Plea. She’s joined by constitutional lawyer Claudia Angelos, as well as Regina Kelly, who’s featured in the documentary. The ...
Helen Fielding
Helen Fielding (of Bridget Jones fame) has a new novel out – it’s called Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination.
Music: "Sirens" Track: #8
Music: "Sirens" Track: #8
About The Leonard Lopate Show
Host Leonard Lopate lets you in on the best conversations with writers, actors, ex-presidents, dancers, scientists, comedians, historians, grammarians, curators, filmmakers, and do-it-yourself experts.
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