To The Point!, with Guest Host Mike Riley To The Point! – International: Alternative forms of energy, will they save the world? National: Could the slump in the housing market cause the economy to stall? State: Banning smoking in public places. Local: Burnside as a one way street. Is it a good idea?To view the video, click on the button with the triangle on the bottom left of the viewer.
Topics International – (Richard Donin) Portugal announced the completion and start-up of one of the largest solar power installations in the world. The automated power station produces 20 gigawatts of power each year. Solar power is probably not the answer to Oregon’s energy needs, although Oregon State University is getting close to testing an ocean wave, power generation system. Are efforts like these going to save the world from its insatiable thirst for fossil fuels or are the just symbolic efforts?National (Bina Patel) With the rising epidemic of home foreclosures, many economists have expressed concerns that trouble in the sub-prime market, the mortgage market for people with poor credit, could worsen the slump in the housing market and cause the economy to stall. The typical foreclosure rate is around 5%, but has been above 20% in the sub-prime market. Is this an acceptable cost of offering financing to poor credit risks or are we risking another next Savings & Loan-type bailout?And what happens if we see a big burst in the bubble of rising home values?
Statewide (Al Young) The City of Portland and even the Oregon legislature is considering banning smoking in public places, due to fears that second-hand smoke causes diseases and costs millions in lost productivity and health care expenses. Should the legislature pass a smoking ban for all public places at the same time it’s considering a cigarette tax increase?
I hear that the Schumachers are opening up a tobacco, trans-fats and ATV store. Why didn’t the founding fathers put some of these things in the 2nd Amendment?
Local (Richard Donin) A discussion has been underway to remake West Burnside into a couplet with two one-way streets. The Portland City Council unanimously approved money to begin the design work, despite local opposition from residents, businesses, and everyone else who’s sick and tired of having the downtown torn to pieces. The City’s own Planning Commission opposes the plan. Is this another example of the City Council trying to leave its mark on the city, without regard to the desires of its citizens?
Will this be like the tram? Unpopular until it’s done?
If you would like to watch this directly through Google Video, or download the code to imbed it in your web site, go to:
