Gays in the Military and Slavery in America

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There are some 40 to 50,000 slaves in America today, and Los Angeles is a center for human traffic. We hear about the anti-slavery activists being recognized here tonight.  We also talk with KCRW’s Matt Holzman, on a sailing ship above the Arctic Circle.  On our rebroadcast of today’s To the Point, President Obama has again promised to revoke “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but legalizing gays and lesbians in the military will take an act of Congress.

Slavery was abolished in America in 1865, but Los Angeles is a center for modern-day trafficking in human beings. The Free the Slaves Freedom Awards are being given out here tonight. We also hear a familiar voice from above the Arctic Circle.  On our rebroadcast of today’s To the Point, President Obama has once again promised to revoke “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but legalizing gays and lesbians in the military will take an act of Congress. We hear that even the Pentagon wants the issue out of the closet.

Banner image: A sweatshop worker called 'Jayne' (2nd L) cries on the shoulder of her friend 'Kanit' (3rd L) during a press conference announcing the filing of a federal law suit by 62 Thai immigrants against "garment contractors." Photo: Dan Groshong/AFP/Getty Images

From this Episode:

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney

Producers:

Christian Bordal, Karen Radziner