Remembering the '80s

Host intro: Do you remember the 1980s fondly? Lots of people don't. That doesn't surprise commentator Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis, considering all the bad things politicians are saying about them now.

Man of the Year

Host intro: In a couple of weeks, Time magazine will announce it's Man of the Year, an award that goes to the biggest newsmaker of 1996. The smart money's backing Bill Clinton, but Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis has a pick that may surprise you.

Church and State

Host intro: This Christmas, Pete du pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis has a few thoughts on the place of religion in public life, especially in public education.

PTA

Host intro: Among his many ventures, Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis edits an on-line policy digest. It published an article recently that issued a stirring call to arms to a group you might not have thought was even in the fight.

Alexander Lebed

Host intro: Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis recently interview Russian general and politician Alexander Lebed for his on-line magazine intellectual capital.com. Here's his report.

Christmas List

Host intro: People are finishing up their Christmas shopping these days, and Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis has a few gift suggestions in mind.

A Congressional Christmas Carol

As a new Congress prepares to be sworn in January, legislators are reflecting on legislation that they recently passed and are considering new proposals for the future.

Justice

Host intro: A strongly held belief, even when it's wrong, can often prevail over the facts. Sometimes the results are inconsequential. But sometimes, they're poisonous. Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis wants to dispel one false belief today.

Internet

Host intro: The stereotypical denizen of the Internet is a young computer geek, mindlessly surfing for hours through countless websites. Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis says he's with them — although for different reasons.

New Poverty Solution

Host intro: Washington D.C. housing project subsidies run $14,000 per year with a vacancy rate of 21 percent and a 60 percent delinquent payment rate. Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis says compared to private operations, public subsidies are a failure.

Elementary Sexual Harassment

Host intro: Remember the first grader suspended in North Carolina for the heinous crime of kissing a classmate? Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis says we can be appalled, but we shouldn't be surprised.

Firing Line

Host intro: Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis took part in a recent debate that will air on your public television station sometime in the next few weeks. Naturally, Pete says his side won.

Curb the Courts

Host intro: Today, commentator Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis goes back to 1788. That year, in arguing for passage of the U.S. Constitution, Alexander Hamilton claimed the Judiciary would be "the least dangerous branch of government."

CPI

Host intro: If your eyes glazed over and your attention wandered last week when you heard stories about government statistics, Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis says it's time to wake up and pay attention.

Bork Book

Intro: Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis has been looking through Robert Bork's new book Slouching Towards Gomorrah. In some ways, he wishes he hadn't.

FDA

Host intro: Sharing information about new drugs and new uses for old drugs in an essential part of medicine. But Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis says too often the government stands in the way.

Balanced Budget Amendment

Host intro: Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis says a little healthy disagreement among friends is good….especially when future's on the line.

Castro

Host intro: A picture's supposed to be worth a thousand words. Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis just saw one that speaks volumes.

A New Solution for Helping the Poor

Washington, D.C., subsidizes its public housing projects at an average rate of $14,000 per household per year. But even with this generous subsidy, the vacancy rate is between 15 and 21 percent, and tenants have a 60 percent rent delinquency rate.

Bob Dole

Host intro: Bob Dole's doing an Air France commercial. Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis likes it. His only question is, what next?

Modern Military

Host intro: The American military is in the news, with charges of sexual abuse of female recruits and stories about more troops headed for Bosnia and Zaire. Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis says they raise two questions no one seems to be answering. So he will.

EPA

Host intro: Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis says sometimes government agencies get a little too powerful for their own good. And ours. Here's one example.

State Tax Limits

Host intro: One vote that might have escaped your attention last month was on a California initiative. No, not affirmative action or stockholder lawsuits. This one was about taxes, and Pete du Pont of the National Center for Policy Analysis says it's one piece of news that should travel.