Here are this week’s topics on InterCHANGE, Friday night at 6:30, with a repeat broadcast Sunday morning at 11:00 on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10:
1 – Economy / Presidential Race.
The Milwaukee Journal financial writer had a great lead line in her article this morning. “Once again Wall Street got what it wanted. Once again, it wasn’t enough.” No matter what the government does, no matter how much money they pledge to pump into the system, it doesn’t seem to be doing any good. Are people simply afraid to trust the policy makers and politicians who stood by and watched as we got into this mess? Is that why they are pulling their money out of the stock market? Are you starting to wonder if maybe they’re all wrong and there will be another depression? Has the financial crisis hit home for most Americans yet? Are you confident that in a few months, or maybe a few years, things will bounce back to “normal”, whatever that is? Does the average American even understand what the factors are that are causing this financial crisis?
2 – Milwaukee Buses.
The Milwaukee County Sheriff is joining the bus drivers union in calling for protective shields to keep the bus drivers safe and away from dangerous riders. This, after a number of recent beating incidents aboard busses. Is this a reasonable request? Should there be a security agent stationed on every bus? Should the county get completely out of the bus business? Is this a good argument for contracting, rather than expanding, bus service? Should rates be increased to cover the costs of additional security? You can’t have a community where people are afraid to get on the buses, can you? Or, are we already at that point.
3 – UW Band.
Last weekend, for the first time in forty years, there was a UW Badger football game without the presence of the UW band. Because of alleged hazing incidents, including drinking and apparent inappropriate sexual shenanigans (harassment?), the 300 band members were suspended from performing. The school sent a letter to parents explaining (sort of) what is going on. Is the school being forthright with the community in this matter? Was it fair to impose a penalty on all 300 kids? Was it admirable that the school sent the parents a letter urging them to talk with their children when most of these kids are legal adults? Should the parents have been notified at all? Is Madison simply trying to do what it can to address its problem image of a party school? Aren’t band members about the last group of kids you’d expect to have behavior problems?
