March 2000

Fruit Fly -- Commentator Ralph Schoenstein says that the deciphering of the genetic code of the fruit fly had special meaning for him.

Soft Power -- Commentator Joseph Nye says that whoever leads ths country next needs to understand that one of our greatest foreign policy resources is "soft power"---things such as our values for democracy and human rights, our universities that attract students from around the world and our culture. As we continue to use our "hard power"-- military or economic clout to make others do what we want--we should also take advantage of the influence of soft power. Joseph Nye is Dean of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Adults Without Kids -- Commentator Elinor Burkett says our family-friendly society puts an unfair burden on childless adults. They're forced to pay for the tax benefits, child care, and school vouchers for people with children, and have extra responsibilties shifted onto them because of parental leave and preferential work schedules that enable parents to care for their children.

Word Play -- Commentator Katie Davis writes about all the meanings attached to the word "dag". She says dag's meaning varies with how it's used and who's saying it, but it definitely identifies the speaker as a native of Washington, D.C.

Syria Postcard -- Commentator Gretchen McCullough talks about the anachronistic and ineffectual communication with the outside world for all but the privileged few inside Syria. She says that much of the population is left discouraged and isolated.(3:00)

Census Commentary -- For commentator Marion Winik, the problem with the census is length--she would like essay questions and an opportunity to expand on her answers. She feels cramped by the space provided for "ancestry ethnic origin"--and wants to elaborate on her marital status. 10 years ago when she filled out the census form, she was shocked by her normalcy---but now she's become irregular again and she wants to explain.(3:30)

The Spiritual Equation -- Commentator Bruce Feiler says its been easy to overlook the simple spiritual equation at the heart of the Pope's trip to the Middle East. He says this trip, this pilgrimage, is a reminder that the legacy of a sacred space is not on the individuals who go there---but on the message they take to the world. Bruce Feilers next book is called Walking the Bible --due out next year. (3:45)

HMO Problems -- Commentator Bill Harley gets a sick, but unfortunately the timing is horrible because his HMO is going out of business. So he goes to another facility and discovers what so many in the US already know about the problems with managed care. (2:53)

Aunt Ida -- Commentator Reynolds Price says as a boy growing up, he never really knew his grandmothers. So, he chose his Aunt Ida to be the older woman he would love and the one who would be his refuge from the intensities of growing up. Ida was generous and devoted and he always felt safe with her. Only later did he learn of her problems with mental illness. (3:15)

Ugly Politics -- With accusations and recriminations already flying, NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr foresees a nasty future for the presidential campaign. (2:45)


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