On That Point is a four time Telly award-winning current events discussion show on BUTV10. We bring your questions and concerns about today’s most pressing issues to the people shaping them by asking expert guests the things students want to know. On That Point has delved into the Syrian refugee crisis, hosted debates between big oil and clean energy, and covered both national and state elections.
Please Contact:
onthatpoint@butv10.com
Episodes
- Season 27
- Season 26
- Season 25
- Season 24
- Season 23
- Season 22
- Season 21
- Season 20
- Season 19
- Season 18
- Season 17
- Season 16
- Season 15
- Season 14
- Season 13
- Season 12
- Season 11
- Season 10
- Season 9
- Season 8
- Season 6
- Season 0
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On the Trump Indictments Episode 25/8/23Nicola Kachikis and Zainab Zaman discuss the indictments of Former President Donald Trump. Jonny Leonidas examines the prevalence of criminal charges pressed against other world leaders. Features an interview with Boston Globe Columnist Jeff Jacoby.
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On the Deceptions of Congressman George Santos Episode 14/24/23Kevin Boulandier and Allison Ouellette sit down to discuss Congressman George Santos and his rise to prominence. Alex Dowd investigates the extent of George Santos’s lies. Features an interview with Grant Lally, the publisher of the North Shore Leader which broke the story surrounding Santos’s lies. Allison Oullette sits down with Dr. Christian Hart, Professor of Psychology to discuss the science behind pathological lying.
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On the MBTA and Public Transportation (Part 2) Episode 212/5/22In Part 2 of our two part special, Akua Devall and Sam Soman join us again to broaden the discussion of public transportation to the United States as a whole. Mason Jablonsky demonstrates how lacking the United States is in high-speed rail. Features an interview with the Principal Researcher at The Eno Center for Transportation discussing the complexities and difficulties of infrastructure projects.
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On the MBTA and Public Transportation (Part 1) Episode 111/28/22In Part 1 of our two part special, Akua Devall and Sam Soman investigate the disfunction of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. Kevin Boulandier goes on the street to ask Bostonians’ opinions on the MBTA. Features an interview with Brian Kane from the MBTA Advisory Board.
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On Clarence Thomas and Supreme Court Ethics Episode 25/9/22Valerie Wencis and Stephannie Joseph investigate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’s conflict of interest resulting from Ginni Thomas’s connection to the January 6th Insurrection. Nicola Kachikis explains the significance of the debate over Clarence Thomas’s potential recusal from cases related to January 6th. Features an interview with Bloomberg reporter Kimberly Robinson and a panel with legal experts Kermit Roosevelt III and Ilya Shapiro.
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On the Childcare Crisis Episode 14/25/22Alex Dowd and Freddie Hassett take a look into the complex issues facing childcare in Massachusetts and beyond. Kiara Smith investigates the costs of raising a child in Massachusetts. Features special guests Massachusetts State Senator Susan Moran and Dr. Amanda Tarullo.
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Election Special Episode 211/7/20
Election Day special with guests Profs. Alan Dershowitz and Tobe Berkovitz to discuss the implications of Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s addition to the Supreme Court
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Online Learning During A Pandemic Episode 110/29/20
Beginning back in March, the coronavirus pandemic shut down schools across the nation. These forced closures shifted all learning online, with many hoping it would be a temporary situation. 6 months later, schools are still online with no end in sight. Guests include WBUR reporter Carrie Jung, State Senator Jason Lewis, and Heritage Foundation policy analyst Jonathan Butcher to discuss both the societal and mental repercussions that online learning has dawned on children and families across the nation.
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Black Lives and Self-Evident Truths Part II: Changing Attitudes About Racial Justice Episode 47/16/20
On Part II of this two-part BUTV10 special report, George Abunaw and Solange Hackshaw report on federal and state government responses to this summer’s racial justice protests. Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) discusses the national government’s proposed legislative solutions to police brutality and the controversy surrounding the removal of Confederate monuments. Former Massachusetts GOP Chairman Gene Hartigan provides the conservative perspective on the July 14 Massachusetts Senate police reform bill and how America can heal its racial divides. And San Francisco news anchor Noelle Bellow and legendary broadcast journalism instructor Al Tompkins participate in a panel discussion on how objectivity in journalism applies when covering racial justice.
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Black Lives and Self-Evident Truths Pt. I: On Campus Activism and Calls for Change Episode 37/9/20
On Episode One of this two-part BUTV10 special report, George Abunaw and Solange Hackshaw explore how policymakers are reacting to protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Former Mass. Governor Deval Patrick discusses how to reallocate funding for law enforcement and prevent police brutality. NAACP Regional President Juan Cofield and BU student activist Archelle Thelemaque talk about how activism has played out on college campuses. And BU Student Government President Oliver Pour, BU UMOJA President Stephanie Tavares and BU Law School Dean Angela Onwuachi-Willig participate in a panel discussion of Boston University’s response to the recent demonstrations.
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Pandemic Perspective Pt. 2: The World Responds to the Coronavirus Episode 25/15/20
On Episode Two of this two-part COVID-19 special report, Chloe Hudson and Chloe Liu explore the national and international responses to the coronavirus. Former CDC Media Relations Director Glen Nowak assesses the Trump administration’s communications about COVID-19. Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jack Weinstein discusses reactions to the virus from countries around the globe. Haley Chi-Sing sits down with BU journalism students to talk about reporting in the age of the coronavirus. And NPR and WBUR producer Ciku Theuri shares how she has approached reporting on the pandemic.
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Pandemic Perspective Pt. 1: College and COVID-19 Episode 15/14/20
On Episode One of this two-part COVID-19 special report, Chloe Hudson and Chloe Liu explore the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on college students. BU Economics professor Laurence Kotlikoff explains how students can fight the financial toll of the virus. Nermeen Dashoush of Wheelock College of Education and BU Journalism professor Brooke Williams share their takes on online classes in a new era of self-isolation. And Nick McCool sits down with NBC10 Boston reporter Malcolm Johnson to discuss the ways different generations have confronted the coronavirus threat.
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Legalizing Sex Work Episode 312/20/19
Sex work is a multifaceted industry, and while pornography and exotic dancing are legal, prostitution is still mostly outlawed in the U.S. With new advocates calling for it to be fully legalized, what are the arguments for, and against legalizing all of sex work? We speak to Dr. Barbara Brents, a professor at UNLV and expert on the topic, and Audrey Morissey, a former sex worker who opposes legalization.
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Boston School Segregation Episode 2
Boston Public Schools have experienced an increase in racial segregation. We explore this trend and its implications with Dr. Raul Fernandez of Wheelock College, the NAACP’s Jose Lopez, and Boston City Councilor Kim Janey.
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Deepfakes Episode 110/17/19
Deepfakes are rapidly evolving face-swapped videos that are taking over the internet. We speak with Dr. Gianluca Stringhini., Dr. Yannis Paschalidis, and Dr. Aaron Lawson on how these videos are made and the national security implications they have, as well as how we can stop them from spreading disinformation.
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Serial Killers Episode 25/3/19
Despite their heinous crimes, serial killers hold a certain celebrity status in American culture. But why are their lives and crimes so fascinating to the masses? Are there dangers to sensationalizing these violent murderers? Guests for the Season 21 finale include Professor Douglas Starr, the co-director of BU’s Science Journalism Program, and Sheila Isenberg, author of the book Women Who Love Men Who Kill.
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Toxic Masculinity Episode 13/6/19
Gender roles are deeply ingrained in our society, from how we act in school to the careers men and women choose. Recently, the media, corporations, and the general public have engaged in a discussion about some of the characteristics of traditional masculinity could be considered toxic and should be reevaluated. Guests professor Barbara Gottfried of Boston University’s Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program and Applied Human Development professor and author Dr. Diane Levin.
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Natural Disasters Episode 312/12/18
Recent tragedies including catastrophic wildfires in California and a 7.0 earthquake in Alaska have brought natural disasters into the spotlight. How does climate change worsen these disasters? What can individuals do to prepare for when these emergencies strike? Guests include Professor Sergio Fagherazzi from Boston University’s Earth and Environment Department and Mark H. Landry, Federal Coordinating Officer for FEMA Region I.
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Censorship and Social Media Episode 211/28/18
The First Amendment establishes freedom of speech, but this concept has been hotly debated in the online age. While social media has been integrated into daily life, questions remain about where to draw the line between free speech and hate speech on the internet. How is hate spread online? Do social media sites need to do more to protect users, or should they take a hands-off approach in favor of free speech? Guests include Stacey Dogan, professor at Boston University School of Law, and Niam Yaraghi, professor at the University of Connecticut School of Business.
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Voter Suppression Episode 111/8/18
In the Season 20 premiere, On That Point explores the issue of voter suppression as the 2018 midterms quickly approach. How are barriers to voting changing our elections? What roadblocks exist for certain demographics, such as college students and millennials? Guests include Dr. Colin Brown, professor of political science at Northeastern University, and Nehemiah Dureus, a Boston University student and ambassador for TurboVote, an online voter registration program.
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DACA and Dreamers Episode 24/27/18
Nearly 800,000 people brought to the United States illegally as children have questions for Congress. Since President Trump cancelled President Obama’s 2012 executive order, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the national legislature has yet to pass a bill regarding the former recipients, known commonly as Dreamers. Our guests are Professor Hemanth Gundavaram who is co-director of Northeastern University’s Immigrant Justice Clinic and a Dreamer, who wishes to remain anonymous, about her experiences.
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#MeToo Roundtable Episode 14/5/18
The season 19 premier is a Special Edition of On That Point. The #MeToo movement is discussed in a roundtable format with guests: Dr. Anne Baschke, Joan Venocchi, and Naomi Mann. Some critics of the movement question the legitimacy of particular accusations and challenge their impact on the culture surrounding sexual harassment. Is the movement changing interactions in the American workplace? How does the national conversation influence college-level Title IX enforcement?
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CTE and Contact Sports Episode 312/12/17
In the final episode of Season 18, On That Point discusses the safety of contact sports in relation to CTE, a degenerative brain disease. The question of safety for young athletes playing contact sports has sparked major discussions. What causes CTE? Do these players need more protection against brain injuries? Guests include Dr. Jesse Mez, a top researcher at Boston University’s CTE Center, Dave Boghossian, a former college football player and coach, and three students involved in contact sports.
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Amazon’s HQ2 Episode 210/23/17
With over 100 cities in a bidding war, Boston joins the race for Amazon’s second headquarters. Season 18 episode 2 of On That Point explores the benefits and drawbacks of winning the bid. Guests include Professor Ted Landsmark of Northeastern University and Scott Kirsner of Innovation Leader.
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Conservatism on Campus Episode 19/13/17
In the season 18 premier, On That Point explores attitudes toward conservatism on Boston University’s campus. What challenges do conservatives on college campuses face? Is the alt-right movement harming the image of more moderate republicans? Guests include Jack Moriarity from BU’s College Republicans and former BU student Nicholas Fuentes.
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College Tuition Increases Episode 35/12/17
College tuition for students has risen throughout the country, including at Boston University. Episode 17.3 discusses the factors behind these national increases as well as student reactions. Our guests include finance professor Theadore Chadwick and Dev Blaire from the student group #PoorAtAPrivateUniversity.
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Update on the MA Opioid Crisis Episode 24/14/17
The opioid crisis in Massachusetts has been at the epicenter of state media coverage and the state legislature for some time. Episode 17.2 discusses what has been done to curb the crisis, along with what the future holds for the state. Our guests include members from all sides of the issue: Jack Kelly, founder of the iRecover app; Dr. Lynn Webster, VP of Scientific Affairs of PRA Health Sciences; and Christopher Richard, Project Coordinator of the Drug User Health Project at Victory Programs.
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Immigration Ban Episode 13/3/17
Episode 17.1 explores President Trump’s executive order prohibiting immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries. What are the legal implications of the travel ban? Who do these policies affect? How has Boston University responded? The guests who will address these questions include Provost of Boston University, Dr. Jean Morrison and Sarah Sherman-Stokes from BU’s Immigrants’ Rights Clinic. Also, BU student and Iranian citizen Raya Bidshahri will speak about her experience with the travel ban.
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Recreational Marijuana in Massachusetts Episode 312/12/16
On November 9th, Massachusetts residents voted to legalize recreational marijuana. Episode 16.3 discusses what modifications must be made before the law comes into effect and what changes university students will see. Our guests include: Adam Fine, a co-writer of the ballot initiative, Acting Chief of the Boston University Police Department Scott Paré, and Founder of PayQwick Kenneth J. Berke.
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The Young Vote in the 2016 Presidential Election Episode 211/8/16
Episode 16.2 explores the young vote during the U.S. Presidential Election. Do young voters have an impact on the outcome of the election? How does social media play a factor in reaching this demographic? What issues matter to young voters, and how are candidates addressing them? The guests who will address these questions include Noorya Hayat from the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) and Ajay Mayar from The Blue Lab. Also Matthew Murray, President of the MA Young Democrats, and Joe McKenna, National Committeeman for the MA Young Republicans, will debate about issues that matter to young voters.
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Media Coverage of the 2016 Presidential Election Episode 110/10/16
Episode 16.1 explores media coverage of the U.S. Presidential Election. Is media actually influencing voters? What about this coverage differs from the past? Has the media sensationalized the election? Can news outlets be unbiased? The guests who will address these questions include Professor Mitchell Zuckoff and Professor David Scott Palmer.
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Media and Terrorism Episode 44/29/16
As the Season 15 finale, Episode 4 explores how the media reports terrorist attacks along with how law enforcement has responded to this coverage. Guests include Chief Thomas Robbins of the BUPD, Professor Greg Marinovich, and Dr. Robert Cadigan.
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BU Student Government Episode 34/1/16
Episode 15.3 explores BU Student Government in the aftermath of two impeachments and several resignations in Fall 2015. Guests include Senate Chair Courtney Bold, former Vice President of Internal Affairs Marwa Sayed, and President Andrew Cho.
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Energy in the United States Episode 23/18/16
Episode 15.2 takes a look at current energy policies in the United States, along with their feasibility with the current economy and political climate. This episode also features a debate between environmentalist and oil lobbyist. Guests include Director of BU’s Institute of Sustainable Energy Dr. Peter Fox-Penner, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Petroleum Council for the American Petroleum Institute Steve Dodge, and Communications Coordinator at Better Future Project Emily Kirkland.
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Media in the Primaries Episode 12/9/16
Episode 15.1 takes a look at the advertising and social media campaigns of the candidates running in both the Republican and Democratic primaries. Guests include Harvard’s Kennedy School Professor Steve Jarding, Young Republicans Representative Joseph McKenna, and Christine Lowe, director of diversity for the Young Democrats.
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Race on College Campuses Episode 312/10/15
Episode 14.3 takes a look at race at BU, in light of the protests at the University of Missouri and campuses across the country. Guests include Provost Jean Morrison, rally organizers TeAndrea Jackson and Yasmin Younis, Professor Linda Heywood, and BUPD Detective Lieutenant Peter Didomenica.
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Syrian Refugee Crisis Episode 211/8/15
Episode 14.2 takes a look at the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis, both in Europe and the U.S. Guests include German Counsel General Ralf Horlemann, MIRA Coalition Communications Director Valerie Vande Panne, and Dr. Omar Salem, chairman of the Karam foundation.
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Sexual Misconduct Survey Results Episode 110/22/15
Episode 14.1 takes a look at the results of BU’s sexual misconduct climate survey. Guests include Peter Fiedler, co-chair of the survey task force; Jessica Klein, President of FemCo; and Jake Reiser, PR Chair for Alpha Epsilon Pi.
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2024 Olympics Episode 34/30/15
Episode 13.3 takes a look at Boston’s bid for the 2024 Olympics, and how it would affect the city. Guests include Steve Burgay, Richard Parr, Robert Popeo, and Jonathan Cohn.
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Sexual Assault on College Campuses Episode 24/7/15
On That Point takes a look at how sexual assault policies are being handled here at BU and around the country.
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Community College Episode 13/30/15
OTP takes a look at President Obama’s proposal for free community college.
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ISIL Episode 312/11/14
Episode 12.3 takes a look at ISIL and how how social media plays a role in radicalization.
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Election Special Episode 211/3/14
Episode 12.2 takes a look at the influence of campaign advertising and Super PACs in both the gubernatorial race and the campaigns for the ballot questions.
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Primary Recap Episode 110/22/14
Episode 12.1 looks back upon the trends of the recent Massachusetts primary election, as well as taking a look at how gubernatorial candidates Martha Coakley and Charlie Baker have changed their campaign strategies this time around.
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MBTA Episode 310/2/14
Episode 11.3 takes a look at the extended weekend hours of the T. We examine how it could help business owners, and how Bostonians feel about their city staying open later.
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Minimum Wage Episode 2
Episode 11.2 takes a look at the Massachusetts minimum wage debate. We examine how a minimum wage hike will impact students and businesses.
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Legalization of Marijuana Episode 111/14/14
Episode 11.1 investigates the legalization of medical marijuana in Massachusetts and the trend toward legalization nationwide.
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Data Mining Episode 22/21/14
Data mining provides a personalized web experience for users, but companies are employing user generated information to maximize profit. Is this an invasion of privacy or just good marketing tactics? OTP discusses the issue with experts.
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Government Shutdown Episode 13/20/14
OTP explores the issue of dysfunctional government in relation to the recent shutdown, highlighting the division in congress and how this all looks on a global stage.
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Wrestling Episode 42/21/14
BU’s wrestling team is being cut. Students, athletes, and the coach all have something to say on the matter. On That Point delves deeper into the matter and how this decision is playing out.
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North Korea Episode 3
How has American Pop Culture shaped our opinions of North Korea? What is the likelihood of North Korean attack? And if so, will the American people be prepared? On That Point discusses these questions with guests.
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Boy Scouts Episode 2
The Boy Scouts of America are looking to drop their ban on gay members. Should an organization discriminate against an enitre group? How has this ban affected current and former scouts and leaders? What impact will this have? On That Point investigates.
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Gun Control Episode 1
Should the U.S. create stricter gun laws? Can the government enforce these laws without infringing on our Second Amendment rights? On That Point talks with guests about gun control, in response to the shooting in Newtown, CT that created an impassioned debate across the country.
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Fiscal Cliff Episode 3
What is the fiscal cliff and what does it mean for our economy? On That Point looks at this issue, analyzes how it impacts students and the job market, and discusses possible solution methods currently in debate.
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The Importance of Advertisements in the Election Episode 23/20/14
Are the advertisements used during this year’s presidential election actually important? OTP talks with guests about the effectiveness of these political ads and whether they have had any impact on today’s voters.
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The Israel-Iranian Conflict Episode 1
Should the U.S. and other major powers take action against the Iranian government? How would action affect the principle of state sovereignty and the power structure within the Middle East? OTP talks with guests about the Israel-Iranian conflict and about potential U.S. intervention.
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Proposition 19, The Legalization of Marijuana Episode 1
Wonder what would happen if marijuana were legalized? Hosts John DeFelice, Erin Caron and Tess Hofmann asked just that of BU Professors Dr. Renee Johnson, a youth risk behavior expert, and Christine Rossell, a political science professor who specializes in American public policy. We also asked you to comment on California’s Proposition 19, and brought your opinions to the experts via our On That Street segment.
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Sizzle Episode 19/28/16
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