First, our panel discussion looks at issues surrounding Americas Chemical Weapons Depots. While the country is obligated to destroy most stockpiles (by international treaty), environmentalists and surrounding communities yearn for a more open process that describes the actual risks of different technological approaches and the selection of technologies that will better protect public health and the environment. This panel looks at issues surrounding the state of chemical weapons plants on a national and international scale, specifically analyzing whats going on at the Umatilla plant in Oregon, which is currently planning a controversial incineration approach to destroying mercury-laden mustard agent. Guests for this segment include Richard Condit, Senior Counsel for the Government Accountability Project, and Dr. Paul Walker, Security & Sustainability Director with Global Green.
Then, an interview with Dr. Susan Wood. In 2005, after five years at her position at the FDA as Assistant Commissioner for Womens Health, she realized that politics was playing a heavy role in what should have been a public health decision. Once it became clear to her that the controversial Plan-B pill was being wrongly delayed for approval due to political reasons, she resigned her position on the principle that the FDA should exclusively exist to serve public health.
This episode was filmed on November 14, 2008.
