KPFA

Talk by political analyst Michael Parenti in which he points out how the left separates the ideas of conspiracy and class power. He challenges the views of Noam Chomsky, Chip Berlett, and Alexander Cockburn, and examines conspiracy as it relates to the political and economic context.

Joseph Trento, with the National Security News Service, discusses how the CIA got into a position of power, starting with the Truman administration up through the Bush Presidency. He begins with the origins of the CIA during World War II under the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Its original function was to gather and evaluate information to pass on to the President.

Robert Parry, author of "Fooling America," discusses how the political atmosphere of the Reagan administration made it very difficult to cover developments in American policy toward Central America, particularly its relationship with Nicaragua.

Parry discusses how journalists must battle Washington establishment to cover important stories. The Reagan administration manipulated public perceptions as a means to accomplish indefensible policies, which has grave implications for U.S. political process.

Journalist Martha Honey discusses the results of her investigation into United States intervention in Latin America, particularly Costa Rica. She begins by tracing United States policy toward Costa Rica since 1980, and how it serves as a blueprint for our actions throughout Latin America. Honey next discusses the long-term economic and political impact of United States actions in Costa Rica.

Noam Chomsky, noted linguist and political analyst from MIT, discusses United States foreign and domestic policies. He begins by comparing the Democratic and Republican platforms, cutbacks in education, and the realities which underlie the GATT and NAFTA agreements.