Summary

One in this series that focuses on the effect of government decisions and news stories on black Americans. This episode was aired in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Host Randall Pinkston introduces his guest, Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), and the week's panel: Clarence Page of the Chicago Tribune, DeWayne Wickham of USA Today and Gannett News Service, and syndicated columnist Armstrong Williams. In response to questions from the panelists, Meeks talks about the threat of war against Afghanistan, identifying other nations that might be targets of President George W. Bush's offensives. He also discusses the United States' diplomatic relations with Pakistan and India. Economist Margaret Simms then speaks with Pinkston and the other guests about the state of the American economy. Simms pinpoints sectors of the economy that have been hit hardest in the wake of the attacks, and she emphasizes the importance of consumer spending. The guests give varying opinions on Congresswoman Barbara Lee's (D-Calif.) vote against U.S. military action in response to September 11. They also share their thoughts on changes in American society, specifically what Pinkston calls "fewer civil liberties in exchange for, presumably, heightened security." Commercials deleted.