should the rich pay more tax?

Hi from Ros in Phoenix.Plenty below including today’s subjects, a little on why we’re here in Phoenix, how to listen to Saturday’s show from San Francisco, and my personal campaign to get better lighting in American hotels. So all absolutely vital.

SHOULD THE RICH PAY MORE TAX?
That’s what America’s second richest man Warren Buffet says. Do you agree? Do the richest people in your country make a fair contribution? And if you think rich people should pay more, explain why they have to give a bigger proportion of their income than everyone else?

PHOENIX SIGHTS

The landing into Phoenix’s self-styled ‘Sky Harbor’ played on all my Dan Dare-fuelled fantasies of space travel.The vast dusty red Arizonan desert is broken up as it reaches skyward into vast mountain ranges and plunges into craters and canyons. It looks other-worldly. Then over one last set of mountains comes Phoenix with its tightly organized grid system, using roads to box factories, houses and scrub-land into strict formation. And above the highways, business parks and town-house complexes, planes queue to land at the airport which is right in the centre of the city.

True the massive freeway billboards advertising America’s big brands that are visible as you approach the runway, slightly undermined my visions of space travel, but when you consider President Bush’s Mars ambitions, maybe they weren’t so far-fetched.

WATER IS THE NEW OIL

This is America’s fifth largest city and with no shortage of desert to spread out over, it has one of the lowest population densities of the big US conurbations. As my co-host today Steve Goldstein from KJZZ put it, ‘we’re not short on space here’. But what Phoenix is short of is water. It’s the issue that is head and shoulders above all others on what people want to talk about.

The Arizona Republic newspaper’s front page yesterday declared – ‘It’s nearly November – and it’s 100 degrees’. Ask anyone who’s lived here for a while and they have anecdotes about how it’s hotter and drier than it used to be. Combine that with population growth and water is not something to be taken for granted they say.Concern about water and how we ensure we have enough of it is not only the concern of Arizonans – we know because so many of you responded when we discussed this from Portland on World Water Day earlier in the year. I also remember when we were in India a 20 year court battle over which provinces were allowed access to a major river was resolved. That was all about needing more water…. and there are many examples.  It outlines the many concerns around the world better than I can in a few paragraphs here.Is water a commodity we need to treat with more care? Or is this melodramatic scare-mongering getting in the way of far more pressing matters such as finding new energy sources?

WHY ARE WE IN PHOENIX?

The BBC is always looking to develop its relationships with other broadcasters around the world – that was one of the reasons we were working with SAFM a couple of weeks back in South Africa – and that’s why we’re here. We were always going to be going to San Francisco and once that show was set up, there was interest from the people who distribute BBC shows in the States for us to come and visit KJZZ and so we have. Whatever the reasons, it is fascinating to be here. We’ve spent the past two days speaking with people and I think you’re going to enjoy having them as our hosts for a day.

SAN FRANCISCO SPECIAL
The show is in addition to our five regular programmes this week. It’s on at our usual time on Saturday, but for those of you who listen to us on a local broadcaster, you may not get to hear it.   We’ll be talking about climate change.  I’d invite you along, but we’ve no tickets left.  Of course you’re more than welcome to join us all the usual ways – phone, text and so on.AMERICANS – WHERE’S THE BIG LIGHT?
Just a quick question for those of you in the States. Why do none of your hotels have main lights? Is this a cultural phenomenon that I’m just not getting? Is lighting a room with one bulb frowned upon? I have to spend about ten minutes turning on lots of side lights just to see what I’m doing whenever we do trips over here. Probably not a subject we’ll be devoting large chunks of the show to, but I thought I’d ask.Speak to you later.

live in phoenix, arizona & a few stories from London

Hi it’s James here, blogging from London. 

Half the team are asleep, getting some vital shut-eye before the broadcast from Phoenix.  We’re LIVE from 1700GMT.  We’re having our meeting in a few hours time – so ahead of that, do you have any thoughts or ideas that you’d like to discuss with us and our Phoenix audience?  Do let us know by posting here or calling us to join the meeting at 1300GMT on +44 207 557 0635.

I’m sure the team over there will be bursting with ideas, and we have a few of our own here in London.

SHOULD THE RICH PAY MORE TAX?
I was fascinated to read a comment from America’s second richest man, who said he wants to pay MORE tax, after complaining he pays less than any of his staff, including the receptionist.  Famous investor Warren Buffet – who’s worth $52bn – reckons the Bush administration’s got it all wrong and is heavily taxing the wrong people.  Is he right?  Should the rich pay more? 

TWO STORIES FROM BURMA
After an uneasy lull, Burma’s back in the headlines today.  A Human Rights Watch report suggests children as young as ten are being forcibly recruited to the Burmese army.  The report allege senior generals have tolerated the blatant recruitment of child soldiers.  Meantime, around 100 Buddhist monks have rallied in public for the first time since the recent pro-democracy protests were crushed.   We heard accounts of Burmese people last week, but would you like to hear more from there – is the rally significant and what is the mood changing once again?

RENDITION IS OK?
The director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, Michael Hayden, has defended the methods it uses to interrogate terror suspects. Mr Hayden said programmes such as extraordinary rendition produced what he described as “irreplaceable intelligence”.   To what extent should terror suspects be interrogated?  Do extreme measures actually yield tangible results? 

BLACKWATER IN IRAQ
Private security firm Blackwater’s back in the news.  The US State Department yesterday confirmed it had granted “limited immunity” to Blackwater guards who have been accused by Iraqis officials of murdering 17 Iraqis in a public square in Baghdad.  We recently looked at the question of immunity – should we return to this subject?

SHOULD THE US END ITS CUBA EMBARGO?
I know the team over in Phoenix are quite interested in this one. 

It’s been going on since 1960 and President Bush says it’ll carry on until the Cuban government ends its ‘monopoly’ on power.

But not for the first time the US and UN aren’t on the same page.

For the 16th consecutive year, the UN General Assembly has this week passed a resolution calling for the embargo to end. Is it right to?

INTEREST RATE CUT?
Iain from the team is interested in the Fed’s interest rate announcement later today. It happens as we’re on air and could have worldwide ramifications for the housing and savings markets. If you’re in the US what significance would a 0.5% cut have on you? Thoughts please

SAUDI – WHAT’S THE UK DOING ?

We’re off air now, but you can still post your comments below.

Greetings Have Your Sayers — two topics today, for you to get your teeth into, both from the Middle East. 

WHY IS THE UK BEING SO NICE TO SAUDI ARABIA ?
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has been welcomed ceremonially to Britain by the Queen, with a state banquet at Buckingham Palace later today. The Liberal Democrats here, and a number of charities said the visit should not take place because of the kingdom’s poor human rights record. King Abdullah caused controversy by accusing Britain of not doing enough in the fight against terrorism. The king’s trip marks the first visit by a Saudi monarch in 20 years. His visit began on Tuesday when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh met him in Horse Guards Parade, where he reviewed a guard of honour before heading for the palace in carriages. WOOPS On Monday, the British Foreign Office minister Kim Howells called for Britain and Saudi Arabia to work more closely together, despite their differences. He said the two states could unite around their “shared values”. But the Foreign Office was later forced to rebut the king’s claims that Saudi authorities had provided information which could have averted the terrorist attacks here in London on July 7th 2005. So, our question today:

WHAT CAN THIS VISIT TO LONDON ACHIEVE ?
Can it lead to freedom and democracy in Saudi Arabia ? One e-mailer to the BBC has already said “Al Saud are our leaders, they are just, and they implement Sharia laws which we all accept as Moslems. The majority of Saudis love the Monarchs and we confer acceptance on each king upon his coronation” — so, is there any way this trip could dent the kings popularity at home ? Another e-mailer (this time from the UK) says “We accept them, but they cant accept us? Insane!”

WHAT DO YOU THINK ? Contact details down the bottom

Also today: EGYPT IS GOING NUCLEAR. President Hosni Mubarak has said Egypt is to build a number of nuclear power stations to generate electricity. Mr Mubarak said he had decided to go ahead with the programme because energy security was such an important factor in Egypt’s development. Egyptian officials announced plans last year to revive civilian nuclear activities but at the time they spoke of building a single power station. The United States said it would offer its co-operation in the project. But US officials insisted there were no comparison between peaceful use of nuclear technology by Egypt and Iran’s controversial nuclear programme. Is that fair ? Why does the West say it’s OK for some countries to go nuclear (India, now Egypt) but not others. Double standards ? Or a carefully assessment of risk versus need – Egypt needs power. Fact.

As ever the contact details

WORLDHAVEYOURSAY.COM TEXT: +44 77 86 20 60 80 PHONE: +44 20 70 83 72 72 Later, Peter

PS don’t forget a special show tommorow, live from Phoenix, Arizona in the US. Ros and half the WHYS team are setting up as we speak. We could tell you the talking points, but that would spoil the surprise. Or you might think that 24 hours before transmission we dont actually KNOW what the topic is going to be. No. It cant be. Wash your mouth out Dobbie. 1700 GMT, on a radio near you. Peter

Do we overprotect our children?

We’re off air now, but please keep posting your comments.

IS YOUR CHILD SAFE. RIGHT NOW. IS HE, OR SHE, ACTUALLY SAFE ?

Today we’re devoting a big chunk of the programme to a question: do you protect, or rather overprotect your children.The reason I ask is that youngsters are missing out on their childhood because we do just that: we bubble-wrap them, to keep them safe. A child play expert is claiming a reluctance to let children take risks could stop them developing vital skills needed to protect themselves. Tim Gill’s new book says that instead of creating a “nanny state” we should build a society where communities look out for each other and youngsters. The book explores several key areas, including children’s play, anti-social behaviour and fear of strangers. In No Fear: Growing Up in a Risk Averse Society, Mr Gill argues that childhood is being undermined by the growth of risk aversion and its intrusion into every aspect of children’s lives. Some parents are afraid of letting their children play unsupervised.But through encountering risks, children learn how to overcome challenging situations, nurturing their character and fostering a sense of adventure, resilience and self-reliance. Mr Gill says that restricting children’s play limits their freedom of movement, corrodes their relationships with adults and constrains their exploration of physical, social and virtual worlds.What do you think ? Do you worry for your childrens safety ? What lengths WOULDN’T you go to to safeguard your kids ? Let us know your opinion.

BLOOD, GUTS, GORE — YES PLEASE.

Also, not on the show as such, but more of a talking point. Remember the original Haloween movie with a young Jamie Lee Curtis being chased around by a man in a mask, slashing all and sundry, like death was on special that day. Buy one, get one free. Slashers Are Us. Anyway, that movie is 25 years old this week, and there’s a special 4 CD boxed set being released too. It all comes together with the new Cronenberg film — a man known for his blood, guts and dark themes. It’s called Eastern Promises, it’s set here in London and is based around a story about the Russian Mafia. It’s dark too, sinister and as one of the guys in the WHYS office said this morning “when it’s gory, it’s REALLY gory”. MMMmmm, yes well….

What occurs to me is that films have become so much more violent since the original Haloween a quarter of a centuary ago, but WHY ? Are we all immune to violence, is it a male thing, do we need violence on screen because of our own bottled-up emotions that we cant get rid of any other way ? There’s no delicate way to ask this but why do we like blood and guts — the more blood and guts the better. You go to any cinema multiplex and I bet you 2 of the 6 films wouldn’t be anything you want your children to see. But we grown ups flock top them, or do we ?

Tell us what you think, as ever via the usual contact details.

BBCNEWS.COM/WORLDHAVEYOURSAY

TEXT: +44 77 86 20 60 80

PHONE: +44 20 70 83 72 72

Later, Peter

Do we ‘mollycoddle’ our children?

A childhood expert says that the over-protection of today’s children means they miss out on vital experiences and don’t learn how to look after themselves.  

In a book published today, Tim Gill  a former British government adviser on children — argues that society is “bubble-wrapping”‘ children and exaggerating the risks they face.

Mr Gill adds that the level of playground bullying is being exaggerated and children must learn to cope with name-calling and teasing to help them develop resilience.

Is he right? Do you remember having more freedom, or should that be less protection as a child?  Is this zero-risk attitude damaging our youngsters? 

We’d like to hear your views.    

Child labour.

Meanwhile fashion chain Gap has withdrawn from sale children’s clothing allegedly made using forced child labour in India.  But does ethical shopping help children in poor countries?

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has accused Britain of not doing enough to prevent international terrorism. He was speaking ahead of a state visit to the UK – the first by a Saudi monarch for 20 years – which begins today. King Abdullah also told BBC News that Britain had not made full use of intelligence provided by the Saudis

But some would say that Saudi Arabia needs to get its own house in order before criticising others. One British opposition leader is boycotting the official trip because of Saudi’s “human rights record is appalling”.

Where do you stand?

And is she the new Evita?  Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, the wife of the outgoing president of Argentina, has become the first elected woman president of her country.

Should we confront prejudice?

What sort of reaction do you have to this picture?  The poster is part of an anti-discrimination campaign launched by Tuscany’s regional government. 

It’s accompanied by the slogan “Sexual orientation is not a choice”.  Thousands of these posters have been printed and will go up on city walls and public offices around the Italian region.

Some gay rights groups have welcomed the campaign – but conservative politicians have condemned it.

Is this kind of campaign going a step too far in confronting prejudice?  Or are shock tactics the only way to confront prejudice?  And, should we confront prejudice?

We’re talking about this on today’s show at 1700GMT – leave a comment and if you want to take part, then please leave your contact details (these will not be visible). 

Posted by: James (WHYS) 1.24pm

Iran Sanctions

The US has stepped up its sanctions on Iran for “supporting terrorists” and pursuing nuclear activities.Iran in turn has accused Washington of a hostile act, while the Revolutionary Guard — singled out for special treatment by America — declared itself ready to fight if necessary.

Is it time to put more pressure on Iran or is this a prelude to war?

Humanity at risk

The speed at which mankind has used the Earth’s resources over the past 20 years has put “humanity’s very survival” at risk were told this morning.

The bleak verdict on the environment was issued as an “urgent call for action” by the United Nations Environment Programme, which said that the “point of no return” was fast approaching.

How concerned are you.

Monkeys

Meanwhile our closest relatives are under unprecedented threat because of us.

Colombia Elections

Municipal elections across Colombia this weekend will take place in a climate of fear created by armed groups that have murdered at least 26 candidates across Colombia and threatened many more.

So in an attempt to lighten the gloom how about this?

Anthems

Now have you ever heard the Spanish National Anthem? You may have noticed that it doesn’t have any words…? Well in Spain today is the deadline for entry into a competition to decide on lyrics for The Spanish Marcha Real (Royal March) national anthem, which has been played without words since the death of former dictator General Francisco Franco in 1975.  That got me thinking would you like to change the lyrics of your national anthem?

Why not send us the first verses of a new anthem for your country… We could read them on air, throughout the programme.

post here: http://www.worldhaveyoursay.wordpress.com

or email us:  worldhaveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

Giving your kids a smack

We’re off air now but you can listen again here and post below.

**WE’RE STILL FIXING THE BBC BLOG, SO POST RIGHT HERE
http://worldhaveyoursay.wordpress.com/

Just want to say thanks to Anna in Sweden for sending a very touching and personal account of her struggle to have children. And to Alma in the US who says I should consider not having children at all, because of the kind of world they’d have to live in. Much food for thought….!Well, it’s kids again today, but we’re not discussing the merits of having or not having them…What on earth you do when they misbehave? How many of you have had your child throwing a tantrum in public, refusing to listen, demanding attention, or a toy? How do you discipline them?

IT’S RIGHT TO GIVE THEM A GOOD SMACK

It works, right? Your child pays attention, knows you’re in charge, and usually stops being belligerent. Older kids who constantly talk back and constantly challenge you know you’re serious if you give them a smack. But if you do already smack your child, what is and isn’t acceptable? Can you hit them anywhere but the face? How hard is hard enough?What if you banned smacking, as some countries have already done? How would you enforce such a law? Do you inspect children at school and report their parents to the police? If you were a teacher facing such an obligation, would you feel duty bound to follow the law? Or would you talk to the parents first?

Here’s the story
Here’s the background
Post your comments here
http://www.worldhaveyoursay.wordpress.com

BURMA CALLING

It’s been a month since the protests in Burma were brutally suppressed. Here at the BBC, we’ve been trying to hear from people inside the country to find out how the crackdown has affected them. Despite the odds, one of our producers has managed to communicate to people by email. The link is below. We’ll hear from her and we want to know what you think of the news that Aung Saan Suu Kyi has met Burmese military leaders in Rangoon.Here’s the story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7061458.stm
Read personal experiences here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7058610.stm
Post here: http://worldhaveyoursay.wordpress.comSUBSCRIBE TO THE WHYS PODCAST: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/whys/
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October 31 – Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Anthems

Have you ever heard the Spanish National anthemhttp://spainforvisitors.com/Article178.htm

You may have noticed that it doesn’t have any words…?Well in Spain on Friday it is the deadline for entry into a competition to decide on lyrics for The Spanish Marcha Real (Royal March) national anthem, which has been played without words since the death of former dictator General Francisco Franco in 1975.

That got me thinking would you like to change the lyrics of your national anthem?

Why not send us the first verses of a new anthem for your country… We could read them on air, throughout the programme.

Post your comments here: http://www.worldhaveyoursay

Burma

Earlier today Aung San Suu Kyi was taken from her closely guarded home and driven to a state guesthouse in Rangoon. It’s believed she met a government minister who was recently appointed as a liaison between Burma’s democracy icon and the country’s military rulers. Is this the first sign of breakthough talks?  

 http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/25/asia/AS-GEN-Myanmar-Suu-Kyi.php

Pro-democracy advocates had hoped that last month’s protests would galvanize world opinion and create enough outside pressure to force the junta’s leaders to the bargaining table.   One man I spoke to yesterday told me that: “People in Burma are living with fear but are very angry.  The country is a timebomb and if the international community can’t intervene there will be more uprisings which will be brutally cutdown”.  Is he right? We’d like to hear from you?

 Post your comments here: http://www.worldhaveyoursay.wordpress