Front & Center with John Callaway

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In Prof. Elizabeth D. Samet's English class at West Point, cadets discuss the poetry of Wilfred Owen and Randall Jarrell, and read books ranging from the Aeneid and War and Peace to White Teeth and Catch-22. But why should cadets study literature when it is completely different from the rest of their curriculum? How does it benefit one former student to have the work of Wallace Stevens stuck in his head as he patrols the deserts of Iraq? Join John Callaway and his guest, Elizabeth Samet, for a conversation about the value of reading and imagination in soldiers’ lives. Originally aired 06/26/08.

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of June.

As the 2008 presidential election nears, all of the major candidates have taken steps to burnish their credentials on national security in the eyes of the electorate. But where do they stand on specific issues of intelligence and defense, and how would their respective administrations transform our nation's approach to homeland security? Joining John Callaway: Steve Huntley, Frank Sesno, and Salim Muwakkil. Originally aired 05/29/08.

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of May.

North Korea recently threatened to turn South Korea into a sea of fire, and reduce its neighbor to ashes. After the apparent progress of last fall's six-nation talks, what does this return to nuclear rhetoric mean? Joining John Callaway: Bruce Cumings, Brig. Gen. Joe Ramirez, and Hon. Sung-Hwan Son. Originally aired 04/24/08.

PML Executive Producer Ed Tracy hosts a special retrospective for the Library’s 100th episode broadcast on WYCC-TV in Chicago. Originally aired 04/11/08.

In a bonus video podcast, Ed Tracy hosts a special retrospective for the Library’s 100th episode broadcast on WYCC-TV in Chicago. Originally aired 04/11/08.

With the Iraq war a key focal point in the presidential primaries, Israel garners few headlines. Yet the strategic interests of this long-time American partner are critical to the future of stability in the Middle East. How do the goals and ambitions of Israel mesh with U.S. policy and what are the main points of strategic difference? Join John Callaway for an exploration of "Israel: A Strategic Review". Joining John Callaway: Barukh Binah, Raja M. Kamal, & Saeed Khan. Originally aired 03/27/08.

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of March.

What role should the US military have in over 3,200 high schools across the United States? How does the City of Chicago maintain and support the largest and fastest growing JROTC program in the country, including five Military High School Academies? Joining John Callaway: Michael McConnell, Rick Mills, & Dr. Linda Tafel. Originally aired 02/28/08. (Note: due to a mix-up, this podcast previously had an incorrect program MP3 file. This has been corrected.)

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of February.

As we approach the 5th anniversary of the fall of Baghdad, where do America and her allies stand in the "Long War" in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world? John Callaway and his guests analyze the status of the War on Terror. Guests include: Col. Dan Roper, U.S. Army, Dr. John "Jay" Williams, & Javed Rathore. Originally aired 01/31/08.

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of January.

Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Northwestern University, Charles Moskos is one of today's leading thinkers on military issues. The author of the "Don't Ask-Don't Tell" policy, his books include The Military - More Than Just a Job?, A Call to Civic Service, The New Conscientious Objection, Black Leadership and Racial Integration the Army Way, and The Postmodern Military. His research has taken him to combat units in Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq. Join John Callaway for an in-depth exploration of Professor Moskos' perspective on issues ranging from the draft, to gays in the military to the current situation in Iraq. Originally aired 10/20/05.

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of December.

The Sept. 2007 visit of Iran's president, Dr. Ahmadinejad, to the United States has brought U.S. relations with Iran into sharp focus. Iran's relationship with Iraq and role in the Middle East is complex. What role is Iran playing in the war on terror and in the U.S. role in Iraq? Does Iran's apparent supplying of weapons to Iraqi insurgents justify calls for action against that country? Join us for an exploration of the role of Iran on Front & Center with John Callaway. Guests: Danny Postel, Ahmad Sadri, and Richard S. Williamson. Originally aired 11/01/07.

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of November.

In this special edition of Front and Center, the Library?s Executive Producer, Ed Tracy will interview John Callaway on his extraordinary 50 years in television. After five decades of interviews, panel discussions, debates, articles, books, stage shows, singing engagements and a serious addiction to sugar and salt, John Callaway remains the best pure interviewer of his time. Join us for an evening of spirited conversation, startling new revelations and shocking admissions when Ed Tracy puts John Callaway and his book, The Thing of It Is, Front and Center. Originally aired 10/04/07.

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of October.

Whether it's extended deployment, inadequate equipment or returning veterans with serious medical problems, the National Guard has struggled with significant new challenges since the Iraq war began. Join John Callaway and his panel as they evaluate the health and readiness of today's National Guard. Guests: Major General Randal E. Thomas, Colonel Jill Morgenthaler (Ret.), and Kirsten Scharnberg. Originally aired 09/06/07.

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of September.

Ever since President George W. Bush signed the Patriot Act into law in October of 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, a national debate has raged on whether the act provides necessary tools to fight terrorism or deprives Americans of basic civil rights. Join John Callaway and his panel of guests as they explore the Patriot Act and its impact on American security and liberty. Guests: Patrick Fitzgerald, Colleen Connell, Deborah Caldwell-Stone, and Joseph A. Morris. Originally aired 05/24/04.

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of August.

Executive Producer Ed Tracy and Library Founder COL James Pritzker IL ARNG (Ret.) announce the winner of the first annual Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing, a $100,000 honorarium. Originally aired 07/16/07.

The war in Afghanistan and Iraq has put tremendous pressure on America's ability to deal with the health and welfare challenges facing returning veterans, particularly those with serious injuries. New initiatives have been put in place to deal with inadequate medical care, confusing red tape and financial problems with which veterans must struggle. Are these initiatives working and are they enough? What else is needed to honor the service and sacrifice these men and women provide? Join John Callaway and his panel, featuring special guest Director Tammy Duckworth of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, as we explore these issues. Guests: Tammy Duckworth, Ed Edmundson, and Elliot J. Roth, M.D. Originally aired 07/12/07.

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of July.

The Military has always looked to outside contractors to supply everything from hammers to tanks to airplanes, establishing relationships described by President Eisenhower as the Military-Industrial complex. Today, that list of contractors is growing with the demands of war on multiple fronts, and the contractors are taking on new roles ? such as translator services, personal security, and public relations. Join John Callaway and his panel of experts as they explore and discuss the real costs - and benefits - of military contracting. Guests: Shephard W. Hill, Jim Hiles, and Arthur Cyr. Originally aired 06/07/07.

Hear what programs will be offered at the Pritzker Military Library in the month of June.

As American troops battle in Afghanistan and Iraq in the War on Terror, attorneys, judges and politicians engage in what might be called The War of Law as they consider, litigate and help determine the fate of those captured and detained, in and out of uniform. International Law, Military Law, and Constitutional Law all may apply; but sometimes don't - depending on who is talking. Join John Callaway and his guests as they explore the intricacies of war and the law. Guests: Gary Isaac, Stephen Presser, and Dr. Alberto R. Coll. Originally aired 05/03/07.