Programme Summaries:
What's the Common Ground?

Each programme has a running time of 30 min.

Common Security: Common Ground between East and West, Hawks and Doves
This video program takes you on a tour of "new thinking" on defense strategy issues. Security experts such as former U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance and former Norwegian Defense Minister Johan Holst explain the core ideas: that security cannot be gained unilaterally but when both sides feel secure; that nuclear weapons have become "non-weapons" and therefore fit into a common security structure; that "transparency," or having the other side know your secrets, is desirable in a world in where security is interdependent. The program traces the idea of common security from its launch by the Palme Commission to a model of its use at the Soviet-Norwegian border, to the future, where common security is applied on a global scale.

Search for Common Ground on Energy
Will America be able to withstand another energy crisis like those of the 1970's and 1980's? This program presents a possible solution to a fictional energy crisis in 1993. Sixty top corporate executives, state governors, environmentalists, public interest advocates and policy makers come together in a simulated Energy Task Force to deal with the problem. Featuring former Governors Mike Sullivan of Wyoming and George Sinner of North Dakota and former EPA director William Ruckelshaus, this program highlights the many benefits that are possible when adversarial groups work together to meet common goals. Narrated by National Public Radio's Scott Simon.

Search for Common Ground on the Middle East
In the Middle East, two peoples share the very same ground and yet their disagreement and apparent lack of sympathy for one another continue to be the most ancient, urgent, and probably most intractable problem between nations. Guest host Louise Diamond, filmmaker and peace educator, takes us through her search for common ground among Jews and Palestinians in the Holy Land. She interviews two families, one Palestinian and the other Israeli-Jewish, who put forth their thoughts and concerns over this seemingly never-ending conflict. Although they may strongly disagree on the appropriate solution, both wish for peace.

What's the Common Ground on Abortion?
A mediated discussion between Kate Michelman, former President of the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL), and Dr. John Wilke, former President of the National Right to Life Committee.

What's the Common Ground on Gun Control?
This program matches Wayne LaPierre, former Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the late Pete Shields, co-founder and former chairman of Handgun Control, Inc. After a presentation of the debate's history, mediator John Marks guides the two men toward clarifying their positions and discovering areas where compromise is possible. While significant disagreements remain, the two guests agree on the desirability of keeping guns out of the hands of felons; they both support instantaneous background checks; and they back anti-crime legislation. Their agreements put forth the possibility that the two sides can take positive steps together to make progress on an explosive national conflict.

What's the Common Ground on Euthanasia?
The question of the "right to die" puts the most profound of all personal decisions into the public debate. Should the incurably ill be allowed to choose death? Should the plug be pulled on life support systems? Who should decide? Is this murder? As our population ages, euthanasia is an increasingly compelling issue. The guests on the this program are Daniel Callahan, former President of the Hastings Center, and William Batt of the Hemlock Society, who together search for common ground. Mediator John Marks guides the two sides towards areas of concurrence and possible cooperation in this disputed question.

What's the Common Ground between Traditional and Alternative Ways of Treating Cancer?
Cancer will afflict one-third of all Americans. Since Nixon's declaration of war on cancer in 1971, tens of billions of dollars have been spent on research. There has been some progress, but more Americans than ever are dying. Are alternative methods of treatment such as group therapy, herbal remedies or meditation valid alternatives to the more traditional chemotherapy, surgery and radiation? Best-selling author Dr. Bernard Siegal of Yale Medical School stresses the connection between psychological well-being and cancer treatment; Dr. Zalman Arlin of New York Medical College favours the traditional medical approach. John Marks leads the discussion in an effort to find common ground on treating cancer.

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