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Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees
Kerik to Take Over for Ridge as Homeland Secretary Secretary; New Report Uncovers Misinformation Taught to Kids About Sex
Aired December 02, 2004 - 19:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANDERSON COOPER, HOST: Good evening from New York. I'm Anderson Cooper.
A New York cop takes over homeland security.
360 starts now.
Bernard Kerik to take over for Tom Ridge. Can a former top New York cop keep America safe?
Sex, lies, and abstinence. A new report uncovers shocking misinformation being taught to your kids about sex.
Hopes raised, then dashed, in the hunt for the BTK killer. Tonight, the latest on what police know about the mysterious murderer.
Scott Peterson in tears while friends and family try to spare his life. A live report from the court.
Martha's stealing crabapples. She's smuggling condiments. The tabloids love it. But is any of it true? Tonight, the facts and the fiction. What's really going on behind those prison bars?
And the conspiracy theory that won't go away. Why some people are so convinced HIV was created by the government.
ANNOUNCER: Live from the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is ANDERSON COOPER 360.
COOPER: And good evening again.
We begin with this developing story. The man President Bush plans to nominate to head the Department of Homeland Security revealed late this afternoon. He's a man who knows an awful lot about that subject, having been New York City's chief of police the day the World Trade Center towers came down.
CNN's Elaine Quijano has more now from the White House. Elaine?
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good evening to you, Anderson.
Two senior administration officials have confirmed to CNN that Bernard Kerik will be President Bush's nominee to succeed outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. Now, Kerik is a person who enjoys the president's trust and who's loyal to the president, has even campaigned with him. Kerik is a former New York City police commissioner, of course, who was a familiar face in the days after the September 11 attacks. And last year he was tapped by the administration to help build the Iraqi national police force.
Now, an administration official tells CNN that on at least two occasions, former New York city mayor Rudy Giuliani actually made personal pitches to the White House on Kerik's behalf, pitches for the homeland security post. And a senior administration official also calls Kerik a, quote, "proven crisis manager who has credibility and firsthand understanding of the war on terror."
Now, if confirmed by the Senate, Kerik would replace, as we mentioned, outgoing secretary Tom Ridge, who announced his resignation this week. But Anderson, the announcement, the formal announcement on Bernard Kerik expected sometime tomorrow, Anderson.
COOPER: Elaine Quijano at the White House. Thanks.
A quick news note now on another late-breaking change in the Bush administration. A short time ago, a spokesman for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth announced that Mr. Danforth had resigned from his post. Now, the official reason given was to spend more time with his wife. Danforth was said to be on a short list to take Colin Powell's slot as secretary of state before Condoleezza Rice was tapped. The former Missouri senator was named ambassador to the U.N. barely about six months ago.
On now to what your kids are being taught about sex, whether they're being told the truth or lies. A new congressional report, which, we should point out, was written by Democrats, says that a number of the abstinence programs paid for with your tax dollars are teaching kids information that is misleading, biased, or just flat-out wrong.
And according to this report, the lesson plans that these groups give to teachers, quote, "are not reviewed for accuracy by the federal government," even though the government's giving them millions of dollars every year.
For instance, one of the groups funded by taxpayers allegedly says that "The popular claim that condoms help prevent the spread of STDs is not supported by the data." Now, the truth, says the Waxman report, citing Centers for Disease Control, is, quote, "Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS."
Reports are filled with many of these kind of examples. Some of these groups are turning the tables, calling the congressional report misleading and politically motivated.
Tonight, we're going to look at all the angles, beginning with CNN congressional correspondent Joe Johns.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Abstinence-only education programs teach kids and teens that the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and avoid catching diseases is not to have sex. Kids who are in the programs, like these Washington, D.C., students, say they work.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This program helps us to make the right decision.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It also teaches us how to be a man.
JOHNS: But a report by congressional Democrats claims some abstinence programs funded with $170 million federal are deceiving kids about condom use and the risk of abortion, hyping the fear factor to scare kids from having sex.
Democrats looked at 11 curricula used in 25 states, and found, quote, "false, misleading, or distorted information." Among the alleged errors cited, repeated use of a disputed study showing condoms failed to prevent HIV 31 percent of the time in heterosexual sex, which government researchers have shot down. And a claim that up to 10 percent of women who have abortions will be sterile. There's no evidence for that.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These programs are completely out of control. They're using millions of taxpayer dollars to provide medical misinformation, to use fear and shame-based messages, in an effort to convince young people to change their behavior.
JOHNS: One publisher of abstinence-only material says the congressional report is misleading and full of inaccuracies and gross generalizations.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He totally ignored studies that show abstinence education truly works and reduces the initiation of teen sex.
JOHNS: But the president of a 22-city abstinence program says she wishes other groups had been more careful.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Because you really don't need to indulge in some of this -- in some of these scare tactics. It's not necessary. There's enough very solid information out there.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
JOHNS: Now, these things are run by community-based organizations, and Democrats studied only a fraction of them. In some cases, the report said, they substituted moral judgments and religious teachings for scientific fact, Anderson.
COOPER: Joe Johns, thanks for that.
Now, you might not think this is a big deal, but keep in mind, as Joe Johns just reported, a lot of money is being spent on abstinence- only education, $170 million in 2005. And the point isn't whether you agree with abstinence-only education, though we're going to debate that in a few moments, but should the government be funding programs which, according to some, are not teaching accurately?
Joining us now from Spokane, Washington, is Leeanna Benn, national director of Teen-Aid Curriculum, a group promoting abstinence and publisher of "Me, My World, My Future."
Thanks for being with us.
And from Portland, Oregon, Rose Fuller, executive director of Northwest Family Services, which publishes "FACTS," "Family Accountability Communicating Teen Sexuality."
Both these organizations were criticized in this report today for some of the information that they are apparently giving out to teachers.
Again, we appreciate both of you being with us.
Leeanna, let me start, Leeanna, let me start out with you. According to this congressional report, your teacher's manual claims that 5 percent to 10 percent of women will never again be pregnant after having a legal abortion. How did you come up with that?
LEEANNA BENN, NATIONAL DIRECTOR, TEEN-AID CURRICULUM: Well, the information came from the obstetrics and gynecology magazine that's printed for obstetrics and gynecologists, and they cite that between 5 and 10 percent of women who become pregnant will only have one pregnancy, and if that pregnancy is aborted, they may not have another one.
COOPER: But basically, you're extrapolating the idea to make it sound as if having the abortion is going to cause them to be sterile.
BENN: That's not -- that's not what we're extrapolating. But that is a possibility. (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: No, but that is what you're extrapolating.
BENN: ... (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: What you're saying is that, if you're saying that 5 to 10 percent of women will never again be pregnant after having a legal abortion, it makes it sound as if the legal abortion is what's going to cause them never to be pregnant again, no?
BENN: Well, there are consequences to legal abortions, just like there are consequences to...
COOPER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE), we're not talking about...
BENN: ... (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: ... whether there are consequences. I'm just saying, doesn't it sound to you as if what you're saying is, I mean, misleading, that what you're saying, you seem to be indicating that it -- by having a legal abortion, 5 to 10 percent of women will never be able -- will be sterile.
BENN: No. Five to 10 percent of women will not have a pregnancy again, is what the -- this says.
COOPER: OK, so you don't think it's misleading at all.
BENN: I do not.
COOPER: OK. Because you also cite -- I mean, I read the footnotes on this report. You cite that obstetrics report, but also this fact, which you say is a fact, also comes from a religious-based book, which is an anti-abortion book. Is that correct?
BENN: No. That's a different piece of information, that we (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: Right, but you cite two footnotes on...
BENN: We have over 1,000 footnotes.
COOPER: Right, but on this one, on this one sentence, you cite two footnotes. One of them -- I mean, I checked. It's a Christian book, anti-abortion.
BENN: It is a Christian book. And we aren't precluded from using materials that are in the general field regarding this material. What one of the things we need to realize is that this information is for the teacher, and that these students are ages 11 to 14 years old that we're talking to. And so they need to have some very simple facts given to them.
COOPER: Right. But I think we would all agree, they need to have facts.
Rose, the congressional report claims that your teacher's manual indicates 41 percent of heterosexual female teens have HIV. And I know we don't take sides on this show, but I looked at the chart that you give to teachers, and it seems misleading at the very least, really, really hard to read, and very easy to misinterpret.
On this chart it makes it look as if of heterosex, you know, of heterosexual teens, you know, 41 percent of females on the top of that list have HIV. Are you worried it's misleading?
ROSE FULLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NORTHWEST FAMILY SERVICES: Well, I'm concerned if somebody's misled about it. It certainly isn't the intention. And if you look to the side that describes the table, it's pretty clear that that number is referring to this very small number of women who are HIV-infected.
COOPER: OK, because you've got to be much smarter than me, because I got to tell you, I read this thing for 20 minutes, and I still don't understand what the text on the side of that chart said. I mean, literally, we sat around in the office today reading this thing, and I couldn't figure it out. And I mean, I'm not -- you know, I only have a bachelor's degree. But, you know, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the education system isn't that bad.
You're saying point blank, though, you're not intending to mislead here.
FULLER: Oh, absolutely not. This is background information for the teachers, and it was not supposed to be...
COOPER: Does the federal government check? Because, I mean, what this report came out today says that the federal government doesn't even check to see whether the curriculum that you're giving to kids and teachers is accurate. Did they check your curriculum?
FULLER: Yes, they did. We do receive funding from the Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs, which is part of the Office of Population Affairs, and they do review curricula for medical accuracy.
COOPER: OK. Leeanna, did the federal government check the accuracy of your curriculum?
BENN: It has a number of times.
COOPER: So you, so you, so you, they're, you, according to them, it's, everything is accurate in your report?
BENN: Yes.
COOPER: OK. Well, obviously, the congressional committee, which we should point out, it was written by Democrats, and there are a lot of people saying this is politics, this is people who don't like abstinence-only. Do you think that's (UNINTELLIGIBLE) that's what is at the heart of this, Rose?
FULLER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
BENN: It's at the heart of the funding issue.
COOPER: OK, Rose?
FULLER: You know, I'd have to say it's pretty clear that the intention is not to say what's really good about abstinence education programs. And I think it's a really important question to ask. Those of us who are receiving federal funding, that we're good stewards of the funds, we're using the funds in the right way, and we're using medically accurate information.
And I would say probably most people are. It's hard for me to imagine -- I can only speak for our own curriculum -- that people who are doing this aren't looking hard and fast, trying to find out the best way to give kids the best information, and to really support them in making good choices. And that's what we're all trying to do here.
COOPER: We appreciate both of you being on the program today. I know it's been a busy day for you. You've been named in this report. We'll continue to follow the story. Thanks very much for being with us.
We should also point out we asked Democrat Henry Waxman, who asked for this report, to be on the program tonight. He declined.
The larger issue, of course, raised by the report is whether or not abstinence-only sex ed even works. Tonight we have two very different perspectives.
Elizabeth Toledo, vice president of the Planned Parenthood Federation, which doesn't believe that abstinence-only should be taught, and in Chicago, Libby Gray, director of Project Reality, which is dedicated to the opposite notion entirely.
Ms. Gray, Ms. Toledo, we appreciate you being with us. Thanks very much.
Libby, let me start out with you. A recent Columbia University study reported that 88 percent of teens who took virginity pledges had premarital sex and contracted STDs at the same rates as those who didn't take the pledge. Are abstinence-only programs effective?
LIBBY GRAY, DIRECTOR, PROJECT REALITY: They absolutely are. In fact, if you look at the national data, 93 percent of teenagers themselves say that abstinence should be taught as the most healthiest lifestyle for them, and parents absolutely agree with this across the board.
COOPER: But does that study say 93 percent say abstinence-only, or just abstinence should be taught?
GRAY: Ninety-three percent of teens say that abstinence should be given a strong message in programs that address these issues.
But to your point, actually, when you look at the national scene, groups that are opposing abstinence education have been getting a monopoly of the federal funding for many, many years.
And so groups like Planned Parenthood and the Sexuality and Information and Education Council of the United States, (UNINTELLIGIBLE), groups that support the Waxman report, have actually been getting a monopoly of the federal dollars, and they've never been asked to evaluate their programs. They've never been under the same scrutiny that abstinence education programs are under right now.
COOPER: No doubt you think politics and very well may be accurate politics may be at the core of this.
Elizabeth, want to bring you in here. Teen pregnancy at its lowest level in almost 60 years. It's obviously occurred at the same time as more federal funding has been used for abstinence programs. Aren't those programs providing a valuable service?
ELIZABETH TOLEDO, VICE PRESIDENT, PLANNED PARENTHOOD FOUNDATION: Well, Planned Parenthood believes in abstinence education. We don't believe in abstinence-only education. We know, and it's proven time and again, that comprehensive sex education is the best way to help teens make responsible decisions and to prevent disease, and, in fact, to prevent, of course, pregnancy.
We know that information that is wrong, too little, or too late has lifelong consequences, and, in fact, can have dangerous consequences. Study after study proves that giving information, good information, scientifically sound information, is the right way to educate our teens.
COOPER: Libby, do you argue with that?
GRAY: Scientifically accurate information is very important. And actually, that's what's so disturbing about this report, is that a lot of the data that they looked at, in our curricula, all the data that we use, and we all, it's, we cite it all, is from the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, the American Social Health Association, (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: So this report that came out today, does it concern you? I mean, obviously you may not agree...
GRAY: Project Reality...
COOPER: ... with all the findings, but...
GRAY: Right. Project Reality does not receive federal funding. But we were cited in the report. Two of our curricula that are used by federal grantees were cited in the report. So it's very concerning that this partisan group is looking at these issues. All parents agree that abstinence is the only 100 percent...
COOPER: OK. Elizabeth...
GRAY: ... effective way to (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: Elizabeth, final thought.
FULLER: This expose showed that federally funded programs, abstinence-only programs, are providing misleading, scientifically unsound information, and that's dangerous for the clients that we're trying to serve. We need to have a commitment to scientifically sound, medically accurate information, and to get rid of the junk that actually can provide a dangerous environment for our kids.
COOPER: Appreciate both of your perspectives tonight. Libby Gray, thanks very much...
GRAY: Thank you.
COOPER: ... Elizabeth Toledo as well.
Covering several other stories tonight cross-country. Let's take a look very quickly.
At the White House, President Bush is holding firm on the January 30 date for elections in Iraq. A dozen Iraqi political parties want the elections postponed, because of security concerns. Mr. Bush says it is time for Iraqis to go to the polls. Cuetown (ph), Pennsylvania, now. A lesbian minister found guilty of violating church law and defrocked. United Methodist jury ruled Reverend Irene Elizabeth Stroud broke church rules by openly living with her partner in a committed relationship. Stroud's supporters say the United Methodist motto, Open Hearts, Open Mind, Open Doors, is hypocrisy.
In California, "The San Francisco Chronicle" reports New York Yankees slugger Jason Giambi, or Giambi, I should say, told a grand jury -- see, I don't know much about sports -- he uses steroids or has used steroids and human growth hormone. The newspaper also says Giambi testified he got steroids from Barry Bonds' personal trainer, who's one of four men indicted by the grand jury investigating the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative.
Also in New York, "Law and Order" star Jerry Orbach diagnosed with prostate cancer. His manager says that he's expected to make a full recovery. His illness has not disrupted production of the new spinoff of "Law and Order," "Trial by Jury," set to debut next year.
That's a quick look at stories cross-country tonight.
360 next, Scott Peterson's family and friends, pleading for his life. He was looking on in tears, apparently. We're going to have the latest from the courtroom.
Plus, an HIV/AIDS conspiracy, or at least a theory about one. A lot of people out there seem to think the virus is government made. We're going to look at the facts. The debate in our special series, Conspiracy Theories: Truth or Paranoia?
First, let's s take a look at your picks, the most popular stories right now on CNN.com.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: at 12:18 a.m. January 29, 2002, California executed Steven Wayne Anderson. He was the last man put to death in that state.
Now, today, friends of -- excuse me, friends and family of Scott Peterson are again asking a jury to spare the convicted killer the same fate.
CNN's Ted Rowlands has the latest now in the penalty phase of the Peterson trial.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Peterson wiped tears from his face, watching his sister-in-law, Janie, break down on the witness stand. Janie Peterson described in detail her memories of both Scott and Laci Peterson, saying Laci, quote, "took my breath away." Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, noticeably left the courtroom during the testimony. Janie Peterson, who has maintained an almost constant presence in the courtroom during the trial, ended by telling the jury, quote, "The one thing we've learned from all of this is how important life is." Janie Peterson was one of a handful of family members and friends that testified on Scott Peterson's behalf.
A former neighbor said Peterson was a well-behaved child, and told the jury that she couldn't put into words the effect a death sentence would have on Scott Peterson's parents.
The jury that convicted Peterson of first-degree murder listened intently but displayed very little reaction.
CHUCK SMITH, LEGAL ANALYST: I think they're praying that one juror will feel so sorry for his parents that they will not pull the trigger, and will not send Scott to death.
ROWLANDS: Earlier, long-time friend Aaron Fritz testified that Scott Peterson was gracious and sincere. Fritz said he and Peterson traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, on church-sponsored humanitarian missions. Fritz said he had such respect for Scott Peterson that sometimes he asked himself, what would Scott do when confronted with difficult situations?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ROWLANDS: That comment raised a few eyebrows with courtroom observers. Clearly, this jury of six men and six women are listening intently. They will decide Scott Peterson's fate. Late today, they chuckled along with Peterson as his brother, John, talked about growing up in San Diego.
At the end of the day, the judge told jurors they should expect to get the case early next week, Anderson.
COOPER: All right. Ted Rowlands, thanks very much, Ted.
Three Iraqis and a U.S. soldier are killed in Iraq. That tops our look of what's going on around the world in the uplink.
Two of the Iraqis were killed in a drive-by shooting near Ba'qubah while another died in a mortar strike in Baghdad. The soldier killed was part of a multinational force patrol that was attacked in Mosul.
Eastern Philippines now, a vicious typhoon. Thousands of people fled their homes because of this storm. It is the worst to hit the region this year. And floods and landslides have killed at least 900 people. Many of the victims' bodies have not even been buried, and health officials are concerned that the remains could soon spread disease. Horrible images.
Bhopal, India, now. Angry remembrance of the world's worst industrial accident. Dozens of victims marched by torchlight through the city to mark the 20th anniversary of the chemical leak. Hard to believe it was so long ago. Killed at least 10,000 people, affected hundreds of thousands more. They protested against the American company that caused the disaster.
That's a quick review of what's going on around the world.
360 next, Martha Stewart stealing condiments? Apple picking and cooking something up in a microwave behind prison bars? You're probably reading all about it. Find out what's fact and what's fiction.
Plus, HIV and AIDS. There are some who believe it was a government-made plot to destroy African-Americans. It's a conspiracy theory that's alive and well. We'll take a look at the facts.
And in a moment, today's 360 challenge. How closely have you been following today's news? We'll put you to the test.
We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: So on Martha Stewart's personal Web site, and, yes, even imprisoned felons have Web sites, she says she's, quote, "making the best of a difficult situation." But what exactly does that mean?
Rumors abound that she's getting special treatment, she's stealing crabapples, I read one place. Another place said she was cutting the chow line. Someone even said she was putting her elbows on the table at dinnertime.
After three months of all these rumors, we decided, let's get the truth, or at least what we can find of it.
CNN's Allan Chernoff went to West Virginia to try to sort out the fact from the fiction. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Just beyond the train tracks running by Alderson, West Virginia, Martha Stewart is at work, sweeping, mopping, cleaning toilets for pennies an hour. Her job as an orderly in the administration building. She has lost weight at the Hilley (ph) Camp, says a source who knows Stewart and her family.
The joke around town recently was that Stewart, convicted of lying about a stock sale, may have turned to a life of crime inside the federal prison camp, taking crabapples back to her dorm to cook in a microwave oven.
Prison employees are instructed not to speak with reporters, but they talk to friends, like Annette Kellison.
ANNETTE KELLISON, MANAGER, DINNER BELL RESTAURANT: She had pulled some crabapples off the trees that are growing there and had tried to make crabapple jelly in the microwave.
ROWLANDS: No crime there. The prison spokesperson says there's no restriction on crabapples, though she warns they are not meant for human consumption.
"The New York Post" reported Stewart had been smuggling condiments from the kitchen. There's no record of that, says the prison spokesperson.
Robert Hopkins, who worked at Alderson for 29 years, doubts the story.
ROBERT HOPKINS, FORMER PRISON EMPLOYEE: She wouldn't be allowed there. Inmates, unless you work in the staff dining room, you're not allowed back there.
ROWLANDS: Stewart has purchased from the commissary a watch and Walkman, on which she listens to National Public Radio, according to the person in touch with her family.
(on camera): In a note to her fans, Martha Stewart wrote, "I am safe, fit, and healthy," though she conceded the loss of freedom and lack of privacy are extremely difficult.
(voice-over): Still, locals hear, Stewart has been sociable.
KATHY LEGG, OWNER, SUBWAY RESTAURANT: She's got friends. They all like to go and sit with her and eat at the tables. And it's kind of like going round about, taking turns doing it, and getting to talk to her.
ROWLANDS: Alderson's shop owners are enjoying the attention their famous resident has brought. But in three months, Martha Stewart will be out, with access to all the apples and spices she desires.
Allan Chernoff, CNN, Alderson, West Virginia.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Hopes raised, then dashed, in the hunt for the BTK killer. Tonight, the latest on what police know about the mysterious murderer.
And the conspiracy theory that won't go away. Why some people are so convinced HIV was created by the government.
360 continues.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: In the next half hour on 360, hopes crushed in Wichita. The BTK killer still on the loose tonight.
Plus, the AIDS conspiracy theory. Some people believe it's a government plot to kill African-Americans. We're going to look at the facts.
First let's check our top stories in tonight's "Reset." In Falluja, Iraq, U.S. Marines inspected a house they believe to have been used by insurgents for torture. They found blood stains all over the basement and bloody hand prints on the walls and the ceiling. No bodies were found.
At the White House, dairy farmer turned governor is now President Bush's nominee for secretary of agriculture. If confirmed by the Senate, Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns will replace outgoing Secretary Ann Veneman.
In Washington, the FDA advisory committee is not, say not recommending a hormone patch to restore a woman's sex drive. We talked about this last night. Federal health officials say there's too little existing information to ensure the long-term safety of the product. Its maker, Procter & Gamble, has said the patch did not raise safety concerns in clinical trials.
In the South and West, be careful when you strut your stuff. A private study ranked cities in those regions as the most dangerous for pedestrians. The Surface Transportation Policy Project says the five worst metro areas are Tampa, Orlando, Miami, West Palm Beach and Las Vegas. Interesting.
Well, there were high hopes, then heartbreak today for those praying for the capture of a Wichita serial killer simply known as BTK, for bind, torture, and kill. Earlier this week, we told you that BTK had given clues about his history and identity. Police were appealing for your help, when he ended decades of silence through letters sent to the media and police this year. Now, last night police arrested a man that was believed to be the same age as BTK, and soon there was rampant speculation all throughout today that this guy could be the guy. But as CNN's Jonathan Freed reports, that just was not the case, and there is still a serial killer on the loose.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JONATHAN FREED, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fear of the BTK strangler is so deep-rooted in Wichita that even the suggestion of a possible lead in the case evokes hope, however faint, that the man who murdered eight people between 1974 and 1986 might soon be caught.
This time the hope hung on a tip that sparked a police search of this home in the southeastern part of the city, and the arrest of its owner, a 64-year-old man, on outstanding warrants for criminal trespass as well as for housing violations.
Throughout the day on Thursday, despite denials by police, local news media reported that the arrest was linked to the 30-year-old hunt for the serial killer who coined his own nickname.
RICHARD LAMUNYON, FORMER POLICE CHIEF: BTK stands for bind, torture, and kill.
FREED: The killer was notorious for toying with police, sending notes claiming responsibility for the crimes. Last March, after a 25-year silence, BTK sent a letter to a local newspaper, containing a photocopy of the driver's license of a 1986 murder victim, along with pictures of her body -- the eighth crime.
More letters from the killer followed, and police have been releasing some of the details, hoping to jar loose a lead from the public.
On Tuesday, investigators revealed that the killer claims he was born in 1939 and would now be 64 or 65 years old, and that, among other things, he has a fascination with trains.
The media then reported that the killer's suspected age matches the man arrested, and that his house is located next to railroad tracks.
But late Thursday afternoon, police punctured the hope and the frenzy of speculation with this.
MORMAN WILLIAMS, WICHITA POLICE CHIEF: We have not, and I repeat, we have not made an arrest in connection with BTK.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
FREED: Now, the police chief scolded the media today, saying that it was a travesty that the man's neighborhood was disrupted the way it was -- Anderson.
COOPER: Thanks, Jonathan.
In all the talk about the hunt for BTK, we often don't hear much about the murderer's victims. Joining me from Wichita to talk about those who lost their lives is a man who worked on the case, psychologist Howard Brodsky.
Dr. Brodsky, thanks for being back on the program.
HOWARD BRODSKY, PSYCHOLOGIST: Good evening.
COOPER: I want to look back at some of these eight murders that brought us to where we are today. The first killing, a family, the Oteros. Four members of the same family. They were all strangled. Most of them were bound. The father's match I think was missing. The son, who actually found the bodies, thinks now that the BTK killer knew his father and killed because of something he had done in the military. Does that ring true to you?
BRODSKY: Well, that definitely could be a possibility. We figured that that first murder, where four people were killed, had some kind of motive that would be more of a traditional motive. And then the killings that followed follow some kind of a pattern where BTK identifies himself as a serial killer.
COOPER: The second crime scene, Kathryn Bright's home, she was found partially clothed, bound, stabbed to death. I mean, is this guy trying to send a message in how he is killing people? BRODSKY: Yeah, definitely he's sending a message. And the message is meant for the public. It's not just -- this is not someone he had to kill. This is someone that he killed for the purpose of showing us that he can do it, and showing us that the style is the same.
COOPER: Unbelievable. You know, there were no murders then for I think a three-year period. Then later, Shirley Vian was killed. Where do you think he was for those three years? I mean why would a killer take a break like that? Incarceration, I guess, is one option.
BRODSKY: Well, yeah, he could have been incarcerated, or it could have been work duties that took him out of time. Or if he was military, he was stationed out of town.
COOPER: Then came I guess Nancy Fox. She was 25 years old. She was strangled with a stocking. The BTK killer actually called the police to tell them about it. Why would he do that?
BRODSKY: Yes. Well, he's very bold, again, and he knew very well that that would be recorded and that people would hear his voice. So he's very bold about this. And he taunts us with this kind of treatment that he gives the police and the public.
COOPER: Nine years later. I mean, it's interesting how there are these gaps. I mean, the three-year gap. Nine years later, Vicki Wegerle was killed. It was unsolved until about I think eight months ago, when the BTK killer sent a letter with proof that he in fact had killed her. Why communicate now? Why is it important for him -- for him that the nation knows he killed eight people?
BRODSKY: Well, he wants us to know this. He wants us to know that he's capable of doing some very, very bad things. Right now, his interest seems to be gathering publicity. And he's real good at being able to do it by spreading out this information and really keeping the story very much alive in town here.
COOPER: Well, there's so much information now, I guess contained in these letters that police have, and they've released that information, hoping someone's going to come forward. We had it on the show the other day, and we certainly hope someone comes forward very, very quickly.
Dr. Howard Brodsky, we appreciate you being with us. Thanks.
BRODSKY: Thanks.
COOPER: Well, coming up next, do you wonder what cable news is going to do now that the Peterson case is over? Think there are a lot of news executives maybe wondering just the same thing. Hunting for the next big legal drama. We'll take a look at that "Inside the Box."
Plus, our week-long series on conspiracy theories takes a look at bizarre rumors of where some believe the AIDS virus came from. We'll take a look at the facts.
Also in a moment, today's "360 Challenge." How closely have you been following today's news? Find out next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: All right. Time now for the 360 Challenge. Be the first to answer all three questions correctly, we'll send you a 360 T- shirt. It's not as easy as it sounds. No. 1, President Bush is holding firm on holding Iraqi elections when? The date we're looking for.
No. 2, how much money does the federal government plan to spend on abstinence funding next year? Or this coming year, 2005 fiscal year.
No. 3, what's Martha Stewart's job at the Alderson Federal Prison camp? To take the challenge log on to CNN.com/360. Click on the answer link. Answer first, you'll get the shirt.
Last night's challenge winner and tonight's answers coming up a little bit later on.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: All this week we're taking a close look at conspiracy theories, stories that might not be front page news anymore but are still the focus of a lot of interest and endless speculation especially on the Internet. Tonight the origins of HIV.
Now, here's what we do know, that worldwide nearly 40 million people are living with HIV and AIDS. And in this country African- Americans are 11 times more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS than whites. Perhaps it's one reason why studies show that a third of African-Americans, it's amazing, a third of African-Americans believe in a conspiracy theory, a theory that's been around for a very long time.
The idea that the U.S. government somehow created HIV to kill African-Americans, gays, and other what they call undesirable groups, according to this conspiracy theory. Here's CNN's Adaora Udoji with the details. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'll take you over to the lab where you'll be tested for HIV and for syphilis.
ADAORA UDOJI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Counselors fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS say they hear from African-Americans enough who believe the government created the virus to wipe out blacks that it makes their job harder.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Conspiracy theories will impact behavior, because there may be feelings of inevitability that this will automatically happen to you.
UDOJI: The theories have raged in African-American magazines, on radio and in their homes. Conspiracy believers point to statistics. The Centers for Disease Control report that blacks, who make up 12 percent of the U.S. population, account for 50 percent of new cases.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We found that this belief that HIV was manmade and unleashed on the black community was traced directly to the history of the Tuskegee syphilis study.
UDOJI: Federally funded scientists at the Tuskegee Institute studied 400 black men suffering from syphilis from 1932 through 1972, withholding a cure discovered in the '50s. The result, widespread distrust. Researchers say they hear this often.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't trust the medicine. I don't trust the recommendation of how to protect myself. I don't trust what the government is telling me.
UDOJI (on camera): The federal government has gone on the record at least once. In 2002 the General Accounting Office saying there was no evidence supporting claims the National Cancer Institute had developed the virus.
ALAN CANTWELL, AUTHOR, "QUEER BLOOD": I think it's pretty clear that there are certain segments of governmental politics where there's a movement to depopulate the world.
UDOJI: Whatever the cause, counselors on the front lines say...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If you were to come home and your house was on fire, would you spend wondering who started the fire or would you put the fire out?
UDOJI: Today they say the focus must be on prevention and treatment. Adaora Udoji, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Joining us now from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with more insight on this conspiracy and why it continues to live is Stephen Thomas, who you just saw in Adaora's report. He's director of the Center for Minority Health at the University of Pittsburgh.
Steven, thanks very much for being on the program. Really interesting comments you made. Does -- I mean, you don't believe this conspiracy theory, but you understand why it's still out there in people's minds.
STEPHEN THOMAS, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH: I believe it's important that we accept the views of the populations we're trying to reach. And I think we should take those issues seriously. That there's a context that these ideas emerge from. And in the everyday lives of far too many African-Americans they actually believe these theories, because they see in their everyday lives systematic discrimination, high unemployment, lack of opportunity and not realizing the dream of America.
COOPER: And you're saying it's important to keep that in mind other than just for decency reasons, but because it's actually hampering HIV prevention efforts? THOMAS: Well, the question is what is -- is it the message or is it the messenger? And clearly, the data that you've just presented demonstrates that far too many African-Americans are not acting on the message. And I believe that is directly related to the lack of trust in the messenger.
COOPER: But in terms of evidence, again, you don't believe this conspiracy theory out there. I mean, there are numbers of them, but the basic one is that it's a government plot to eliminate undesirables as some Web sites refer to it.
THOMAS: Well, I have learned in working with communities and building trust, it is not important what I personally believe. What's most important is that I give validity to their beliefs. And to help them move beyond fear, misinformation. And to help them act on the best scientific information available. But to do that, you must first build credibility and trust in the community.
COOPER: And as far as you're concerned, there is not scientific evidence which supports this theory, is that correct?
THOMAS: The prevailing view is that the HIV virus emerged from natural circumstances. And there will be future emerging new infections. But when we allow an infectious disease that we know how it's spread and still enable it to spread in populations and not put the resources necessary to stop that spread, it is unacceptable to then focus on the conspiracy when people who are suffering live that as their truth.
COOPER: And there are obviously a lot of people suffering around the world and a lot of people living with HIV here at home. We appreciate you joining us, Stephen Thomas, thanks very much.
THOMAS: Thank you.
COOPER: We're going to wrap up our special series tomorrow with the mystery surrounding the death of Princess Diana. So many theories out there floating. French investigators say the car crash that killed her was an accident, but many believe there was foul play, perhaps involving the royal family. There's going to be investigation. We're going to take a look at all the details.
360 next, with the Peterson trial just about over, what's cable TV going to do? What do you think? Well, there's a stable of high- profile cases headed to trial, and we're sure folks here will -- in the news biz will try to cover them. We'll take a look at that Inside the Box.
Plus, forget about shaking hands or treaties, Thailand has taken the quest for peath -- peace, I should say. Peath, what's that? All the way to the Nth Degree.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Well, with the Scott Peterson trial winding down, that sound you may hear is the sweating of cable news executives worrying about how they're going to fill the 24-hour news cycle, where the next big courtroom fix will come from. Fortunately, we've looked at all the angles and figured out that there's plenty of courtroom drama to come "Inside the Box." Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We the jury in the above-entitled cause find the defendant, Scott Lee Peterson, guilty of the crime of murder of Laci Denise Peterson.
COOPER (voice-over): With those words, fans of real-life courtroom drama were put on notice. The Scott Peterson trial would soon come to an end. No more filling those cable news hours with a full-on dissection of what was essentially a local murder trial. No more lawyers fighting loudly for or against a client who's not even theirs. Oh, yeah, we know you watch. It's the TV version of fast food. And never fear, TV courtroom drama fans, there are plenty of servings ahead.
ROBERT BLAKE, ACTOR: We've met before, haven't we?
COOPER: Remember Robert Blake, accused of killing his ex-wife, Bonny Lee Bakley? The murder happened in 2001. A jury was sworn in just yesterday, and experienced trial watchers say this case might become the next big thing.
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: In the celebrity cases, the difference is that you already have a relationship with the person that is standing on trial. The relationship with Blake is "Baretta."
COOPER: Another contender, the case against Michael Jackson.
Jackson's accused of molesting a now 14-year-old boy at his Neverland ranch last year, then holding the boy's family prisoner to prevent them from going to the authorities. It's a disturbing case involving a child, but let's face it, the gloved one's odd antics may be all it takes for this trial to become a crowd pleaser.
Then there's the dark horse in the race for the next big trial, Danny Pelosi, on trial for killing his then lover's husband, millionaire Ted Ammon. It's got all the elements TV loves -- sex, money, murder, a nanny, jailhouse snitches, more sex -- well, you get the picture.
So which trial will keep courtroom junkies glued to the tube? The jury's still out. But no doubt we'll be watching them all "Inside the Box."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, "360" next. Thailand is finding some pretty strange ways to give peace a chance. You won't believe what they hope unites the country. Find out next in "The Nth Degree."
And the "360 Challenge." Here's another look at tonight's questions. President Bush is holding firm on holding Iraqi elections when?
How much money does the federal government plan to spend on abstinence funding next year, fiscal year 2005?
And what's Martha Stewart's job at the Alderson federal prison camp?
Log on to cnn.com/360, click on the answer link to play.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Time now for the answers to today's "360 Challenge." Da, da, da dam. There we go. Didn't work.
President Bush is holding firm on holding Iraqi elections when? January 30th.
How much money does the federal government plan to spend on abstinence funding next year? $170 million.
What's Martha Stewart's job at the Alderson federal prison camp? Orderly.
First person to answer all three questions correctly will be sent a 360 shirt. Tune in tomorrow to find out if you're the one. Last night's winner -- Alan Roesell from Alexandria, Virginia. Another 360 challenge, another chance to win tomorrow.
Tonight, reams of hope to "The Nth Degree." Have you heard about the bold and noble experiment being conducted today by the government of Thailand? They're trying to bring peace in one fell swoop to the country's troubled south, which is home to much of Thailand's Muslim minority. It's a very tall order indeed. But then, if anything can do the job, this is it -- 80 million origami cranes. Paper folded to look like tall, elegant wading birds. They're going to be air- dropped. It's apparently the global symbol of long life and good luck and wishes come true. Who knew?
Yes, sir, the people of Thailand have been getting paper cuts for weeks in preparation for this unprecedented attempt at peace through paper birds.
But of course, you know the saying. When the going gets tough, the tough get folding. And then how did John Lennon put it in that wonderful song of his? Give origami a chance? Shakespeare, too, wrote about the peculiar power of whatever comes from the sky. The quality of mercy is not strained, he said. It droppeth as the gentle rains from heaven upon the place beneath.
Gentle rains, paper cranes, same dif. Hey, got to hope it works. The origami is being loaded now in Bangkok to be flown south and dropped on Sunday.
I'm Anderson Cooper. Thanks for watching. Coming up next, "PAULA ZAHN NOW." TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired December 2, 2004 - 19:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANDERSON COOPER, HOST: Good evening from New York. I'm Anderson Cooper.
A New York cop takes over homeland security.
360 starts now.
Bernard Kerik to take over for Tom Ridge. Can a former top New York cop keep America safe?
Sex, lies, and abstinence. A new report uncovers shocking misinformation being taught to your kids about sex.
Hopes raised, then dashed, in the hunt for the BTK killer. Tonight, the latest on what police know about the mysterious murderer.
Scott Peterson in tears while friends and family try to spare his life. A live report from the court.
Martha's stealing crabapples. She's smuggling condiments. The tabloids love it. But is any of it true? Tonight, the facts and the fiction. What's really going on behind those prison bars?
And the conspiracy theory that won't go away. Why some people are so convinced HIV was created by the government.
ANNOUNCER: Live from the CNN Broadcast Center in New York, this is ANDERSON COOPER 360.
COOPER: And good evening again.
We begin with this developing story. The man President Bush plans to nominate to head the Department of Homeland Security revealed late this afternoon. He's a man who knows an awful lot about that subject, having been New York City's chief of police the day the World Trade Center towers came down.
CNN's Elaine Quijano has more now from the White House. Elaine?
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good evening to you, Anderson.
Two senior administration officials have confirmed to CNN that Bernard Kerik will be President Bush's nominee to succeed outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. Now, Kerik is a person who enjoys the president's trust and who's loyal to the president, has even campaigned with him. Kerik is a former New York City police commissioner, of course, who was a familiar face in the days after the September 11 attacks. And last year he was tapped by the administration to help build the Iraqi national police force.
Now, an administration official tells CNN that on at least two occasions, former New York city mayor Rudy Giuliani actually made personal pitches to the White House on Kerik's behalf, pitches for the homeland security post. And a senior administration official also calls Kerik a, quote, "proven crisis manager who has credibility and firsthand understanding of the war on terror."
Now, if confirmed by the Senate, Kerik would replace, as we mentioned, outgoing secretary Tom Ridge, who announced his resignation this week. But Anderson, the announcement, the formal announcement on Bernard Kerik expected sometime tomorrow, Anderson.
COOPER: Elaine Quijano at the White House. Thanks.
A quick news note now on another late-breaking change in the Bush administration. A short time ago, a spokesman for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth announced that Mr. Danforth had resigned from his post. Now, the official reason given was to spend more time with his wife. Danforth was said to be on a short list to take Colin Powell's slot as secretary of state before Condoleezza Rice was tapped. The former Missouri senator was named ambassador to the U.N. barely about six months ago.
On now to what your kids are being taught about sex, whether they're being told the truth or lies. A new congressional report, which, we should point out, was written by Democrats, says that a number of the abstinence programs paid for with your tax dollars are teaching kids information that is misleading, biased, or just flat-out wrong.
And according to this report, the lesson plans that these groups give to teachers, quote, "are not reviewed for accuracy by the federal government," even though the government's giving them millions of dollars every year.
For instance, one of the groups funded by taxpayers allegedly says that "The popular claim that condoms help prevent the spread of STDs is not supported by the data." Now, the truth, says the Waxman report, citing Centers for Disease Control, is, quote, "Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS."
Reports are filled with many of these kind of examples. Some of these groups are turning the tables, calling the congressional report misleading and politically motivated.
Tonight, we're going to look at all the angles, beginning with CNN congressional correspondent Joe Johns.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Abstinence-only education programs teach kids and teens that the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and avoid catching diseases is not to have sex. Kids who are in the programs, like these Washington, D.C., students, say they work.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This program helps us to make the right decision.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It also teaches us how to be a man.
JOHNS: But a report by congressional Democrats claims some abstinence programs funded with $170 million federal are deceiving kids about condom use and the risk of abortion, hyping the fear factor to scare kids from having sex.
Democrats looked at 11 curricula used in 25 states, and found, quote, "false, misleading, or distorted information." Among the alleged errors cited, repeated use of a disputed study showing condoms failed to prevent HIV 31 percent of the time in heterosexual sex, which government researchers have shot down. And a claim that up to 10 percent of women who have abortions will be sterile. There's no evidence for that.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These programs are completely out of control. They're using millions of taxpayer dollars to provide medical misinformation, to use fear and shame-based messages, in an effort to convince young people to change their behavior.
JOHNS: One publisher of abstinence-only material says the congressional report is misleading and full of inaccuracies and gross generalizations.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He totally ignored studies that show abstinence education truly works and reduces the initiation of teen sex.
JOHNS: But the president of a 22-city abstinence program says she wishes other groups had been more careful.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Because you really don't need to indulge in some of this -- in some of these scare tactics. It's not necessary. There's enough very solid information out there.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
JOHNS: Now, these things are run by community-based organizations, and Democrats studied only a fraction of them. In some cases, the report said, they substituted moral judgments and religious teachings for scientific fact, Anderson.
COOPER: Joe Johns, thanks for that.
Now, you might not think this is a big deal, but keep in mind, as Joe Johns just reported, a lot of money is being spent on abstinence- only education, $170 million in 2005. And the point isn't whether you agree with abstinence-only education, though we're going to debate that in a few moments, but should the government be funding programs which, according to some, are not teaching accurately?
Joining us now from Spokane, Washington, is Leeanna Benn, national director of Teen-Aid Curriculum, a group promoting abstinence and publisher of "Me, My World, My Future."
Thanks for being with us.
And from Portland, Oregon, Rose Fuller, executive director of Northwest Family Services, which publishes "FACTS," "Family Accountability Communicating Teen Sexuality."
Both these organizations were criticized in this report today for some of the information that they are apparently giving out to teachers.
Again, we appreciate both of you being with us.
Leeanna, let me start, Leeanna, let me start out with you. According to this congressional report, your teacher's manual claims that 5 percent to 10 percent of women will never again be pregnant after having a legal abortion. How did you come up with that?
LEEANNA BENN, NATIONAL DIRECTOR, TEEN-AID CURRICULUM: Well, the information came from the obstetrics and gynecology magazine that's printed for obstetrics and gynecologists, and they cite that between 5 and 10 percent of women who become pregnant will only have one pregnancy, and if that pregnancy is aborted, they may not have another one.
COOPER: But basically, you're extrapolating the idea to make it sound as if having the abortion is going to cause them to be sterile.
BENN: That's not -- that's not what we're extrapolating. But that is a possibility. (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: No, but that is what you're extrapolating.
BENN: ... (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: What you're saying is that, if you're saying that 5 to 10 percent of women will never again be pregnant after having a legal abortion, it makes it sound as if the legal abortion is what's going to cause them never to be pregnant again, no?
BENN: Well, there are consequences to legal abortions, just like there are consequences to...
COOPER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE), we're not talking about...
BENN: ... (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: ... whether there are consequences. I'm just saying, doesn't it sound to you as if what you're saying is, I mean, misleading, that what you're saying, you seem to be indicating that it -- by having a legal abortion, 5 to 10 percent of women will never be able -- will be sterile.
BENN: No. Five to 10 percent of women will not have a pregnancy again, is what the -- this says.
COOPER: OK, so you don't think it's misleading at all.
BENN: I do not.
COOPER: OK. Because you also cite -- I mean, I read the footnotes on this report. You cite that obstetrics report, but also this fact, which you say is a fact, also comes from a religious-based book, which is an anti-abortion book. Is that correct?
BENN: No. That's a different piece of information, that we (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: Right, but you cite two footnotes on...
BENN: We have over 1,000 footnotes.
COOPER: Right, but on this one, on this one sentence, you cite two footnotes. One of them -- I mean, I checked. It's a Christian book, anti-abortion.
BENN: It is a Christian book. And we aren't precluded from using materials that are in the general field regarding this material. What one of the things we need to realize is that this information is for the teacher, and that these students are ages 11 to 14 years old that we're talking to. And so they need to have some very simple facts given to them.
COOPER: Right. But I think we would all agree, they need to have facts.
Rose, the congressional report claims that your teacher's manual indicates 41 percent of heterosexual female teens have HIV. And I know we don't take sides on this show, but I looked at the chart that you give to teachers, and it seems misleading at the very least, really, really hard to read, and very easy to misinterpret.
On this chart it makes it look as if of heterosex, you know, of heterosexual teens, you know, 41 percent of females on the top of that list have HIV. Are you worried it's misleading?
ROSE FULLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NORTHWEST FAMILY SERVICES: Well, I'm concerned if somebody's misled about it. It certainly isn't the intention. And if you look to the side that describes the table, it's pretty clear that that number is referring to this very small number of women who are HIV-infected.
COOPER: OK, because you've got to be much smarter than me, because I got to tell you, I read this thing for 20 minutes, and I still don't understand what the text on the side of that chart said. I mean, literally, we sat around in the office today reading this thing, and I couldn't figure it out. And I mean, I'm not -- you know, I only have a bachelor's degree. But, you know, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the education system isn't that bad.
You're saying point blank, though, you're not intending to mislead here.
FULLER: Oh, absolutely not. This is background information for the teachers, and it was not supposed to be...
COOPER: Does the federal government check? Because, I mean, what this report came out today says that the federal government doesn't even check to see whether the curriculum that you're giving to kids and teachers is accurate. Did they check your curriculum?
FULLER: Yes, they did. We do receive funding from the Office of Adolescent Pregnancy Programs, which is part of the Office of Population Affairs, and they do review curricula for medical accuracy.
COOPER: OK. Leeanna, did the federal government check the accuracy of your curriculum?
BENN: It has a number of times.
COOPER: So you, so you, so you, they're, you, according to them, it's, everything is accurate in your report?
BENN: Yes.
COOPER: OK. Well, obviously, the congressional committee, which we should point out, it was written by Democrats, and there are a lot of people saying this is politics, this is people who don't like abstinence-only. Do you think that's (UNINTELLIGIBLE) that's what is at the heart of this, Rose?
FULLER: (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
BENN: It's at the heart of the funding issue.
COOPER: OK, Rose?
FULLER: You know, I'd have to say it's pretty clear that the intention is not to say what's really good about abstinence education programs. And I think it's a really important question to ask. Those of us who are receiving federal funding, that we're good stewards of the funds, we're using the funds in the right way, and we're using medically accurate information.
And I would say probably most people are. It's hard for me to imagine -- I can only speak for our own curriculum -- that people who are doing this aren't looking hard and fast, trying to find out the best way to give kids the best information, and to really support them in making good choices. And that's what we're all trying to do here.
COOPER: We appreciate both of you being on the program today. I know it's been a busy day for you. You've been named in this report. We'll continue to follow the story. Thanks very much for being with us.
We should also point out we asked Democrat Henry Waxman, who asked for this report, to be on the program tonight. He declined.
The larger issue, of course, raised by the report is whether or not abstinence-only sex ed even works. Tonight we have two very different perspectives.
Elizabeth Toledo, vice president of the Planned Parenthood Federation, which doesn't believe that abstinence-only should be taught, and in Chicago, Libby Gray, director of Project Reality, which is dedicated to the opposite notion entirely.
Ms. Gray, Ms. Toledo, we appreciate you being with us. Thanks very much.
Libby, let me start out with you. A recent Columbia University study reported that 88 percent of teens who took virginity pledges had premarital sex and contracted STDs at the same rates as those who didn't take the pledge. Are abstinence-only programs effective?
LIBBY GRAY, DIRECTOR, PROJECT REALITY: They absolutely are. In fact, if you look at the national data, 93 percent of teenagers themselves say that abstinence should be taught as the most healthiest lifestyle for them, and parents absolutely agree with this across the board.
COOPER: But does that study say 93 percent say abstinence-only, or just abstinence should be taught?
GRAY: Ninety-three percent of teens say that abstinence should be given a strong message in programs that address these issues.
But to your point, actually, when you look at the national scene, groups that are opposing abstinence education have been getting a monopoly of the federal funding for many, many years.
And so groups like Planned Parenthood and the Sexuality and Information and Education Council of the United States, (UNINTELLIGIBLE), groups that support the Waxman report, have actually been getting a monopoly of the federal dollars, and they've never been asked to evaluate their programs. They've never been under the same scrutiny that abstinence education programs are under right now.
COOPER: No doubt you think politics and very well may be accurate politics may be at the core of this.
Elizabeth, want to bring you in here. Teen pregnancy at its lowest level in almost 60 years. It's obviously occurred at the same time as more federal funding has been used for abstinence programs. Aren't those programs providing a valuable service?
ELIZABETH TOLEDO, VICE PRESIDENT, PLANNED PARENTHOOD FOUNDATION: Well, Planned Parenthood believes in abstinence education. We don't believe in abstinence-only education. We know, and it's proven time and again, that comprehensive sex education is the best way to help teens make responsible decisions and to prevent disease, and, in fact, to prevent, of course, pregnancy.
We know that information that is wrong, too little, or too late has lifelong consequences, and, in fact, can have dangerous consequences. Study after study proves that giving information, good information, scientifically sound information, is the right way to educate our teens.
COOPER: Libby, do you argue with that?
GRAY: Scientifically accurate information is very important. And actually, that's what's so disturbing about this report, is that a lot of the data that they looked at, in our curricula, all the data that we use, and we all, it's, we cite it all, is from the Centers for Disease Control, the National Institutes of Health, the American Social Health Association, (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: So this report that came out today, does it concern you? I mean, obviously you may not agree...
GRAY: Project Reality...
COOPER: ... with all the findings, but...
GRAY: Right. Project Reality does not receive federal funding. But we were cited in the report. Two of our curricula that are used by federal grantees were cited in the report. So it's very concerning that this partisan group is looking at these issues. All parents agree that abstinence is the only 100 percent...
COOPER: OK. Elizabeth...
GRAY: ... effective way to (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
COOPER: Elizabeth, final thought.
FULLER: This expose showed that federally funded programs, abstinence-only programs, are providing misleading, scientifically unsound information, and that's dangerous for the clients that we're trying to serve. We need to have a commitment to scientifically sound, medically accurate information, and to get rid of the junk that actually can provide a dangerous environment for our kids.
COOPER: Appreciate both of your perspectives tonight. Libby Gray, thanks very much...
GRAY: Thank you.
COOPER: ... Elizabeth Toledo as well.
Covering several other stories tonight cross-country. Let's take a look very quickly.
At the White House, President Bush is holding firm on the January 30 date for elections in Iraq. A dozen Iraqi political parties want the elections postponed, because of security concerns. Mr. Bush says it is time for Iraqis to go to the polls. Cuetown (ph), Pennsylvania, now. A lesbian minister found guilty of violating church law and defrocked. United Methodist jury ruled Reverend Irene Elizabeth Stroud broke church rules by openly living with her partner in a committed relationship. Stroud's supporters say the United Methodist motto, Open Hearts, Open Mind, Open Doors, is hypocrisy.
In California, "The San Francisco Chronicle" reports New York Yankees slugger Jason Giambi, or Giambi, I should say, told a grand jury -- see, I don't know much about sports -- he uses steroids or has used steroids and human growth hormone. The newspaper also says Giambi testified he got steroids from Barry Bonds' personal trainer, who's one of four men indicted by the grand jury investigating the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative.
Also in New York, "Law and Order" star Jerry Orbach diagnosed with prostate cancer. His manager says that he's expected to make a full recovery. His illness has not disrupted production of the new spinoff of "Law and Order," "Trial by Jury," set to debut next year.
That's a quick look at stories cross-country tonight.
360 next, Scott Peterson's family and friends, pleading for his life. He was looking on in tears, apparently. We're going to have the latest from the courtroom.
Plus, an HIV/AIDS conspiracy, or at least a theory about one. A lot of people out there seem to think the virus is government made. We're going to look at the facts. The debate in our special series, Conspiracy Theories: Truth or Paranoia?
First, let's s take a look at your picks, the most popular stories right now on CNN.com.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: at 12:18 a.m. January 29, 2002, California executed Steven Wayne Anderson. He was the last man put to death in that state.
Now, today, friends of -- excuse me, friends and family of Scott Peterson are again asking a jury to spare the convicted killer the same fate.
CNN's Ted Rowlands has the latest now in the penalty phase of the Peterson trial.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Peterson wiped tears from his face, watching his sister-in-law, Janie, break down on the witness stand. Janie Peterson described in detail her memories of both Scott and Laci Peterson, saying Laci, quote, "took my breath away." Laci's mother, Sharon Rocha, noticeably left the courtroom during the testimony. Janie Peterson, who has maintained an almost constant presence in the courtroom during the trial, ended by telling the jury, quote, "The one thing we've learned from all of this is how important life is." Janie Peterson was one of a handful of family members and friends that testified on Scott Peterson's behalf.
A former neighbor said Peterson was a well-behaved child, and told the jury that she couldn't put into words the effect a death sentence would have on Scott Peterson's parents.
The jury that convicted Peterson of first-degree murder listened intently but displayed very little reaction.
CHUCK SMITH, LEGAL ANALYST: I think they're praying that one juror will feel so sorry for his parents that they will not pull the trigger, and will not send Scott to death.
ROWLANDS: Earlier, long-time friend Aaron Fritz testified that Scott Peterson was gracious and sincere. Fritz said he and Peterson traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, on church-sponsored humanitarian missions. Fritz said he had such respect for Scott Peterson that sometimes he asked himself, what would Scott do when confronted with difficult situations?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ROWLANDS: That comment raised a few eyebrows with courtroom observers. Clearly, this jury of six men and six women are listening intently. They will decide Scott Peterson's fate. Late today, they chuckled along with Peterson as his brother, John, talked about growing up in San Diego.
At the end of the day, the judge told jurors they should expect to get the case early next week, Anderson.
COOPER: All right. Ted Rowlands, thanks very much, Ted.
Three Iraqis and a U.S. soldier are killed in Iraq. That tops our look of what's going on around the world in the uplink.
Two of the Iraqis were killed in a drive-by shooting near Ba'qubah while another died in a mortar strike in Baghdad. The soldier killed was part of a multinational force patrol that was attacked in Mosul.
Eastern Philippines now, a vicious typhoon. Thousands of people fled their homes because of this storm. It is the worst to hit the region this year. And floods and landslides have killed at least 900 people. Many of the victims' bodies have not even been buried, and health officials are concerned that the remains could soon spread disease. Horrible images.
Bhopal, India, now. Angry remembrance of the world's worst industrial accident. Dozens of victims marched by torchlight through the city to mark the 20th anniversary of the chemical leak. Hard to believe it was so long ago. Killed at least 10,000 people, affected hundreds of thousands more. They protested against the American company that caused the disaster.
That's a quick review of what's going on around the world.
360 next, Martha Stewart stealing condiments? Apple picking and cooking something up in a microwave behind prison bars? You're probably reading all about it. Find out what's fact and what's fiction.
Plus, HIV and AIDS. There are some who believe it was a government-made plot to destroy African-Americans. It's a conspiracy theory that's alive and well. We'll take a look at the facts.
And in a moment, today's 360 challenge. How closely have you been following today's news? We'll put you to the test.
We'll be right back.
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COOPER: So on Martha Stewart's personal Web site, and, yes, even imprisoned felons have Web sites, she says she's, quote, "making the best of a difficult situation." But what exactly does that mean?
Rumors abound that she's getting special treatment, she's stealing crabapples, I read one place. Another place said she was cutting the chow line. Someone even said she was putting her elbows on the table at dinnertime.
After three months of all these rumors, we decided, let's get the truth, or at least what we can find of it.
CNN's Allan Chernoff went to West Virginia to try to sort out the fact from the fiction. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Just beyond the train tracks running by Alderson, West Virginia, Martha Stewart is at work, sweeping, mopping, cleaning toilets for pennies an hour. Her job as an orderly in the administration building. She has lost weight at the Hilley (ph) Camp, says a source who knows Stewart and her family.
The joke around town recently was that Stewart, convicted of lying about a stock sale, may have turned to a life of crime inside the federal prison camp, taking crabapples back to her dorm to cook in a microwave oven.
Prison employees are instructed not to speak with reporters, but they talk to friends, like Annette Kellison.
ANNETTE KELLISON, MANAGER, DINNER BELL RESTAURANT: She had pulled some crabapples off the trees that are growing there and had tried to make crabapple jelly in the microwave.
ROWLANDS: No crime there. The prison spokesperson says there's no restriction on crabapples, though she warns they are not meant for human consumption.
"The New York Post" reported Stewart had been smuggling condiments from the kitchen. There's no record of that, says the prison spokesperson.
Robert Hopkins, who worked at Alderson for 29 years, doubts the story.
ROBERT HOPKINS, FORMER PRISON EMPLOYEE: She wouldn't be allowed there. Inmates, unless you work in the staff dining room, you're not allowed back there.
ROWLANDS: Stewart has purchased from the commissary a watch and Walkman, on which she listens to National Public Radio, according to the person in touch with her family.
(on camera): In a note to her fans, Martha Stewart wrote, "I am safe, fit, and healthy," though she conceded the loss of freedom and lack of privacy are extremely difficult.
(voice-over): Still, locals hear, Stewart has been sociable.
KATHY LEGG, OWNER, SUBWAY RESTAURANT: She's got friends. They all like to go and sit with her and eat at the tables. And it's kind of like going round about, taking turns doing it, and getting to talk to her.
ROWLANDS: Alderson's shop owners are enjoying the attention their famous resident has brought. But in three months, Martha Stewart will be out, with access to all the apples and spices she desires.
Allan Chernoff, CNN, Alderson, West Virginia.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Hopes raised, then dashed, in the hunt for the BTK killer. Tonight, the latest on what police know about the mysterious murderer.
And the conspiracy theory that won't go away. Why some people are so convinced HIV was created by the government.
360 continues.
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COOPER: In the next half hour on 360, hopes crushed in Wichita. The BTK killer still on the loose tonight.
Plus, the AIDS conspiracy theory. Some people believe it's a government plot to kill African-Americans. We're going to look at the facts.
First let's check our top stories in tonight's "Reset." In Falluja, Iraq, U.S. Marines inspected a house they believe to have been used by insurgents for torture. They found blood stains all over the basement and bloody hand prints on the walls and the ceiling. No bodies were found.
At the White House, dairy farmer turned governor is now President Bush's nominee for secretary of agriculture. If confirmed by the Senate, Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns will replace outgoing Secretary Ann Veneman.
In Washington, the FDA advisory committee is not, say not recommending a hormone patch to restore a woman's sex drive. We talked about this last night. Federal health officials say there's too little existing information to ensure the long-term safety of the product. Its maker, Procter & Gamble, has said the patch did not raise safety concerns in clinical trials.
In the South and West, be careful when you strut your stuff. A private study ranked cities in those regions as the most dangerous for pedestrians. The Surface Transportation Policy Project says the five worst metro areas are Tampa, Orlando, Miami, West Palm Beach and Las Vegas. Interesting.
Well, there were high hopes, then heartbreak today for those praying for the capture of a Wichita serial killer simply known as BTK, for bind, torture, and kill. Earlier this week, we told you that BTK had given clues about his history and identity. Police were appealing for your help, when he ended decades of silence through letters sent to the media and police this year. Now, last night police arrested a man that was believed to be the same age as BTK, and soon there was rampant speculation all throughout today that this guy could be the guy. But as CNN's Jonathan Freed reports, that just was not the case, and there is still a serial killer on the loose.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JONATHAN FREED, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fear of the BTK strangler is so deep-rooted in Wichita that even the suggestion of a possible lead in the case evokes hope, however faint, that the man who murdered eight people between 1974 and 1986 might soon be caught.
This time the hope hung on a tip that sparked a police search of this home in the southeastern part of the city, and the arrest of its owner, a 64-year-old man, on outstanding warrants for criminal trespass as well as for housing violations.
Throughout the day on Thursday, despite denials by police, local news media reported that the arrest was linked to the 30-year-old hunt for the serial killer who coined his own nickname.
RICHARD LAMUNYON, FORMER POLICE CHIEF: BTK stands for bind, torture, and kill.
FREED: The killer was notorious for toying with police, sending notes claiming responsibility for the crimes. Last March, after a 25-year silence, BTK sent a letter to a local newspaper, containing a photocopy of the driver's license of a 1986 murder victim, along with pictures of her body -- the eighth crime.
More letters from the killer followed, and police have been releasing some of the details, hoping to jar loose a lead from the public.
On Tuesday, investigators revealed that the killer claims he was born in 1939 and would now be 64 or 65 years old, and that, among other things, he has a fascination with trains.
The media then reported that the killer's suspected age matches the man arrested, and that his house is located next to railroad tracks.
But late Thursday afternoon, police punctured the hope and the frenzy of speculation with this.
MORMAN WILLIAMS, WICHITA POLICE CHIEF: We have not, and I repeat, we have not made an arrest in connection with BTK.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
FREED: Now, the police chief scolded the media today, saying that it was a travesty that the man's neighborhood was disrupted the way it was -- Anderson.
COOPER: Thanks, Jonathan.
In all the talk about the hunt for BTK, we often don't hear much about the murderer's victims. Joining me from Wichita to talk about those who lost their lives is a man who worked on the case, psychologist Howard Brodsky.
Dr. Brodsky, thanks for being back on the program.
HOWARD BRODSKY, PSYCHOLOGIST: Good evening.
COOPER: I want to look back at some of these eight murders that brought us to where we are today. The first killing, a family, the Oteros. Four members of the same family. They were all strangled. Most of them were bound. The father's match I think was missing. The son, who actually found the bodies, thinks now that the BTK killer knew his father and killed because of something he had done in the military. Does that ring true to you?
BRODSKY: Well, that definitely could be a possibility. We figured that that first murder, where four people were killed, had some kind of motive that would be more of a traditional motive. And then the killings that followed follow some kind of a pattern where BTK identifies himself as a serial killer.
COOPER: The second crime scene, Kathryn Bright's home, she was found partially clothed, bound, stabbed to death. I mean, is this guy trying to send a message in how he is killing people? BRODSKY: Yeah, definitely he's sending a message. And the message is meant for the public. It's not just -- this is not someone he had to kill. This is someone that he killed for the purpose of showing us that he can do it, and showing us that the style is the same.
COOPER: Unbelievable. You know, there were no murders then for I think a three-year period. Then later, Shirley Vian was killed. Where do you think he was for those three years? I mean why would a killer take a break like that? Incarceration, I guess, is one option.
BRODSKY: Well, yeah, he could have been incarcerated, or it could have been work duties that took him out of time. Or if he was military, he was stationed out of town.
COOPER: Then came I guess Nancy Fox. She was 25 years old. She was strangled with a stocking. The BTK killer actually called the police to tell them about it. Why would he do that?
BRODSKY: Yes. Well, he's very bold, again, and he knew very well that that would be recorded and that people would hear his voice. So he's very bold about this. And he taunts us with this kind of treatment that he gives the police and the public.
COOPER: Nine years later. I mean, it's interesting how there are these gaps. I mean, the three-year gap. Nine years later, Vicki Wegerle was killed. It was unsolved until about I think eight months ago, when the BTK killer sent a letter with proof that he in fact had killed her. Why communicate now? Why is it important for him -- for him that the nation knows he killed eight people?
BRODSKY: Well, he wants us to know this. He wants us to know that he's capable of doing some very, very bad things. Right now, his interest seems to be gathering publicity. And he's real good at being able to do it by spreading out this information and really keeping the story very much alive in town here.
COOPER: Well, there's so much information now, I guess contained in these letters that police have, and they've released that information, hoping someone's going to come forward. We had it on the show the other day, and we certainly hope someone comes forward very, very quickly.
Dr. Howard Brodsky, we appreciate you being with us. Thanks.
BRODSKY: Thanks.
COOPER: Well, coming up next, do you wonder what cable news is going to do now that the Peterson case is over? Think there are a lot of news executives maybe wondering just the same thing. Hunting for the next big legal drama. We'll take a look at that "Inside the Box."
Plus, our week-long series on conspiracy theories takes a look at bizarre rumors of where some believe the AIDS virus came from. We'll take a look at the facts.
Also in a moment, today's "360 Challenge." How closely have you been following today's news? Find out next.
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COOPER: All right. Time now for the 360 Challenge. Be the first to answer all three questions correctly, we'll send you a 360 T- shirt. It's not as easy as it sounds. No. 1, President Bush is holding firm on holding Iraqi elections when? The date we're looking for.
No. 2, how much money does the federal government plan to spend on abstinence funding next year? Or this coming year, 2005 fiscal year.
No. 3, what's Martha Stewart's job at the Alderson Federal Prison camp? To take the challenge log on to CNN.com/360. Click on the answer link. Answer first, you'll get the shirt.
Last night's challenge winner and tonight's answers coming up a little bit later on.
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COOPER: All this week we're taking a close look at conspiracy theories, stories that might not be front page news anymore but are still the focus of a lot of interest and endless speculation especially on the Internet. Tonight the origins of HIV.
Now, here's what we do know, that worldwide nearly 40 million people are living with HIV and AIDS. And in this country African- Americans are 11 times more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS than whites. Perhaps it's one reason why studies show that a third of African-Americans, it's amazing, a third of African-Americans believe in a conspiracy theory, a theory that's been around for a very long time.
The idea that the U.S. government somehow created HIV to kill African-Americans, gays, and other what they call undesirable groups, according to this conspiracy theory. Here's CNN's Adaora Udoji with the details. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'll take you over to the lab where you'll be tested for HIV and for syphilis.
ADAORA UDOJI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Counselors fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS say they hear from African-Americans enough who believe the government created the virus to wipe out blacks that it makes their job harder.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Conspiracy theories will impact behavior, because there may be feelings of inevitability that this will automatically happen to you.
UDOJI: The theories have raged in African-American magazines, on radio and in their homes. Conspiracy believers point to statistics. The Centers for Disease Control report that blacks, who make up 12 percent of the U.S. population, account for 50 percent of new cases.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We found that this belief that HIV was manmade and unleashed on the black community was traced directly to the history of the Tuskegee syphilis study.
UDOJI: Federally funded scientists at the Tuskegee Institute studied 400 black men suffering from syphilis from 1932 through 1972, withholding a cure discovered in the '50s. The result, widespread distrust. Researchers say they hear this often.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't trust the medicine. I don't trust the recommendation of how to protect myself. I don't trust what the government is telling me.
UDOJI (on camera): The federal government has gone on the record at least once. In 2002 the General Accounting Office saying there was no evidence supporting claims the National Cancer Institute had developed the virus.
ALAN CANTWELL, AUTHOR, "QUEER BLOOD": I think it's pretty clear that there are certain segments of governmental politics where there's a movement to depopulate the world.
UDOJI: Whatever the cause, counselors on the front lines say...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If you were to come home and your house was on fire, would you spend wondering who started the fire or would you put the fire out?
UDOJI: Today they say the focus must be on prevention and treatment. Adaora Udoji, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Joining us now from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with more insight on this conspiracy and why it continues to live is Stephen Thomas, who you just saw in Adaora's report. He's director of the Center for Minority Health at the University of Pittsburgh.
Steven, thanks very much for being on the program. Really interesting comments you made. Does -- I mean, you don't believe this conspiracy theory, but you understand why it's still out there in people's minds.
STEPHEN THOMAS, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH: I believe it's important that we accept the views of the populations we're trying to reach. And I think we should take those issues seriously. That there's a context that these ideas emerge from. And in the everyday lives of far too many African-Americans they actually believe these theories, because they see in their everyday lives systematic discrimination, high unemployment, lack of opportunity and not realizing the dream of America.
COOPER: And you're saying it's important to keep that in mind other than just for decency reasons, but because it's actually hampering HIV prevention efforts? THOMAS: Well, the question is what is -- is it the message or is it the messenger? And clearly, the data that you've just presented demonstrates that far too many African-Americans are not acting on the message. And I believe that is directly related to the lack of trust in the messenger.
COOPER: But in terms of evidence, again, you don't believe this conspiracy theory out there. I mean, there are numbers of them, but the basic one is that it's a government plot to eliminate undesirables as some Web sites refer to it.
THOMAS: Well, I have learned in working with communities and building trust, it is not important what I personally believe. What's most important is that I give validity to their beliefs. And to help them move beyond fear, misinformation. And to help them act on the best scientific information available. But to do that, you must first build credibility and trust in the community.
COOPER: And as far as you're concerned, there is not scientific evidence which supports this theory, is that correct?
THOMAS: The prevailing view is that the HIV virus emerged from natural circumstances. And there will be future emerging new infections. But when we allow an infectious disease that we know how it's spread and still enable it to spread in populations and not put the resources necessary to stop that spread, it is unacceptable to then focus on the conspiracy when people who are suffering live that as their truth.
COOPER: And there are obviously a lot of people suffering around the world and a lot of people living with HIV here at home. We appreciate you joining us, Stephen Thomas, thanks very much.
THOMAS: Thank you.
COOPER: We're going to wrap up our special series tomorrow with the mystery surrounding the death of Princess Diana. So many theories out there floating. French investigators say the car crash that killed her was an accident, but many believe there was foul play, perhaps involving the royal family. There's going to be investigation. We're going to take a look at all the details.
360 next, with the Peterson trial just about over, what's cable TV going to do? What do you think? Well, there's a stable of high- profile cases headed to trial, and we're sure folks here will -- in the news biz will try to cover them. We'll take a look at that Inside the Box.
Plus, forget about shaking hands or treaties, Thailand has taken the quest for peath -- peace, I should say. Peath, what's that? All the way to the Nth Degree.
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COOPER: Well, with the Scott Peterson trial winding down, that sound you may hear is the sweating of cable news executives worrying about how they're going to fill the 24-hour news cycle, where the next big courtroom fix will come from. Fortunately, we've looked at all the angles and figured out that there's plenty of courtroom drama to come "Inside the Box." Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We the jury in the above-entitled cause find the defendant, Scott Lee Peterson, guilty of the crime of murder of Laci Denise Peterson.
COOPER (voice-over): With those words, fans of real-life courtroom drama were put on notice. The Scott Peterson trial would soon come to an end. No more filling those cable news hours with a full-on dissection of what was essentially a local murder trial. No more lawyers fighting loudly for or against a client who's not even theirs. Oh, yeah, we know you watch. It's the TV version of fast food. And never fear, TV courtroom drama fans, there are plenty of servings ahead.
ROBERT BLAKE, ACTOR: We've met before, haven't we?
COOPER: Remember Robert Blake, accused of killing his ex-wife, Bonny Lee Bakley? The murder happened in 2001. A jury was sworn in just yesterday, and experienced trial watchers say this case might become the next big thing.
TED ROWLANDS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: In the celebrity cases, the difference is that you already have a relationship with the person that is standing on trial. The relationship with Blake is "Baretta."
COOPER: Another contender, the case against Michael Jackson.
Jackson's accused of molesting a now 14-year-old boy at his Neverland ranch last year, then holding the boy's family prisoner to prevent them from going to the authorities. It's a disturbing case involving a child, but let's face it, the gloved one's odd antics may be all it takes for this trial to become a crowd pleaser.
Then there's the dark horse in the race for the next big trial, Danny Pelosi, on trial for killing his then lover's husband, millionaire Ted Ammon. It's got all the elements TV loves -- sex, money, murder, a nanny, jailhouse snitches, more sex -- well, you get the picture.
So which trial will keep courtroom junkies glued to the tube? The jury's still out. But no doubt we'll be watching them all "Inside the Box."
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COOPER: Well, "360" next. Thailand is finding some pretty strange ways to give peace a chance. You won't believe what they hope unites the country. Find out next in "The Nth Degree."
And the "360 Challenge." Here's another look at tonight's questions. President Bush is holding firm on holding Iraqi elections when?
How much money does the federal government plan to spend on abstinence funding next year, fiscal year 2005?
And what's Martha Stewart's job at the Alderson federal prison camp?
Log on to cnn.com/360, click on the answer link to play.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Time now for the answers to today's "360 Challenge." Da, da, da dam. There we go. Didn't work.
President Bush is holding firm on holding Iraqi elections when? January 30th.
How much money does the federal government plan to spend on abstinence funding next year? $170 million.
What's Martha Stewart's job at the Alderson federal prison camp? Orderly.
First person to answer all three questions correctly will be sent a 360 shirt. Tune in tomorrow to find out if you're the one. Last night's winner -- Alan Roesell from Alexandria, Virginia. Another 360 challenge, another chance to win tomorrow.
Tonight, reams of hope to "The Nth Degree." Have you heard about the bold and noble experiment being conducted today by the government of Thailand? They're trying to bring peace in one fell swoop to the country's troubled south, which is home to much of Thailand's Muslim minority. It's a very tall order indeed. But then, if anything can do the job, this is it -- 80 million origami cranes. Paper folded to look like tall, elegant wading birds. They're going to be air- dropped. It's apparently the global symbol of long life and good luck and wishes come true. Who knew?
Yes, sir, the people of Thailand have been getting paper cuts for weeks in preparation for this unprecedented attempt at peace through paper birds.
But of course, you know the saying. When the going gets tough, the tough get folding. And then how did John Lennon put it in that wonderful song of his? Give origami a chance? Shakespeare, too, wrote about the peculiar power of whatever comes from the sky. The quality of mercy is not strained, he said. It droppeth as the gentle rains from heaven upon the place beneath.
Gentle rains, paper cranes, same dif. Hey, got to hope it works. The origami is being loaded now in Bangkok to be flown south and dropped on Sunday.
I'm Anderson Cooper. Thanks for watching. Coming up next, "PAULA ZAHN NOW." TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
