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U.S. Soldier Kills Afghan Civilians; Annan and Al-Assad Talk Again; Japan: One Year Later; "Bully" Movie Rating Controversy; Damaging Winds in Texas, Arkansas and Missouri; Get Your Tax Refund Faster and Easier; Five Apps for Easier Tax Filing

Aired March 11, 2012 - 14:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: You're in the CNN NEWSROOM. This Sunday, March 11, I'm Fredricka Whitfield.

A first, in Afghanistan, An American soldier leaves his base and goes on a shooting rampage today. The soldier we're told is a U.S. army staff sergeant allegedly going house to house in a village near Kandahar killing as many as 16 civilians, most of them children.

NATO officials confirmed the shooting saying the soldier turned himself in. We'll have more details when we go live to Afghanistan in just one minute.

The president of Syria and U.N. special envoy Kofi Annan spoke face to face against today in Damascus. Annan is the highest level diplomat to meet with President Bashar Al-Assad since Syria's violent uprising started a year ago.

The former U.N. Secretary General Annan asked for a ceasefire and wants Syria to allow relief agencies access to people caught in the fighting.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KOFI ANNAN, U.N. SPECIAL ENVOY TO SYRIA: I've been here for a very short period. Almost every Syrian I've met wants peace. They want the violence to stop. They want to move on with their lives.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: While the two men talked peace in Damascus, violence raged across Syria. Opposition activists say at least 25 people were killed in fighting today.

Hundreds gather in Japan today marking the one-year anniversary of a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Nearly 16,000 people died in the disaster. Another 3,000 are still missing. CNN's Kyung Lah shows us one city one year later.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KYUNG LAH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: This is downtown Ishinomaki, still bearing all the scars of when the tsunami roared ashore a year ago. There is so much work and rebuilding to be done. But for just one moment, this city paused to remember all the victims who had died in the tsunami.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Japan's emperor and prime minister took part in ceremonies in Tokyo.

All right back to Afghanistan now where an American soldier is in custody. Military officials say he turned himself in after he opened fire on Afghan civilians off base.

CNN Sara Sidner is in Kabul. So Sara, what more are NATO as well as Afghan government officials saying?

SARA SIDNER, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Afghan officials have told us that 16 people have been killed, nine of them children, three of them women, and four men in the western part of Kandahar Province.

This is an area known to be heavily -- have heavy presence from the Taliban, an area where there's been quite a bit of action when it comes to coalition forces on the ground. That being said, they're sticking with the story that only one U.S. soldier was involved in this.

Apparently that soldier left the base at some point in the wee hours of the morning today and went out and -- ended up shooting several civilians. Now, we're still being told that there are just people who are wounded and that those people are being treated by coalition forces in their medical facility.

However, in talking to several people who are on the ground there, both villagers and Afghan officials there, they're saying that, no, indeed, 16 people have been killed now.

Hamid Karzai has come out saying that 16 people have been killed, including women, children and men there and the villages there, saying that this particular person seemed to have gone from house to house.

We're hearing four different houses, and that people were sleeping, and that the door burst open and suddenly there were bullets everywhere. What we do not know at this point is, there is conflicting information between people who are in the village, the civilians, and the tribal leaders there and ISAF.

The civilians and tribal leaders are saying that there was more than one member of the coalition forces there at the time. But ISAF saying this is one person that acted alone. There was no official mission going on and so there's still conflicting reports.

And then, of course, you have the Taliban weighing in. The Taliban exaggerating numbers, saying that there were 50 people killed. They generally do exaggerate the number of casualties.

And they, too, said that this was the act of a number of people on a mission. We do not know yet the very details of exactly what happened, but again, ISAF sticking with this one soldier being involved and person acting alone. And the other Afghan officials basically saying that no, there was something else going on there. But indeed, 16 people have been killed.

WHITFIELD: All right, Sara Sidner, thanks so much from Kabul. So again, one U.S. army staff sergeant in custody and being held responsible for that shooting taking place.

So meantime, the White House has just released a statement about this shooting. This is from President Barack Obama saying, quote, "I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and to the people of Afghanistan."

The president goes on to say, quote, "This incident does not represent the exceptional character of our military and the respect that the United States has for the people of Afghanistan."

So tensions are already high between civilians and NATO forces in Afghanistan and this incident just might make it worse. This year, six American troops died in rioting, linked to the burning of Korans by U.S. troops.

In one incident last month, a gunman wearing an Afghan uniform killed two Americans in a remote eastern province. And then just 10 days ago, an attacker in an army uniform shot dead two NATO troops in Kandahar.

A member of the House Armed Services Committee says Afghan forces have attacked NATO troops more than 40 times over the past five years.

We all probably know a child who's been bullied. Now a man who was bullied himself as a child has made a movie about the subject. But he worries not everyone will be able to see it because it's rated R. I'll talk to Director Lee Hirsch next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Bullying is a problem that affects millions of kids. According to the web site stompoutbullying.com, one out of four teens are bullied. That kind of torment is the focus of a documentary coming out this month called "The Bully Project."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Very upset. I'm going to be honest. Like I'm upset enough I don't want him to ride the bus anymore.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Move. Move!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If they're out of your care, they're in someone else's who's just as capable of you as keeping them safe. And I don't feel like that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: The Motion Picture Association of America has given "The Bully Project "an R rating specifically for language. The film's director, Lee Hirsch, is fighting to lower the rating to PG-13.

Lee Hirsch joining me now. Good to see you. So the movie has profanities, specifically the "F" word five times in it, and the NPAA states that if a picture has more than one expletive that it's deserving of an R rating? So why should this production be held to a different standard?

LEE HIRSCH, DIRECTOR/PRODUCER, "THE BULLY PROJECT": Well, I think it's unfair for them to say that there is a standard. Many, many films have had the ratings overturned. There's a very recent example of a documentary called "Gunner Palace" that had over 46 uses of the "f" word and lots and lots of violence which was turned from an "R" to a PG-13.

So I think that there's a lot of precedent. And also if you think about the incredible amounts of violence and aggression and, you know, all the things that we often se in a PG-13 or PG movie that they say that's fine, but then this is not, it's so -- it's so frustrating for us.

WHITFIELD: Why do you believe this production is being treated differently in your view?

HIRSCH: I wish I knew that. I wish I understood that. I think we've tried really hard to appeal to them. It was extraordinary. Alex who you saw in the clip being horribly bullied went himself with Harvey Weinstein to appeal before their board.

He spoke incredibly movingly. He said, what you're effectively saying is that I can't see my own life. And others can't see what they see every day. I don't know what the hang-up is.

I wish I did because I could speak to that. It seems like it's arbitrary. It seems like the process is mysterious. We're hoping very much that that will change.

WHITFIELD: So without diluting the message of the documentary, diluting the reality of what it is and how brutal it is to be bullied, involving the families from the students, everyone's perspective, is there a way in which to appease both?

The Motion Picture Association, to whether it be to bleep out or cloud some of the language, but still get the message across so that a larger movie-going audience, in your view, can see and appreciate this film?

HIRSCH: That's a great question. We're still exploring that. I know that the families in the film have said please don't edit the movie. You know, it's very easy to say we can just bleep it or we can cut it, but what that really is doing is it's minimizing the experience of bullying.

And that's what happens over and over and over again. You know, in a way, we've made this film for the millions of kids that are bullied, that have that experience on a constant basis, ratcheted down. They're said -- they're told it's not -- stick it out, it will be okay. Kids will be kids. The experience is always minimized. So if we do that to this film, we're doing the same thing, yes.

WHITFIELD: So the Motion Picture Association of America did release a statement saying that the "R" rating and description of bullies does not mean that children cannot see the film. As with any movie, parents will decide if they want their children to see it.

If it's R rating, it means parents must accompany their kids under the age of 17. Why is that not enough for you that you would want it to be PG-13 so that parents or children under 13 would be the ones who would have to be escorted by their parents?

HIRSCH: Well, I think what -- what teenager are -- have said is a couple of things. One is that they don't necessarily want to go to a movie like that with their parents.

Case in point, let's say you have a young gay teenager that -- whose parents don't support them at all. They're struggling. Their parents are not going to take them to see this film. In fact, the conversation, make things worse for them.

And yet, people that are having the experience of bullying are saying that this movie is like really giving them strength and courage and helping them get through what's a really hard time in their life.

We have whole school districts that want to see this film, that are committed to taking thousands and thousands of kids to see this. With an "R" rating it's going to be very difficult. A young student, she's been on this station, 17 years old, started a petition at change.org.

Over 270 people have signed it saying we ought to be able to see this film. So we think that this fight is important and we're hopefully reaching those hearts and minds at the NPAA.

WHITFIELD: We'll see, Lee Hirsch, whether that's influential enough for the NPAA to change the rating. Meantime, "The Bully Project" is scheduled to be released later on this month, March 30 at a number of theaters across the country. Lee Hirsch, thanks so much for your time. Appreciate it.

HIRSCH: Thank you for having me.

WHITFIELD: Some pretty nasty weather is on the horizon. Jacqui Jeras is with us. Boy, this has been quite the introduction to spring.

JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yes. We will see severe weather today. In fact, there's a line of strong to severe storms right now across extreme eastern parts of Texas where a tornado watch has been issued until 7:00 local time.

This whole area is moving up toward the north and the east. So parts of Louisiana and then eventually into parts of Arkansas can expect to see stronger to severe thunderstorms. That risk area going all the way up into the Boothill of Missouri as these storms continue through the overnight.

Now the plus side to all of this is that temperatures have been extremely warm across the plains states. In fact, we're talking some record-breakers out there.

Take a look at these 60s all the way up across the upper Midwest. We did have a live picture -- it went away -- officer my hometown, Minneapolis, St. Paul 64 degrees. That's a 100 plus year old record that was broken today -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right, very good. Well, it's right around the corner. Those tax returns are due, Jacqui, ready for that?

JERAS: I am, yes. Filed already.

WHITFIELD: Very good. OK, well, for those of you who need a little help, learn how to use your cell phone to get that tax refund perhaps faster after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right, time to get all your paperwork together, crunch the numbers, do those taxes, and your cell phone can actually help you.

Alexa Von Tobel joins us now from Austin, Texas. She is CEO and founder of learnzest.com. She's in Austin for the South by Southwest festival. I know you're having a good time there, Alexa.

All right, so let's talk about these five apps to make tax filing easier. Let's start by getting very organized with "Shoebox." Tell us all about that.

ALEXA VON TOBEL, CEO, LEARNVEST.COM: So "Shoebox" is a fantastic app. It's plain and simple for people who want to keep track of their receipts. You can download it. All your receipts can go in one place.

At the end of the year, you can see all of your receipt right there. It's really good if you run a small business or if you have to do a lot of reimbursements for work.

What's not great about it, it's actually expensive. So there's a simple, free version, but $10 a month otherwise. But this is a good one to keep you organized.

WHITFIELD: OK, and then a couple of others to get organized, "Tax Central" and "Tax Caster." How are they different or similar?

TOBEL: So "Tax Central" is fantastic. It's by H&R Block. What it does is helps you get really organized on the information. So it gives you a checklist of things you need to do your taxes, great glossary.

And there's even a really dorky quiz for tax dorks like me who really like to learn more about taxes. What's not great about it is it doesn't help you forecast your tax return or anything like that.

"Tax Caster," the other one, does. What I love about this is if you have a few important numbers, rather than wading through all of your tax information to find out if you get a refund or if you owe money, "Tax Caster," if you have a few simple numbers, can tell you accurately what your refund could be, which helps you get excited about tax season.

WHITFIELD: All right, so you've got to organize, get everything together. Now it's time to file. You suggest "Turbo Tax Snap Tax."

TOBEL: Yes. So I love this. This is such a cool technology improvement. You can actually file your taxes with "Snap Tax," take a picture of your W2.

You can straight through the air send it to the IRS and be done with taxes. There are a few other forms to fill out. I know, no joke, it's so cool.

And the only downside, if you have complex taxes, things like you have to itemize deductions, you're not able to do this. And you can only do it if your household income is under $100,000 or it comes in under $80,000. "Snap Tax" is a great one.

WHITFIELD: Boy, OK, it's going to be real simple. That's amazing. The last one? OK, what is this, Irs2go?

TOBEL: Yes, so "IRS2Go," once you send your taxes out, this is actually a tracker. All you need is your Social Security number. It's a free app.

And you can find out when your apps will get your check or your refund. Again, we all want our money as soon as possible. So it's a great thing to track it.

And then lastly, there's lots of good content that has all of this information that helps you do your taxes.

WHITFIELD: My goodness, Alexa Von Tobel, you're making us feel really excited about our taxes and returns with these very cool new little gizmos and features. Thanks so much. Have a good time there at South by Southwest.

TOBEL: Thank you so much. Having the best time here.

WHITFIELD: Good, I'm glad.

All right, perhaps you're looking for a place to get away and relax and maybe Austin's not on your list of places to go today. But our John Zarrella shows us one of his favorite places next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Are you looking perhaps for some place to spend a few relaxing days? Why not unwind and get away from it all like our John Zarrella does. It is this week's "Travel Insider." (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm John Zarrella. This is the southern tip of the Florida everglades, and this is Florida Bay behind me. People from all over the world come here to canoe, to kayak, to bird watch. But what I like to do when I come down here is fish.

(voice-over): Sunrise even on a cloudy day is spectacular out here. Florida Bay is a giant nursery and home to dozens and dozens of species of fish. Mangrove islands crop up everywhere like chocolate chips on a cookie. And that's the best place to fish.

(on camera): This is what we come out primarily for, the red fish. This one's a good size about 23 inches. This is Jack. Jack is Jerry Simonson's son. My camera man is behind the camera. We changed spots a couple of times.

You like that, boys? That's called the keys fishing, baby, homestead, Everglades National Park.

All right, put the anchor in the boat. That's a good-sized snapper. Jack's having all the luck.

(voice-over): Unless the weather's bad, there are always folks out here and always dolphin swimming nearby. Tough to catch on camera, teasing us today.

(on camera): So we're heading in, had a great day out here on the water. Now everybody knows my favorite spot and the kind of fishing you can do out here. So the only thing I ask, don't tell everybody.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: A look at our top stories right now. A U.S. army staff sergeant goes on a shooting rampage in Afghanistan. Afghan officials say he went house to house in two villages killing as many as 16 civilians, most of them children. He is in custody on his base in Kandahar right now.

I'll be back at 4:00 Eastern Time for a full hour of politics. We'll take you on the campaign trail, and our Candy Crowley will dissect some of the candidates' favorite stump speeches.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NEWT GINGRICH (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I know that gasoline prices are high, but I have a word for you -- algae.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: All right, we're going to have a little fun with that at 4:00 Eastern Time. Stay with us. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. "YOUR MONEY" starts right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)