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9/11 Investigation: Separation or Stonewall?; Trial in Turmoil

Aired March 29, 2004 - 15:00   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.


KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Separation or stonewall? If you've been following the fallout from the independent 9/11 investigation, you know the White House is citing the separation of powers principle in refusing to let Condoleezza Rice testify publicly. TV interviews are another matter.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Nothing would be better from my point of view than to be able to testify. I would really like to do that. But there's an important principle involved here. It is a longstanding principle that sitting national security advisers do not testify before the Congress.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Some 9/11 family members consider that a weak excuse, and a Republican member of the 9/11 panel calls it a political blunder of the first order.

CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux has the latest.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, the White House very much realizes that it has a perception problem here. There are even some Republicans coming out and saying that the perception is that the White House has something to hide. The Bush administration says that is farthest from the truth. That is why they are seeking a compromise.

Dr. Rice says she would like to meet with the families of the September 11 victims. That is being arranged. She would also like to meet with the 9/11 Commission again privately as she had done back in February.

She was not under oath. There were no transcripts of that interview. Rather, notes from the commissioners, and it was classified. Now, commission sources, as well as administration sources, tell us that there is a process by which some of that material could become declassified and public information -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Meanwhile, the NATO expansion, what can you tell us about that, Suzanne?

MALVEAUX: Well, President Bush is going to be welcoming seven new members of NATO here at the White House very shortly. All of them former Soviet republics: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Earlier today, Secretary Powell had lunch with the prime ministers and he marveled at how this organization has changed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: In 1989, I said, "Guys, things are changing. Things are changing in the Soviet Union. Don't be surprised if one day it comes apart and we are giving out membership applications to all the former members of the Warsaw Pact."

They laughed a little bit. Here it is.

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, Kyra, it's considered really a remarkable event, a historic event. This alliance, as you know, was formed to protect nations from the spread of communism. Many of those nations are involved in the war on terror. And, as you know, they have a multinational peacekeeping force in Afghanistan -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Suzanne Malveaux, live from the White House. Thank you.

More twists and turns in the troubled Tyco trial which began six months ago. Despite defense attorneys' best efforts, jurors are still working. And that means our Allan Chernoff is still at the courthouse in New York -- Allan.

ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN FINANCIAL CORRESPONDENT: Exactly, Kyra. And, in fact, it is back to business for the jury.

The jury just a little while ago sent a note to the judge saying much water has passed under the bridge since last Thursday. Last Thursday was when we first learned that there were arguments inside of the jury room, and allegations that some jurors were not deliberating in good faith. But now, the jury asking the judge to reread to them his instructions regarding the charge of falsifying business records.

Both Dennis Kozlowski and Mark Swartz, the former top two executives of Tyco, are each facing nine counts of falsifying business records. Essentially, lying about the amount of loans that they'd taken out from the company.

The judge earlier today did deny once again the defense request to declare a mistrial. The judge saying it would be inappropriate at this point, adding that what appears in the newspapers should not influence what happens here inside of the courtroom.

Over the weekend, The New York Post, as well as The Wall Street Journal Online, identified juror number four, the woman who apparently has been the holdout among the 12 men and women. This woman apparently, according to the other jurors, had not been deliberating in good faith, had been insisting that the defendants must be innocent.

She, in turn, had written a separate note, saying that the other jurors were excluding the possibility that the defendants were innocent. So it seemed to have been a bypass over there. And now the jurors trying to move forward, trying to get some sort of resolution. Kozlowski and Swartz are each facing plenty of counts of grand larceny, 13 counts each of them, and they each face a maximum of 30 years in prison -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Allan Chernoff live from New York. Thank you.

Other news across America now. Plaintiffs in three separate states are challenging a law that bans a form of late-term abortion. An attorney in New York stays the law is unconstitutionally vague and infringes on a woman's right to choose. The federal band is yet to be enforced because of the challenges.

Traffic is flowing again on the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in southern Connecticut. A heavily-traveled section of the roadway was shut down Thursday after a fiery crash. The southbound lanes are still closed.

And the story of a Pennsylvania girl snatched from her crib days after birth is being made into a television movie and a book. The parents of 6-year-old Delamar Vera sold the rights to their stories. That deal was said to be in the six-figure range.

He once palled around with the notorious Pol Pot, and he defended the dreaded Nazi Klaus Barbie. Now, Jacques Verges says that he has a new client, Saddam Hussein.

The mysterious French attorney says that one of Saddam's nephews approached him to take the case. But the United States, which is holding Saddam, will not confirm that he has been hired. Verges spoke today to CNN in a heavily-accented English.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JACQUES VERGES, ATTORNEY: The main accusation is to have in his possession, to have had (UNINTELLIGIBLE) weapons. And eventually to have used of them. But, who says this to him? The United States and England. And the man who was the representative for this bargain, for this market, for this deal, is called Mr. Rumsfeld.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Well, in Iraq, the U.S. is coming under fire today for halting the presses at an opposition newspaper.

CNN's Jim Clancy has that and more from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Thousands of supporters of a young firebrand Shia Muslim cleric took to the streets of Najaf in southern Iraq chanting anti-coalition slogans after their movement's newspaper was shut down by U.S. officials. (UNINTELLIGIBLE), where the school was allegedly teaching Iraqis to fight against the coalition. "This isn't freedom of the press," chanted demonstrators in Baghdad as they tried to break into the sealed offices of the newspaper. Thousands gathered in the capital late into the night in protest of the two-month closure.

A spokesman for the young cleric said the coalition accused their newspaper of speaking against it. "This proves the coalition forces that say they give freedom of the press are lying."

It was another bloody day in Mosul in northern Iraq, a city that has been increasingly troubled. Two security guards hired to protect experts at an electrical power plant were killed when they're convoy was attacked by gunmen in another car. One was a British national, the other Canadian. Another car in their convoy managed to escape.

Insurgents also attacked a military police convoy in Mosul, according to coalition sources. All four occupants of the attacking vehicle were killed, but two U.S. soldiers were wounded.

Gunmen failed an assassination bid on public works minister Nasarim Bawari (ph), also in Mosul. According to coalition sources, the minister's driver and one of her bodyguards were killed. Two other bodyguards were wounded. Meantime, in Baghdad, a roadside bomb that was buried in a middle class neighborhood exploded, wounding four Iraqis, two of them seriously.

(on camera): The daily litany of casualties is only the tip of the iceberg, according to Iraqis. As police focus on the insurgency, criminals prey on civilians in kidnappings, robberies and other crimes. A member of the governing council warned CNN Sunday, the situation is only going to get worse before it gets any better.

Jim Clancy, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: Well, you've heard the expression "Out of the mouths of babes." See what happens when you put a camera in their hands. Sixth graders take to the streets of one of Rochester, New York's, poorest neighborhoods.

We'll have more on the record-setting gas prices. If you think they're high now, whoa.

And Ms. Jackson begins a PR blitz for her new CD. She's got her top on, barely, but she's got it on.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

PHILLIPS: Well, when a city with some big problems decided to solve them, instead of turning to high-priced consultants or politicians, they set their sights on untapped resources. They went to the sixth grade students at Enrico Fermi Elementary School, number 17 in Rochester, New York, and gave them cameras. Their mission? To document what they see as hazards to their community's health. And they're heartbreaking photos and essays have been gathered in a book called "Project Hope." It's the brainchild of the University of Rochester Medical Center.

And joining me now from Rochester are the photographers, sixth greater Zondrea Kapps, her teacher, Ann Maria Manso, and Dr. Thomas Pearson from the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Thanks to all of you for being here.

Let's start, Zondrea, with you. I want to talk about your picture, "Abandoned Houses." Tell me how you came across this area and why you took the picture and what it means to you.

ZONDREA KAPPS, CHILDREN'S VISIONS & VOICES: I came across this picture when we were walking.

PHILLIPS: And you came across this picture in your community. And we're seeing it now. Now, Zondrea, you wrote a little essay to go along with this picture, too. And you said that a little girl from your school was assaulted behind an abandoned house, and that drug dealers come to these abandoned houses and they sell drugs.

Tell me how this affects you as a sixth grader. I mean, are you telling -- do you tell the police about these abandoned homes? Do you talk to your friends about them and tell them to stay away from these areas? Do you avoid these areas as much as possible?

KAPPS: I try to avoid them. I don't usually walk near places that have too many abandoned houses. I don't walk at night where there are abandoned houses. Somebody could jump at you.

PHILLIPS: Well, a number of these pictures are pretty powerful. In addition to yours, there's another one that was taken by one of your classmates called "Drug Dealers." Taj Perkins (ph) took this picture. Tell us about the problem of alcohol and drugs and what you're learning about the realities of these, Zondrea.

KAPPS: The problem with alcohol and drugs is that it could make you confused and clog your mind. It could start fights. And that's why the boy, Tyshaun, was killed, who we made this book for.

PHILLIPS: You know what? You bring up a very special person. Let's talk about Tyshaun Lamar Cauldwell. This book has been made in his honor. Tell us about your friend. He was killed in a driveway shooting, wasn't he?

KAPPS: I know it was a shooting.

PHILLIPS: That's right. We were told that a stray bullet took his life when drug dealers were fighting in this neighborhood. As a matter of fact, one of your classmates, Maylee Santiago (ph), took a picture called "Memorial."

Maybe while we look at that, Zondrea, I can talk to your teacher Anna Maria and just talk about this project, and how -- Anna Maria, tell us, this hands-on experience for these kids, so much better than anything they could learn in a classroom, yes?

ANNA MARIA MANSO, CHILDREN'S VISIONS & VOICES: Oh, absolutely. When they were given this challenge at the original press conference, they looked at it as an opportunity. An opportunity to let everyone know what was going on in their neighborhood. And to really take this into they're own hands.

PHILLIPS: Well, you know what's incredible, Anna Maria, as I look at these pictures, through this book, it's, you know, of the homeless and the abandoned homes and the drug dealers. I mean, these are young kids getting such a reality check.

How does this affect students like Zondrea and the other kids that took these pictures? I mean, they grow up pretty fast, don't they?

MANSO: Well, unfortunately, it's been their reality. And I think that it's probably more alarming for the people that are looking at it, than for the students that are taking the photographs.

They pass this on their way to school. This is their reality.

PHILLIPS: Wow. It's a reality check for those that have not grown up in a neighborhood like that.

Dr. Pearson, let's talk about "Project Believe," this magazine, "Project Hope," and why you're involved and getting involved as a sponsor.

DR. THOMAS PEARSON, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER: University of Rochester Medical center has obviously a very active research education mission. It's since expanded that mission really to community health.

Rochester is in many ways a very sophisticated and rich community. But there are parts of Rochester which have been left behind. And this is a commitment by the medical center to do something about it.

We have a couple of real heroes here, and I think what they showed in this book was far better than we could have shown with an expensive research study. They've shown, really, that things are not right in this community. And that it affects young people, the way they think, the way they hope, the way they spend every day. And I can't imagine a better way of saying it than with some photographs that happen to have been taken in the capital of photography, Rochester, New York.

PHILLIPS: Yes. You really see the innocence of these children when you see the pictures, too.

Zondrea, I just have to ask you, you live and walk through this neighborhood. Do you believe that your community can get better? Or is this a community that you may not want to stay in? KAPPS: Yes. I believe that our community could get better if we clean it and if we make it better.

PHILLIPS: Well, Zondrea, I would vote for you definitely into political office to make a difference. Thank you so much, to you, and Anna Maria Manso, Dr. Thomas Pearson.

Once again, the book is called "Project Believe." University of Rochester Medical School getting involved in creating a healthier community. Thanks to all three of you for your time and your efforts. And great pictures, Zondrea.

KAPPS: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: You bet.

PEARSON: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: It's a pleasure.

Well, here's a photograph that you're sure to recognize. A little self promotion for Donald Trump. Imagine that. But apparently some city officials aren't buying it.

And the "Scooby Doo" crew unleashes some monsters at the box office. Your entertainment buzz just ahead.

But, first, another look at those sixth grade snapshots.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, non-smokers in Ireland may be breathing easier today. But how are smokers dealing with being banished to the streets?

ITN's Chris Choi reports from Dublin.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRIS CHOI, ITN (voice-over): Irish bar culture, little changed for centuries, has been transformed literally overnight. It was the moment smokers and many licensees had long dreaded.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, ladies and gentlemen, this is now officially a non-smoking venue.

CHOI: As staff asked customers to stub out their cigarettes, southern Ireland became the first state in Europe with a national ban on smoking in all indoor public places. The authorities refused to phase it in. Instead, it was implemented at the stroke of midnight. And shortly after the argument started.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

CHOI (on camera): There's a member of staff here who's wanting you to stub it out. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, sir.

CHOI (voice-over): Some senior police officers believe the new law is unenforceable, but drinkers are being asked to snitch on fellow customers who smoke. There's even a special phone hotline for the purpose. But the policy chiefly rests on fierce fines covering bars, restaurants and similar venues, 3,000 euros for smoking or owning an outlet where it's permitted.

That's around 2,000 pounds. Irish ministers say the health gains justify such penalties.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm quite happy that we made the right decision. And that the majority of the Irish people are going in behind that decision.

CHOI (on camera): Of coming to the Dublin Mountains, the Irish government has 41 smoking spies backed up by hundreds of health inspectors. But can the new law really be enforced here in the countryside? Well, at Ireland's highest pub, they say no.

(voice-over): Here they parked a smoker's bus. It's not a workplace, so escapes the new law.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It would be very, very difficult to enforce this law. Smokers are also entitled to have their rights, as well. So we will have been in favor of a smoking area.

CHOI: But campaigners say the public is on board across Europe to consign all smoky bars to the fog of history.

Chris Choi, ITV News, Dublin.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

PHILLIPS: Checking entertainment headlines this money -- this Monday, ruh-roh. For the box office competition, Scooby and Shaggy snagged the top spot with the new movie "Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed." It took in a little more than $30 million.

"Ladykillers," starring Tom Hanks, debuted in second place. The new Ben Affleck film, "Jersey Girl," took the third spot.

Janet Jackson returns to the boob tube, shall we say. She makes her first national TV appearance since her controversial breast-baring Super Bowl show. Jackson will appear on the "Late Show with David Letterman." Her new album, "Damita Jo," hits stores tomorrow.

Donald Trump in trouble with New York City. The city is threatening to fine Trump if he doesn't remove this huge "You're fired" banner from Trump Tower. Trump, reportedly says the sign, which promotes his new reality show, is a tourist attraction, and New York should appreciate it instead of fighting it. The man behind Trump's "Apprentice" reality show and "Survivor" is at it again. Mark Burnett (ph) reportedly wants to launch a reality show called "Recovery" about the rescue of kidnapped children. The pilot for the show follows a team as it searches for stolen children. Variety.com reports CBS is considering the show for its fall 2004 lineup.

That wraps it up for LIVE FROM. "INSIDE POLITICS" coming up next. Candy Crowley sitting in for Judy today.

Hi, Candy.

CANDY CROWLEY, HOST: Richard Clarke's comments created a major controversy, so who do Americans believe, the former terrorism adviser, or the White House? We'll reveal some new poll numbers.

Plus, will John Kerry raise your taxes? We'll tell you about a coast-to-coast battle today over that very question.

Stay with us. I go "INSIDE POLITICS" in three minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Here are the latest developments at this hour.

Two military jet pilots have been rescued after their plane crashed off San Diego. They were picked up by a fishing boat. The north island naval station says the plane went down about three miles off the coast. A local TV report says the plane involved was an F-14.

The judge in the Tyco corruption case is still refusing to call a mistrial. Lawyers for former Tyco CEO Dennis Kozlowski cited the controversy over one juror as reason to end the trial. The juror allegedly is holding out for an acquittal. The judge says a mistrial would be inappropriate and that the deadlocked jury should continue deliberating.

Lawmakers in Massachusetts move closer to approving a ban on gay marriage that also legalizes civil unions. But the legislature must approve the constitutional amendment again next year before submitting it to a public referendum in 2006.

Now, "JUDY WOODRUFF'S INSIDE POLITICS."


Aired March 29, 2004 - 15:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Separation or stonewall? If you've been following the fallout from the independent 9/11 investigation, you know the White House is citing the separation of powers principle in refusing to let Condoleezza Rice testify publicly. TV interviews are another matter.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Nothing would be better from my point of view than to be able to testify. I would really like to do that. But there's an important principle involved here. It is a longstanding principle that sitting national security advisers do not testify before the Congress.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Some 9/11 family members consider that a weak excuse, and a Republican member of the 9/11 panel calls it a political blunder of the first order.

CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux has the latest.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kyra, the White House very much realizes that it has a perception problem here. There are even some Republicans coming out and saying that the perception is that the White House has something to hide. The Bush administration says that is farthest from the truth. That is why they are seeking a compromise.

Dr. Rice says she would like to meet with the families of the September 11 victims. That is being arranged. She would also like to meet with the 9/11 Commission again privately as she had done back in February.

She was not under oath. There were no transcripts of that interview. Rather, notes from the commissioners, and it was classified. Now, commission sources, as well as administration sources, tell us that there is a process by which some of that material could become declassified and public information -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Meanwhile, the NATO expansion, what can you tell us about that, Suzanne?

MALVEAUX: Well, President Bush is going to be welcoming seven new members of NATO here at the White House very shortly. All of them former Soviet republics: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Earlier today, Secretary Powell had lunch with the prime ministers and he marveled at how this organization has changed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: In 1989, I said, "Guys, things are changing. Things are changing in the Soviet Union. Don't be surprised if one day it comes apart and we are giving out membership applications to all the former members of the Warsaw Pact."

They laughed a little bit. Here it is.

(APPLAUSE)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: Now, Kyra, it's considered really a remarkable event, a historic event. This alliance, as you know, was formed to protect nations from the spread of communism. Many of those nations are involved in the war on terror. And, as you know, they have a multinational peacekeeping force in Afghanistan -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Suzanne Malveaux, live from the White House. Thank you.

More twists and turns in the troubled Tyco trial which began six months ago. Despite defense attorneys' best efforts, jurors are still working. And that means our Allan Chernoff is still at the courthouse in New York -- Allan.

ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN FINANCIAL CORRESPONDENT: Exactly, Kyra. And, in fact, it is back to business for the jury.

The jury just a little while ago sent a note to the judge saying much water has passed under the bridge since last Thursday. Last Thursday was when we first learned that there were arguments inside of the jury room, and allegations that some jurors were not deliberating in good faith. But now, the jury asking the judge to reread to them his instructions regarding the charge of falsifying business records.

Both Dennis Kozlowski and Mark Swartz, the former top two executives of Tyco, are each facing nine counts of falsifying business records. Essentially, lying about the amount of loans that they'd taken out from the company.

The judge earlier today did deny once again the defense request to declare a mistrial. The judge saying it would be inappropriate at this point, adding that what appears in the newspapers should not influence what happens here inside of the courtroom.

Over the weekend, The New York Post, as well as The Wall Street Journal Online, identified juror number four, the woman who apparently has been the holdout among the 12 men and women. This woman apparently, according to the other jurors, had not been deliberating in good faith, had been insisting that the defendants must be innocent.

She, in turn, had written a separate note, saying that the other jurors were excluding the possibility that the defendants were innocent. So it seemed to have been a bypass over there. And now the jurors trying to move forward, trying to get some sort of resolution. Kozlowski and Swartz are each facing plenty of counts of grand larceny, 13 counts each of them, and they each face a maximum of 30 years in prison -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Allan Chernoff live from New York. Thank you.

Other news across America now. Plaintiffs in three separate states are challenging a law that bans a form of late-term abortion. An attorney in New York stays the law is unconstitutionally vague and infringes on a woman's right to choose. The federal band is yet to be enforced because of the challenges.

Traffic is flowing again on the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 in southern Connecticut. A heavily-traveled section of the roadway was shut down Thursday after a fiery crash. The southbound lanes are still closed.

And the story of a Pennsylvania girl snatched from her crib days after birth is being made into a television movie and a book. The parents of 6-year-old Delamar Vera sold the rights to their stories. That deal was said to be in the six-figure range.

He once palled around with the notorious Pol Pot, and he defended the dreaded Nazi Klaus Barbie. Now, Jacques Verges says that he has a new client, Saddam Hussein.

The mysterious French attorney says that one of Saddam's nephews approached him to take the case. But the United States, which is holding Saddam, will not confirm that he has been hired. Verges spoke today to CNN in a heavily-accented English.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JACQUES VERGES, ATTORNEY: The main accusation is to have in his possession, to have had (UNINTELLIGIBLE) weapons. And eventually to have used of them. But, who says this to him? The United States and England. And the man who was the representative for this bargain, for this market, for this deal, is called Mr. Rumsfeld.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: Well, in Iraq, the U.S. is coming under fire today for halting the presses at an opposition newspaper.

CNN's Jim Clancy has that and more from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JIM CLANCY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Thousands of supporters of a young firebrand Shia Muslim cleric took to the streets of Najaf in southern Iraq chanting anti-coalition slogans after their movement's newspaper was shut down by U.S. officials. (UNINTELLIGIBLE), where the school was allegedly teaching Iraqis to fight against the coalition. "This isn't freedom of the press," chanted demonstrators in Baghdad as they tried to break into the sealed offices of the newspaper. Thousands gathered in the capital late into the night in protest of the two-month closure.

A spokesman for the young cleric said the coalition accused their newspaper of speaking against it. "This proves the coalition forces that say they give freedom of the press are lying."

It was another bloody day in Mosul in northern Iraq, a city that has been increasingly troubled. Two security guards hired to protect experts at an electrical power plant were killed when they're convoy was attacked by gunmen in another car. One was a British national, the other Canadian. Another car in their convoy managed to escape.

Insurgents also attacked a military police convoy in Mosul, according to coalition sources. All four occupants of the attacking vehicle were killed, but two U.S. soldiers were wounded.

Gunmen failed an assassination bid on public works minister Nasarim Bawari (ph), also in Mosul. According to coalition sources, the minister's driver and one of her bodyguards were killed. Two other bodyguards were wounded. Meantime, in Baghdad, a roadside bomb that was buried in a middle class neighborhood exploded, wounding four Iraqis, two of them seriously.

(on camera): The daily litany of casualties is only the tip of the iceberg, according to Iraqis. As police focus on the insurgency, criminals prey on civilians in kidnappings, robberies and other crimes. A member of the governing council warned CNN Sunday, the situation is only going to get worse before it gets any better.

Jim Clancy, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: Well, you've heard the expression "Out of the mouths of babes." See what happens when you put a camera in their hands. Sixth graders take to the streets of one of Rochester, New York's, poorest neighborhoods.

We'll have more on the record-setting gas prices. If you think they're high now, whoa.

And Ms. Jackson begins a PR blitz for her new CD. She's got her top on, barely, but she's got it on.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

PHILLIPS: Well, when a city with some big problems decided to solve them, instead of turning to high-priced consultants or politicians, they set their sights on untapped resources. They went to the sixth grade students at Enrico Fermi Elementary School, number 17 in Rochester, New York, and gave them cameras. Their mission? To document what they see as hazards to their community's health. And they're heartbreaking photos and essays have been gathered in a book called "Project Hope." It's the brainchild of the University of Rochester Medical Center.

And joining me now from Rochester are the photographers, sixth greater Zondrea Kapps, her teacher, Ann Maria Manso, and Dr. Thomas Pearson from the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Thanks to all of you for being here.

Let's start, Zondrea, with you. I want to talk about your picture, "Abandoned Houses." Tell me how you came across this area and why you took the picture and what it means to you.

ZONDREA KAPPS, CHILDREN'S VISIONS & VOICES: I came across this picture when we were walking.

PHILLIPS: And you came across this picture in your community. And we're seeing it now. Now, Zondrea, you wrote a little essay to go along with this picture, too. And you said that a little girl from your school was assaulted behind an abandoned house, and that drug dealers come to these abandoned houses and they sell drugs.

Tell me how this affects you as a sixth grader. I mean, are you telling -- do you tell the police about these abandoned homes? Do you talk to your friends about them and tell them to stay away from these areas? Do you avoid these areas as much as possible?

KAPPS: I try to avoid them. I don't usually walk near places that have too many abandoned houses. I don't walk at night where there are abandoned houses. Somebody could jump at you.

PHILLIPS: Well, a number of these pictures are pretty powerful. In addition to yours, there's another one that was taken by one of your classmates called "Drug Dealers." Taj Perkins (ph) took this picture. Tell us about the problem of alcohol and drugs and what you're learning about the realities of these, Zondrea.

KAPPS: The problem with alcohol and drugs is that it could make you confused and clog your mind. It could start fights. And that's why the boy, Tyshaun, was killed, who we made this book for.

PHILLIPS: You know what? You bring up a very special person. Let's talk about Tyshaun Lamar Cauldwell. This book has been made in his honor. Tell us about your friend. He was killed in a driveway shooting, wasn't he?

KAPPS: I know it was a shooting.

PHILLIPS: That's right. We were told that a stray bullet took his life when drug dealers were fighting in this neighborhood. As a matter of fact, one of your classmates, Maylee Santiago (ph), took a picture called "Memorial."

Maybe while we look at that, Zondrea, I can talk to your teacher Anna Maria and just talk about this project, and how -- Anna Maria, tell us, this hands-on experience for these kids, so much better than anything they could learn in a classroom, yes?

ANNA MARIA MANSO, CHILDREN'S VISIONS & VOICES: Oh, absolutely. When they were given this challenge at the original press conference, they looked at it as an opportunity. An opportunity to let everyone know what was going on in their neighborhood. And to really take this into they're own hands.

PHILLIPS: Well, you know what's incredible, Anna Maria, as I look at these pictures, through this book, it's, you know, of the homeless and the abandoned homes and the drug dealers. I mean, these are young kids getting such a reality check.

How does this affect students like Zondrea and the other kids that took these pictures? I mean, they grow up pretty fast, don't they?

MANSO: Well, unfortunately, it's been their reality. And I think that it's probably more alarming for the people that are looking at it, than for the students that are taking the photographs.

They pass this on their way to school. This is their reality.

PHILLIPS: Wow. It's a reality check for those that have not grown up in a neighborhood like that.

Dr. Pearson, let's talk about "Project Believe," this magazine, "Project Hope," and why you're involved and getting involved as a sponsor.

DR. THOMAS PEARSON, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER: University of Rochester Medical center has obviously a very active research education mission. It's since expanded that mission really to community health.

Rochester is in many ways a very sophisticated and rich community. But there are parts of Rochester which have been left behind. And this is a commitment by the medical center to do something about it.

We have a couple of real heroes here, and I think what they showed in this book was far better than we could have shown with an expensive research study. They've shown, really, that things are not right in this community. And that it affects young people, the way they think, the way they hope, the way they spend every day. And I can't imagine a better way of saying it than with some photographs that happen to have been taken in the capital of photography, Rochester, New York.

PHILLIPS: Yes. You really see the innocence of these children when you see the pictures, too.

Zondrea, I just have to ask you, you live and walk through this neighborhood. Do you believe that your community can get better? Or is this a community that you may not want to stay in? KAPPS: Yes. I believe that our community could get better if we clean it and if we make it better.

PHILLIPS: Well, Zondrea, I would vote for you definitely into political office to make a difference. Thank you so much, to you, and Anna Maria Manso, Dr. Thomas Pearson.

Once again, the book is called "Project Believe." University of Rochester Medical School getting involved in creating a healthier community. Thanks to all three of you for your time and your efforts. And great pictures, Zondrea.

KAPPS: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: You bet.

PEARSON: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: It's a pleasure.

Well, here's a photograph that you're sure to recognize. A little self promotion for Donald Trump. Imagine that. But apparently some city officials aren't buying it.

And the "Scooby Doo" crew unleashes some monsters at the box office. Your entertainment buzz just ahead.

But, first, another look at those sixth grade snapshots.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, non-smokers in Ireland may be breathing easier today. But how are smokers dealing with being banished to the streets?

ITN's Chris Choi reports from Dublin.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRIS CHOI, ITN (voice-over): Irish bar culture, little changed for centuries, has been transformed literally overnight. It was the moment smokers and many licensees had long dreaded.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, ladies and gentlemen, this is now officially a non-smoking venue.

CHOI: As staff asked customers to stub out their cigarettes, southern Ireland became the first state in Europe with a national ban on smoking in all indoor public places. The authorities refused to phase it in. Instead, it was implemented at the stroke of midnight. And shortly after the argument started.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

CHOI (on camera): There's a member of staff here who's wanting you to stub it out. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, sir.

CHOI (voice-over): Some senior police officers believe the new law is unenforceable, but drinkers are being asked to snitch on fellow customers who smoke. There's even a special phone hotline for the purpose. But the policy chiefly rests on fierce fines covering bars, restaurants and similar venues, 3,000 euros for smoking or owning an outlet where it's permitted.

That's around 2,000 pounds. Irish ministers say the health gains justify such penalties.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm quite happy that we made the right decision. And that the majority of the Irish people are going in behind that decision.

CHOI (on camera): Of coming to the Dublin Mountains, the Irish government has 41 smoking spies backed up by hundreds of health inspectors. But can the new law really be enforced here in the countryside? Well, at Ireland's highest pub, they say no.

(voice-over): Here they parked a smoker's bus. It's not a workplace, so escapes the new law.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It would be very, very difficult to enforce this law. Smokers are also entitled to have their rights, as well. So we will have been in favor of a smoking area.

CHOI: But campaigners say the public is on board across Europe to consign all smoky bars to the fog of history.

Chris Choi, ITV News, Dublin.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

PHILLIPS: Checking entertainment headlines this money -- this Monday, ruh-roh. For the box office competition, Scooby and Shaggy snagged the top spot with the new movie "Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed." It took in a little more than $30 million.

"Ladykillers," starring Tom Hanks, debuted in second place. The new Ben Affleck film, "Jersey Girl," took the third spot.

Janet Jackson returns to the boob tube, shall we say. She makes her first national TV appearance since her controversial breast-baring Super Bowl show. Jackson will appear on the "Late Show with David Letterman." Her new album, "Damita Jo," hits stores tomorrow.

Donald Trump in trouble with New York City. The city is threatening to fine Trump if he doesn't remove this huge "You're fired" banner from Trump Tower. Trump, reportedly says the sign, which promotes his new reality show, is a tourist attraction, and New York should appreciate it instead of fighting it. The man behind Trump's "Apprentice" reality show and "Survivor" is at it again. Mark Burnett (ph) reportedly wants to launch a reality show called "Recovery" about the rescue of kidnapped children. The pilot for the show follows a team as it searches for stolen children. Variety.com reports CBS is considering the show for its fall 2004 lineup.

That wraps it up for LIVE FROM. "INSIDE POLITICS" coming up next. Candy Crowley sitting in for Judy today.

Hi, Candy.

CANDY CROWLEY, HOST: Richard Clarke's comments created a major controversy, so who do Americans believe, the former terrorism adviser, or the White House? We'll reveal some new poll numbers.

Plus, will John Kerry raise your taxes? We'll tell you about a coast-to-coast battle today over that very question.

Stay with us. I go "INSIDE POLITICS" in three minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Here are the latest developments at this hour.

Two military jet pilots have been rescued after their plane crashed off San Diego. They were picked up by a fishing boat. The north island naval station says the plane went down about three miles off the coast. A local TV report says the plane involved was an F-14.

The judge in the Tyco corruption case is still refusing to call a mistrial. Lawyers for former Tyco CEO Dennis Kozlowski cited the controversy over one juror as reason to end the trial. The juror allegedly is holding out for an acquittal. The judge says a mistrial would be inappropriate and that the deadlocked jury should continue deliberating.

Lawmakers in Massachusetts move closer to approving a ban on gay marriage that also legalizes civil unions. But the legislature must approve the constitutional amendment again next year before submitting it to a public referendum in 2006.

Now, "JUDY WOODRUFF'S INSIDE POLITICS."