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CNN Live Today
Legendary Playwright Arthur Miller Dies; Ceremony to Swear In HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt
Aired February 11, 2005 - 10:30 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.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Program note, as we get to the midpoint in this particular hour, we might have some information for you. In fact, we might even see the presence of the pontiff himself. When that happens, we'll bring it to you.
I'm Rick Sanchez.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Daryn Kagan. Here is what's happening right now in the news.
Iraqi insurgents have launched attacks on three separate Shiite targets. Gunmen killed at least nine workers at a pair of bakeries in southern Baghdad. And northeast of the capital, a suicide bomber detonated his car outside a Shia mosque during Friday prayers. At least 12 were killed there. And police believe the motive may be to spark a civil war between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Pope John Paul II is on his first full day out of the hospital and may attend a mass getting under way at this hour at St. Peter's Basilica. These are live pictures of that. The theme of the mass is to mark the World Day of the Sick. The frail, 84-year-old pontiff spent nine days in the hospital with respiratory problems.
General Motors has announced the recall of about 155,000 of its pickups and SUVs, including the Hummer H2. All the models are from the 2004 and 2005 years, and specifically include the Bosch hydro- boost brake assemblies. GM says it doesn't know of any injuries caused by those defects.
And later this hour, President Bush will attend ceremonies for Mike Leavitt's swearing-in as Health and Human Services Secretary. Leavitt is already on the job. He said that rolling out the new Medicare drug prescription program will be his agency's main event this year.
SANCHEZ: You have no doubt heard of chat rooms where people come together on the Internet. But could you imagine people using their computers to come together for a suicide pact? That's what police are investigating in Oregon this morning, and they've already made an arrest in this one.
CNN's Kimberly Osias is in Klamath Falls, Oregon on this story. And Kimberly, is it true? Because we're hearing there may have been a mother who may have been planning to kill herself and her children as a part of this pact? KIMBERLY OSIAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's exactly right, Rick. Actually, those individuals, those children, obviously, the mother as well, is a top priority for authorities right now. They want to make sure that those children are safe. Even though the individual believed to have masterminded this whole macabre plan is behind bars, they are game planning right now. They know of at least 32, maybe even more people that were planning to carry out killing themselves all on Valentine's Day, all in the same way.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
OSIAS (voice-over): This is 26-year-old Gerald Krine (ph). The man police say is behind the bizarre suicide pact. Authorities charge Krine with solicitation to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit manslaughter. Police acted on a tip from a Canadian woman, who they say was in on the pact. Now authorities are desperately trying to identify those who agree to participate, including a mother they believe who planned to murder her two children, then kill herself.
SHERIFF TIMOTHY EVINGER, KLAMATH CO. OREGON POLICE: Obviously, we're trying to capture information, e-mails, maybe some chat information. And then we'll be issuing some further subpoenas, I'm certain, through the district attorney's office, to ascertain who the other individuals were, where they are and to try to deem them safe.
OSIAS: Neighbors here in Klamath Falls were stunned by the news.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: So close to the house, so close to my grandkids, and we're peaceful people in here. We don't want that kind of stuff going on, you know?
OSIAS: Wednesday police seized Krine's computer, along with other material from the home. Thursday afternoon they issued subpoenas to several Internet providers. Both the FBI and the Canadian Authorities are involved in the investigation.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
OSIAS: And the investigation, of course continues. It may take several more days because, of course, as information trickles in from those subpoenas, those names will, of course, be subpoenaed as well.
And, Rick, we are talking about many jurisdictions that could be involved. As for Krine, he remains here in jail on $100,000 bond.
SANCHEZ: Kimberly Osias with that story. We certainly thank you for bringing it to us. Amazing.
Also there's sad news that we're getting in to CNN. Wires are now reporting that one of America's greatest playwrights has passed on. It's Arthur Miller, known for so many of his writings as well as his marriage at one time to Marilyn Monroe. Arthur Miller was born in Manhattan in 1915 to Jewish immigrant parents. By 1928, the family had moved on to Brooklyn. He went on to become, no doubt, as many would call one of America's greatest playwrights. Again, Arthur Miller dead. Betty to you.
NGUYEN: Here's another story. This one out of South Florida. This baby is in remarkable good condition, despite being tossed from a moving car in Ft. Lauderdale. A woman says she was driving behind the vehicle, saw a couple arguing, and then saw them open the door and toss something out. Here's what the sheriff said earlier today on CNN's AMERICAN MORNING.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHERIFF KEN JENNE, BROWARD CO. FLORIDA: This is more than a witness. This woman is a good samaritan. She thought, actually, it was a puppy, when I was talking to her, and she got out of the car to retrieve the package, the puppy, and opened up the package and found the little one-hour old boy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: The little boy had a plastic bag on his head and his umbilical cord was still attached. Now the search is on for that couple.
SANCHEZ: In Cincinnati a pitbull attack on a toddler is suddenly overshadowed by an unguarded comment by a police dispatcher. We're going to let you listen to it. Let's set it up. She took a 911 call after this pitbull attacked a member of the family, an 18-year-old boy. The dog actually attacked the baby's face, according to reports. Here it is now. Let's listen in to the emergency call.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DISPATCHER: What kind of dog attacked him Samantha? What kind of dog attacked him, Samantha?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What kind of dog is J.D., Rick?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE He's a pitbull.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's a pit.
DISPATCHER: Stupid people.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SANCHEZ: The supervisor called the comment unacceptable, but said that dispatchers get emotional as well. The police dispatcher, as a result of the comment, may be suspended.
NGUYEN: Now to other stories making news coast to coast today outside this Chicago apartment building we're about to show you, a middle-aged man went into cardiac arrest and died after police officers used a stun gun to subdue him. That death comes just days after a 14-year-old boy was critically injured in a similar incident. That case has prompted a lawsuit against the city. SANCHEZ: And from Hutchinson, Kansas, a remarkable story of lost hope and recovered life, more than 20 years after a drunk driver plunged into this woman and sent her into a coma. Sarah Scantlin (ph) was suddenly awakened. In fact, last week her father answered the phone to hear words that he never expected to hear from her. She said "Hi, dad."
NGUYEN: In Virginia, it is high times for low riders. Those pull-up-your-pants bill got up and went. The state Senate panel killed legislation that would have outlawed droopy pants. The bill called for a $50 fine for anyone showing his or her underwear in a lewd or indecent manner. Senators didn't want to give the impression that they were preoccupied with trivial matters.
SANCHEZ: I guess I'll have to pull my pants up now when I walk around the newsroom.
The swearing-in ceremony for Mike Leavitt as new health and human services secretary is set to begin at any moment. That's why we're offering up this live picture, just to let you know what the venue is going to be. That's TV talk for where it is going to take place. President Bush is going to be on hand to welcome his newest cabinet member. We're going to bring it to you when it happens.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: Once again, the man who wrote "Death of a Salesman" has passed on. Arthur Miller, passing on. One of America's greatest playwrights, married to Marilyn Monroe, as well. Here now, a report filed by Eric Philips.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WILLIAM J. CLINTON, FMR. PRES. OF THE UNITED STATES: Arthur Miller has given our nation some of the finest plays of this century.
ERIC PHILIPS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Chief among them, "Death of a Salesman," which won the 1949 Pulitzer Prize. And in 1953, his metaphor for McCarthyism, "The Crucible."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want the truth now.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We never conjure spirits.
PHILIPS: But Miller took his lumps before becoming known as a writer of classics.
ARTHUR MILLER, PLAYWRIGHT: 50 years ago I quit forever. I had a disaster with my first play. I resolved never to write another one.
PHILIPS: Fortunately the playwright reneged on that vow and within a few years was penning masterpieces. Miller's characters were specific, yet universal, infected with human flaws like pride, envy, greed and lust.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Harriet tells me you used to take out our cousin, Roslyn Fine (ph).
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's possible. I don't remember.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, you had so many, didn't you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When I was younger.
MILLER: The art of playwriting consists mainly of the manipulation of time. Everything has to be squeezed so that it becomes dramatic.
PHILIPS: At the peak of his fame in 1956, Miller married Marilyn Monroe. The pair became the celebrity couple of their time. The marriage, his second of three, lasted until 1961. Later on, Miller was honored for his contributions to the theater. An honorary degree from Harvard, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tonys and the National Medal of the Arts. Toward the end of his life, Miller lamented how Broadway had changed over the years.
MILLER: There was a kind of reverence that is gone. People felt it was an art, not a business. Now, of course, it always was a business.
PHILIPS: That business made Miller famous, and Miller's plays enriched readers and audiences everywhere.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: It's happening right now, so let's take you there. This is a swearing-in ceremony. That's Mike Leavitt, former governor of Utah. He's about to become the new secretary of health and human services. Let's listen in.
(APPLAUSE)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you, all. Please be seated.
Good morning.
I'm proud to visit this fine department and to congratulate my friend, Michael Leavitt, on becoming America's 20th secretary of health and human services.
Congratulations.
MICHAEL LEAVITT, SECY. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: Thank you, Mr. President.
(APPLAUSE)
BUSH: I know this is a particularly special day for Mike. After all, it's his 54th birthday.
(APPLAUSE)
BUSH: And it's always a special day for him when his family members are here. He loves his family. He's got a great wife named Jackie. Westin (ph) is here representing his brothers and sisters. His dad's first name is Dixie.
(LAUGHTER)
Kind of sounds like he should be from Texas.
(LAUGHTER)
I appreciate the other members of the Leavitt family who are here.
I want to thank Senator Bob Bennett, from the great state of Utah, for joining us and Congressman Ralph Regula for being here. I appreciate you both coming.
I want to thank other members of my Cabinet and administration who have joined us.
I particularly want to thank the men and women of Health and Human Services for your hard work and remind you that you're serving during a critical time for America's health and well-being.
Thanks to Secretary Tommy Thompson's superb leadership, HHS has helped our medical community prepare for a new era in public health. You've made groundbreaking progress toward new cures for disability and disease. You've led a bold initiative to win the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The good work of this department is making America healthier and more hopeful. And I thank each of you for your commitment and your compassion.
As Secretary Leavitt begins his service, HHS is embarking on a set of new challenges and historic opportunities.
One of your most important responsibilities will be implementing the Medicare Modernization Act, which I signed some 14 months ago.
BUSH: This law is a landmark achievement in American health care, and millions of older Americans are already benefiting from its reforms.
Because we acted, Medicare now covers preventive medicine, including screenings for heart disease and diabetes and a "Welcome to Medicare" physical.
Instead of waiting to get sick or facing costly treatments, seniors can now identify problems early and manage them before they grow worse. By reducing major surgeries and long-time hospital stays, preventive medicine will save money, and more importantly, it will extend the lives of our seniors.
Because we acted, Medicare will also cover prescription drugs. Under the old system, Medicare would pay $28,000 for ulcer surgery but not the $500 a year for the prescription drugs that eliminated the cause of most ulcers. That system didn't make any sense. It made no sense for our seniors. It made no sense for America's taxpayers.
Because prescription drugs are expensive, many seniors face the terrible choice between buying groceries and buying medicine. We left those days behind with the Medicare Modernization Act.
Low-income seniors can get up to $600 to buy medicine this year. Next January, every senior in Medicare will have the option of a prescription drug benefit. And so that all seniors can get the care they need, low-income seniors will get extra assistance and will pay a reduced premium or no premiums at all on prescription drugs.
Because we acted, seniors in Medicare will have more control over their health care. Seniors will be able to choose a health plan that meets their needs. And health plans will compete for their business, which will lower costs throughout the program.
The system probably sounds familiar to some here. After all, that's what we offer federal employees. If choosing your health plan is good enough for the federal employees, it's good enough for America's seniors as well.
Putting these reforms into action will be challenging. But with the leadership of Secretary Leavitt and Administrator McClellan, I know you're up to the task.
We all know the alternative to reform: a Medicare system that offers outdated benefits and imposes needless costs. For decades, we've promised American seniors we can do better, and we finally did.
BUSH: Now we must keep our word. I signed Medicare reform proudly. And any attempt to limit the choices of our seniors and to take away their prescription drug coverage under Medicare will meet my veto.
(APPLAUSE)
Secretary Leavitt will also lead important reforms in the Medicaid program. He will work closely with the governors to make Medicaid more fair and more flexible. And together we will take new steps to ensure that Medicaid fully serves our most vulnerable citizens, especially our children.
Both Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program -- it's what's called S-CHIP -- offer preventive care to low-income families at little or no cost. Yet millions of eligible American children are not signed up.
So I proposed a $1 billion effort called Cover the Kids to help states and community groups and faith-based charities enroll more children in Medicaid and S-CHIP. We must not allow a lack of attention or a lack of information to stand between these children and the health care they need.
BUSH: To reinforce America's health safety net, we are also increasing support for community health centers. These compassionate facilities meet a critical need by providing primary care to the poor and the uninsured. They also take the pressure off of our emergency rooms and our hospitals.
When I took office, I pledged to open or expand 1,200 community health centers by 2006. Thanks to the hard work of this department, we've opened or expanded 619 centers so far, and we're on track to meet our objective by the end of next year.
Now, Secretary Leavitt and I are working toward a new goal: We will ensure that every poor county in America has a community health center.
(APPLAUSE)
As we deliver quality health care to those in need, we must also help more adults find private health insurance at their jobs.
More than half of all the uninsured Americans are small-business employees and their families. To help these people get good coverage, I've asked Congress to allow small businesses to pool together to buy insurance at the same discounts that big companies get.
I propose tax credits for small businesses and low-income workers. That would allow more people to open tax-free health savings accounts.
To reduce health-care costs and prevent medical errors, we're working to expand the use of information technology in health care.
And to make health care more affordable for every doctor, patient and entrepreneur, Congress needs to pass medical liability reform this year.
(APPLAUSE)
At HHS, you bring the hope of better health to millions of your fellow citizens, and you do much more. HHS promotes adoption and abstinence and preschool education and leads our efforts to stop drug abuse and domestic violence.
Secretary Thompson has called this America's "Department of Compassion." And I know Secretary Leavitt sees it the same way.
Many of your greatest allies in the armies of compassion are found in faith-based and community groups.
BUSH: Secretary Leavitt's leadership will continue to support the hopeful works of these caring citizens.
We will also work with Congress to reauthorize welfare reforms that require and strengthen marriage and promote responsible fatherhood.
We'll continue the life-saving work of combating HIV/AIDS at home and abroad. As you fulfill all these duties, HHS is also meeting the needs of a nation at war. Researchers at NIH and the Centers for Disease Control are on the front lines of defending America against the threat of bioterror. FDA inspectors are expanding efforts to secure the food supply and ensure the safety of medicine.
We've completed the doubling of funding for medical research at NIH. Yet spending is not our only measure of success. When we commit taxpayer dollars, we will insist on results in return.
And in every scientific pursuit we will uphold the values of freedom, equality and human dignity.
We must never sanction the creation of life, only to destroy it.
(APPLAUSE)
With his new responsibility, HHS Secretary Leavitt continues a distinguished career of public service. I've known him as a governor. We're members of the ex-governors' club.
(LAUGHTER)
I've known him as administrator of the EPA. I've witnessed his integrity and creativity and compassion. He has a proven ability to move beyond the partisan debate, to work with leaders at all levels of government and to improve the lives of the people he serves.
That is what I have asked Mike to do as America's secretary of health and human services. With your help, I know he will succeed.
Congratulations.
(APPLAUSE)
LEAVITT: Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President, I approach this task with enormous optimism and appreciation. I feel the gravity of the responsibility, but I feel your confidence.
LEAVITT: And I feel the fundamental privilege it is to serve the people of the United States of America.
I'd like to thank my family and so many friends who have traveled to Washington today for this ceremony.
I also want to acknowledge a couple of members of my family who are not here, my four children that aren't present with Jackie and my son Westin (ph): our oldest son Mike and his wife Carrie (ph), Taylor and spouse Tammy (ph), Anne Marie, our only daughter, and Hyrum (ph), her husband, and our son Chase, who is doing missionary service for our church, and also my mother who is off on a mission of her own today, helping some grandchildren in a moment of need.
(LAUGHTER) I'd also like to thank a number of special guests that are here: my colleagues on the Cabinet, Elaine Chao, Margaret Spelling, John Walters, Steve Johnson, the acting administrator of the EPA.
I notice so many of my friends from the White House, which I find gratifying that you would come.
Secretary Card, thank you for administering the oath of office; Heidi Smith (ph); Jim Connoton (ph); John Walters; Terrell Holaska (ph). I saw Doug Badger (inaudible) hall. I think I noticed Harriet Myers and Dan Bartlett and Dena Powell. All of them -- I deeply appreciate your coming.
I must also say, Senator Bennett and Mr. Regula, I appreciate your being here -- two people I look forward to working with on so many of these issues.
LEAVITT: And I've asked two of my colleagues from HHS to attend, representing my new colleagues here at this department: Murtha Beadle -- Murtha, I thank you.
Murtha is the acting deputy of the director of the Office of -- a very important office here at this department -- Minority Health. She is responsible for providing leadership on important issues like minority health and ensuring that we do away with the health disparities that so often creep into our society. She's also known in this department for remarkable dedication.
I'd also like to introduce you to Daniel Baker. Daniel Baker began working in federal service in November of 1939. He has been working in federal service for 65 years. The only break he has had was to serve in World War II to fight for this country.
I met Mr. Baker, and it reminded me, Mr. President, of a conversation I had with a man about Mr. Baker's age. And I said to him, "So have you lived in this town your whole life?" And he said, "Not yet I haven't."
(LAUGHTER)
I think the same can be said of Mr. Baker. He has made not just a career but a life out of serving the disabled and the elderly in this country.
Interestingly enough, he was part of the original work team that was established to create Medicare.
(APPLAUSE)
I also want to recognize Tommy Thompson, whose portrait will soon hang on this wall. He inspired this department. His four years at the helm made America a healthier and a safer place, and I will build on that legacy.
I want to make clear that I understand the very clear mission that the president of the United States has given me. RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Mike Leavitt, the new secretary of Health and Human Services, being introduced by the president of the United States. The president also, as you noticed, taking the opportunity to talk about some of his health care proposals, and then some as well.
In case you're wondering, Mike Leavitt elected governor of the state of Utah three times between 1992 and 2003. And since 2003, he has been the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
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 February 11, 2005 - 10:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Program note, as we get to the midpoint in this particular hour, we might have some information for you. In fact, we might even see the presence of the pontiff himself. When that happens, we'll bring it to you.
I'm Rick Sanchez.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Daryn Kagan. Here is what's happening right now in the news.
Iraqi insurgents have launched attacks on three separate Shiite targets. Gunmen killed at least nine workers at a pair of bakeries in southern Baghdad. And northeast of the capital, a suicide bomber detonated his car outside a Shia mosque during Friday prayers. At least 12 were killed there. And police believe the motive may be to spark a civil war between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Pope John Paul II is on his first full day out of the hospital and may attend a mass getting under way at this hour at St. Peter's Basilica. These are live pictures of that. The theme of the mass is to mark the World Day of the Sick. The frail, 84-year-old pontiff spent nine days in the hospital with respiratory problems.
General Motors has announced the recall of about 155,000 of its pickups and SUVs, including the Hummer H2. All the models are from the 2004 and 2005 years, and specifically include the Bosch hydro- boost brake assemblies. GM says it doesn't know of any injuries caused by those defects.
And later this hour, President Bush will attend ceremonies for Mike Leavitt's swearing-in as Health and Human Services Secretary. Leavitt is already on the job. He said that rolling out the new Medicare drug prescription program will be his agency's main event this year.
SANCHEZ: You have no doubt heard of chat rooms where people come together on the Internet. But could you imagine people using their computers to come together for a suicide pact? That's what police are investigating in Oregon this morning, and they've already made an arrest in this one.
CNN's Kimberly Osias is in Klamath Falls, Oregon on this story. And Kimberly, is it true? Because we're hearing there may have been a mother who may have been planning to kill herself and her children as a part of this pact? KIMBERLY OSIAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's exactly right, Rick. Actually, those individuals, those children, obviously, the mother as well, is a top priority for authorities right now. They want to make sure that those children are safe. Even though the individual believed to have masterminded this whole macabre plan is behind bars, they are game planning right now. They know of at least 32, maybe even more people that were planning to carry out killing themselves all on Valentine's Day, all in the same way.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
OSIAS (voice-over): This is 26-year-old Gerald Krine (ph). The man police say is behind the bizarre suicide pact. Authorities charge Krine with solicitation to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit manslaughter. Police acted on a tip from a Canadian woman, who they say was in on the pact. Now authorities are desperately trying to identify those who agree to participate, including a mother they believe who planned to murder her two children, then kill herself.
SHERIFF TIMOTHY EVINGER, KLAMATH CO. OREGON POLICE: Obviously, we're trying to capture information, e-mails, maybe some chat information. And then we'll be issuing some further subpoenas, I'm certain, through the district attorney's office, to ascertain who the other individuals were, where they are and to try to deem them safe.
OSIAS: Neighbors here in Klamath Falls were stunned by the news.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: So close to the house, so close to my grandkids, and we're peaceful people in here. We don't want that kind of stuff going on, you know?
OSIAS: Wednesday police seized Krine's computer, along with other material from the home. Thursday afternoon they issued subpoenas to several Internet providers. Both the FBI and the Canadian Authorities are involved in the investigation.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
OSIAS: And the investigation, of course continues. It may take several more days because, of course, as information trickles in from those subpoenas, those names will, of course, be subpoenaed as well.
And, Rick, we are talking about many jurisdictions that could be involved. As for Krine, he remains here in jail on $100,000 bond.
SANCHEZ: Kimberly Osias with that story. We certainly thank you for bringing it to us. Amazing.
Also there's sad news that we're getting in to CNN. Wires are now reporting that one of America's greatest playwrights has passed on. It's Arthur Miller, known for so many of his writings as well as his marriage at one time to Marilyn Monroe. Arthur Miller was born in Manhattan in 1915 to Jewish immigrant parents. By 1928, the family had moved on to Brooklyn. He went on to become, no doubt, as many would call one of America's greatest playwrights. Again, Arthur Miller dead. Betty to you.
NGUYEN: Here's another story. This one out of South Florida. This baby is in remarkable good condition, despite being tossed from a moving car in Ft. Lauderdale. A woman says she was driving behind the vehicle, saw a couple arguing, and then saw them open the door and toss something out. Here's what the sheriff said earlier today on CNN's AMERICAN MORNING.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHERIFF KEN JENNE, BROWARD CO. FLORIDA: This is more than a witness. This woman is a good samaritan. She thought, actually, it was a puppy, when I was talking to her, and she got out of the car to retrieve the package, the puppy, and opened up the package and found the little one-hour old boy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: The little boy had a plastic bag on his head and his umbilical cord was still attached. Now the search is on for that couple.
SANCHEZ: In Cincinnati a pitbull attack on a toddler is suddenly overshadowed by an unguarded comment by a police dispatcher. We're going to let you listen to it. Let's set it up. She took a 911 call after this pitbull attacked a member of the family, an 18-year-old boy. The dog actually attacked the baby's face, according to reports. Here it is now. Let's listen in to the emergency call.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DISPATCHER: What kind of dog attacked him Samantha? What kind of dog attacked him, Samantha?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What kind of dog is J.D., Rick?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE He's a pitbull.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He's a pit.
DISPATCHER: Stupid people.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SANCHEZ: The supervisor called the comment unacceptable, but said that dispatchers get emotional as well. The police dispatcher, as a result of the comment, may be suspended.
NGUYEN: Now to other stories making news coast to coast today outside this Chicago apartment building we're about to show you, a middle-aged man went into cardiac arrest and died after police officers used a stun gun to subdue him. That death comes just days after a 14-year-old boy was critically injured in a similar incident. That case has prompted a lawsuit against the city. SANCHEZ: And from Hutchinson, Kansas, a remarkable story of lost hope and recovered life, more than 20 years after a drunk driver plunged into this woman and sent her into a coma. Sarah Scantlin (ph) was suddenly awakened. In fact, last week her father answered the phone to hear words that he never expected to hear from her. She said "Hi, dad."
NGUYEN: In Virginia, it is high times for low riders. Those pull-up-your-pants bill got up and went. The state Senate panel killed legislation that would have outlawed droopy pants. The bill called for a $50 fine for anyone showing his or her underwear in a lewd or indecent manner. Senators didn't want to give the impression that they were preoccupied with trivial matters.
SANCHEZ: I guess I'll have to pull my pants up now when I walk around the newsroom.
The swearing-in ceremony for Mike Leavitt as new health and human services secretary is set to begin at any moment. That's why we're offering up this live picture, just to let you know what the venue is going to be. That's TV talk for where it is going to take place. President Bush is going to be on hand to welcome his newest cabinet member. We're going to bring it to you when it happens.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: Once again, the man who wrote "Death of a Salesman" has passed on. Arthur Miller, passing on. One of America's greatest playwrights, married to Marilyn Monroe, as well. Here now, a report filed by Eric Philips.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WILLIAM J. CLINTON, FMR. PRES. OF THE UNITED STATES: Arthur Miller has given our nation some of the finest plays of this century.
ERIC PHILIPS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Chief among them, "Death of a Salesman," which won the 1949 Pulitzer Prize. And in 1953, his metaphor for McCarthyism, "The Crucible."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want the truth now.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We never conjure spirits.
PHILIPS: But Miller took his lumps before becoming known as a writer of classics.
ARTHUR MILLER, PLAYWRIGHT: 50 years ago I quit forever. I had a disaster with my first play. I resolved never to write another one.
PHILIPS: Fortunately the playwright reneged on that vow and within a few years was penning masterpieces. Miller's characters were specific, yet universal, infected with human flaws like pride, envy, greed and lust.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Harriet tells me you used to take out our cousin, Roslyn Fine (ph).
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's possible. I don't remember.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, you had so many, didn't you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When I was younger.
MILLER: The art of playwriting consists mainly of the manipulation of time. Everything has to be squeezed so that it becomes dramatic.
PHILIPS: At the peak of his fame in 1956, Miller married Marilyn Monroe. The pair became the celebrity couple of their time. The marriage, his second of three, lasted until 1961. Later on, Miller was honored for his contributions to the theater. An honorary degree from Harvard, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tonys and the National Medal of the Arts. Toward the end of his life, Miller lamented how Broadway had changed over the years.
MILLER: There was a kind of reverence that is gone. People felt it was an art, not a business. Now, of course, it always was a business.
PHILIPS: That business made Miller famous, and Miller's plays enriched readers and audiences everywhere.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: It's happening right now, so let's take you there. This is a swearing-in ceremony. That's Mike Leavitt, former governor of Utah. He's about to become the new secretary of health and human services. Let's listen in.
(APPLAUSE)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you, all. Please be seated.
Good morning.
I'm proud to visit this fine department and to congratulate my friend, Michael Leavitt, on becoming America's 20th secretary of health and human services.
Congratulations.
MICHAEL LEAVITT, SECY. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: Thank you, Mr. President.
(APPLAUSE)
BUSH: I know this is a particularly special day for Mike. After all, it's his 54th birthday.
(APPLAUSE)
BUSH: And it's always a special day for him when his family members are here. He loves his family. He's got a great wife named Jackie. Westin (ph) is here representing his brothers and sisters. His dad's first name is Dixie.
(LAUGHTER)
Kind of sounds like he should be from Texas.
(LAUGHTER)
I appreciate the other members of the Leavitt family who are here.
I want to thank Senator Bob Bennett, from the great state of Utah, for joining us and Congressman Ralph Regula for being here. I appreciate you both coming.
I want to thank other members of my Cabinet and administration who have joined us.
I particularly want to thank the men and women of Health and Human Services for your hard work and remind you that you're serving during a critical time for America's health and well-being.
Thanks to Secretary Tommy Thompson's superb leadership, HHS has helped our medical community prepare for a new era in public health. You've made groundbreaking progress toward new cures for disability and disease. You've led a bold initiative to win the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The good work of this department is making America healthier and more hopeful. And I thank each of you for your commitment and your compassion.
As Secretary Leavitt begins his service, HHS is embarking on a set of new challenges and historic opportunities.
One of your most important responsibilities will be implementing the Medicare Modernization Act, which I signed some 14 months ago.
BUSH: This law is a landmark achievement in American health care, and millions of older Americans are already benefiting from its reforms.
Because we acted, Medicare now covers preventive medicine, including screenings for heart disease and diabetes and a "Welcome to Medicare" physical.
Instead of waiting to get sick or facing costly treatments, seniors can now identify problems early and manage them before they grow worse. By reducing major surgeries and long-time hospital stays, preventive medicine will save money, and more importantly, it will extend the lives of our seniors.
Because we acted, Medicare will also cover prescription drugs. Under the old system, Medicare would pay $28,000 for ulcer surgery but not the $500 a year for the prescription drugs that eliminated the cause of most ulcers. That system didn't make any sense. It made no sense for our seniors. It made no sense for America's taxpayers.
Because prescription drugs are expensive, many seniors face the terrible choice between buying groceries and buying medicine. We left those days behind with the Medicare Modernization Act.
Low-income seniors can get up to $600 to buy medicine this year. Next January, every senior in Medicare will have the option of a prescription drug benefit. And so that all seniors can get the care they need, low-income seniors will get extra assistance and will pay a reduced premium or no premiums at all on prescription drugs.
Because we acted, seniors in Medicare will have more control over their health care. Seniors will be able to choose a health plan that meets their needs. And health plans will compete for their business, which will lower costs throughout the program.
The system probably sounds familiar to some here. After all, that's what we offer federal employees. If choosing your health plan is good enough for the federal employees, it's good enough for America's seniors as well.
Putting these reforms into action will be challenging. But with the leadership of Secretary Leavitt and Administrator McClellan, I know you're up to the task.
We all know the alternative to reform: a Medicare system that offers outdated benefits and imposes needless costs. For decades, we've promised American seniors we can do better, and we finally did.
BUSH: Now we must keep our word. I signed Medicare reform proudly. And any attempt to limit the choices of our seniors and to take away their prescription drug coverage under Medicare will meet my veto.
(APPLAUSE)
Secretary Leavitt will also lead important reforms in the Medicaid program. He will work closely with the governors to make Medicaid more fair and more flexible. And together we will take new steps to ensure that Medicaid fully serves our most vulnerable citizens, especially our children.
Both Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program -- it's what's called S-CHIP -- offer preventive care to low-income families at little or no cost. Yet millions of eligible American children are not signed up.
So I proposed a $1 billion effort called Cover the Kids to help states and community groups and faith-based charities enroll more children in Medicaid and S-CHIP. We must not allow a lack of attention or a lack of information to stand between these children and the health care they need.
BUSH: To reinforce America's health safety net, we are also increasing support for community health centers. These compassionate facilities meet a critical need by providing primary care to the poor and the uninsured. They also take the pressure off of our emergency rooms and our hospitals.
When I took office, I pledged to open or expand 1,200 community health centers by 2006. Thanks to the hard work of this department, we've opened or expanded 619 centers so far, and we're on track to meet our objective by the end of next year.
Now, Secretary Leavitt and I are working toward a new goal: We will ensure that every poor county in America has a community health center.
(APPLAUSE)
As we deliver quality health care to those in need, we must also help more adults find private health insurance at their jobs.
More than half of all the uninsured Americans are small-business employees and their families. To help these people get good coverage, I've asked Congress to allow small businesses to pool together to buy insurance at the same discounts that big companies get.
I propose tax credits for small businesses and low-income workers. That would allow more people to open tax-free health savings accounts.
To reduce health-care costs and prevent medical errors, we're working to expand the use of information technology in health care.
And to make health care more affordable for every doctor, patient and entrepreneur, Congress needs to pass medical liability reform this year.
(APPLAUSE)
At HHS, you bring the hope of better health to millions of your fellow citizens, and you do much more. HHS promotes adoption and abstinence and preschool education and leads our efforts to stop drug abuse and domestic violence.
Secretary Thompson has called this America's "Department of Compassion." And I know Secretary Leavitt sees it the same way.
Many of your greatest allies in the armies of compassion are found in faith-based and community groups.
BUSH: Secretary Leavitt's leadership will continue to support the hopeful works of these caring citizens.
We will also work with Congress to reauthorize welfare reforms that require and strengthen marriage and promote responsible fatherhood.
We'll continue the life-saving work of combating HIV/AIDS at home and abroad. As you fulfill all these duties, HHS is also meeting the needs of a nation at war. Researchers at NIH and the Centers for Disease Control are on the front lines of defending America against the threat of bioterror. FDA inspectors are expanding efforts to secure the food supply and ensure the safety of medicine.
We've completed the doubling of funding for medical research at NIH. Yet spending is not our only measure of success. When we commit taxpayer dollars, we will insist on results in return.
And in every scientific pursuit we will uphold the values of freedom, equality and human dignity.
We must never sanction the creation of life, only to destroy it.
(APPLAUSE)
With his new responsibility, HHS Secretary Leavitt continues a distinguished career of public service. I've known him as a governor. We're members of the ex-governors' club.
(LAUGHTER)
I've known him as administrator of the EPA. I've witnessed his integrity and creativity and compassion. He has a proven ability to move beyond the partisan debate, to work with leaders at all levels of government and to improve the lives of the people he serves.
That is what I have asked Mike to do as America's secretary of health and human services. With your help, I know he will succeed.
Congratulations.
(APPLAUSE)
LEAVITT: Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President, I approach this task with enormous optimism and appreciation. I feel the gravity of the responsibility, but I feel your confidence.
LEAVITT: And I feel the fundamental privilege it is to serve the people of the United States of America.
I'd like to thank my family and so many friends who have traveled to Washington today for this ceremony.
I also want to acknowledge a couple of members of my family who are not here, my four children that aren't present with Jackie and my son Westin (ph): our oldest son Mike and his wife Carrie (ph), Taylor and spouse Tammy (ph), Anne Marie, our only daughter, and Hyrum (ph), her husband, and our son Chase, who is doing missionary service for our church, and also my mother who is off on a mission of her own today, helping some grandchildren in a moment of need.
(LAUGHTER) I'd also like to thank a number of special guests that are here: my colleagues on the Cabinet, Elaine Chao, Margaret Spelling, John Walters, Steve Johnson, the acting administrator of the EPA.
I notice so many of my friends from the White House, which I find gratifying that you would come.
Secretary Card, thank you for administering the oath of office; Heidi Smith (ph); Jim Connoton (ph); John Walters; Terrell Holaska (ph). I saw Doug Badger (inaudible) hall. I think I noticed Harriet Myers and Dan Bartlett and Dena Powell. All of them -- I deeply appreciate your coming.
I must also say, Senator Bennett and Mr. Regula, I appreciate your being here -- two people I look forward to working with on so many of these issues.
LEAVITT: And I've asked two of my colleagues from HHS to attend, representing my new colleagues here at this department: Murtha Beadle -- Murtha, I thank you.
Murtha is the acting deputy of the director of the Office of -- a very important office here at this department -- Minority Health. She is responsible for providing leadership on important issues like minority health and ensuring that we do away with the health disparities that so often creep into our society. She's also known in this department for remarkable dedication.
I'd also like to introduce you to Daniel Baker. Daniel Baker began working in federal service in November of 1939. He has been working in federal service for 65 years. The only break he has had was to serve in World War II to fight for this country.
I met Mr. Baker, and it reminded me, Mr. President, of a conversation I had with a man about Mr. Baker's age. And I said to him, "So have you lived in this town your whole life?" And he said, "Not yet I haven't."
(LAUGHTER)
I think the same can be said of Mr. Baker. He has made not just a career but a life out of serving the disabled and the elderly in this country.
Interestingly enough, he was part of the original work team that was established to create Medicare.
(APPLAUSE)
I also want to recognize Tommy Thompson, whose portrait will soon hang on this wall. He inspired this department. His four years at the helm made America a healthier and a safer place, and I will build on that legacy.
I want to make clear that I understand the very clear mission that the president of the United States has given me. RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Mike Leavitt, the new secretary of Health and Human Services, being introduced by the president of the United States. The president also, as you noticed, taking the opportunity to talk about some of his health care proposals, and then some as well.
In case you're wondering, Mike Leavitt elected governor of the state of Utah three times between 1992 and 2003. And since 2003, he has been the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
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