From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

The high price of cheap clothing.

Hello again, I'm Warren Olney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

That daily look at the issues, Americans care about most.

Almost 400 garment workers dyed, hundred suffered, crushed the issues, Americans care about most. Almost 400 garment

workers died, hundred suffered crushed rib cages and amputations in last week's building collapse

in Bangladesh. A recent fire killed 112 factory workers. But Bangladesh won't enforce its own

laws on working conditions so it can remain the cheapest clothing maker in Asia. Walmart, H&M, JCPenney,

and other Western companies have refused to fund an independent inspection program. Would that make a

difference? Should the U.S. and other Western governments apply pressure under international trade agreements?

In the meantime, what's a consumer to do? On Reporters' Notebook later on, the author of a hopeful book

in what seems like a hopeless time. First,oder's notebook later on, the author of a hopeful book in what seems like a hopeless

time. First, here's the news.

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Program Fund. Hello again. We're on. We're back with To the Point. The deadly collapse of a garment

factory in Bangladesh has increased political unrest in that country and and brand name Western clothing makers are accused of shirking responsibility. What about consumers who demand low prices? Could Bangladesh go the way of other Asian countries that enforce their laws on wages and working conditions? On reporter's notebook and a new book, Jim Wallace of Sojourners, wants to start a national

conversation about the common good.

We'll talk to him in our studio.

First, this news update on the 100th day of his second term, President Obama had a news

conference today, ranging from criticism of Congress to praising NBA player Jason Collins for

...