Sunday, December 28, 2008

News and Music for the New Year

Listen to or download "News and Music for the New Year"

A selection of music in the context of current news to bring in the new year. First story looks at coal as an energy source from the point of view of the recent TVA's major coal combustion waste spill near Harriman in Tennessee. Also a call to participate in the Powershift event scheduled in Washington DC from February 27 to March 2, 2009 to protest the ongoing use of coal as a dominant energy source in the U.S. and around the world.

Also reviewed is the current bombardment of Gaza by Israel, supposedly in response to rockets launched from Gaza by Hamas. Over 200 Palestinians killed, over 600 wounded. One Israeli dead and several, according to New York Times report, "lightly" wounded.

Copy and paste these links into your browser to view video

- on coal spill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_-EL5Jrrmk

- on Gaza:
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2008/12/27/multimedia/1194836610699/israel-attacks-targets-across-gaza.html

http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/breaking-news/1194811622186/index.html#1194836394876

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/12/27/von.ramattan.attack.cnn

The U.S. Campaign to End the Israel Occupation has issued an action alert with these suggestions:
* Contact the White House to protest the attacks and demand an immediate cease-fire. Call 202-456-1111 or send an email to comments@whitehouse.gov.
* Contact the State Department at 202-647-6575.
* Contact your Representative and Senators in Congress at 202-224-3121.
* Contact your local media by phoning into a talk show or writing a letter to the editor.
* Organize a local protest or vigil.
* Sign an open letter to President-Elect Obama calling for a new U.S. policy toward Israel/Palestine at www.upfj.org

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Calls from Home

Listen to or download, "Calls from Home"

Raising Sand shares Thousand Kites radio special bringing the voices of families across the nation to the airwaves as they send greetings directly to their incarcerated loved ones. The program shares the intimate power of families speaking straight to their loved ones behind bars. Recorded December 9 when Thousand Kites opened its toll-free line for seven hours of recording.

Thanks to Thousand Kites producers Nick Szuberla and Julia Taylor of WMMT-FM.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Remembering Peter Camayo, 1939 - 2008

Listen to or download "Remembering Peter Camayo"

Peter Miguel Camejo was born December 31, 1939 and died on Saturday September 13, 2008 in his home with his family at his side.

Peter Camejo was relentless in calling out financial and political elites for engineering the decades long course of ever increasing concentration of wealth and power our country suffers from today. His promoted the idea of a brokerage firm being the financial "wing" of the next great social movement and his vision included the day when environmental and economic justice takes precedence over corporate greed.

This selection of voices from Peter Camayo's memorial -- held at International House in Berkeley, CA on November 23 -- includes Peter's wife, Morella, his brother Tony, Ralph Nader, Matt Gonzalez, Donna Warren and Leslie Evans who describes Peter's autobiography finished just before his death.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

War on the Streets of San Francsico and Voices from the Prison System

Listen to or download, "War on the Streets of San Francisco and Voices from the Prison System"


Operation First Casualty simulated war in Union Square in San Francisco on Black Friday. Members of Iraq Veterans Against War, burst into a cafe on the Square and arrested a number of patrons and forced them to kneel while bags were pulled over their heads. The soldiers effectively exhibited the sort of aggression that was demanded of them in Iraq. Listen to a variety of voices attending the action, including casual passers by, a counseling therapist, and the troops themselves.

Troy Davis's capital case goes to an Appeals Court on December 9. We're gratified to air the voice of Martina Correia, Troy Davis's sister and staunch supporter.

And Gloria Johnson is the mother of Montell Johnson who is in currently in Sheridan Correctional Center in Illinois suffering from chronic progressive multiple sclerosis, dementia and medical neglect. Montell also suffers from stage 4 bed sores, a blood infection, and Hepatitis C contracted when he had some teeth extracted which are not directly related to chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. He will not live for much longer but the California and Illinois courts are having trouble releasing him to his mother's care so he can die at home in dignity.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Cluster Bombs, SOAW, and Thanksgiving

Listen to or download "Cluster Bombs, SOAW, and Thanksgiving"

A review of the upcoming treaty banning cluster bombs that will be signed in Oslo Norway on December 3. This treaty follows the adoption in May 2008 of an international treaty prohibiting cluster munitions. A look at cluster bombs, which countries use, produce, and stockpile these munitions and what the treaty covers.

We also look at the annual School of the Americas Watch outside the gates of Ft. Benning Georgia.

Then comedic story teller Willy Claflin shares a little known history of George and Martha Washington and their contribution to the performing arts.

And an update on Troy Davis and the ongoing case of Montell Johnson who suffers from terminal progressive multiple sclerosis in Sheridan Correctional Center in Illinois.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Conversation with Peter Dunlap to Change our Political Future

Listen to or download, "Conversation with Peter Dunlap to Change our Political Future"

Peter Dunlap has morphed his skills and experience as a clinical psychologist into articulating and practicing a political psychology that evolves progressive liberalism into sustainable social change. Author of Awakening to our Faith in the Future: The Advent of Psychological Liberalism, Peter Dunlap examines the characteristics that make Barack Obama an inspirational leader with an opportunity to model real and lasting political change. But he doesn't stop there; Peter Dunlap goes on to describe his experiences working with progressive organization and what it takes for political activists to enact lasting and meaningful transformation. And he makes suggestions about how you can get involved!

To order the book or to contact him, email him at centerpd.gmail.org.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Veterans Day, 2008

Listen to or download, "Veterans Day, 2008"

Executive Director Michael Blecker discusses the work that Swords to Plowshares does for war veterans, from housing, employment, counseling, and assisting them in re-establishing their lives after war.

Merle Ratner of the Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign reviews the lawsuit against Dow, Monsanto, and 35 other chemical companies on behalf of victims of Agent Orange. She also introduces two delegates from Vietnam, Ms. Dang Hong Nhut from Ho Chi Minh City sufferers from cancer & has had multiple miscarriages due to exposure to Agent Orange. Ms. Tran Thi Hoan is a 21 year old college student who was born without legs due to her mother’s exposure to Agent Orange

Jim Jenko, an Army medic during the Vietnam War, presented his Purple Heart and Combat Medic Badge to Ms. Nhut and Ms. Hoan, two Vietnamese delegates, during their recent visit to the U.S. highlighting the effects of that war on the people of Vietnam.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Swing State Voters: Colorado

Listen to or download "Swing State Voters: Colorado"

George lives in the Denver area of Colorado and has, until 2008, always voted as a Republican. This year, he is voting for the Democratic Party ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Nadya Williams of Northern California has been in Colorado for three weeks as a Get out the Vote volunteer. George and Nadya share their experiences, tell the stories of the people they are meeting, and express their hopes for the potential offered by an Obama presidency.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Warrior Writers: from Warriors to Artists

Listen to or download, "Warrior Writers: from Warriors to Artists"

Iraq Vets Against War's Drew Cameron, Eli Wright, Jon Turner, share their poetry and art at San Francisco's Beat Museum. Their artistry urges listeners to understand the effects of war on their lives and the lives of the invaded.
As part of an artists' collaborative, the Combat Paper project, they are touring US and sharing their poetry and prose. They also present their artwork in the form of hand crafted paper made from military uniforms created in the collaborative Combat Paper Project in the Green Door Studio.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Andrew Lichtermann on US/India Agreement; Peace Poet Mary Rudge

Listen to or download "Andrew Lichtermann on US/India Agreement; Peace Poet Mary Rudge"

Andrew Lichtermann is a policy analyst with Western States Legal Foundation who has spent decades studying and researching issues of nuclear technology and disarmament. With the recent agreement between the US and India that gives India access to U.S. nuclear technology in return for inspections of its civilian nuclear facilities, Lichtermann is digging further into what is actually underway between the two countries, including far-reaching cooperation that goes beyond an apparently simple agreement on future energy.


Poet laureate Mary Rudge shares what she has learned on her world travels spreading the poetry of peace and how people outside the US view those of us inside.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Ongoing effects of war: Lisa Tice, spouse, and Tyler Boudreau, author

Listen to or download, "Ongoing effects of war: Lisa Tice, spouse, and Tyler Boudreau, author"

Lisa Tice married Steven Tice, a war veteran disabled in Vietnam. Four decades later Lisa shares her perspective on her journey with Steve and how, together, they created a loving family despite the ongoing effects of war. Lisa offers her insight and experiences to today's veterans and their families and suggests routes to healing. (Listen to Steven Tice's interview on the Raising Sand Radio website.)

Tyler Boudreau spent 12 years with the Marine Corps, from enlistee to Captain. After a tour of duty to Iraq, Tyler resigned his commission, left the Marines and wrote a book. Packing Inferno: the Unmaking of a Marine shares his journey and can be purchased at Deeper Than War.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Steven Tice, a War Vet as National Treasure

Listen to or download, "Steven Tice, a War Vet as National Treasure"

Steven Tice was a young soldier severely wounded in one of the most horrific battles of the Vietnam War, Hamburger Hill. Four decades later, he is a National Treasure sharing his experiences of war and healing with today's war veterans.

After an extensive convalescence Steven married, returned to college for a graduate education, became a father for the first time...and found his marriage suffering too. Counselors at a local Veterans' Center encourage Steven to understand what had happened to him in war. When he did, Steven went on to become a counselor to war vets too. In this show he shares his experiences of war from the lens of compassion honed over four decades.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Social Security Not So Secure: Two Ways of Losing

Listen to or download, "Social Security Not So Secure: Two Ways of Losing"

David Walrath, legislative advocate for the Retired Teachers Association, and Bill Lambert, former government relations officers for Retired Teachers Association, and both former teachers, present details on how the social security payouts for teachers, postal workers, police officers, firemen and women, and other segments of our hard working society, may be reduced under certain conditions. Active in 14 states in the Union, these little known rules are being countered by Senate bill S206 and House bill HR82.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Derrel Myers on the death penalty and the execution of Troy Davis

Listen to or download "Derrel Myers on the death penalty and the execution of Troy Davis"

Since his son, Jojo, was shot to death - his killer is still unknown - Derrel Myers has worked to bring justice to those on death row and to shine a light on the U.S. justice system. Derrel Myers is a board member of the Campaign to End the Death Penalty, a member of Murder Victims Families and Human Rights, and a long-time civil rights and anti-war activist.

Troy Davis is a black man accused of killing a white police office, Mark MacPhail in 1989. Seven of the nine witnesses have since recanted saying they were threatened and coerced by police. On September 23, Troy is scheduled for execution...six days before his appeal is to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.

You can protest this travesty of justice by calling the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles to reconsider its clemency decision, telephone board chair Gale Buckner at 404-657-9350, or Georgia Attorney General Thurbert E. Baker at 404-656-3300.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Tony Papa: drug laws sent him to prison, his art highlights that life

Listen to or download, "Tony Papa: drug laws sent him to prison, his art highlights that life"

Tony Papa spent 12 of 15 years his youth in Sing Sing Prison for a minor drug offense. While there, he learned about art and to paint. Today, he is active against the prison system and draconian drug laws while also working to highlight the nature of prison. He is communications specialist for the Drug Policy Alliance and regularly exhibits his artwork.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Dr. Michael Parenti on Capitalism Apocalypse: why the plutocrats can't save anyone, not even themselves

Listen to or download, "Dr. Michael Parenti on Capitalism Apocalypse: why the plutocrats can't save anyone, not even themselves"

Dr. Michael Parenti is an internationally known award-winning author and lecturer and one of the nation’s leading progressive political analysts. As author of 20 highly informative and entertaining books - his latest is Contrary Notions- and innumerable talks his ideas have reached a wide range of audiences in North America and abroad.

This presentation, Capitalism Apocalypse, was in Oakland, California.

Learn more about Michael Parenti at www.michaelparenti.org/

Monday, September 1, 2008

Dr. Erik Camayd describes ICE raids in Iowa

Listen to or download "Dr. Erik Camayd describes ICE raids in Iowa"

Dr. Erik Camayd was hired as a federal interpreter for the legal proceedings accompanying the arrest of over 300 undocumented workers in Postville, Iowa. The process gave him grave misgivings and he speaks about why he decided to go public, what he saw, and what you should know about the ICE raids that are continuing around the US.
Also included is a letter by Rockne Cole, a lawyer who withdraw his participation due to his misgivings about that process. And download a copy of the Manual presented Defense Attorneys for the Postville Raid.

Read Dr. Erik Camayd statement to District Court
Read the Manual presented Defense Attorneys for the Postville Raid

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Military recruits with video games: America's Army

Listen to or download, "Military recruits with video games: 'America's Army'"

The US military has paid over $6 million for the development of a video game as a recruiting tool. Does this game, America's Army, contravene the UN's Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the involvement of children in armed conflict?
The United Nation's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the ACLU say, "yes" - that the game violates international law. The ACLU says it also contravenes the US Senate's ratification of the Protocol in 2002.

Activist Michael Reagan and civil rights attorney Bill Simpich discuss their protests against Ubisoft, the software company in San Francisco that develops the console version of the game. Also included are a review of the game, a segment from the game, and a visit to the military's promotional booth at PAX 07 (Penny Arcade Expo) and a pep-talk from a military marketer.

Military recruits with video games: America'

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Diane Benson for Congress... and the Truth for a Grieving Father

Listen to or download "Diane Benson for Congress... and the Truth for a Grieving Father"

Alaska native, Diane Benson is running for US House of Representatives against 38-year-long incumbent Don Young. She talks about why she is running, what she offers and why it is important to Alaska, and how to get involved in her campaign.

Mark Canham's son, Dustin died under suspicious circumstances serving with the US Marine Corps on a peace-keeping mission in Djibouti. Mark shares what he has been told by USMC about what happened ...and why this doesn't sound credible to him.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Listen to or download "What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?"

Dr. Raymond Scurfield, a Vietnam veteran and social worker based at University of Mississippi Gulf Coast shares insight into PTSD for families of war veterans. He also refers to Hurricane Katrina's devastation and PTSD from the point of view of natural disasters.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

63rd Anniversary of Hiroshima & Nagasaki Bombing

Listen to "63rd Anniversary of Hiroshima & Nagasaki Bombing"

City of Oakland and Western States Legal Foundation work with Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation to bring an exhibit of images from August 6 and 9, 1945 atomic bombings.
Survivor Nabuaki Hanaoka shares his story of that day. A quite different point of view is offered by Dutch van Kirk, the navigator of the B-29 Enola Gay that delivered "Little Boy."

Learn more at Western States Legal Foundation

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Jackie Carbasso on Nuclear Free Future

Listen to or download, "Jackie Carbasso on Nuclear Free Future"

August 2008 is the first annual Nuclear Free Future month. Jackie Carbasso of Western States Legal Foundation reviews the history of nuclear weapons disarmament and the state of this movement today. Learn how you can participate in this month long event raising awareness about just how deeply enmeshed we are in the nuclear industry and its products.

Western States Legal Foundation
Nuclear Free Future

Saturday, July 12, 2008

BayPeace: Truth in Military Recruiting

Listen to or download, "Bay Peace: Truth in Military Recruiting."

Four youth activists discuss participating in a bus tour to military bases on the west coast. Arwa, Phyllis, Luis, and Derek present their views on military recruiting and what they learned on the first ever tour of its kind in the nation. Bringing diverse ways of looking at military recruiting these young people ask deep questions about the direction of the United States military and their responses to it.

Karen Button reports on Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan

Listen to or download, "Karen Button reports on Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan."

With the media in the U.S. covering the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq for about 2 minutes a week, it is essential that the plight of refugees is brought to the attention of Americans. Independent reporter Karen Button updates listeners on the status of Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan and highlights the hardships they face: food rationing, rules and regulations covering visas, sex trafficing young women, and the horrors facing couples in "mixed marriages" - once an acceptable facet of Iraq's diverse society.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

U.S. Prisons. Part 1: Thousand Kites and Prison Literature Projects

Listen to or download "U.S. Prisons: Thousand Kites and Prison Literature Projects."

The first of a series on prisons and prisoners in the United States today.

Artist, activist, and radio D.J. Nick Szebula of the Thousand Kites project discusses the impact of prisons in his small Appalachian town. These corporate owned and managed facilities not only use up natural resources such as land and water, they also impact the psychological health. Hear how Nick and his art community reach out to prisoners over the airwaves.

Bruno Ruhland is a founder member of the twenty-year-old Prison Literature Project that mails books to prisoners all over the United States. In return, prisoners share their thanks and thoughts in letters that we air during the show.

You may have trouble downloading this show from this link. Please check again in a day or so when the current technical difficulties with the regular archive site are resolved. If you want to be notified when the show is easily available, send an email to susan@raisingsandradio.org.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Our House: Kid of Gay and Lesbian Parents

Listen to or download "Our House: Kid of Gay and Lesbian Parents"

A review of how Gay Pride Festival was celebrated around the world. Then, film maker and director Meema Spadola talks about how she came to make the documentary "Our House: Kid of Gay and Lesbian Parents." She interviews, and later follows up with, five families from Long Isalnd, Arkansas, Arizona, New Jersey and New York City.

This 58 minute documentary is available through First Run Features (www.firstrunfeatures.com) or COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere) at www.colage.org.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Anti-Defamation League denies Armenian Genocide?

Listen to or download "Anti-Defamation League denies Armenian genocide?"


Download and read the show transcript (pdf)



Massachusetts resident David Boyajian wrote his local newspaper questioning the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) position on the Armenian Genocide. He set off a virtual firestorm of activity in Massachusetts communities reviewing the ADL's No Place for Hate project.

Boyajian, a longtime activist in the Armenian-American community and freelance writer, expressed outrage that the ADL national director Abraham Foxman had refused to recognize the Genocide. Neither would Foxman and the ADL support House and Senate resolutions that would make genocide recognition official.

We spend the hour with David Boyajian in a wide ranging conversation that includes audio testimony from genocide survivors.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Communicating across Cultures: Psychologist Yannis Toussulis and film maker Sharmeen Obaid

Listen to or download "Communicating across Cultures: Psychologist Yannis Toussulis and film maker Sharmeen Obaid

Dr. Yannis Toussulis reviews cultural psychology - what it is and how it plays out in everyday life - and presents ways of understanding it. He uses examples of how different waves of immigration to the U.S. affects life in this country and how unconscious assumptions play into daily interactions.



Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is the first non-American journalist to be awarded the prestigious Livingston Award and the youngest recipient of the One World Media broadcast journalist of the year award in the United Kingdom. In the last seven years she has produced and reported on 13 films for major networks in the United States and Britain.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Of Light Brown Apple Moths ... also, education in Afghanistan

Listen to or downlaod "Of Light Brown Apple Moths ... also, education in Afghanistan"

Dr. Michael Parenti talks about the Light Brown Apple Moth, the latest bug to be identified as a scourge that must be eradicated...even if it means spraying major urban areas in California. What is behind the hype, what is the Light Brown Apple Moth, and what's the hurry?



Marsha MacColl talks about the work of Afghans for Tomorrow and her experience teaching English to Afghan children in Kabul.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Meeting Resistance

Listen to or download, "Meeting Resistance"

An interview with film makers Molly Bingham and Steve Connors on their film "Meeting Resistance" that brings the voices of ordinary Iraqis who are determined to repulse what they experience as an invasion force occupying their country. Also, two voices from the film, one a former officer in the Iraqi Army, described in the film as The Warrior. The narrative from the film describes the Warrior as a special forces officer in his mid thirties. He refers to the end of 1991 Gulf when Iraq's Shia rose up and took over 14 of iraq's 18 provinces. The other is an ordinary Iraqi and family man.


Also, John Edwards endorses Barack Obama in an elegant speech with a respectful and collegial acknowledgement of Hilary Clinton. This is a good example of the sort of politics that it would be good to hear more often.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Military Moms Speak about War

Listen to or download "Military Moms Speak about War"

Military moms speak about their experiences with their sons in the U.S. military:
Susan Childs speaks about her son, James, who enlisted for the GI Bill. He was stop lossed and, today, after his discharge, works 12 hour shifts to support his family.

Nancy Nygard's son, Joe enlisted in order to make a career in law enforcement. He, too, was stop lossed, then later extended even further.

Rachel Normandy's son, Ryan was badly injured in an explosion in his tank in Baghdad. Today he suffers learning challenges due to traumatic brain injury but is determined to attend college.

Anna Berlinrut's son is a Marine who has served four terms in Iraq. Anna comes from a family with a long history of military service; she is eloquent about how the U.S. military is breaking from the current wars.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Afghan women talk about Afghanistan today

Listen or or download "Afghan women talk about Afghanistan today"

Asma Eschen spent three weeks planting hundreds of trees in Afghanistan and will talk about that project as well as her impressions of the country today.

Rahima Haya works with women, particularly widows in Kabul, and her specialty is literacy and self-empowerment.

Both Asma and Rahima have lived in the U.S. for more than two decades and both returned to their native land after 2003. They devote their lives to improving the situation for Afghans, particularly women.

Learn more:
Afghans for tomorrow: www.afghans4tomorrow.org

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Zimbardo & Stanford say, "No to Rumsfeld"...

Listen to or download "Zimbardo & Stanford say, "No to Rumsfeld," and here's why..."

Professor Phil Zimbardo and other Stanford profs and students challenge the appointment of former Sec Def Don Rumsfeld as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow to the Hoover Institute on Stanford campus.

"Don Rumsfedd is to the Iraq war disaster as FEMA's Michael Brown is to the Katrina disaster," says Dr. Zimbardo.
Rummy said, "These events occurred on my watch. As Sec Def I am accountable for them. I take full responsibility."

Since Rumsfeld is guilty of Command Complicity in these abuses and should be occupying the cell next to the lowly Army Reserve MP that he blamed, how do we, The People, call him to account?

Saturday, April 12, 2008

War Tax Resistance

Listen to or download, "War Tax Resistance"
An interview with Susan Quinlan on war tax resistance: what it is, why to do it, how to do it, and what are the consequences. Also, views from war tax resistors, Dave Gross, Scott McCandless, and Elizabeth Boardman.

Background documentation:
Web site suggested by Dave Gross: http://sniggle.net/Experiment/
Suggested book titles and where to get them from Scott McCandless: Cracking the code: The fascinating truth of taxation in America, http://www.nwtrcc.org; order Ed Hedeman's book, Guide to withholding your support from the military at http://www.losthorizons.org ;


Also see, http://www.irsdetermination.us

Northern California War Tax Resistance: 510-843-9877

War Resisters League: 212-228-0450

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Mothers Speak about War: Rita Dougherty

Listen to or download "Mothers Speak about War: Rita Dougherty"

In this, the second of our series in Mothers Speak about War, Rita Dougherty talks about the medical process she and her son, Lieutenant Ryan Miller, encountered after Ryan was badly injured when a formed explosive projectile (FEP) destroyed their Striker vehicle. Lt. Miller was med'evaced from Baghdad to Germany then on to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Rita talks about the medical care and follow up care to re-integrate Ryan, trained as a nuclear engineer at West Point.

Playlist:
Annie and the Vets: "MotherSpeak"

Monday, March 31, 2008

Winter Soldier Hearings - Part 3 & 4: Testimony from troops

Listen to or download Part 3 - Testimony from Troops - [59:40 minutes]
Listen to or download Part 4 - Testimony from Troops, continued [55:20 minutes]


From Iraq Veterans against War (IVAW) presentation Winter Soldier Hearings, testimony from troops on the breakdown of the US military.

This is the third in a series of shows airing Iraq Veterans against War's Winter Soldier Hearings held from March 16 - 19 in Silver Springs, MD. This two hour expanded show surfaces issues associated with vicious hazing, stop-loss, lack of armor, lack of access to health care at the VA, and a soldier describes his attempt at suicide.

The Winter Soldier Hearings 2008, held from March 13 to 15, allowed troops and officers to tell the American People hard hitting facts about the war, what we're doing there, and why we must get our troops out of that country, why the corporations making huge profits from war must be accountable, and why the American People must call our leaders to account for this illegal war and occupation.

Also see Iraq Veterans against War

Monday, March 24, 2008

Winter Soldier Hearings - Part 2: Testimony from Iraq

Listen to or download "Winter Soldier Hearings - Part 2: Testimony from Iraq"

From Iraq Veterans against War (IVAW) presentation Winter Soldier Hearings, Part 2 airs testimony from Iraq. Independent journalist Dahr Jamail, AFSC's Raed Jarrar, and student, Salaam Talib describe the effects of war and occupation on Iraq and its people.

From March 13 to 15, troops and officers tell the American People hard hitting facts about the war, what we're doing there, and why we must get our troops out of that country, why the corporations making huge profits from war must be accountable, and why the American People must call our leaders to account for this illegal war and occupation.

Iraq Veterans against War

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Winter Soldier- Part 1: Corporate Corruption

Listen to or download "Winter Soldier- Part 1: Corporate Corruption"

Iraq Veterans against War (IVAW) present US troop testimony from Iraq and Afghanistan. Part 1 focuses on corporate corruption.

From March 13 to 15, troops and officers tell the American People hard hitting facts about the war, what we're doing there, and why we must get our troops out of that country, why the corporations making huge profits from war must be accountable, and why the American People must call our leaders to account for this illegal war and occupation.

Iraq Veterans against War

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Agent Orange lawsuit dismissed again - but it ain't over yet!

Listen to or download "Agent Orange lawsuit dismissed again - but it ain't over yet!"

The ongoing class action law suit against chemical companies that manufactured Agent Orange is dismissed but Merle Ratner, co-coordinator of Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign presents the latest news and next steps to get justice for those fatally contaminated. Learn more at www.vn-agentorange.org

Women around the world went into the streets on International Women's Day, March 8, and Agneta Falk shares poetry on women today.

Make your views heard this March 19 anniversary of the war by staying away from work. Learn more from activist, author, and war vet Mike Ferner and visit Sick of It Day - www.sickofitday.org

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Review of War Part 3: Conversation with Dr. Andrew Bacevich

Listen to or download "Review of War Part 3: Winter Soldier Hearings & Dr. Andrew Bacevich"

Excerpts from upcoming Winter Soldier Hearings, March 13 - 16, 2008 near Washington, DC.

Dr. Andrew Bacevich is professor of international relations at Boston University specializing in American Diplomatic and Military History, U. S. Foreign Policy, Security Studies. Our conversation ranges from his views on America's change in direction since the Cold War, the current War on Terror, the rich intellectual heritage that is being ignored in today's debates.

Learn more about the intellectuals mentioned by Dr. Bacevich:
Randolph Bourne, Reinhold Niebuhr, and William Appleman Williams.

Friday, February 22, 2008

February 25: Conversation with Dr. Michael Parenti

Listen to or download "Conversation with Dr. Michael Parenti"

An in depth conversation with America's preeminent political analyst, Dr. Michael Parenti, spanning a range of topics from the human and financial costs of War on Terror, how The People are duped by our leaders, and why most of us aren't bothered by any of it....

Playlist:
4 non-blondes: What's going on?

Friday, February 15, 2008

Robert Darr on Afghanistan: A Voice for Representation

Listen to or download, "Robert Darr on Afghanistan: A Voice for Representation"

Robert Darr, author of Spy of the Heart has been traveling to and from Afghanistan since the 1980s. He learned the languages, read the classical literature, worked with local leaders and refugees. His perspective is based on, as we say, "facts on the ground." But, the actual, human, day-to-day facts, not those sold by the mindset who brought Afghanistan the Duran Line. Nor the mindset that is trying to insert western-style democracy into a culture that has had a form of democracy for over a thousand years.

Hear why, unless the Afghan majority has a representative voice in the Afghan government, America and NATO will have a continuing negative presence there....

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Review of War - Part 2: Military Families & IVAW's Jason Moon

Listen to or download "Review of War - Part 2: Military Families & IVAW's Jason Moon"

The second edition of our series Review of 5 Years of War as the nation heads toward the 5th anniversary of the War on Terror.

Author Jane Collins discussed her book, For the love of a soldier, presenting a series of voices of American military families.

Jason Moon, former volunteer in Wisconsin National Guard then sent to combat in Iraq, presents his testimony for IVAW's upcoming Winter Soldier Hearings.

Raising Sand Radio will cover the hearing from March 13 - 16. Stay tuned....

Playlist:
Sarah Thomson, "Is it for freedom?"

Sunday, February 3, 2008

A Review of 5 Years of War - Part 1

Listen to or download "A Review of 5 Years of War - Part 1"



Raising Sand Radio heads towards the 5th anniversary of war and terror by reviewing the human and financial cost, by lining up events you can participate in for the anniversary on March 19, and by interviewing those who have participated in war or against war.

Part 1 travels back to Baghdad in 2004 where Claudia Lefko interviews ordinary Iraqis trying to get by under the increasingly harsh occupation.

If you have events you want to publicize, contact susan@raisingsandradio.org

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Right and Left in the U.S.

Listen to or download, "Right and Left in the U.S."

In conversation with Dr. Tony Stigliano about the origins of the Right and the Left in the U.S., where these definitions derived, what they mean today, and why it matters.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Voices of Dissent

Listen to or download, "Voices of Dissent"


Col. Ann Wright resigned from the U.S. Foreign Service on March 19, 2003, while serving as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia. She resigned due to her disagreement with the Bush Administration's decision to go to war with Iraq
without the authorization of the UN Security Council, the lack of effort in resolving the Israel-Palestinian situation, the lack of policy on North Korea and unnecessary curtailment of civil liberties in the United States. Her book, Voices of Dissent is available through Amazon.

Dr. Joel Kovel speak's about his book "Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine" and attempts to surface how the label of "anti-semitism" is used to scare citizens from away from understanding U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Barbara Lubin and Middle East Children's Alliance

Listen to or download "Barbara Lubin and Middle East Children's Alliance"

Barbara Lubin grew up in an orthodox Jewish family who supported the State of Israel and the Irgun. She traveled to Israel as a teenager but only entered the West Bank and Occupied Territories as an adult. That trip convinced her to enjoin the fight for justice for the Palestinian people. Soon she discovered she was a pariah among her Jewish friends. She co-founded the Middle East Children's Alliance to support MECA's work. (http://www.mecaforpeace.org/)

Saturday, January 5, 2008

December 31: Odun-de (Nigerian for Happy New Year)

Listen to or download, "Odun-de (Nigerian for Happy New Year)"

A world music foray to ease us into 2008. Babatunde Olatunje starts off with a chant to the thunder gods ("Shango") to Afghanistan, Israel Palestine, Egypt, Cuba does the classics, South Africa, then back to U.S. for women's blues. Finally, back to Nigeria for Odun-de (Nigerian for Happy New Year).

December 24: Exclusive Interview with Santa Clause

Listen to or download, "Exclusive Interview with Santa Clause"

The real scoop on Santa Clause by Santa Claus himself as he takes time out of his busy delivery schedule. Who is he? Why has he moved from the North Pole to Florida? What about the red suit and his deplorable fashion sense?
And, listen to his favorite blues as we hear this exclusive interview.

December 24: Santa Clause Drops by...

Listen to or download, "Santa Clause Drops by..."

The real scoop on Santa Clause by Santa Claus himself as he takes time out of his busy delivery schedule. Who is he? Why has he moved from the North Pole to Florida? What about the red suit and his deplorable fashion sense?
And, listen to his favorite blues as we hear this exclusive interview.

December 17: John Perkins: Economic Hitman

Listen to or download, "John Perkins: Economic Hitman"

An interview with former Economic Hitman, John Perkins. What his profession taught him about democracy and freedom and the American Way, why he retired from it, and what he says about it now.