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.

Cluster Bombs, SOAW, and Thanksgiving

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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.

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.

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.

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.