Listen to the show

Will Chile Elect its First Woman President?
Margaret Power, Professor at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and author of “Right Wing Women in Chile.”

This Sunday, December 11th, Chileans will go to the polls to elect a new President. History could be made in that nation, as the leading candidate, Michelle Bachelet, is a woman. The latest polls show Bachelet with a comfortable lead over her opponents. Analysts predict that she would fail to gain the required minimum 51% of the votes to win the first round, but would win a second round run-off on January 15th. If analysts are correct, Bachelet would be Chile’s first ever woman president. On the line to speak about the elections is Margaret Power. She is a professor at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and author of “Right Wing Women in Chile.”

Black Commentator
GUEST: Glen Ford, co-publisher of The Black Commentator

The Black Commentator is an online political magazine bringing you commentary, analysis and investigation from a black perspective. Today’s commentary is about Baghdad’s Green Zone.

The Black Commentator is online at www.blackcommentator.com.

Federal Court Agrees to Hear Mumia’s Appeal
GUEST: Lynn Washington, columnist for Philadelphia Tribune, who has been covering the case of Mumia Abu Jamal longer than any journalist

An order was issued this Tuesday from the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit that it will review critical issues pertaining to the case of political prisoner and death row inmate, Mumia Abu Jamal. In a widely disseminated letter, Mumia’s lead attorney, Robert Bryan said that racism played a critical role in Mumia’s conviction in 1982 after he was charged with the murder of a white police officer in Philadelphia. According to Bryan, “The record establishes beyond question that racism is a major thread that has run through this case since Mumia’s 1981 arrest, and continues to today.” The Federal Court hearing could be a step toward a new trial for Mumia, who has won the support of tens of thousands around the world, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, The European Parliament, Alice Walker, Paul Newman, Maya Angelou, Sister Helen Prejean, Danny Glover, Rage Against The Machine, the Detroit and San Francisco City Councils, Amnesty International, etc.

For more information visit www.mumia.org, and www.freemumia.org.

Neighborhood Peace Vigils

Neighborhood activists all over Southern California hold regular peace vigils to end the war in Iraq. Each week we announce just some of the 50 plus vigils that are taking place. Complete listings of all the vigils are available at www.neighborsforpeaceandjustice.org or www.peacevigils.com.

Holiday Gifts that Quench Your Conscience
GUESTS: Frank Sosa, member of Thirty Three and a third Books Collective, Heather Schreck, with RAWA Supporters, Dana Balicki, Code Pink

It’s that time of the year again when commercial forces pressure us into spending the year’s savings on products for our family and friends that they probably don’t need anyway. But many of us know that most products we buy at the mall benefit big corporations on the backs of sweatshop labor, and/or the environment. But the gift-giving has become obligatory so today we end the show with a showcase of a number of local sales this weekend that are organized by progressive activists and benefit good causes. It’s a way to fulfil those pesky obligations while keeping your conscience clean.

Friday December 9th at 7 pm
“Don’t Support the Fascists That Stole Christmas”
Thirty Three and a Third Books, 1200 N. Alvarado Blvd, Los Angeles
3rd Annual Holiday Limited Edition Print Exhibit/Sale.
For more information visit www.thirtythreeandathird.info, or call 213-483-3500.

Saturday December 10th from 11 am – 3 pm
International Human Rights Day , Echo Park United Methodist Church
1225 N. Alvarado – Echo Park
Featuring Crafts from RAWA’s Income Generation Project, Artisans Exchange, Frank Dorrell, Jewelry by Nicole Parrish, Pax Organica, and Sweatshop Watch.
For more information, call (323) 632-5558 or email rawasupporterssouthcal@hotmail.com.

Sunday December 11th from 11am-4pm
CODEPINK LA will be hosting a holiday gift sale at 757 Palms Blvd. Venice, 90291. Tea, coffee, desserts and good company will be available all day!
10% of the proceeds will benefit CODEPINK.
For more information visit www.codepinkalert.org, or call 310-827-4320.

Sonali’s Subversive Thought for the Day:

“The less we spend on conspicuous consumption goods, the better we can afford to alleviate congestion; and the more time we can devote to family and friends, to exercise, sleep, travel, and other restorative activities.” — economist, Robert Frank.