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This week on Uprising —

• Actor and anti-death penalty activist Mike Farrell updates us on the controversy over the post-poned execution of Michael Morales
• As Filipinos commemorate the 20th anniversary of People Power, Arroyo declares an emergency. We’ll hear from Melissa Roxas.
• A conversation with anti-racist writer and speaker, Tim Wise, author of “White Like Me”.
• Plus the Black Commentator on the No Child Left Behind Act, and Empire Notes on war with Iran.

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Farrell on Michael Morales Death Penalty Controversy

GUEST: Mike Farrell, Death Penalty Focus, actor and activist

The planned execution of Michael Morales in California has raised a vigorous debate on the issue of the death penalty. Morales was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1981 murder of Terri Winchell. Key to the jury’s decision to give him the death penalty was the questionable testimony of a jailhouse informant who claimed Morales confessed to him his guilt. He was to be killed on Tuesday February 21, but a dramatic postponement of his execution has led to an unexpected repreive. Morales had legally challenged death by lethal injection, arguing that it violates the constitutional prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. Joining us today to explain how Morales’ execution was delayed and it’s significance on the death penalty debate, is actor and activist Mike Farrell. Farrell, as an actor, is best known for playing Captain Hunnicut in the hit 1970s TV series, M*A*S*H. As an activist, he is a member of Death Penalty Focus, a non-profit organization dedicated to the abolition of capital punishment. I began by asking Mike Farrell on Wednesday February 22nd, what the Morales case says about the use of capital punishment in the US.

Black Commentator on Public Education

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 on the No Child Left Behind Act.

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

Racism and Anti-Racism: Conversation with Tim Wise
GUEST: Tim Wise, anti-racist speaker and activist, author of “White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son”

Today we spend the rest of the hour with Tim Wise on the topic of race, racism, and white privilege. Wise’s latest book is “White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son.” He is currently working on a book about Hurricane Katrina and its effects on New Orleans. He tours the country widely, and has spoken at hundreds of college campuses and community forums accross the country. Michael Eric Dyson says, “Tim Wise is one of the most brilliant, articulate and courageous critics of white privilege in the nation.” I had the chance to speak with Tim recently about current issues of race, the resurgence of white supremacy, and the immigration debate.

Empire Notes on War with Iran

GUEST: Rahul Mahajan, author of Full Spectrum Dominance and The New Crusade

Empire Notes are weekly commentaries filed by Rahul Mahajan, author of Full Spectrum Dominance and The New Crusade. Today’s commentary is about potential war with Iran.

Empire Notes is online at www.empirenotes.org.

Coup Plot Alleged in Philippines

GUEST: Melissa Roxas, Bayan State Regional Coordinator for Southern California.

Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared emergency rule in the Philippines on Friday February 24th. She alleges a conspiracy by “political opponents, Communists and rightists” to remove her from power. The emergency rule is as effective as martial law. Ironically, this week is the 20th anniversary of what’s known as the EDSA people power revolution. For four days in 1986, from February 22nd to 25th, over a million gathered on a strip of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Manila to end 20 years of martial rule by then President Ferdinand Marcos. Rallies to commemorate the uprising and the fall Marcos have been banned.

Sonali’s Subversive Thought for the Day:

Paula Allen — “Being an activist means being aware of what’s happening around you as well as being in touch with your feelings about it — your rage, your sadness, your excitement, your curiosity, your feeling of helplessnes, and your refusal to surrender. Being an activist means owning your desire.”