American Indians Eye the Obama Presidency with their hopes for Change; a conversation with Randy Shaw, author of Beyond the Fields: Cesar Chavez, the UFW and the Struggle for Justice in the 21st Century. And, with the start of the holiday shopping season, we’ll look at the on-going battle over toy safety standards. Plus Empire Notes with Rahul Mahajan. …

We’ll examine attitudes toward America’s first Black First Lady: How the press defines Michelle Obama’s role. And, we’ll find out why war vets are optimistic about Barack Obama’s presidency. Plus, children face mass starvation in Haiti after deadly summer storms. We’ll look at the politics of the on-going food crisis and what can be done about it. …

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President Elect Barack Obama unveiled his economic team yesterday at his second press conference since winning the election. The named economists were greeted with strong enthusiasm from Wall Street and the Republican Party. Obama also promised to unveil an economic stimulus package as soon as he takes office next year that is three times larger …

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We’ll look at the crucial regional elections in Venezuela that could re-write the country’s political landscape; Congress woman Maxine Waters joins us with her reaction on how the Wall Street Bailout is not being used to help at-risk-homeowners; and a conversation with the author of “The Wrong Guys: Murder, False Confessions, and the Norfolk Four.” …

We take a look at some potentially good news coming out of Washington DC: Obama’s appointment of Tom Daschle as Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the House vote appointing green-friendly Henry Waxman to head the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Plus, an update on the on-going political impasse and humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe. …

We’ll get a report from the weekend’s G20 meeting where world leaders have gathered to grapple with the global financial crisis. And, does the auto industry really warrant a bailout? As the Senate sets a hearing date, we’ll look at why the industry failed in the first place. Plus, Father Roy Bourgeous, who has courageously taken on the School of the Americas, now faces excommunication for a very different kind of struggle – his support …

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We’ll speak with Robert King Wilkerson, one of the so-called Angola 3, to discuss conditions inside America’s most violent prison and on-going efforts to release others. And, we’ll examine the devastation to American environmental regulations under Bush and whether they can be reversed under Obama. Plus, we’ll hear from Daniel Ellsberg of the Pentagon Papers fame, on his friend, the late Tony Russo, on the eve of a Los Angeles memorial. …

We’ll find out what Afghans think about Barack Obama’s win and what it means for the occupation. Plus, in light of a gruesome hate crime against an Ecuadorean man in Long Island, we’ll look at the future of immigration reform with Raul Anorve of IDEPSCA. And, Writer/Performer Robert Farid Karimi channels pop icon Freddie Mercury in a new play about an Iranian Guatemalan grappling with the political issues of the day. …

We’ll look at the explosive reactions to the passage of Proposition 8, with rallies attracting tens of thousands in LA angry about the infringement on LGBT rights. And, Sue Katz, author of Thanks but No Thanks: The Voters Guide to Sarah Palin, will return to the program to discuss the possibility of Palin 2012. Plus, President elect Barack Obama mulls over how best to close Guantanamo – we’ll speak with the ACLU. …

We’ll find out why American labor supported Barack Obama for President, what they expect from his administration, and the likelihood of them getting it. And, a conversation with Lance Selfa, author of “The Democrats: A Critical History.” Plus, a tribute to Mama Afrika, the late Miriam Makeba, whose voice and music inspired generations to rise up against Apartheid in South Africa. …