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with John Quinlan Airing Sundays from 7-9 pm CDT Live Stream, Archived Shows and Podcasts Contact Us at: On-Air Producer: Stephanie Woods Co-host/Blogmaster: Harry Waisbren ****NEW**** Studio Line: 608-321-1670 locally; |
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* GSA for Safe Schools Honors Courageous Young People, Educators, and other Allies * Speakers on peace efforts in Palestine in Madison this week * Reaching out to Burma At 7pm, during a preview of this Saturday's "Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools" Annual Dinner, we'll meet some courageous young people who are working to end harassment, violence, and other forms of discrimination against young people on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. Two of the four young people being honored with awards this weekend will join us by phone from Evansville and River Falls, and we'll be joined in studio by GSAFE staff person Tim Michael (himself a 1998 award winner). This show--and the event it promotes--are among my favorites each year. The stories told by these young people are moving and compelling beyond description. For information on how you can attend this important event, call the GSA for Safe Schools office here in Madison at 661-4141 or go to www.gsaforsafeschools.org . Then at 8 pm, we'll be previewing some extraordinary opportunities to hear some inspiring speakers telling about projects underway to bring about peace for the people of Palestine and Israel. First we'll hear from Christa Bruhn on Free Trade for Palestine, then Joan Deming will tell us about this Wednesday's visit by Palestinian-born Archbishop Chakour of the Melkite Catholic Church (3 time Nobel Peace Prize nominee), and Judith Siers-Poisson will tell us about an interesting Madison-based initiative now underway to build playgrounds for the children of the West Bank. Details on all of these events are below. We're also hoping to hear at hour's end from one of our favorite guests, Selwyn Swe, who was born in Burma and escaped with from the military regime with his family at the age of 2. As you know, Burma (called Myanmar by its oppressive military regime) has been devastated by a recent typhoon, with a death toll surpassing 100,000 people, and making millions hungry and homeless. So far, the military regime has downplayed the disaster, and been resistant to allowing foreign aid workers and the newsmedia to enter the country. This follows up on our coverage last fall of street protests organized by monks and other supporters of the democratically-elected government of Nobel Peace prize winner Aung Sun Suu Kyi. For an interesting and educational presentation about Burma on Selwyn's website, go to http://www.selwyn.org/burma/index.html . Details on events: Tuesday, May 13: Christa Bruhn speaks on Free Trade for Palestine at the monthly meeting of the United Nations Association-USA/Dane County chapter, 7:15 pm in the auditorium at the Capitol Lakes retirement center (formerly Meriter Main Gate), 333 W. Main St. Free parking is available in the ramp across the street. Wednesday, May 14: Archbishop Elias Chacour will speak on "What are the Things that Make for Peace?" Building Peace in the Midst of the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict at 7:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison. A Palestinian citizen of Israel, Archbishop Chacour is leader of the Melkite Catholic Church of Akko, Haifa, Nazareth and the Galilee. He is a 3-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee & author of two books, Blood Brothers and We Belong to the Land: The Story of a Palestinian Israeli who Lives for Peace and Reconciliation. Both books will be available for signing at the talk. Sponsored by Pilgrims of Ibillin, for more information, contact Joan Deming at 608-241-9281 or cell 608-235-1046, or visit www.pilgrimsofibillin.org Sunday, May 18: Benefit dinner for Playgrounds for Palestine-Madison. 6-8 pm, King of Falafel restaurant, 453 W. Gilman Street, Madison. Enjoy a tempting buffet of Middle Eastern delicacies at King of Falafel, and learn about the children of Jenin Refugee Camp for whom we are raising funds to build a playground. (Click here for more information on the project.) We will also have fair trade olive oil and olive oil soap for sale. $20 for adults, $10 for children 6 - 10, and kids 5 and under free! Space is limited -- email pfpmadison@gmail.com to reserve your place TODAY, and bring along family and friends for a fun and delicious evening! http://pfpmadison.blogpsot.com Playgrounds for Palestine - Madison Chapter ******** Also, Forward Forum is traveling to the National Conference on Media Reform in Minneapolis during the weekend of June 6-8, along with dozens of other Madisonians. Amazing speakers, great skills-building, exceptional networking--all in one place, it's an event you won't want to miss--and it all began 5 years ago right here in Madison. For more info, go to www.freepress.net/conference. |
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Please join us on Sunday, May 4th for a review of Friday's "True Cost of the War in Iraq" Rally and a Look at the Political Week in Review--specific guests still pending as of press time, but including lots of room for your calls on open phones. Details on Friday's event, proudly co-sponsored by Forward Forum. See MadProgress.blogspot.com.
Friday, May 2, 4:00 PM GROUP CALLS ON LOCAL CITIZENS TO DECIDE Madison – This Friday, May 2nd, beginning at 4:00 P.M., Campus Progress and MoveOn members will host the “True Cost of the War” event beginning with a live band performance, then a parade to Capitol Square, while handing out Bush Bucks to the crowd, and ending with a street theater event with surprise guests. 4:00 - 4:30 PM Music: Adam Isaac and the People EVENT DETAILS: The True Cost of the War Event [Madison]: Who: Campus Progress and MoveOn members in Madison For more info, contact CONTACT: Patty Zahler; 608-274-6398
For further details and updates, go to our new blog at madprogress.blogspot.com. |
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Please join us this Sunday night on Forward Forum for a potpourri of topics on the cutting edge of social change... including LGBT rights, Supreme Court campaign reform, the National Media Reform conference, and the current backlash against homeless people in Madison.... and much, much more. 
ON THE APRIL 13, 2008 FORWARD FORUM: In our 7pm hour * Our weekly update on this month's Out And About Events on the UW-Madison campus, with Cory Schultz, Communications Director for the LGBT Campus Center. Great speakers, music and an array of other events are planned this week and through the end of the month. For more info: www.wisc.edu/lgbt/ * An interview with Mike McCabe of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, with a focus on what you can do to prevent the hijacking of future Wisconsin Supreme Court elections by corporate-funded special interest groups. See www.wisdc.org . * This week's review of the week that was in politics, the media and other topics in the news with co-host and Forward Forum blogmeister Harry Waisbren. And do be sure to check out our new blog at madprogress.blogspot.com! * A preview of this year's National Media Reform Conference in Minneapolis, June 6-8, with conference organizer, Yolanda Hippensteele, on the phone from California. (This event began in Madison five years ago; 200 attendees were expected, almost 2000 came. The event, and the movement behind it have grown by leaps and bounds ever since, and dozens of Madisonians are expected to attend this year's event. See www.freepress.net .) Yolanda Hippensteele is outreach director of Free Press, the national, nonpartisan media reform group. She directs the group’s National Conference for Media Reform. Prior to joining Free Press, Yolanda worked at the Independent Media Institute in San Francisco and with the D.C. public affairs firm Bass & Howes to advocate for women's rights and progressive health care policy.
In our 8 pm hour * A panel discussion with advocates for people who are homeless, discussing community responses to recent backlash against the homeless. As we've reported, multi-millionaire developer Fred Mohs began the recent "dialogue" about homelessness by pulling his support for free parking for a downtown church that offers shelter services. Recently, Isthmus Daily Page blogger Dave Blaska wrote a widely-read incendiary piece calling for a return to workhouses and other Dickensian punishments for homelessness and poverty--that may or may not have been tongue in cheek--which through innuendo and without substantive facts suggested that homeless people as a class of people were vicious vagrants who were likely behind recent murders in Madison. (As Mayor Cieslewicz said in a response to a question I asked at Downtown Madison Rotary on Wednesday, "We need to slow down here. There has been no evidence to suggest such a link, and homeless people as a group should not be blamed.") On Thursday, a broadly-based group of community leaders came together at the Community Action Coalition's office to speak out against the hate-filled rhetoric being hurled at people who happen currently experiencing the trauma of homelessness. (See www.cacscw.org.) Our guests will include some of the event's organizers, including Linda Ketcham (executive director of the Madison Urban Ministry--www.emum.org), community activist Lisa Subeck, and Joe Lindstrom of the Homeless Consortium of Dane County. |
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Ben will be speaking in Madison on at the membership meeting of the United Nations Association-USA Dane County chapter, this Tuesday, April 8th, beginning at 6:45 pm, in the auditorium of Meriter Commons, 333 W. Main Street. Event is free and open to the public; parking also free in the ramp across the street. See also see also www.una-usadanecounty.org for more about Ben's local United Nations Association appearance, and www.crimesomonstrous.com for more on Ben's book. His other speaking engagements at mid-week: Wednesday, April 9, 10 a.m. Plato Class On Global Affairs and the Media Wednesday, April 9, noon, African Studies Program Book Reading/Signing: |
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for a thoughtful, mature and authentic panel discussion about the role that race, gender and religion are playing in the presidential campaign. 
and Understanding about Race, Gender, and Religion in the Midst of a Heated Presidential Campaign We'll be seeking common ground and placing into historical context recent events in ways that seek to recapture the excitement that so many have felt about the current campaign, despite recent events that seem to have left us mired in divisiveness and politics-as-usual. We believe, as do our panelists, that we can transcend these dynamics, and realize the potential of the politics of a new movement sweeping this country. But before we can do that, we need to move beyond denial and demagoguery to an authentic national discussion about these issues that are central to our lives. It's a show you won't want to miss!  Rev. Gregory Armstrong, Amy Tully, Rev. Phil Haslanger, Abha Thakkar Recent weeks have seen growing turmoil and controversy centered around oft-repeated out-of-context sound bytes taken from the sermons of Sen. Barack Obama's longtime pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. At the same time, recurring messages surface implying that Sen. Hillary Clinton is too controversial and polarizing a figure to win election to the presidency. By association, Sen. Obama has been declared by the mainstream media as potentially too hot to handle by white voters, and Sen. Clinton has been caught in a "damned if she does, and damned if she doesn't" Catch-22 dilemma by the contradictory double bind expectations facing her as a female candidate for high office. On this week's show, we try to move beyond the hype, and to lower the volume, as we examine the sermons of Rev. Wright in the context of the historical and rhetorical traditions of the Black pulpit, and by letting you the listener hear for yourselves the almost-never-reported full context of his messages, beyond the soundbytes. And we look at how decades-old tactics by her far right wing critics to make Hillary Clinton into a polarizing figure have been uncritically perpetuated by the mainstream media--and how this reflects America's remaining ambivalent and impossible-to-satisfy expectations for women in positions in power. Two months ago, millions of Americans and Wisconsinites were revelling in the possibilities inherent in the breakthrough candidacies of the first viable presidential candidacies by an African-American man and a woman. In recent weeks, the campaign has turned ugly, which has delighted opponents of political reform and meaningful social change, but left many of us feeling suddenly disempowered and discouraged, our high expectations dashed for the moment by an incendiary, self-destructive campaign for the Democratic nomination. Two months from now, of course, this may all change. Regardless, despite the sports-narrative-like, dronelike, totally-off-target reporting of the mainstream media... this is a year when poltical change is in the air, and for this, we all should be giving thanks. Much more than this--many believe that the presidential primary season seems to have given birth to a social movement. Our panelists will help us put this all in perspective. Though there are legitimate reasons for supporters of each candidate to resent some of the recent behaviors of the opposing campaigns--the reality remains that many of the objections to either candidate are firmly rooted in the need for our nation to continue down the path toward much deeper racial understandings and toward building a world where equal opportunities for women are no longer denied. If there's one thing that can be said about the current campaign season--it's that the conventional wisdom has been consistently wrong. We hope to do much to uncover and discredit the racially insensitive messages and sexist assumptions that underlie both the reporting and the reality of recent political events. And we seek to discover the deeper wisdom that lies not so far beneath the surface, as a means of realizing the great potential that lies in supporters of both landmark candidacies finding a way to come together in common cause. Our guests include:
Please join in our conversation by calling us at 321-1670 locally, or 1-877-867-1670 if calling from further afield. And you can now join in our ongoing dialogues about this and other topics featured on Forward Forum, by visiting our new blog at MadProgress.blogspot.com ! Go beyond the soundbytes -- Hear Rev. Jeremiah Wright's sermons in context, and read analysis of the rhetorical style and content of sermons preached from the perspective of black liberation theology; see also a fuller listing at the You Tube web page of Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, and the church's webpage. One example of Rev. Wright's preaching in context: Barack Obama's Inspiring "A More Perfect Union" Speech (37 minutes) |
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Our apologies. In recent weeks, as we've poured our energies into the current renovation of our show's web presence, we're been offering a somewhat "graphics-limited" look at upcoming shows, and highlights from recent past shows, on this website. We hope that you'll be inspired by the list below to go to www.wtdy.com, and follow the "podcast" link, then click on the words "Forward Forum" at lower left to view a complete menu of recent archived shows, which are also available for podcast subscription.
These include many shows described and illustrated in the narratives below, and also include these recent topics:
* March 2008 Immigrant Rights Update from the Border: A Live Special Report from Tucson
With Madison activist/correspondents Leila Pine and Craig McComb, and our guests Ofelia Rivas (tribal elder of the Tohono O'Odham Nation) and Isabel Garcia, co-chair of the Arizona Human Rights Coalition, (Coalicion Derechos Humanos).
* Nancy Polikoff, author of "Beyond (Straight and Gay) Marriage"
* Author Marnia Lazreg: "Torture & Empire, Algiers to Baghdad"
* The Prince Myshkins: Andy Gricevich and Rick Burkhardt bring us their unique brand of politically satirical folk music, and tell us about winning "Best of Play," at New York's Frigid Festival for their 2 part experimental theater pieces exploring the ethics around war and torture. Includes several musical selections and excerpts from their plays.
* Midwest Social Forum organizer Patrick Barrett on March 28th's "Organizing Across Boundaries" regional Teach-in
* UW-Madison Cultural Anthropology Professor Claire Wendland on health issues facing women all over the world
* Special Two Hour Focus on the President Primary Process, as produced by our Intern/Correspondent Harry Waisbren
* Cast and crew of Madison production of "My Name is Rachel" in studio, joined by the parents of Rachel Corrie, on the phone from Olympia, Washington. Five years ago this month, 23-year-old American activist Rachel Corrie was killed defending a family home filled with children in the Gaza Strip, from an Israeli bulldozer--this play, which played to sold-out crowds in Madison in March, tells the story of her life.
* Robert Creamer, nationally-known political consultant, and author of "Stand Up Straight-How Progressives Can Win"
* The Cast and Crew of UW Theater production of The Vagina Monologues at the Barrymore (a benefit for the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services)-including readings from the cast
* Hopes for a Non-Nuclear World: A Photo/Text Exhibit from Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the State Capitol
* Exclusive Interview with the Rev. James Lowery, architect of the Birmingham sit-ins, cofounder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and friend and colleague of Dr. King-and Madison's King Day keynote speaker. Includes his comments on Barack Obama's very tangible connections to the legacy of the black civil rights movement
* Super Duper Tuesday Political Preview
* Housing and Homelessness in Madison (with guest host Laura Gutknecht); also Arts and Entertainment in Madison Potpourri
* And much, much more (see further descriptions of other recent shows from early 2008 and late 2007 below) |
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the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- as Forward Forum begins its fourth year on the air Hosted by John Quinlan, proud adult recipient of this year's City of Madison Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award
Our other guests include this year's local Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award Winners: the City of Madison's youth recipient Lauren Rock, and Dane County recipient Jerome Dillard.
Please join us this and every Sunday for Forward Forum -- hosted by John Quinlan, proud adult recipient of this year's City of Madison Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award.
***BREAKING NEWS*** Hear John Quinlan's exclusive interview with Rev. Joseph Lowery at about 8:20 pm. Quinlan says, "It was an amazing experience. The Rev. Lowery was entertaining, insightful and inspiringly optimistic--and offered his opinions on a diverse array of issues, including the significance of Barack Obama's successes as a presidential candidate, and his thoughts on how Dr. King might have viewed the contemporary debates around war and peace, immigrants' rights, and LGBT rights. Ultimately, he reserves his most powerful messages for today's young people, in whom he holds great hopes for the future...." 
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* At 8 pm, Stacy Harbaugh of the Madison office of the ACLU of Wisconsin, with a preview of an upcoming human rights observers training, a sneak preview at an exciting new civil liberties-related blog -- The Capital City Liberty Blog, and much more. |
Gov. Dreyfus's memorable and entertaining speech from that evening will be played in its entirety in our 8 pm hour of Forward Forum. Also, joining us by special arrangement, live on the phone from Thailand, is former State Rep. David Clarenbach, the author of the landmark first-in-the-nation statewide gay rights law that Gov. Dreyfus signed into law in February of 1982. On the January 6, 2008 Forward Forum: * The Role of the United Nations in Today's World;
At 7 pm, we'll be joined by local spiritual community leader Chuck Pfeifer (a founder and longtime former executive director of the Madison Urban Ministry), who will be previewing a four part seminar that he and his wife Jean are offering on the Life of the "Historic Jesus." As they describe it, "The seminar explores how Jesus engaged this messianic calling and how he responded to the yearnings of his people. Why did he behave so differently from the other Messiahs of his time? Why did he tell his followers to love enemies and pray for oppressors? What did he mean when he said that we would gain life by losing our lives rather than by hanging onto life? Why did his life and teachings so threaten the Roman authorities that they, with the complicity of a small group of politicians, executed him? And why did his life and teachings result in the development of a new religion?" The program is conducted in a "dialogic" style, that encourages sharing and listening to a wide range of diverse opinions. The group is interfaith in its focus, and in the past has included Christian members from many backgrounds--including people of Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist faiths--and atheists, secular humanists and agnostics. Registration deadline for the four Saturday seminar (Feb. 2nd, 9th, and 23rd, and March 1st) is January 21st. Contact Chuck or Jean Pfeifer at (608) 251-3125 or pfeifers@chorus.net. The program comes highly recommended by Forward Forum host Quinlan, who participated in last year's seminars.
 
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Katrina's Lessons Still Being Learned As Part of Our State and National Year-End Review    
Special guest co-host: Todd Price (above, far left), videographer/journalist for OntheEarthProductions.com and professor at National Louis University in Chicago. In our first hour, we re-visit the situation in post-Katrina New Orleans, where Todd Price has traveled several times this year, in conjunction with both his journalistic work and in the context of supporting student and faculty relief efforts on behalf of Chicago's National Louis University. We'll also be joined live on the phone by activist Sakura Kone' (above, second from right) from the grassroots-based organization, Common Ground Relief. Lastly, we're also proud to be joined by former Madison Common Council member (and former council president) Austin King (above, second from left)--who has been working with the grassroots organization, ACORN, in New Orleans since the summer. (Austin is back in Wisconsin over the holidays, and will be phoning in from his family's home in Milwaukee.) They describe a city where developers and short-sighted government officials are razing affordable housing and using the schools for right wing social experiments, at the expense of local low-income and African-American residents--in an effort to gentrify the city, usurp political power, and prevent the city's original residents--a majority of whom were longtime low-income, African-American homeowners--from returning. It's a disturbing picture--one with implications for all Americans. Then in our second hour, Todd and longtime progressive community leader Ed Garvey (above, at far right) lead us on a review of 2007, and a look at the current political season statewide and nationally, with a view to what lies ahead in 2008. 
For information on how you can help support grassroots efforts to rebuild New Orleans, go to Common Ground Relief or ACORN . |
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An Encore Presentation of Interviews with Jonathan Mooney, author of The Short Bus: A Journey Beyond Normal |
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Featuring four panelists from University of Wisconsin-Madison Communication Arts professor Susan Zaeske's Presidential Rhetoric class. A young generation of political activists and academics view the modern process to choose a president against the backdrop of history and rhetorical tradition--including specific looks at how issues of gender and race, and New Media tools, are transforming the process. Our guest will include Amy Tully, Harry Waisbren, Cameron Marston, and Andy Gordon.
Helpful Links: UW Student Websites, in support of the front-running Democratic presidential candidates: UW-Madison Students for Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton for President (no UW-specific site could be found).
An "attack ad" based on anti-Jefferson pamphlets from the 1800 election! Barely Political Satirical Videos Republican Presidential Candidates Respond to Openly Gay Retired Military Officer "Think Progress" blog critique of CNN's handling of presidential debates "Open Left" blog asks "Who Is in Control in 2008?" Digby video describing the blogosphere/progressive movement Digby on the absurdities of the pundits' political predictions |
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"Differential Diagnosis" Author Paul Dutton and Doctors Gene & Linda Farley Four Outstanding Community Leaders Honored:
Update from New Orleans:
Paul Dutton observes that the United States and France have struggled with the same ideals of liberty and equality, but one country followed the path that led to universal health insurance; the other embraced private insurers and has only guaranteed coverage for the elderly and the very poor. How has France reconciled the competing ideals of individual liberty and socially quality to assure universal coverage while protecting patient and practitioner freedoms? What can Americans learn from the French experience, and what can the French learn from the U.S. example? Paul V. Dutton is Associate Professor of History at Northern Arizona University and a fellow of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. He is also the author of "Origins of the French Welfare State." See also Paul's book's website. Linda and Gene Farley are retired family physicians, now living in Verona, who have served: Rural and urban practice experience - Navajo, small town, rural farming, outer city and inner city; rich, poor, middle class, Healthy and sick; old and young; employed and unemployed; insured and uninsured; before & after Medicare and Medicaid came in. Gene Farley is a native of Pennsylvania, graduated Swarthmore College 1950. Linda Farley is , a native of Rochester NY, graduated University of Rochester 1951. Both are graduates of University of Rochester Medical School. Both are emeritus faculty of the UW-Madison Medical School where Gene served as chair of the UW Department of Family Medicine. Both are members of Physicians for Social Responsibility, Physicians for a National Health Program, American Public Health Association, and Wisconsin and American Academies of Family Physicians.
Gene is on the board of Citizen Action of Wisconsin, an associate member of The Madison Institute board and an active member of the Coalition for Wisconsin Health and Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP). See also An article on the Farleys. JOE MCCLAIN AND CAROL LOBES and ART AND SUE LLOYD At 8 pm, We'll be speaking with two "activist couples" who are being honored this week for their extraordinary contributions in advancing social justice in the greater Madison community. Join us as we speak with Carol Lobes and Joe McClain, and Art and Sue Lloyd. The Verna Hill-Dorothy Shannon Fund and the Wisconsin Community Fund will recognize Carol Lobes and Joe McClain--activists who have worked tirelessly to overcome racism, discrimination, and injustice for over three decades--with the 2007 Community ChangeMaker Award, on Thursday, Dec. 13th from 5-7:30 pm at Olbrich Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave. Art and Sue Lloyd--longtime Activists and philanthropists; advocates for co-housing solutions, founding members of numerous community investment funds--will be honored for their contributions to the Madison Area Community Land Trust at their 2007 Annual Gathering and Fundraiser, from 5-7 pm on Thursday Dec. 13th at the Marigold Kitchen, 118 S. Pinckney Street. Also being honored is longtime community leader and disability rights activist Jeffrey Erlanger, who passed away earlier this year. "BULLDOZERS FOR THE POOR, HUGE TAX CREDITS FOR WEALTH DEVELOPERS" Then at about 8:30pm, we'll be traveling via phone and/or recorded report to New Orleans for a special update on a decision that could come down this week to raze hundreds of units of federally-subsidized housing, then replacing them with upscale housing unaffordable to New Orleans' poor and minority residents. A parallel decision will also be deciding the fate of many of New Orlean's public school buildings, and the fate of its public school system. In a week when actor Brad Pitt has been dominating the airwaves with his laudable plans to rebuild housing in New Orleans' 9th ward, a more nefarious and destructive decision is about to be made that would place New Orleans out of bounds for tens of thousands of poor and minority residents. Federal housing officials are about to announce plans to raze hundreds of subsidized housing units--with no affordable replacement units in sight. Activist on the ground are concerned that this is a conscious effort by the Bush administration to place New Orleans out of bounds for poor people of color--producing community-busting gentrification in the extreme. New Orleans attorney and activist Bill Quigley has been at the forefront of efforts to call attention to the fact that while downtown businesses are beginning to thrive again, the poor and disenfranchised are being seen as the problem and not part of the solution by the same powers-that-be that allowed this horrible disaster to happen and fester in the first place. For more information on the issue being described here, please go to Bill Quigley column . Todd Price, our investigative reporting media partner from On The Earth Productions (and a faculty member at Chicago's National-Louis University), has recently traveled to New Orleans, and he'll be providing an update, which we hope will include an interview with Atty. Quigley or others working on the ground in New Orleans. Our thanks as well for the assistance of Todd's "On The Earth" colleague, Karen Chin, for her help in preparing and editing some special taped reports. |
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Democracy Movements Close to Home and on the Korean Peninsula 
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7pm Friday, Dec. 7th, 6 pm, Please join us on Friday, December 7th, 6:00 pm at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center to continue the tradition of honoring Northside residents for their community building efforts in this year's Fifth Annual North Star Awards. Opening remarks will be offered by Forward Forum host (and new northside resident) John Quinlan., who will also join organizational leaders in presenting the awards. We'll be joined this Sunday evening (Dec. 2nd) for a special preview of this wonderful community-building event, when our guests will be Northside Planning Council co-chair Helen Marks Dicks and council member and event organizer Carolyn Gantner. We'll also be joined in studio by several of the award winners. 
This includes photographer Sandra Wojtal-Weber of "On the Borderline." This 6- week workshop is designed for adolescent girls in middle school. The project aims at strengthening self-esteem at a crucial time in adolescent development by giving young girls tools for visual and artistic expression. The project teaches girls basic photographic and compositional skills to use in exploring their changing view of themselves and their world. The girls journal about the process and exhibit their work in a major Madison, Wisconsin venue at the end of the program. See www.capturelightphoto.com. 
We'll also be joined by Stephanie Rearick, staff person for the Dane County Time Bank. Northside Time Bank volunteer Bob Reuter, a State Farm agent with a northside office is being recognized for his many contributions. Organizers describe the Time Bank program as follows: "Timebanking is an exchange system. People help each other and receive credits for their service. Anyone who helps another member earns one time dollar per hour, which they can then spend on an hour of service from anyone else in the network. Timebanking is a way to value the work we do for others in our community and the work we do in building that community. Instead of going without things because we cannot afford to pay each other with money, we exchange time." See Dane County Timebank for more info.
Time permitting, other award recipients may join us by phone. The Northside Planning Council (NPC) is a citizen-led coalition of 19 neighborhood associations and community organizations based on the Northside of Madison, Wisconsin. NPC's mission is to improve the quality of life for all residents of the Northside community by building community and by increasing citizen participation and voice in the issues that affect them. Northside residents and Madison public officials recognized the need for new ways to help residents and neighborhoods respond to the changing face of their community. The Northside Planning Council was organized in 1993 as an independent nonprofit coalition of community organizations, now consisting of neighborhood associations, the business association, the senior coalition, churches, schools, and community centers. We work to assess the needs of the Northside community, develop local assets and power through leadership training and relationship-building, and lead advocacy efforts to meet our community's goals. NPC has transformed this relatively unorganized, socially fragmented, and politically ignored community into Madison's best organized community with a strong identity, and low crime, violence, and drug activity. 
Activities include:
(See northsideplanningcouncil.org for more information, on both the organization and on the December 7th event.) 1) Northside Timebank 2) Sandra Wojtal-Weber (capturelightphoto.com). The photo exhibit, On the Borderline, is currently on display at one of the Overture galleries. 3) Bob Reuter 4) Kelly Donahue - police officer on Northside 5) Andy and Jenny Czerkas - volunteer with food pantries 6) Ronnie Inde - volunteer 7) Kurt and Jill Schneider - Troy Garden volunteers 8) Black Hawk School Spirit Club 9) Lunette Jandl - involved with coordinating indoor Northside Farmer Market 10) Sheri Buck Baldwin - volunteer, maintains Maple Bluff Gardens 
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Courage and Faith in the Face of Totalitarianism--How George and Dorothy Ogle, and Korean Democracy Movement Members, Drew Strength and Inspiration from One Other in 1974 And How Their Story
In giving voice to the plight of eight men wrongly condemned to death in 1974 by the South Korean military dictatorship of President Park Chung Hee, American United Methodist missionary George Ogle took a great risk. The eight wives of these men had appeared on his doorstep one morning-explaining how their husbands' opposition to dictatorship and advocacy for eventual reunification of the two Koreans had been twisted by the authoritarian regime into life-threatening charges of treason. Each man had been tortured by the Korean CIA as a means of coercing his 'confession,' and so-charged, each had received a swift and secret military trial, with no chance to defend themselves either in that court, or in the court of public opinion. In the face of their compelling need, George Ogle could not remain silent. Two months later, George Ogle found himself spirited away to a dark, tiny room facing 17 hours of intense, uninterrupted interrogation at the hands of the leadership of the Korean CIA-and that was just the beginning of their unrelenting but ultimately unsuccessful efforts to coerce his cooperation. His refusal to stop preaching sermons and praying against injustice--and recent actions to petition the help of the US government that fell went unheard and unanswered--led to his expulsion from his adopted home. After several additional interrogations, on December 14, 1974 George was forcibly deported from Korea and told he could not return to Korea for ten years. It was a decision likely made by the Korean president himself. South Korea was a place where the Ogles' children had been born, and where he had been an important catalyst for economic justice and labor reform movements, in ten years working on behalf of the Urban Industrial Movement in Inchon. Whisked away without even the chance to bid his family good-bye, the South Korean military regime felt confident that that this foreign dissident and other Korean citizens working for justice for the eight men and for democratic reforms had been silenced. But they were wrong. Two months later, Dorothy and the children followed him back to the US. Not worrying about the danger to themselves, hundreds of well wishers gathered at the airport to say farewell. "I'll never forgot their parting words," says Dorothy Ogle. "They said, 'Go Tell Our Story.'" Unfortunately the military government hung the eight men several months later on April 9, 1975. Their families suffered for over three decades because of the stigma and because they had lost the family breadwinner. "I had come to know the families of these men," Dorothy writes. "My pain was exacerbated with the knowledge that this military government was supported by my own government." "Go Tell Our Story" - these were words that were not easily forgotten. And in books, and lectures all across the U.S., both Ogles did just that. For Dorothy Ogle, it was also a time of renewed commitment to her Korean friends in working as a force for peace. Long divided into North and South, slowly cracks began to form in the resistance to eventual Korean reunification. Dorothy was among the first visitors from West to travel to the North in an interfaith delegation in 1984. Touched by the pain caused by the decades-long separation of family members, and the bleakness of existence in the North, she resolved to make a difference. Later in the 1980s, she was employed by the National Council of Churches of Christ to do education and advocacy, related to their 1986 policy statement: Peace and the Reunification of Korea. In the U.S. Congress she advocated for New Directions in U.S. Korea Policy, and was asked to give testimony to a subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives. 
George eventually returned to his beloved Korea on numerous visits, including an especially memorable trip in the fall of 2002. George Ogle had left South Korea in tears some 30 years before, deported by the country's dictatorship for his work on behalf of poor factory workers and eight men facing execution because of false accusations they were communists. Now firmly embracing democracy, and safe from the excesses of military dictatorship, the country welcomed back the United Methodist missionary and honored him. Ogle returned to South Korea in September 2002 to receive the Korean Human Rights Award, given annually to both a Korean and foreigner by the country's Institute for Human Rights. It was presented on behalf of the Korea Institute for Human Rights, an organization founded by South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung - a man who had also returned to South Korea after years of forced exile. Nothing could bring back the lives of the eight men for whom the Ogles had taken such a courageous stance 30 some years before. However, finally, this year, justice in some measure has prevailed. Early in 2007, there was a retrial where the eight men were declared innocent. In September, the families were awarded the largest monetary award ever given in the history of Korea. One important footnote from Forward Forum host John Quinlan: In 1953, just following the Korean armistice, my father, Bob Quinlan, left for a three year stint as a Methodist short term missionary. One year later, he was the first person to greet George Ogle's plane on his arrival in South Korea, and they became good friends. It was a time of unimaginable devastation, as Dad helped to administer Methodist Church relief efforts, based in Seoul. Upon his return to the States, Dad went on to serve churches as a U. Methodist pastor in cities throughout Wisconsin, and his experiences in Korea helped to drive his ongoing commitment to a mission of service.
One other footnote: George Ogle received his Master's (1966) and Doctorate (1973) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dorothy is a native of nearby Rockford, Ill. Both speak fondly of their time livng in both Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The couple has recently retired near the homes of two of their children in Lafayette, CO.
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Tonight's Focus: The Power of Non-Violent Protest to Counter Injustice At Home and Abroad
* PROTESTING RACIAL INJUSTICE IN WISCONSIN AGAINST OUR HMONG-AMERICAN NEIGHBORS (guests pending at press time; Gather 11:30-Noon, Mon, 11/26, Library Mall, then march to Capitol for Rally) * STANDING IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE BURMESE PEOPLES' DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT (with our guests Burmese-born Madisonian Selwyn Swe and internationally-respected human rights activist and former Burma-trained monk, Alan Clements; rally 1 pm Sat., 12/8, Library Mall, then march to Capitol) We'll give you the inside story behind two upcoming Madison rallies against injustice (the first this Monday, and the second the following Saturday--see below for details). Our guests will include local Hmong community leader Peng Her (tentative) and Burmese-born rally organizer Selwyn Swe, both of Madison. We'll also be joined on the phone by Alan Clements, a former Burma-trained Buddhist monk who is helping to organize an international response in support of the Burmese monks leading the struggle for democracy in their country.
Selwyn helps provide a voice for thousands of people of Burmese descent now living in the US who may not be in a position to speak out about the current regime for fear of reprisal against their relatives remaining in Burma. These include several hundred Burmese immigrants who are now residents of Wisconsin, thanks to a special project of Lutheran Social Services of Milwaukee. A chronicle of Selwyn's family's escape from Burma is contained is woven into the narrative of the newly-released novel by Marquette University Professor Prem Sharma, entitled Escape from Burma. The book may be available from some Milwaukee booksellers (see previous link), but is temporarily out of stock at Amazon.com and other major booksellers. See also eruditor.com or tower.com, for available copies, generally just less than $10 in paperback. It's a fascinating story evocative of a close-knit family forced into exile in the story-telling traditions of "The Sound of Music," while also examining extremely important contemporary and historical political themes. Selwyn describes it as a "based-on-a-true-story" novel that includes other fictional accounts as a means of spotlighting the work that the US government has done over the years to support the pro-democracy movement in Burma, while also serving as a means of highlighting concerns about the opium trade and the export of other illegal drugs to the US. (Until recently eclipsed by Afghanistan a couple of years ago, Burma has been the US.'s number one provider of opium.) Author Prem Sharma was born in Mandalay, Burma and educated in Europe and the United States where he was the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Marquette School of Dentistry. "Escape from Burma" is his third book. As mentioned above, we'll also be joined by Alan Clements www.worlddharma.com an American-born former Buddhist monk, former war correspondent, and current author/cultural commentator/standup comedian. Clements was forced to leave his monastery in Burma in 1984 by the military dictatorship (no reason given). He subsequently returned to the West, becoming an evocative activist for global human rights and freedom, lecturing and leading seminars worldwide. His efforts on behalf of oppressed peoples led a former director of Amnesty International to call Alan "one of the most important and compelling voices of our times." Alan has lived in some of the most highly volatile areas of the world--including Serbia-Croatia during the height of the conflict there. In the jungles of Burma, in 1990, he was the first Westerner to witness and document the genocide of the ethnic minorities by the military dictatorship, which he wrote about in his first book, Burma: The Next Killing Fields?, with a foreword by the Dalai Lama. In 1995, Clements made a risky journey back to Burma where he spent six months with Burma's opposition leaders, all of whom had just been released from prison. In April 1996 he smuggled their taped conversations from Burma that became The Voice of Hope, (Seven Stories Press, NY)--the internationally acclaimed book of conversations with Aung San Suu Kyi, 1991's Nobel Peace laureate and leader of her country' nonviolent struggle for freedom. Alan's most recent book, Instinct for Freedom (New World Library, CA) chronicles his life-long spiritual journey and his core philosophy on the nature of freedom, along with an in-depth analysis of both the theory and practice of meditation, as well as a rare look into the philosophical underpinnings of Burma's nonviolent struggle for freedom, known as "a revolution of the spirit." Now living in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Alan performs his acclaimed one-man show, " Spiritually Incorrect," to audiences around the world as benefits for the Burma Project USA. Alan will be returning to Madison this April for a reprise of last year's sold-out show at the Barrymore--which combines biting humor, multi-layered expressions of spirituality, and deep political insight. Further details on the two rallies: * MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH, beginning at Noon at Library Mall: Come join a march from the Library Mall up State Street to the State Capitol to speak out against the growing voices of intolerance against Hmong people and other immigrants in Wisconsin. Protest the violent expression of intolerance that was behing Cha Vang's murder--and the systemic injustice of a second degree murder conviction that sent the statement that his life mattered less because he was Hmong. And protest the racial injustice that underlies Wisconsin's recent being named as one of the places where African-Americans are least likely to receive a good education, and most likely to end up in prison. Working together, we can turn this around, but it's no time to rest on our laurels. Help us to rediscover and rekindle Wisconsin's long history of progress in the area of basic civil rights and respect for all. For more information, go to www.RacialJustice-ccr.org (Freedom, Inc., phone: 608-661-4089, 10am-7pm weekdays): or contact True Thao at 608-886-3987, email truesta@hotmail.com; or Kabzuag Vaj at 608-217-7754, email: refugeeproject@hotmail.com . * SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8TH. beginning at 1pm at Library Mall: "Walk for Burma" is a local, grassroots campaign designed to support and encourage human rights in Burma by emulating the walks held by monks in Burma in September 2007. Meet at the UW Library Mall at 1:00pm For a silent procession down State Street to the Capitol steps Wear red and saffron (yellow) if possible These are the colors of the monk’s robes in Burma. Signs and red/saffron scarves will be provided. Feel free to bring your own signs too. Bring your own, or print/modify one from the organizer's website! And Send your words of support and solidarity to the people of Burma. Organizers have the contacts, and will make sure your words of support for the struggle for freedom make it into Burma. (Links to pre-made posters and to places a website where you can record your words of support can be found at www.selwyn.org .) For more information call Selwyn Swe at 608-239-2578. |
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Post-9/11 Concerns about Basic Civil liberties, Imprisonment without Due Process, and Privacy Rights
* Brent Mickum, the first attorney to volunteer to represent prisoners being held in Guantanamo * James DeVita, Spring Green-based author of a newly-published dystopian novel called "The Silenced" -- depicting a world without civil liberties 
Joining us at 7 pm on the phone from suburban Washington, DC will be Attorney Brent Mickum. He was the first attorney to volunteer to represent prisoners being held in Guantanamo. He was the second habeas attorney permitted to visit the prison camps on the base following the Rasul decision in the fall of 2004. He has been to the base many times since his first visit, and has top-secret security clearance. In connection with his work on the Guantanamo cases, he has worked closely with the officials of numerous foreign governments. He has testified before members of Parliament in London, the European Parliament in Brussels, and the International Commission of Jurists in Washington, D.C. He was one of the attorneys who successfully opposed the Government’s attempt to dismiss all the habeas cases in December 2004.
Further biographical info: George Brent Mickum IV is a partner with the law firm of Spriggs & Hollingsworth in Washington, D.C. He has practiced law for 23 years. In early 2004, prior to the issuance of the Supreme Court's opinion in the Rasul case, he agreed to represent three men who had been imprisoned by the United States at the Guantanamo Naval Air Station in Cuba. His clients were (1) Martin Mubanga, a British citizen who also was a citizen of Zambia; (2) Bisher al-Rawi, a permanent British resident whose family was given refugee status in the UK after his family fled Iraq after his father was tortured by the regime of Sadaam Hussein; (3) Jamil el-Banna, a permanent British resident who was granted refugee after he was tortured by Jordanian officials. He represents his clients on a pro bono basis and is not compensated in any way for his representation. Early in his representation, Mickum personally paid for all his travel expenses. British citizen Martin Mubanga was released without charge in 2005. He was repatriated to England where he is a free man. Bisher al-Rawi was released without charge in March 2007. He, too, returned to England where he is a free man. Jamil-el-Banna remains imprisoned, but negotiations are underway for his release. Mickum has been asked to represent one of the high- value prisoners who were imprisoned and tortured by the CIA at various "dark sites" around the world before being transferred to Guantanamo following the Supreme Court's decision in Hamden in 2006. Mickum previously worked at a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Department of Justice and the Senior Investigative Counsel for the Special Committee on Investigations. He has a B.A. from George Washington University, a J.D. from George Mason University Law School, and an M.B.A. from Virginia Tech. From The Guardian: Interview From CagedPrisoners.com PBS's Frontline Special Report on "Extraordinary Rendition"
Author DeVita will be reading from "The Silenced" at Room of One's Own Bookstore next Sunday, Nov. 25th at 2pm. In addition to being an author, DeVita, a native of Long Island, NY, is a playwright, and an actor. Along with his two novels, The Silenced and Blue, he has also written more than twenty plays and adaptations of classics for young audiences and adults. His plays include: A Midnight Cry (The story of the Underground Railroad); Rose of Treason (The true story of Sophie Scholl and The White Rose); Trials: the story of Joan of Arc, and Beth; A Little House Christmas; The Prince and the Pauper; Zero Tolerance (Youth violence); Wonderland! (Musical based on Lewis Carroll 's work); The Christmas Angel; Treasure Island; Dinosaur!; The Three Musketeers; Looking Glass Land; Bambi, A Life in the Woods ; Arthur: The Boy Who Would Be King; Swiss Family Robinson; Tom Sawyer; Huckleberry Finn. Adult works for the stage: Dickens In America; Lakeview; Artis Generis; Waiting for Vern. Jim is the resident playwright for First Stage Children's Theater, which is based out of Milwaukee. His adaptation of Felix Salten's novel, Bambi, a Life in the Woods, won The Distinguished Play Award from The American Alliance of Theater and Education; Rose of Treason was awarded The Intellectual Freedom Award by the Kentucky Council of Teachers of English/Language Arts; and Looking Glass Land won the Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwrighting Contest. Jim is also a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship for Fiction, and The American Alliance of Theater and Education has just honored his body of work with the 2007 Charlotte B. Chorpenning Award. His education began as a first mate on the charter boat JIB VII out of Captree Boat Basin, NY, where he worked for five seasons. Then he studied theater at Suffolk County Community College. Long Island, where he received his AS, then on to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Professional Theater Training Program, where he received a BFA. He also attended Madison Area Technical College, where he was licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician and currently is a volunteer EMT in his town. Jim lives in Spring Green, WI, with his wife and two children, where he is a core company member of American Players Theater, a classical repertory theater. He has been a member of the company there for thirteen years. Jim is a member of The Dramatists Guild, ASSITEJ, SCBWI, and Actor's Equity Association. View The Silenced Promo Video on You Tube. |
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Highlights of Past Archived Shows Please visit our station's website at www.wtdy.com for immediately playable and downloadable versions of past shows. Instructions: Off of the main page, select the "Podcast" Link. Follow down along the left margin, and left click on the orange words "Forward Forum," and you'll be taken to a listing of our recent shows. Find a show topic that interests you, and then click on the "Free Download" link. From there, you can either select "Listen Now," and the show will begin to play, or select "Download Now," and you can save the show to your harddrive for later playback. Some recent show topics:
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Highlights of Recent Past Shows Through a Madison to Selma Bridge" On Nov. 4th, Forward Forum's special guest was nationally-respected civil rights leader Joanne Bland, who joined us live on the phone from her hometown of historic Selma, Alabama. Ms. Bland will be in Milwaukee, Madison and Beloit from Nov. 9-13th--the most recent visit in a relationship with Madison and Wisconsin that extends back more than six years. We were also joined live in our studios by faculty advisor Prof. Susan Zaeske (Associate Chair of the UW-Madison's Communications Arts Department), and several students who have journeyed by bus to Selma to take part in the museum's important work, and other community organizing projects there, including Mary Carger (by phone) and Charles Hughes, Mobolaji Falomo, and Alan Piotrowicz in studio. Over the last several years, strong connections have been created between the UW-Madison and Selma's National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, which Ms. Bland founded. Dozens of UW-Madison students have journeyed to Selma, where they have been instrumental in building the museum and its associated programs, including extensive work in an ongoing oral history project that seeks to capture the untold stories of the hundreds of unsung heroines and heros of the black civil rights movement. In recent years, these students took on major responsibility for the opening of an innovative experiential museum that evocatively depicts the experience of a day in the life of a slave. Ms. Bland will be traveling to Wisconsin at week's end for a series of events sponsored by Milwaukee's Nehemiah Project, UW-Madison, James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Congregation , Malcolm Shabazz High School, and Beloit College. COMMUNITY POTLUCK/RECEPTION FOR JOANNE BLAND 
As many of you will remember, Forward Forum broadcast live from Selma last August, and host John Quinlan is working with other community leaders locally to extend the bridge between Selma and the UW-Madison deeper into the greater Madison community. For an inspiring and entertaining account of that trip, see this link to a sermon by John's friend and colleague, the Rev. Darrel Richey of James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Congregation: Journey to Selma. HIGHLIGHTS OF LAST YEAR'S FORWARD FORUM BROADCAST, LIVE FROM SELMA Also, hear Ms. Bland's tour of the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute from our August 2006 "Forward Forum" Selma broadcast at Live Selma Broadcast GRAD STUDENT BLOGS ABOUT HER LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES IN SELMA Be sure to visit the blog of UW-Madison doctoral student Tyina Steptoe, entitled Lonestar in Selma. Ms. Steptoe reflects on life in small-town southern Selma and the significance of its history--juxtaposing her experiences growing up in Houston, TX and in her reflections on her current home of Madison, WI. Fascinating, fun, and thought-provoking. JOANNE BLAND TELLS HER STORY ON DEMOCRACY NOW! Joanne Bland was 11 at the time of the Selma to Montgomery March--but already a veteran of the movement who'd been arrested countless times. Anyone who has heard her relate the events of those historic days as she remembers them through the eyes of an 11 year old cannot help but be deeply moved. Below is a partial transcript of an interview she conducted in 2005 with Amy Goodman on Democracy Now, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the march. (Audio link to the actual interview is below.) "Today, 40 years ago, March 7, I was at Brown Chapel AME Church, which is my church. I grew up in that church, but my sister was inside. I had no idea that there may be some violence. I probably was outside. As I said, I was only 11. But when the marchers lined up, I got in the line, because my sister made me, and she wanted me to stay with her, and -- but I didn't. "I wanted to be with my friends. I saw a group of my friends, and I got in the area they were in. So my sister wound up near the front, and I wound up about midway. When we cleared the bridge, atop the bridge I saw the policemen, and I knew we were not going to Montgomery, so I -- being a warrior, I knew the procedure. I knew that we would kneel in prayer and after prayer go back to the church. I kept waiting for the front to go down. "I was too far back to really hear anything that was said down front. But suddenly, we heard screams and gunshots, and we thought -- I thought -- what I thought were gunshots, and we thought - I thought were gunshots. And the people started screaming, and people turned, and then the police came in from behind and on the sides. We were completely surrounded. They just started beating people. People were being trampled, not only by the police and the horses, but by each other, trying to get away. It was just pandemonium. It was horrible. "Blood was everywhere on the bridge. The screams is what I remember the most, you know, and the horses that were so afraid that they would rear to try to get away from the people. And these men relentlessly plowing the horses into the crowd, and the gunshots I heard turned out to be tear gas canisters exploding, and then the tear gas burning your eyes. Can't breathe, can't see. I mean, we panicked and couldn't get away. People were laying everywhere. "You were tripping over people that at the time your mind registered that they were dead. In fact, the last thing I remember on that bridge is seeing this lady being trampled, and I don't know whether it's the sound of her head or my head hitting that pavement. That's the last thing I remember. When I awakened, I was in a car on the Selma side of the bridge in the back of a car, and my sister was in the car, and she was crying. And when I became fully awake, I realized it was not her tears falling on my face, it was her blood. She was 14 and had been beaten on the bridge and had wounds that required stitches. It was awful. I'll never forget it as long as I live..." Those events dominated the front page and became breaking news across the country and around the world. When news of that day reached people nationwide, good people of conscience from all racial backgrounds and faiths and virtually every state in the Union descended on Selma, to march in solidarity with Dr. King and the disenfranchised black citizens of south central Alabama to the state capital of Montgomery. Two weeks later, in the wake of a court order, those same state troupers who had beaten the marchers were forced to obey a court order that required them to protect the thousands who gathered on the 50 mile route between Selma and Montgomery. Later that year, President Lyndon Johnson signed the landmark Voters' Rights Bill. Hear Ms. Bland's inspiring story in her own voice on the Democracy Now website. Joanne Bland biography Joanne Bland is co-founder and past director of the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute (NVRMI). She is based in Selma, Alabama, where she works to promote civil and human rights, and in particular seeks to increase voter awareness. During her lifetime she has been a witness and participant in some of our nation's most consequential civil rights battles. She began her civil rights activism in 1961 as an eight-year-old attending a freedom and voters' rights meeting presided over by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students for a Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) activists organized Bland and other area children and teenagers to participate in the civil rights movement. In the front lines of the struggle, the young Bland marched on "Bloody Sunday" and "Turn Around Tuesday," witnessing brutal beatings, shooting and hosing of fellow marchers by police. Only 11 years old, she has the distinction of being the youngest person to have been jailed in these demonstrations. Ms. Bland's early involvement in the struggle against "Jim Crow," American apartheid, has been the foundation for her civil and human rights work throughout her life. She continues to be active in local and regional organizations devoted to expanding and securing civil and human rights. These include: SCLC, NAACP, Alabama New South Coalition, Black Belt Arts and Cultural Center, Sunflower Project, Ladies With A Mission, and her church, Ward Chapel A.M.E. A much sought after speaker with a compelling personal story of civil rights activism, Ms. Bland has presented at conferences and workshops from the Smithsonian in Washington, DC to the states Maine, Wisconsin, Vermont, Minnesota, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas, South Carolina, and, of course, throughout Alabama. She is an Army veteran and a graduate of the University of Staten Island, where she received her B.A. degree. As we move into another presidential election cycle, Ms. Bland's presentation on the significance of the Selma struggle and the continuing relevance of voting in our participatory democracy will be especially timely. Many of you may remember seeing Ms. Bland on the front page of the New York Times this spring as she walked hand in hand with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, who were in Selma for the 42nd anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March, prior to each candidate delivering memorable addresses at historic Brown Chapel. Recently "retired," as executive director of the NVRMI, she continues to lead community organizing efforts in Selma, and to conduct tours of significant civil rights sites throughout the South. See Journeys for the Soul. ********* For more information on Forward Forum (or any of the events described above), write to ForwardForum@aol.com |
Also, please visit our archives at 
Also, visit the archives for an outstanding potpourri of social justice programming featured on our April 20th show. (See also the podcast link at 
* In our 7 pm hour, Jose Garcia, co-author of Up to Our Eyeballs, How Shady Lenders and Failed Economic Policies Are Drowning America in Debt (with special guest/guest co-host, local financial expert Niel Moser)
* In our 8 pm hour, E. Benjamin Skinner, Native Madisonian and author of the landmark book based on his four continent investigative reporting: A Crime So Monstrous: Face-to-Face with Modern-Day Slavery
Our thanks, as well, to Forward Forum Intern/Correspondent Harry Waisbren, for his part in initiating the theme of this week's show and providing major production assistance--while also working simultaneously to launch our new 
Guest co-hosting throughout will be local community civil rights activist and newly-retired Malcolm Shabazz High School teacher Tenia Jenkins. Her friendship wiith host John Quinlan goes back to Rainbow Coalition days 20 plus years ago. We'll be discussing her experience in having a recent project targeted at improving the lives of young men shut down by Madison's superintendent of schools--because it allegedly didn't do enough to address the needs of white young men.... And then we'll join in a broader discussion about how Madison is and isn't living out Dr. King's dream. Progress has been made, but Madisonians still assess their quality of life in markedly different terms based on the color of their skin and their economic status. What's behind this, what barriers do we face to addressing these inequities? It's a discussion you'll want to be a part of, and won't want to miss.
We're also extremely proud to be interviewing award-winning African American filmmaker Shola Lynch, discussing her landmark 2005 documentary on the 1972 presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm -- 
In the category of "Youth Leader," Lauren Rock is a junior at James Madison Memorial High School, has already demonstrated an impressive commitment to improving her surroundings. As a sophomore Rock held the position of secretary for Memorial's Black Student Union. Now a junior, and president of Memorial's BSU, Rock has worked hard to make the organization more inclusive to ALL students of color. In the community Rock finds the time to participate in many volunteer organizations including: creating children's books on tape, feeding Madison's hungry at Luke House, planning service opportunities at the United Way of Dane County, cleaning parks and supporting persons affected by HIV and AIDS with the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Equally as impressive as Rock's commitment to our community is her commitment to her studies. As a student-athlete (Varsity Track and Volleyball), Rock maintains a 3.5 GPA while also finding the time and energy to participate on Memorial's Forensic Team. Percy Brown, Jr., Minority Services Coordinator at James Madison Memorial, nominated Rock.
Jerome Dillard has served as a deacon and in-crisis ministry for the past decade at his church, Fountain of Life Family Worship Center. This calls him to not only help offenders, but also deal with other crises such as death, sickness, abuse and other family issues. Jerome has worked the past two years as a Resource Specialist for Madison Urban Ministry. He works relentlessly to help families with loved ones who are incarcerated. Jerome sees men and women when they enter prison and helps them and their families make the transition after they're released. Jerome works passionately in providing inspiration, guidance and hope for a population that is often ostracized, forgotten and in need of a second chance. Jerome knows from his personal testimony the psychological adjustment that a person must make when they are released from prison and are faced with family issues. He understands, as Dr. King's life demonstrates, that the personal attitude and rebuilding of dignity has to be dealt with on a person-to-person basis in order to effect change. Jerome uses his professional talents to deal with a problem very few people are capable or willing to deal with.
Hope to see you at the City/County King Day celebration at the Overture Center at 6 pm, on Monday, January 21st (free of charge; no tickets necessary; donations accepted). As usual, it will be a night of inspiration and entertainment with a 100 person interfaith interracial choir and accompanying jazz band (organized and led by Leotha Stanley), and featuring keynote speaker, the Rev. Joseph Lowery. Rev. Lowery was a longtime friend and colleague of Dr. King's who was a cofounder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, organized the Montgomery bus boycott, and led the group presenting demands to former Alabama Gov. George Wallace in the wake of the Selma to Montgomery March back in 1965. Less than a year later, the bravery of those marchers in standing up to the brutality of Alabama law enforcement officials led to the passage of the National Voting Rights Act. A retired Methodist minister, he is widely recognized as one of the world's great orators.
* At 7pm, Peter Karoff, author of "The World We Want: New Dimensions in Philanthropy and
Social Change"
In our second 7 pm segment, we'll be exploring international events through the eyes of US involvement with the United Nations with Bonnie Block, newly-installed president of the United Nations Association USA - Dane County Chapter. 
Bonnie Block (pictured, at center of picture at right at a recent rally for peace) is a longtime leader in the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice, a proud member of the Raging Grannies (a progressive political singing group) and countless area organizations working for peace and social change. We'll be having a wide-ranging discussion about the role of the United Nations in today's world--including the vital role that each of us plays in ensuring that United States membership in the UN transcends nationalist considerations, and becomes a force for the growing awareness of the need to work collectively for the global good. The chapter provides a fascinating speaker each month throughout the year (except for the summer), generally on the second Tuesday -- this month's presentation will be a week later because of the holidays, on Tuesday, January 15th at 7:15 pm at Meriter Commons, 333 W. Main Street. (See 
Then at 8pm, we'll be celebrating the life of former Wisconsin Gov. Lee Sherman Dreyfus. We'll hear directly from the man often referred to as "The Great Communicator," in a speech he delivered 4 1/2 years ago, on the occasion of his receiving the Political Courage Award from OutReach, Madison's LGBT community center. (Forward Forum host John Quinlan, then OutReach E.D., had the honor of making this presentation.) It's notable that the AP story on Gov. Dreyfus--which has appeared in small and medium-sized newspapers throughout the state (as well as his obit in the New York Times)--mentions first and foremost his history-making act in supporting and signing into law the nation's first statewide gay rights law, back in 1982. The Governor's speech that night was inspiring and filled with entertaining and humorous insights--the former UW communications professor was in especially rare form that night. Thanks to LGBT community leader/videographer Dan Ross for dubbing us a copy of the speech. It's something you won't want to miss.
Joining us live from Thailand (where it's Monday morning) will be former State Rep. David Clarenbach, the author of the landmark gay rights law, who gaye Gov. Dreyfus an inspiring and heartfelt introduction that night. Clarenbach's parents, Kay and Henry Clarenbach, attended the university with both Lee and Joyce Dreyfus, and were lifelong friends. David will tell us the special circumstances that were behind the passage of the landmark legislation, and will pay tribute to Gov. Dreyfus's important role as a state leader. Our thanks to David for his extraordinary efforts to join us to pay tribute to Gov. Dreyfus.
"On the Eve of the Iowa Caucuses: 
Amy Tully (at left) is a third year graduate student pursuing a doctorate in rhetoric. She also holds a B.A. in Communication Arts from UW. Her academic interests include contemporary political rhetoric, memory and the Vietnam War era, and the First Amendment.
Harry Waisbren (at right), from Milwaukee, is a senior whose majors include communication arts and religious studies. He calls himself a "student of the blogosphere." He recently interned at the 
Cameron Marston (at left) is currently studying for a double Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts and Political Science at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has an Associate Degree in Computer Graphics Technology from Purdue University. He is also current New Media Chair for Students for Barack Obama on campus.
Andy Gordon (at right) is a senior Political Science major and graduated this afternoon. He hails from Appleton, Wisconsin and has been intimately involved on campus in student government, College Democrats, and the UW Marching Band. He was on staff as the campus coordinator for Fair Wisconsin in fall of 2006, developing and implementing Fair's outreach to Madison campuses. He has also led the UW Students for Obama chapter for most of the past year.
At 7 pm, we'll be joined on the phone from Arizona by Paul Dutton, author of "Differential Diagnosis: A Comparative History of Health Care Problems and Solutions in the United States and France. We'll also be joined in studio by physicians Gene and Linda Farley, leaders in the Coalition for Wisconsin Health.
Dutton's book, "Differential Diagnoses" answers these questions by comparing how employers, labor unions, insurers, political groups, the state, and medical professionals have shaped their nations' healthcare systems from the very early years of the twentieth century to the present day.
Linda is Wisconsin Coordinator of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), and a former member of the national board of that organization; she is a member of the board of the Coalition for Wisconsin Health (now an affiliate of PNHP) and the Wisconsin Citizen Action Health Care Task Force.
Beginning at 8pm, we'll be sharing The Story of the Ogle Family. George Ogle is a former American-born Korean Missionary and Labor Organizer deported in 1974 by the military regime for a stand of conscience. Since that time, Dorothy Ogle has been an activist on issues of Korea human rights, peace and reunification, including being a member of an early peace delegation to North Korea back in 1984. Here's a bit of their story, more of which they'll share with us on Sunday night:
On a Thanksgiving weekend when we pause to give thanks for our prosperity and way of life (a weekend that also marked the Hmong New Year), a look at the sacrifices being made worldwide and close to home by our sisters and brothers seeking the kind of freedom and access to basic human rights most of us too often take for granted -- and how you can help to make a difference.
HMONG MURDER CASE INJUSTICE: INJUSTICE AGAINST ONE AFFECTS US ALL. Wisconsin has the third largest Hmong population of any state in the US (second only to California and Minnesota)--and there are more than 50,000 Hmong-American Wisconsinites. Recent events up north are indicative of a growing number of incidents of intolerance statewide, including here in Madison. The recent decision by the office of the Attorney General to decline to prosecute the murder of a Hmong man as a hate crime is of concern for all of us who see the importance of hate crimes laws in sending an unequivocal signal that violent racist acts that have a ripple effect on an entire community of people cannot be tolerated here. (The assailant reportedly bragged to coworkers that he hoped that the shooting would have just this effect.) This decision was compounded when the same prosecutors determined that a poorly-selected all-white jury was unlikely to issue a first degree murder conviction, and reduced the charge to murder in the second degree--despite overwhelming trial evidence in support of the more serious charge. (Many of the members of this jury were allowed to serve despite their stated belief in a proposed law that would restrict hunting licenses to fluent speakers of English.) Join us to discuss grassroots protest over this systemic injustice, and learn more about educational efforts underway to increase understandings about our Hmong neighbors statewide. (Further rally details and contact info below.)
LOCAL RESPONSE TO SUPPORT DEMOCRACY IN BURMA; UPDATE ON THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION. Six weeks ago, our show focused on the protests in support of democracy led by monks in Burma, and the ensuing crackdown by a deeply-entrenched military junta. This week, local resident Selwyn Swe--whose family narrowly made their escape from Burma in 1973 when he was a child of two--will help us to learn more about this beautiful land and its courageous people. We'll also hear more about Selwyn's fascinating family history--his family's ties to the democracy leaders who preceded the junta and their important role in post-WW II, post-colonial Burma. Selwyn's website 
Atty. Mickum is coming to Madison during the last week in November for a series of speaking engagements at the university and in the community, sponsored by The Buddhist Peace Fellowship, Amnesty International, and the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice. He will be speaking at the UW Law School at noon on Thursday, Nov. 29th, then again at 1100 Grainger Hall that night at 7 pm (home of the UW-Madison Business School, at the corner of Park and University).
And, at 8pm, we're proud to present an interview with local author and theater community leader 
In a world filled with sanctions and restrictions, Marena struggles to remember the past: a time before the Zero Tolerance Party murdered her mother and put her father under house arrest. A time before they installed listening devices in every home and forbade citizens to read or write. A time when she was free. In the spirit of her revolutionary mother, Maren forms her own resistance group--The White Rose. This is a chilling dystopian novel that leads readers to question the very essence of their identities. "Who do you think you are?"