Community Peace Radio Show #21

Date:  14 March 2009

Topic:  News topics and current legislation

Participants:  Viki Elkey (Executive Director, NM Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty) (via phone)

Co-Hosts:  Pat Leahan, Arielle Hawney, Curtis Sollohub

Summary:  An update is given on the Anti-Death Penalty Bill -- the NM Senate voted (24-18) to repeal the death penalty and replace it with life without parole, so the bill now goes to the Governor; All four of our senators and reps (Campos, Griego, Vigil and Garcia) voted to repeal the death penalty. Ethics bills, Solar bill, Employee Free Choice Act, and other pieces of legislation at the state and national levels are discussed. We also talk with Viki Elkey about animal rights and animal advocacy legislation and grants. The co-hosts discuss the breaking news from investigative journalist Seymour Hersh about V.P. Cheney's alleged "hit squads," and we chat about municipally-owned energy, and more.

Resources:
http://www.governor.state.nm.us/
(505) 476-2200 (general office number for Governor Richardson)
(505) 476-2225 (special Governor's hotline to express your views re: the Death Penalty)
http://www.nmlegis.gov/ (to follow NM Senate and House bills and memorials)

Pat's Extra Notes:
Arielle drives the board today.
UPDATE: Gov. Richardson signed the 2009 Repeal the Death Penalty bill into NM law!
The "official" recorded UWC-USA ad runs for the second time. It's great.
A bit of Irish humor is exchanged amongst us.

Thank you, David, for our CPR intro music:
http://www.DavidRovics.com/