Democracy Now! Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Today's Headlines

• UN Calls for 50% Rise in Food Production by 2030
• US Shuns Rivals at Food Conference
• South Dakota, Montana Primaries Close Out Dem. Nomination Race
• Senate Begins Debate on Climate Change Bill
• Probe: Routine Interference on NASA Climate Change Research
• Cheney Backtracks on Dismissal of Antiwar Public Opinion
• IAEA Chides US, Iran on Nuclear Disclosures
• Morales Vows Reform Push Amidst Autonomy Moves
• Kennedy Recovering from Brain Surgery
• Byrd Hospitalized with Fever

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  Juan Gonzalez on Puerto Rico’s Overlooked Primary and a Bitter Divide Within the SEIU

  Back from Puerto Rico, Juan Gonzalez reports on two stories coming out of the island over the past week: the Democratic primary, won by Sen. Hillary Clinton and overlooked by Sen. Barack Obama, and a bitter divide within the SEIU. Puerto Rican residents could vote in the primary contest, yet are not allowed to vote in the November elections for president. As the Democratic primary took place, the Service Employees International Union held its national convention in San Juan. The SEIU is embroiled in an internal battle over allegations its leadership is seeking to increase the union’s size and influence at the expense of rank-and-file members. [includes rush transcript]

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  "The Uprising: An Unauthorized Tour of the Populist Revolt Scaring Wall Street and Washington"

  As we continue to look at issues regarding the 2008 presidential race, we turn to political journalist and nationally syndicated columnist, David Sirota. His first book, Hostile Takeover, was a New York Times bestseller. His latest book, just published, is The Uprising: An Unauthorized Tour of the Populist Revolt Scaring Wall Street and Washington. [includes rush transcript]

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  Anti-Torture Activists Convicted, Jailed for Protesting Gitmo Outside Supreme Court

  Thirty-four anti-torture activists have been convicted for protesting the Guantanamo Bay prison outside the Supreme Court. Twelve are now serving jail sentences. During the trial, protesters gave their names and those of Guantanamo prisoners and dressed in orange jumpsuits and black hoods. We speak to Matt Daloisio of Witness Against Torture, who gave the opening statement at the trial. [includes rush transcript]