Democracy Now! Thursday, April 9, 2009

Today's Headlines

• Iraqis Rally on 6th Anniversary of Fall of Baghdad
• US to Join Iran in Global Talks
• Jailed Iranian American Journalist Accused of Spying
• Report: Pakistan Rebuffs US on Attacks, Requests Control of Drones
• Palestinian Villagers Wounded Following Settler Attack
• Sinn Fein Leader Condemns Gaza Siege
• Posada Accused of Lying on Bombing Role in New Indictment
• US Considers Easing Emissions Auctions
• Obama Establishes Office on Healthcare Reform
• LA Hospital Admits to “Dumping” Homeless, Mentally Ill
• Panel: Private Utilities Fail to Protect from Cyber Attacks
• NY Gov. to Propose Gay Marriage Bill
• Report: Obama Mulls Bonds for Toxic Securities

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  "We Didn't Create a Paradise in Iraq; We Created a Hell" - Independent Journalist Nir Rosen on 6th Anniversary of US Overthrow of Saddam Hussein

  As tens of thousands of Iraqis rally in Baghdad to mark the sixth anniversary of the fall of the city to US troops, we speak to independent journalist Nir Rosen, who is just back from Iraq. [includes rush transcript]

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  With High Unemployment, Carolinas Reel from Economic Crisis

  As we broadcast from Raleigh, we look at how the economic crisis has impacted the Carolinas with Chris Kromm, executive director of the Institute for Southern Studies and a writer for the blog “Facing South.” South Carolina has the second highest unemployment rate in the nation at 11 percent, just ahead of North Carolina.

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  North Carolina Town Prints Own Currency to Support Local Business

  We take a look at how one North Carolina town is trying to become more self-sufficient by moving toward being able to feed, fuel and finance itself. The town of Pittsboro houses the nation’s largest biodiesel cooperative, a food co-op, a farmers’ market and, most recently, its own currency, the Pittsboro Plenty. Pittsboro is one of a number of communities across the country printing their own money in an attempt to support local business.

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  Gun Control Advocates Call for Stricter Laws After Spate of Mass Shootings Leaves Nearly 60 Dead

  A spate of mass shootings across the country, from Binghamton, NY to Carthage, NC, has left at least fifty-seven people dead since March 10th. In the wake of the violence, gun control advocates are calling for stricter laws across the nation. We speak with Roxane Kolar, executive director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence. [includes rush transcript]