San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Jonathan Curiel joins us to discuss his new book, "Al' America: Travels Through America's Arab and Islamic Roots."
Host: Michael Krasny
More Info:
• About the book "Al' America: Travels Through America's Arab and Islamic Roots" at Amazon.com

On New Years Day, a BART policeman shot and killed an unarmed 22 year-old Hayward man. The shooting has prompted community outrage and a planned $25 million lawsuit by the Hayward man's family. In the first half hour, we discuss the incident and the role of BART police. In the second half hour, we examine the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ongoing conflict there has claimed more than 5.4 million lives in the past 10 years, and continues to take an estimated 45,000 lives every month. Rape is routinely used as a weapon of war.
Host: Michael Krasny
Guests:
• John Burris, civil rights attorney representing the family of Oscar Grant III, killed by a BART policeman (first half hour)
• John Prendergast, former director of African Affairs at the National Security Council and co-chair of The Enough Project, an organization working to end genocide and crimes against humanity in Africa (second half hour)
• Linton Johnson, chief spokesman for BART (first half hour)
• Robin Wright Penn, actor and activist working to create awareness of the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (second half hour)
• Tim Redmond, executive editor of the San Francisco Bay Guardian (first half hour)
More Info:
• "The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo" : A documentary film screening at the Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, presented by John Prendergast in conversation with Robin Wright Penn

We delve into the world of opera with local author Geoff Green. Green's collection of short stories, "Voices in a Mask," is based in part on conversations with artists and composers of opera, including Placido Domingo and the late Luciano Pavarotti.
Host: Michael Krasny
More info:
• About the book "Voices in a Mask" at Amazon.com

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Labor leaders are hoping that a more sympathetic president and Congress will make it easier for workers to organize. But will the economic downturn hinder their expansion plans? New York Times labor and workplace reporter Steven Greenhouse joins us to talk about the economy, the new administration and the state of the unions.
Host: Michael Krasny

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Dan Pallotta created the AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Day fundraising events that generated hundreds of millions of dollars for charity. Pallota's fundraising also led to criticism of his business practices. In his new book "Uncharitable," Pallota argues that non-profits face excessive restrictions that impede philanthropy.
Host: Dave Iverson

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