Self-determination has been at the heart of every emancipation and civil rights movement throughout the world. Intellectually challenged people deserve the same rights, these include: the right to free, appropriate, public education,comprehensive medical and dental treatment and housing. On June 20, 2002 the U.S. Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional to execute persons with mental retardation. Our guests will discuss the laws protecting the mentally retarded.

Tue. Aug. 6
Topic: Profile of Eritrea
Guest: Girma Asmerom Tesfay, Ambassador of Eritrea

Eritrea formally declared its independence on May 24,1993. A peace agreement with Ethiopia was signed in December 2000. Now this country has turned its energies to economic stabilization and development. The Ambassador will discuss the progress being made towards an open market-based economy, the reintegration of demobilized soldiers and the role it will play in the African Union.

Wed. Aug. 7
Topic: United Flight 93
Guest: Jere Longman

Of the four American airplanes highjacked on September 11, only one failed to reach it intended target. Jere Longman in his book Among The Heroes, writes about the passengers who succeeded in thwarting the hijackers at the cost of their own lives. As we approach the 1-year anniversary of this tragic event we will discuss the events that made a planeload of Americans true heroes.

Thr. Aug.8
Topic: A Shift in U.S. Policy Toward Iran?
Guests: Feryal Gharahi, PhD, human rights lawyer and nuclear engineer
              TBA

The Bush administration has reportedly shifted its policy toward Iran. It has been determined by the White House that President Khatami and his supporters and are not able to deliver promises to transform Iranian society and therefore want to appeal directly to the people who support democracy. The guests will talk about the Khatami government and U.S.-Iranian relations.

Fri. Aug.9
Topic: TBA