Show for Nov. 20, 2011. John Brown Reconsidered.
The Pulitzer-winning writer Tony Horwitz has a new book out about anti-slavery crusader John Brown (Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid that Sparked the Civil War), and we consider the challenge that Brown still poses for American history. Was Brown right to spill blood fighting slavery? When is violent resistance to manifest inhumanity justified? I talk history and morality with Tony Horwitz, with my friend and John Brown buff Andrea Monroe, and with ethicist Peter Singer.
You can download the MP3 here (if using a Mac, control-click the link and choose “Save Link As…” If using a PC, right-click and choose Save Target As…”)
Show for September 25, 2011. Down and Out in Dogpatch, Pt. 2
In part 1 of this two-part series, I talked to sociologist and writer Teresa Gowan about her years among the homeless recyclers of San Francisco’s Dogpatch district. As we walked through the neighborhood, Teresa described how much it’s changed. Most of the homeless have been pushed out, and therein hangs a tale of societal attitudes—toward poverty, property and rootlessness—going back hundreds of years. In this second and final part of the series, we found out where some of Dogpatch’s remaining homeless are holing up and how they’re hanging on.
Maya (front left), Iona (back) and Teresa.
Click the “play” arrow above to listen to the show, or download the MP3 here (if using a Mac, control-click the link and choose “Save Link As…” If using a PC, right-click and choose Save Target As…”)
Wes Moore was a Rhodes Scholar on his way to a successful career when he learned of another Wes Moore, wanted by police for murder. He discovered surprising parallels in their early lives, before their paths diverged. He tells their two stories in his book, “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates.”
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