22 Dec 2009: Today's Democracy Now!

Study Reveals "Revolving Door" Between Capitol Hill Staffers and Healthcare Lobbyists
A new study on healthcare lobbying published in the Chicago Tribune has found that healthcare companies have spent $635 million on lobbying over the past two years. At least 166 former congressional aides involved in shaping healthcare legislation have registered to lobby for healthcare companies. This includes at least fourteen former aides to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and at least thirteen former aides to Montana Democratic Sen. Max Baucus, the chair of the Finance Committee. [includes rush transcript]

Leading Climate Scientist James Hansen on Why He's Pleased the Copenhagen Summit Failed, "Cap and Fade," Climategate and More
We speak with the nation’s leading climate scientist, James Hansen. He wasn’t at the Copenhagen climate summit and explains why he thinks it’s ultimately better for the planet that the talks collapsed. We also speak with with Dr. Hansen about his new book, Storms of My Grandchildren: The Truth about the Coming Climate Catastrophe and Our Last Chance to Save Humanity, and much more. [includes rush transcript–partial]

Headlines

Senate Moves Closer to Passing Healthcare Bill
Health Insurance Stocks Soar in Value
Ahmadinejad Defends Trial of Detained American Hikers
Report: US Special Forces Conducted Multiple Raids Inside Pakistan
“Hell on Earth”: Released Somali Man on Guantanamo
Egypt Threatens to Block Gaza Freedom March
Prominent Anti-Mining Activist Assassinated in El Salvador
Mexico City Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Denmark Continues to Hold Four Greenpeace Activists
State Unemployment Funds Running Out
Military Punishes Pregnant Soldiers in Iraq
Bush Admin Relied on Conman to Determine Terror Alert Level
Sea Shepherd Activists Attempt to Block Japanese Whaling Operations