29 Dec 2009: Today's Democracy Now!

Anti-Mining Activists Killed in El Salvador
For the second time in a week, a prominent anti-mining activist has been assassinated in El Salvador. On Saturday, thirty-two-year-old Dora “Alicia” Recinos Sorto was shot dead near her home. One of her children was also injured in the shooting. Sorto was an active member of the Cabañas Environment Committee, which has campaigned against the reopening of a gold mine owned by the Vancouver-based Pacific Rim Mining Company. [includes rush transcript]

Egypt Denies Gaza Freedom March Access to Border, Hundreds Protest in Cairo
In Egypt, hundreds of solidarity activists from around the world are being prevented by the Egyptian government from entering Gaza. Dubbed the Gaza Freedom March, organizers were planning to cross the border last Sunday to commemorate the first anniversary of Israel’s assault on Gaza that killed 1,400 Palestinians and thirteen Israelis. We get a report. [includes rush transcript]

Kill the Bill or Support Passage? A Debate on Healthcare Legislation Between Insurance Industry Critics
The progressive community is split over the $871 billion healthcare reform bill that passed the Senate last week. Some have lambasted the Senate for removing language that would have created a government-run health insurance program to compete with private insurers. Others believe the Senate bill is the biggest expansion of federal healthcare guarantees since the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid over four decades ago and should be supported as a first step toward reform. We host a debate.

Report: Venture Capitalists, Food Companies Among 1,160 Businesses Lobbying on Climate Change
We take a look at some of the more unusual businesses and interest groups lobbying Congress on climate change issues. A new Center of Public Integrity analysis of federal records shows that the 140 companies that joined the fray for the first time late this year include venture capitalists, the natural gas lobby, and America’s most iconic soup maker, Campbell Soup.

Headlines

Obama: We Will Defeat Violent Extremists Who Threaten Us
Al-Qaeda Takes Claims Responsibility for Attempted Airline Bombing
Top TSA and Customs Posts in Obama Admin Remain Unfilled
UN: Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan Up 10% in 2009
Iran Arrests Sister of Shirin Ebadi and Aide to Mousavi
White House Opposes Israeli Plans for 700 New Homes in East Jerusalem
Israeli Police Re-Arrest Mordechai Vanunu
Argentine Men Marry in Latin America’s First Same-Sex Marriage
White Supremacist Arrested for Christmas Killing in Texas
Protesters Disrupt Olympic Torch Relay in Canada