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The Brian Lehrer Show

Thursday, August 23, 2007
  • The Prophet's Mosque in the city of Madinah
    The Prophet's Mosque in the city of Madinah (Mohd Elfie Nieshaem Juferi/flickr)

    The Powers of Separation

    Is “secularism” a stage of development that everyone will achieve? Columbia professor Mark Lilla says “no” in his new book and New York Times Magazine essay. He joins guest host Amy Eddings to talk about what that means for the so-called “clash of civilizations” between the Islamic World and the West -- and about just how secular the West really is. Also, cash bail for illegal immigrants, the dangerous school list, sports columnist William Rhoden returns, plus whatever happened to the “dog days” of August?

Milgram's Proposal

Yesterday New Jersey State Attorney General Anne Milgram proposed a change to local police procedure, which would allow them to ask the immigration status of those they have arrested. David Chen from the New York Times explains the proposed changes. And State Senator Shirley Turner discusses her proposal to require illegal immigrants to post full cash bail if they are charged with a crime in New Jersey.

The Dangers of a Dangerous Schools List

Why the State, the City, and the teachers can't agree on the same list, with City Council Member Robert Jackson (D-Harlem), chair of the education committee.

New York State's List of "Persistently Dangerous Schools"

Sporting Goods

New York Times sports columnist William C. Rhoden joins us every Thursday in August to talk sports. Today, he talks about Michael Vick's expected plea deal and previews the U.S. Open.

His book Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete is available for purchase at Amazon.com

Separation of Powers

Mark Lilla, professor of the humanities at Columbia University and the author of the soon-to-be-published The Stillborn God: Religion, Politics and the Modern West (Knopf, 2007), says the "Great Separation" between religion and politics was an accident of history and not a stage of political development.

The Stillborn God is available for purchase at Amazon.com.

"The Politics of God" from Sunday's NYTimes Magazine

No More Dog Days

Remember the hot, humid days of August? Where have they gone? Nancy Gibbs, Editor at Large, at Time Magazine and author of the new book The Preacher and the Presidents: Billy Graham in the White House is exhausted from her news filled summer, are you?

30 Issues in 30 Days

The Brian Lehrer Show

Once again, 30 Issues in 30 Days is taking on the election season by going beyond the horse race and examining the real issues that are at stake for the people of New York and New Jersey in the Mayoral and Gubernatorial contest. See the schedule and help craft the segments at the 30 Issues Wiki!

Michael Moore on Brian's 20th Anniversary

The Brian Lehrer Show

Live from the Greene Space: Michael Moore talks about his new documentary, Capitalism: A Love Story and Brian celebrates the 20 year anniversary of The Brian Lehrer Show.

Uncommon Indicators

The Brian Lehrer Show

The Brian Lehrer Show wants to hear how the economy is affecting the little things in your daily life. Share your stories and photos of the downturn.

Help us map abandoned lots, stalled construction and unsold condos.

Digesting Politics

Brian, Bob, and Andrea

WNYC's political team of Brian Lehrer, Bob Hennelly, and Andrea Bernstein talk politics and more over lunch each week. Hear the latest episode and subscribe to the podcast here!

Video Picks

The Brian Lehrer Show

Check out some recent video clips of interviews with guests and Brian Lehrer's weekly Web video picks.