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Hamdan v. Rumsfeld

The Supreme Court case Hamdan v. Rumsfeld was two lawyers’ attempt to overturn the system set up to try the detainees at Guantanamo. Lt. Commander Charles Swift was one of those lawyers; he was defense counsel for detainee Salim Ahmed Hamdan, who had been Osama bin Laden's personal driver and bodyguard. Jonathan Mahler’s new book about the landmark case is The Challenge: Hamdan v. Rumsfeld and the Fight over Presidential Power.

Events:
Jonathan Mahler will be speaking and signing books
Monday, September 22 at 7 pm
Book Court
163 Court Street
Brooklyn

Jonathan Mahler will be speaking and signing books
Monday, October 6 at 7 pm
Upper West Side Barnes & Noble
2289 Broadway, at 82nd Street

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States of the Union: New York

We look at New York State. Find out about this week’s special legislative session to deal with the projected budget shortfall, how the economic downturn on Wall Street is affecting the rest of the state, and what rising food prices mean for the Empire State’s farmers. Plus: a look at the state’s Congressional races. Liz Benjamin writes the Daily Politics for the Daily News.

States of the Union fact of the week: Martin Van Buren created the first state political machine in the country – the Albany Regency. He also created or institutionalized the Democratic party, the national convention and the inaugural parade.

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Pigeon, a.k.a. Superdove

Pigeons’ ancestral homes are on the cliffs of sea coasts. How did they become so suited to city life? Courtney Humphries, author of the new book Superdove: How the Pigeon Took Manhattan…And the World, explains how pigeons became city dwellers, and why those who see them as mere urban pests should give the birds a little more respect.

Event:
Courtney Humphries will be giving a reading
Monday, August 18th at 7:00pm
McNally Jackson Books
52 Prince Street
212.274.1160

Weigh in: Do you think pigeons deserve their reputation as urban pests and "rats with wings"?

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The End of Black Politics

Does Obama’s candidacy mean the end of traditional black politics? Matt Bai is author of the recent New York Times Magazine article, "Post Race."

Weigh in: What do you think Obama's candidacy means for the future of black politics? Leave a comment below, or call us at 212-433-9692.

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