Keeping Relevant With Ronnie Eldridge

Common Cause New York director, Susan Lerner and host Ronnie Eldridge talk about our electoral system, described by Susan Lerner as "...mired in the 19th century." They discuss the need to overhaul the election system-from top to bottom.

Ghita Schwarz, author of "Displaced Persons," and an attorney with the Center for Constitutional Rights, confirms New York's long history of protecting the immigrant, and agrees with Mayor Bloomberg that "we are the best." But, only sometimes.

Donna Lieberman of the New York Civil Liberties Union speaks enthusiastically about the Women's Equality Agenda and Governor Cuomo's support. The Women's Equality Agenda clarifies current law and deals with existing loop-holes.

Welcoming Luke Hayes to the show, Ronnie asks Mr. Hayes about his experiences working with the Obama Presidential Campaign. Whether it be economic equality, prison reform, health care, Luke Hayes is still engaged, staying in the fight to the ideal.

A Quinnipiac poll reported that 9 out of 10 New York voters think corruption in Albany is a major problem. Ronnie Eldridge and guest Eleanor Randolph, editorial writer for the NYT, discuss the question - what in our system contributes to this corruption.

The Headmaster mentoring the Master Teachers mentoring Apprentice Teachers, team teaching of small groups, open classrooms - The New American Academy, a model school in Brooklyn, linking children's success to the quality of teacher instruction.

Artist Faith Ringgold says that she always painted and loved to listen to her families' stories. Ms. Ringgold provides her vision of African art, and tumultuous events she experienced-the Civil Rights Movement, the feminist movement. Faith still paints.

Tom Allon decided to run for mayor. "The word long-shot was attached to my name, said Mr. Allon, Ronnie Eldridge's guest. A crowded field, issues of money and name recognition suggested he reconsider and try other avenues to effect the political scene.

Sterling Lord, legendary representative of authors awarded Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, best-sellers, commercial novelists, politicians, scientists, journalists, is himself an author of the memoir, "Lord of Publishing."

Dr. Virginia Casper, a well-known developmental psychologist and director of Infant & Family Development & Early Intervention Programs at Bank Street College and host Ronnie Eldridge talk about the need for Head Start, pre-school and kindergarten.