We're finally on the Right Side of History!

On today's Radio or Not podcast, I commented on a few news stories that I think will truly impact our lives for the better -- both Barack Obama's directive to rescind the "abortion gag rule," and the FDA approving an embryonic stem cell research study for human spinal cord injury! Both giant leaps forward after the Victorian-era policies of the last administration.

I also commented on Maureen Dowd's wonderful New York Times column from this weekend, in which she which, between the Governors of Illinois and New York, is wackier!

I also took the rare step of reading an entire article on today's show, because I think it's important enough to do so. For the past month or so, I've been pointing you toward the writings of Israel peace activist Uri Avnery. I interviewed him, albeit very briefly, for Radio or Not last month. I had the chance to spend a few minutes more with him on Air America radio when I guest hosted for Ron Kuby on January 19-the day before Barack Obama's inauguration.

You can hear our interview here, in which we discuss the very fragile cease-fire in effect right now, and Mr. Avnery's thoughts on how to achieve peace in the Middle East. Please bear in mind that I reached Uri in Jerusalem, so the phone line isn't great... and he's 86 years old, with a thick accent. But he's more than worth the effort it takes to listen to him.

Yesterday, I received his latest column which moved me so much that I decided to read it for you today in its entirety. Should you prefer to read it yourself, you can do so here.

As always, I welcome your comments... Feel free to post below, or look to your right to check out the Radio or Not message board.

Feel free to use the tools to share this with your friends. I really want the world, and those in this country who aren't looking at the big picture, to hear the words of Uri Avnery.

Click here to listen to today's Radio or Not podcast (runtime 30:28)