During one week in early 2009, the youth from the Nashville’s Oasis Center filmed this short documentary to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and its direct result, the election of Barack Obama as our first African-American president.

Molly writes: “It was touching to see youth reach out to those local heroes who marched with MLK and sat at his feet during the Nashville lunch counter sit-ins and Freedom Rides. Some of these faces are but a few of the lesser known thousands who helped changed the course of history.”

Music by Nashville songwriter Don Henry.

Cooperators are standing by.

The House of Representatives is voting on the health care bill tomorrow. Jim Cooper must be called. And so must your Congressman.

Here’s the plea from Writer/Filmmaker/Speaker Molly Secours, who just came back from meetings with representatives in Washington:

Just got back from D.C. with a group of self-employed and small business owners to talk with representatives about the bill coming up for a vote. The stories from small business owners across the country were startling and devastating….

Taking time out to meet us in the hallway Rep. Cooper listened to the doctor and the man who may have to close his business because of exorbitant healthcare costs. The man reiterated that reform must stimulate competition and allow everyone access to insurance and, most importantly, needs to happen now–not next year. Patients are dying, employees are leaving or being layed off.

Rep. Cooper listened intently and assured them he was committed to working with others that are determined to make healthcare reform a reality–including a public option.

With Cooper there were no shiny smiles, slaps on the back, donuts or biscuits and gravy, just some good old fashion respect and humility. Cooper doesn’t feign to have all the answers and he has taken alot of hits on both sides of the political aisle.

Today the AARP and AMA (American Medical Association) backed HR3962 (The Affordable Health Care For America Act) being voted on this Saturday. TN Rep. Jim cooper is a heavy hitter in this game…and NEEDS to hear from as many people as possible with just 3 words:

Robust Public Option.

Tell him you are one of the 61% who support it. Under 2 minutes folks. Call (202)-225-4311 or (615) 736-5295.

After meeting with him I’m convinced he wants to vote yes, but like all politicians needs support. I promised I would help flood his office with calls between 8am-5pm tomorrow.

Jim Cooper must be Called. Now. (202) 225-4311 or (615) 736-5295.

Or, find your Congressperson and make your call.

Part 1 – High-Assin’ Values Conservatives News tidbits, to do list, the manipulation of the healthcare debate, and a Republican sex scandal right here in Tennessee! Plus, a note to our newspaper peeps like Andy Scher of the Chattanooga Times Free Press: you can stop referring to Republican legislators as “family-values conservatives” now. We all believe in family values until, you know, we don’t. [40.94MB download mp3]
Download audio file (liberadio20090803part1.mp3)

Part 2- Interview with Molly Secours Molly Secours is a writer, speaker, and filmmaker based in Nashville. In 2007, her world changed when she was diagnosed with cancer. She had healthcare but she still found herself in quite a pickle. She joins us to talk about her experience, which recently led to her story being shared in a press conference with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. [48.34MB download mp3]
Download audio file (liberadio20090803part2mollysecours.mp3)

Part 3 – Interview with Jim Squires Jim is a Nashville native who graduated from Peabody College in 1966, started his journalism career at the Tennessean and went on the become editor of the Chicago Tribune, the media advisor to 1992 presidential candidate, Ross Perot, an author, and a Thoroughbred Horse breeder. His 1996 book “Secrets of the Hopewell Box: Stolen Elections, Southern Politics, and a City’s Coming of Age” is a must-read for anyone learning about Tennessee politics. Also for anyone who wants to weigh in on the paper ballot debate. You won’t believe which side he’s on! His latest book, “Headless Horsemen: A Tale of Chemical Colts, Subprime Sales Agents, and the Last Kentucky Derby on Steroids,” is now on sale.[45MB download mp3]
Download audio file (liberadio20090803part3jimsquires.mp3)

Part 4- The Media Matters for America Smackdown and The Remo Report.Media Matters research fellow Elbert Ventura discusses Lou Dobbs’s crusade to legitimize the birthers and surprises us all with news about Ann Coulter: “”You know it’s bad when Ann Coulter backs away from the birthers.” And Mary’s dad, Remo, calls in from his home in Nevada to give us an update on Senator John Ensign. He’s still in office and telling the press what they can and can’t write! [23.76MB download mp3]
Download audio file (liberadio20090803part4mmfa.mp3)

Secours has been through quite a lot in recent years including a life-and-death battle with uterine cancer and the threat of home foreclosure. Hear about her story as well as the struggles she documents in her film, The Faces of TennCare: Putting a Human Face on Tennessee’s Health Care Failure, on Monday’s show.

Watch Molly at the Capitol Hill Press Conference:

You can also read her remarks on the Speaker’s website.

Liberadio(!) with Mary Mancini & Freddie O’Connell broadcasts on WRVU 91.1 FM every Monday from 7 to 9 am.

Nashville has it’s own foreclosure stories. Filmmaker and activist Molly Secours writes to President Obama about hers.