March 10, 1997

Talk of the Nation
(entire program)

First Hour: Albert Shankar

    Albert Shankar head of the nation's second-largest teachers union, died of cancer last month at the age of 68. Shankar who was known for his fervent support of teachers, was elected president of the American Federation of Teachers in 1974 and then re-elected eleven times. He spent the last decade of his life reforming the AFT. Join Ray Suarez and his guests for a look back at Shankar's life and legacy and the politics of major labor unions.....next on Talk of the Nation from NPR News.

    Guests:

RealAudio Sound:

Second Hour: Physician-assisted Suicide Debate

    Oregon looks to be the first state to allow physician-assisted suicides for terminally ill patients. The Death with Dignity Act gives terminally ill patients the right to get a prescription for lethal drugs. Now, Congress is considering drafting a law that prevents any federal money from being used for this procedure. Join Ray Suarez for a look at the latest turn in the doctor-assisted suicide debate...next on Talk of the Nation, from NPR News.

    Guests:

      Dr. Ira Byock
      Director, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation National Program to improve end of life care
      Director, Palliative Care Service, Missoula, Montana
      Research Professor, Dept of Philosophy, University of Montana
      Other Guests: TBA

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