CPU Newsletter

December 5, 2004

CPU EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. The Case for Mumia Abu-Jamal: Lecture and Discussion with Rachel
Wolkenstein, Former Lead Counsel (12/7)

2. Open CPU Executive Board Positions – Treasurer and Communications
Coordinator

3. Open CPR Position – Business Manager

4. CPR December Issue (12/11)

5. Request a Speaker!

OTHER EVENTS:

6. SIPA Special Event: The Russian Economy: An Inside View (12/6)

7. Post-Election Analysis Panel: a student moderated panel with
Professors Kathleen Knight, Randall Balmber, Bridget Nakos and
others (12/8)

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CPU EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. The Case for Mumia Abu-Jamal: Lecture and Discussion with Rachel
Wolkenstein, Former Lead Counsel

Tuesday, 12/7 at 8:00 pm
Satow Room, Lerner Hall

In 1982, a Philadelphia court sentenced Mumia Abu-Jamal to death for
the 1981 murder of a Philadelphia police officer. Despite repeated
appeals to the Pennsylvania and United States Supreme Courts, Mr.
Abu-Jamal, a onetime radio reporter and former Black Panther,
remains on death row. His case has fueled a passionate public
debate about the moral and legal implications of racism and capital
punishment. Ms. Wolkestein will speak about her experience with
these and other issues as a lead counsel to Mr. Abu-Jamal.

Ms. Wolkenstein graduated cum laude from State University of New
York at Buffalo in 1970, and obtained her JD degree from
SUNY/Buffalo Law School in 1973. While in law school, she interned
with the James Madison Institute of Constitutional Law and worked
on Roe v. Wade, the case which established the constitutional right
for women to obtain abortions. Upon graduation, she practiced
criminal law under Harold Fahringher and Gerald Lefcourt until
beginning her own practice in 1980 concentrating on criminal law
and litigation in civil rights and civil liberties. As staff
counsel for the Partisan Defense Committee, Wolkenstein has
assisted in its work publicizing and protesting the cases of those
imprisoned for their political beliefs and activities. These have
included striking workers victimized for defense of their picket
lines; former Black Panther Party members including Geronimo ji
jaga (Pratt); MOVE members, and those targeted in the so-called war
against terror such as Palestinian activist Farouk Abdel-Muhti and
anarchist youth Sherman Austin.

Ms. Wolkenstein will speak for approximately 30 minutes about her
experience as lead counsel, and will then lead an open discussion
with audience members.

This event is co-sponsored by Amnesty International, the Black Law
Students Association, the Black Students Organization, the
International Socialist Organization, the United Students of Color
Council, and the Columbia Political Union.

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2. Open CPU Eboard Positions – Treasurer and Communications
Coordinator

Due to an early graduation and an opportunity in Washington, D.C.,
two CPU Executive Board members will be absent from Columbia (and
thus the CPU) next semester. They leave two Executive Board
positions open for the Spring 2005 semester – Treasurer and
Communications Coordinator.

The Treasurer is responsible for the group's financing. He or she
must lead petitions for additional funding, handle reimbursements,
and update the Eboard on the status of CPU funds. In addition, the
Treasurer is the liaison to the Board of Advisors, which is composed
of external political leaders, including professors, activist group
leaders, and political servants.

The Communications Coordinator facilitates co-sponsorships with
other campus groups (undergraduate and graduate), brings other
groups’ requests for co-sponsorship to the attention of the Eboard,
coordinates postering around campus for events, interacts with
campus media, and serves as the CPU's primary spokesperson.

In addition to their position-specific duties, all Executive Board
members must attend the weekly CPU Eboard meetings which take place
every Monday evening at 8:00 pm.

If you are interested in either position or want to learn more about
them, email Alexia Koritz at adk2003@columbia.edu.

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3. Open CPR Position – Business Manager

The Columbia Political Review is seeking to fill the position of
Business Manager. The Business Manager is responsible for ensuring
that the CPR raises enough revenue to meet its costs. Creative and
committed students are encouraged to apply, either as individuals
or teams of two.

Interested or curious people should contact Benjamin Levitan at
bml2012@columbia.edu.

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4. CPR December Issue

The COLUMBIA POLITICAL REVIEW is excited to announce the release of
its second issue of the year. In this issue:

THE DECLINE OF THE WELFARE STATE
Find out why social welfare programs are imperiled both here and
abroad. We bring you three articles on this theme: the tax
burden’s downward shift, embattled affordable housing, and what an
ageing population means to Europe’s welfare systems.

Plus:
-Russian President Vladimir Putin tends toward authoritarianism
-Why Turkey’s joining the European Union would redefine European
identity
-Democratic state senators shake up Albany

And much more! You can find the CPR around campus starting this
Saturday, December 11.

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5. Request a Speaker!

Who would you like to hear speak next semester? Email Events
Coordinator David Kim at djk2103@columbia.edu with your
suggestions.

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OTHER EVENTS:

6. School of International and Public Affairs Presents – The
Russian Economy: An Inside View

Monday, 12/6 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Dag Hammarskjold Lounge, International Affairs Building, 6th Floor

Speaker: Mikhail Kasynov, Former Prime Minister (2000-2004), Russian
Federation
Moderator: Padma Desai, Harriman Professor and Director, Center for
Transition Economies
Introduction: James A. Harmon, Chairman, Harmon & Co., Former
Chairman, U.S. Export-Import Bank

Open only to CUID holders. Seating is limited and on a first come
first serve basis.

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7. Post-Election Analysis Panel

Wednesday, 12/8 at 7:30 pm
Altschul Atrium

This will be a student moderated panel with Professors Kathleen
Knight, Randall Balmber, Bridget Nakos and others.

Sponsored by: Smart Women Lead.

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