Attitude with Arnie Arnesen: Recent Episodes
Arnie Arnesen
Recovering politician Arnie Arnesen's daily pubic affairs interview show from WNHN Radio in Concord, New Hampshire and the Pacifica Radio Network. Arnie hosts progressive voices from politics, journalism, industry, and academia. She talks electric cars with Barry Woods, she talks Texas with Scott Braddock, she talks Congress with Rho Khanna, she talks gun culture, she talks limericks, she talks campaigns ...
Part 1:
We talk with Prof. Ray Scheppach, of the Frank Batten School of the University of Virginia, and former Executive Director of the National Governors Association.
We discuss the likelihood of a government shutdown, given the House demanding many concessions from the White House and the Senate. What will be the effect on the population?
Part 2:
We talk with Prof. Phil Levine, Katharine Coman and A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Economics at Wellesley College. We discuss the cost of college, and how it disadvantages poorer students, even the "sticker" price is not the actual price most pay. We also discuss how college endowments, aside from the elite schools that have massive sums, cannot really help those students. How can affordability be increased?
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Don Guttenplan, Editor of The Nation. We discuss the candidacy of RFK Jr. His appeal is to anti-vaxxers, the younger voter, and multicultural. Not exactly clear if he is truly running for the presidency, or only to spoil Biden's chances, or to be Trump's VP choice, or some other reason.
Part 2:
We talk with Mark Joseph Stern, who writes for Slate.com. We discuss various ruling by the Supreme Court in cases that are fictitious. The "praying coach", the web designer who has never really been asked to design a web site for a gay couple, etc. SCOTUS is using these rulings to make policy.
WNHNFM.ORG production
This is a panel discussion with many topics:
-Student loan interest
-Iowa public schools
-Abortion: in US, women are being tracked and followed, and in Mexico, federal bans on the procedure are no longer in place
-Wisconsin Republicans are trying to impeach an elected Supreme Court judge
-Tim Scott wants to resegregate US
-More talk from the MAGA crowd about civil war
Republicans are desperate, and cannot find traction on issues, only name calling
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock, Editor of the Quorum Report. We discuss the impeachment trial of Paxton.
We also discuss the increasing control that the state of Texas wants to have over local policies and regulations.
Part 2:
We talk with John Nichols, of The Nation. We discuss what Democrats should be doing to counter the Republicans' efforts for 2024. They need to counter Trump, who has a lot of attention. They need to concentrate on young people, working people. They need to emphasize what they stand for. Biden should be campaigning now.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Prof. Robin Andersen of Fordham University about Big Oil. Maui, the site of the catastrophic and fatal fire sue Big Oil in 2022 for the fire risk due to their products, and the lack of mitigation for the effects of their products. We discuss how the fossil fuel companies have not responded to reminders about the dangers of their business. Young people are very attuned to these problems, because they will be suffering their effects.
Part 2:
We talk with Harold Meyerson, editor-at-large, The American Prospect.
We discuss how Biden's appointees to the Labor Department have reestablished many policies that are friendly to workers, and the effects this is having on participation in the labor movement, and labor unions. We also talk about how companies have treated efforts at union organizing.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Alec MacGillis, reporter with ProPublica about education post-pandemic. Schools and teachers are struggling with the low performance of students. There are many reasons, but the answer that is being offered is more technology applied to education. This, despite the failure of online education to compensate the lack of face to face interaction between teachers and students, as demonstrated in the last two years. The Technology is being pushed by equity firms, because of the profits being possible, with no real education taking place.
Part 2:
We talk with Sarah Strauss, Prof at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, about climate change. We talk about the need for humanity to adapt, if we survive in the future. Resilience is not enough.
WNHNFM.ORG production
This is a panel discussion that covered many topics.
- The Republican debate, and Ramaswamy's claim of climate change being a "hoax" and therefore a plot. However, with the disasters (fires, floods, etc.) that is changing.
-FEMA is running out of money.
-No matter who wins in 2024, there will likely be only slim majorities in Congress, the president will not be able to pass important legislation.
-Republican strategy seems to be to keep people angry, in order for them to win primaries.
-Medicare will be able to negotiate the price of 10 drugs, and more the following year.
-Those who do not vote regularly need to step up.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Harvey Kronberg, publisher of the Quorum Report in Texas. We discuss the Texas Senate trial of Atty. General Paxton. We note the FBI investigation for corruption and financial irregularities.
To date, 41 prisoners have died in Texas, due to the heat, and lack of air conditioning in prisons. The guards, too, are suffering from those conditions.
We discuss possible Democratic candidates for office in Texas, the school vouchers problem.
Part 2:
We speak with Bill Curry and Paul Glastris. We discuss the Republican debate. Ramswamy seemed to dominate the debate stage, though his ideas are not yet generally accepted. He is extreme, and very trumpian. Trump's adherents are still faithful to him.
We also discuss Florida's war on education. 60% of Republicans do not value higher education, and they continuing the trend to antiintellectualism. The working class members are dominating in the Republican party.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We speak with Elisabeth Rosenthal, of KFF Health News about drug prices. Prices have skyrocketed in recent years, all due to the greed of the pharmaceutical companies. They use many different methods of inflating prices. Even older drugs are inflated, due to "moats" around the patents of these drugs. Big Pharma has the largest contingent of lobbyists to maintain this.
Part 2:
We speak with Prof. Jonathan Feingold, of BU Law School about the rulings on Affirmative Action.
RaceClass Ep. 21 | Why Ask Students About Race?
In SFFA v. Harvard, the Supreme Court narrowed a university’s ability to consider the racial identity of individual students during admissions. But Justice Roberts emphasized that universities may freely consider each student’s personal experiences with race or racism. Universities across the country have responded with new admissions essays that prompt students to share how race or racism affects their lives. In this episode of #RaceClass, we ask a basic question: Why ask about race? We identify three answers: (1) “merit” includes racial literacy; (2) holistic review cannot occur without a full picture of a student’s lived experience; and (3) enrolling students with diverse experiences with racism means more and better learning in the classroom.
Jonathan Feingold
Associate Professor of Law
Boston University School of Law
jfeingol@bu.edu | #RaceClass | webpage | papers
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Liz Farkas, who investigated James O'Keefe and Project Veritas. The organization and O'Keefe are now under investigation by the Westchester DA's office for financial impropriety, and, in O'Keefe's case, other behavior. The DA is investigating the missing $220 M , and other financial crimes.
Part 2:
We talk wtih Prof. Robert Locander and Prof. Richard Shaw, both of Texas, about Texas Politics. They have written a book, "The Real World of Texas Politics." We discuss the state of unionization of workers in Texas )very poor), undocumented immigrants (600,00 in Houston alone), and the differences between ordinary people and the elites of Texas.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We speak with Prof. Marianne Salcetti, about journalism, and the responsibilities attached to Journalism practice. We focus on the recent raid by the police in Kansas on a small newspaper. Equipment was confiscated, records seized, and the disruption was enough to cause the death of the co-owner. What is the role of a newspaper? Booster for the businesses or watchdog? Was this action a form of revenge and retaliation for investigation of corruption in the community? The problem of the loss of local news may lead to other problems.
Part 2:
We talk with Prof. Gerard Magliocca, the Samuel R.Rosen Professor at Indiana University Robert H. Mckinney School of Law about prtecting the Constitution from Trump. We discuss the 14th Amendment, section 3, which deals with the qualifications of candidates for office. We discuss the remedies that might clearly decide this question in the case of Trump.
Featured speakers/guests:
This is a panel discussion:
Our panel consists of Stephen Pimpare, Prof. at UNH, Laura Jedeed, journalist who chronicles the right wing, Robert Hennelly, journalist who focuses on municipal workers, Amy Littlefield, a journalist who focuses on reproductive rights.
Topics:
-Trump is getting a lot of free publicity with his exchanges with the federal and state authorities regarding his 'rights', etc. Most other defendants who attacked judges, lawyers, and witnesses would likely be incarcerated. His insurrection is ongoing.
-It is important to note that state legislatures and elections matter.
-There are many putative 'citizens groups' who are being paid by far right interests.
-We note the case of the Marion County Record, a newspaper in Kansas that was raided, property confiscated, and contributed to the death of the co-owner.
-There is no valid immigration policy to ensure fair treatment of migrants, and rational approach to new immigrants, who are needed in the US
-Maui disaster due to multiple causes, basically climate change, but also likely unpreparedness of emergency services, and utility companies.
-The GOP continues to use distractions to keep focus away from its own failures to act.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock Editor, Quorum Report.
We discuss the revelations about Atty.Gen. Paxton, and how this impeachment proceeding is Republican fueled and Republican driven.
We also discuss the river barriers on the Rio Grande, installed by Abbott. Seems they are on the Mexican part of the river, so an assault on Mexican territory. Abbott wants to use the border as his national issue, since he has national ambitions.
Part 2:
We talk with Lincoln Mitchell and Bill Curry. We discuss the indictments brought by by the Fulton County Grand Jury. Threats to other jurors and judges have already been made by Trump supporters. There should be a televised trial, to allow everyone to see and understand what has happened, caused by Trump. We discuss the Chris Christie factor.
WNHNFM.ORG produced
We talk with Robert Spitzer, Professor Emeritus, SUNY Cortland, about historic regulations of guns in the US. Since the 1600s, laws restricting gun ownership, use, and display have been regulated, despite what recent SCOTUS rulings have assumed. What is happening now is 'popular constitutionalism', a way of reinterpreting the Constitution that is contrary to the real intent.
Part 2:
We talk with Anders Croy in Florida. The DeSantis campaign is troubled, mainly because of DeSantis himself. He is not as choreographed in personal appearances across the country, and his poll numbers are declining the more he is seen. Florida residents are unhappy with the cost of living in Florida, due to his policies: housing, insurance, consumer goods, lack of health care, etc. Education is declining because of his emphasis on corporate education, now replacing public education. However, many of the policies are filtering to other states.
WNHNFM.ORG producation
Part 1:
We talk with Amy Littlefield, reporter for The Nation. We discuss the Moms for Liberty group, which is very active, despite its relative short life. They claim to be about education, but their goal seems to be mainly to distract voters from the authoritarian tendencies of the far right. They want to dismantle the Dept. of Education, attack transgender children, manipulate media, etc. They are funded by dark money from the far right.
Part 2:
We talk with Laura Belin, who writes the blog, "Bleeding Heartland", which focuses on Iowa, and the state of government there. It has turned very red. The voters are white, without college degrees for the most part. There are no large metro areas. Politics are grievance driven. The population is aging, and the governor has a far right agenda. What can/should be done?
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Mark Joseph Stern, of Slate.com. We discuss the measures that Texas has put in place to prevent people from crossing the Rio Grande. Barriers that include razor wire, saw-toothed buoys, and others. The Federal govt is suing. Texas wants to declare war on Mexico, threatening to invade the sovereign country.
We also discuss the many gifts to Clarence Thomas from his right wing friends, including shrines, portraits, and museums.
Part 2:
We talk with Melissa Sanchez, a reporter for ProPublica. We discuss the problem faced by many immigrant or undocumented workers, in 31 states. They are not allowed to have drivers' licenses, and are often targeted by local police.We spoke specifically about Wisconsin, which has many agricultural workers who need to use cars. They are allowed to buy a car, but not to drive it. It also affects those who have licenses, because they are subjected to traffic stops and harassment by virtue of skin color. A neighboring state, Illinois, allows nonresidents to have drivers' licenses with no problems.
WNHNFM.ORG production
This is a panel discussion. We had many topics:
- Ohio's recent vote on amending their constitution to increase the number of votes needed to do this. This was rejected, a defeat for the Republicans.
- The 'ground game' needed by the Democrats to defeat Republican efforts.
- The possibility of Trump with RFK Jr. as a VP choice.
- A close election may be seen as a win for Trump.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock, editor of the Quorum Report. we discuss the impeachment of the Atty Gen of Texas, Ken Paxton. We look at the role of Lt.Gov. Dan Patrick, who will be managing the process.
We discuss the Governor's push for a school voucher program at the same time as more money is needed for the public schools.
Part 2:
We talk with Bill Curry, tow time candidate for governor of Connecticut, and Ryan Cooper, of the American Prospect. we discuss how slowly the process of dealing with the participants of the insurrection of January 6 is going. We also discuss why Merrick Garland delayed the investigation for 28 months into Trump's role. It would seem no urgency was perceived.
We look at DeSantis' encroachments on the rule of law, and how he is subverting democracy in Florida.
WNHNFM.ORG production
This is a panel discussion. The guest host is Lincoln Mitchell.
Our guests are Carlos Vargas- Ramos, of Hunter College, Laura Jedeed, journalist who documents MAGA groups, Dean Preston, Board of Supervisors, San Francisco.
We discuss how MAGA elements are using their distractions to turn attention away from the Trump indictments. The courts are problematic, because of the many judges, including on the Supreme Court, appointed by republicans. The courts have become political operatives. The republicans are also at an advantage in the lower levels of government: local and state offices. They want to make the federal government ineffective. This includes the bigger cities. We now see the emphasis on increasing police budgets, with no improvements in public safety. We also see efforts to make invisible the poor, the homeless, and disadvantaged. Fear is the way to control the population.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Harold Meyerson of the American Prospect. We discuss the problem of stock buybacks, and how this has distorted the positions of American corporations, their executive pay schemes, and the way that investments have not been used to improve corporate plants or improve worker pay. Changes are occurring.
Part 2:
We talk with Jim Zirin, a writer who has examined how Trump has used lawsuits as a kind of "lawfare" to bilk investors, customers, contractors, his lawyers, over the years. Trump has had at least 3500 to 4000 lawsuits during his life, and has used this to enrich himself. We look at how this might affect his position now.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Mel Goodman, formerly of the CIA, and now professor at Johns Hopkins. We discuss the appropriateness of having the CIA chief as part of the President's cabinet. Should those who carry out policy of the US government be also shaping policy? Can there be a problem with trusting intelligence provided by interested parties?
We also discuss the problems that China is facing due to its demographics: Chinese people are not having children.
Part 2:
We talk with Anya Kamenetz, a journalist, about how teachers should be trained to discuss and teach climate change to their students. This is important at all levels, including very young students.
WNHNFM.ORG production
This is a panel discussion.
We discuss the likelihood of SCOTUS believing the "free speech" argument that Trump is likely to use in his defense. However, this is a free media exposure for Trump.
Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has consented to debate DeSantis. How DeSantis will defend his attack on immigrants will be of interest. 11% of of the agricultural workers in Florida are undocumented, a state that is heavily dependent on agriculture.
We discuss how the US Constitution enshrines minority rule.
WNHNFM.ORG production
We talk with Harvey Kronberg, publisher of the Quorum Report, We discuss the controversy around Joy Alonzo, prof. at Texas A&M, who is accused of remarks that she has NOT said. She was suspended, solely on the word of one student who happens to be connected through her mother, the Tx Land Commissioner, to Lt. Dan Patrick. The President of Tx A&M has stepped down over another recent scandal with the hiring/not hiring of a Black professor of journalism. This does not bode well for the University of Texas system. It raises questions of free speech, academic freedom, and the control of the Texas politicians of the university.
Part 2:
We talk with Bill Curry and Bob Hennelly about the true viability of Trump as a presidential candidate.
We also discuss the state of health care in the US, which currently spends 20% of GDP on this.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Rachel Laser, Pres. and CEO of Americans United for Separation and Church and State. We discuss the problems of Christofascists to impose their beliefs on the rest of Americans. We talk about Oklahoma, the latest case to attempt to use tax money to support religious schools. This has already been implemented in Texas and Louisiana.
Part 2:
We talk with Alex Sammon about the many lawsuits against DeSantis of Florida. DeSantis has been implementing fascist rules and regulations, and has spend more than $17 M taxpayer dollars defending against the suits. The Fla Supreme Court has been packed, though depending on his success for the White House, this may not hold for him much longer.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Maureen Tkacik, investigative reporter at the Prospect. We discuss how health care has become financialized, to the benefit of investors, rather than patients. Nursing homes, hospitals, etc. are being bought by investment companies, to only make money. They are not helping people get good medical care. We talk about how the "hospice business" is run, and how perverse incentives has distorted the supposed purpose.
Part 2:
We talk with Julie Rovner about the crisis for women's health care. This is a rebroadcast of June 27.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Isa Zou about legacy admissions to colleges. This is a way of sorting students by class and resources. There are many students who might benefit from education at "elite" schools, who do not get admitted because they are not wealthy. Schools should do more to make education possible for these students: pay taxes, admit students from community colleges, etc.
Part 2:
We talk with Michael Massing, who is writing a book about Jeffrey Epstein, and his connections to Harvard and other academic elite schools and the faculty and administrators there. What services did he provide? How much money did he give to these institutions? For what reason?
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock, dean of the Austin Press Corps about the ongoing impeachment of Tx Atty General Ken Paxton.
We also talk about the scandal of Texas A&M's suspension of a faculty expert for remarks interpreted by one student about the fentanyl problem in Texas.
Part 2:
We talk with Bill Curry and Harold Meyerson about age of office holders. The majority of the US Senate is over 65 years old.
We discuss the changes in Israel, and how it is increasingly dominated by right wing religious orthodox members. We look at parallels within the US, and the christian evangelicals.
We discuss the Hunter Biden problem.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Prof. Lincoln Mitchell of Columbia University. We discuss the concept of protected speech. We also discuss antisemitism in the context of the MAGA movement. We also expand on the idea of "useful" Jews.
Part 2:
Our guest is Prof. Jonathan Feingold of Boston University, and this is part of the Race Class series.
#RaceClass Ep. 20 | There is a Free Speech Crisis. Don’t Blame the Students.
For our 20th Episode, we circle back to the beginning. In Episode 1, we asked why the mainstream press struggled so mightily to identify the GOP’s campaign of discriminatory censorship as an assault on free speech. Unfortunately, things haven’t changed. 18 months later, and the much of the press remains mired in a dysfunctional and dangerous “free speech debate.” To correct that narrative, we dive into a Newsweek op-ed that Prof. Feingold recently published with renown critical theorists Professors Athena Mutua and Angela Harris, all members of the Critical (Legal) Collective. They identify four troubling dynamics that continue to shape our national “free speech” conversations: (1) misdiagnosing the crisis; (2) presuming universities can’t take sides; (3) selective sympathy for conservative viewpoints; (4) disdain for students. The upshot: there is a free speech crisis. But if we can’t see it or name it, we shouldn’t expect to survive it.
#RaceClass Reqs: The Real Threat to Free Speech is Coming from the Right
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Jeffrey Solocheck, education reporter, about Florida's just released guidelines for teaching Black history and culture. The very controversial assertion that Black people learned skills while enslaved that would help them succeed once freed is discussed. The Florida Department of Education has insisted on promoting this idea, despite NO evidence to support it.
Part 2:
We talk to Tony Wolf, post-doctoral student of kineseiology, who has written (with others) of experiments to investigate the effects of high temperatures on the human body. The results are alarming, and more widespread than at first thought.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Dr. Kareem Crayton, director for Voting Representation, The Brennan Center about the problem of voter suppression and fair representation. We discuss how some towns, states create non-representational districts, and how votes that are held are not abided by.
Part 2:
We talk with Alexandria Jacobson, investigative reporter for Raw Story, about the problems of maintaining secrets, and the vetting of persons who have access to state secrets. We discuss the dated practices, materials, and records. Much of this is due to the outsourcing defense department functions, with no accountability. Contractors are often not vetted. Improvements are slow to be made.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Our panel discusses several critical topics:
- Texas: treatment of migrants: river crossing is dangerous and deadly, border patrol personnel told to push people back into the river, not give water to migrants, etc.
-Texas: workers not allowed water breaks at work
-cruelty is the point
-the climate impact on work: workers in danger of death due to policies
-increased approval of unions, though they are not as strong as they need by: labor laws weakened
-Florida's DeSantis is creating his private militia
-Culture wars as a distraction from real problems
-RFK as a presidential candidate
-Biden's age
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk to Scott Braddock, the Voice of Texas, about the Lt.Governor, Governor, and especially the Attorney General Paxton. Paxton is under indictment for corruption, and has been impeached.
We also discuss the border policy that the governor has imposed, and the 'fence' he had constructed across the Rio Grande, consisting of bouys and razor wire. Children are being thrown back into the river, if they cross. The cruelty is the point.
The state is also being sued about their anti-abortion ban, which has caused harm to women.
Part 2:
We talk with Bob Hennelly and Bill Curry about the possibility of Gov. Newsom (CA) possibly challenging Biden for the election. We also discuss the NoLabels campaign, who is included in that group. We discuss their "platform" and their contributors.
We discuss the increase in child labor in the southern states, and how this is related to immigration policy.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Alex Sammon about how Democrats lost seats in state elections in New York and California. Both were problems within the Democratic party, due to redistricting. We examine the issues in detail, especially in New York.
Part 2:
We speak with Rep. Ro Khanna (CA) about Medicare Advantage plans, and how these are eroding Medicare. We look at how they are structured, and how they are hurting the Medicare program.
We also talk about industrialization in the US, and what can be done to make it faster and more efficient.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Laura Belin, of the Bleeding Heartland, based in Iowa. We discuss the tactics of Iowa's governor, and how successful she has been in pushing Iowa to the far right.
Part 2:
We talk with Anders Croy, Communications Director of DeSantis Watch and Florida Watch. We look at the DeSantis campaign, which consists of culture war topics, not the problems that Floridians face: the climate change effects, the immigration issues, costs, such as insurance.
We also discuss the private militia that is being created, under the total control of the governor. He has spent 107 million dollars so far, equipping the group like a military force.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Prof David Konisky, Indiana University, about policies to mitigate problems with energy supplies during heat spells. Access to electricity sources become very important, and lack to such sources can be life threatening. States have differing policies, even though the temperatures can rise across large regions.
Part 2:
We talk with Stan Cox, Econosphere Fellow at the Land Institute. We discuss violence induced by climate change. What can be done to reduce this? We discuss localizing food production, and taking into account migrations within countries. A 50 state strategy is needed to ensure the US does not suffer violent upheaval.
WNHNFM.ORG production
his is a panel discussion of many topics.
-The GOP want to keep many confederate names for military bases despite the fact that these confederate leaders were traitors to the US
- Climate change affects us all
- The GOP want fo concentrate on culture war issues rather than solve real, ongoing problems
- We remind everyone that because of poor immigration policies, rebuilding infrastructure will be very hard, since there are not many people available to do it.
- GOP does not really have situational awareness of the state of the planet
-Who is the real enemy? Fascism is really the enemy of the US
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock, Dean of the Austin Press Corp, Editor of Quorum Report.
We discuss the heat in Texas. People have died due to the heat, with temps above 100 degrees. Infrastructure is failing.(power grid, water supplies) The governor is in the way of progress by instituting regulations and additional border controls, thus reducing the number of available workers in the state. But, cruelty is the point.
Part 2:
Bill Curry and Jeet Heer discuss the new immigrant regulations in Florida, which have had the effect of reducing the number of available workers. 70% of the workforce is immigrants. 87% of nursing homes are understaffed. There is economic turmoil in Florida, with failing infrastructure, fewer available workers, and discouragement of incoming workers because of the fear of being targeted.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Lee Harris, who writes for the American Prospect.
We discuss the state of the American worker. Unions have been declining in membership in recent years, and many formerly union jobs have been outsource and off-shored. The administration, despite Biden's support for unions has not been as strong a supporter as hoped. We talk specifically about efforts to bring migrant workers from Taiwan to Arizona into a new chip factory., and the willingness to also bring migrant workers to Maine to a new factory, rather than benefiting existing Maine workers
Part 2:
We talk with Matt Garcia, who has written a book about Eli Black. Garcia is at Dartmouth College.
Can social responsibility and capital accumulation coexist in the world of modern multinational corporations? Trying to reconcile the two proved the undoing of immigrant entrepreneur and former rabbi, Eli Black, and the end of the most storied U.S. food corporation, United Fruit Company, in 1975.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We speak with Walter Shapiro, who writes for the New Republic.
We discuss what media strategies should be used by Biden. Media has changed dramatically in a short time, including the online world. Biden should take advantage of all outlets.
Part 2:
We discuss the Tulsa Massacre with Jonathan Feingold, and the lack of reparations for the deaths of at least 300 Black people in Tulsa, and the economic losses suffered by Black people as a result of this event in 1921. Many others were injured. This was a white supremacist race riot that was abetted by the police and local government. The case, brought by three survivors, has been dismissed by an Oklahoma court, with prejudice. Racism endures.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Stephen Shepard, Politico Senior campaign and election editor. We discuss the timing of the Iowa caucuses, and the New Hampshire Primary. Dates are converging with Trump's trial dates for various suits.
Part 2:
We talk with Steven Monacelli, Special Investigative Correspondent for the Texas Observer. We discuss the heat deaths in Texas, and the new bill in Texas, which strikes down the rights of workers to a water break. These rights were instituted by local ordinance. Striking them down at the state level sets the precedent of negating local control, and local legislation. "Cruelty is the point." when acting in such a draconian fashion, especially knowing that having water breaks available has been shown to prevent illness and death. This "death star" law only hurts people.
We also discuss the Patriot Front group, a well-known far-right organization.
WNHNFM.ORG production
This is our weekly panel discussion of many topics.
- Ron DeSantis campaign
- the effect of another Trump presidency
- The Ohio ballot initiative for a constitutional amendment re abortion rights
- the importance of state legislature seats
- the SCOTUS power overreach
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock, editor of the Quorum Report, the Voice of Texas.
We discuss the impeachment of the Atty General, Paxton. He has decided not to testify during this impeachment hearing. There are many reasons, which we discuss.
We also discuss the current very high temperatures in Texas, and neighboring southern states, and how this is part of the climate change, which many refuse to acknowledge.
Part 2:
We talk with Bill Curry, two-time candidate in Connecticut (for governor).
We discuss climate change, and how it is affecting agricultural yield.
We also discuss the ruling by a Trump appointed judge that the government cannot have contact with social media outlets. This will prevent the government being able to fight disinformation. We cannot prevent the spread of fascism, corruption, and lying without this tool.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with John Nichols about the underlying values of the political parties. Republicans are NOT interested in actually governing. Chaos, as embodied in Trump, is their preferred mode of wielding power.
Part 2:
We talk with Ira Porter, Christian Science Monitor reporter, who wrote about the reparations study in California. We discussed how many aid bills, e.g. the GI bill, were primarily for whites, and did not help Blacks. What is needed is 1) an apology, 2) education, and 3) actual financial plans to compensate Blacks for the injustices they suffered.
WNHNFM.ORG production
A program that covers abortion discussions, and religious extremism.
This is a rebroadcast of previously aired programs.
Part 1:
We have a discussion about affirmative action in college admissions. SCOTUS has just ruled against it.
We also discuss a case that SCOTUS used to rule against same-sex couples who want services from private businesses. SCOTUS called that a first amendment case, in fact permitting discrimination, calling it a first amendment right.
Increasingly, SCOTUS is being perceived as illegitimate because of recent rulings.
Part 2:
In finding affirmative action as unneeded, SCOTUS excepted the military academies from the ruling.
SCOTUS has struck down Biden's student loan forgiveness program. It has proved again that it is NOT sympathetic to middle class or the poor. E.G. The minimum wage continues to be 7.25/hr. SCOTUS exists to protect capital and wealth.
"SCOTUS cares what their millionaire friends think of them, not what people think of them, or what the law is." | Arnie Arnesen, Irene Lin, Bill Scher, Stephen Pimpare, Robert Hennelly
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock, Editor of the Quorum Report in Texas.
The second Special Session of the Texas legislature continues, with property taxes a big topic. The governor and Lt governor are at odds at how to spend the current budge surplus. The governor continues to play "voucher vaudeville", though Texans do not approve of voucher plans. The heat in Texas is killing people, including at least two inmates of Texas prisons, which have no air conditioning. At least $6 B has been spent on the "border protection" schemes, to no effect.
Part 2:
Our guests are Bill Curry and Lincoln Mitchell. Curry is a two-time candidate for governor of Connecticut, and Mitchell is a professor at Columbia University.
SCOTUS has struck down affirmative action on the basis of race. Legacy admissions continue. We discuss the effects.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Jon Marcus, writer and lecturer about higher education.
We discuss the degree gap between white and Black students. The problem of racism has NOT BEEN solved with regard to college admissions and college completion. While white students have many advantages, including legacy admissions and financial resources, Black students are left behind.
Part 2:
Race Class Part 18
We talk with Prof. Jonathan Feingold of Boston University about the question on race, and many affirmative action myths.
Affirmative action opponents often claim that race-conscious policies stigmatize and mismatch their beneficiaries. Both claims have attracted sustained critique. But they still enjoy traction in the popular press and shape our national affirmative action conversations. In this episode of #RaceClass, we explore the racialized presumptions that anchor these claims. Consider the following. White men are routinely admitted to Harvard and other elite schools with lower mean test scores than their Asian American counterparts. Per stigma theory, all those white men should face a presumption of intellectual inferiority on campus. Per the "mismatch" hypothesis, all those white men would better off at "less competitive" schools. Its hard to imagine anyone buying that. So why do parallel claims about stigma and mismatch, when directed at affirmative action and Black students, appear intuitive and obvious to so many?
RaceClass Reqs:Mismatched or Counted Out(Hawkins),Empirical Scholars Brief(Thaxton et al.);Cracking the Egg(Onwuachi-Willig et al.)
Part 1:
We talk with Sarah Jones, Senior writer, Intelligencer. We discuss Moms for Liberty, their goals, their origins, and tactics. We also discuss some organizations that are pushing back.
Part 2:
We talk with Jon Marcus a writer on higher education. We discuss demographic trends, and how this is affecting education, particularly colleges. Birthrates are declining, and the supply of students is also declining. As a consequence of the US immigration policies, this is causing, and will continue to cause problems in future: fewer colleges, fewer educated replacement workers, declining economy. International students are being discouraged from coming and staying, to the detriment of US.
WNHNFM.ORG Production
Part 1:
We talk with Mel Goodman about the rebellion by Russia's Wagner Group. How should the US react? How should Ukraine react? We discuss the power structure in Russia, and Putin's power going forward.
Part 2:
We talk with Julie Rovner of Kaiser FF Health News about how journalists should cover antivaxxers, and those who are known to be liars?
We talk about the maternal mortality crisis in the US, especially given the restrictive abortion climate.
This is the panel discussion of topics from the week:
Our panelists are: Alex Shephard, Lincoln Mitchell, Rick Newman, Laura Jedeed.
We discuss the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision on abortion.
We talk about the various implications for many aspects: health care, women's rights, privacy, etc.
We also discuss the scandals surrounding Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito.
The drive for a code of ethics for the Supreme Court.
Part one: our regular check in with Scott Braddock, the editor of the Quorum Report, the dean of the Austin Press Corps, the Voice of TXtopics:- After two days of closed-door debate, the Texas Senate settles on rules for the trial of indicted, impeached and suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton. Among other things, his wife, who is a state senator, will not be allowed to vote on his fate.
- More and more conservatives seem to agree now that Gov. Greg Abbott has been wasting his time with a school voucher roadshow while he should have been working on cutting taxes.
- Taking a novel and tone deaf approach, Gov. Abbott uses his vetoes to target Republican opponents of school vouchers
- Coming to a primary near you: Former Texas Congressman Will Hurd announces for president.
Part two:Bill Curry an American lawyer and politician who has been a two-time Democratic nominee for Governor of Connecticut and a White House advisor in the administration of Bill Clinton.He was head of Freeze Voter, a nuclear freeze group.Robert Hockett joined the Cornell Law Faculty in 2004. His principal teaching, research, and writing interests lie in the fields of organizational, financial, and monetary law and economics in both their positive and normative, as well as their national and transnational, dimensions.
part one:
Drugmakers want to stop Medicare from negotiating prices. Heres what you should know https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/15/politics/medicare-drug-price-negotiations-lawsuits/index.html
Nugget: Also, drugmakers dont have to participate in the negotiations so the federal government is not forcing them to turn over their patented medications, said S. Sean Tu, a law professor at West Virginia University. Medicare is a market created by the federal government, and it doesnt have to give drugmakers access
part two: Anders Croy Communication director Florida Watch and DeSantis Watch
Floridas new budget offers a window into DeSantis depravity
With the stroke of a pen, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis authorized a state budget that offers a clear look into his right-wing worldview.
Part 1:
Mark Joseph Stern joins us to discuss the latest rulings by the Supreme Court. We talk about how the Court should be covered by reporters, line any part of the government. We learn that while the Court has been setting its own agenda, this is a function of Congress, and should be kept that way!
Part 2:
We talk with Mel Goodman about the ongoing militarization of the US. The US spends as much as everyone else combined on its military, despite the poor results. China is becoming economically dominant all over the world, without sending armies or war materiel. The US has 750 military facilities around the world. China has 2. Russia has 2. The US overinvestment in the military is not ultimately sustainable.
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock, Editor of the quorum Report, Dean of the Austin Press Corps, and the Voice of Texas.
We discuss the impeachment of the Atty General, Ken Paxton. We also discuss the disagreement that the governor, Abbott, is having with the Lt. Governor Patrick, about how the current budget surplus should be allocated. The Texas legislature is in special session, though the outcome is questionable.
Part 2:
We talk with Margaret Carlson, columnist for the Daily Beast, about proposals floated about pardoning Trump. The venue is bad for the prosecution (Florida a Trump stronghold, the judge was appointed by Trump, proven to be partial.)
a conversation with Miami U Professor Rodney D. Coates a public sociologist engaged in critical race, social justice, social movements, social policy, and practice. For Coates, being a public sociologist means that the work he does must have an impact in the wider communities — both within and external to the university.
He has conducted bias training for school districts and municipalities, police, and universities. He works with local communities, corporations, and Miami University to establish pathways to progress for under-represented students in such fields as STEM, business, and law.
At Miami University he was the driving force for the creation of the Miami-Cincinnati Scholars program which provides full scholarships for underrepresented students going into STEM
....Coates is a recipient of the 2021 College of Arts and Science's Distinguished Educator Award. His award presentation, "Critical Race Theory and the Search for Truth," is available for viewing.
US has a long history of state lawmakers silencing elected Black officials and taking power from their constituents. https://theconversation.com/us-has-a-long-history-of-state-lawmakers-silencing-elected-black-officials-and-taking-power-from-their-constituents-203883
jan 26 #RaceClass Ep. 13 | The Fight for Racial InEquality
$4Billion. That’s how much the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) earmarked for Black farmers and other farmers of color.* Sound high? Low? Consider this. Over the 20th Century, Black farmers lost 90% of their land. This loss stemmed from pervasive violence, intimidation and discrimination—what we term “conspiratorial sabotage”—by private and public actors, including the federal government. A recent study valued that land loss at $326 billion. But Black farmers never saw a dime from the ARPA. After it passed, rightwing law firms (including Stephen Miller’s America First Legal) sued—arguing the law amounted to unlawful anti-white discrimination. Multiple courts enjoined the funds. Congress repealed and replaced. $326 billion. The debt remains unpaid.
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock, Editor of the quorum Report, Dean of the Austin Press Corps, and the Voice of Texas.
We discuss the impeachment of the Atty General, Ken Paxton. We also discuss the disagreement that the governor, Abbott, is having with the Lt. Governor Patrick, about how the current budget surplus should be allocated. The Texas legislature is in special session, though the outcome is questionable.
Part 2:
We talk with Margaret Carlson, columnist for the Daily Beast, about proposals floated about pardoning Trump. The venue is bad for the prosecution (Florida a Trump stronghold, the judge was appointed by Trump, proven to be partial.)
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We speak with Joel Christensen, Chair of Classics Department at Brandeis University. We discuss the concept of "classical education" and how that is being misused by right wing adherents to describe the indoctrination of students in their private or religiously oriented schools.
Part 2:
We speak with Alex Shephard, columnist, about how Democrats should react to Trump's indictments. Trump's cronies and admirers are defending all he has done, despite how egregious it is, and how it has put the country and world at risk.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We discuss with Mike Elk, a Labor Reporter, DeSantis' efforts to eliminate unions that represent public employees, especially teachers. By his efforts, DeSantis wanted to make joining or staying in a union more difficult. Instead, by forcing the question, 5000 new members enrolled in one month, and it appears that what is happening in Florida is energizing the unions.
Part 2:
We talk with Rob Boston, writer, about the effect of Pat Robertson on the political landscape in the US. We discuss the myth of the "Christian Nation" and how this has cause rifts among people in the US. Robertson has proven to be a preacher of partisan politics rather than a genuine Christian.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
Alan Berlow, a freelance journalist, discusses the myth of the 'responsible gun owners". The US is awash in guns, and gun owners have NOT proven to be responsible. 25% have had their guns stolen. In many states, they are not required to report stolen weapons, so there may be many more. There are, in many states, no background checks, training, or alcohol checks for purchase. There have been 4 Million gun incidents in the last decade.
Part 2:
We talk with Jeff Kuth and Murali Paranandi of Miami University of Ohio about their research into the prevalence and future of Accessory Dwelling Units. The size of newly constructed homes (mostly single-family units) has grown. 75 % of land for building is dedicated to these units. Cities have instituted zoning regulations to enforce this. No surprise then, that there is urban sprawl, and a lack of affordable housing. More accessory dwelling units are needed for those people who do not need a whole house, or do not need a large house. Density in and near cities must increase. This will benefit the residents and the environment. Some municipalities have helped with this effort, but more must be done.
WNHNFM.ORG production
The fires in Canada are affecting the US, making the climate crisis more dramatic. The US is not prepared to cope with this event. Most of those who are fighting the fires (Canadians and US residents) are volunteers.
The panel feel that Biden should have had a press conference about this event. Washington DC was shut down because of poor air quality.
Trump was indicted for the documents that he held at Mar-a-Lago, and other places. The GOP has an incoherent message about this: some combative, claiming political attack.
We discuss how Trump has been able to survive many instances of criminal accusations in the past.
We also discuss the recent voting rights case ruling by SCOTUS, striking down gerrymandering based on race. (Alabama). There is generally a distrust of SCOTUS as a result of recent rulings, and this may be a reaction. There is a question about how SCOTUS chooses the cases it reviews. The shadow docket is a problem.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Arnie reads the complete Trump indictment regarding the documents case.
Thank you, www.musicrevolution.com for providing the music for our production.
Part 1:
We talk with Harvey Kronberg, the publisher of the Quorum Report. We discuss the impeachment of Texas Atty General Ken Paxton. This impeachment is serious, and shows the divisions among Republicans in Texas.
Part 2:
Our guests Bill Curry and Harold Meyerson discuss the ongoing fires in Canada, and their effects in the US. Although they are a consequence of climate change, no big announcements from the White House or Congress about this. All messaging is weak. We also discuss RFK campaign. Other topics: student loan repayments issues, the kidnapping of migrants in Florida, and having them sent to California.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
we talk with Prof. Paul Thomas, of Furman University about the christian crusade to control public schools. We discuss the indoctrination of students in the christian schools, and charter schools. The Far-right has taken over school boards, and pressing libraries through book bans: They want to teach children that resisting authority is not allowed.
Part 2:
We talk with Robert Hennelly about Chris Christie's announcement of his candidacy for president. We discuss Christie's history with the Republican party, and how the party has been hijacked by the far right, with Christie's complicity.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
Mark Joseph Stern joins us to discuss the latest rulings by the Supreme Court. We talk about how the Court should be covered by reporters, line any part of the government. We learn that while the Court has been setting its own agenda, this is a function of Congress, and should be kept that way!
Part 2:
We talk with Mel Goodman about the ongoing militarization of the US. The US spends as much as everyone else combined on its military, despite the poor results. China is becoming economically dominant all over the world, without sending armies or war materiel. The US has 750 military facilities around the world. China has 2. Russia has 2. The US overinvestment in the military is not ultimately sustainable.
WNHNFM.ORG production
Part 1:
We talk with Harvey Kronberg, publisher of the Quorum Report, Texas.
We discuss the Texas House vote to impeach the Attorney General, Ken Paxton, for various corrupt actions.
We also discuss how Harris County is being taken over by the Republicans, in fact nullifying the election.
Part 2:
We talk with Bill Curry, two time candidate for governor in Connecticut, and with Harold Meyerson, editor-at-large, The American Prospect.
We discuss how few eligible candidates there are for the army, and how difficult it is to recruit for the police.
We also discuss the number of people entering the Republican primary. Democrats need to be the party of change, but are not. The problem of Trump is for both parties. The Republicans are afraid, and would like the Democrats to get rid of Trump for them.
WNHNFM.ORG production
1 Jon Erickson, Prof. U of Vermont
We talk about Herman Daly, an economist who considered the cost of unfettered growth.
Think of the environment as a circle, within that circle is a box which represents the economy. Having the box grow in an unlimited way means that it will put pressure on the circle. So we must always consider the economy in this context.
What/ whom is the economy for?
2 Jonathan Feingold, Prof. Boston University School of Law
RaceClass Ep. 11 | Race as a Story (that Justifies Inequality)
Race is a social construct. The phrase is easy to say. But often we struggle to explain what it means. To deepen our racial literacy, we dig into one of the socially constructed components of race: the meanings (e.g., stereotypes) associated with a given racial category. Racial meanings do more than ascribe traits (e.g., industrious, lazy, deserving, undeserving) to a particular group. Racial meanings also explain and legitimize a groups relative social status. In so doing, race narrates our world"often without us even knowing it.
RaceClass Recs: Civil Rights Catch 22s
Jonathan Feingold
Associate Professor of Law
Boston University School of Law
jfeingol@bu.edu|faculty page|ssrn
Our special program today is called Ask A Transgender Person Anything. Our guests are Chloe LaCasse, Alex McEntee, and Emmett LeBlanc, a trans women, a trans man, and a non-binary person. We hear their different perspectives about when and how they realized they were trans or non-binary, how their family and friends handled the news, and how their lives were affected (school, jobs, relationships).
In addition to discussing each persons recognition of their own authentic selves, we ask how their love and sexuality changed as well. Finally, we hear from Palana, an advocate with the ACLU, regarding new legislation (proposed and enacted) that relates to peoples gender identities and sexual identities.
This program was originally broadcast on June 12, 2019.
Part 1:
We speak with Anders Croy, Communications Director, Florida Watch. We discuss Ron DeSantis, and his likely run for the presidency. DeSantis is a unique threat, who models himself on Hungary's Victor Orban. There are many problems in Florida, and with the Republicans outspending the Democrat in elections, and with the gerrymandering and various methods of voter suppression, Democrats are almost helpless to defeat him.
Part 2:
We have a conversation with Mel Goodman about the midterms and American foreign policy. Biden's domestic agenda probably in trouble because of the Republican majority (though slim) in Congress. His foreign policy is working, though the war in Ukraine is a problem. Biden has met with Xi, demonstrating some willingness to talk. We should condemn the apartheid in Israel.
Part 1:
Our guest is Timothy Karr, Senior Director of The Free Press. We discuss the return of Trump to Twitter after a poll conducted by Musk among Twitter members. It is not clear how many 'members' were bots, but the poll was almost evenly divided. By returning Trump, Musk has broken promises that he made to advertisers and civil rights groups. It seems Twitter should have more obligations to the public at large to be more responsible with respect to what is posted.
Part 2:
We talk with Madaline Edison, a leader of an education nonprofit organization that wants to improve ESL education, and education around teaching reading. Most teachers are white women, and have a privileged background, and have preconceptions about how reading should be taught. We discuss this, and how the methodology should be improved.
We discuss the change in Congress: Since the Republicans won a very narrow majority, they now will be appointing the Speaker of the House. It is anticipated that this will will McCarthy.
Nancy Pelosi has announced that she will not seek reappointment as Leader of the Democrats in the House. It is anticipated that Hakeem Jeffries will take that role. We discuss Pelosi's accomplishments and her power.
Part 1:
We talk with Harvey Kronberg, publisher of the Quorum Report in Texas. We discuss the governor's race, which ended with Abbott's victory. Much of the credit goes to Dave Carney, campaign strategist, who was successful in rebranding Beto O'Rourke as the loser. O'Rourke was weak, and did not fight back. Voter suppression was also a big factor.
Part 2:
We talk with Bill Curry and Robert Hockett about Biden's viability for 2024, against Trump or another, stronger Republican candidate for the presidential run. Although Biden has been very successful in passing needed legislation and installing competent agency heads, the Democratic leadership in total is not progressive enough. Biden as a person is not very dynamic. The House is going to be Republican controlled, and Biden will need to be perceived as stronger, personally. His age is against him.
Part 1:We speak with Matt Bruenig, of the People's Policy Project, about social programs and helping people at the low end of the economic spectrum. We talk about means testing for eligibility for the help they get. Research shows that imposing eligibility requirements is costlier than not imposing such barriers. Recipients are being taxed by reducing benefits. Other, better solutions exist.Part 2:We talk with Barry Woods, president of the Board of Plug In America about a new class of electric vehicles that can serve as batteries or powerplants for users' homes. This is thanks to bi-directional charging. Not yet clear how compensation will be paid to consumers who use this option. But the possibilities are exciting. One major problem is the lack of trained electricians and technicians.
Part 1:
We talk with Robert Brecha, of the University of Dayton, about the climate summit. The EU and US are looking at short term solutions when discussing additional fossil fuel exploration. This is a disservice to Africa and other countries that are likely to spend a lot of resources to create a drilling infrastructure that will have to be abandoned eventually. Instead, more sustainable methods should be explored. The democratization of energy should be emphasized.
Part 2:
We discuss with Alex Sammon, of Slate.com the Patrick Maloney campaign in New York, and how he failed. We also talk about the increasing rise of progressives within the Democratic party, and how this will change the outlook in the future.
Part 1:
We discuss with Bob Hennelly the election outcome and process, particularly in the Northeast. NY and NJ went as predicted. PA and MI were a surprise. Many young people voted, because the feel the imminent hazards. Their priorities were important, and that helped turnout, despite gerrymandering. We also discuss the importance of local newspapers and local opinions.
Part 2:
We talk with Norman Solomon about the urgencies that young people feel, and how Joe Biden, and other, older lawmakers and policy makers should give way to younger people.
Part 1 and Part 2:
We discuss the election in depth. What were the factors that made a difference? The Democrats fared much better than expected. At state level elections, gerrymandering was a big factor.
Our guests:
Lincoln Mitchell, Rick Newman, Stephen Pimpare, Irene Lin
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock, dean of the Austin Press Corp, about voting in Texas. Suburbs were more favorable for the Democrats, though turnout was low. This can be explained, in part, with the disgust that people feel for all politicians, and the toxicity of politics.
Part 2:
We talk with Harold Meyerson and Bill Curry about the elections. Trump may be gone, but there are likely more genial examples of his ilk. For Democrats, it is important for them to listen to voters, learn what they want.
Part 1:
We talk with Rep. Ro Khanna (Dem.,Ca.) about the election results. This was not a romp for Republicans, and the country is still deeply divided. We also discuss the absolute need for a rational immigration policy. US birthrate is not at replacement, and workers are needed. We do not need more culture wars.
Part 2:
We speak with Luke Goldstein, of the Open Markets Institute about Elon Musk's influence with respect to communications in the US and internationally, and the use of Starlink. With Twitter, this is a form of vertical integration. In future, there will be more need of satellite services. How can Musk's influence be minimized, and prevented from dominating everything? The US government, and other governments, must enforce the anti monopoly laws.
Part 1:
We talk with Steven Pressman about the likelihood of the next recession being caused by household debt. Families are struggling under debt: college education, mortgage, medical, and the addition of predatory lenders. The total is $16T. We talk about the possible solutions.
Comments by Lincoln Mitchell about possible outcomes of the November 9 election.
Part 2:
We talk with Stephanie Hanes about energy storage, specifically storing the earth's energy in the form of 'sand batteries'. Using the earth's energy as a shared heat source, the heat can be used to produce other energy. This involves drilling deep holes, to capture the earth's heat. We discuss experiments now being done.
Part 1:
We talk with Derek Tisler of the Brennan Center about election security. Some improvements have been made with respect to technology and cybersecurity around elections: better equipment, protection for people running elections, new regulations. However, new barriers have also been implemented, in mostly red states.
Part 2:
We talk with Andrew Perez, Senior Editor of THE LEVER about Leonard Leo of the Federalist Society and Barry Seid, who has given Leo $1.6B to spend on Republican causes. This was done via a secretive trust fund. How will be money be spent?
Part 1:
We discuss the voting patterns in Texas, and how political news is curated by news organizations.
January 6 is a continuous coup.
Part 2:
We discuss the approaches the parties have, and the successes or failures as a result. The Republicans concentrate on making the electorate afraid of the "other" and how the Democrats are to blame. Democrats do not take credit for the good that they have been able to enact. What is the long-term plan for both parties?
Part 1:
We discuss Texas voting patterns with Scott Braddock. Turnout is relatively low.
We also discuss the fallout from Uvalde, where more facts are being released.
Part 2:
We talk with Robert Hockett and Bill Curry about the economy and its inflation. Inflation is mostly in the price /profit sector, not labor.
Part 1:
We talk with Petter Nilsson about the Swedish elections, and how strong the right-wing factions are now. Class differences are growing, and the middle class is afraid of losing its favored status.
Part 2:
We talk with Diana Green Foster about her research on the effects of abortion, and the effects of being unable to obtain abortion. The effect on women and their families is profound: there is lower self-esteem, higher anxiety, and depression among women who are denied abortion when they request it. This is in addition to the economic effects: higher poverty rates for the women and their children. They also suffer instability, and have a higher exposure to violence.
Part 1:
We talk with Lee Harris of the American Prospect, about organizing political action in South Texas. The population is shifting from farm work to factory work. Unions are not large of powerful. Community organizing should be more emphasized. The Democrats need to support local candidates more, to push back on Republicans.
Part 2:
We talk with Elliot Haspel, who is studying how private equity and the for-profit chains are absorbing smaller child-care operations. Their only motive is profits, which cost-cutting measures that will only hurt children and families. We look at Canada's attempts to mitigate this problem.
Part 1:
We talk with Lee Harris of the American Prospect, about organizing political action in South Texas. The population is shifting from farm work to factory work. Unions are not large of powerful. Community organizing should be more emphasized. The Democrats need to support local candidates more, to push back on Republicans.
Part 2:
We talk with Elliot Haspel, who is studying how private equity and the for-profit chains are absorbing smaller child-care operations. Their only motive is profits, which cost-cutting measures that will only hurt children and families. We look at Canada's attempts to mitigate this problem.
Part 1:
We talk with Michael Mitchell of the Groundwork Collaborative, about how data should be gathered and used, when discussing the economy. Currently, the data does not reflect the quality of workers' lives. Workers themselves should be asked about their struggles, and what kinds of factors are are important, not just the 'captains of industry'.
Part 2:
We talk with Thomas Reilly about the problem of how Secretaries of State are selected and how their duties are defined. This varies across states, and ends up being partisan, and, increasingly, not independent. We discuss how this can be remedied. There are 10,000 voting jurisdictions in the US, and each is controlled by either Democrats or Republicans. That means that younger voters, who are not affiliated with either party, are not represented.
Part 1:
We discuss the attack on Paul Pelosi, and how it seemed to be aimed at Nancy Pelosi, who was not at home. We look at the characteristics of the Republicans, which support the violent rhetoric: existence of an armed wing, an elaborate propaganda network, the general climate of insecurity and fear in the US.
Part 2:
We discuss the likely fate of the affirmative action lawsuit being take up by the Supreme Court. Colorblindness is a myth, but the SCOTUS members have been groomed by the Federalist Society. The oligarchy in the US is entrenched. This is a class issue.
US inflation is much lower than the rest of the world, but no one is crediting Biden.
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock, of the Quorum Report, about the Texas election, where early voting is in progress. Voter turnout is lighter than expected, which is better for the Republicans. This year, no one-punch straight ticket voting.
The truth of the news is hidden in ads, omitting effects of events. (e.g. the cries of children as they were being shot in Uvalde)
Part 2:
We talk with Bob Hennelly and Bill Curry about factors in this election, even though the US has other, more pressing issues: violence, mental health issues in the population. The real causes of crime should be eliminated, rather than 'crime'. One solution for the Democratic party: get rid of corporate consultants.
Part 1:
We speak with Barbara Bullard about the 50th anniversary of Shirley Chisholm's campaign for the presidency. We examine Chisholm's effect on progressives.
Part 2:
RaceClass Ep. 10 | The Party Attacking Affirmative Action Makes the Case for More Affirmative Action
On Halloween, the Supreme Court will hear two cases challenging the legality of race-conscious admissions. The cases feature a common plaintiff, Students for Fair Admissions, which isfunded by conservative activistsand wants to ban universities from ever considering an applicants race. This extreme request would overturn decades of precedent and constitutionalize racial advantages for White applicants. The outcome is all but guaranteed: the courts rightwing majority will eliminate race-conscious admissions in higher education. But ironically, the plaintiffs own arguments support call for affirmative action, not less. Specifically, the plaintiff exposes how ostensibly colorblind components of Harvards admissions process privilege wealthy white applicants over more qualified students of color"including Asian Americans. This shouldnt surprise us. But to verify, we do some math. And the verdict is clear. The party attacking affirmative action just made the case for more affirmative action.
RaceClass Reqs:Emancipator Op-Ed|Amicus Brief
Part 1:
We talk with Mike Litzow about the disappearance of billions of Alaskan snow crabs in the last two years. This is still unexplained, though climate seems to be involved in this mass mortality event. The Arctic is warming 4 times as fast as the global average. Fisheries have to redesigned to respond to these kinds of changes.
Part 2:
We talk with Professor Luke Perry about the political climate in Utah, and among the LDS. The effect of trumpism on how LDS members vote is profound.
Part 1:
We talk with Alex Sammon, who writes about hos Sam Bankman-Fried, a crypto billionaire promised Democrats substantial political contributions, but later retracted his promises.
Part 2:
We talk with Dr. Garret Martin about the economic policies in the UK, in the wake of the resignation of Liz Truss, and her replacement by Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister. At present, no cohesive strategy for resolving the economic problems, and no cohesive Conservative party to follow him have appeared.
Part 1:
We discuss the resignation of PM Truss in the UK. Her vision for fixing the economic problems was of the trickle-down variety, and caused markets to respond negatively. There was no credible policy agenda. For the Right, destabilization seems to be a goal.
Part 2:
Texas is asking students to participate in DNA identification procedures, and has issued DNA ID kits in anticipation of use during more school shootings?
We also discuss the options for the Democrats for elections in future.
Part 1:
We discuss the activities in Texas prior to the midterm elections with Scott Braddock. Poll watchers are being sent to Harris County, despite no evidence of cheating.
Part 2:
We talk with Bill Curry and Robert Hockett about the seeming inability of Democrats to educate the public about the true reasons for the economic problems: the pandemic, was in Ukraine, the climate crisis, price gouging, etc.
This is a repeat of Sept 22, 2022.
Part 1: Kathryn Joyce discusses school privatization.
Part 2: Barry Woods discusses electric vehicles.
Part 1:
We talk with Heather Vogell, of Pro Publica, about pricing software being used by landlords. This software is being used to maximize rents, reduce the number of rentable units to drive up prices, and to collude among landlords through computer programs, rather than face-to-face collusion. The model is also used by Air-B-n-B to keep pricing volatile and control supply of housing.
Part 2:
A series of women's personal stories of their experience with abortion.
Part 1:
We talk with Ryan Cooper about the rising price of energy and the effect on national security. This is due to the global market, though Republicans want to blame Biden. Democrats appear to be unwilling to challenge them in this, rather than blaming Putin, the global environment, etc.
Part 2:
We talk with Laura Katz Olson about the increase in the participation of private equity groups in health care. Small health care companies are being absorbed by private equity firms, which are turning these services into monopolies, whose only goal is high profits. These transactions are funded by debt, and the buyers are using the health care company to pay off that debt within about 5 years. This results in reducing staff, equipment, supplies, etc. Patients suffer.
Part 1:
We note that senator Patrick Leahey is ill and hospitalized. If he should die, the Republican governor of Vermont will appoint a successor. There is a succession problem generally, since the Senate has many old members. Many of them seem disconnected from the populace.
Trump has been served a subpeona to meet with the Jan 6 Committee. He may or may not appear. The other problem is that many people enabled him, and they are not equally summoned. We also learned, from the Committee, that the FBI, Secret Service, and other agencies knew there would be problems, but nothing was done on January 6 to avert them. Why? The coup is ongoing.
Part 2:
We discuss the Senate races across the country.
Part 1:
We discuss with Lisa Pelling the state of Sweden's schools. 30 years ago, Sweden began funding private schools, to the detriment of public schools, because of the shift of resources: the money follows the student. Private schools are now on the stock exchange, and are reaping profits. Unfortunately, this is to the detriment of all schools. The private schools now concentrate on keeping profits high, not on education.
Part 2:
We talk with Bill Curry and Harold Meyerson about the J6 hearings, and how all relevant players must testify under oath.
Inflation is an ongoing problem, and although the Republicans keep harping on it, no one is offering a solution. Jerome Powell is using the wrong tools to attempt to deal with it. Raising interest rates does not help working people.
Part 1:
We discuss the problem with the candidacy of Henry Cuellar in Texas, with Alex Sammon. Cuellar is the only Democrat in Congress to vote against against the right to abortion. His designation as the Democratic candidate was aided by the involvement of Democratic leadership (Pelosi and others) in the campaign. If elected, Cuellar will behave like Manchin.
We also discuss the danger of the Student Debt website might hurt the operation of this plan, if it malfunctions.
Part 2:
We talk with John McCracken about how Republicans and bankers have already indicated that they will attack the Farm Bill, which is up for renewal. Because of global warming, thawing manure is going to be a large factor in contaminated runoff and cause widespread pollution of ground water. The Republicans want to ignore this danger, and refuse to consider actions to mitigate this, through fully funding the Farm Bill, which affects many aspects of American life.
Part 1:
We discuss with Max Moran, of the Revolving Door Project, the latest action to discriminate by banks. They are suing the CFPB (Consumer Protection Bureau) for enforcing the protections for consumers in banking, lending, etc. They are trying to eliminate funding for the agency, as a way of killing the agency. This would have a devastating effect on consumers in many ways.
Part 2:
We talk with Representative Ro Khanna about the Saudi announcement of their intention to reduce the amount of oil sales. This undermines the US by causing gas price rise, particularly just before the mid term election. Considering that Saudi Arabia has been treated as an ally of the US, it is also disturbing. Saudi Arabia is siding with Putin with their action.
But, the US has leverage: The US sells Saudi Arabia about $10B worth of weapons, most to support their air force, annually. It also 75% of their defense capabilities. We discuss the options that Biden has to pressure Saudi Arabia.
Part 1:
We talk with Prof. Anna Rhodes about the effects of catastrophic events on middle class families: floods, fires, etc. She and colleagues tracked families after a hurricane and examined what options they used to recover. Recovery was dependent on their support network, flood insurance.
Part 2:
We talked with Adam Finkel, former OSHA administrator about two topics: a) IVF and the effect of Dobbs on parents who used IVF, and what likely effects Dobbs will have on future use of IVF. b) sports concussions, particularly football concussions. While it seems obvious that players are being injured, the league has not yet consented to a policy of treating concussions as serious, and as something to be avoided.
We have a discussion among our panel regarding multiple changes in the US. We note, that "on election day, we are the government" despite the many roadblocks that Republicans are erecting. One of these is the loss in confidence in the count. 300 Republican candidates across the country have indicated this.
The Democrats need to concentrate on campaigning on issues of importance to working people.
Because of various challenges after elections, it appears that Democrats will not be allowed to win close elections.
The Biden pardon of federal convictions for marijuana use and possession will not necessarily free many people from prisons.
We need to stress that inflation is not a policy, it is a problem that can be solved, but not necessarily by hurting workers, because salaries and wages are lagging inflation, whereas executive compensation is certainly much higher than inflation. Profiteering and price gouging accounts for much inflation.
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock about the upcoming gubernatorial election in Texas. Abbott and Beto debated, which they both survived. There was no live audience. Abbott sticks to his position on abortion, no answer on his assertion that he could eliminate all rapes, and his only response to women's recourse question was to say that they would need baby supplies. Beto's stance on guns is that he recognizes that he would have to deal with a Republican legislature in Texas.
The border in Texas is a militarized zone. $6B is spent by Texas, with no real results, except continuing suicides by the National Guardsmen who are deployed there. Some Texas office holders are endorsing Democrats.
Part 2:
We speak with Bill Curry and Steven Greene about the disaffection of American men. They are feeling marginalized and ignored. Women have benefited from affirmative action in the past, while men have seen their status diminish. This has caused a lot of resentment.
We discussed Herschel Walker, whose senatorial campaign is troubled by revelations about 'hidden' children, domestic violence, abortion that he funded. The excuse is either that these are all lies, or that he has had head injuries that somehow excuse it.
Part 1:
We discuss Elon Musk's latest gambit on the Twitter purchase with Nora Benavidez, the Digital Justice Editor of the Free Press. Musk has returned to his initial offer for Twitter, and plans to take it private. This will give him unfettered control of the platform, and control speech. People are generally passive on this, and will likely not rebel, and stop using Twitter, and thus this will have a huge impact on the 2024 election. Twitter's moderation will decline even more, and Musk will bring back Trump.
Part 2:
We talk with Mark Joseph Stern about the Supreme Court, which is operating a unprecedented rate to overturn many civil rights decisions, and implement the Republican agenda. Decisions about affirmative action are likely to be reversed, because the current court is subscribing to the fiction of colorblindness, ignoring the 14th Amendment, which specifically discusses race.
Part 1:
Our conversation with Dahlia Lithwick, Slate Senior Editor, is about how women have been fighting back on their underrepresentation in the law. The 14th Amendment is often cited, but it should be noted that it can and should be used for INCLUSION, rather than exclusion of women in citing civil rights. The Constitution does not explicitly discuss women, and they are not mentioned as a category. It must be redefined.
Part 2:
We talk with Shailly Barnes and Liz Theoharis, of the Poor People's Campaign. We note that though they are often ignored as a group, poor people do indeed vote, and therefore, emphasis should be included in any vote recruitment. 111 Million people in the US are poor, a large bloc, and they could sway elections. We need to point out that inequality over the long run, is more expensive than any moneys spent on raising people up at the beginnings of their lives. The Child Tax Credit made a lot of difference, and should be reininstated and continued.
Part 1:We talk with Jeffrey Rosen, President of the National Constitution Center, about scholars who study what changes need to be made to the US Constitution to make it more relevant. The group has developed a list of possible Amendments to that end. We discuss these possible Amendments, and what their effects might be.Part 2:We speak with Lisa Pelling, a researcher in Sweden about the effects of the changes in the Swedish educational system, which now relies heavily on a voucher program. Schools in Sweden are now being run by competing corporations, and the government is funding them with taxes, and they are privatized. This has led to inequality in education, and in deteriorating performance of educational efforts.
We discuss the aftermath of Hurrican Ian.
DeSantis, who is desperate for federal help, is urging privatization of disaster response. He refers to a “500-year storm”, denying that the climate crisis was a contributing factor to the power of Ian.
We discuss health care in the US, who spends more than any other rich country in the world on health care, but has terrible outcomes.
We discuss the fact that big business wants regulation, rather than objecting all the time. It levels the playing field for all.
Part 1: discussion with Scott Braddock
We discuss the series of natural disasters, especially hurricanes, that have hit Texas and Louisiana. These have taken a huge toll on the emotions of the victims. This toll is long-lasting. It can only get worse when there are more victims, as is likely with climate change.
Part 2: we talk with Lincoln Mitchell and Bill Curry
Hurricane Ian is the main topic. It is important to note that DeSantis voted against any aid to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Now, Florida will require huge aid efforts, not just for homes, but for major infrastructure projects. It only serves to emphasize that climate change is a global problem, and must be treated in a global fashion.
Part 1:
We talk with Eric Umansky, of Pro Publica, about how American democracy is being exploited by those who want to destroy it. Whites are becoming a minority in the US, and this is causing them to fight back, to avoid losing their privilege. The electoral system is manipulated to drive down participation. We discuss a book by Barbara Walter: "How Civil Wars Start".
Part 2:
This is Episode 9 of Race Class.
We discuss Race Class with Jonathan Feingold, specifically how affirmative action will be affected by future SCOTUS rulings, which we anticipate in the next few months. Two cases will be heard, and expectation is not optimistic. Using the 14th Amendment, and Title VI, we expect unfavorable rulings, because SCOTUS is lawless and not faithful to the Constitution. It is an activist court, and hostile to racial justice.
Part 1
We talk with Petter Nilsson, of the Left Party in Sweden about the recent election of a right wing candidate, and the rightward shift of politics in Sweden. Class differences are growing, and the “middle class” is afraid of losing the advantages they have now. The politics of discontent are pushing the populace to the right. This is particularly true in how schools are being treated, and how schools are being run in Sweden now. About 30% of students are now in private schools, which are being funded by money lost to the public schools. Private schools do not follow the same rules/regulations as public schools, though they get the same funds, since money follows the students. This adds to the inequality.
Part 2
We discuss the aging judiciary in the US with Ryan Barber. The federal bench does not have the same retirement age, health requirements, and other requirements as the state and lower courts. For this reason, federal judges are often too old or ill to fulfill their duties. This includes the Supreme Court. These courts are self-policing, and this is not very effective. There are private 'retirement pacts' between some justices, though these are secret. Reforms are needed.
Part 1:
We talk with David Levinthal about the aging of lawmakers. 1/4 of the members of Congress are in their 80s. This is significantly older than the population at large, and thus there is a disconnect between those who govern and those who are governed. 50% of Americans are under 40. 5% of Congress are under 40. There are many drivers that contribute to this, but this is unsustainable.
Part 2:
We discuss Democrats' messaging with Michael Sokolove. Democrats seem to be unable to capitalize on their accomplishments, and let Republicans take credit for advances for this THEY DID NOT VOTE. Democrats need to have the ability to speak directly to people's lives, in order to convince them about Democrats' goals. Perhaps Democrats' slogan should be "freedom, freedom, freedom."
We discuss with our guests the situation in Iran, and the repression by the regime. Unfortunately, many Americans seem to believe that they will lose rights. Even Republicans are not completely happy with the situation in the US, and some think that in order to reset the goals of the Republican party, they need to lose an election, as signal.
our guests: @RickGNewman, @LincolnMitchell, @StephenPimpare
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock about the DeSantis stunt, and how he and Abbott of Texas compare in their eagerness to look tough.
Republicans are generally doing poorly in polling among women under 45.
In Texas, there is no longer straight ticket voting, and the Lt. Governor is concerned about reelection.
Part 2:
Harold Meyerson and Bill Curry discuss the corruption case brought by NY State's Letitia James against Trump, his children, and the Trump organization.
We also discuss the level of corruption overall: fraud in Medicaid, other big corruption. Most donors are powerful and wealthy. We also talk about the Trump judges, and how this is affecting the outcomes of various ways to rein him in. There has been a degradation of justice.
Part one:
We talk with Kathryn Joyce, an investigative reporter at Salon, and the author of two books, about school privatization in Arizona. Arizona's school privatization battle heats up: Will the voters get to decide?Republicans' massive school voucher plan may yet be defeated (again) — but the challenge is stiffer this time.
Part two:
Our regular monthly discussion with Barry Woods, of Plug-In America, and Revision Energy. Sept 23 – Oct 2 is electric car week. We discuss how the US power grid could be saved by electric vehicles.
Part 1:
We discuss with Prof. Stokes how direct democracy is implemented, and the different forms. We find that many legislatures would like to eliminate direct democracy, and will not cede power to voters.
Part 2:
We talk with John Nichols about the Republican strategy of not following the normal rules, but instead bypassing voters and the will of voters. Rules are changed, or just ignored, in order to push the Republican agenda. We discuss the 17th Amendment. Democracy should be expanded, not circumscribed by party policy.
Part 1:
We talk with Mark Joseph Stern about the shadow docket, and it is used by right wing groups to evade the laws as passed by Congress. They avoid the formal processes to get their way.
Part 2:
We talk with Tobias Read, treasurer of Oregon about recent initiatives to defeat the environmental efforts of states, and how they invest their pension funds. This is to support carbon based solutions, rather than to enable more environmental responsible investment.
This is a Rethink the Week with guests Lincoln Mitchell, Val Endress, Stephen Pimpare, Rick Newman.
Part one: our regular check in with Scott Braddock, the editor of the Quorum Report, the voice of Texas, the Dean of the Austin press corps
topics:
Part two:
Bill Curry an American lawyer and politician who has been a two-time Democratic nominee for Governor of Connecticut and a White House advisor in the administration of Bill Clinton.He was head of Freeze Voter, a nuclear freeze group.
Robert Hockett is an American lawyer, law professor, and policy advocate. He holds two positions at Cornell University (the Edward Cornell Professor of Law at Cornell Law School and a Professor of Public Affairs), is senior counsel at investment firm Westwood Capital, LLC,[1] and was a Fellow at The Century Foundation think tank.[2][3][4]As of 2019, he is advising Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the Green New Deal.
--part one:
Adam M. Finkel, Sc.D., CIH
Clinical Professor of Environmental Health Sciences
University of Michigan School of Public Health
Dr. Finkel was the Director of Health Standards Programs at the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from 1995-2000, responsible for analyzing, promulgating, and defending (in Congressional and judicial forums) regulations to protect U.S. workers from chemical, infectious, and radiological exposures. From 2000-2003, he was Regional Administrator in charge of all OSHA operations in the Rocky Mountain region (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY).--part one:
Adam M. Finkel, Sc.D., CIH
Clinical Professor of Environmental Health Sciences
University of Michigan School of Public Health
Dr. Finkel was the Director of Health Standards Programs at the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from 1995-2000, responsible for analyzing, promulgating, and defending (in Congressional and judicial forums) regulations to protect U.S. workers from chemical, infectious, and radiological exposures. From 2000-2003, he was Regional Administrator in charge of all OSHA operations in the Rocky Mountain region (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY).
--part one:
Adam M. Finkel, Sc.D., CIH
Clinical Professor of Environmental Health Sciences
University of Michigan School of Public Health
Dr. Finkel was the Director of Health Standards Programs at the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from 1995-2000, responsible for analyzing, promulgating, and defending (in Congressional and judicial forums) regulations to protect U.S. workers from chemical, infectious, and radiological exposures. From 2000-2003, he was Regional Administrator in charge of all OSHA operations in the Rocky Mountain region (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY).part two: Nancy Thompson the one woman who started it all
A new MAGA: Mothers Against Greg Abbott mobilizes against the incumbent governor seeking a third termMothers Against Greg Abbott has grown into a potent political force in the governor’s race, with a membership of over 50,000 on Facebook. The group recently caught more attention after releasing ads that have gone viral on social media.
Guests:
Rick Newman is a former New Hampshire State Representative and Portsmouth City Councilor. With over 41 years of experience in New Hampshire state government, Rick is an established figure, lobbying on behalf of both local and national companies.
Ryan Cooper is the Prospect’s managing editor, and author of How Are You Going to Pay for That?: Smart Answers to the Dumbest Question in Politics. He was previously a national correspondent for The Week. His work has also appeared in The Nation, The New Republic, and Current Affairs.
Laura Jedeed is a freelance journalist based in New York City. She is eternally curious and likes to explore a wide range of topics, but often writes about housing justice, military interventionism, and the American far right.
Stephen Pimpare is director of the Public Service and Nonprofit Leadership Program at the University of New Hampshire. He is the author of The New Victorians: Poverty, Politics, and Propaganda in Two Gilded Ages (2004); A People’s History of Poverty in America (2008); and Ghettos, Tramps, and Welfare Queens: Down and Out on the Silver Screen(2017) and Politics for Social Workers (2021)
Part 1:
We discuss voting registrations, and how the majority of new registrations are are women. The Republicans have overreached with their hate, aggressive and vindictive tactics. We discuss the abortion referendum up for a vote in Michigan, just in time for the midterm election.Their goal is straight, white male supremacy.
Part 2:
We discuss the inflation problem, and how the infrastructure, so vulnerable to the climate crisis is affecting it. The US system of government is too slow to be able to react to and correct for this.We look for policy staff to correct problems, but the staff rosters have been decimated, and many government agencies have been hollowed out, dating back to Reagan, and with the help of Gingrich. “Personnel is policy”, as Elizab
Part 1:
We talk about the political landscape in Texas. O'Rourke may have a chance at beating Abbott for the governorship. Women are 70% of the newly registered voters. Abbott has identified himself as a culture warrior, rather than a pro-business champion. Medical PREP is no longer necessarily covered by employer insurance. This may have implications for other drugs or therapies: screening, preventive vaccinations, etc.
Part 2:
We talk with Robert Hennelly and Bill Curry about the unveiling of the Obama portraits at the White House, something NOT done during Trump's presidency. Many election deniers are on the ballots of multiple states. We discuss the failures of Democratic leaders: limited ACA, etc. Seems to indicate that Democrats are unwilling to go against their corporate donors.
Part 1
We talk with David Dayen about the proliferation of "dollar stores" in the US. There are more than 35,000 dollar stores in the country, taking advantage of the increase in the number of people who are 'downscaling' their purchases. Cheap, shoddy goods are now a replacement for quality. This is part of a trend which includes 'minute clinics', and similar kinds of establishments. This is an example of the stratification of wealth, and the private equity acquisitions of huge parts of the American economy.
Part 2:
We talk with Jesse Eisinger about how wealthy people avoid paying taxes. There are many strategies, but the outcome is that the very wealthy pay much less than their fair share of taxes. This undermines government and society.
Part 1:
We speak with Mel Goodman about the mistakes that various presidents made when dealing with Gorbachev. Gorbachev tried to demilitarize the USSR, by reducing the number of troops, withdrawing from Afghanistan, and cooperate with the US and NATO. Unfortunately, the US, through presidents, Secretaries of State, and Security Chiefs, did not take the opportunities offered. We now have, as a result, two 'cold wars'. China and Russia are now enemies, and better ways should be found to cooperate: climate, space, pandemics could be 'common ground' for such cooperation.
Part 2:
Vangela M. Wade, of the Mississippi Center for Justice, discusses the current water crisis in Jackson, Ms. This can be traced to a lack of investment in the infrastructure in this predominantly Black city. There is a late recognition of how disastrous this is, and how it hurts the citizens of the city and the state. All due to the racism endemic to the state and city. A great deal of money will be spent, but it should be spent with a goal of permanent solutions, rather than temporary 'band-aids'.
Part 1:
We discuss Biden's speech, "Protect Democracy", and how he pointed out that that Republicans are an authoritarian, fascist group. We emphasize how important voter turnout will be this November.
Part 2:
We discuss how important it is that Democrats take credit for the helpful and progressive legislation passed in the last few months.
Rebroadcast of two previous guest interviews.
Part 1:
Geeta Kapoor discusses the history of University of North Carolina, and the racism enshrined there.
Part 2:
Jasmine Greene's letter to her future Black legacy child.
Part 1: Scott Braddock
We discuss the student loan forgiveness that Biden announced. Much of the problem is that tuition costs have risen dramatically, with less funding coming from states.
Gov Abbott is campaigning in Texas, and claims that raising the age to buy automatic weapons is "unconstitutional" (bogus). Abbot has not provided any leadership on other issues: infrastructure in Texas is sadly lacking.
Part 2: Bill Curry and Robert Hockett
We discuss the SCOTUS judges. The court is dominated by Federalist Society judges, and has moved to the far right. We discuss the Barre Seid donation of $1.6 B to Leonard Leo, who will likely use it to create more rightward influence.
We also discuss Lindsay Graham's warmongering on behalf of Trump.
Part 1: Ro Khanna
We discuss the push to create more manufacturing jobs in the US. Khanna proposes "manufacturing patriotism", or "economic patriotism" as a way of advancing this. It will also require the participation of labor, similar to what Germany does: it encourages worker participation on boards.
It will also require infrastructure improvement. We need to prioritize safety and security, not by the Pentagon's spending method, but spending on infrastructure, because we are now having to cope with climate crises.
Part 2: Jasper Craven
We discuss the challenges faced by military veterans. The VA outperforms the private sector in taking care of those veterans who can participate, but more need to be able to enter the VA system. Services should be extended to families, and more veterans should be able to qualify for VA benefits.
Part 1:
Linda Feldman (Christian Science Monitor) discuss the young activists who are working to counter the MAGA fueled encroachments on rights. Most (74%) support abortion rights and gender equity rights. They are examples of intersectionality, including LGTQ members, who see the fight as important and affecting them all. The "originalists" want to restrict rights.
Part 2:
We talk with Paul Glastris (Washington Monthly) about college rankings. How were these developed, who developed them, and for what purpose. There are problems with the US News and World Report rankings, and the Washington Monthly has developed different criteria from those currently used (wealth, exclusivity, 'prestige'). Instead, the WM uses as its basic criteria of how a school is an engine of upward mobility, funds scholars and scholarship that fuels innovation, encourages civic participation, and the salaries its graduates earn 10 years out, among others.
Part 1:
We talk with Andy Kroll about the $1.6 B given to Leonard Leo and the Federalist Society by Bare Seid. While this is legal, it will support the reactionary Republican strategy of expanding the "originalist" interpretation of the Constitution, to general detriment, and limiting freedoms won by successive amendments and changing circumstances. The goal is to diminish the "administrative state" so decried by the MAGA crowd.
Part 2:
We discuss the University of North Carolina, the oldest public university in the US with Geeta Kapur. UNC has hidden their history of racism, and their founding on the lives and bodies of enslaved people. This is just as the Supreme Court is about to consider Affirmative Action. UNC did not admit people of color until the mid-1960's and resisted strenuously any attempts to integrate.
Part 1:
We discuss the topic of abortion, and how the discussion is affecting this years elections. Many Republican candidates have avoided the issue, and some have run away from it, though they really want to nationalize the most restrictive policies.
Part 2:
We discuss health care in the US, and how this has become a profit case. The politics of scarcity rule. The topic of "quiet quitting" is getting a lot of attention from corporate America, because social contracts are failing.
RaceClass | Episode 8, Part B
2022 08 24
Outline
Race Matters Before Admissions
UNC’s Legacy of Racial Exclusion | A Conversation with Dr. William Sturkey
- Arnie Open Legislation restricting the teaching of race and racismin public schools and government entities has spread across the country. In an effort to respond, Boston University Law Professor Jonathan Feingold and The Attitude with Arnie Arnesen (a radio show that airs on the Pacifica Network and on wnhnfm.org) are offering "Race Class" - a once a month course/conversation where listeners can hear what it is like to approach race and racism from a place of curiosity and history rather than fear and anxiety....In describing the foundational purpose of "Race Class," Arnesen and Feingold note, "We know race matters. Part of this project is to make sense of what that means."
- Summer review: 6-part Affirmative Action mini-series
- Our angle: how “race matters” before Affirmative Action arrives. IOW, what is the racial baseline against which Affirmative Action intervenes.
- June & July: how race matters during & after admissions
- August: how race matters before admissions – IOW: how the past shapes the present.
- Last episode: UNC’s legacy of racial exclusion.
- Our upshot: over its history, UNC has invested more in racial exclusion than racial inclusion. Not even close.
- Today: UNC historian Dr. William Sturkey is here to help us dive deeper into the convo.
- Dr. Sturkey bio: William Sturkey is an associate professor of History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he teaches classes on Modern American History. He is the author of Hattiesburg: An American City in Black and White, and a variety of public writing that has appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Washington Post, and other venues
- Last episode: UNC’s legacy of racial exclusion.
- Our angle: how “race matters” before Affirmative Action arrives. IOW, what is the racial baseline against which Affirmative Action intervenes.
- Qs for Dr. Sturkey
- You’re a historian. Professionally and personally, how do you think about the relationship between the past and the present?
- As an historical matter, what are two or three moments, events, or pieces of UNC’s racial history that we should know about but probably don’t?
- Can you place those moments into the broader historical / social context. Put differently, was UNC’s troubled history with racial exclusion unique or consistent with a broader societal pattern/phenomenon?
- In past #RaceClass episodes, we’ve asked the provocative question: In what year was the United States no longer a racist society? Rather than generate a specific answer, the question pushes us to not simply take for granted that we are somehow post-racial. I’ll ask a similar question but shift the focus UNC. In what year did UNC become a post-racial campus? Put differently, when did UNC overcome its history of racial exclusion and racial hostility to people of color?
- Assuming UNC still has work to do, what is necessary for the university to become a truly racially inclusive institution?
- One thing we discuss on #RaceClass is that often, as a society, we’re not even asking the right question when it comes to issues of race and racism. Returning to UNC’s relationship with race and racism today, are there questions we should be asking but we often overlook?
--
Part 1:
We talk with Scott Braddock about the trigger laws in Texas, which went into effect this week.Many women, including Republicans, are angry. During the debate on the ACA, Republicans' position was that the government should not step between patient and doctor, a complete opposite view. But, the Republicans have backed the Supreme Court, even though traditional Republicans do not agree with “no exceptions.” This may hurt the Republicans when Senators are up for election.
Part 2:
Bill Curry and Lincoln Mitchell discuss the effects of our very quickly changed climate. Is there time to address climate change, or is it too late?
We also discuss effects of a loan forgiveness for college loans. Should there be a different way to allow college to be available to all who want to go?
Part 1:
We talk with Lauren Weber about the power of prosecutorial discretion that Attorneys General have. Weber works for Kaiser Health News, and we discuss this in the context of prosecutions for abortion related “crimes” as defined by some states.
In most states, AG power ends at the local level, and it is local prosecutors who decide what to pursue. If the governor, as DeSantis did, overrides the local prosecutor, the will of the people who elected the prosecutor is being contravened. The budget for prosecutions is also limited, and it may not be the voters’ wishes that funds are spent to not to prosecute burglaries, rapes, or murders, in favor of pusuing a possible abortion.
Part 2:
We discuss with Mark Joseph Stern (Slate.com) the real outcome of the Dobbs decision. The Justices live in an insulated world, and do not understand the real world implications of that decision: doctors reluctant to practice good medicine because they may be targeted by law enforcement/prosecutors. Many consequences have already occurred: the early ultrasounds to find abnormalities, the pressure to carry nonviable fetuses to term, reluctance to help children abort the result of rape or incest, etc.
Part 1:
We discuss with Megan O'Matz the recent attacks by the Republicans on the League of Women Voters. The LWV is political, but non partisan. Apparently, that is now unacceptable to the right wing.
Part 2:
We talk with Ryan Cooper about the changes that will likely come about due to infrastructure spending because of the new IRA bill recently signed into law.
Part 1:
We discuss a recent attack by Republicans on “woke churches” in New Hampshire.
The GOP now an organized crime ring or terror organization. When anyone disagrees with them, they are targeted for verbal attacks, and, possibly, physical attacks, since people now have many weapons. SCOTUS will allow this, considering the makeup.
Part 2:
We discuss the likelihood of more women voting in 2022. Will economic issues outweigh liberty/democracy issues?
The GOP is now the radical side, and it is unclear which way the voters will go.
We discuss the Executive Actions Biden could implement now.
Part 1:
Our guest is Bob Hennelly, and we discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed by Biden. Unfortunately, it is not enough to actuallly deal with inflation. More granular attention needs to be paid to individual households: child tax credit should be reinstated, child care shold be available for parents, mostly women, who had to leave employment, etc.
Inflation is not a policy, it is a problem.
Part 2:
We speak with Bill Curry and John Nichols about Liz Cheney, who has been ejected from the Republican Caucus for her opposition to Trump. The Republicans are now the anti-democracy party. They have not become “disagreers,” but evil and cruel. We anticipate that Trump will run in 2024, and steal the “independent” vote away from Biden.
Part 1:
We talk with Kathryn Joyce about Kari Lake's remarks praising Trump and DeSantis as having “big dick energy”.
Lake has espoused multiple issues for the Republicans, and is now running for Governor of Arizona. She has supported two-tiered education systems, banning homeless people, more police hiring, more jails, universal school vouchers, and two different systems of justice for rich and poor. To her, democracy is the enemy: a true member of the MAGA crowd.
Part 2:
We discuss with Barry Woods what the likely future will be for EV's. There is some concern about the supply chain problems likely to trouble manufacturers. We need infrastructure : the charging networks needed. However a tax break for purchasers of EV's should help some people transition.
Part one: a conversation with ILSR's Ron Knox
Ron Knox is a Senior Researcher and Writer for ILSR’s Independent Business Initiative. A combined storyteller and antitrust expert, Ron is building our deep bench of reporting and research on the ways extreme corporate concentration has come to dominate and damage industries throughout the economy. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Slate, The American Prospect and elsewhere. He is based in Kansas City.
Business Insider: Amazon bought the company that makes the Roomba. Antitrust researchers and data-privacy experts say it’s ‘the most dangerous, threatening acquisition in the company’s history’
We discuss the implications of having a device that can map, sometimes video record, listen to, and generally surveill a user's home. Amazon can sell the collected data to other companies. We discuss Federal anti-merger guidelines, and how they can be enforced to disallow this kind of integration.
part two: a conversation with Public Integrity's Mc Nelly Torres and Alex Lubben
Too little, too late for people seeking climate relief
With complicated applications and long wait times, the government’s primary effort to move people out of harm’s way falls woefully behind in the era of climate change.
https://publicintegrity.org/environment/harms-way/fema-buyout-seeking-climate-relief/
Mc Nelly Torres is an award-winning, investigative journalist based in South Florida and a former investigative producer for NBC6 in Miami. In 2010, Torres co-founded the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting (FCIR.org).
Many people are in harm's way due to climate change. Years or poor flood management has caused this, and continued building in flood prone areas has exacerbated this trend. We, as a nation, have not managed “managed retreat” to help people. The worst effects are for lower income population.
part one: Mel Goodman
Melvin A. Goodman is a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy and a professor of government at Johns Hopkins University. A former CIA analyst, Goodman is the author of Failure of Intelligence: The Decline and Fall of the CIA and National Insecurity: The Cost of American Militarism. and A Whistleblower at the CIA. His most recent books are “American Carnage: The Wars of Donald Trump” (Opus Publishing, 2019) and “Containing the National Security State” (Opus Publishing, 2021). Goodman is the national security columnist for counterpunch.org.
It is the one-year anniversary of the US leaving Afghanistan. The US spent 20 years there, longer than the British, longer than the Russia. The US state department had many failures at the end.
We discuss the Ayman al Zawahri killing and its implications. It is hard to negotiate with Afghanistan, and it dysfunction.
Why was Trump's exit from the White House not monitored more closely?
What part did Khash Patel play in choosing the documents that Trump took with him?
IRS, FBI, and other agents have been doxxed, and threatened.
Can the US have a cooperative relationship with China?
part two:
We talk with Matt Ford about the Abortion Elections. Matt Ford isa staff writer at The New Republic. His work focuses on law, the courts, and democracy. Originally from Nevada, who previously wrote for The Atlantic.
Voters appear to be rethinking the implications of the Dobbs decision, and how it will affect many aspects of their lives. They see that they can affect the outcome. But, recount of the vote is now pending in Kansas.
We discuss prosecutorial discretion.
We also discuss how the right wing seems to want to get their own supporters killed, as in Ohio.
Limerick, by Skip Tenaczar
“Drain the Swamp” Donald said he had to take the fifth.
This guy who stoked the turmoil on January Sixth.
No self-incrimination,
Through legal interrogation.
The mighty Trump is cunning and perpetuates his myth.
Part 1:
We talk with Robert Hennelly, Rick Newman, Lincoln Mitchell, Jeff Van Treese
We discuss the deadline for Trump to consent to release the search warrants at MarALago. He has the affidavit, and inventory of what was taken, but has held off on releasing this information. He is fundraising off “Defend Mar A Lago”.
Biden's success and the Democrats' success are being overshadowed by Trump's antics. Democrats should talk about those successes, and how they help people.
Part 2:
This is the post-truth era: Republicans are defending Trump without awareness of the causes for the search.
Beto O'Rourke makes news by calling out a person who laughed when the murders of the Uvaldi victims are cited. There is a climate crisis in Texas: it is HOT.
We discuss the effects of the Dobbs decision.
Part 1
Scott Braddock discusses what is happening in Texas, during the election cycle for governor. Currently, Beto O'Rourke is challenging Abbott, the incumbent. The main topic is the Uvalde shooting at the Robb elementary school, where 19 children and 2 teachers were killed, while police from various agencies stood by. These police agencies have kept the records of the evens secret.
An audience member was castigated as a mother------ by O'Rourke because he laughed during the discussion of the deaths.
Other topics in Texas were the economy, climate change, the powergrid in Texas. Trump has visited Texas five times, and CPAC was held in Texas. Only one debate between the candidates has been scheduled, on a Friday night (typically when all attention is focused on the high school football game.
Part 2:
We talk with Stephen Pimpare and Bill Curry. The first discussion is about the Lincoln Project video aimed to needle Trump, “Who squealed? About the documents still at Mar-A-Lago”. It has caused consternation among Republicans, who are defending Trump, and insisting that Merrick Garland release the subpeana which authorized the search in Florida.
We also discuss the recent primary elections, and how Republicans participated in Democratic primaries, to sway those elections.
This is episode 7A of Race Class, with Jonathan Feingold.
How race matters before an admission to a university.
This month on #RaceClass, we’re asking: How does race matter before admissions? To start answer this question, we’re examining UNC-Chapel Hill’s history of racial exclusion.
UNC-Chapel Hill is defending its race-conscious admissions policy before the Supreme Court. To understand why affirmative action remains a legal necessity and moral imperative at UNC, #RaceClass explores UNC’s legacy of racial exclusion. UNC is our nation’s oldest public university. But from its founding in 1789 through 1955, UNC formally excluded Black students from its undergraduate campus. This policy reflected openly white supremacist attitudes at the highest echelons of UNC’s leadership, For the next twenty five years, UNC actively resisted federal pressure and court orders to desegregate. Part of that dispute ended in 1981, when the Reagan administration brokered a backroom deal with UNC’s institutional leadership—a negotiation that excluded the NAACP and other stakeholders that had fought for integration at UNC. So from 1789 through 1981, UNC either formally barred Black students or resisted integration. Recent events, including the mistreatment of Nikole Hannah-Jones, the defunding of civil rights centers, and a backroom deal with the Sons of Confederate Veterans, suggest UNC has yet to overcome this legacy of racial exclusion.
#RaceClass Recs: To Drink from the Well: The Struggle for Racial Equality at the Nation’s Oldest Public University (Kapur)
August 11 2022
part 1
We talk with Laura Jedeed, who attended CPAC, and reported on their war plans.
Some quotes:
“we are at war” [with those who do not support our agenda]
“we are at the edge of an abyss” Donald Trump in his speech
“this is a call to war”
Part 2
This is episode 7A of Race Class, with Jonathan Feingold.
How race matters before an admission to a university.
This month on #RaceClass, we’re asking: How does race matter before admissions? To start answer this question, we’re examining UNC-Chapel Hill’s history of racial exclusion.
UNC-Chapel Hill is defending its race-conscious admissions policy before the Supreme Court. To understand why affirmative action remains a legal necessity and moral imperative at UNC, #RaceClass explores UNC’s legacy of racial exclusion. UNC is our nation’s oldest public university. But from its founding in 1789 through 1955, UNC formally excluded Black students from its undergraduate campus. This policy reflected openly white supremacist attitudes at the highest echelons of UNC’s leadership, For the next twenty five years, UNC actively resisted federal pressure and court orders to desegregate. Part of that dispute ended in 1981, when the Reagan administration brokered a backroom deal with UNC’s institutional leadership—a negotiation that excluded the NAACP and other stakeholders that had fought for integration at UNC. So from 1789 through 1981, UNC either formally barred Black students or resisted integration. Recent events, including the mistreatment of Nikole Hannah-Jones, the defunding of civil rights centers, and a backroom deal with the Sons of Confederate Veterans, suggest UNC has yet to overcome this legacy of racial exclusion.
#RaceClass Recs: To Drink from the Well: The Struggle for Racial Equality at the Nation’s Oldest Public University (Kapur)
August 10 2022 Wednesday
Part 1:
We talk with Garphil Julien about the recently passed CHIPS bill, which is designed to help corporations that research advances in chip making. We ask who will benefit long term? The bill does not address supply chain issues or supply chain resiliency.
Part 2:
We talk with Allison Bovell-Ammon and Shaillyn Gupta Barnes, of the Karios Center. We discuss the inequality of wealth in the US. Despite proven effective strategies of helping poorer US residents, via the child tax credit, this support was eliminated, and not renewed. It provided a way to give stability to lower-income families, at a relatively low cost. Wealth distribution in the US has been upward instead.
Discussion of what it takes to run for office: super name recognition or lots of money. We also discuss the Kansas vote to keep abortion in the constitution.
A third part has been proposed, but does not look viable.
Part 1:
We talk with Bob Hennelly about how the US could get 'unstuck' from the problems we now have.
The Democrats are slipping in the polls with Latino men, and working people. They have not delivered what people needed for their base. Everyone is still focused on the big lie. The only moderately bright spot is the rise in union activity.
Part 2:
We talk with Paul Glastris about the shift of working class and Latino men to Republicans. This population is more focused on economic, rather than social issues. The donor class has neutered the Democrats, and are more concerned with big business, rather than 'main street'. There is a fake tradeoff between regulations and economic development.
Part 1:
We talk with Bob Lord, senior advisor to Patriotic Millionaires. He is a tax lawyer and former Congressional candidate, is an associate fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies.
We discuss the necessity to tax the very rich, primarily because great wealth is used to buy power. In the US, there are about 700 billionaires, whose wealth increased by $2 T during the pandemic. “You don't make a billion, you take a billion.”
Part 2:
We talk with Professor Jonathan Feingold, in class #3 of Race Class: Affirmative Action. We discuss how Affirmative Action is designed to produce neutrality in admission.
Part 1:
Suzanne Gordon is the author of The Battle for Veterans' Healthcare: Dispatches from the Frontlines of Policy Making and Patient Care and the forthcoming Wounds of War: Veterans' Healthcare in the Era of Privatization.
We discuss the threats from privatization to the Veteran's Administration, and the hospitals. The hospitals and health care centers run by the VA have done an outstanding task in taking care of vets, and training medical professionals. But there are forces in congress that want to privatize these services. Nominations for agency managers are being held up in the approval process, exacerbating the problem.
Part 2:
We talk with Ryan Cooper is the Prospect’s managing editor, and author of How Are You Going to Pay for That?: Smart Answers to the Dumbest Question in Politics. He was previously a national correspondent for The Week. His work has also appeared in The Nation, The New Republic, and Current Affairs.
We discuss the Supreme Court's recent rulings, and the idea that the Court has the final say on any topic. THIS IS NOT TRUE, and should be fought. It was not the intent of the framers, and citizens and officials should defy the court. Judicial review corrupts the law itself, and arrogates to the court powers it does not have. We should confront the power. Mobilization is necessary, coupled with a strong union movement to defy and check this court.