Best of the Left Podcast: Recent Episodes
Best of the Left Podcast
This podcast is a beautifully executed compilation combining the absolute best in left-leaning political news, commentary and occasional comedy with great music to pull it all together. For each edition I choose a political theme and deliver a variety of stories and perspectives from an array of sources on that theme.
Air Date: 8/8/2026
Today we examine the mass deportation machine that's been intentionally designed to inflict suffering, from the conditions inside immigration jails to the reckless actions of ICE agents, and the systematic dismantling of accountability. All of this in service of a blatant demographic engineering program to forcibly Whiten the country.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Lauren Bonds on ICE Murders Part 1 - CounterSpin - Air Date 7-17-26
KP 2: Trumps National Killer Police Force Part 1 - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 7-24-26
KP 3: Uncovering Abuse Inside America's Largest ICE Detention Center Part 1 - Fresh Air - Air Date 7-14-26
KP 4: ICE Took Mom and Dad. Now the Kids Are on Their Own. Part 1 - Reveal - Air Date 7-25-26
KP 5: ICE Deports Family To Their Deaths In Guatemala - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-29-26
KP 6: ICE Took Mom and Dad. Now the Kids Are on Their Own. Part 2 - Reveal - Air Date 7-25-26
(00:58:33) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Mass Deportation and the Birth Rate Panic Are One Project
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:18:16) SECTION A: INEVITABLE BRUTALITY
A1: What We Know About the Recent ICE Killings Part 1 - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 7-20-26
A2: ICE Kills Again Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-13-26
A3: What We Know About the Recent ICE Killings Part 2 - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 7-20-26
A4: ICE Kills Again Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-13-26
A5: Trump Endorses Non Citizen FBI Stops Investigating ICE Shootings Maine Dems Pick Platner's Sub - David Feldman Show - Air Date 7-19-26
A6: ICE Murders and the Maine Senate Scramble with David Dayen and David Weigel - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 7-17-26
(02:15:18) SECTION B: DESIGNED TO BE UNBEARABLE
B1: Killer ICE Agent's Ex-Wife Tells Us Everything We Need To Know - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-17-26
B2: Uncovering Abuse Inside America's Largest ICE Detention Center Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 7-14-26
B3: Lauren Bonds on ICE Murders Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air Date 7-17-26
B4: Trumps National Killer Police Force Part 2 - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 7-24-26
(02:51:33) SECTION C: THE WORLD WATCHES & THE PEOPLE FIGHT BACK
C1: Claudia Sheinbaum Takes on the ICE Killing Machine Part 1 - Soberanía - Air Date 7-15-26
C2: Meet Beto Coral, Activist Targeted by ICE for Criticism of Trump-Backed Colombian President-Elect - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-28-26
C3: Claudia Sheinbaum Takes on the ICE Killing Machine Part 2 - Soberanía - Air Date 7-15-26
C4: Citizens Bank Cuts Ties to ICE Prison Companies GEO Group & CoreCivic After Grassroots Campaign - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-30-26
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Publish Date: 8-5-2026 Original Air Date: 8–13-2021
Today we dig through the archives to give context to the news of the 2021 IPCC report ringing the alarm bells for the climate crisis.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The IPCC's new report - @greennewsreport - Air Date 4-3-14
Ch. 2: Green News Report w/ Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen - Air Date 8-10-21
Ch. 3: Global Water Shortages Pose Threat of Terror & War - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date 02-16-14
Ch. 4: The World's On Fire and There's Money in the Flames - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 8-10-21
Ch. 5: Why humans are so bad at thinking about climate change - Vox - Air Date 4-19-17
Ch. 6: Report confirms the effect of climate change happening today, spurs action - @greennewsreport - Air Date 5-6-14
Ch. 7: When Republicans believed in climate change - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 04-22-14
Ch. 8: Geoff Mann: Transforming and Democratizing Institutions to Address Climate Change - Economics & Beyond with Rob Johnson - Air Date 8-9-21
Ch. 9: Climate crisis and jobs with Naomi Klein - What Comes After What Comes Next - Air Date 6-11-20
Ch. 10: Extreme Heat in the News, Naming Heat Waves, Thermal Equity and more with Dr. Ladd Keith - America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast - Air Date 7-5-21
Ch. 11: Putting the Freeze on Global Warming - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-25-14
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Air Date: 8/1/2026
Today we investigate how the argument moved from what the Supreme Court decides to whether the Court should be rebuilt. Only about one in five Americans has strong confidence in the Court, and the proposals on the table would end lifetime seats, set fixed terms, and add judges across the federal bench. We're arguing that these reforms are necessary for a functioning democracy.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: 'Unhinged and Racist': Hayes EVISCERATES Trump's Birthright Argument - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 6-30-26
KP 2: "We Continue to Fight": Chase Strangio on the Supreme Court's Ban on Trans Girls & Women in Sports - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-1-26
KP 3: Supreme Court Guts Voting Rights Act in "Devastating Blow" to Democracy & Civil Rights: Maya Wiley - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-30-26
KP 4: The Term the Court Stopped Pretending Part 1 - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, Justice, and the Courts - Air Date 7-7-26
KP 5: "The Most Destructive Chief Justice in My Lifetime": Dissecting John Roberts with Lisa Graves Part 1 - 5-4 - Air Date 6-23-26
KP 6: Did the Birthright Citizenship Ruling Prove It's Time for SCOTUS Reform? Part 1 - Stateside with Kai and Carter - Air Date 7-1-26
(00:48:11) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Court Reform Has to Start With Filibuster Reform
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:02:17) SECTION A: THE RULINGS
A1: Supreme Court RUSHES Through SHOCK RULINGS - Legal AF and Lawyers for Good Government - Air Date 7-24-26
A2: In "Devastating" Immigration Ruling, Supreme Court Allows Trump Admin to "Turn Back" Asylum Seekers - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-26-26
A3: What Haitians and Syrians With TPS Need to Know Now - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 6-30-26
(01:26:07) SECTION B: THE CHARACTER OF THE COURT
B1: The Term the Court Stopped Pretending Part 2 - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, Justice, and the Courts - Air Date 7-7-26
B2: SCOTUS Doubles Down on Bigotry in Final Decisions of the Term - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 6-30-26
B3: The Supreme Court Is Corrupt. This Is What We Can Do About It. - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 5-1-26
B4: BREAKING: SCOTUS Just Snuck Radical Law Past the Headlines - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 6-23-26
B5: Strict Scrutiny X WITHpod SCOTUS Review Crossover - Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast - Air Date 7-7-26
(02:13:52) SECTION C: ORIGINS, HOW WE GOT THIS COURT
C1: 250 Years of Bad Decisions: SCOTUS, the Civil War, and the End of Reconstruction - 5-4 - Air Date 6-30-26
C2: "The Most Destructive Chief Justice in My Lifetime": Dissecting John Roberts with Lisa Graves Part 2 - 5-4 - Air Date 6-23-26
(02:33:08) SECTION D: REFORM, WHAT DO WE DO?
D1: How to Fix the Supreme Court (with Miriam Rosenbaum and Olatunde Johnson) - Brennan Center for Justice - Air Date 5-6-26
D2: Did the Birthright Citizenship Ruling Prove It's Time for SCOTUS Reform? Part 2 - Stateside with Kai and Carter - Air Date 7-1-26
D3: Broke: Pack the Supreme Court. Woke: Pack ALL of the Courts - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 7-23-26
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Air Date: 7/25/2026
Today we look at the idea that America has become a gerontocracy, a country run by the old, and then interrogate the premise a bit. The wealth, the politicians, and the voting electorate really do concentrate at the top of the age ladder, and benefits for the old tend to stay protected while younger people wait their turn. But several of our sources argue age is the wrong name for the problem, that it is really a story about money and who the whole system was built to serve.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: What Is There to Say About Lindsey Graham - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 7-12-26
KP 2: Where Is Mitch McConnell? - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 7-10-26
KP 3: The Mitch McConnell Mystery Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-14-26
KP 4: Why Is Congress Like This Part 1 - Civics 101 - Air Date 6-30-26
KP 5: Mitch, Lindsey and the Gerontocracy Part 1 - What Next - Air Date 7-13-26
KP 6: Gerontocracy with Samuel Moyn Part 1 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 7-1-26
(00:52:22) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
How Congress Got Crippled, A True Crime Story
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:07:37) SECTION A: THE MCCONNELL & GRAHAM MOMENT
A1: A Grave Situation In The Senate Part 1 - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 7-14-26
A2: The Mitch McConnell Mystery Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-14-26
A3: A Grave Situation In The Senate Part 2 - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 7-14-26
A4: The Attractive Anti-Politics of 'Gerontocracy' Discourse Part 1 - Citations Needed - Air Date 9-21-22
(01:49:14) SECTION B: THE GERONTOCRACY CASE
B1: Mitch McConnell and Our Very Old Congress Part 1 - What A Day - Air Date 7-9-26
B2: Mitch, Lindsey and the Gerontocracy Part 2 - What Next - Air Date 7-13-26
B3: Mitch McConnell and Our Very Old Congress Part 2 - What A Day - Air Date 7-9-26
B4: The Gerontocracy Problem Samuel Moyn - Future Hindsight - Air Date 6-11-26
B5: Gerontocracy with Samuel Moyn Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 7-1-26
B6: The Attractive Anti-Politics of 'Gerontocracy' Discourse Part 2 - Citations Needed - Air Date 9-21-22
(02:34:15) SECTION C: HOW CONGRESS ACTUALLY WORKS
C1: Melinda N. Ritchie, Backdoor Lawmaking Evading Obstacles in the US Congress (Oxford UP, 2023) Part 1 - New Books in Political Science - Air Date 12-12-23
C2: Why Is Congress Like This Part 2 - Civics 101 - Air Date 6-30-26
C3: Melinda N. Ritchie, Backdoor Lawmaking Evading Obstacles in the US Congress (Oxford UP, 2023) Part 2 - New Books in Political Science - Air Date 12-12-23
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Air Date: 7/25/2026
The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on the news from June and July without being overwhelming! Organized around a single idea: the same politics that left America friendless abroad is keeping Americans apart at home. The war with Iran ends and America's word counts for less around the world, so Europe starts building its own software instead of buying ours, NATO war-games its own doubts, and China quietly steadies the world's oil markets, while Taiwan shows that real security comes from connection, not threats. At home, the administration revives the red scare, hands the Justice Department to the president's personal lawyer while judges face death threats, and turns the country's 250th birthday into a fight over who counts as American, and billionaires cash out while everyone argues. And the way back starts small: a psychologist's simple habit for a happier social life, organizers who treat loneliness as a political problem with a political cure, and a Michigan Senate campaign built on talking to people instead of donors.
Covering: June–July 2026
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SECTION 1: A SUPERPOWER WITHOUT FRIENDS
(00:01:30) #1805 - Trump Giving Iran $300 Billion to End His Own War
1: The Iran Deal, Boy, I Don't Know - Takes by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 6-18-26
2: J.D. Vance Iran Deal Fall Guy Part 1 - On the Media - Air Date 6-19-26
3: Trump Weakened U.S. Allies While Strengthening Iran Part 1 - UNFTR - Air Date 6-19-26
(00:26:23) #1810 - Post-American Europe: How to Lose Friends and Influence People to Protect Themselves Against You
4: TODAY: Europe Replaces ENTIRE American Software Stack - Google OUT, Microsoft OUT June 9 - House of El - Air Date 6-4-26
5: Would NATO Hold if Russia Tested Article 5? Lessons From a War Game | Berlin Briefing Podcast Part 1 - DW News - Air Date 7-17-26
6: China Quietly Saved the World Last Month Part 1 - Max Fisher - Air Date 7-17-26
(00:54:17) #1799 - The US and China Are Fighting Over Taiwan, Semiconductors, and Africa's Minerals
7: Can There Ever Really Be "one China?" - Vox - Air Date 5-28-26
8: Trump's FAILED Meeting With China's Xi Jinping Was Humiliating - Pod Save the World - Air Date 5-21-26
9: China Will Never Beat Taiwan, Here's Why - Maxinomics - Air Date 3-37-26
SECTION 2: DIVIDED ON PURPOSE
(01:23:27) #1809 - Democrats Seek a Blue Wave, Progressives Push Democratic Socialism, GOP Revive the Red Scare
10: The Red Scare Returns Trump Is Calling Us Communists - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 7-8-26
11: Why Dems Like Him Are Crashing Out Right Now with Jeet Heer Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Dat 7-3-26
12: Unsticking Congress with Maya Kornberg Part 1 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 5-7-26
(01:45:55) #1802 - Department of Injustice: Revenge Prosecutions, Judges Threatened, and Incompetence All the Way Down
13: Trump Eyes Personal Lawyer to Run DOJ Part 1 - The Beat w Ari Melber - Air Date 6-4-26
14: This Federal Judge Ruled Against Trump. Then the Death Threats Rolled in Part 1 - 60 Minutes - Air Date 3-1-26
15: DOJ in Crisis - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 2-10-26
SECTION 3: STRANGERS IN OUR OWN COUNTRY
(02:12:09) #1806 - America at 250: The Declaration, the Constitution, and our Crisis of Democracy
16: America's 250th Birthday Must Reckon with Racism, Historian Says - Here & Now Anytime - Air Date 6-19-26
17: Trump 250 Gala Grows More Humiliating as Fox Grapples with Low Turnout - THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent - Air Date 6-26-26
18: The Constitution (Melissa's Version) - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 5-11-26
(02:37:01) #1807 - What the World Cup Exposes: Identity, Colonialism, and Racism in 2026
19: Pete Hegseth is Trying to Resegregate the Military - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 6-20-26
20: US Soccer Star Shows MAGA's Racism With Zero Effort - Rick Strom - Air Date 6-23-26
21: Colonial Wars Played On The Pitch - AJ+ - Air Date 6-21-26
(03:07:56) #1804 - Elon Musk, the First Trillionaire, and the Broken System That Made Him
22: Belfast Riots: Why UK Mobs See Racial Violence as 'national Defence' | Amina Shareef | MEE Opinion - Middle East Eye - Air Date 6-18-26
23: 'Billionaire CRISIS': How the Country's Wealthiest Are 'bankrolling' U.S. Politics - MS NOW - Air Date 5-27-26
24: SpaceX IPO: What They're Not Telling Retail Investors - UNFTR Media - Air Date 6-9-26
(03:34:28) #1808 - Billionaires vs. Democracy: They're Not Coming For Your Job, They're Coming For Your Government (And The Entire Economy)
25: The Richest Country Is Pretty Mid Now Part 1 - Benn Jordan - Air Date 6-28-26
26: The End Of Capitalism Is Here. - Second Thought - Air Date 6-5-26
27: America is Entering a New Socialist Era — and It Might Stick - The Recount - Air Date 6-30-26
SECTION 4: THE WAY BACK TO EACH OTHER
(04:03:58) #1800 - How Capitalism Created Loneliness and How To Joyfully Organize Our Way to Community
28: Anthropic Discovers the Axis of Evil, and AIs Loneliness Economy - The AI Fix - Air Date 2-3-26
29: The Political Economy of Love Attention, Affection, & What Capitalism Can't Buy Part 1 - Rev Left Radio - Air Date 1-19-26
30: The Simple Habit for a Happier Social Life Nicholas Epley Part 1 - TEDTalks - Air Date 5-19-26
(04:30:56) #1801 - Counterfeit Populism: Trump, the 2026 Primaries, and the Era That's Ending
31: Why I Left the (White) Left - Signified B Sides - Air Date 6-2-26
32: Hayes: Trump is Chasing Good Press with Bombs - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 6-11-26
33: Abdul El-Sayed Thinks the Michigan Senate Race Will Come Down to This One Factor - Slate and Abdul El-Sayed - Air Date 4-30-26
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Air Date: 7/22/2026
Today we look at how three things Europe thought were features turned out to be leverage that could be held against them: American military protection, Silicon Valley software, and cheap Chinese goods. From a French government office running Linux to a secret European defense coalition that bypasses Washington, Europe is quietly swapping out the old architecture rather than dismantling it, one operating system migration and one secret war game at a time.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: TODAY: Europe Replaces ENTIRE American Software Stack - Google OUT, Microsoft OUT June 9 - House of El - Air Date 6-4-26
KP 2: Inside the Second China Shock Sweeping Across Europe - Bloomberg Television - Air Date 2-8-26
KP 3: NATO's Secret Plans to Defend Europe Without the US - Times Originals - Air Date 7-17-26
KP 4: China Quietly Saved the World Last Month Part 1 - Max Fisher - Air Date 7-17-26
KP 5: How I View the US After 13 Years Living in Europe - Evan Edinger - Air Date 10-5-25
KP 6: Europes Quiet Breakup with U.S. Big Tech - Brit in Germany - Air Date 3-15-26
(00:54:13) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Why Europe Quitting US Big Tech Proves the Left Was Right
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:04:56) SECTION A: CAN EUROPE STAND ALONE
A1: Would NATO Hold if Russia Tested Article 5? Lessons From a War Game | Berlin Briefing Podcast Part 1 - DW News - Air Date 7-17-26
A2: 250 Years of USA: Is Germany Ready for a Post-American Europe? | Berlin Briefing Podcast Part 1 - DW News - Air Date 7-3-26
A3: Can Nato Survive Without the US? | The Security Brief - BBC News - Air Date 6-11-26
A4: 250 Years of USA: Is Germany Ready for a Post-American Europe? | Berlin Briefing Podcast Part 2 - DW News - Air Date 7-3-26
A5: Would NATO Hold if Russia Tested Article 5? Lessons From a War Game | Berlin Briefing Podcast Part 2 - DW News - Air Date 7-17-26
(01:51:44) SECTION B: THE CHINA FACTOR
B1: Why the EU Is Starting a Trade War with China - TLDR News EU - Air Date 5-29-26
B2: Why the EU Has More Leverage Over China Than You Think - TLDR News EU - Air Date 6-24-26
B3: China Quietly Saved the World Last Month Part 2 - Max Fisher - Air Date 7-17-26
(02:13:12) SECTION C: THE TECH SOVEREIGNTY PLAYBOOK
C1: Can the EU Decouple From Trump's America? - POLITICO Europe - Air Date 2-5-26
C2: At the Mercy of Silicon Valley? Europe Exposed by Trump AI Export Ban Part 1 - FRANCE 24 English - Air Date 6-17-26
C3: Can Europe Quit American Big Tech?- POLITICO Europe - Air Date 6-4-26
C4: France KICKS OUT Microsoft OS - 2.5M Gov Devices to Linux, €Millions Saved, 30 Years DONE - House of El - Air Date 4-11-26
C5: At the Mercy of Silicon Valley? Europe Exposed by Trump AI Export Ban Part 2 - FRANCE 24 English - Air Date 6-17-26
(02:58:38) SECTION D: BUILDING EUROPEAN ALTERNATIVES
D1: Why Europe's Tech Sector Is Quietly Booming - TLDR News EU - Air Date 6-3-26
D2: Inside Europe's Biggest Startup Campus (Station F Paris) - Johannes Gemmingen - Air Date 6-25-26
D3: The European Alternatives To YouTube, WhatsApp & Instagram - EU Made Simple - Air Date 5-6-26
D4: Britain's New Plan That Could Kill YouTube - TLDR News - Air Date 7-10-26
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Air Date: 7/18/2026
Today we examine recent primary elections and how the political smear of crying 'socialism' has been dusted off and aimed at a new generation of candidates. What's changed is that the people being smeared are actually winning elections, and the more the establishment called them dangerous, the stronger their numbers got.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: The Red Scare Returns Trump Is Calling Us Communists - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 7-8-26
KP 2: Brooks and Capehart on What's Next for Democrats in the Maine Senate Race - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 7-10-26
KP 3: Why Dems Like Him Are Crashing Out Right Now with Jeet Heer Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Dat 7-3-26
KP 4: A Progressive Compact for America Part 1 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-20-26
KP 5: Democratic Socialist Electoral Victories and the Implications for American Politics Part 1 - Rev Left Radio - Air Date 7-12-26
KP 6: Unsticking Congress with Maya Kornberg Part 1 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 5-7-26
(00:48:08) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The Democrats Are Losing Because They Chose Wall St. Over Workers
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DEEPER DIVES
(00:59:58) SECTION A: WHO THEY ARE
A1: Can a Democratic Socialist Win in a Swing State This Progressive in Wisconsin Thinks so - MS Now Reports - Air Date 7-8-26
A2: Stop Trump's Project 2025 Scheme to Kill Science; Guest Dr. Colette Delawalla of Stand Up for Science Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 6-24-26
A3: How Colorado Spooked the Establishment with David Sirota - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-4-26
A4: Primary Fights - The Practivist Pod - Air Date 6-4-26
A5: How Colorado Spooked the Establishment with David Sirota Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-4-26
A6: Stop Trump's Project 2025 Scheme to Kill Science; Guest Dr. Colette Delawalla of Stand Up for Science Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 6-24-26
A7: Why Dems Like Him Are Crashing Out Right Now with Jeet Heer Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Dat 7-3-26
(02:00:45) SECTION B: WHAT THEY BELIEVE
B1: The Socialists Are Coming! Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-2-26
B2: DSA & Justice Democrats on Changing the Democratic Party, Mamdani, Gaza & More - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-10-26
B3: The Socialists Are Coming! Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-2-26
B4: Trump's America250 Spectacle, the SSPX Schism, and the Rise of Democratic Socialists - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-3-24
(02:27:27) SECTION C: MONEY, POWER, AND THE RECKONING
C1: A Progressive Compact for America Part 2 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-20-26
C2: Seth Stern on Criminalizing Dissent - CounterSpin - Air Date 6-26-26
C3: Unsticking Congress with Maya Kornberg Part 2 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 5-7-26
(02:57:37) SECTION D: CRITIQUES AND THE PATH FORWARD
D1: Why I Left the (White) Left Part 1 - Signified B Sides - Air Date 6-2-26
D2: Democratic Socialist Electoral Victories and the Implications for American Politics Part 2 - Rev Left Radio - Air Date 7-12-26
D3: A Joy Reid Rant Democrats Want Obedience; We Need Justice Part 1 - The Joy Reid Show - Air Date 7-12-26
D4: Why I Left the (White) Left Part 2 - Signified B Sides - Air Date 6-2-26
D5: Why the Center Left Is Losing, the Squad Vs. the Median Voter, and How Patriotism Wins Elections Part 1 - The Good Fight - Air Date 6-27-26
D6: A Joy Reid Rant Democrats Want Obedience; We Need Justice Part 2 - The Joy Reid Show - Air Date 7-12-26
D7: Why the Center Left Is Losing, the Squad Vs. the Median Voter, and How Patriotism Wins Elections Part 2 - The Good Fight - Air Date 6-27-26
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Re-Air Date: 7-14-2026
Original Air Date: 6-7-2024
Banning abortion is wildly unpopular and also one of the primary motivators for the group most strongly supporting the Republican Party and Donald Trump, the Christian Right, which has transformed both the party and politicians into extremists made in their own image, threatening the lives and health of millions and sacrificing democracy in the process.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Abortion and Reproductive Rights - Lectures in History - Air Date 3-16-24
KP 2: Abortion and the erosion of privacy - The Weeds - Air Date 4-10-24
KP 3: Digital surveillance and reproductive rights - Technically Optimistic - Air Date 5-15-24
KP 4: Anti-abortion hardliners want restrictions to go farther. It could cost Republicans - Consider This - Air Date 5-23-24
KP 5: Abortion and Reproductive Rights Part 2 - Lectures in History - Air Date 3-16-24
KP 6: Rakeen Mabud on Greedflation, Rachel K. Jones on Mifepristone - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-5-24
KP 7: Abortion and the erosion of privacy Part 2 - The Weeds - Air Date 4-10-24
KP 8: Digital surveillance and reproductive rights Part 2 - Technically Optimistic - Air Date 5-15-24
(56:09) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the abuse produced by abortion restrictions
DEEPER DIVES
(01:01:35) SECTION A: CRIMINALIZING ABORTION
A1: Abortion and Reproductive Rights Part 3 - Lectures in History - Air Date 3-16-24
A2: Digital surveillance and reproductive rights Part 3 - Technically Optimistic - Air Date 5-15-24
A3: Abortion and the erosion of privacy Part 3 - The Weeds - Air Date 4-10-24
(01:20:04) SECTION B: ABORTION EXTREMISM OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
B1: Texas Republicans Want To Execute Women Who Defy Them - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-30-24
B2: Why Trumps Abortion Video Needs Some Follow-Up Questions - Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 4-9-24
(01:35:45) SECTION C: ABORTION IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM
C1: Abortion and Reproductive Rights Part 4 - Lectures in History - Air Date 3-16-24
C2: Abortion and the erosion of privacy Part 4 - The Weeds - Air Date 4-10-24
C3: Why Trumps Abortion Video Needs Some Follow-Up Questions Part 2 - Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 4-9-24
(01:52:57) SECTION D: WHAT IS THERE TO DO?
D1: Digital surveillance and reproductive rights Part 4 - Technically Optimistic - Air Date 5-15-24
D2: NJ Rep. Mikie Sherrill On Abortion Nationwide, And Campus Protests In Her District - Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 5-1-24
D3: Rakeen Mabud on Greedflation, Rachel K. Jones on Mifepristone Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-5-24
D4: Digital surveillance and reproductive rights Part 5 - Technically Optimistic - Air Date 5-15-24
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A person dressed in a red cape and white conical bonnet with a red sash over their nose and mouth (referencing the Handmaid's Tale) stands outside the U.S. Supreme Court at dusk holding a cardboard sign with the words "This is NOT fiction."
Credit: Photo by Tyler Merbler, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 7/10/2026
Today we look at what it means to live in an economy that has quietly split in two with a soaring stock market driven by AI on one side, a collapsing job market on the other, and the subtle shift in the right to own things, from your music and movies to your car's software, which all underlie the slide toward technofeudalism.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: America Is Entering a New Socialist Era — and It Might Stick - The Recount - Air Date 6-30-26
KP 2: America's Job Market Is Collapsing - Max Fisher - Air Date 4-10-26
KP 3: The Richest Country Is Pretty Mid Now Part 1 - Benn Jordan - Air Date 6-28-26
KP 4: We Uncovered The Master Plan That Peter Thiel Doesn't Want You To See - More Perfect Union - Air Date 6-29-26
KP 5: The End Of Capitalism Is Here. - Second Thought - Air Date 6-5-26
(01:06:28) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Humanity Is About to Be Optimized Out of Existence for the Sake of Profit
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:06:46) SECTION A: THE RISING LEFT
A1: Trump's Speech At America 250 BACKFIRES, Sony Ends PHYSICAL MEDIA | Zaid Talks Part 1 - Zaid Tabani - Air Date 7-5-26
A2: Do Democrats F*ck Now? How Democratic Socialists Are Taking Over The Party - Some Some More News Clips and Some More News - Air Date 7-5-26
A3: How the Democratic Party Captures and Subverts Revolutionary Energy (with Kshama Sawant) - The Chris Hedges YouTube Channel - Air Date 6-29-26
A4: AI Is Losing and the Left Is Winning, with Brennan Lee Mulligan and Ed Zitron - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 6-26-26
A5: Democrats Don't Know What "Affordability" Actually Means, with Dino Guastella - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 6-24-26
(01:49:40) SECTION B: EVERYDAY EXTRACTION
B1: The American Economy Is Broken—Here's Why - Established Context Part 1 - Air Date 4-13-26
B2: Why Owning Nothing Is So Expensive - Business Insider and Insider - Air Date 1-24-26
B3: NEW WARNING: Your Vehicle Can't Be FIXED After 2026 - Motor Feed - Air Date 6-28-26
B4: Trump's Speech At America 250 BACKFIRES, Sony Ends PHYSICAL MEDIA | Zaid Talks Part 2 - Zaid Tabani - Air Date 7-5-26
B5: Content Dot Mp4 - Thought Slime - Air Date 6-29-26
B6: Why American Airlines Stopped Making Money - Wendover Productions - Air Date 10-28-25
(02:51:16) SECTION C: THE RIGGED MACHINE
C1: If the World Is F*cked... Why Are Stocks At Record Highs? - Lock Stock Finance - Air Date 6-18-26
C2: The Anti-Life or How Capitalism Will Die (with Math) - Literate Machine - Air Date 5-26-26
C3: The Richest Country Is Pretty Mid Now Part 2 - Benn Jordan - Air Date 6-28-26
C4: The American Economy Is Broken—Here's Why - Established Context Part 2 - Air Date 4-13-26
C5: Huge Polymarket Scandal - Voidzilla - Air Date 6-24-26
(03:36:27) SECTION D: THE RULING CLASS WORLDVIEW
D1: The Real A.I. Problem No One Is Talking About (Who Buys Your Stuff, Robots_) - Josh Allan Dykstra - Air Date 1-13-26
D2: AI Is a Mass Psychotic Delusion - Science Fiction with Damien Walter - Air Date 6-20-26
D3: The Ruling Class Think Everything Is Disposable (Including the Planet) - Our Changing Climate - Air Date 7-3-26
D4: Stop Blaming Human Nature for Capitalism - Revolutionaryth0t - Air Date 1-28-26
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Air Date: 7/7/2026
Today we use the 2026 World Cup to pull everything that runs under the game up into the light. Nearly a quarter of the players are representing a country other than the one they were born in, praised as national heroes when they score but scorned as foreigners when they lose. The history of colonialism built the machinery that turns immigrants into targets, and the results are playing out live around this year's tournament, in the towns that throw their arms open and the borders that slam shut, in who a country will claim and who it leaves outside.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Always Root for the Underdog - Pop Culture Detective - Air Date 7-1-26
KP 2: Colonial Wars Played On The Pitch - AJ+ - Air Date 6-21-26
KP 3: How the U.S. and France Ruined Haiti - Bianca Graulau - Air Date 8-14-25
KP 4: Who Gets To Enjoy The World Cup? - AJ+ - Air Date 6-19-26
KP 5: US Soccer Star Shows MAGA's Racism With Zero Effort - Rick Strom - Air Date 6-23-26
KP 6: How Colonialism Created Mbappe and Zidane, Explained - Uncivilized - Air Date 7-12-24
KP 7: Iran's World Cup Team Divides the Diaspora in the US | DW Reporter - DW News - Air Date 6-26-26
KP 8: Keep My Culture Out Your Mouth! - PissedMagistus - Air Date 6-27-26
(00:59:27) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The World Cup Exposes How Racism Is a Tool, Not a Belief
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:11:20) SECTION A: COLONIALISM'S LONG GAME
A1: Colonialism Never Ended – It Just Became Debt - AJ+ - Air Date 9-6-25
A2: They BANNED Haiti World Cup Jersey to HIDE Black History - THE MERC - Air Date 6-21-26
A3: Belgium Hands Over Remains of Patrice Lumumba to DR Congo - DW News - Air Date 6-20-22
A4: DR Congo's Lumumba Super Fan Arrives at FIFA World Cup After Delays | Firstpost Africa | N18G - Firstpost - Air Date 6-23-26
A5: How a Football Team Fueled Algeria's Fight for Independence - Uncivilized - Air Date 8-1-24
(01:44:54) SECTION B: DIASPORA AND DUAL IDENTITY
B1: Tim Weah on World Cup Dreams, the African Diaspora and USMNT's Fair-Weather Knicks Fandom | PTFO - PABLO TORRE FINDS OUT - Air Date 6-19-26
B2: The Media Has Made You Hate Jude Bellingham For No Reason. - Small Talk with Ore Olukoga - Air Date 6-17-26
B3: Why Soccer Wonderkids Are Rejecting France and Spain - What Now? with Trevor Noah - Air Date 6-18-26
(02:08:22) SECTION C: THE CUP ON THE GROUND
C1: Alexi Lalas Is Ruining the World Cup in More Ways Than You Think - Rick Strom - Air Date 6-16-26
C2: World Cup Kicks Off in Mexico Amid Protests Against Austerity and Forced Disappearances - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-11-26
C3: Luke Thomas: World Cup Border CHAOS Humiliates America - Luke Thomas Gets Political (LTGP) - Air Date 6-15-26
C4: How a Small US City Fell in Love With Algeria Before FIFA World Cup | First Sports With Rupha Ramani - Firstpost- Air Date 6-12-26
C5: Okay, The 2026 Squad of Cape Verde Is Not Normal - Soccer Stories - Oh My Goal and PedTalksSports - Air Date 6-26-26
C6: Inside Algeria's Takeover of Kansas - RocaSports and RocaNews - Air Date 6-25-26
C7: 'It's a Disaster World Cup,' Iran's Football Captain Mehdi Taremi Says - Al Mayadeen English - Air Date 6-27-26
C8: Iran's World Cup Story Just Took A HUGE Turn - The Ring of Fire - Air Date 6-26-26
(03:00:05) SECTION D: RACE, MYTHOLOGY, AND IDEOLOGY
D1: AskHistorians Podcast Episode 197 - White Mythic Spaces in Historical Representation with Stefan Aguirre Quiroga Part 1 - The AskHistorians Podcast - Air Date 4-6-22
D2: Football Brings Out Argentina's Unspoken Racism Issue - Football Smash - Air Date 2-18-26
D3: AskHistorians Podcast Episode 197 - White Mythic Spaces in Historical Representation with Stefan Aguirre Quiroga Part 2 - The AskHistorians Podcast - Air Date 4-6-22
D4: Pete Hegseth Is Trying to Resegregate the Military - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 6-20-26
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Air Date: 7/4/2026
Today we examine what America has celebrated for 250 years and what it keeps refusing to look at. The Declaration promised government by the consent of the governed, but the Constitution protected slavery, concentrated power in elites, and left the definition of "the people" deliberately vague. Every generation inherits that same unresolved contradiction and has to address it for themselves.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: The Constitution's Preamble, Plain and Powerful - Civics In A Year - Air Date 10-9-25
KP 2: Trump 250 Gala Grows More Humiliating as Fox Grapples with Low Turnout - THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent - Air Date 6-26-26
KP 3: Thom Hartmann -The Myth of Corporate Personhood - Brave New Foundation - Air Date 3-3-10
KP 4: The Constitution (Melissa's Version) - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 5-11-26
KP 5: The Declaration of Independence and Democracy Renovation Part 1 - Democracy Works - Air Date 4-6-26
KP 6: America's 250th Birthday Must Reckon with Racism, Historian Says - Here & Now Anytime - Air Date 6-19-26
(00:52:07) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
America's Birthday Lie: The Constitution Didn't Promise Democracy
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:10:03) SECTION A: FOUNDING IDEAS
A1: Promote The General Welfare - Siena and Toast The Podcast - Air Date 11-18-2020
A2: The Ideas at the Heart of the Declaration and the Constitution Part 1 - We the People - Air Date 6-25-26
A3: Bill of Rights Institute's Tony Williams & David Bobb on America 250 Part 1 - The Takeout with Major Garrett - Air Date 6-16-26
A4: Ep.289 Divided Over the Declaration How an Enduring Debate Sustains the Vision of America with Author Tony Williams 480 - Constitutional Chats Presented By Constituting America - Air Date 2-13-26
A5: Bill of Rights Institute's Tony Williams & David Bobb on America 250 Part 2 - The Takeout with Major Garrett - Air Date 6-16-26
(01:47:48) SECTION B: RACE & RECKONING
B1: The Fantasy of America at 250 Part 1 - On the Media - Air Date 6-26-26
B2: The Ideas at the Heart of the Declaration and the Constitution Part 2 - We the People - Air Date 6-25-26
B3: The Fantasy of America at 250 Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 6-26-26
(02:21:00) SECTION C: PRESENT CRISIS
C1: Trump V. The Constitution - What A Day - Air Date 5-5-26
C2: 250 Years On, Can Democracy Hold (with Joanne Freeman) Part 1 - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 6-25-26
C3: Tom Nichols Trump's Speech Was Pure TRASH - Bulwark Podcast - Air Date 6-25-26
C4: 250 Years On, Can Democracy Hold (with Joanne Freeman) Part 2 - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 6-25-26
(03:01:39) SECTION D: CAPTURE & RENOVATION
D1: Buckley V. Valeo Part 1 - 5-4 - Air Date 7-7-20
D2: The Declaration of Independence and Conditions for Democratic Flourishing - Stanford Legal - Air Date 6-23-26
D3: Buckley V. Valeo Part 2 - 5-4 - Air Date 7-7-20
D4: The Declaration of Independence and Democracy Renovation Part 2 - Democracy Works - Air Date 4-6-26
D5: The Declaration of Independence and Conditions for Democratic Flourishing Part 2 - Stanford Legal - Air Date 6-23-26
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Air Date: 7/1/2026
Today we examine how four months of American bombardment accomplished what decades of diplomacy never could, making Iran, still run by oppressive theocrats, a regional superpower. An Iranian woman told a reporter she endured the bombing hoping it would topple the regime. Instead, it entrenched it.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: J.D. Vance Iran Deal Fall Guy Part 1 - On the Media - Air Date 6-19-26
KP 2: The Cards Held by Iran in a Badly Written Memorandum - Explainer - Air Date 6-18-26
KP 3: Trumpworld Quietly Shivs JD Vance as Damning Leaks Discredit Iran Deal - THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent - Air Date 6-17-26
KP 4: Trump Weakened U.S. Allies While Strengthening Iran Part 1 - UNFTR - Air Date 6-19-26
KP 5: What the End of War Could Mean for Iranians - The Current - Air Date 6-17-26
KP 6: The Iran Deal, Boy, I Don't Know - Takes by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 6-18-26
(00:54:18) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Trump's Iran War Gave the Regime Everything It Wanted
Steve Bannon Has Called His "Army" to Do Battle—No Matter Who Wins in November
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:07:37) SECTION A: THE DEAL ITSELF
A1: Executive Disorder Iran Deal, UFC at the White House, Dialog Hack - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 6-19-26
A2: For His Own Birthday, Trump Gifts Iran $300 Billion - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 6-16-26
A3: Iran Conflict Brief The US-Iran Deal and a New Phase of Accommodation - Columbia Energy Exchange - Air Date 6-16-26
A4: The Cards Held by Iran in a Badly Written Memorandum Part 2 - Explainer - Air Date 6-18-26
(01:43:52) SECTION B: THE STRATEGIC LOSS
B1: Iran Deal Winners, Losers, and Regional Impact Part 1 - Sources & Methods - Air Date 6-19-26
B2: Trump Weakened U.S. Allies While Strengthening Iran Part 2 - UNFTR - Air Date 6-19-26
(01:58:52) SECTION C: VOICES FROM THE REGION
C1: How Does the Middle East See the U.S.-Iran Deal - Here & Now Anytime - Air Date 6-16-26
C2: J.D. Vance Iran Deal Fall Guy Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 6-19-26
C3: Iran Deal Winners, Losers, and Regional Impact Part 2 - Sources & Methods - Air Date 6-19-26
C4: Can the U.S. Find the Strategic Patience Needed to End War with Iran - Consider This - Air Date 6-21-26
(02:28:09) SECTION D: WHEN THE STRONGMAN FAILS
D1: Weekly Roundup Trump's Iran Disaster, JD Vance's Problem, and the Collapse of the Strongman Myth Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - 6-19-25
D2: Can Trump Convince Republicans Hes Won the War on Iran - Americast - Air Date 6-24-26
D3: Angry Trump Snaps at Media Over Iran as Fox Hits Him with Brutal Poll Part 1 - THE DAILY BLAST - Air Date 6-24-26
D4: Weekly Roundup Trump's Iran Disaster, JD Vance's Problem, and the Collapse of the Strongman Myth Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - 6-19-25
D5: Senator Bill Cassidy Folds to Trump- Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-25-26
D6: Angry Trump Snaps at Media Over Iran as Fox Hits Him with Brutal Poll Part 2 - THE DAILY BLAST - Air Date 6-24-26
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Air Date: 6/27/2026
Today we trace how one man went from receiving a $278 million government grant to becoming the world's first trillionaire who spent .025% of his wealth to get Trump elected, then used his position to slash programs that help people while stoking race riots overseas.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: 'Billionaire CRISIS': How the Country's Wealthiest Are 'bankrolling' U.S. Politics - MS NOW - Air Date 5-27-26
KP 2: We Uncovered a Hidden Wealth Transfer in the SpaceX IPO. You're Holding the Bag. - More Perfect Union - Air Date 5-27-26
KP 3: Trump DOGE Cuts Caused 600,000 Deaths This Year, Fmr. USAID Official Says - The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell - Air Date 11-24-25
KP 4: Everything Is Falling Apart and Americans Aren't Happy About It - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 6-16-26
KP 5: Elon Musk Celebrates Trillionaire Status by Stoking Racist Terrorism in Belfast! - I Doubt It Podcast - Air Date 6-14-26
KP 6: Why The Economist Hates Wealth Taxes - Garys Economics - Air Date 6-14-26
(00:57:37) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The System That Made Musk a Trillionaire Is the Real Villain
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:15:26) SECTION A: THE TRILLIONAIRE AND WHAT HE REVEALS
A1: 'Massive Loser': World Roasts First Trillionaire Elon Musk - The Rational National - Air Date 6-14-26
A2: A Trillion Dollars - Jonathan Pie - Air Date 6-14-26
A3: Trillionaire Welfare Queen - The John Fugelsang Podcast - Air Date 6-15-26
A4: "Land Grab": Trillionaire Elon Musk Sued in South Texas to Block SpaceX Takeover of Wildlife Refuge - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-16-26
(01:49:20) SECTION B: THE HUMAN COST OF CONCENTRATED POWER
B1: 9.4M Lives at Risk: The Human Cost of Elon Musk's DOGE Cuts - Holy Post Media - Air Date 6-15-26
B2: Justin Wolfers on Musk, Inequality, and the Price of American Democracy - Platypus Economics with Justin Wolfers - Air Date 6-13-26
B3: 'If You Can Keep It': What The Wealth Gap Means For Democracy Part 1 - 1A - Air Date 4-27-26
(02:12:31) SECTION C: THE SPACEX IPO HEIST
C1: SpaceX IPO: What They're Not Telling Retail Investors - UNFTR Media - Air Date 6-9-26
C2: The First Trillionaire! - PissedMagistus - Air Date 6-14-26
(02:28:50) SECTION D: BELFAST HOW MUSK FUELS RACIAL VIOLENCE ABROAD
D1: Belfast Riots: Why UK Mobs See Racial Violence as 'national Defence' | Amina Shareef | MEE Opinion - Middle East Eye - Air Date 6-18-26
D2: The Truth About the Belfast Riots | Claire Hanna Interview - PoliticsJOE Podcast - Air Date 6-10-26
D3: Major Antiracist Rally Held in Belfast to Condemn Anti-Immigrant Riots - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-15-26
D4: Elon Musk Moves Against German Broadcaster ZDF After Riot Report - DW News - Air Date 6-16-26
(03:00:30) SECTION E: THE RECKONING BILLIONAIRE RHETORIC AND THE CASE FOR TAXING WEALTH
E1: Why Jeff Bezos Wants to Cut Your Taxes - Garys Economics - Air Date 5-31-26
E2: Elon Musk & America's Tech Oligarchy - The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart - Air Date 6-10-26
E3: 'If You Can Keep It': What The Wealth Gap Means For Democracy Part 2 - 1A - Air Date 4-27-26
E4: We Need a Wealth Tax on Billionaires. Here's Why | Aaron Bastani Meets Gabriel Zucman - Novara Media - Air Date 5-24-26
E5: The Hidden Danger of America's Wealth Gap - Robert Reich and Inequality Media - Air Date 6-9-26
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Air Date: 6/24/2026
The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! If you've been pulling back from the news for your own sanity, this one's built for you — a quick recap and reference guide to the past month or two, organized around a single idea: when power can't earn legitimacy, it manufactures it.
The performance. Spectacle, religion, and health branding standing in for real consent: Trump collecting a FIFA "peace prize," Christian nationalism worn as a costume the actual church refuses to bless, and RFK Jr. dressing up a gutted vaccine agenda as "moderate," scapegoating immigrants as he goes, while the USAID cuts run up a body count.
The machinery. The infrastructure that keeps the performance going while real consent drains away underneath: a legal system bent toward self-dealing and a $1.8 billion slush fund, billionaire money rewriting the rules since Citizens United, an AI gold rush sold as inevitable before anyone voted on it, and an economy booming on paper while the ground shifts under everyone's feet.
The vacuum and the reclaiming. What rushes in when legitimacy collapses, from normalized political violence to a manifesto born of that collapse — and then the democratic answer: why the rupture hasn't come, why revolutions tend to devour themselves, and why the slower work wins. Nonviolent movements draw eleven times the participation, and the ballot box the Supreme Court is fighting hardest to narrow is the same one that just turned out 78% of Hungary to remove Orbán.
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SECTION 1: THE PERFORMANCE OF LEGITIMACY (00:01:31) #1798 - FIFA Sportswashing Fascism: The World Cup from Mussolini to Trump
1: Trump Is a 'master Marketer' Symone Reacts to President Getting FIFA Peace Prize - Chris Jansing Reports - Air Date 12-5-25
2: Jules Boykoff on World Cup and Sportswashing Part 1 - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-15-26
3: Trump LOSES IT as FIFA SUFFERS MAJOR CRISIS!! Part 1 - MeidasTouch - Air Date 5-6-26
(00:23:20) #1787 - The American President vs The American Pope: Leo XIV, Trump, and the MAGA-Catholic Rift
4: Someone Tell Pete Hegseth That "Pulp Fiction" Isn't in the Bible - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 4-18-26
5: "Two Versions of Christianity": Pope Leo Calls for Peace as U.S. Uses Religion to Justify Iran War - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-1-26
6: Why America and the Vatican Have Fallen Out - TLDR News Global - Air Date 4-11-26
(00:46:03) #1794 - From MAHA to Measles: RFK's Public Health Purge Will Make America Sick Again
7: Why RFK Jr. Is Projecting a More 'Moderate' MAHA Stance - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-27-26
8: RFK Jr Goes Full Eugenics to Congress; IMMIGRANTS BRING DISEASE - Brittany Page - Air Date 4-22-26
9: As WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak a Global Health Emergency, Did USAID Cuts Worsen the Crisis - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-18-26
SECTION 2: THE MACHINERY & THE LEAK (01:13:10) #1796 - 1.8 Billion for the Mob and a Kill List for Dissent: Trump's payout fund and counterterrorism strategy, decoded
10: We Will Find You and We Will Kill You Part 1 - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 5-15-26
11: Congress Strikes Back as Trump Rushes $1.8 Billion Scam - Legal AF by MeidasTouch - Air Date 5-18-26
12: Dictatorship in Action David Cay Johnston on $1.8B Slush Fund Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-20-26
(01:34:00) #1792 - Capitalist Class Warfare: AI, Billionaire Capture, and the How to Fight Back
13: The Case Against Billionaires | Chuck Collins - Washington Monthly - Air Date 1-5-26
14: How Oligarchs Hijacked America in Just 16 Year - Benaminute - Air Date 4-30-26
15: It Will Be 17 Times Worse Than the .com Crash - Upper Echelon - Air Date 5-7-26
(02:04:29) #1797 - AI Spent $540 Billion to Make You Lonelier: Betting Against Jobs, Art, and Community
16: Will SpaceX and OpenAI Starve the Market? - UNFTR Media - Air Date 5-26-26
17: Astra Taylor on AI Data Center Resistance & Fighting "Billionaire Big Tech Agenda"- Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-13-26
18: The AI Backlash Just Got VERY Public - House of El - AI - Air Date 5-24-26
(02:33:22) #1789 - Boomcession: Why the Economy Looks Great on Paper and Hurts in Real Life
19: Monday Morning Economy Politics Inflation Soars Part 1 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-13-26
20: Economic Implications of the U.S. War on Iran Part 1 - Economic Update with Richard Wolff - Air Date 4-14-26
21: These Georgia Swing Voters Do Not Like the Iran War - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 4-16-26
(02:58:12) #1793 - Anti-Immigrant Brutality Costs Countries More Than Their Morals: ICE, Mass Deportation, and the Global Far-Right
22: Trumps Brutal Immigration Crackdown Continues Part 1 - Velshi - Air Date 3-21-26
23: 'Buyer's Remorse' This Trump Stronghold TURNS on Massive ICE Facility Part 1 - MS Now - Air Date 4-20-26
SECTION 3: THE VACUUM & THE RECLAIMING (03:15:42) #1790 - Assassin Nation: How Political Violence Got Normalized And How To Reverse It
24: "Slow Civil War" Author Jeff Sharlet on the Growing NormalAation of Violence at Home & Abroad - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-27-26
25: The Cole Hard Truth - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 4-28-26
26: The White House Correspondents Dinner Shooting: What the "Political Violence" Framing Is Hiding - Resistance History with Tad Stoermer - Air Date 4-26-26
(03:42:14) #1795 - You Say You Want A Revolution: Successful Revolutions are the Boring Ones
27: Why the Epstein Files Didn't Start a Revolution - Uncivilized - Air Date 4-21-26
28: Is The US In Its French Revolution Era? - Leeja Miller - Air Date 5-13-26
29: Why Nonviolence Wins - Degenerate Art by Andrea Pitzer - Air Date 5-14-26
(04:14:56) #1791 - Jim Crow 2.0 — SCOTUS Kills the Voting Rights Act and Unleashes the Gerrymandering War
30: Louisiana Is Ground Zero for Voting Rights, Abortion Pill Access Part 1 - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 5-7-26
31: Elie Mystal Supreme Court Gutting Voting Rights Act Is About Again Making US an Apartheid State Part 1 - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 5-1-26
32: What Stacey Abrams Thinks About a Recent SCOTUS Decision and the Voting Rights Amendment Part 2 - Soundside - Air Date 5-526
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Air Date: 6–20-2026
Today we explore how political revenge became official government policy. The Department of Justice has dropped fraud cases while opening vindictive investigations into Trump's critics. Judges who rule against him face death threats at home with no federal protection and thousands of DOJ lawyers have walked out the door, leaving the agency hollowed out by loyalty tests and bent toward retribution.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Trump Eyes Personal Lawyer to Run DOJ Part 1 - The Beat W Ari Melber - Air Date 6-4-26
KP 2: This Federal Judge Ruled Against Trump. Then the Death Threats Rolled in Part 1 - 60 Minutes - Air Date 3-1-26
KP 3: Judges Call Out Rising Acts of Violence Against the Judiciary, Slam Trump's 'irresponsible Rhetoric' - NBC News - Air Date 6-3-26
KP 4: How Low Can the DOJ Go - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 4-27-26
KP 5: Fraud on the Court Even as DOJ Drops $1.8B Settlement Fund, Judge Reopens Case Over Collusion Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-3-26
KP 6: 'The Audacity' DOJ Turns to X to Recruit as Prosecutors Flee Trump's Politicization of Department - MS Now - Air Date 2-1-26
KP 7: DOJ in Crisis - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 2-10-26
(00:53:44) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Trump Built a One-Way Ratchet to Tyranny. Here's How We Break It.
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:06:27) SECTION A: A DEPARTMENT OF REVENGE
A1: 'The Department of Revenge' Explores Trump's Use of DOJ to Settle Political Scores - PBS Newshour - Air Date 6-11-26
A2: This Federal Judge Ruled Against Trump. Then the Death Threats Rolled in Part 2 - 60 Minutes - Air Date 3-1-26
A3: Trump Eyes Personal Lawyer to Run DOJ Part 2 - The Beat W Ari Melber - Air Date 6-4-26
(01:25:33) SECTION B: MALICIOUS PROSECUTIONS
B1: Small DoJ Energy - Opening Arguments - Air Date 2-20-26
B2: The Vindictive DOJ Part 1 - Law and Chaos - Air Date 6-4-26
B3: The Malicious Incompetence of Trump's DOJ - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 6-15-25
B4: The Vindictive DOJ Part 2 - Law and Chaos - Air Date 6-4-26
(02:00:59) SECTION C: WEAPONIZED DEPARTMENT
C1: Zero Intelligence Part 1 - UnJustified - Air Date 6-7-26
C2: Fraud on the Court Even as DOJ Drops $1.8B Settlement Fund, Judge Reopens Case Over Collusion Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-3-26
C3: 35 Judges Say Trump's DOJ Committed Fraud on the Court - Opening Arguments - Air Date 6-5-26
C4: Trump Rewards Criminals with Latest Pardons - The Mary Trump Podcast - Air Date 11-11-25
C5: ICYMI Trump Pardons Top Jan. 6 Conspirators - 1A - Air Date 11-11-25
C6: Zero Intelligence Part 2 - UnJustified - Air Date 6-7-26
(02:44:07) SECTION D: HOLLOWED OUT
D1: More Frustrated Prosecutors at the U.S Attorney's Office in Minnesota Call It Quits - All Things Considered - Air Date 2-5-26
D2: 2900 DOJ Lawyers SUDDENLY QUIT on Trump IN MASS EXODUS - MeidasTouch - Air Date 12-25-25
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Air Date: 6/17/2026
Today we trace a pattern that repeated across half a dozen states this primary season: working-class candidates running on the cost of living beat the opponents party leadership hand-picked and funded. It looks like ordinary election news, but it's more pieces of a larger shift already underway; away from a politics of left against right and toward a new era of the elite vs working people.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Hayes: Trump Is Chasing Good Press with Bombs - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 6-11-26
KP 2: Bernie Sanders Just Won Them All - The Rational National - Air Date 6-10-26
KP 3: We Sat AOC Down With Republican Voters. Can She Win Them Over? - More Perfect Union and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Air Date 6-9-26
KP 4: "Fetterman Vibes?" DSA Dem WON'T DEFEND Graham Platner - Breaking Points - Air Date 6-9-26
KP 5: Abdul El-Sayed Thinks the Michigan Senate Race Will Come Down to This One Factor - Slate and Abdul El-Sayed - Air Date 4-30-26
(00:49:39) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Counterfeit Populism Is Dying
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:05:26) SECTION A: READING THE PRIMARY MAP
A1: Voters Reject the Establishment in This Week's Primaries - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 6-4-26
A2: Josh Turek, Democratic Senate Nominee, on Why Iowa Will Flip Blue - Brian Tyler Cohen News - Air Date 6-3-26
A3: The Graham Platner Debate Part 1 - Majority 54 - Air Date 6-4-26
A4: Kentucky Senate Seat Is 'most Flippable' Race, Says Democrat Charles Booker - Meet The Press NOW _ NBC News NOW - Air Date 5-19-26
A5: The Democratic Establishment Can Be Defeated - Current Affairs - Air Date 5-15-26
(01:45:20) SECTION B: THE PLATNER RECKONING
B1: How Maine Democrats View Platner's Scandals and Chances to Oust Sen. Collins - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 6-9-26
B2: Graham Platner's Billionaire-Bashing Message Resonates in Maine Senate Race, Despite Controversies - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-8-26
B3: Why I Left the (White) Left - Signified B Sides - Air Date 6-2-26
B4: We Need to Talk About The Graham Platner Left (ft@noahsamsen_) - The Kavernacle and Noah Samsen - Air Date 5-27-26
B5: The Graham Platner Debate Part 2 - Majority 54 - Air Date 6-4-26
(02:30:13) SECTION C: THE TEXAS SENATE FIGHT
C1: Talarico Derangement Syndrome & Calling Stephen Miller Ugly Part 1 - Head in the Office - Air Date 5-29-26
C2: Can We Win Texas? - Majority 54 - Air Date 5-28-26
C3: Talarico Derangement Syndrome & Calling Stephen Miller Ugly Part 2 - Head in the Office - Air Date 5-29-26
(02:56:11) SECTION D: DEFENDING THE VOTE & THE LONG VIEW
D1: MAGA's California Fraud Lie Falls Apart Instantly - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 6-9-26
D2: Their Votes Should Count. Yours Shouldn't. That's the Whole Argument. - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 6-9-26
D3: The Election Interference Evidence No One Is Talking About - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 6-8-26
D4: The Washington Roundtable Live: The Backlash Midterms - The Political Scene | The New Yorker - Air Date 6-5-26
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Air Date: 6/12/2026
Today we examine how America caused a loneliness epidemic by tearing down the places where people used to find each other, how big tech is offering AI as a lackluster substitute for connection, and how people are building the opposite of loneliness with block parties, labor unions, and community gardens.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: How Capitalism Causes Loneliness Part 1 - Second Thought - Air Date 6-2-23
KP 2: Anthropic Discovers the Axis of Evil, and AIs Loneliness Economy - The AI Fix - Air Date 2-3-26
KP 3: The Political Economy of Love Attention, Affection, & What Capitalism Can't Buy Part 1 - Rev Left Radio - Air Date 1-19-26
KP 4: What Do We Mean by Humane Tech Part 1 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-4-26
KP 5: Stone Soup A Recipe for Community Organizing Marina Barnett Part 1 - TEDxWidenerUniversity - Air Date 10-24-22
KP 6: The Simple Habit for a Happier Social Life Nicholas Epley Part 1 - TEDTalks - Air Date 5-19-26
(00:49:32) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Why the Left Needs to Have More Fun to Build Real Power
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DEEPER DIVES
(00:59:32) SECTION A: THE LONELINESS WE LIVE IN
A1: Loneliness - Capitalism's Collateral Damage - Democracy At Work - Air Date 8-29-22
A2: How Capitalism Causes Loneliness Part 2 - Second Thought - Air Date 6-2-23
A3: Loneliness - Capitalism's Collateral Damage Part 2 - Democracy At Work - Air Date 8-29-22
A4: The Political Economy of Love Attention, Affection, & What Capitalism Can't Buy Part 2 - Rev Left Radio - Air Date 1-19-26
(01:29:54) SECTION B: AI COMPANION MACHINE
B1: Can AI Companionship Cure Loneliness – or Deepen It Part 1 - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 2-27-26
B2: People Are Lonelier Than Ever. Enter AI. - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 5-30-25
B3: The Dark Side of AI Companions, and the 1930s LLM - The AI Fix - Air Date 5-5-26
B4: What Do We Mean by Humane Tech Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-4-26
B5: Can AI Companionship Cure Loneliness – or Deepen It Part 2 - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 2-27-26
(02:18:26) SECTION C: REFRACTIONS AND REACH-OUTS
C1: Gladiators, Real Housewives and the Pull of Reality TV Part 1 - Throughline - Air Date 4-30-26
C2: If Hope Is a Muscle, Then How Do I Build It Part 1 - How to Survive the End of the World - Air Date 4-10-26
C3: Gladiators, Real Housewives and the Pull of Reality TV Part 2 - Throughline - Air Date 4-30-26
C4: If Hope Is a Muscle, Then How Do I Build It Part 2 - How to Survive the End of the World - Air Date 4-10-26
C5: The Simple Habit for a Happier Social Life Nicholas Epley Part 2 - TEDTalks - Air Date 5-19-26
(02:58:25) SECTION D: BUILDING IT BACK
D1: Stone Soup A Recipe for Community Organizing Marina Barnett Part 2 - TEDxWidenerUniversity - Air Date 10-24-22
D2: How People Are Combatting Loneliness with Community Connections - The Newsfeed - Air Date 5-22-26
D3: Solo How Do We Make the Left Fun Again - The Bardo Podcast - Air Date 3-10-26
D4: Being Human with Marshall Ganz Part 1 - Practical Wisdom for Leaders - Air Date 5-20-26
D5: Biko Koenig, Worker Centered Allyship & Action in the Contemporary Labor Movement (Oxford UP, 2024) Part 1 - In Conversation An OUP Podcast - Air Date 3-11-26
D6: Being Human with Marshall Ganz Part 2 - Practical Wisdom for Leaders - Air Date 5-20-26
D7: Biko Koenig, Worker Centered Allyship & Action in the Contemporary Labor Movement (Oxford UP, 2024) Part 2 - In Conversation An OUP Podcast - Air Date 3-11-26
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Air Date: 6/10/2026
Today we explore how Taiwan's own people are stuck between the US and China. Fewer and fewer of them want to rejoin China but their faith in America is sinking just as fast as Trump treats them as a bargaining chip. Their own leaders are split on how to respond. And the place that makes most of the world's advanced chips has almost no seat at the table where its future is being decided.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Xi, Putin & Trump - Who Really Runs the World? | To the Point - DW News - Air Date 5-21-26
KP 2: Can There Ever Really Be "one China?" - Vox - Air Date 5-28-26
KP 3: How the US Is Trying to Challenge China's Critical Mineral Dominance Part 1 - The China in Africa Podcast - Air Date 5-28-26
KP 4: Why Did Trump Take Elon Musk to China? - Paul Krugman - Air Date 5-14-26
KP 5: Why This Island Could Trigger World War 3 - Johnny Harris - Air Date 12-18-25
KP 6: China Will Never Beat Taiwan, Here's Why - Maxinomics - Air Date 3-37-26
(00:53:26) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The Stories Nations Tell Will Destroy Us_ China, Taiwan, and Trump
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:04:39) SECTION A: THE MAKING OF TAIWAN
A1: The Taiwan Conflict, Explained - Ryan Chapman - Air Date 10-13-22
A2: Inside China's Plan to Take Over Taiwan "peacefully" | If You're Listening - ABC NEWS In-depth - Air Date 11-28-25
(01:24:47) SECTION B: THE MULTIPOLAR WORLDVIEW
B1: China Rising Part 1: How the Unipolar World Is Ending - Beyond the Ballot Box - Air Date 2-10-26
B2: US Unipolarity Vs China's Multipolarity: Whose Vision Will Shape the New Global Order?
B3: China Rising Part 2: Taiwan, Xinjiang, Sovereignty and Human Rights - Beyond the Ballot Box
(01:52:00) SECTION C: TAIWAN IN THE CROSSHAIRS
C1: What's Behind the Record-breaking $11 Billion US-Taiwan Arms Deal? - DW News - Air Date 12-19-25
C2: Is Taiwan Moving Away From the US? - TLDR News Global - Air Date 4-20-26
(02:09:55) SECTION D: THE SUMMIT AND ITS FALLOUT
D1: Xi Warns Trump of Potential "Conflict" Over Taiwan in Beijing Summit on Iran, Trade, Tech & More - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-14-26
D2: Trump's FAILED Meeting With China's Xi Jinping Was Humiliating - Pod Save the World - Air Date 5-21-26
D3: Strait to the Abyss - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 6-2-26
D4: Xi Hosts Putin in Beijing, Cementing China-Russia Alliance After Trump's Visit - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 5-20-26
(02:39:44) SECTION E: THE RESOURCE WAR AND AFRICA
E1: How the US Is Trying to Challenge China's Critical Mineral Dominance Part 2 - The China in Africa Podcast - Air Date 5-28-26
E2: Why 3 African States Said No to Taiwan - The China in Africa Podcast - Air Date 4-23-26
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Air Date: 6–5-2026
Today we explore sportswashing past and present, from fascist dictators who first weaponized the World Cup to FIFA's modern extractivism model of corrupt capitalism, and why workers, unions, and fans are now organizing to reclaim the game from those profiting off it.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Trump Is a 'master Marketer' Symone Reacts to President Getting FIFA Peace Prize - Chris Jansing Reports - Air Date 12-5-25
KP 2: Jules Boykoff on World Cup and Sportswashing Part 1 - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-15-26
KP 3: The Fascist World Cup Part 1 - Power Plays - Air Date 5-21-26
KP 4: Exploring the Sportwashing, Greed and Corruption of the 2026 World Cup - The Blazing Musket Podcast - Air Date 5-6-26
KP 5: Trump LOSES IT as FIFA SUFFERS MAJOR CRISIS!! Part 1 - MeidasTouch - Air Date 5-6-26
KP 6: Jules Boykoff on World Cup and Sportswashing Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-15-26
(00:45:01) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
FIFA, Trump, and the Patriotism Scam They're Running on America
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:01:55) SECTION A: TRUMP'S PLAYBOOK
A1: Is This the Most Political World Cup of All Time Part 1 - The Global Story - Air Date 5-25-26
A2: As the World Cup Arrives in Seattle, so Do the Contradictions Part 1 - Soundside - Air Date 5-18-26
(01:14:02) SECTION B: FASCIST ORIGINS
B1: Sportswashing Explained Part 1 - Rights & Wrongs - Air Date 5-25-26
B2: Soccers Shadow And Sunlight the Fascist History of the World Cup and 20 Years of Soccer Without Borders Part 1 - Edge of Sports - Air Date 5-28-26
B3: The Fascist World Cup Part 2 - Power Plays - Air Date 5-21-26
B4: Soccers Shadow And Sunlight the Fascist History of the World Cup and 20 Years of Soccer Without Borders Part 2 - Edge of Sports - Air Date 5-28-26
(01:55:31) SECTION C: GREED MACHINE
C1: Trump LOSES IT as FIFA SUFFERS MAJOR CRISIS!! Part 2 - MeidasTouch - Air Date 5-6-26
C2: As the World Cup Arrives in Seattle, so Do the Contradictions Part 2 - Soundside - Air Date 5-18-26
C3: Exploring the Sportwashing, Greed and Corruption of the 2026 World Cup Part 2 - The Blazing Musket Podcast - Air Date 5-6-26
(02:19:47) SECTION D: PUSHBACK
D1: Cuba Latest, Louisiana Primary, World Cup Travel - Up First From NPR - Air Date 5-16-26
D2: Trump Gets HIS KARMA as FIFA WORLD CUP COLLAPSES!!!! - MeidasTouch - Air Date 4-16-26
D3: Sportswashing Explained Part 2 - Rights & Wrongs - Air Date 5-25-26
D4: Is This the Most Political World Cup of All Time Part 2 - The Global Story - Air Date
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Air Date: 6–3-2026
Today we examine the AI industry's economic house of cards, the ideology Silicon Valley uses to sell a broken product, and the very real human costs being paid by workers, the lonely, and communities bulldozed for data centers nobody asked for.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: The AI Backlash Just Got VERY Public - House of El - AI - Air Date 5-24-26
KP 2: The AI Industry Is Losing - Better Offline - Air Date 5-26-26
KP 3: The Aesthetic Pipeline to Techno-Fascism - Alice Cappelle - Air Date 5-27-26
KP 4: Joe Rogan Accidentally Exposed AI in Four Words - Mo Bitar - Air Date 5-22-26
KP 5: How AI Companions Are Destroying Human Intimacy | Angela Ivy Leong | TEDxWest Vancouver - TEDx Talks - Air Date 1-14-26
KP 6: Astra Taylor on AI Data Center Resistance & Fighting "Billionaire Big Tech Agenda"- Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-13-26
(00:51:20) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
AI Is a Drug and We're All Self-Medicating
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:09:29) SECTION A: THE BUBBLE ECONOMICS
A1: Will SpaceX and OpenAI Starve the Market? - UNFTR Media - Air Date 5-26-26
A2: Karen Hao: AI Creating a DESPERATE BASE OF WORKERS with No Full-time Employment - Channel 4 News - Air Date 5-22-26
A3: AI and Cancer: Why Superintelligence Won't Get Us to a Cure - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 4-30-26
(01:37:24) SECTION B: IDEOLOGY OF THE TECH ELITE
B1: The Left Doesn't Hate Technology with Gita Jackson - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 3-12-26
B2: Why We Should Care About the Pope's AI Crusade - The Tech Report - Air Date 5-26-26
B3: The UK Government's AI Obsession Is a Big Risk with Will Dunn - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 5-14-26
B4: Maybe It's a Bad Idea To Put Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman In Charge of AI - Some More News - Air Date 5-23-26
B5: Have We Trained AI to Lie to Itself — And to Us? - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 4-16-26
(02:21:29) SECTION C: THE HUMAN COST
C1: Why AI Friends Will Never Work - The Upgrade with Makai Allbert - Air Date 5-25-26
C2: Richard Dawkins Fell for a Chatbot - Steve Shives - Air Date 5-4-26
C3: She Spent 12 Years Fighting Amazon. Now She Wants to Cut the Power to AI. - For Humanity: An AI Risk Podcast - Air Date 5-2-26
C4: There Is No Such Thing as AI Art ♥️ - Matt Bernstein - Air Date 5-22-26
(02:50:10) SECTION D: RESISTANCE & HOW TO FIGHT BACK
D1: How to Talk About AI Risk Without Scaring People Away (With Philip Trippenbach) | For Humanity 82 - For Humanity: An AI Risk Podcast - Air Date 3-28-26
D2: Why AI Doom Content Is Everywhere- Taylor Lorenz - Air Date 5-27-26
D3: How to Talk About AI Risk Without Scaring People Away (With Philip Trippenbach) | For Humanity 82 - For Humanity: An AI Risk Podcast - Air Date 3-28-26
D4: Those Graduation Speakers Getting Booed Right Now - Man Carrying Thing - Air Date 5-23-26
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Air Date: 5–30-2026
Today we examine how Trump turned a sham lawsuit into a $1.8 billion reward fund for his political allies who attacked the Capitol on January 6th while implementing a counterterrorism strategy that erases right-wing extremism from the threat landscape, refocuses on left-wing violence that hardly exists and threatens to "find and kill" those they deem enemies.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche Defends New $1.8B Anti-Weaponization Fund - Trump's Terms - Air Date 5-20-26
KP 2: Congress Strikes Back as Trump Rushes $1.8 Billion Scam - Legal AF by MeidasTouch - Air Date 5-18-26
KP 3: Dictatorship in Action David Cay Johnston on $1.8B Slush Fund Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-20-26
KP 4: Some Republicans in Congress Are Standing up to Trump - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 5-22-26
KP 5: Why Jan. 6 Officers Are Suing to Stop Trump's $1.8 Billion Allies Fund - Here & Now Anytime - Air Date 5-21-26
KP 6: We Will Find You and We Will Kill You Part 1 - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 5-15-26
KP 7: Daily Take Republicans Found $1.8 Billion Overnight for Trumps Thugs — So Why Are Seniors Choosing Between Food and Medicine - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 5-22-26
KP 8: Dictatorship in Action David Cay Johnston on $1.8B Slush Fund Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-20-26
(00:53:15) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Trump's $1.8B Slush Fund & the Corruption We Saw Coming
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:11:48) SECTION A: ANATOMY OF THE HEIST
A1: Andrew Weissman on Trumps $1.8 Billion Settlement with Himself Part 1 - Brian Lehrer: A Daily Podcast - Air Date 5-20-26
A2: Trump's $1.8 Billion DOJ-Facilitated Taxpayer Heist; Guest Robert Weissman of Public Citizen Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 5-18-26
A3: McConnell RIPS Trumps Jan. 6 Slush Fund as Utterly Stupid, Morally Wrong - All In W Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-21-26
(01:34:28) SECTION B: THE BIGGER PATTERN
B1: Trump's $1.8 Billion DOJ-Facilitated Taxpayer Heist; Guest Robert Weissman of Public Citizen Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 5-18-26
B2: Andrew Weissman on Trumps $1.8 Billion Settlement with Himself Part 2 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 5-20-26
B3: Craven Corruption - The Practivist Pod - Air Date 5-21-26
(01:57:06) SECTION C: ENEMIES OF THE STATE
C1: Sources & Methods Trump's Counterterrorism Plan Part 1 - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 5-25-26
C2: Trumps New Counterterrorism Strategy and the Spectre of Left-Wing Violence Part 1 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 5-12-26
C3: Sources & Methods Trump's Counterterrorism Plan Part 2 - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 5-25-26
C4: We Will Find You and We Will Kill You Part 2 - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 5-15-26
C5: Trumps New Counterterrorism Strategy and the Spectre of Left-Wing Violence - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 5-12-26
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Air Date: 5–26-2026
Today we examine what separates successful revolutions from failed ones, ask why so many revolutions of the 2010s fell short, understand how revolutionary energy gets neutralized, and explore the strategic case for nonviolent resistance.
Full Show Notes
Transcript
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: What Makes a Revolution Successful? - The Inquiry - Air Date 5-16-18
KP 2: Left Behind: the Failed Revolutions of the 2010s - The Politics Show - Air Date 2-5-24
KP 3: Is The US In Its French Revolution Era? - Leeja Miller - Air Date 5-13-26
KP 4: How Progress Erases Itself - Dan Harumi - Air Date 5-18-26
KP 5: Why Nonviolence Wins - Degenerate Art by Andrea Pitzer - Air Date 5-14-26
(00:54:11) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Why the Left Keeps Losing to the Right
DEEPER DIVES
(01:13:12) SECTION A: ANATOMY OF FAILURE
A1: Lessons From a Decade of Failed Revolutions - Front Burner - Air Date 1-2-24
A2: Why Revolutions Fail - Hello Future Me - Air Date 9-9-23
A3: How and Why Revolutions Occur - LegalKimchi - Air Date 12-12-22
A4: Difference Between a Coup and a Revolution? - Sean Munger - Air Date 1-12-21
(01:54:11) SECTION B: REVISITING THE RECORD
B1: What Was the Iranian Revolution Really About? With Scott Anderson - Intelligence Squared - Air Date 11-2-25
B2: "Counter-Revolution of 1776": Was U.S. Independence War a Conservative Revolt in Favor of Slavery? - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-27-14
B3: In Defense of Che Guevara (How the Media Lies to You) - Overzealots - Air Date 1-26-25
B4: The Warriors of a Failed Revolution - Narratively Out Loud - Air Date 9-30-20
(02:32:02) SECTION C: THE CURRENT MOMENT
C1: Why Fascism Fails - Then & Now - Air Date 5-18-26
C2: What Is the Relevance of the Russian Revolution Today? A Debate with Kshama Sawant & Eric Blanc - Haymarket Books Live - Air Date 9-26-22
C3: To Save The World, Stop Working - Extra Andrewism - Air Date 5-19-26
C4: Why the Epstein Files Didn't Start a Revolution - Uncivilized - Air Date 4-21-26
C5: "Forget What The Ruling Class Deems Unacceptable. Revolution Is Illegal" - Ed Mead On A Life In Struggle - Millennials Are Killing Capitalism - Air Date 5-26-22
(03:25:38) SECTION D: STRATEGY AND PRACTICE
D1: How To Start A Revolution Part 1 - Andrewism - Air Date 12-7-22
D2: Revolution: A How-To Guide - Hakim - Air Date 5-29-21
D3: How To Start A Revolution Part 2 - Andrewism - Air Date 12-7-22
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Air Date: 5–23-2026
Today we examine the real-world cost of dismantling America's public health infrastructure, the dangerous pseudoscience driving RFK Jr.'s health agenda, and the contradictions fracturing the MAHA movement from within.And now on to the show
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Trump Looks Foolish for Choice of Kennedy and Deep Cuts at CDC as Real-world Perils Play Out - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 5-12-26
KP 2: 'The Wheels Are Coming Off': Trump Already Less Popular Than After Jan. 6 - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 4-22-26
KP 3: How RFK, Jr.'s Beliefs Echo a Troubling Ideology | Science Quickly Podcast - Scientific American - Air Date 3-13-26
KP 4: MAHA Moms Are Mad - Today, Explained - Air Date 3-3-26
KP 5: As WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak a Global Health Emergency, Did USAID Cuts Worsen the Crisis - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-18-26
KP 6: How People with Disabilities Could Bear the Burden of Medicaid Funding Cuts - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 2-3-26
KP 7: RFK Jr Goes Full Eugenics to Congress; IMMIGRANTS BRING DISEASE - Brittany Page - Air Date 4-22-26
(00:54:35) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
RFK's Public Health Descruction is Easier than the Rebuilding We'll have to do Later
DEEPER DIVES
(01:05:28) SECTION A: THE DAMAGE DONE
A1: From COVID to Hepatitis to Measles, RFK Jr. Is Gutting Vaccine Science' Ex-CDC Expert Speaks Out - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-12-25
A2: FDA Chief Pushed Out in Latest Sign of Public Health Chaos Under RFK Jr. - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-13-26
A3: WaPo Bombshell: RFK's CDC Burying Report on Covid Vaccine Success - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 4-9-26
A4: WATCH: Warnock Criticizes RFK Jr. for CDC Cuts to Rabies Emergency Line - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 4-22-26
A5: World Health Organization Issues Hantavirus Alert - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-16-26
A6: Can We Trust RFK Jr. On Hantavirus? - The Bitchuation Room (with Francesca Fiorentini) - Air Date 5-13-26
(01:47:09) SECTION B: IDEOLOGY AND THE MISINFORMATION MACHINE
B1: Elizabeth Jacobs on RFK Jr. and Public Health - CounterSpin - Air Date 9-5-25
B2: RFK's Antivax Push. Measles Resurges Across America - Roland S. Martin - Air Date 2-24-26
(02:06:42) SECTION C: INSIDE THE MAHA COALITION
C1: MAHA's Glyphosate Meltdown [feat Mallory DeMille] Part 1 - Conspirituality - Air Date 3-5-26
C2: Why RFK Jr. Is Projecting a More 'Moderate' MAHA Stance - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-27-26
C3: MAHA's Glyphosate Meltdown [feat Mallory DeMille] Part 2 - Conspirituality - Air Date 3-5-26
(02:36:04) SECTION D: HOW A COUNTRY BECOMES "UNDERBABIED"
D1: Underbabied? Part 1 - The Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal - Air Date 5-12-26
D2: RFK Jr. Dissatisfied with Teen Sperm & Sean Duffy Gets Back to Reality - The Daily Show - Air Date 5-12-26
D3: Underbabied? Part 2 - The Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal - Air Date 5-12-26
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Air Date: 5/20/2026
Today we examine how the Trump administration is quietly reshaping its unpopular immigration crackdown by moving enforcement out of public view. Plus, we explain how anti-immigration politics is spreading through the post-colonial world, highlighting how it's reshaping political parties and public debate in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Trumps Brutal Immigration Crackdown Continues Part 1 - Velshi - Air Date 3-21-26
KP 2: 'Buyer's Remorse' This Trump Stronghold TURNS on Massive ICE Facility Part 1 - MS Now - Air Date 4-20-26
KP 3: Does Legal Immigration Still Exist Part 1 - What Next - Air Date 2-23-26
KP 4: What TPS Recipients Might Experience if They're Sent Back to Haiti - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 4-30-26
KP 5: How The British Made The Far Right Acceptable Daniel Trilling Part 1 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 5-11-26
KP 6: How To Beat The Anti-Immigration Playbook Zoe Gardner Part 1 - Bold Politics with Zack Polanski - Air Date 9-10-26
(00:53:33) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
How ICE Hands Billions to Trump's Donors
DEEPER DIVES
(01:05:43) SECTION A: THE RESET IS THEATER
A1: Trumps Brutal Immigration Crackdown Continues Part 2 - Velshi - Air Date 3-21-26
A2: Trumps ICE Detention Scam with Katie Blankenship Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-28-26
A3: Kornacki Large Number of Independents Strongly Disapprove of Trumps Immigration Agenda - NBC News - Air Date 2-11-26
A4: Trump Voters REBEL Against Proposed ICE Detention Centers In Their Backyard - The Logical Leftist - Air Date 1-12-26
A5: Border Czar Promises Mass Deportations On the Way - The DSR Network - Air Date 5-7-26
A6: US President Backs ICE Rebrand Amid Scrutiny as Poll Shows Trump's Immigration Approval Falling - WION - Air Date 4-28-26
(01:42:03) SECTION B: DUE PROCESS DISMANTLED
B1: Does Legal Immigration Still Exist Part 2 - What Next - Air Date 2-23-26
B2: Trump Vs. Dreamers Justice Dept. Moves to Make It Easier to Deport 500K+ DACA Recipients - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-28-26
B3: Supreme Court Appears to Lean Toward Ending TPS for Some Migrants - Trump's Terms - Air Date 4-30-26
B4: Study Finds Trump Administration Cut Legal Immigration Far More Than Illegal Crossings - PBS Newshour - Air Date 4-14-26
(02:08:29) SECTION C: THE GLOBAL FAR-RIGHT PLAYBOOK
C1: Starmer Out Pressure Grows on U.K. PM to Resign as Far-Right Reform Party Surges in Local Elections - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-11-26
C2: "Reform" Of A Lifelong Forever Racist Party In The UK; Tennessee, Virginia, Louisiana Today....The Whole USA Tomorrow - The Politicrat - Air Date 5-8-26
C3: White Supremacy Is a Massive Issue in Canada What's Fuelling the Far Right Part 1 - The Truth - Air Date 2-23-26
C4: Angus Taylors Trumpian Immigration Plan Part 1 - Full Story - Air Date 4-15-26
C5: How The British Made The Far Right Acceptable Daniel Trilling Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 5-11-26
C6: White Supremacy Is a Massive Issue in Canada What's Fuelling the Far Right Part 2 - The Truth - Air Date 2-23-26
C7: Angus Taylors Trumpian Immigration Plan Part 2 - Full Story - Air Date 4-15-26
(03:06:00) SECTION D: STAKES AND RESISTANCE
D1: Can Illinois Hold the Feds Accountable for Immigration Crackdown - Consider This From NPR - Air Date 4-28-26
D2: Trumps ICE Detention Scam with Katie Blankenship Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-28-26
D3: 'Buyer's Remorse' This Trump Stronghold TURNS on Massive ICE Facility Part 2 - MS Now - Air Date 4-20-26
D4: How To Beat The Anti-Immigration Playbook Zoe Gardner Part 2 - Bold Politics with Zack Polanski - Air Date 9-10-26
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Air Date: 5/15/2026
Today we examine what it would actually take to claw back democracy from billionaire capture — and why some people think it's more possible than it looks. We'll hear about California's proposed billionaire wealth tax, AOC's vision for change that doesn't depend on positional power, and why Peter Thiel's new "AI Tribunal of Truth" may have accidentally revealed exactly what the ruling class fears most.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) on Possible 2028 White House Run - C-SPAN - Air Date 5-8-26
KP 2: One State Found a Way to Make Billionaires Pay. Your State Could Be Next. - More Perfect Union, Inequality Media Civic Action, & Robert Reich - Air Date 4-1-26
KP 3: Tech Billionaires Want Us Dead - Taylor Lorenz - Air Date 1-19-26
KP 4: Jeff & Lauren Bezos Make 'Gratitude Lists' as AMAZON WORKERS DIE AT WORK - Brittany Page - Air Date 4-14-26
KP 5: Why Philanthropy [STILL] Isn't the Answer with (with Anand Giridharadas) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 5-5-26
KP 6: The Case Against Billionaires | Chuck Collins - Washington Monthly - Air Date 1-5-26
(00:47:44) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Who Owns the Upside?
DEEPER DIVES
(00:59:03) SECTION A: TECH POWER, SURVEILLANCE, AND THE END OF TRUTH
A1: Do Tech Billionaires Want Us Dead? (with Taylor Lorenz) - Team Human with Douglas Rushkoff - Air Date 2-18-26
A2: The End of Work: Why Your Kids Won't Have Careers in 15 Years - Trevor Noah - Air Date 4-19-26
A3: This Is Actually Terrifying - Struthless - Air Date 4-16-26
(01:23:24) SECTION B: BEZOS, AMAZON, AND THE HUMAN COST
B1: "Tax the Rich" Is Hate Speech!? - PissedMagistus - Air Date 5-11-26
B2: Why I Support The California Billionaire Tax - Robert Reich and Inequality Media Civic Action - Air Date 4-7-26
(01:32:00) SECTION C: HOW THE TAX CODE BUILT THE ARISTOCRACY
C1: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy / Ray Madoff Part 1 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 11-13-25
C2: The Second Estate: Where Billionaires Don't Pay. You Do. (with Ray D. Madoff) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 4-14-26
C3: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy / Ray Madoff Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 11-13-25
C4: The $79 Trillion Price of Inequality (with Carter Price) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 3-24-26
(02:08:11) SECTION D: IDEOLOGY OF CAPITAL
D1: Why Liberals Always Side with Fascists - Michael Burns - Air Date 4-15-26
D2: How Capitalist Propaganda Sneaks Into TV Shows - Marcus Werner - Air Date 4-17-26
D3: The Capitalist Mindset - The Market Exit - Air Date 9-9-25
(02:34:00) SECTION E: MARKETS IN THE MIND
E1: Clavicular Is What Marx Warned Us About - Harper O'Connor - Air Date 5-10-26
E2: How Oligarchs Hijacked America in Just 16 Year - Benaminute - Air Date 4-30-26
(02:55:22) SECTION F: BUBBLE, BACKLASH, AND THE WAY FORWARD
F1: It Will Be 17 Times Worse Than the .com Crash - Upper Echelon - Air Date 5-7-26
F2: How to Live a Life That (actually) Matters - The Market Exit and Rutger Bregman - Air Date 9-19-26
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Air Date: 5/12/2026
Today we examine the redistricting scramble unleashed by the Supreme Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act. We'll hear how Southern states moved within days to crack majority-Black districts, how Tennessee banned public input to rush through new maps, and why every governor's race, state legislative seat, and secretary of state contest in 2026 is now a redistricting fight.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Redrawing Congressional Maps and Testing Trump's Power - PBS Newshour - Air Date 5-4-26
KP 2: Louisiana Is Ground Zero for Voting Rights, Abortion Pill Access Part 1 - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 5-7-26
KP 3: Elie Mystal Supreme Court Gutting Voting Rights Act Is About Again Making US an Apartheid State Part 1 - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 5-1-26
KP 4: Did Trump's Supreme Court Rig the Midterms Part 1 - Pod Save America - Air Date 5-1-26
KP 5: What Stacey Abrams Thinks About a Recent SCOTUS Decision and the Voting Rights Amendment Part 1 - Soundside - Air Date 5-5-26
KP 6: 'Foolish' Lone Tennessee Dem Rep. Speaks Out Against GOP's Redistricting Push - Ana Cabrera Reports - Air Date 5-6-26
KP 7: Backtalker Kimberlé Crenshaw on New Memoir, Voting Rights, Critical Race Theory & Clarence Thomas - Democracy Now - Air Date 5-6-26
KP 8: What Stacey Abrams Thinks About a Recent SCOTUS Decision and the Voting Rights Amendment Part 2 - Soundside - Air Date 5-526
(00:53:57) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
How One Senate Rule Is Destroying Voting Rights
DEEPER DIVES
(01:05:18) SECTION A: THE RULING & THE LAW
A1: SCOTUS 86s Voting Rights Part 1 - #SistersInLaw - Air Date 5-2-26
A2: The Death Of The Voting Rights Act EXPLAINED Part 1 - Why, America? with Leeja Miller - Air Date 4-30-26
A3: SCOTUS 86s Voting Rights Part 2 - #SistersInLaw - Air Date 5-2-26
(01:24:35) SECTION B: HOW WE GOT HERE
B1: John Lewis and the Struggle for Voting Rights - Equal Justice Initiative - Air Date 3-9-26
B2: Tennessee GOP Just Embraced Jim Crow 2.0 to Silence Black Voters Just as Trump Demanded - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 5-7-26
B3: Louisiana Is Ground Zero for Voting Rights, Abortion Pill Access Part 2 - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 5-7-26
B4: What Is the Supreme Court Actually Trying to Do - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 5-2-26
(02:02:53) SECTION C: THE STATES SCRAMBLE
C1: 'If You Can Keep It' The Supreme Court And The Voting Rights Act Part 1 - 1A - Air Date 5-4-26
C2: Did Trump's Supreme Court Rig the Midterms Part 2 - Pod Save America - Air Date 5-1-26
C3: 'But Do You Trust Them' Hayes Questions Timing of FBI Raid in Virginia - All In W/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-6-26
C4: Trump Pushes to Take Over Elections, Punish His Enemies Pulitzer Prize-Winning Reporter Ned Parker - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-8-26
C5: BREAKING Virginia Supreme Court Strikes Down Voter-approved House Map - Ana Cabrera Reports - Air Date 5-8-26
C6: 'If You Can Keep It' The Supreme Court And The Voting Rights Act Part 2 - 1A - Air Date 5-4-26
(02:43:06) SECTION D: WHAT COMES NEXT
D1: Fighting for Our Voting Rights! - Practivist Pod - Air Date 4-30-26
D2: The Death Of The Voting Rights Act EXPLAINED Part 2 - Why, America? with Leeja Miller - Air Date 4-30-26
D3: Louisiana Is Ground Zero for Voting Rights, Abortion Pill Access Part 3 - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 5-7-26
D4: Elie Mystal Supreme Court Gutting Voting Rights Act Is About Again Making US an Apartheid State Part 2 - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 5-1-26
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Air Date: 5–9-2026
Today we examine how political violence has always been woven into the fabric of American life and who gets to decide what counts as violence in the first place. We'll hear about presidential assassinations, the assassination of Fred Hampton, the MOVE bombing in Philadelphia, and the long history of state-sanctioned violence. And I'll discuss the only real way to bend the curve back away from endemic violence in the US.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: The Real 'Political Violence' in America - Taylor Lorenz - Air Date 9-12-25
KP 2: The Largely Forgotten History of Philadelphias Police Bombing of Black Organization MOVE - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 5-17-25
KP 3: America's History of Assassinations and Political Violence - Front Burner - Air Date 7-16-24
KP 4: America's Addiction to Gun Violence, Racism, and White Rage Will Be Its Downfall Part 1 - The Chauncey DeVega Show -Air Date 9-19-25
KP 5: "Slow Civil War" Author Jeff Sharlet on the Growing NormalAation of Violence at Home & Abroad - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-27-26
KP 6: The World Is Broken and on Fire. Use Your Anger to Remake It for the Better - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 3-25-26
(00:50:50) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Why Billionaires Now Fear Civil War
DEEPER DIVES
(01:04:57) SECTION A: THE FRAMING WARS
A1: The White House Correspondents Dinner Shooting: What the "Political Violence" Framing Is Hiding - Resistance History with Tad Stoermer - Air Date 4-26-26
A2: Who's to Blame for Political Violence? - WSJ Opinion: Free Expression - Air Date 9-17-25- Air Date 9-17-25
A3: We're MASSIVELY Overstating Our Political Violence Problem — and That's Dangerous! | Sean Westwood - People Who Read People: A Behavior and Psychology Podcast - Air Date 9-16-24
A4: Assassination Nation – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor - The Bunker – News Without the Nonsense - Air Date 4-27-26
(01:32:09) SECTION B: THE LONG AMERICAN TRADITION
B1: The Pen or the Sword? How Lincoln and John Brown Disagreed on Achieving Emancipation Part 1 - History Unplugged Podcast - Air Date 2-23-21
B2: A History of US Political Violence - Americast - Air Date 11-2-22
B3: The Pen or the Sword? How Lincoln and John Brown Disagreed on Achieving Emancipation Part 2 - History Unplugged Podcast - Air Date 2-23-21
(01:52:52) SECTION C: STATE VIOLENCE AND ANTI-BLACKNESS
C1: WATCH: "The Assassination of Fred Hampton: How the FBI and Chicago Police Murdered a Black Panther" - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-4-14
C2: America's Addiction to Gun Violence, Racism, and White Rage Will Be Its Downfall Part 2 - The Chauncey DeVega Show -Air Date 9-19-25
(02:12:44) SECTION D: THE RIGHT-WING ENGINE
D1: Political Violence In The U.S. Part 1 - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 6-16-25
D2: Timothy McVeigh and the Rise of Right-Wing Extremism - The Lawfare Podcast - Air Date 5-25-23
D3: Political Violence In The U.S. Part 2 - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 6-16-25Political Violence In The U.S. The NPR Politics Podcast Jun 16, 2025
(02:36:23) SECTION E: THE SYSTEM AND WHAT COMES NEXT
E1: Assassin Nation with Patrick Blanchfield - The Dig - Air Date 12-18-24
E2: Holding Out for a Hero Feat. Hasan Piker - Chapo Trap House - Air Date 4-27-26
E3: The Cole Hard Truth - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 4-28-26
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Air Date: 05-06-2026
Today we examine how the U.S. war on Iran is producing an economic crisis with echoes of the 1970s stagflation era which explains why Trump is now less popular on inflation than Jimmy Carter. We'll also be exploring various element of the structure of our economy, including how GDP became a deeply misleading measure of welfare, why consumer spending increasingly goes toward things people don't want to buy, and how gambling and junk fees are literally counted as economic growth.
Full Show Notes
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Simply Wrong GOP Lawmakers Caught LYING About Gas Prices Part 1 - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 4-30-26
KP 2: Economic Implications of the U.S. War on Iran Part 1 - Economic Update with Richard Wolff - Air Date 4-14-26
KP 3: These Georgia Swing Voters Do Not Like the Iran War - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 4-16-26
KP 4: Monday Morning Economy Politics Inflation Soars Part 1 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-13-26
KP 5: Fiasco for Trump as Leaked GOP Memo Warns of Epic Midterm Bloodbath - The Daily Blast with Greg Sargent - Air Date 5-1-26
KP 6: From Safety Net to Power Base Reclaiming Economic Power for Working People (with Jamie Keene) Part 1 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 4-21-26
KP 7: Simply Wrong GOP Lawmakers Caught LYING About Gas Prices Part 2 - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 4-30-26
(00:56:48) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Trump's Iran War Is Crashing the Economy And It's Time To Get Ready
DEEPER DIVES
(01:05:14) SECTION A: THE PUMP AND THE WAR
(01:28:41) SECTION B: LIES, SPIN, AND THE ROARING ECONOMY
(02:00:33) SECTION C: THE BOOMCESSION
(02:39:10) SECTION D: WHAT THIS COSTS REAL PEOPLE
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Air Date: 05/01/2026
The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month we open with Jesse Jackson's death as a reckoning with the multiracial coalition America chose not to build, trace the American playbook from the 1953 Iran coup to Cuba to the current war on Iran, examine how the same logic of control operates at home through AI monopolies, sports money, and captured courts, and close with the religious and labor traditions that have always driven change — plus Orbán's defeat in Hungary as proof that authoritarian projects don't last forever.
Full Show Notes
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PART 1: AMERICA, CONTESTED (00:01:19) #1775 - Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition and the Remaking of American Politics
(00:23:12) #1776 - Trump's Pharaoh Complex, Our Flawed Constitution, and the 250th Anniversary
PART 2: THE AMERICAN WAY (00:45:27) #1777 - How Christian Nationalism, Oil, and Zionism Built The War Against Iran
(01:06:48) #1782 - Cuba's Crisis: Trump's Deadly Embargo, Blackouts, and Dream of Regime Change
(01:29:45) #1785 - Iran and the Chain Reaction: The War Nobody Thought Through (Or, Bomb First, Think Never)
PART 3: CONTROLLING THE GAME (01:51:40) #1778 - AI, the Pentagon, Labor and Capitalism: The Fight Over Who Controls the Future
(02:15:29) #1781 - Your Team Is a Hedge Fund Now: How Gambling and Billionaires Captured American Sports
02:29:38) #1783 - The Ideology of a Cancer Cell: AI, Surveillance, and Silicon Valley's Psychopath Problem
(02:51:36) #1784 - Who Gets to Be American, Who Gets to Vote, and Who Decides
PART 4: HISTORY'S ENGINE (03:17:49) #1779 - Community After God: Why the Left Needs What Church Provided
(03:43:07) #1780 - Cynicism Is a Scab: Hope, Solidarity, and the Labor Fight That Never Stopped
(04:09:26) #1786 - Defeating Viktor Orbán in Hungary and the Authoritarian Playbook Worldwide
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 4–29-2026
Today we explore the extraordinary clash between Pope Leo XIV and the Trump White House — a feud involving military threats, medieval papal history, and an American-born pope who refuses to back down. We'll hear why analysts say MAGA's religiosity is pure aesthetic, and what that hollowness means for the millions of Americans still taking their faith seriously.
Full Show Notes
Transcript
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: "Two Versions of Christianity": Pope Leo Calls for Peace as U.S. Uses Religion to Justify Iran War - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-1-26
KP 2: What's Driving the Surge of Catholic Converts? Plus Gabriel Salguero - The Holy Post - Air Date 4-1-26
KP 3: What's Behind a Growing Rift Between Conservative U.S. Catholics and the Vatican - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 12-16-23
KP 4: Why Are US Catholics Like That !? - The Kavernacle - Air Date 4-16-26
KP 5: Pope Bob Vs. Trump World Part 1 - Conspirituality - Air Date 5-22-25
KP 6: Did Trump Officials Threaten the Vatican' The Avignon Papacy Warning Explained - SWAJ with Brad Onishi and Dan Miller - Air Date 4-11-26
KP 7: Republicans .0002 Seconds After the Pope Says Anything - Man Carrying Thing - Air Date 4-18-26
(00:47:36) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Pope Leo vs. Trump: The Catholic Opening Democrats Are Blowing
DEEPER DIVES
(00:56:09) SECTION A: TRUMP AND COMPANY'S LOVE/HATE PAPAL RELATIONSHIP
(01:39:29) SECTION B: ANTI CATHOLIC SENTIMENT IN AMERICA
(02:05:17) SECTION C: THE POPE VS THE TRUMP
(02:49:26) SECTION D: SOME MISC HISTORICAL CONTEXT
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image of Pope Leo XIV and Trump against the background of Trump's AI image of himself as Jesus.
Credit: Internal design. Components: 1. "Pope Leo XIV 3 (3x4 crop)" by Edgar Beltran, The Pillar via Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0 | Changes: Transparent background | 2. "Donald Trump" by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Transparent background | 3. Trump as Jesus, AI image, Truth Social, Public Domain
Air Date: 4/24/2026
Today we explore how Viktor Orban spent 16 years transforming Hungary into a blueprint for 21st-century autocracy, how that blueprint traveled directly to the United States and what Hungary's stunning defeat of Orban can teach Americans about fighting back against authoritarianism.
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Full Show Notes
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: If Hungary Can Do It Part 1 - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 4-16-26
KP 2: What Orban's Loss Means for Anti-Fascists; Iran's Endgame with Jason Stanley, Mohammad Ali Shabani Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-14-26
KP 3: Viktor Orbán Part 1 - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 3-30-26
KP 4: How Do Peter Magyar's Politics Differ From Orban's Right-wing Populism Part 1 - DW News - Air Date 4-13-26
KP 5: On Tyranny, Orbán, and Trump (with Timothy Snyder) Part 1 - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 4-16-26
KP 6: They Actually Voted Him Out Part 1 - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 4-16-26
KP 7: Viktor Orban's Loss in Hungary Gives Us the Roadmap to Destroy MAGA! - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 4-12-26
(00:48:33) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Trumpism Won't End With Trump, Here's What Comes Next
DEEPER DIVES
(00:56:57) SECTION A: ORIGINS
(01:37:50) SECTION B: TACTICS
(02:03:08) SECTION C: INTERNATIONAL
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of Hungary's out-going president Victor Orban standing with Trump in the White House while both display a thumbs-up. A "REJECTED" stamp is on Orban and a voting checkbox with an "X" in it is above him. A voting checkbox with a question mark in it is over Trump.
Credit: Internal design. Component images: Pixabay Photo Credit: "President Victor Orban and President Trump", White House Instagram, Nov. 7, 2025 | Public Domain
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Re-Air Date: 4-21-2026
Original Air Date: 1–18-2020
Today we take a look at The Afghanistan Papers which reveal in stark detail much of what the anti-war movement has known or strongly suspected since the beginning. Going beyond the scope of The Pentagon Papers of the Vietnam War era, The Afghanistan Papers feature interviews and documentation from top-ranking officials admitting from the start that they had no idea what they were doing in Afghanistan.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Headlines: The Afghanistan Papers - Democracy Now - Air Date 12-10-19
Ch. 2: The "Pentagon Papers" Of Our Time with Craig Whitlock - On the Media - Air Date 12-20-19
Ch. 3: They Lied To Us All Along with Danny Sjursen - The Real News with Marc Steiner - Air Date 12-15-19
Ch. 4: The Truth About The War In Afghanistan with Craig Whitlock - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 12-16-19
Ch. 5: The Afghan Pentagon Papers - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 12-14-19
Ch. 6: The Afghanistan Papers - Eyes Left with Spenser Rapone and Mike Prysner - Air Date 12-16-19
Ch. 7: The Afghanistan Papers with Steven Miles - News Beat with Rashed Mian and Christopher Twarowski - Air Date 12-23-19
SHOW IMAGE:
"Afghanistan War Anniversary", Jayel Aheram on Flickr / License / Changes: Zoomed in and cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Air Date: 4-8-26
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - The history of the war on poverty in the U.S.
- Ch. 2 - How the wealthiest 9.9% are keeping the rest of us down with their heads in the sand
- Ch. 3 - The history and revival of the workers' education movement
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): How your class impacts your tastes.
Leave us a message on our new system!
FOLLOW US ON:
YouTube (This episode premieres on YouTube on Friday - please subscribe and share!)
REFERENCES
How Inequality Was Redefined as "Poverty"—Letting Capitalism Off the Hook - The Nation
Talking of poverty: From the analytical to the political - Sage Journals
The 9.9 Percent is the New American Aristocracy - The Atlantic
To Build Working-Class Power, We Need a Workers' Education Movement - The Nation
BACKSTAGE
- Taste and Distinction: How Class Shapes What We Like - Thinking Sociologically
EXTRAS:
Best of the Left #1780 - Cynicism Is a Scab: Hope, Solidarity, and the Labor Fight That Never Stopped
BOOK: "We Do This Til We Free Us" by Mariame Kaba
(Buying through this link supports indie book stores and this show!)
SOLVED! #36 - Bribery Jazz: Corruption is the Water We Swim In
SOLVED! #37 - Solidarity Forever: Boycotts, Strikes, & the Labor Movement We Need
TAKE ACTION:
MayDayStrong.org - May 1st - No Work. No School. No Shopping.
Stop Trump's Wars
REI Co-Op Members: Vote to Boycott
Greeley Meatpacking Workers (UFCW Local 7R) Strike Fund
No Kings - What's Next?
One Million Rising Trainings
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
How to Support Minneapolis Communities
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
5calls.org
Air Date: 4/17/2026
Today we examine how the U.S. war with Iran has exposed the deep structural rot at the heart of American power, the global economic catastrophe quietly building beneath the surface, and the cuts felt at home in order to pay for it all.
Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
Join our Discord community!
TOP TAKES
KP 1: Excerpt, "Cross of Iron" Speech, 1956 - Dwight D. Eisenhower
KP 2: White House Accidentally Releases Video of Trump Saying the Truth About War's Priority - The Briefing with Jen Psaki - Air Date 4-2-26
KP 3: Lets Talk About Fertilizer - Paul Krugman - Air Date 3-21-26
KP 4: Why Israels Bombing of Lebanon Means All Our Futures Are at Stake - The Independent - Air Date 4-9-26
KP 5: Will There Even Be a "Ceasefire"? - Drop Site News - Air Date 4-9-26
KP 6: The TV War That Backfired - Brendan Miller - Air Date 3-20-26
KP 7: Why the US Couldnt Force a Deal with Iran - LBC - Air Date 4-12-26
KP 8: Hormuz Crisis _Only Going to Get More Horrific Before It Gets Any Better__ Prof. Laleh Khalili - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-16-26
KP 9: Dwight D Eisenhower - Farewell Speech - Address to the Nation - Military Industrial Complex Warning - War and Military Documentaries - Air Date 1-17-61
(00:52:25) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Eisenhower Warned Us: Trump's $1.5T Military Budget Is Gutting America
DEEPER DIVES
(01:03:57) SECTION A: LEBANON UNDER ATTACK
(01:29:29) SECTION B: THE WORLD DEDOLLARISES
(01:49:40) SECTION C: WORLD ECONOMY IN PERIL
(02:21:45) SECTION D: THE MORAL ROT OF WAR PROFITEERING
(02:46:42) SECTION E: THE DAMAGE OUR MILITARY DOES
(03:06:15) SECTION F: MAKING CHINA GREAT AGAIN
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: A composite image showing a satellite image of the Straight of Hormuz behind a screenshot of Trump's post that says "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again…."
Credit: Internal composite design. Image: "Satellite image of the Strait of Hormuz." by Jacques Descloitres, NASA | Public Domain
Air Date: 4/14/2026
Today we examine the legal battles shaking the foundations of American citizenship and voting rights as Trump's legal team uses the courts as a weapon against democratic participation — and how advocates are fighting back. We'll hear about the three-D playbook of deceive, disrupt, and deny used by authoritarians and being deployed by Trump ahead of the midterms, and what ordinary people can do right now to protect their votes before November.
Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: SCOTUS Hears Birthright Citizenship Arguments - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 4-1-26
KP 2: Will SCOTUS Join the GOP War on Mail-in Ballots Part 1 - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 3-30-26
KP 3: Arizona Secretary of State Trump Is Trying to Pick His Own Voters by Restricting Mail-in Ballots - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-3-26
KP 4: Desperate Election STUNT in California BLOCKED by Supreme Court - Legal AF - Air Date 4-9-26
KP 5: Mark Joseph Stern of Slate on SCOTUS Arguments to Block Late Arriving Mail Ballots Part 1 - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-24-26
KP 6: Voting Rights & Wrongs, According to SCOTUS with Steve Vladeck - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 3-25-26
(00:52:29) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Conservatives' Judicial Originalism Isn't Principle — It's a 40-Year Political Project
DEEPER DIVES
(01:07:20) SECTION A: BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP
(01:39:42) SECTION B: ELECTION INTERFERENCE
(02:03:37) SECTION C: MAIL-IN VOTING
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date: 4/10/2026
Today we examine the ideology quietly driving Silicon Valley — a worldview that treats growth, extraction, and the erasure of human messiness as virtues. We'll hear how tech leaders from Sam Altman to Larry Ellison embody a kind of corporate psychopathy, why Zuckerberg never understood what Facebook actually is, and how the cult of "go for its own sake" may be the most dangerous religion of our time.
Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: This Will Be the Death of Us All! - PissedMagistus - Air Date 3-18-26
KP 2: Palantir Weirdo Gets Cornered By Journalist - The Majority Report w/Sam Seder - Air Date 1-24-26
KP 3: Sam Altman Isn't Building a Company, He's Building an Empire (with Karen Hao) Part 1 - There Are No Girls on the Internet - Air Date 3-31-26
KP 4: Sam Altman Is Dangerous To Silicon Valley - Better Offline - Air Date 6-13-24
KP 5: Ash Sarkar Calls Silicon Valley Tech Bros Emotionally Maladapted Psychopaths - BBC Question Time - Air Date 10-27-25
KP 6: Why Fun Tech Jobs Went Extinct - Good Work - Air Date 3-27-26
KP 7: Zuck Never Understood the Metaverse - The Morbid Zoo - Air Date 4-4-26
(00:47:59) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
AI Isn't Taking Your Job—But Your Boss Wants You to Think It Is
DEEPER DIVES
(01:02:18) SECTION A: ARE THEY ALL PSCHOPATHS?
(01:50:08) SECTION B: THE CULT(URE) OF SILICON VALLEY
(02:34:34) SECTION C: AN END TO THE ENDLESS SCROLL
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Credit: Internal design. Component images: "Sam Altman" by TechCrunch, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | "Larry Ellison" by Greg Rubenstein, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | "Mark Zuckerberg" by Ian Kennedy, Flickr | License: CC BY SA 2.0 | Changes for all 3: Cropped and effects applied. Other image from Pixabay
Air Date: 4-1-26
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - How to boycott better
- Ch. 2 - Why REI workers have voted to boycott the upcoming May sale and how you can help
- Ch. 3 - Why meatpacking workers are striking in Colorado
- Ch. 4 - Comparing the US labor movement with the Canadian labor movement
- Ch. 5 - Strengthening, and expanding the vision for, today's labor movement
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): How politics killed the once transformational National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
Leave us a message on our new system!
REFERENCES
Your Individual Boycotts Aren't Helping - Jacobin
REI Workers Threaten Boycott Ahead Of Retailer's Most Crucial Sale Of The Year - Huffington Post
Thousands of Colorado Meatpacking Workers Are on Strike - Jacobin
From Class to Special Interest - Jacobin (from 2016)
Today's Labor Movement Needs a Bigger Vision - Labor Notes
BACKSTAGE
- Requiem for the Wagner Act - The American Prospect
EXTRAS:
Best of the Left #1780 - Cynicism Is a Scab: Hope, Solidarity, and the Labor Fight That Never Stopped
MayDayStrong.org - May 1st - No Work. No School. No Shopping.
SOLVED! #36 - Bribery Jazz: Corruption is the Water We Swim In
'No Flock, No ICE': Student protest demands removal of Flock surveillance at UW
Anti-ICE protests Friday at Berkeley schools and a Hilton hotel in the Southside neighborhood
SUPPORT REI WORKERS:
@REIUnion (Instagram)
REI Co-Op Members: Vote to Boycott
SUPPORT MEATPACKING WORKERS:
Greeley Meatpacking Workers (UFCW Local 7R) Strike Fund
UFCW Local 7R (Greeley Meatpacking Workers) Union Facebook page with updates
TAKE ACTION:
MayDayStrong.org - May 1st - No Work. No School. No Shopping.
Stop Trump's Wars
No Kings - What's Next?
Re-Air Date: 04-07-26
Original Air Date: 1-15-2025
Elon Musk is leading the way for his class of tech broligarchs anxious to take over the MAGA movement and shape it to their own ends of deregulation, tax cuts, and lucrative government contracts. The disappointment that is inevitable for the MAGA populists is coming even faster than expected.
Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The long con of America's ultra-wealthy elites - The ReidOut - Air Date 1-2-25
KP 2: Crack-Up Capitalism- How Billionaire Elon Musk's Extremism Is Shaping Trump Admin & Global Politics - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-6-24
KP 3: GOP Already At Each Other's Throats While Musk Gloats - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-24-24
KP 4: MAGA civil war explodes between Elon & Trump faithful - No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen - Air Date 12-29-24
KP 5: Elon & Vivek's H1-B Crash Out - Bad Faith - Air Date 1-2-25
KP 6: Our Moment is Approaching - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-31-24
KP 7: Weekly Roundup Jimmy Carter vs Elon Musk - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 1-3-25
KP 8: The Oligarch Class - Left Anchor - Air Date 1-3-25
(55:36) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the rehashing of the anti-democratic argument for extreme wealth for the benefit of humanity
DEEPER DIVES
(1:07:48) SECTION A: OLIGARCHS
(1:35:31) SECTION B: THE MAGA FRACTURE
(1:51:12) SECTION C: GLOBAL INFLUENCE
(2:21:52) SECTION D: ORGANIZING
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Composite image of a close-up of a MAGA hat with a tag attached that says "Made in China". The hat has cracks and the head of Elon Musk pokes out through a tear in the fabric. Trump's eyes are visible below the hat brim.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman | Images from Pixabay | License: Pixabay
Air Date: 4/3/2026
Today we examine how decades of U.S. policy toward Cuba set the stage for the current crisis, we explore the human cost of the U.S. oil blockade on Cuba's 11 million people, and how the U.S. justifies an illegal siege while claiming to act in Cuba's interest using time-tested propaganda tactics.
Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Explainer 509 Is Cuba Next on Trumps Hit List - The Foreign Desk - Air Date 3-18-26
KP 2: Medea Benjamin Its a Very Dire Situation in Cuba Right Now Part 1 - The Marc Steiner Show - Air Date 3-17-26
KP 3: Will President Trump Act on His Threat to Take Cuba Part 1 - Fresh Air - Air Date 3-24-26
KP 4: Current Affairs Is Going to Cuba Part 1 - Current Affairs - Air Date 3-21-26
KP 5: Aid Convoy Goes to Cuba & Iran War Has Right Wing Media Bugging Out Ft. Brandon Sutton, Nathan Robinson, & Alex Skopic Part 1 - Left Reckoning - Air Date 3-17-26
KP 6: The Future of Democrats and the Desperation of Centrist; The Cuba Blockade with Hasan Piker Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-27-26
(00:49:58) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The Word "Sanctions" Is Hiding a Blockade — US Propaganda Hides Human Rights Abuses in Cuba
DEEPER DIVES
(01:00:46) SECTION A: HISTORY
(01:35:03) SECTION B: CURRENT CRISIS
(02:20:27) SECTION C: SOLIDARITY
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image of the Cuban flag with the shadow of the United State of America over it.
Credit: Internal design. Component images from Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date: 3–31-2026
Today we examine how money and power have captured American sports from every angle — gambling platforms operating as unregulated casinos, private equity turning franchises into financial assets, leagues suppressing player pay while selling access to politicians, and a sports media apparatus too compromised to report any of it. It's almost all the problems with America on display in one industry.
Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Trump's Record $239M Inauguration & the Sports Owners Who Funded It | Spolitics - Jemele Hill - Air Date 4-30-25
KP 2: We Investigated The Shady Business Behind The UFC - More Perfect Union and Luke Thomas - Air Date 3-6-26
KP 3: World Cup CHAOS As Trump And FIFA Abuse Iran - The Ring of Fire - Air Date 3-21-26
KP 4: ESPN & the Death of Journalism - Drew Gooden - Air Date 3-3-26
KP 5: This WNBA CBA Deal Is Bigger Than Basketball… - The Women's Hoops Show - Air Date 3-24-26
KP 6: Senator Chris Murphy CRACKS DOWN on Prediction Markets | PTFO - PABLO TORRE FINDS OUT - Air Date 3-26-26
(00:46:46) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Sports Expose Everything Wrong With America — And Fans Have More Power Than They Think
DEEPER DIVES
(00:58:11) SECTION A: SPORTS ARE POLITICS & CULTURE
(01:58:11) SECTION B: GAMBLING ON EVERYTHING IS BAD IDEA
(02:30:27) SECTION C: THE WOKE NBA, NOT THAT WOKE
(03:08:12) SECTION D: THE BILLIONAIRES ARE ALWAYS THE PROBLEM
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image of the silhouette of a business man in a suit holding up an upside-down golden umbrella full of sports balls in a celebratory way as money rains down behind him.
Credit: Internal design. Component images from Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Air Date: 3–26-26
Welcome to ALMOST SOLVED!, the show that's almost like SOLVED! but one or more things are missing, namely the guarantee of a solution at the end and possibly also one of our cohosts.
Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon discuss:
- Ch. 1 - Deon's research for his recent Best of the Left episode #1779: "Community After God: Why the Left Needs What Church Provided"
- Ch. 2 - Listener voicemail & comments on past episodes
- Ch. 3 - How to heal from the harm of this mess with the article "Culture of Healing" from The Reframe
- BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): Some chit chat about expectations and healing.
Leave us a message on our new system!
FOLLOW US ON:
YouTube (This episode premieres on YouTube on Friday - please subscribe and share!)
Bluesky
Mastadon
Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e
REFERENCES
Best of the Left #1779: Community After God: Why the Left Needs What Church Provided
Culture of Healing by A.R. Moxon (The Reframe)
EXTRAS:
SOLVED! #5: Keep Your Birch Rod Handy: Puritan influence, dictator bosses, & FDR zingers (4-15-25)
SOLVED! #34 The Dual State: Life Under Authoritarianism & Your Role in Fighting It (2-20-26)
SOLVED! #32* How Progressives Are Always Right Too Soon (With Receipts) (1-30-26)
*mentions the Cassandras
Books by Mariame Kaba:
(FYI: Buying books via the Bookshop affiliate links below supports indie bookstores and this show!)
"We Do This 'Til We Free Us" by Mariame Kaba
"Let This Radicalize You" by Kelly Hayes & Mariame Kaba
TAKE ACTION:
Stop Trump's Wars
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
No Kings - March 28th
One Million Rising Trainings
How to Support Minneapolis Communities
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
5calls.org
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Air Date: 3/27/2026
Today we examine the relationship between labor education, moral ambition, and the possibility of a better world. We'll hear about IWW members building a "Philosophy 101" for organizers, a historian's argument that humanity is fundamentally cooperative rather than selfish, and why getting labor history into public schools may be one of the most important organizing projects of our time.
Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!
Join our Discord community!
TOP TAKES
KP 1: A Case for Human Decency (by Rutger Bregman) Part 1 - Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso - Air Date 10-25-20
KP 2: 73 Ben Fletcher, Part 1 - Working Class History - Air Date 6-5-23
KP 3: Striking At Kings Part 1 - Labor Heritage Power Hour - Air Date 2-12-26
KP 4: The Unsung Women of the Labor Movement with Jenny Kaplan Part 1 - The Bright Side - Air Date 9-2-24
KP 5: Climate Justice Through Collective Liberation Mikaela Loach Part 1 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 8-6-25
KP 6: Are We Trapped In Meaningless Jobs (With Rutger Bregman) Part 1 - Lever Time - Air Date 12-18-25
(00:49:56) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Solidarity Isn't a Feeling — It's a Structure (And Bosses Know It)
Requiem for the Wagner Act
DEEPER DIVES
(01:01:40) SECTION A: HISTORY
A1: Restoration, Revolution and English Enlightenment - The History of England - Air Date 11-9-25
A2: 73 Ben Fletcher, Part 1 Part 2 - Working Class History - Air Date 6-5-23
A3: UNLOCKED Overtime Episode 43 - The General Strike in US History Pt 3 - Work Stoppage - Air Date 1-23-26
A4: The Unsung Women of the Labor Movement with Jenny Kaplan Part 2 - The Bright Side - Air Date 9-2-24
A5: UNLOCKED Overtime Episode 43 - The General Strike in US History Pt 3 Part 2 - Work Stoppage - Air Date 1-23-26
(01:40:45) SECTION B: ORGANIZING
B1: Eugene Debs' Winning a World Speech, 1904 - Bucckeyye Historin - Air Date 9-28-24
B2: What Does It Mean To Be Member Run Part 1 - One Big Podcast - Air Date 6-6-21
B3: Revisiting the Legacy of the Fight for $15 (with Yannet Lathrop and Dr. T. William Lester) Part 1 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 8-27-24
B4: What Does It Mean To Be Member Run Part 2 - One Big Podcast - Air Date 6-6-21
B5: Are We Trapped In Meaningless Jobs (With Rutger Bregman) Part 2 - Lever Time - Air Date 12-18-25
(02:24:47) SECTION C: EDUCATION
C1: IWW Education and Organizing in Higher Ed Part 1 - One Big Podcast - Air Date 1-17-26
C2: Striking At Kings Part 2 - Labor Heritage Power Hour - Air Date 2-12-26
C3: Revisiting the Legacy of the Fight for $15 (with Yannet Lathrop and Dr. T. William Lester) Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 8-27-24
C4: IWW Education and Organizing in Higher Ed Part 2 - One Big Podcast - Air Date 1-17-26
(02:55:10) SECTION D: VISION
D1: A Case for Human Decency (by Rutger Bregman) Part 2 - Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso - Air Date 10-25-20
D2: Cornel West Hope Is Spiritual Armor Against Modern Society's Spiritual Warfare - Big Think - Air Date 7-27-17
D3: The Importance Of Revolutionary Optimism - Second Thought - Air Date 10-8-21
D4: Climate Justice Through Collective Liberation Mikaela Loach Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 8-6-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of a worker at a Fight for $15 rally calling into a megaphone while the crowd behind her holds protest signs.
Credit: "Fast food workers on strike for higher minimum wage and better benefits" by Fibonacci Blue, Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 3/24/2026
Today we explore what happens when people reject religious dogma but still hunger for ritual, meaning, and the concrete benefits of community. We'll hear from secular assemblies building "church without creed," atheist Quakers finding silence sacred, and a Caribbean thinker designing a naturalistic pagan practice built around science and seasonal ritual — all asking what religion can be when you strip away the supernatural.
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Full Show Notes
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: GOD IS NO-THING - Pete Holmes - Air Date 3-3-26
KP 2: Non-religious Americans Seek Community - All Things Considered - Air Date 1-28-24
KP 3: Why Atheists CAN Be Quakers. - Quake It Up - Air Date 8-30-25
KP 4: Why Are Black People Still Christian? - Garrison Hayes - Air Date 4-7-24
KP 5: What Is Liberation Theology & Can It Help The Left? (TMBS 145) - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 6-25-20
KP 6: Its Time To Rethink Religion Part 1 - Andrewism - Air Date 3-11-26
(00:49:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the Left's Community Crisis and What We Can Learn from Megachurches
DEEPER DIVES
(01:00:06) SECTION A: LIBERATION THEOLOGY
A1: Cornel West: Can Socialists Reclaim Christianity? - Jacobin - Air Date 3-4-26
A2: A Palestinian Theology of Liberation - The Magnificast - Air Date 10-30-23
A3: Brief: US V. Liberation Theology (Part 1) - Conspirituality - Air Date 11-1-25
A4: Visions of Freedom — Liberation Theology and Advent - Soul Search - Air Date 11-27-24
A5: The Sunday Interview: How Christianity Shaped America: Matthew Avery Sutton on Power, Evangelicals, and the "Chosen Land" Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 3-15-26
(01:44:22) SECTION B: WHY IS AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY SO CONSERVATIVE_
B1: How Conservatives Co-Opted Christianity - Second Thought - Air Date 9-24-21
B2: America's Christian Death Cult - Michael Burns - Air Date 12-15-25
B3: American Jihad - Conspirituality - Air Date 3-12-26
B4: Donald and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad War Plus Preston Sprinkle - The Holy Post - Air Date 3-11-26
B5: Holy Sh*t We're Doing a Holy War - Side Burns - Air Date 3-5-26
B6: You Don't Understand The Rapture | Jackie Kashian | Stay-Kashian - 800 Pound Gorilla Media - Air Date 1-30-23
(02:24:24) SECTION C: RELIGIOUS FORMS
C1: The Sunday Interview: How Christianity Shaped America: Matthew Avery Sutton on Power, Evangelicals, and the "Chosen Land" Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 3-15-26
C2: "There Is No Gen Z Religious Revival" | Religion For Breakfast Part 1 - Unsolicited Advice - Air Date 3-14-26
C3: Love Thy Neighbour? Dawn Foster on Religion and the Left Part 1 - Politics Theory Other - Air Date 4-21-19
C4: Melodie Roschman: Scholar of Right-wing Evangelical Christianity, Gender, and Popular Culture - Adventist Voices by Spectrum_ The Journal of the Adventist Forum - Air Date 2-13-25
C5: Its Time To Rethink Religion Part 2 - Andrewism - Air Date 3-11-26
(03:11:01) SECTION D: BELIEF, WITH AND WITHOUT RELIGION
D1: Christian Nationalism, Leftist Politics, and Hegelianism: The Need for a New Philosophy on the Left - Columbia Center for Contemporary Critical Thought - Air Date 10-30-25
D2: "There Is No Gen Z Religious Revival" | Religion For Breakfast Part 2 - Unsolicited Advice - Air Date 3-14-26
D3: The World Is Always Ending - The Magnificast - Air Date 1-13-26
D4: Love Thy Neighbour? Dawn Foster on Religion and the Left Part 2 - Politics Theory Other - Air Date 4-21-19
D5: Red Star Ministry: Marxism, Theology, & The Human Condition - Rev Left Radio - Air Date 8-12-25
D6: Liberation Theology The Cold War - The Cold War - Air Date 9-6-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Image of a robot walking across the street holding two leather briefcases. A thought bubble shows it is thinking about, or launching as it walks, missiles.
Credit: Internal composite design. Images/License: Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 3–18-26
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - The dark history of money in politics, aka: corruption
- Ch. 2 - What the left must do to actually win
- Ch. 3 - What the rest of the world can teach America
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): The reports of Christian fundamentalist "talk" in the military as the US attacked Iran
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REFERENCES
David Sirota Explains How Money Rewrote American Democracy - Current Affairs
The Left Is Losing Because We're Not Confrontational Enough - (From 2022) Current Affairs
Searching the Globe for Answers to America's Thorniest Problems - Current Affairs
BACKSTAGE
U.S. Troops Were Told Iran War Is for "Armageddon," Return of Jesus - Jonathan Larsen (Substack)
- https://open.substack.com/pub/jonathanlarsen/p/us-troops-were-told-iran-war-is-for
US troops were told war on Iran was 'all part of God's divine plan', watchdog alleges - The Guardian
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/03/us-israel-iran-war-christian-rhetoric
EXTRAS:
(Buying these books, or another book, after clicking the links below helps support indie bookstores and this show!)
BOOK: "Master Plan: the Hidden Plot to Legalize Corruption in America" by David Sirota and Jared Jacang Maher
PODCAST: "Master Plan" by The Lever
ARTICLE: JD Vance and SCOTUS Case - Rolling Stone
BOOK: "Hostile Takeover" by David Sirota
BOOK: "Another World is Possible" by Natasha Hakimi Zapata
ARTICLE: How Candidates Are Using Winks and Posts to Seek Crypto and A.I. Cash - The New York Times
ARTICLE: "The Huge Billionaire Election Influence In Numbers—Nearly One-Fifth Of All Donations" - Forbes
TAKE ACTION:
Stop Trump's Wars
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
No Kings - March 28th
One Million Rising Trainings
How to Support Minneapolis Communities
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
5calls.org
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Join our Discord Server
Reach us via Signal:
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Leave a message
Produced by:
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Thanks for listening!
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date: 3/19/2026
Today we explore the long history of technological disruption — from the Industrial Revolution to the rise of software engineering — and ask whether AI is genuinely different this time, all while autonomous weapons dissolve accountability for the militaries using them and capitalism prevents AI companies from maintaining their ethical aspirations.
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Full Show Notes
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: How Long Until AI Takes Your Job - Consider This - Air Date 2-23-26
KP 2: Is AI Coming for Our Jobs - Confronting Capitalism - Air Date 2-18-26
KP 3: AI Goes to War Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 3-4-26
KP 4: The AI-Powered War Machines Are Here Part 1 - On The Media - Air Date 3-6-26
KP 5: The Race to Build God AI's Existential Gamble — Yoshua Bengio & Tristan Harris at Davos Part 1 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 2-19-26
KP 6: Don't Download Claude, Either. - Why, America with Leeja Miller - Air Date 3-4-26
(00:51:47) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On Why AI Won't Ruin Your Life — Unless We Let It
DEEPER DIVES
(01:04:45) SECTION A: LABOR FUTURE
A1: Is AI Coming for Our Jobs Part 2 - Confronting Capitalism - Air Date 2-18-26
A2: AI Wont Decide the Future of Work—We Will (with David Autor) Part 1 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 2-24-26
A3: How Work Got So Bad Part 1 - Confronting Capitalism - Air Date 3-4-26
A4: AI Wont Decide the Future of Work—We Will (with David Autor) Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 2-24-26
A5: How Work Got So Bad Part 2 - Confronting Capitalism - Air Date 3-4-26
(01:47:01) SECTION B: WARFARE
B1: The Race to Build God AI's Existential Gamble — Yoshua Bengio & Tristan Harris at Davos Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 2-19-26
B2: Anthropic–Pentagon Contract Dispute Raises Questions About AI's Use in the Military - Soundside - Air Date 3-4-26
B3: Anthropics AI Ethics Vs. the Pentagon Part 1 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 3-5-26
B4: The AI-Powered War Machines Are Here Part 2 - On The Media - Air Date 3-6-26
B5: AI Goes to War Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 3-4-26
(02:27:37) SECTION C: SURVEILLANCE
C1: Anthropic Doesn't Trust the Pentagon, and Neither Should You Part 1 - Decoder with Nilay Patel - Air Date 3-12-26
C2: Anthropic–Pentagon Contract Dispute Raises Questions About AI's Use in the Military Part 2 - Soundside - Air Date 3-4-26
C3: Anthropic Doesn't Trust the Pentagon, and Neither Should You Part 2 - Decoder with Nilay Patel - Air Date 3-12-26
C4: Anthropics AI Ethics Vs. the Pentagon Part 2 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 3-5-26
(02:57:16) SECTION D: CORPORATE POWER
D1: The Left Doesn't Hate Technology with Gita Jackson Part 1 - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 3-12-26
D2: Don't Download Claude, Either. Part 2 - Why, America with Leeja Miller - Air Date 3-4-26
D3: The Left Doesn't Hate Technology with Gita Jackson Part 2 - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 3-12-26
D4: We Need a Moratorium on AI Data Centers NOW. Heres Why. - Senator Bernie Sanders - Air Date 3-11-26
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Image of a robot walking across the street holding two leather briefcases. A thought bubble shows it is thinking about, or launching as it walks, missiles.
Credit: Internal composite design. Images/License: Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date: 3/15/2026
Today we examine how a century of foreign intervention created incompatible national memories between the US and Iran and how Netanyahu exploited that history to maneuver Trump into a war he didn't understand, promising a quick decapitation strike while knowing full well it would become a months-long regional conflict, at minimum.
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Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Understanding America's Complicated Relationship with Iran - Velshi - Air Date 3-1-26
KP 2: Can Israel & the U.S. Sustain Iran's Military Power? (with Alastair Crooke) - The Chris Hedges Report - Air Date 3-6-26
KP 3: Who Gets to Have Nuclear Weapons and Why? | Start Here - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 7-30-25
KP 4: Why the F#!@ Are We at War with Iran? with Reza Aslan - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 3-6-26
KP 5: 100-Year History of US Meddling, Coups and Wars in the Middle East | Roy Casagranda - UNAPOLOGETIC with Ashfaaq Carim - Air Date 11-25-24
(00:46:57) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Bombs Don't Liberate: How War Destroys Iran's Real Democracy Movement
DEEPER DIVES
(00:56:48) SECTION A: BOMBS AWAY (AGAIN)
A1: Mehdi Slams Trump's Illegal Iran War - Zeteo - Air Date 3-5-26
A2: 'Iranians Want to Be Bombed'? Inside the Propaganda Campaign for War - BreakThrough News - Air Date 3-7-26
A3: John Mearsheimer: No Winning in Iran for the U.S. - Daniel Davis / Deep Dive - Air Date 3-8-26
A4: "Stop This Bloodshed": Israeli Lawmaker Ofer Cassif Slams Netanyahu's "Fascist Government" Over Iran - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-3-26
(01:21:15) SECTION B: JESUS WANTS A FIGHTER JET
B1: Whistleblowers Speak Out About Religious Extremism in Military Amid War on Iran - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-9-26
B2: Christian Nationalist Plan For War With Iran Is To Pray A Lot - Stop Christian Nationalism - Air Date 3-2-26
B3: The Myth of "Judeo-Christian Values" EXPOSED - The Kayse Melone Show - Air Date 1-25-26
B4: Fascist Christian Military Officers Say Iran War Is Armageddon - Stop Christian Nationalism - Air Date 3-3-26
(01:51:35) SECTION C: HOW WE GOT HERE
C1: The Iranian Revolution (1979) - The Conflict - Air Date 10-30-24
C2: The Iran-Iraq War, Mapped - Johnny Harris - Air Date 5-31-24
C3: How Iran and the US Went From Friends to Bitter Foes - BBC Africa - Air Date 2-28-26
C4: Before the Iran War: The Secret CIA Operation to Oust an Iranian Regime - American Experience | PBS - Air Date 12-1-22
C5: How Israel Was Created - AJ+ - Air Date 5-15-23
C6: Zionism: From an Idea to Genocide - TRT World - Air Date 10-8-25
(02:45:45) SECTION D: THE THREE-WAY COLD WAR
D1: An Endless War: Iran, Israel and the United States (1/2) [Reupload] - DW Documentary - Air Date 6-26-25
D2: The Middle Easts Cold War Explained - Vox - Air Date 7-17-17
D3: An Endless War: Iran, Israel and the United States (2/2) [Reupload] - DW Documentary - Air Date 6-26-25
(03:11:57) SECTION E: ISRAEL'S BORDERS? WHAT BORDERS?
E1: The Origins of 'Greater Israel' - Middle East Eye - Air Date 2-24-26
E2: Huckabee Endorses GREATER ISRAEL Triggering Diplomatic Crisis - Breaking Points - Air Date 2-23-26
E3: Why "Greater Israel" Is No Longer A Fantasy - AJ+ - Air Date 10-30-25
E4: How Mossad Kidnapped Israel's Nuclear Weapons Whistleblower | If You're Listening - ABC News In-depth - Air Date 7-25-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite graphic image depicting an American flag blended with the Israel flag and cross-stamped bombs where the stars should be, with some falling downwards. The outline of Iran filled with its flag is in the center with a drop of black oil dripping down its side.
Credit: Internal composite design. | Elements from Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 3/11/2026
Today is episode 1776, in the year of our nation's 250th birthday, and we thought the occasion called for something big. So, we're tracing the full arc — from the constitutional compromises that made this country possible to the authoritarian vanity project that those compromises eventually also made possible. We're talking about the history, the structures, and the insecure current-but-temporary president who thinks a $400 million ballroom and a coin with his face on both sides will make him a pharaoh.
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Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: The Fight for a True Democracy Part 1 - 1619 - Air Date 8-23-19
KP 2: THE BROKEN CONSTITUTION with Noah Feldman Part 1 - Political Philosophy Podcast - Air Date 11-30-21
KP 3: Black History Month Is Different This Year Part 1 - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 2-19-26
KP 4: Will Trump Turn Americas 250th Birthday Into a MAGA-fest Part 1 - The Bunker - Air Date 3-3-26
KP 5: Trumps Gilded White House Makeover Is All About Power Part 1 - Reveal - Air Date 12-10-26
KP 6: The U.S. Is Now Trumpistan Prof. Stanley on Trumps Cult of Personality Part 1 - Velshi - Air Date 2-15-26
KP 7: Cass Sunstein on Interpreting the US Constitution Part 1 - Democracy Paradox - Air Date 8-15-23
(00:55:00) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On Why America's Coat Doesn't Fit and Why They're Erasing History to Hide It
DEEPER DIVES
(01:07:08) SECTION A: CONSTITUTION
A1: Slavery in the Constitution Part 1 - Teaching Hard History - Air Date 11-4-25
A2: #699 - No Kings - Dogma Debate - Air Date 7-4-24
A3: Slavery in the Constitution Part 2 - Teaching Hard History - Air Date 11-4-25
A4: THE BROKEN CONSTITUTION with Noah Feldman Part 2 - Political Philosophy Podcast - Air Date 11-30-21
A5: The Fight for a True Democracy Part 2 - 1619 - Air Date 8-23-19
A6: Cass Sunstein on Interpreting the US Constitution Part 2 - Democracy Paradox - Air Date 8-15-23
(02:05:58) SECTION B: TRUMPLAND
B1: The U.S. Is Now Trumpistan Prof. Stanley on Trumps Cult of Personality Part 2 - Velshi - Air Date 2-15-26
B2: Trump Reportedly Pushing for His Name on 2 More Landmarks - ABC News - Air Date 2-6-26
B3: WARNING Trumps Fascist Takeover Has Accelerated with. Ruth Ben-Ghiat Part 1 - Democracy Docket - Air Date 1-26-26
B4: Will Trump Turn Americas 250th Birthday Into a MAGA-fest Part 2 - The Bunker - Air Date 3-3-26
B5: Trump Builds Personality Cult as Democracy Crumbles - Mary Trump Media - Air Date 12-29-25
B6: Trumps Gilded White House Makeover Is All About Power Part 2 - Reveal - Air Date 12-10-26
(02:51:18) SECTION C: AUTHORITARIAN NOSTALGIA
C1: Civil Rights Lawyer Bryan Stevenson Believes America Needs Truth Telling Now More Than Ever Part 1 - The Current - Air Date 10-22-25
C2: Black History Month Is Different This Year Part 2 - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 2-19-26
C3: WARNING Trumps Fascist Takeover Has Accelerated with. Ruth Ben-Ghiat Part 2 - Democracy Docket - Air Date 1-26-26
C4: Civil Rights Lawyer Bryan Stevenson Believes America Needs Truth Telling Now More Than Ever Part 2 - The Current - Air Date 10-22-25
C5: WARNING Trumps Fascist Takeover Has Accelerated with. Ruth Ben-Ghiat Part 3 - Democracy Docket - Air Date 1-26-26
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: A chaotic composite image against a decomposing American flag background. The Arc de Triomphe (standing in for the proposed "arch d'Trump"), a gilded White House facade, and a rendering of Trump's proposed gilded ballroom all stand behind an image of Trump giving two thumbs up. He is smiling and wearing a tall Uncle Sam-style hat, unaware a bald eagle is about to attack. A gold ribbon with 250th in awkward gold letters floats above it all.
Credit: Internal composite design. | Elements from Pixabay and Canva (paid Pro Content License)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Re-Air Date: 01–26-25
Unless you were a member in January of 2025, this episode of SOLVED! will be brand new to you! If you were a member back then, THANK YOU and this one is worth a re-listen. We're working on slowly increasing our production again, but, for now, enjoy this episode from our archives (and before YouTube) where Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
00:00:00 - Ch. 1 - The mindset of collaborators
00:07:55 - Ch. 2 - Why many people turn inward and drop out - at their own risk - under authoritarianism
00:32:14 - Ch. 3 - The nature of true dissidents and what we can learn from them
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REFERENCES:
"People, Power, Change" by Marshall Ganz
History Will Judge the Complicit - The Atlantic
The Desire to Turn Inward Is a Delusion /// Don't Let Donald Trump Drive You Into Internal Exile - The New York Times
How to Keep Your Moral Compass /// A Mindset for the Trump Era - The Atlantic
TAKE ACTION:
How to Support Minneapolis Communities
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
No Kings - March 28th
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY - Tell Congress to stand down the federal escalation
One Million Rising Trainings
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Join our Discord Server
Reach us via Signal:
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Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date: 3/7/2026
Welcome to this episode of the Award-Winning Best of the Left Podcast. Today we examine the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson civil rights icon, two-time presidential candidate and one of the most consequential political figures of the 20th century.
Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Remembering Jesse Jackson - Here & Now Anytime - Air Date 2-17-26
KP 2: I Am Somebody - Jesse Jackson -Sesame Street - Air Date 2-17-26
KP 3: Why Jesse Jackson Mattered - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie -Air Date 2-23-26
KP 4: Slap in the Face. Speaker Mike Johnson Declines to Honor Rev. Jesse Jackson - Roland S. Martin - Air Date 2-21-26
KP 5: Ryan Grim: "We've Got People: From Jesse Jackson to AOC..." - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 4-29-19
KP 6: Was The Rev. Jesse Jackson A Man Before His Time? Part 1 - In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - Air Date 10-20-25
KP 7: From the Archives: Jesse Jackson's Speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention - CBS News - Air Date 2-17-26
KP 8: The Historic Presidential Campaigns Of Rev. Jesse Jackson - Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 2-29-24
KP 9: Jesse Jackson Fought for Justice at Home & Abroad: Juan González & Bishop William Barber - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-18-06
(00:47:43) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Don't hate the game, change the rules
DEEPER DIVES
(00:58:53) SECTION A: PRESIDENTIAL RUNS
A1: Rev. Jesse Jackson Speaks at 1988 Democratic National Convention During 2nd Presidential Run - CBS Chicago - Air Date 2-17-26
A2: "Keep Hope Alive": Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Icon Who Twice Ran for President - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-17-26
A3: Making Jesse Jackson - Making - Air Date 10-26-22
(01:36:11) SECTION B: RAINBOW COALITION
B1: The Original Rainbow Coalition - Code Switch - Air Date 1-24-23
B2: Is a New Rainbow Coalition of Voters Possible? - Some of My Best Friends Are - Air Date 2-15-23
B3: The Life and Times of a 'revolutionary Hillbilly' - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 9-1-21
B4: We Can't Erase the Radicalism of the Rainbow Coalition - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 3-19-21
(02:14:46) SECTION C: THE MAN
C1: Rev. Jesse Jackson's 1975 Message to America - THIRTEEN PBS - Air Date 2-18-26
C2: Bomani Jones Reflects on the Life of Jesse Jackson: The Last Civil Rights Icon - The Right Time with Bomani Jones - Air Date 3-19-26
C3: Jesse Jackson Interview: Marching the Righteous Path with Martin Luther King Jr - Life Stories - Air Date 8-26-24
C4: "I Am – Somebody:" Reflecting on the Life and Legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 2-19-26
(02:49:46) SECTION D: HIS LEGACY
D1: Was The Rev. Jesse Jackson A Man Before His Time' Part 2 - In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons - Air Date 10-20-25
D2: Jesse Jackson's Legacy: From Marching with MLK to Building the Rainbow Coalition - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-17-26
D3: Jesse Jackson: Crash Course Black American History #44 - CrashCourse - Air Date 8-9-22
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Black and white photo of Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1983
Credit:"Jesse Jackson, half-length portrait of Jackson seated at table, July 1, 1983" via Wikimedia Commons | U.S. News & World Report collection at the Library of Congress. No known copyright restrictions.
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Air Date: 3/3/2026
The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month we examine the multi-front struggle for control: military force and economic coercion seizing resources abroad, institutions weaponized to constrain bodies at home, platforms and propaganda capturing minds, and the democratic resistance proving that organized people can still win.
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PART 1: TAKING WHAT THEY WANT (00:02:31) #1762 - Trump's Imperialistic Shakedown of Venezuela
1: Trump Admits Venezuela Attacks Are All About Their Oil - The Majority Report W/ Sam Seder - Air Date 12-18-25
2: USA Is the Worst Pirate on Earth: Trump Boasts of Stealing Venezuela's Oil - Geopolitical Economy Report - Air Date 12-26-25
3: Trump's Piracy in the Caribbean - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 12-23-25
(00:29:28) #1768 - The End of an Era: The International Rules-Based Order Gives Way to Trump's Might-Makes-Right Plutocracy
4: Gaza, Venezuela, and Greenland Mark End of World Legal Order Set up in 1945 - Redeye - Air Date 1-19-26
5: "Empire in Decline": Historian Alfred McCoy on U.S. Aggression in Venezuela, Iran & Beyond - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-13-26
6: Mark Carney and the New World Order - Front Burner - Air Date 1-20-26
(00:53:33) #1764 - Wealth Inequality is Bad for Society and There's No Good Counterargument
7: The Capitalist Mindset - The Market Exit - Air Date 12-9-25
8: Where Are Americas Leaders? - Robert Reich and Inequality Media Civic Action - Air Date 1-6-26
PART 2: CONTROLLING BODIES (01:04:42) #1766 - The Fragility of State Violence: The ICE Occupation, Renee Good, and the Minneapolis Uprising
9: Abolish ICE - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-7-26
10: ICE Is a Way to Deal With Surplus Males - Therese - Air Date 1-9-25
11: ICE Can Hack Your Phone Without You Knowing - Taylor Lorenz - Air Date 9-5-25
(01:30:58) #1763 - It's Not a Health Care System, it's a Wealth Extraction System
12: 20M Americans Set to Lose Healthcare Coverage Jan. 1 After Congress Goes on Recess - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-30-25
13: Agonizing Choices on ACA Deadline Day Part 1 - Brian Lehrer_ A Daily Podcast - Air Date 12-15-25
14: Medicare For All Non-Negotiable #3 Part 1 - UNFTR - Air Date 2-8-25
(01:57:14) #1767 - Wars Are Won By Teachers and Trump is Attacking Them Like a Foreign Adversary
15: 'Abandoning' Kids' Futures AFT Pres. Slams Trump Dept. of Education Changes - MS NOW - Air Date 11-19-25
16: How Trumps Agenda Hurts College Students - Right Now With Perry Bacon - Air Date 11-19-25
17: Trump Set to Garnish Wages for Student Loan Defaults - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-30-25
PART 3: CONTROLLING MINDS (02:20:20) #1773 - How Big Tech Captured Attention, Kids, and Democracy
18: Trouble at TikTok Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-4-26
19: Is Social Media Having Its Big Tobacco Moment Part 1 - The Global Story - Air Date 2-16-26
20: DMs! My Kingdom For DMs! - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 2-17-26
(02:46:22) #1765 - AI Capitalism Will Not Deliver an AI Utopia
21: The AI Bubble Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-28-25
22: Desperate OpenAI Turns To Erotica - Novara Media - Air Date 10-16-25
23: Trump Considers Order to Override State Regulations on Artificial Intelligence - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-20-25
(03:09:13) #1772 - From Fragile to Fascist: How Broken Masculinity Feeds Authoritarianism
24: The Terrifying Rise of "Vice Signalling" - JimmyTheGiant - Air Date 1-28-26
25: The Incel to ICE Pipeline (with F.D Signifier and Caroline Kwan) Part 1 - Matt Bernstein - Air Date 2-6-26
26: The Rise of the Authoritarian-Curious - Then & Now - Air Date 2-9-26
(03:35:07) #1769 - Politics Beyond the Ballot Box: Elections and the Movements that Power Them
27: Donald Trump Wants to Cancel the Midterm Elections Part 1 - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-16-26
28: The Next Socialist In Congress with Claire Valdez Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 1-22-26
PART 4: THE PEOPLE PUSH BACK (03:48:36) #1770 - Getting in the Fight Against ICE and Authoritarianism
29: What I've Learned From Reading History - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-28-26
30: Americans Flex Democratic Muscles to Show That, Together, They're Stronger Than Trump - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-27-26
31: ICE Out of Minnesota: Unions & Churches Lead Economic Blackout in "Day of Truth and Freedom" - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-23-26
(04:04:47) #1771 - They Need You in the Dark: Information, Journalism, and the Fight Against Fascism
32: AG Bondi Confirms FBI Executed Search Warrant at WaPo Reporter's Home - MS Now - Air Date 1-13-26
33: Why Trump Arresting Journalists Is a Sign of Weakness - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-30-26
34: Humor Can Topple Dictators Part 1 - Why, America with Leeja Miller - Air Date 10-18-25
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Original Air Date: 3-1-2024
We don't have to think too hard to understand the fears of a world in which work, and the ability of millions to support themselves, are lost to automation and artificial intelligence. But that is only a capitalist future in which the benefits of technological advancement are hoarded by the already-wealthy. Today we imagine a different path.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Introduction to Inventing the Future: Postcapitalism and a World Without Work by Srnicek & Williams - Dank Audio Stash - Air Date 4-8-21
Introduction to Inventing the Future: Postcapitalism and a World Without Work by Nick Srnicek and Alex Williams
Ch. 2: The People's Republic of Walmart Interview with Leigh Phillips and Michal Rozworski - Novara Media - Air Date 6-13-19
Since the demise of the USSR, the mantle of the largest planned economies in the world has been taken up by the likes of Walmart, Amazon and other multinational corporations.
Ch. 3: The Two Futures Of Automation Capitalism VS Socialism - Second Thought - Air Date 12-15-21
With jobs being automated and handed off to machines at an ever-increasing pace, it's only natural to consider what our future will look like.
Ch. 4: Planet of the Robots: Four Futures of AI (Documentary) - 1Dime - Air Date 10-15-21
In this video we will be discussing automation, which is often confused with being the 'technological revolution' in it of itself as it is what the mainstream focuses on, and for good reason, as how we handle automation will determine the trajectory or co
Ch. 5: Universal Basic Income Explained (An Automation Solution) - Futurology - Air Date 5-28-24
With jobs being automated and handed off to machines at an ever-increasing pace, it's only natural to consider what our future will look like.
Ch. 6: The Two Futures Of Automation Capitalism VS Socialism Part 2 - Second Thought - Air Date 12-15-21
In this video we will be discussing automation, which is often confused with being the 'technological revolution' in it of itself as it is what the mainstream focuses on, and for good reason, as how we handle automation will determine the trajectory or co
Ch. 7: Universal Basic Income Explained (An Automation Solution) Part 2 - Futurology - Air Date 5-28-24
Since the demise of the USSR, the mantle of the largest planned economies in the world has been taken up by the likes of Walmart, Amazon and other multinational corporations.
Ch. 8: The People's Republic of Walmart Interview with Leigh Phillips and Michal Rozworski Part 2 - Novara Media - Air Date 6-13-19
Ch. 9: The People's Republic of Walmart Interview with Leigh Phillips and Michal Rozworski Part 3 - Novara Media - Air Date 6-13-19
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS:
Description: Photo of a patch on a backpack that says "What would you do if your income were taken care of?"
Credit: "Berlin UBI March" by Patrick Maynard, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Original Air Date: 1/31/2023
Today, we take a look at just some of the nearly infinite ways in which our society, culture and economy are infused from top to bottom with Scam Culture™ that is bleeding us dry both financially and mentally.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Grift Economy: Everything is a scam, always. - Thought Slime - Air Date 11-5-21
For those that need to read this: you aren't a capitalist. You're capital.
Ch. 2: Power and Corruption: The Devos Family - iilluminaughtii - Air Date 1-20-23
Betsy DeVos and her family have been important figures in the business world for decades. They're involved in a massive MLM, invest in shady businesses, and have put their money toward politics for as long as anyone can remember.
Ch. 3: Bill Black: The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One - theAnalysis.news - Air Date 5-31-21
How does a corrupt mortgage scam by brokers in California become a massive national fraud that puts the whole economy into a deep crisis? Bill Black on theAnalysis.news with Paul Jay.
Ch. 4: Why FTX's Crypto Scam Is A Tale As Old As Time - The Problem With Jon Stewart Podcast - Air Date 12-7-22
"Whatever fun name you wanna put on it, it's the same damn thing we've seen over and over again." David Dayen, Executive Editor of The American Prospect, joins us to talk through the spectacular rise and fall of crypto exchange FTX
Ch. 5: The Gig Economy Was Always A Scam - Wisecrack - Air Date 8-8-22
The gig economy has revolutionized how we think about work, but not necessarily for the better. How have a bunch of multi-billion-dollar companies like Uber or Instacart so fundamentally changed our economy?
Ch. 6: Why Spotify Will Ultimately Fail - Benn Jordan - Air Date 1-9-23
An investor's guide to breaking the thing you're trying to sell.
Ch. 7: James O'Brien caller wrote his dissertation on 'incel' culture - LBC - Air Date 1-27-23
Explaining the appeal of Andrew Tate and his accolites to young, insecure men
Ch. 8: TikToker Exposes New A.I. Scam That Is Absolutely TERRIFYING - Rebel HQ - Air Date 1-13-23
TikToker @benno56 shares his family's experience with a terrifying new A.I. voice-mimicking scam. Max Burns breaks it down.
Ch. 9: Mark Rober's Prank And The Truth About Scammers And Capitalism - Second Thought - Air Date 6-17-22
Scam call centers are just one cancerous offshoot of bureaucracy under capitalism, and while pranking these places may be cathartic, it's not enough to tackle the root cause.
Ch. 10: Is all money just a ponzi scheme? | Vicki Robin - Big Think - Air Date 7-22-18
"Money, it's a gas," wrote Pink Floyd's Roger Waters for their hit 'Money'. Author, speaker, and social innovator Vicki Robin would probably agree: she posits that most people don't understand the true, human, working value of money.
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Air Date: 2-17-26
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - The "dual state" concept coined by German Jewish political scientist and labor lawyer Ernst Fraenkel in his 1941 book "The Dual State: A Contribution to the Theory of Dictatorship"
- Ch. 2 - Navigating the psychological toll of living under authoritarianism
- Ch. 3 - "Woke 2.0" as a movement, and dismantling conservative critiques of virtue
- Ch. 4 - What is actually required to build an effective, broad anti-authoritarian coalition movement
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): Deprograming Nazis and the "run the ball" football strategy for our times
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REFERENCES
Your friends are still acting like everything is normal in America. What do you do? - Vox
They Were Ordinary Germans. We Are Ordinary Americans. - The New York Times
How to Survive the Information War - The Atlantic
Galaxy Brain podcast: How to Be A Citizen in the Information War (And Stay Sane) - Galaxy Brain (The Atlantic)
Can Woke 2 Go IRL? Even Thomas Chatterton Williams Thinks It's Possible - Vanity Fair
Why Hannah Arendt and the Banality of Evil Still Matter Today - Philosopedia
The Popular Front Isn't Foreign — It's American /// Want to Fight Fascism? Look to U.S. History. - In These Times
As Congress Begins to Grapple With Restrictions on ICE, States Take Matters Into Their Own - Talking Points Memo
Lawmakers visit Minnesota for inspiration — and to warn the nation - Minnesota Reformer
BACKSTAGE
We Must Establish The Run Against Authoritarianism - Bad Faith Times
EXTRAS:
00:13:27 Best of the Left #1770 - Getting in the Fight Against ICE and Authoritarianism
00:19:42 Best of the Left Bonus Edition #334 - "Collaborators, Internal Exiles, and Dissidents" from Jan. 26, 2025 (pre-YouTube)
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Prosecutor Fired After Voicing Frustration With Immigration Caseload - The New York Times
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No Kings Next Steps
One Million Rising Trainings
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Air Date: 2/23/2026
Today we examine how the platforms that monetize your attention are merging with state power. We'll hear how TikTok's new owners include Trump ally Larry Ellison, how DHS sent hundreds of subpoenas to unmask anonymous ICE critics, how Ring's Super Bowl ad cheerfully introduced AI-powered neighborhood surveillance, and how the social media addiction trials that are being likened to the Big Tobacco settlement of the 90s, are finally exposing what these companies knew about the harmful nature of their products all along.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Chris Hayes in Conversation with Jonathan Haidt About The Sirens Call Part 1 - All In W Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-10-26
KP 2: Trouble at TikTok Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-4-26
KP 3: Is Social Media Having Its Big Tobacco Moment Part 1 - The Global Story - Air Date 2-16-26
KP 4: The Social Media Addiction Trials Begin Part 1 - On The Media - Air Date 2-13-26
KP 5: Ring's Lost Pet Ad Fetching a Surveillance State - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 2-10-26
KP 6: DMs! My Kingdom For DMs! - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 2-17-26
(00:53:14) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Big Tech is the New Big Tobacco - Here's what that means for our future
DEEPER DIVES
(01:01:11) SECTION A: LAWSUITS
A1: Predatory Tech Silicon Valley on Trial in Landmark Youth Social Media Addiction Case Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-19-26
A2: Why New Mexico Is Taking Meta to Court - Here & Now Anytime - 2-5-26
A3: The Social Media Addiction Trials Begin Part 2 - On The Media- Air Date 2-13-26
A4: Is Social Media Having Its Big Tobacco Moment Part 2 - The Global Story - Air Date 2-16-26
A5: Trouble at TikTok Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-4-26
A6: Predatory Tech Silicon Valley on Trial in Landmark Youth Social Media Addiction Case Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-19-26
(01:44:53) SECTION B: TIKTOK
B1: TikTok, Gen Z's Move to Social Media and Elite Panic Over Unsanctioned News Part 1 - Citations Needed - Air Date 2-4-26
B2: TikTok's New Trump-Approved US Owners Part 1 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-28-26
B3: TikTok, Gen Z's Move to Social Media and Elite Panic Over Unsanctioned News Part 2 - Citations Needed - Air Date 2-4-26
B4: TikTok's New Trump-Approved US Owners Part 2 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-28-26
(02:19:50) SECTION C: PLATFORM POWER
C1: Tech Giants Are Nothing But Middlemen, with Tim Wu Part 1 - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 2-18-26
C2: The Plan Is to Make the Internet Worse Forever with Cory Doctorow Part 1 - Downstream - Air Date 12-8-25
C3: Let's Talk About Ring, Lost Dogs, and the Surveillance State - Decoder with Nilay Patel - Air Date 2-16-26
C4: Tech Giants Are Nothing But Middlemen, with Tim Wu Part 2 - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 2-18-26
(02:56:37) SECTION D: ATTENTION HARMS
D1: Chris Hayes in Conversation with Jonathan Haidt About The Sirens Call Part 2 - All In W Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-10-26
D2: AI Chatbots Upended Their Lives. Then They Turned to Each Other - Consider This - Air Date 2-4-26
D3: The Plan Is to Make the Internet Worse Forever with Cory Doctorow Part 2 - Downstream - Air Date 12-8-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of a pre-teen girl leaning on a table holding a phone in her hands that she looks at so closely it covers her entire face.
Credit:"teen iphone smartphone girl" by cyndidyoder83, Pixabay | Pixabay License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 2/19/2026
Today we trace the pipeline from masculine grievance to fascism. We'll hear how ICE agents' own family members describe them as low-IQ bullies chasing signing bonuses, why a former white nationalist explains that the alternative to unpacking discomfort is becoming overtly racist, how incel culture evolved from lonely forums into a MAGA recruitment tool, and what researchers found about why men socialized to equate violence with manhood end up joining state-sanctioned death squads.
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: White Men, We Have A Problem - Swolesome - Air Date 1-7-26
KP 2: Do You Get It Now, Ben? - SOME MORE NEWS - Air Date 2-11-26
KP 3: ICE Agents' Own Family Members Expose How They're "Low IQ" and "Racist" Losers - The Humanist Report - Air Date 2-5-26
KP 4: The Terrifying Rise of "Vice Signalling" - JimmyTheGiant - Air Date 1-28-26
KP 5: Who's We? - PissedMagistus - Air Date 1-17-26
KP 6: The Incel to ICE Pipeline (with F.D Signifier and Caroline Kwan) Part 1 - Matt Bernstein - Air Date 2-6-26
(00:49:13) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The Manosphere Correctly Diagnoses Some Problems but Their Solutions are a Con
DEEPER DIVES
(01:04:19) SECTION A: FRAGILE MASCULINITY
A1: The Patriarchy Is Fracturing… - Dr. Deneen Speaks - Air Date 1-17-26
A2: Are Women Responsible For Fixing Broken Men? - The Speech Prof - Air Date 2-9-26
A3: Masculinity Isn't Real | The History They Won't Teach - Therese - Air Date 1-27-26
A4: "Any Woman Who Doesn't Find Me Attractive Is LYING!!!" - The Speech Prof - Air Date 1-27-26
(01:27:11) SECTION B: PIPELINE TO HELL
B1: The Incel to ICE Pipeline (with F.D Signifier and Caroline Kwan) Part 2 - Matt Bernstein - Air Date 2-6-26
B2: The Masculine Urge to Join a Fascist Death Squad - Signified B Sides - Air Date 1-26-26
B3: Here's Why Tim Pool LOVES ICE - Luke Thomas Gets Political (LTGP) - Air Date 1-27-26
B4: Syril Karn in Andor Is The PERFECT Representation of Fascism! - Film Obsessed - Air Date 1-22-26
B5: Everything Is Gender - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-11-26
(02:07:49) SECTION C: THE PROPAGANDA MACHINE
C1: Political Meme Propaganda Machine - Harland Spinks - Air Date 1-25-26
C2: Exposing the Far Right - Against the Grain - Air Date 2-4-26
(02:26:50) SECTION D: AUTHORITARIAN CURIOUS
D1: The Contradiction That Exposes Scott Galloway's Real Agenda - Therese - Air Date 12-4-25
D2: The Rise of the Authoritarian-Curious - Then & Now - Air Date 2-9-26
D3: Shirley, He Can't Be This Stupid - We Gon Be Alright - Air Date 1-19-26
D4: America's Nazi Influencers - Novara Media - Air Date 1-20-26
D5: The CRAZY Thing That Connects Alex Jones, Tucker Carlson, Jordan Peterson, and Nick Fuentes - Science Fiction with Damien Walter - Air Date 12-23-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image of photos of a white man looking sad facing away from the camera, and then enraged looking toward the camera.
Credit: Internal composite design. Images by Engin_Akyurt, Pixabay | Pixabay License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 2/15/2026
Today we explore the gap between free speech rhetoric and the reality of arrested reporters. We'll hear how a decade of cancel culture panic over college students gave way to actual government suppression of journalists, why the DOJ is perverting a law designed to fight the Ku Klux Klan to prosecute Black journalists, how the administration that promised to "bring back free speech" is maintaining lists of forbidden words, and what history teaches about humor as a weapon against authoritarianism.
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Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: AG Bondi Confirms FBI Executed Search Warrant at WaPo Reporter's Home - MS Now - Air Date 1-13-26
KP 2: Why Trump Arresting Journalists Is a Sign of Weakness - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-30-26
KP 3: The Justice Department Tries to Prosecute Black Journalists Part 1 - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 2-3-26
KP 4: Stars and Stripes in Peril Part 1 - On The Media - Air Date 1-28-26
KP 5: Humor Can Topple Dictators Part 1 - Why, America with Leeja Miller - Air Date 10-18-25
KP 6: The Effectiveness of Nonviolent Activism - Inside International Affairs - Air Date 2-28-24
(00:52:02) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why authoritarians are so afraid of the media
DEEPER DIVES
(01:02:13) SECTION A: STATE REPRESSION
A1: One Authoritarian's Playbook - Rights & Wrongs - Air Date 6-2-25
A2: Following Independent Journalists Fighting for Free Press in Russia - Fresh Air - Air Date 2-5-26
A3: Stars and Stripes in Peril Part 2 - On The Media - Air Date 1-28-26
A4: FBI Searches Reporter's Home, Raising Concerns About Intimidation of Free Press - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 1-14-26
(01:26:49) SECTION B: LEGAL ATTACKS
B1: Trump Lashes Out at Reporter, Highlighting a Pattern of Attacking Press He Dislikes - Trump's Terms - Air Date 11-20-25
B2: Trump Continues Series of Verbal Attacks on Female Reporters - Anderson Cooper 360 - Air Date 12-9-25
B3: Deportation of Reporter Mario Guevara's Is Attack on Free Speech and Journalism - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-3-25
B4: Don Lemon Arrested for Reporting on Minneapolis, 12 States Are Suing HHS, and Queer Artists Win Big at the Grammy's - Queer News - Air Date 2-2-26
B5: Journalism Is Not a Crime: Georgia Fort & Don Lemon Arrested for Covering St. Paul Church Protest - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-2-26
B6: The Justice Department Tries to Prosecute Black Journalists Part 2 - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 2-3-26
(02:03:30) SECTION C: MEDIA INSTITUTIONS
C1: Will Journalists Choose to Save or Sink Democracy with Joy Reid & Dean Obeidallah Part 1 - Laura Flanders and Friends - Air Date 1-23-26
C2: The Washington Post Cuts and the Role of the Foreign Correspondent - The Monocle Daily - Air Date 2-5-26
C3: 'If You Can Keep It' The Future Of The Free Press Part 1 - 1A - Air Date 2-2-26
C4: Will Journalists Choose to Save or Sink Democracy with Joy Reid & Dean Obeidallah Part 2 - Laura Flanders and Friends - Air Date 1-23-26
C5: 'If You Can Keep It' The Future Of The Free Press Part 2 - 1A - Air Date 2-2-26
C6: Setareh Ghandehari on ICE Violence, Jon Schleuss on Pittsburgh Paper Shutdown - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-16-26
(02:56:52) SECTION D: LAUGHTIVISM
D1: Humor Can Topple Dictators Part 2 - Why, America with Leeja Miller - Air Date 10-18-25
D2: Biology!, Jokes About Death & Humor as a Practice of Resistance with ALOK - The Daily Show - Air Date 1-15-25
D3: The Power of Laughtivism | Srdja Popovic at TEDxBG - TEDx Talks - Air Date 2-14-13
D4: ICE Agents Can't Keep It Together When Protester Trolls Them - The Majority Report - Air Date 10-12-25
D5: A Message From The Frog Resistance - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert - Air Date 10-13-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite design of a photo of a press pass on a lanyard on a table overlaying a photo of an ICE protest in Minneapolis.
Credit: Internal design. Photo 1: "Standard Press Credentials - Minneapolis Civil Unrest" by Tony Webster, Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Cropped & blended | Photo 2: "Protest against ICE in downtown Minneapolis" by Fibonacci Blue, Flickr | CC BY 4.0 | Cropped & blended
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 2-3-26
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - Trump's Pillars of Support, and plugging into community building & local support networks
- Ch. 2 - Case studies in success: Avelo Airlines & Spotify and why they matter
- Ch. 3 - Pressure campaigns at home and abroad and why they are important
- Ch. 4 - The new cracks in MAGA, and building up the political opposition party we need
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): The second amendment folks' weird moment after ICE murdered Alex Pretti
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REFERENCES DISCUSSED
Why Nonviolent Resistance Doesn't Require Your Opponent to Have a Conscience - Tim Hjersted, Films for Action
Think There's Nothing You Can Do to Stop ICE? Think Again. - The Nation
Here's How We Pressured an Airline to End Its Contract With ICE - TruthOut
Want to Stop ICE? Go After Its Corporate Collaborators. - The Nation
CEOs of major Minnesota businesses finally speak out, sign meek call for 'deescalation' - Bring Me The News
'Tariff for Oligarchs': Top Economist Urges Europe to Fight Trump by Punishing US Billionaires - Common Dreams
Some Conservatives Veer Off Party Line After DHS Agents Kill Another US Citizen - Mother Jones
Here's Your Damn Playbook, Democrats - The New Republic
This Could Be the Moment MAGA Collapses - The New Republic
MORE RESOURCES
Here's How to Find Out Which Corporations Are Collaborating With ICE - Little Sis
How to Weaken ICE: Cut Off the Corporations That Make Deportations Possible: Unified Strategy to Join, Support, or Build Boycott Campaigns Against ICE Vendors and Suppliers - Herman Legal Group
We Must Establish The Run Against Authoritarianism - Bad Faith Times
BACKSTAGE
Trump is Making an Enemy of the Gun Lobby - The Intercept
EXTRAS:
Meta lays off employees across multiple teams - Tech Crunch (Oct 16, 2024)
People Think Amazon Is an E-Commerce Company, but 74% of Its Profit Comes From This Instead
Best of the Left #1769 Politics Beyond the Ballot Box: Elections and the Movements that Power Them
Fox News's Peter Doocy Confronts Kristi Noem: 'Is It the Protocol To Use Deadly Force' if Alex Pretti 'Was Disarmed?'
ICE confirms new office in College Park - Atlanta News First
Ossoff Inquires about Rumored New ICE Detention Facility - Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB)
Prominent MAGA streamer compares ICE to Gestapo after Pretti shooting
TAKE ACTION:
How to Support Minneapolis Communities
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
No Kings Next Steps
One Million Rising Trainings
5calls.org
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Join our Discord Server
Reach us via Signal:
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Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 2/10/2026
Today we explore what effective resistance actually looks like. We'll hear why Jamelle Bouie says the panic of those in power signals that opposition is working, what abolitionists teach us about fighting without knowing the ending, and how Minneapolis proved that democratic force can overwhelm physical force.
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Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: What I've Learned From Reading History - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-28-26
KP 2: Five Ways to Fight Trumps Fascism - Robert Reich - Air Date 8-19-25
KP 3: Abolish ICE! No Brainer. Then What? Also, How? - Matthew Cooke - Air Date 1-27-26
KP 4: "They Have Agency In This Moment. They Can Walk Away" - Maria J. Stephan's Message To ICE Officers - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert - Air Date 1-23-26
KP 5: Democrats Need To Change How We Talk About ICE | Kat Abughazaleh For Illinois - Kat Abughazaleh - Air Date 1-26-26
KP 6: Gadgets For People Who Don't Trust The Government - Benn Jordan - Air Date 1-4-26
KP 7: What Does Minnesota Today Tell Us About What Resistance Requires? - Tad Stoermer - Air Date 1-24-26
KP 8: What Is a General Strike (and Why Did the U.S. Outlaw Them) - More Perfect Union - Air Date 5-1-25
KP 9: Elites Shit Themselves as Serious Momentum Builds for a Nationwide General Strike - The Humanist Report - Air Date 1-28-26
KP 10: We Don't Need Irony. Just Make It Good - Jessie Gender - Air Date 1-26-26
(00:49:16) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the war on empathy
A Time to Be Cringe: Why Gen Z Needs Some Millenial Humor (SOLVED! #29 - 12-12-25)
DEEPER DIVES
(00:59:25) SECTION A: WHAT DO WE WANT
A1: Force the Fight: A Resistance History Lesson From the Anti-Federalists - Tad Stoermer - Air Date 1-26-26
A2: Trump's Vacant Stare Is Sending Shockwaves Around the World - Heather Delaney Reese - Air Date 1-24-26
A3: The Kids Aren't Alright - The Majority Report W/ Sam Seder - Air Date 1-25-26
(01:21:40) SECTION B: WHAT DID WE WANT
B1: Beyond the Ballot Box: Pacification and Intergenerational Memory in Social Movements Part 1 - Radicals in Conversation - Air Date 11-28-24
B2: The Black Labor Movement Part 1 - Against the Grain - Air Date 1-20-26
B3: Policing the Civil Rights Movement - Against the Grain - Air Date 1-26-26
(01:50:25) SECTION C: HOW DO WE DO IT
C1: Beyond the Ballot Box: Pacification and Intergenerational Memory in Social Movements Part 2 - Radicals in Conversation - Air Date 11-28-24
C2: The 3.5 Percent Rule - Erica Chenoweth - You Are Not So Smart - Air Date 5-11-25
C3: ICE Protesters GO OFF After Alex Pretti Murder: "Trump's Troops SLAYING US in the Street!" - Status Coup News - Air Date 1-25-26
C4: "We Stand with Minneapolis": Baltimore Marches Against ICE - The Real News Network - Air Date 1-24-26
C5: Americans Flex Democratic Muscles to Show That, Together, They're Stronger Than Trump - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-27-26
(02:24:10) SECTION D: WHAT WORKS
D1: ICE Out of Minnesota: Unions & Churches Lead Economic Blackout in "Day of Truth and Freedom" - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-23-26
D2: "ICE Out": Tens of Thousands March in Minnesota in General Strike Against Immigration Raids - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-26-26
D3: The Black Labor Movement Part 2 - Against the Grain - Air Date 1-20-26
D4: 1946 Oakland General Strike - Stuff You Missed in History Class - Air Date 3-24-25
D5: Confronting Capitalism: Why the US Never Got a Labor Party - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 1-21-26
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of a protest in Minneapolis showing people holding signs that say "ICE is not welcome!" And "FUCK ICE" and "ICE OUT OF MN", etc.
Credit: "Protest against ICE in Minneapolis" by Fibonacci Blue via Flickr | CC BY 4.0 | Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date: 8-25-2017
Today we look at the constant struggle between the freedom to speak and the necessary limits placed on that freedom due to the rights of others to not be substantially harmed by that speech Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
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Show Notes
Ch. 1: WSJ Reports: ACLU Rethinks Defending Hate Groups Protesting with Guns - Wochit News - Air Date 8-17-17
Ch. 2: ACLU Will No Longer Defend Hate Groups Protesting With Firearms - MSNBC
Ch. 3: Understanding the line between free speech and hate speech - BackStory - Air Date 8-23-17
Ch. 4: I was a prominent neo-Nazi. Ignoring white extremists is a mistake. - Vox - Air Date 4-14-17
Ch. 5: Nazis Don't Get Free Speech! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 08-22-17
Ch. 6: Understanding who joins Antifa - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 8-18-17
Ch. 7: How Do We Define Hate Speech? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 8-21-17
Ch. 8: Antifa: A Look at the Antifascist Movement Confronting White Supremacists in the Streets - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 08-16-17
Ch. 9: How not to fall for fascist rhetoric - 1943 US War Department
Voicemails
Ch. 19: Free speech absolutism - Ryan in Minneapolis, MN
Ch. 20: Free speech absolutism is bullshit - Zach from Atlanta, GA
Ch. 21: Railing against free speech would be a gift to the right - Todd from Delaware, OH
Ch. 22: Recommending Chomsky video - Elizabeth from North Carolina
Ch. 23: The Constitution is not a suicide pact - Will from Mississippi
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 01-28-26
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch 1 - Why it's not actually "fun" to be right too early (despite being called 'insufferable')
- Ch 2 - The political elites and neoliberals who are frantically changing their tune now that a left-wing populist movement is here
- Ch 3 - The Cassandras of the Left who knew and tried to warn that Trump would be a fascist
- Ch 4 - The Anti-Alarmists who stifled the Cassandras warnings
- Ch 5 - What if we actually listened to the Left next time?
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): That one time progressives were very wrong
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REFERENCES
The Left is Always Right Too Early - Current Affairs
Well, It's Time for Populism, They Guess - Slate
The Trump Backers Who Have Buyer's Remorse - The Atlantic
The Vibe Shifts Against the Right - NY Times
The Americans Who Saw All This Coming—but Were Ignored and Maligned - The New Republic
The Resistance Libs Were Right - NY Times
BACKSTAGE
Eugenics: the skeleton that rattles loudest in the left's closet - The Guardian
EXTRAS:
Hot Dog Car Sketch - I Think You Should Leave
CLIP: Leigh McGowan (Politics Girl) responds to Scott Jennings on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip
"One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This" by Omar El Akkad (If you buy this book, or another, through this link, you support indie book stores and we get a small commission! Check out other great books on our Bookshop shelf)
"A Time to Be Cringe: Why Gen Z Needs Millennial Humor" (SOLVED! #29)
TAKE ACTION:
How to Support Minneapolis Communities
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
No Kings Next Steps
One Million Rising Trainings
5calls.org
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Join our Discord Server
Reach us via Signal:
Bestoftheleft.01
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 2/1/2026
Today we examine what's actually working against the Trump regime and the role of this year's elections. Unsurprisingly, his own voter fraud investigation just proved him a liar, Democrats are overperforming expectations in House special elections, and Zohran Mamdani's campaign based on having fun in community needs to be a model for every movement against authoritarianism.
Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
In honor of our 20th birthday, we're giving new Members 20% OFF FOR THE LIFETIME OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP...this includes Gift Memberships! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
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TOP TAKES
KP 1: Trump Admin's Endless Waste, Fraud, Abuse in Elections Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 1-20-26
KP 2: Donald Trump Wants to Cancel the Midterm Elections Part 1 - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-16-26
KP 3: Get Out the Vote with Tom Lopach Part 1 - The Practivist Pod - Air Date 12-4-25
KP 4: Mobilizing the Mamdani Volunteer Army Part 1 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-12-26
KP 5: Daily Take Is the Post Office About to Decide the 2026 Midterms - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 1-2-26
KP 6: THAT Is A Mandate (feat. Kat Abughazaleh) Part 1 - The Daily Beans - Air Date 11-5-25
KP 7: The Next Socialist In Congress with Claire Valdez Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 1-22-26
(00:55:41) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the role of community and friendship in fighting fascism
DEEPER DIVES
(01:03:26) SECTION A: IMMIGRATION POLICING
A1: THAT Is A Mandate (feat. Kat Abughazaleh) Part 2 - The Daily Beans - Air Date 11-5-25
A2: Mobilizing the Mamdani Volunteer Army Part 2 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-12-26
A3: Karen Hunter To Counter Trump We Protest, Fight Back, and Double Down on Building a Community Part 1 - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 1-17-26
(01:24:17) SECTION B: POWER AND ORGANIZING
B1: The Democratic Party's McClellan Problem - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 12-30-25
B2: Mobilizing the Mamdani Volunteer Army Part 3 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-12-26
B3: The Next Socialist In Congress with Claire Valdez Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 1-22-26
B4: Working Families Party on Mamdani's Win; 2026 Midterms - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 11-17-25
B5: Karen Hunter To Counter Trump We Protest, Fight Back, and Double Down on Building a Community Part 2 - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 1-17-26
(02:04:54) SECTION C: VOTING RIGHTS
C1: Donald Trump Wants to Cancel the Midterm Elections Part 2 - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-16-26
C2: Trump Admin's Endless Waste, Fraud, Abuse in Elections Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 1-20-26
C3: Justice for Victims, Housing Hope, and the Rise of Progressive Leadership - Good News for Lefties | Daily News for Democracy - Air Date 1-12-26
C4: Get Out the Vote with Tom Lopach Part 2 - The Practivist Pod - Air Date 12-4-25
(02:32:50) SECTION D: CANDIDANCY
D1: Hardcore Competence with Kat Abughazaleh - Hysteria - Air Date 1-22-26
D2: Good News Deep Dive with Candidate for the U.S. Senate in Alabama Dakarai Larriett - Good News for Lefties Daily News for Democracy - Air Date 1-24-26
D3: Mamdani's Momentous Win with Sarah Jaffe - The Curve - Air Date 11-5-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of one half of a huge crowd of Zohran Mamdani campaign volunteers in a park holding campaign signs and smiling.
Credit: "Zohran Mamdani volunteer canvassers" via Zohran for NYC
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 1/29/2026
Today we examine the collapse of the American-led, rules-based world order (such as it was) in real time. Canada's Prime Minister pointed out that the emperor has no clothes and declared US hegemony over while Europe called Trump's bluff on Greenland... all the more reason why he would prefer a fake "Board of Peace" that he can rule over as a worldwide plutocracy.
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Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
In honor of our 20th birthday, we're giving new Members 20% OFF FOR THE LIFETIME OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP...this includes Gift Memberships! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: TACO Returns: Trump 'isolated and Humiliated' by Greenland Saga Says Hayes - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 1-21-26
KP 2: Why Trump Just Threatened Canada in Davos | About That - CBC News - Air Date 1-21-26
KP 3: Trump's War on Iran / Davos / Canada-China Relations with Prof. Jiang Xueqin of Predictive History - Reason2Resist with Dimitri Lascaris - Air Date 1-22-26
KP 4: MAGA Empire with Aslı Bâli and Greg Grandin Part 1 - The Dig - Air Date 1-16-26
KP 5: Iran's Protest Movement with Yassamine Mather and Kevan Harris - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 1-20-26
KP 6: Mehdi Reacts to the Intense Debate Over Iran's Protests - Zeteo - Air Date 1-17-26
(00:44:46) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why an might-makes-right is evil
DEEPER DIVES
(00:56:10) SECTION A: GREENLAND (OR IS IT ICELAND?)
A1: Chris Hayes' Map-based Theory Behind Trumps Greenland Obsession - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 1-14-26
A2: Why Donald Trump Really Wants Greenland - Full Story - Air Date 1-19-26
A3: 'What Starts World Wars': Trump Ramps up Greenland Obsession, Floats Military Action - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 1-6-26
A4: Trump Threatens Greenland: The Start of World War 3? with Richard Wolff - The Socialist Program with Brian Becker - Air Date 1-21-26
A5: Greenland Tariffs Have European Leaders Ready To Give Up On Trump - Mallen Baker - Air Date 1-18-26
(01:33:49) SECTION B: IRAN IN CHAOS AND STILL A TARGET
B1: Iran's Khamenei Says US, Israel Links Behind "thousands Killed" in Protests - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 1-18-26
B2: MAGA Empire with Aslı Bâli and Greg Grandin Part 2 - The Dig - Air Date 1-16-26
B3: News Brief: For Media Reporting on Iran, Trump Suddenly Morphs Into Pro-Democracy Humanitarian - Citations Needed - Air Date 1-17-26
B4: What Will Happen in Iran Now That Protests Have Died Down? - DW News - Air Date 1-17-26
(02:02:12) SECTION C: CANADA MADE AN ADVERSARY
C1: Canada Prepares For US INVASION - And Mark Carney Declares US Hegemony OVER - Owen Jone - Air Date 1-21-26
C2: Mark Carney and the New World Order - Front Burner - Air Date 1-20-26
C3: Canada-China Form New Partnership: This Is Huge - The Rational National - Air Date 1-16-26
(02:25:22) SECTION D: THE WORLD MOVES AWAY FROM THE DOLLAR
D1: The New Trump World Order - Why, America? with Leeja Miller - Air Date 1-19-26
D2: Oxfam Warns of Rising Authoritarianism & Billionaire Boom - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-21-26
D3: Foreign Central Banks Are Dumping US Debt At Alarming Rates - UNFTR Media - Air Date 12-19-25
(02:50:02) SECTION E: DYING COLONIALIST EMPIRE
E1: "Empire in Decline": Historian Alfred McCoy on U.S. Aggression in Venezuela, Iran & Beyond - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-13-26
E2: Will Trump's Board of Peace Replace the UN? - Today in Focus - Air Date 1-21-26
E3: MAGA Empire with Aslı Bâli and Greg Grandin Part 3 - The Dig - Air Date 1-16-26
E4: Gaza, Venezuela, and Greenland Mark End of World Legal Order Set up in 1945 - Redeye - Air Date 1-19-26
E5: America Is Now The Enemy - Large Man Abroad - Air Date 1-20-26
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland standing alone, half in shadow, and off to the right against a wall with logos of the summit.
Credit: "President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland" by the U.S. Government via Wikimedia Commons| Public Domain
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Re-Air Date: 01–26-26
Original Air Date: 06-09-24
Unless you were a member in June of 2024, this episode of SOLVED! will be brand new to you! If you were a member back then, THANK YOU and this one is worth a re-listen. We're slowing down production for a little bit to reorganize our production processes, so enjoy this episode from our archives (and before YouTube) where Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- How the media focus on the "politics" of an event trivializes the impact that event has on real people - The detrimental effects combining the daily news grind and the prioritization of profits forces has on news coverage - How keeping news coverage light and ignoring the effects of neoliberalism leaves desperate people vulnerable to fascism - The way history is repeating itself when it comes to news media not treating a demagogue's rhetoric as the emergency it is - The difference between symbolic beliefs vs factual beliefs
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REFERENCES:
Why Americans Hate the Media - The Atlantic (1996)
The Media Still Doesn't Grasp the Danger of Trump - The Intercept
Don't Believe What They're Telling You About Misinformation - The New Yorker
TAKE ACTION:
How to Support Minneapolis Communities
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
No Kings Next Steps
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY - Tell Congress to stand down the federal escalation
One Million Rising Trainings
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Join our Discord Server
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Produced by:
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date: 1/25/2026
Today we examine education as the battleground for democracy itself. We'll hear how authoritarians erase history to maintain power, why liberal arts colleges don't exist in authoritarian societies, how the administration is punishing universities for their political views, and what the detention of student protesters reveals about the cost of dissent in Trump's America.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
In honor of our 20th birthday, we're giving new Members 20% OFF FOR THE LIFETIME OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP...this includes Gift Memberships! (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
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Join our Discord community!
KEY POINTS
KP 1: Rewriting Reality How the Battle for History Shapes the Future - WhoWhatWhy's Podcasts - Air Date 9-26-24
KP 2: Fighting Fascism with Education - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-26-25
KP 3: 'Abandoning' Kids' Futures AFT Pres. Slams Trump Dept. of Education Changes - MS NOW - Air Date 11-19-25
KP 4: 50 Years After the Birth of Special Education, Some Fear for Its Future Under Trump - All Things Considered - Air Date 12-3-25
KP 5: How Trumps Agenda Hurts College Students - Right Now With Perry Bacon - Air Date 11-19-25
KP 6: Trump Set to Garnish Wages for Student Loan Defaults - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-30-25
(00:46:40) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the American and Chinese Cassandras of authoritarianism
DEEPER DIVES
(00:54:44) SECTION A: EDUCATION AND DEMOCRACY
A1: Rewriting Reality How the Battle for History Shapes the Future Part 2 - WhoWhatWhy's Podcasts - Air Date 9-26-24
A2: Fighting Fascism with Education Part 2 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-26-25
A3: Because Democracy Depends On It - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 11-29-25
A4: The Great US Brain Drain - Stuff They Don't Want You To Know - Air Date 1-9-25
(01:31:21) SECTION B: EDUCATION AND MONEY
B1: Republicans Plan to Overhaul the Federal Student Loan System. Here's What to Know - Trump's Terms - Air Date 4-30-25
B2: How Trumps Agenda Hurts College Students Part 2 - Right Now With Perry Bacon - Air Date 11-19-25
B3: Federal Student Loans Are Changing. Here's What to Expect in 2026 - Morning Edition - Air Date 12-23-25
B4: Community Colleges Face New Challenges as Trump Battles with Higher Education - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-18-25
B5: Trump Officials Loosen Strings on Federal Education Money for Iowa. More States Could Follow - Latest Stories From The Associated Press - Air Date 1-7-26
(01:56:44) SECTION C: EDUCATION AND FREE SPEECH
C1: 'If You Can Keep It' Trump Takes Aim At Academic Freedom Part 1 - 1A - Air Date 10-20-25
C2: Student Detained for Foreign Policy Views Speaks - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 12-22-25
C3: 'If You Can Keep It' Trump Takes Aim At Academic Freedom Part 2 - 1A - Air Date 10-20-25
C4: Student Detained for Foreign Policy Views Speaks Part 2 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 12-22-25
(02:27:06) SECTION D: EDUCATION AND THE DOE
D1: Inside the Trump Administrations Plan to Change Public Education - ProPublica - Air Date 1-6-25
D2: Trump Hurts His Base Again Education Cuts Hit Red States More, Ending Help for Most Vulnerable - The Briefing - Air Date 7-16-25
D3: Inside the Trump Administrations Plan to Change Public Education Part 2 - ProPublica - Air Date 1-6-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Close up photo of the seal of the US Department of Education with a sign over it that says "CLOSED"
Credit: Internal composite design. Elements from Pixabay | Pixabay License
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Air Date: 1/21/2026
Today we look at ICE's reign of terror as a paramilitary occupation force and the communities pushing back. We'll hear about Renee Goode, an unarmed woman shot dead by federal agents, and Keith Porter, killed by an off-duty agent on New Year's Eve, in addition to historical parallels from Civil-Rights Era Selma, Alabama and the Boston Massacre. The signs of hope here are that the oppressed won those fights and the oppressors were forced to retreat - there's every reason to believe that the same pattern can repeat today.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: 'We Want This Terror to Stop': Ilhan Omar Calls for ICE to Leave Minnesota - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 1-13-26
KP 2: Peaceful Vs. Violent Resistance — What's the Answer? - The Chris Hedges YouTube Channel - Air Date 1-9-26
KP 3: ICE Is a Way to Deal With Surplus Males - Therese - Air Date 1-9-25
KP 4: How Do You Share a Country With People Who Reject Reality? - Cy Canterel - Air Date 1-12-26
KP 5: Abolish ICE - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 1-7-26
(00:46:11) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
From the Boston Massacre to Renee Good: How the State Demonizes Its Victims
DEEPER DIVES
(00:46:37) SECTION A: IT'S ALWAYS BEEN RACISM
A1: Trump Wants To 'Ethnically CLEANSE' America: Rep. Frost to Mehdi - Zeteo - Air Date 12-19-26
A2: Making Sense of This Moment | Explainer - Heather Cox Richardson - Air Date 1-8-26
A3: "Stolen From Us": Family Demands Justice for Keith Porter, Black Father Killed by Off-Duty ICE Agent - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-13-26
A4: Black Folks Have Been Warning Us - Elliot Sang Again - Air Date 1-13-26
(01:22:43) SECTION B: ICE ABUSES PEOPLE
B1: How Trump's Deportation Campaign Is Reshaping Small Town America - Bloomberg Originals - Air Date 12-1-25
B2: Where ICE Has Taken The Most People | On The Grid - WIRED - Air Date 10-8-25
B3: Why the US Is Deporting so Many People - Johnny Harris - Air Date 10-31-25
(01:50:19) SECTION C: POLICE ARE A DOMESTIC MILITARY
C1: ICE Is Evolving Into an Extrajudicial Army. Dr Richard Wolff Explains How - The Real News Network - Air 1-12-26
C2: How America Turned Its Police Into an Army - New Economic Thinking - Air Date 2-28-18
C3: Secretive Border Patrol Program Is Detaining US Citizens for 'suspicious' Travel - Associated Press - Air Date 11-19-25
C4: Why Americas Police Look Like Soldiers - Vox - Air Date 6-25-20
(02:09:52) SECTION D: REVOLUTION
D1: Immigration, ICE, and Working Class Rebellion w/ Cecilia Guerrero Part 1 - Upstream - Air Date 1-7-26
D2: More Americans Are Saying the Quiet Part Loud: They Want a Revolution - The Humanist Report - Air Date 1-14-26
D3: Can Anyone Stop ICE? - Today, Explained - Air Date 1-14-26
(02:38:44) SECTION E: ICE IS ABOUT PROJECTING POWER
E1: Will ICE Get Away With This? - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 1-15-26
E2: ICE Can Hack Your Phone Without You Knowing - Taylor Lorenz - Air Date 9-5-25
E3: 'STUNNING': Trump's DOJ Won't Investigate ICE Shooting, Prompting Outrage and Resignations - The Briefing with Jen Psaki - Air Date 1-13-26
E4: "ICE Is OK with Renee Good's Killing": Journalist Ken Klippenstein on ICE Tactics & Recruitment - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-14-25
(03:10:48) SECTION F: WHAT COMES NEXT?
F1: Immigration, ICE, and Working Class Rebellion w/ Cecilia Guerrero Part 2 - Upstream - Air Date 1-7-26
F2: Governor Walz Addresses Ongoing Federal Presence in Minnesota - Office of the Governor of Minnesota - Air Date 1-14-26
F3: Minnesota Is A Training Ground For Whats To Come - Leeja Miller - Air Date 1-12-26
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of ICE in Minneapolis neighborhood facing a group of residents.
Credit: "ICE agents in Minneapolis after shooting" by Chad Davis, Flickr | CC by 4.0
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 01-12-26
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - Why it's actually NOT a "Male Loneliness Epidemic (TM)" and even the non-crazy male influencers aren't helping
- Ch. 2 - Why loneliness is better understood by age, and how society has not emotionally equipped men for struggle
- Ch. 3 - Why American-style capitalism is the root cause of loneliness epidemic and is stranding women and mothers
- Ch. 4 - Why the solutions for societal loneliness don't align with fascist governments, and calling out those who would rather you stay lonely and buy stuff
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): "Looks Maxing" & our initial thoughts on the invasion of Venezuela"
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REFERENCES
Does Anyone Care That Young Women Are Just as Lonely as Men Are? - Cosmopolitan
What Did Men Do to Deserve This? - The New Yorker
The male loneliness epidemic is a myth - The Quinnapiac Chronicle
Don't blame women for men's loneliness. Blame capitalism - Salon
America glorifies what makes it lonely, and women silently pay the price | Opinion - USA Today
Unlocking Economic Mobility Through Social Connectedness - Purpose Building Communities
America has a loneliness epidemic. Here are 6 steps to address it (2023) - NPR (2023)
Why America Needs More Public Pools - The Atlantic
EXTRAS:
Best of the Left #1433 "The legacy of White Supremacy in schools, health care and public pools" (Aired: Aug. 10, 2021)
"Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World" by Anand Giridharadas (If you buy this book, or another, through this link, you support indie book stores and we get a small commission! Check out other great books on our Bookshop shelf)
"A Time to Be Cringe: Why Gen Z Needs Millennial Humor" (SOLVED! #29)
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Air Date: 1/17/2026
There's a lot to be concerned about with AI but the biggest concern is the economic system we have in place at the moment when AI is being introduced. Capitalism is not a good steward of new and potentially dangerous technology, as we've seen from Zuckerberg's move-fast-and-break-things era of social media that he later recognized as having triggered a genocide. When the profit drive necessitates light-speed growth, ethical and safety considerations are the first things to be jettisoned and things get broken.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: What Sam Altman Doesn't Want You To Know - More Perfect Union - Air Date 12-19-25
KP 2: The AI Bubble Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-28-25
KP 3: The Hidden Forces Driving the AI Bubble Part 1 - Instant Genius - Air Date 11-13-25
KP 4: Desperate OpenAI Turns To Erotica - Novara Media - Air Date 10-16-25
KP 5: Avoiding Fake News in the AI Era Part 1 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-8-25
KP 6: Trump Considers Order to Override State Regulations on Artificial Intelligence - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-20-25
(00:48:47) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why capitalism is the biggest problem of AI
DEEPER DIVES
(00:57:14) SECTION A: AL BUBBLE
A1: So Are We in an AI Bubble? Here Are Clues to Look for Part 1 - Planet Money - Air Date 1-9-25
A2: The Hidden Forces Driving the AI Bubble Part 2 - Instant Genius - Air Date 11-13-25
A3: The AI Bubble Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-28-25
A4: AI Robot Slaves and Other CES Miracles Part 1 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 1-12-26
A5: So Are We in an AI Bubble? Here Are Clues to Look for Part 2 - Planet Money - Air Date 1-9-25
(01:39:59) SECTION B: PORN AND SLOP
B1: Avoiding Fake News in the AI Era Part 2 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-8-25
B2: Deep Fakes, Data Centers, and AI Slop — Are We Cooked Part 1 - On the Media - Air Date 12-19-25
B3: Meet The Women Being Deepfaked Into Porn by AI - BBC - Air Date 9-4-24
B4: Digital Stimulation AI and Porn - The Economist - Air Date 12-10-25
B5: How AI Porn Isolates Us with Noelle Perdue Part 1 - The 404 Media Podcast - Air Date 12-9-25
B6: AI Robot Slaves and Other CES Miracles Part 2 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 1-12-26
B7: How AI Porn Isolates Us with Noelle Perdue Part 2 - The 404 Media Podcast - Air Date 12-9-25
(02:30:14) SECTION C: REGULATION
C1: Two Proposed Bills Cover AI and Deep Fake Pornography in Indiana - WTHR - Air Date 1-2-26
C2: Deep Fakes, Data Centers, and AI Slop — Are We Cooked Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 12-19-25
C3: AI 1 — Humanity 0 - Today, Explained - Air Date 12-17-25
C4: Trump Family Businesses Rake in $4 Billion After His Reelection with Focus on AI, Crypto, & Nuclear - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-6-26
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image of a high-tech robot running on a road while money falls into flames behind it.
Credit: Internal design. Images via Pixabay | Pixabay license
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 1/14/2026
Being a bad person who doesn't care about others is helpful in one's pursuit of becoming wealthy. However, becoming wealthy is also helpful in becoming a bad person who doesn't care about others, not that anyone sets out with this as a goal but it is a natural byproduct of wealth and the normal functioning of our market economy. What this means is that the nature of money, market dynamics, and wealth to corrode morality is a systemic problem, not a collection of individual failings, and should be addressed as such.
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Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The Truth About Income Inequality No One Told You - UNFTR Media - Air Date 7-21-25
KP 2: K-shaped Economy: Why the Wealthy Are Thriving as Most Americans Fall Behind - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 10-14-25
KP 3: Chris Hedges: The Warped Psychology of the Rich - The Chris Hedges YouTube Channel - Air Date 6-24-25
KP 4: The Capitalist Mindset - The Market Exit - Air Date 12-9-25
KP 5: How Power Corrupts Part 1 - The Art of Manliness - Air Date 4-6-22
KP 6: Where Are Americas Leaders? - Robert Reich and Inequality Media Civic Action - Air Date 1-6-26
KP 7: Why WORKERS Should OWN Companies - The Market Exit - Air Date 4-30-25
(00:48:50) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On all the reasons we need to squash wealth inequality
DEEPER DIVES
(01:02:59) SECTION A: THE EFFECTS OF WEALTH INEQUALITY
A1: The USA Is a "Third World" Country for Millions of Americans - Raising Wildflowers - Air Date 7-13-25
A2: The Shocking Truth About Wealth Inequality in America - Established Context - Air Date 2-22-2025
A3: How Wealth Corrupts Democracy with Christy McGillivray - Head in the Office - Air Date 10-24-25
A4: How Power Corrupts Part 2 - The Art of Manliness - Air Date 4-6-22
A5: UK Budget - The End of Democracy? Part 1 - Garys Economics - Air Date 11-23-25
(01:42:01) SECTION B: THE MINDSET OF THE RICH & POWERFUL
B1: RESOURCE WARS and the Economics of Scarcity with Richard D Wolff - Jacobin - Air Date 9-4-24
B2: Tax Is Not Theft: Why the "It's My Money" Argument Is Wrong - Richard J Murphy - Air Date 12-18-25
B3: The Jacob Rees-Mogg Illusion: Why the Rich Think They're the Victims - Barry's Economics - Air Date 11-16-25
B4: The Fraud Behind Our 'Thought Leaders' - The Chris Hedges YouTube Channel - Air Date 1-5-26
(02:18:09) SECTION C: TAX THE RICH
C1: 'People Are so Disgusted' - Economist Thomas Piketty on Why We Need a Wealth Tax - Channel 4 News - Air Date 12-10-25
C2: UK Budget - The End of Democracy? Part 2 - Garys Economics - Air Date 11-23-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: A horizontally split image of two photos: on top, an extravagant yacht sailing at sunset. On bottom, an open wallet with some $1 bills inside and some coins spilling out.
Credit: Internal composite design. Images: "Wallet" and "yacht" via Pixabay | Pixabay license
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Air Date: 1/9/2026
The Republican Party has been angry about every government service and regulation designed to help average people for at least the past 90 years. And, given any opportunity to hobble or destroy any of those services or regulations in the past decades, they've done just that. Now, after 15 years of striving to destroy the Affordable Care Act - itself originally a conservative plan from the Heritage Foundation (not joking) - they're using the cult-like hold that Trump has on the party to move faster and more recklessly than they are usually able. And again, average people are going to pay the price in both dollars and deaths.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: 20M Americans Set to Lose Healthcare Coverage Jan. 1 After Congress Goes on Recess - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-30-25
KP 2: Roundup Congress Skips Town Without ACA Vote, Trump Reclassifies Cannabis - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 12-19-25
KP 3: Getting Serious About Medicare For All with Dr. Abdul al-Sayed (Ep 313) Part 1 - The Bitchuation Room - Air Date 12-23-25
KP 4: TrumpRx - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-6-25
KP 5: Agonizing Choices on ACA Deadline Day Part 1 - Brian Lehrer_ A Daily Podcast - Air Date 12-15-25
KP 6: Medicare For All Non-Negotiable #3 Part 1 - UNFTR - Air Date 2-8-25
KP 7: Its Time for Medicare for All Part 1 - Solutions with Henry Blodget - Air Date 11-10-25
(00:56:07) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how our health system harms everyone except the owners
DEEPER DIVES
(01:05:14) SECTION A: ACA SUBSIDIES
A1: Republicans and Obamacare, Again - Start Making Sense - Air Date 12-10-25
A2: Trump Keeps Claiming He Has a Health Care Plan, Flubs Congo Presidents Name, & Takes Another Nap - Jimmy Kimmel Live - Air Date 12-4-25
A3: Agonizing Choices on ACA Deadline Day Part 2 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 12-15-25
A4: Federal Health Subsidies Are Expiring. Now, States Are Trying to Fill the Gap - Here & Now Anytime - Air Date 12-31-25
A5: Money Is What Matters (to Republicans) Part 1 The Hartmann Report - Air Date 12-30-25
A6: Medicare For All Is Still The Solution! Part 1 - Current Affairs - Air Date 1-15-25
A7: Old Man Shouts At People, and Other End of Year Observations, with Heather Digby Parton and 'Driftglass' - The Bradcast - Air Date 12-19-25
(01:57:02) SECTION B: DRUG PRICING
B1: TrumpRx Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-6-25
B2: Its Time for Medicare for All Part 2 - Solutions with Henry Blodget - Air Date 11-10-25
(02:16:13) SECTION C: HEALTHCARE REFORM
C1: Medicare For All Is Still The Solution! Part 2 - Current Affairs - Air Date 1-15-25
C2: Getting Serious About Medicare For All with Dr. Abdul al-Sayed (Ep 313) Part 2 - The Bitchuation Room - Air Date 12-23-25
C3: Medicare For All Non-Negotiable #3 Part 2 - UNFTR - Air Date 2-8-25
C4: Money Is What Matters (to Republicans) Part 2 - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 12-30-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of a doctor's stethoscope laying on top of $5 and $20 bills.
Credit: "Stethoscope On Money" by George Hodan | https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/
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Original Air Date: 2/8/2019 Amid the ongoing fallout of a contested presidential election, we take a look back, briefly, at the last 100 years of Venezuelan history to understand how they went from oil riches and inequality to revolution and social progress only to run afoul of American imperialism. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Attempted Coup in Venezuela with Abby Martin, Greg Wilpert, Paul Jay - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-26-19
Sharmini Peries hosts a wide-ranging conversation about the US-backed attempted coup in Venezuela
Ch. 2: How Did Venezuela Go From So Rich To So Poor - The Inquiry - Air Date 5-10-17
Venezuela was split between the rich and poor. Politicians lead the way to oil reliance.
Ch. 3: Venezuela in Crisis- Defending the Bolivarian Revolution - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 7-29-17
Topics Include: Hugo Chavez, the Constituent Assembly, the opposition, the Venezuelan Communes, the concept of dual power, Jacobin Magazine and the Bolivarian Revolution
Ch. 4: Is Donald Trump waging a coup in Venezuela? - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 1-25-19
You need to be paying attention to what's happening in Venezuela. Eva Golinger joins Michael Brooks and the Majority Report crew to discuss this.
Ch. 5: Maduro's Corruption Pushed Venezuela Further Into Economic DISASTER - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 2-2-19
Ivan Briscoe, Latin America and Caribbean program director for Crisis Group, joins Ring of Fire's Sam Seder, to talk about Maduro's corruption and Venezuela's economic disaster.
Ch. 6: Jorge Martin on what's next for Venezuela's Bolivarian revolution? - @ThisIsHellRadio - Air Date 5-25-18
Writer Jorge Martin examines the two futures of Venezuela and the Bolivarian revolution. Jorge wrote the article "Maduro Wins Presidential Election, Despite Imperialist Meddling – What Next?"
Ch. 7: The Yankee Plot to Overthrow Nicolás Maduro and Steal Venezuela's Oil - The Intercept - Air Date 2-2-19
This push for regime change in Venezuela did not appear in a vacuum. The CIA has been plotting with so-called rebels in Venezuela from the early days of the Trump administration.
Ch. 8: As U.S. Moves to Oust Maduro, Is Invading Venezuela Next? Allan Nairn on Trump's Attempted Coup - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 1-30-19
Investigative journalist Allan Nairn explains many aspects of the US attempts at a coup in Venezuela
Ch. 9: Many Countries at UN Oppose Trump Interference in Venezuela - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-29-19
Larry Wilkerson joins Paul Jay discuss why countries that claim to support the UN and international law are supportive of US imperialistic escapades
Ch. 10. Bonus Edition #137 Propaganda by poem and whole lot more about Venezuela
Jay shares a ton of additional content on Venezuela and muses on the developing pattern of the Trump administration using poem-based propaganda
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Air Date: 1/3/2026
Imperialism is best thought of as a "Wealth Pump," extracting wealth from one country and depositing it in another. Venezuela has wealth and wealth is the only thing Trump cares about, his willingness to break his promise of being the peace president and go along with traditional Republican hawks is not a complicated mystery.
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Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: 'Clearly B.S.': Dem Rep. Slams Hegseth's Explanation for Boat Strikes - MS NOW Reports - Air Date 12-30-25
KP 2: Trump Admits Venezuela Attacks Are All About Their Oil - The Majority Report W/ Sam Seder - Air Date 12-18-25
KP 3: What's Behind Trump's Christmas Strikes on Nigeria? Anti-Christian Genocide or Appeasing MAGA Base? - Democracy Now ! - Air Date 12-29-25
KP 4: Trump, Venezuela, and the New Cold War with China | Pinch Point - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 11-27-25
KP 5: "Trump Has Appointed Himself Judge, Jury, and Executioner" - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 12-12-25
KP 6: Venezuela to Trump's 'Total Blockade': You Will Never Colonize Us - The Socialist Program with Brian Becker - Air Date 12-17-25
(00:48:15) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the structure of imperialism
DEEPER DIVES
(01:02:10) SECTION A: DRUG WAR BS
A1: Bonus - Venezuela, the Drug War, and U.S. Power in the Caribbean with Aileen Teague - American Prestige - Air Date 12-28-25
A2: US Strikes Against Venezuela: Trump "Wants the Oil" as Grassroots Resist "Economic Asphyxiation" - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-31-25
A3: New Regime-Change War Dropped with Ken Klippenstein & Wajahat Ali - The Bitchuation Room - Air Date 9-5-25
A4: US Uses Drug Trafficking as Pretence to Force Regime Change in Venezuela - FRANCE 24 English - Air Date 10-16-25
A5: Collateral Damage - Airborne Imperialism: The Tragic Deaths of Veronica and Charity Bowers - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 12-26-25
(01:41:05) SECTION B: THE MONROE DOCTRINE 2.0
B1: 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for Anti-Maduro Leader María Corina Machado "Opposite of Peace": Greg Grandin - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-10-25
B2: Trump's Piracy in the Caribbean - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 12-23-25
B3: Why Do Horrible People Keep Winning Nobel Peace Prizes? - Overzealots - Air Date 11-15-25
B4: USA Is the Worst Pirate on Earth: Trump Boasts of Stealing Venezuela's Oil - Geopolitical Economy Report - Air Date 12-26-25
B5: Exposing Trump's Latin America Policy and Why It Will Fail with Richard Wolff - The Socialist Program with Brian Becker - Air Date 12-17-25
(02:20:52) SECTION C: NIGERIA BOMBING
C1: Inside Nigeria's Bombed Border Communities - Focus on Africa - Air Date 12-29-25
C2: Breaking Down US Strikes on ISIS in Nigeria and the Complicated Conflict There - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 12-26-25
(02:37:40) SECTION D: WAR WITH VENEZUELA
D1: Trump's Regime Change Operation Ramps Up with Blockade of Venezuelan Oil - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-17-25
D2: They Finally Admitted Its All Fake - Chris Norlund - Air Date 12-29-25
D3: Loose Lips Trump Blabs About Covert Venezuela Mission; Appears To Be Making It Up As He Goes - The Briefing with Jen Psaki - Air Date 12-30-25
D4: Venezuela? I Hardly Knew Ya - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-12-25
D5: Why a US Ground Invasion of Venezuela Would Be a Disaster | About That - CBC News - Air Date 12-19-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite graphic showing Trump looking proudly at strikes on a small alleged "drug runner" boat while the corner of the image is flipped up revealing his arm grabbing barrels of Venezuelan oil.
Credit: Internal composite design, Elements from Pixabay | Pixabay License | Unclassified boat image from U.S. D.O.D. shared on social media.
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Air Date 12/30/2025
The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month we start with the infrastructure of imperial violence—from Dick Cheney's legacy to the arms race to Sudan's genocide. Then we expose how power exploits ordinary people through predation and financialized desperation. But here's the thing: resistance is working and the facade is crumbling. From courtroom wins to Mamdani's victory to young Republicans fleeing and conspiracies consuming the right, we end on the insight that authoritarian control is far more fragile than it pretends.
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Full Show Notes
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PART 1: THE WEIGHT OF EMPIRE
(00:02:43) None - #1756 War Criminal Dick Cheney's Guide to Ethical Governance and Saving Democracy
1: "The Dark Side": Dick Cheney's Legacy From Iraq Invasion to U.S. Torture Program - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-4-25
2: Dick Cheney BLOWBACK and South Africa's Israel & Anti-COMMUNIST Connection - Jacobin - Air Date 11-21-25
3: Dick Cheney Invades Hell - Colonial Outcasts - Air Date 11-4-25
(00:26:25) None - #1752 Reigniting the Nuclear Arms Race: Fat Man, Little Boy, and Donald Trump
4: Marshall Islands: Paradise Interrupted Part 1 - At the Brink - Air Date 12-5-23
5: Are We Living Through a New Nuclear Arms Race? - The Bunker – News Without the Nonsense - Air Date 7-24-25
6: Trump's Nuclear Arms Race - 7am - Air Date 11-6-25
(00:51:53) None - #1758 Why you think the Sudanese civil war doesn't involve you
7: Will the International Community Act Preschool Massacre & Large Piles of Bodies in Sudan Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-10-25
8: Sudan Civil War the Terrifying Escape From El Fasher - Global News Podcast - Air Date 12-1-25
PART 2: EXTRACTION AND EXPLOITATION
(01:02:44) None - #1754 The Epstein Files and Donald Trump, Our Predator-in-Chief
9: 1992 Tape Of Trump And Epstein - The Day That Was - MS Now - Air Date 7-18-19
10: Epstein's Arms Deal And Intelligence Connections With Israel W Murtaza Hussain Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-18-25
11: Trump Welcomes Murderer to White House; Congress Votes to Release 'Epstein Files' - The BradCast - Air Date 11-18-25
(01:24:21) None - #1757 Life is But a Game (that you can now bet on)
12: Welcome to the Casino Economy - On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti - Air Date 11-13-25
13: Kalshi's Extremely Dark Vision For The Future - The Majority Report W/ Sam Seder - Air Date 12-4-25
14: Big Tech Is Betting on Gambling and Scams - Voidzilla - Air Date 12-5-25
PART 3: RESISTANCE THAT'S WORKING
(01:50:41) None - #1753 What the Shutdown and Weaponized Hunger Exposed About Our Asymmetric Morality
15: Government Shutdown or General Strike How to Fight Trumps Agenda - The Socialist Program W Brian Becker - Air Date 11-12-25
16: What Its Like Suing Trump in Court Over SNAP Funding - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 11-13-25
17: Senator Sanders Slams The Surrender Dems - What A Day - Air Date 11-11-25
(02:14:38) None - #1755 Affordability: Actual Economic Populism is the Kryptonite to Fake Populism
18: Can Zohran's NYC Win Spark a New Era for Democratic Socialism? - UNFTR Media - Air Date 11-6-25
19: "Caved Too Soon": Ro Khanna on Senate Shutdown Deal, Why Schumer Should Step Down & Epstein Files - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-12-25
20: Calls For Schumer to Step Down Grow as Democrats Cave on Healthcare to Pass Funding Bill - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-11-25
PART 4: THE FACADE CRUMBLING
(02:36:05) None - #1760 Hot Mess: Conservative Chaos Below the Surface of Trump's Authoritarian Regime
21: The Republicans Bucking Trump Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 12-9-25
22: Candace Owens at a Turning Point Part 1 - What Next - Air Date 12-17-25
(02:54:31) None - #1759 Why Dictators Are Lunatics and Their Followers are Fools
23: Trump Centers Himself at Kennedy Center Honors - The Beat with Ari Melber - Air Date 12-8-25
24: Trumps Ballroom Is a Lie - The Drey Dossier - Air Date 12-15-25
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 12-23-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - Why everything is so ugly these days
- Ch. 2 - The story of "Millennial Gray" and how our personal spaces are impacted by beauty
- Ch. 3 - How government intervention and regulation does (and could) impact the beauty in our surroundings
- Ch. 4 - How beauty impacts sustainability as well as our very important feelings of belonging
- BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm: Why people around the globe are unhappy despite increasing wealth and progress
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REFERENCES
Why Do All Fast Food Chains Look Like Boring Gray Boxes Now? - Delish
How Did The World Get So Ugly? (YouTube video) -Sheehan Quirke
Why Millenial's Have No Taste (Youtube video) - Answer in Progress
Trump executive order mandates classical architecture for federal buildings, discourages brutalism - CNN
'We're doing arch': Trump says his plan for DC's answer to the Arc de Triomphe is moving forward - The Independent
Zoning Incentives Mandate Private Developers Create Public Open Space - Sustainability
The Impact of Architectural Guidelines on Shaping Our Cities - Plusurbia
The most sustainable building is one too beautiful to tear down. - Lloyd Alter on Substack
Building, Beauty, and Belonging - The Public Discourse
BACKSTAGE:
The Psychological Reason You Can't Seem to Stay Happy - Very Well Mind
The world has gotten richer — so, why aren't we happier? - Vox
EXTRAS:
"Palaces for the People" by Eric Klinenberg
(If you make a purchase after clicking this link, we get a small commission!)
Best of the Left #1758 - "Why Dictators Are Lunatics and Their Followers are Fools"
TAKE ACTION:
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Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
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Produced by:
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Air Date 12/26/2025
Authoritarian governments are always very focused on making it look like they have everything on absolute lock down. Everyone in lockstep, everything proceeding according to plan. But they do this for propaganda purposes, not because it has anything to do with reality. In fact, the opposite is always true. All of which is to say that conservatives are not in chaos because Trump is particularly chaotic, though he is. They're in chaos because that is the natural result of attempting to enforce monolithic thinking and ideological conformity.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The Republicans Bucking Trump Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 12-9-25
KP 2: House Republicans Defy Trump; Plus, When WWII Vets Came Home Part 1 - Start Making Sense - Air Date 11-19-25
KP 3: Indiana Republicans Say No to Trump and Illinois Protects Immigrants in Courthouses, Schools, and Hospitals - Good News for Lefties - Air Date 12-13-25 1
KP 4: The Mainstreaming of Nick Fuentes by the Coward Tucker Carlson Part 1 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 11-13-25
KP 5: The Republican Party's 'Civil War' Part 1 - On The Media - Air Date 11-12-25
KP 6: Candace Owens at a Turning Point Part 1 - What Next - Air Date 12-17-25
KP 7: What The Susie Wiles Article REALLY Reveals About The White House - Why, America with Leeja Miller - Air Date 12-17-25
(00:56:36) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why chaos is endemic to authoritarian governments
DEEPER DIVES
(01:02:30) SECTION A: GOP LAWMAKERS
A1: Marjorie Taylor Greene Vs Donald Trump Part 1 - Americast - Air Date 11-21-25
A2: Marjorie Taylor Greene Talks About Leaving Congress Before Walking Out of Interview Early - 11Alive - Air Date 12-10-25
A3: Divorced From Reality Economist Dean Baker Fact-Checks Trump's Primetime Speech - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-18-25
A4: The Rise of the New Right and MAGA with Laura K. Field Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-17-25
A5: Marjorie Taylor Greene Vs Donald Trump Part 2 - Americast - Air Date 11-21-25
(01:45:12) SECTION B: STATE POLITICS
B1: House Republicans Defy Trump; Plus, When WWII Vets Came Home Part 2 - Start Making Sense - Air Date 11-19-25
B2: The Republicans Bucking Trump Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 12-9-25
(02:01:08) SECTION C: CLASHING IDEOLOGIES
C1: The Republican Party's 'Civil War' Part 2 - On The Media - Air Date 11-12-25
C2: The Mainstreaming of Nick Fuentes by the Coward Tucker Carlson Part 2 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 11-13-25
C3: The American Rights Civil War Over Israel with David Austin Walsh Part 1 - The Time of Monsters with Jeet Heer - Air Date 11-9-25
C4: The Mainstreaming of Nick Fuentes by the Coward Tucker Carlson Part 3 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 11-13-25
C5: The American Rights Civil War Over Israel with David Austin Walsh Part 2 - The Time of Monsters with Jeet Heer - Air Date 11-9-25
C6: The Rise of the New Right and MAGA with Laura K. Field Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-17-25
(02:57:28) SECTION D: CANDACE OWENS
D1: Candace Owens at a Turning Point Part 2 - What Next - Air Date 12-17-25
D2: Candace Owens Is Not Your Friend - Hysteria - Air Date 9-25-25
D3: This Toxic Feud Just Got WAY Worse - The Majority Report - Air Date 12-22-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Graphic depicting the Republican Party elephant icon on concrete with a giant crack running through it.
Credit: Internal composite design, Elements from Pixabay | Pixabay License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date: 7/4/2022
Today, for this milestone episode, I attempted to squeeze in as many clever and interesting ideas as I could and ended up writing a starter guide to understand the United States. Plus, there are jingles!
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Full Show Notes
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SHOW NOTES
(00:01:30) Ch. 1: Political Structures of Our Country
Tracking the political eras that proceeded our current situation and looking at what may come next.
Jingle 1: Strawman
(00:13:09) Ch. 2: Progressives and Progress
Looking at a progressive perspective of the last 20 years and the process of progress itself
Jingle 2: Defer to Authority
(00:24:25) Ch. 3: Understanding Race, Gender, Privilege and Power
Understanding why our understanding of the world is often insufficiently complicated
Jingle 3: Just Asking Questions
(00:37:06) Ch. 4: Progressives in Politics
Tracing the fissures on the political left from Bush to Biden
Jingle 4: Manipulating Data
(00:46:45) Ch. 5: Republican Transformation
Tracing conservatism from mid-century Republicans to 21st-century insurrectionists
Jingle 5: Appeal to Emotion
(00:59:32) Ch. 6: Foreign/Power
Looking at various forms of power and how they play out on the international stage
Jingle 6: Passive Voice
(01:08:52) Ch. 7: The Progress Trap
The progress traps of new technology and why we're not defending against them
Jingle 7: Clickbait
(01:19:07) Ch. 8: Structural Thinking and the Alternative
What happens when an individualist thinker is faced with problems that only structural thinking can handle?
Jingle 8: Conspiracy Theories
Jingles: Concept and Some Lyrics by Jay Tomlinson, Music and Most Lyrics by Jonathan Mann
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 12/22/2025
It's said that mockery is one of the most effective weapons against dictators. I guess it depends on your goal, but still, there's truth there. And the good thing in that regard is that they are so very mockable. No really nice, likable, non-clownish people make themselves dictators and so the people who do are, without exception, absolutely ridiculous lunatics who deserve all the mockery and disdain in the world.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Worlds Most Peaceful Man Finally Wins Peace Prize - Weekly Weird News - Internet Today - Air Date 12-6-25
KP 2: Why Is Trump so Obsessed with the Kennedy Center? - Post Reports - Air Date 8-14-25
KP 3: The Secret Life of Dictators with Frank Dikötter | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution Part 1 - The Secrets of Statecraft - Air Date 10-31-25
KP 4: A Guide to Propaganda - Shawn Grenier | The Canvas - Air Date 1-29-23
KP 5: How Dictators Really Control the World I Anne Applebaum Part 1 - Brad Carr - Air Date 9-18-25
KP 6: On The Epstein Loop and Parallel Improvisation - Robert Arnold - Air Date 12-20-25
(00:47:46) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On Trump's narcissism
DEEPER DIVES
(00:55:26) SECTION A: MADE UP AWARDS
(01:18:24) SECTION B: MONUMENTS TO SELF
(01:40:40) SECTION C: PROPAGANDA WORKS
(02:08:56) SECTION D: DICTATORS ARE ALL THE SAME MAN
(03:04:50) SECTION E: DICTATORSHIPS ALWAYS END
HOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Cartoon image of Trump in the famous portrait of King Louis XIV, with a giant long curly wig, tights and robes.
Credit: "donald-trump-louis-xiv-létat" by heblo, Pixabay | Pixabay License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Re-Air Date: 12–18-25
Unless you were a member in December of 2024, this episode of SOLVED! will be brand new to you! If you were a member back then, THANK YOU and this one is worth a re-listen. We're slowing down production for a little bit to reorganize our production processes, so enjoy this episode from our archives (and before YouTube) where Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - What the orcas are up to
- Ch. 2 - Confronting the truth about eating meat
- Ch. 3 - How to not let grief destroy leftist movements
- Ch. 4 - Living a better life by accepting our own mortality
FOLLOW US ON:
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REFERENCES:
Confessions of a Former Carnivore - The New Republic
For Our Movements to Win, We Must Learn How Not to Let Our Grief Destroy Us - TruthOut
You Are Going to Die - The Atlantic
EXTRAS:
00:50:04 - Best of the Left Ep. #1672 - "Keep an open mind, but not so open that your brain falls out' (11-26-24)
TAKE ACTION:
No Kings Next Steps
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY - Tell Congress to stand down the federal escalation
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Air Date 12/14/2025
The sad ease with which we manage to ignore some atrocities, even while paying much attention to others, has to do with how visible or invisible to us the systems are that are propping up those events. Nothing happens in a vacuum and in our world, if you're willing to dig deep enough, you'll always find how we're all connected - across both time and geography.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Will the International Community Act Preschool Massacre & Large Piles of Bodies in Sudan Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-10-25
KP 2: Sudan Civil War the Terrifying Escape From El Fasher - Global News Podcast - Air Date 12-1-25
KP 3: Can Trump Help Sudan Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 11-19-25
KP 4: The War In Sudan with Khalid Medani Part 1- American Prestige - Air Date 5-10-24
KP 5: South Sudans Failed Peace Deal with Joshua Craze Part 1 - American Prestige - Air Date 5-27-25
KP 6: Decolonise Sudan - The Sages Cabin - Herbs & Liberation - Air Date 11-6-25
(00:45:33) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the past 20 years of politics
DEEPER DIVES
(00:50:08) SECTION A: VIOLENCE NOW
(01:12:13) SECTION B: HISTORICAL ROOTS
(01:51:58) SECTION C: OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE
(02:12:01) SECTION D: RESOLUTION AND SOLIDARITY
HOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of Sudanese refugee women, one with her baby, standing in line for food aid in Chad carrying bags, and boxes.
Credit: "24 January 2025, Adre, Chad. Sudanese refugees who have fled the conflict in Sudan register for food aid in neighbouring Chad." by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK), Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 12-10-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon (Erin was out this week) discuss:
- Ch. 1 - Generational humor, and analysis of Gen Z's absurdist humor and the impact it's having
- Ch. 2 - The unexpected social side effects of NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's campaign on Gen Z volunteers
- Ch. 3 - The "App"stinence Movement helping people get off of social media
- Ch. 4 - How the peak Millennial humor mobile game "Sword and Sworcery" has evolved with the times
- SOLVED! Backstage: Behind the Algorithm: Elon Musk's "Grokapedia" reminding us of the "Conservapedia" of 2010s punchlines, and the co-opting of Gen Z meme humor by right wing extremists to normalize hate.
REFERENCES
Gen Z Humour: What's so funny about something so unfunny? - Hayden Lim Khai Eun via Medium
Inside 'Gen Z humor,' the layered and absurdist internet jokes millennials are struggling to keep up with - Business Insider
A crash course in Gen Z humor - Pion
We Laughed Into The Void—And It Laughed Back: Understanding Gen Z Humor - Berkeley Political Review
A Little-Noted Element Propelled Mamdani's Rise: Gen Z Loneliness - The New York Times
A mass exit from social media - Mashable
Should you practice Appstinence? Gen Z and Gen Alpha are embracing this Harvard student movement - Fast Company
7 Reasons to Think Social Media Has Peaked The platforms have serious problems. - New York Magazine
The Mysteries Of Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP - Waltorious Writes About Games
Social media is dead – here's what comes next - New Scientist
EXTRAS
NOT SPONSORS/AFFILIATES
Appstinence
Brick - Device to help you manage phone use
Freedom - App to help you manage device use
How to make your smartphone into a dumb phone - (Modern Dumbphone)
Air Date 12/14/2025
Albert Einstein said, "Life is just like a game, first you have to learn rules of the game, and then play it better then any one else." (Or just get some insider knowledge about which team is paid off to lose and bet on the game rather than playing it, am I right?) Now, while it's well known that sports gambling has great potential to corrupt the game, I'm sure being able to bet on literally anything in life all the time right from your phone with billionaires funding persuasion campaigns to convince you to do it will probably work out fine.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: America Is Losing Big on Sports Betting Part 1 - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 8-11-25
KP 2: The Nuzzi-Lizza Show & CNN's Prediction Play - The Powers That Be: Daily - Air Date 12-5-25
KP 3: Welcome to the Casino Economy - On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti - Air Date 11-13-25
KP 4: Is the Sports Betting Industry a Huge Mistake? - Good Work - Air Date 2-9-24
KP 5: Why The New Gambling Epidemic Should Terrify You - GEN - Air Date 11-8-25
(00:46:01) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On Best of the Left turning 20!
DEEPER DIVES
(00:49:22) SECTION A: GAMBLING ON EVERYTHING
(01:30:27) SECTION B: THE UBIQUITY OF SPORTS BETTING
(01:56:28) SECTION C: SPORTS BETTING IS BAD FOR SPORTS
02:34:14) SECTION D: GAMIFYING LIFE
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of a man staring up at multiple screens showing sports betting updates, along with a live football and hockey game, above the betting counter in a Las Vegas casino.
Credit: "Sports Betting at a Las Vegas Casino" by Baishampayan Ghose, Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 12/10/2025
Dick Cheney used to be thought of as Darth Vader but did he have an end-of-life conversion back to the light side of the force? No, he was bad all along and only thought Trump was worse.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Dick Cheney Invades Hell - Colonial Outcasts - Air Date 11-4-25
KP 2: Weapons of Mass Distraction with Chris Toensing - This Is Hell! - Air Date - 3-23-23
KP 3: Obama Admin: Torture Not Illegal, Just A "Disagreement" - The Young Turks - Aired 3-27-10
KP 4: Living and Reliving the U.S. Invasion of Iraq with Rasha Al Aqeedi - This Is Hell! - Air Date 4-10-23
KP 5: Shock Corridor with Naomi Klein - Blowback - Air Date 8-19-20
KP 6: Never Forget: Lessons of the Post-9/11 Warpath - Empire Files - Air Date 10-1-21
(00:48:24) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the legacies of Dick Cheney and Darth Vader
DEEPER DIVES
(01:00:59) SECTION A: LEGACY
(01:54:23) SECTION B: IRAQ
(02:11:15) SECTION C: USING 9/11 FOR POWER & PROFIT
(02:31:51) SECTION D: NO ACCOUNTABILITY
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Sidewalk graffiti stencil of Dick Cheney's face and the word "Terrorist" underneath
Credit: "Terrorist" by David Drexler, Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Re-Air Date: 12–2-25
Unless you were a member in May of 2024, this episode of SOLVED! will be brand new to you! If you were a member back then, THANK YOU and this one is worth a re-listen. We're slowing down production for a little bit to reorganize our production processes, so enjoy this episode from our archives (and B.Y: before YouTube) where Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
Ch. 1 - How supply and demand economics is not about "distribution of goods with the greatest efficiency" and is instead about nothing more than predatory greed
Ch. 2 - How what we value as humans goes far beyond the price of commodities
Ch. 3 - More examples of "enshitification" as companies reach inside our homes to control things we already bought
Ch. 4 - How companies are restricting functionality to extract even more from us
FOLLOW US ON:
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REFERENCES:
WELCOME TO PRICING HELL - The Atlantic
The Gap Between the Price You See and What You Pay Is Getting Worse - The Wall Street Journal
Welcome to the Golden Age of User Hostility - The Atlantic
My Printer Is Extorting Me - The Atlantic
Bought a Model Y? Tesla may charge you to use the battery's full range - Yahoo! Finance
Corporate America Knows We're Miserable. Is a Toilet Bomb the Answer? - The Wall Street Journal
EXTRAS:
00:12:53 "Not everything that counts can be counted" by Billy Bragg
00:42:41 Best of the Left Ep. #1629 - "Hitting Where it Hurts in Our Era of Negative Partisanship: Messaging left-wing politics amid cultish politics" (Air Date: May 2024)
00:48:44 Best of the Left Ep. #1628 - "New Era of Antitrust for a New Era of Capitalism, Mega-Corporations and Big Tech" (Air Date: May 2024)
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Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Original Air Date: 1-23-2024
The recent discovery of hundreds of bodies buried behind a jail in unmarked graves sparks a renewed discussion about the futility and counter-productiveness of our system of incarceration and the context of our history that has brought us to this point.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Families in disbelief after hundreds of bodies found buried behind Mississippi jail - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 1-10-24
Ch. 2: The Most Infamous Jail in America - Olurinatti - Air Date 3-29-23
Ch. 3: Behind the News: The State of the Carceral State w/ Wanda Bertram - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-20-23
Ch. 4: Angela Davis on the argument for police and prison abolition | UpFront - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 12-17-21
Ch. 5: The Part of History You've Always Skipped | Neoslavery - Knowing Better - Air Date 4-4-22
Ch. 6: Penitence for the privileged - Beyond Prisons - Air Date 7
Ch. 7: Debunking "Norwegian Prison Reform" As Propaganda with Oakland Abolition and Solidarity - Millennials Are Killing Capitalism - Air Date 3-28-23
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
8 Ways You Can Advocate for Justice Reform in 2024 (Vera)
Prison and Jail Reform (Brennan Center for Justice)
Criminal Justice Reform (Equal Justice Initiative)
Cutting Jail and Prison Populations (Brennan Center for Justice)
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Photograph of the outside of Coyote Ridge Corrections Center. Barbed wire lines the fences of the entrance in front of the dark gray cement building with tinted windows.
Credit: "A sagebrush sea change from behind barbed wire" by U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 12/2/2025
If you need more evidence for just how far from rationality our politics have slid in recent decades, Zorhan Mamdani is seen by many as a radical for mostly just saying that people should be able to afford to buy the things they need to live.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Affordability & Trump: Here's How Democrats Won Big Across The Country In 2025 Elections - Forbes Breaking News - Air Date 11-6-25
KP 2: How Trump's 2024 Coalition Is Already Falling Apart - TLDR News Global - Air Date 11-12-25
KP 3: Democrats Snatch Defeat From the Jaws of Victory (again) - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 11-11-25
KP 4: Trump's Affordability Tailspin: 50-Year Mortgages, Tariff Checks & Maybe Socialism - The Daily Show and Josh Johnson - Air Date 11-11-25
KP 5: Kurt Andersen & Josh Turek - Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast - Air Date 9-9-25
KP 6: Can Zohran's NYC Win Spark a New Era for Democratic Socialism? - UNFTR Media - Air Date 11-6-25
(00:49:49) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the path forward for the Left: Targeted Universalism
DEEPER DIVES
(01:07:50) SECTION A: AFFORDABILITY
(01:43:42) SECTION C: DEMS CAVE
(02:24:44) SECTION D: SYSTEMIC RESISTANCE TO CHANGE
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: A vibrantly colorful artistic rendering of Zohran Mamdani at a podium speaking into a microphone with his hand up. The edges appear to vibrate outwards.
Credit: "Zohran Mamdani" by Taymaz Valley, Flickr | CC BY 4.0 | Changes: Expanded background with layers and smudging
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 11-25-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - The extremists trying to create race-based neighborhoods all over the U.S.
- Ch. 2 - What we can learn from Ireland's history of sectarian violence
- Ch. 3 - How the Irish became white
- Ch. 4 - An inconvenient truth from Frederick Douglas (and some modern, mild misreadings)
- Ch. 5 - What you can do to fight back against white supremacists where you live
- BACKSTAGE! Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): Why some marginalized people cozy up to power
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REFERENCES
Inside Return to the Land, a new group attempting to legalize segregation - SPLC
The reality of ethnic and sectarian divisions - Irish Post
Legacy of past hangs over anti-immigrant violence in Northern Ireland - Reuters
The Irish Had to Ask to Be White - Medium
The white man's happiness cannot be purchased by the black man's misery. - Elevate Society
The Destiny of Colored Americans - Teaching American History
"Missouri Is Next": Neo-Nazi Network Expanding Whites-Only Towns—Here's Where They're Looking - Kansas City Defender
TAKE ACTION:
No Kings Next Steps
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
One Million Rising Trainings
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Original Air Date: 6–22-2020
Today we take a look at the history of racist policing which flows seamlessly into our present racist policing which itself flows into Trump's authoritarian glee at the opportunity to consolidate violent, racist power in response to protests against violent, racist power.
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Full Show Notes
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SHOW NOTES
- American Police - Throughline - Air Date 6-4-20
- From Slavery to George Floyd: The Racist History of U.S. Policing - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-10-20
- Protests Sweep Across the Globe - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-9-20
- The Truth: Police Are Lynching Black Americans! W/ Dr. Jhacova Williams, PhD - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 6-10-20
- Why Ta-Nehisi Coates Is Hopeful - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-4-20
- Unmasking The 'Outside Agitator' - Code Switch - Air Date 6-10-20
- "Looting" Concerns Distract From Bureaucratic Violence Toward Black People - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-6-20
- The Man Who Teaches Our Cops To Kill - Behind the Bastards - Air Date 6-1-20
- Protests Sweep Across America and Beyond - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-9-20
- Systemic Exhaustion - In The Thick - Air Date 6-10-20
- The Rebellion in Defense of Black Lives Is Rooted in U.S. History, so Too Is Trump's Authoritarian Rule Part 1 - Intercepted - Air Date 6-3-20
- Is This Trump's Reichstag Fire Moment? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-4-20
- The Military Stands Up To Trump - On the Media - Air Date 6-18-20
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 11/25/2025
We live in a world awash with baseless conspiracy theories but that doesn't mean there are no true conspiracies, as exemplified by Jeffrey Epstein. But it bears repeating, that we didn't need the exposure of a massive conspiracy to know that Donald Trump was a sexual predator because he said as much on tape before he was elected the first time in 2016.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Trump Welcomes Murderer to White House; Congress Votes to Release 'Epstein Files' - The BradCast - Air Date 11-18-25
KP 2: How Epstein Email Politics Shifted Over The Weekend Part 1 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 11-17-25
KP 3: 1992 Tape Of Trump And Epstein - The Day That Was - MS Now - Air Date 7-18-19
KP 4: Epstein Emails: The Inbox Of The Rich & Heinous Part 1 - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 11-18-25
KP 5: 16 Women and Donald Trump • Trump's History of Sexual Assault - Brave New Films - Air Date 11-15-17
KP 6: Epstein's Arms Deal And Intelligence Connections With Israel W Murtaza Hussain Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-18-25
KP 7: Jeffrey Epstein and the American Empire with Van Jackson Part 1 - The Time of Monsters with Jeet Heer - Air Date 11-16-25
(00:50:50) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the conspiracy of wealth and power
DEEPER DIVES
(00:57:28) SECTION A: INBOX FALLOUT
(01:45:02) SECTION B: EPSTEIN WORLDWIDE
(02:18:32) SECTION C: PREDATOR-IN-CHIEF
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Screen shot of a recently released email from Jeffery Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell with a line highlighted that says "I want you to realize that the dog that hasn't barked is trump…[VICTIM] spent ours at my house with him,, he has never once been mentioned."
Credit: Internal composite design. Screen shot of email from files released by U.S. House Oversight Committee.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Re-Air Date: 11–18-25
Unless you were a member in December of 2024, this episode of SOLVED! will be brand new to you! If you were a member back then, THANK YOU and this one is worth a re-listen. We're slowing down production for a little bit to reorganize our production processes, so enjoy this episode from our archives (and B.Y: before YouTube) where Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - The political origins of SimCity and how capitalism warps our choices
- Ch. 2 - A new video game offering a very different vision of societal management
- Ch. 3 - Naomi Klein's insights on the Left's missteps responding to the Mirror World
- Ch. 4 - Applying cynicism and skepticism in moderation
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REFERENCES:
SimCity Isn't a Model of Reality. It's a Libertarian Toy Land - Wired
Build-a-Brrr - The Baffler
Naomi Klein on her doppelganger (and yours) - Vox
Be Like Claud Cockburn: Tell Truths to the Masses - Counter Punch
TAKE ACTION:
No Kings Next Steps
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY - Tell Congress to stand down the federal escalation
One Million Rising Trainings
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Write to the DNC
Join our Discord Server
Reach us via Signal:
Bestoftheleft.01
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 11/21/2025
In an ethical political system, being willing to break the law in order to starve people amid a political dispute wouldn't be a source of greater leverage and power but it is in ours and the shutdown put the wildly different senses of ethics between the parties on full display.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Government Shutdown or General Strike How to Fight Trumps Agenda - The Socialist Program w Brian Becker - Air Date 11-12-25
KP 2: What Its Like Suing Trump in Court Over SNAP Funding - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 11-13-25
KP 3: The History of SNAP How Food Stamps Feed America - The Politics of New America - Air Date 11-4-25
KP 4: MAGA Republican ERUPTS Over Major SNAP Consequences As Gross Tantrum Backfires - The Damage Report - Air Date 10-31-25
KP 5: Addressing Food Insecurity With Dignity - The Giving Garden - Air Date 9-3-25
KP 6: Senator Sanders Slams The Surrender Dems - What A Day - Air Date 11-11-25
KP 7: Pope Condemns Trump Hispanics Quit GOP More Illegal Airstrikes How SNAP Boosts The Economy - The David Feldman Show - Air Date 11-10-25
(00:55:53) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how to preserve democracy
DEEPER DIVES
(01:10:38) SECTION A: SHUTDOWN
02:01:39) SECTION B: FOOD INSECURITY
(03:19:42) SECTION C: GOP AWFULNESS
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image of the SNAP program logo (food stamps) and a symbol of a stethoscope (healthcare) in a closed cage with a GOP elephant symbol standing on top against a faded American flag background.
Credit: Internal composite design. Elements from Pixabay | Pixabay license | and UDSA
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 11-10-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps"
- Ch. 2 - "Politically correct"
- Ch. 3 - "Ethnic cleansing"
- Ch. 4 - "Meritocracy"
- Ch. 5 - Our current "wealth pump" crisis and how it has been solved throughout history
- BACKSTAGE! Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!): The best words to articulate the current moment
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REFERENCES
Why The Phrase 'Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps' Is Nonsense - Huffington Post
How Cancel Culture Became Politicized — Just Like Political Correctness - NPR
Manifest Destiny and Zionism, a legacy of ethnic cleansing - Mondo Weiss
What Happens to Language When Authoritarianism Takes Hold - Lucid (Substack)
RSA Minimate: The Tyranny of Merit - Michael Sandel
The Satirical Origins of the Meritocracy - Kottke
Hundreds of societies have been in crises like ours. An expert explains how they got out. - Vox
TAKE ACTION:
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY
One Million Rising Trainings
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Join our Discord Server
Reach us via Signal:
Bestoftheleft.01
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Air Date 11/7/2025
The most dangerous part of nuclear weapons has always been the people in charge of them. As we potentially enter a new arms race, some of the worst people in the world are in charge of the vast majority of nuclear weapons.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Will Trump Spark a New Nuclear Arms Race - TLDR News Global - Air Date 11-9-25
KP 2: A History of the Doomsday Clock in 4 Minutes - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists - Air Date 1-30-24
KP 3: The Lie of Nuclear Deterrence - ICAN's Melissa Parke in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, & Korea for Atomic Bomb 80th Commemorations, Hibakusha Part 1 - Nuclear Hotseat - Air Date 8-13-25
KP 4: Voices of Hiroshima - Scene On Radio - Air Date 8-6-25
KP 5: Marshall Islands: Paradise Interrupted Part 1 - At the Brink - Air Date 12-5-23
KP 6: The Lie of Nuclear Deterrence - ICAN's Melissa Parke in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, & Korea for Atomic Bomb 80th Commemorations, Hibakusha Part 2 - Nuclear Hotseat - Air Date 8-13-25
(00:44:32) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the morality of facts we don't question
DEEPER DIVES
(00:56:09) SECTION A: CONSTANT PERIL
(01:22:44) SECTION B: THE NEW ARMS RACE, WORSE THAN THE FIRST
(02:05:41) SECTION C: THE DETERRENCE MYTH
(02:44:12) SECTION D: THE AFTERMATH 80 YEARS LATER
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Image of a president's hand reaching out to press a big red button.
Credit: "war-nuclear-war" by geralt, Pixabay | Pixabay license
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 11/11/25
The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month we examine how power is being quietly consolidated across institutions, how propaganda and AI are reshaping our sense of reality, and how division and fear are fueling both domestic repression and global aggression. From the Supreme Court to state media manipulation, from dismantled voting rights to foreign influence campaigns, we trace the machinery of authoritarian control—and spotlight the journalists, educators, and activists still pushing back to keep truth and democracy alive.
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Full Show Notes
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PART 1: INSTITUTIONAL CAPTURE & CONSOLIDATION (00:01:44) 1742 Captured Court, Captured Nation: SCOTUS Serves Trump's Authoritarianism (00:16:53) 1743 Trump and Project 2025: Blitzkrieg Against America (00:43:56) 1749 Democracy: In Theory, In Practice, and Under Threat PART 2 INFORMATION WARFARE & REALITY CONTROL (01:08:35) 1746 What an actual attack on free speech looks like (01:40:37) 1745 Fake New World: The Age of AI Slop, AI Education, and AI Fascism (01:54:27) 1744 Sell Outs, Shills, and Scandals: Saudi Arabia and Israel are buying the credibility they can't earn honestly PART 3 OTHERING & EXPANSION (02:13:08) 1747 Racism in the United States, it turns out, is a problem (02:31:27) 1741 Global Uprisings: Dissatisfaction Roiling France, the UK, and Nepal (02:56:07) 1750 "American's Backyard" - The War on Terror Meets the War on Drugs (03:20:01) 1748 Patriotism in Peril: Democracy, the Military, and the Fight Over What America Means Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 11/7/2025
The United States claiming a divine (and imperialist) right to tamper in the politics of South American countries is nothing new. As is so often the case with Trump, the biggest difference is that he's doing proudly and in the open what used to be done only shamefully and in secret.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: What Is Happening with Venezuela & The US EXPLAINER - Why, America with Leeja Miller - Air Date 9-8-25
KP 2: Ceasefire in Gaza, The Monroe Doctrine Under Trump, and a US Economy on the Brink of Collapse Part 1 - Red Menace - Air Date 10-14-25
KP 3: Jeffrey Stein on Trumps Boat Attacks, Katya Schwenk on AI Surveillance Pricing Part 1 - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-24-25
KP 4: Bailing on Farmers to Bail Out Argentina: Two to Tango Part 1 - UNFTR - Air Date 10-6-25
KP 5: Trumps Hegemony Gambit; The Rights Warm Racist Embrace with Jeet Heer Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-1-25
(00:53:59) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the long history of messing with Latin America
DEEPER DIVES
(00:59:42) SECTION A: HISTORY AND NARRATIVE
(01:20:49) SECTION B: MILITARY PRETEXT
(01:58:37) SECTION C: US AGGRESSION
(02:28:44) SECTION D: REGIONAL ECHOES
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Image of a topographical globe of the Earth, only showing North America and South America.
Credit: "Globe-world-earth-planet" by quimono, Pixabay | Pixabay license
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Re-Air Date: 11–6-25
Unless you were a member in January of 2025, this episode of SOLVED! will be brand new to you! We're slowing down production for a little bit to reorganize our production processes, so enjoy this episode from our archives (and B.Y: before YouTube) where Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - Why people love villains
- Ch. 2 - How plutocracy kills
- Ch. 3 - Why the path forward is through membership organizations
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REFERENCES
The Year Villainy Won - Wired
https://www.wired.com/story/the-year-villainy-won/
Plutocracy Kills - The American Prospect
https://prospect.org/2024/12/26/2024-12-26-tkacik-best-of-2024/
Democracy Is Not a Customer Loyalty Program - Jacobin
https://jacobin.com/2024/11/political-parties-schumpeter-democracy-liberalism
Air Date 11/4/2025
Elections are always coming up, some sooner than others, so we thought we would take a look at the state of our democracy and what we must do to maintain it in the face of the greatest direct assault on our institutions we've seen in our 250 year history.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Trump 2028? - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 10-29-25
KP 2: Why Im Voting YES On Prop 50 - Robert Reich - Air Date 10-28-25
KP 3: Trumps 'Crowd Control' Plan For Midterm Election Is Real - The Majority Report W/ Sam Seder - Air Date 10-27-25
KP 4: Exposing Trumps 2026 Election Mastermind Part 1 - Democracy Docket - Air Date 10-22-25
KP 5: Trump's Predictable Bad Faith on Election Security Gives His Opponents an Advantage - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 10-28-25
KP 6: 'They're Spending More Than I'd Tax Them': Mamdani Slams Mega-donors Funding Cuomo - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 10-28-25
KP 7: What If Zohran Loses? Part 1 - Zaid Tabani - Air Date 10-29-25
KP 8: My Message to Muslim New Yorkers — and Everyone Who Calls This City Home. - Zohran Mamdani for NYC - Air Date 10-24-25
(00:49:12) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the willingness to sound the alarm
DEEPER DIVES
(00:58:05) SECTION A: MAGA POLITICS
(01:25:25) SECTION B: GENERAL POLITICS
(02:01:21) SECTION C: PROGRESSIVE POLITICIANS
(02:25:17) SECTION D: ZOHRAN MAMDANI
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Close up photo of a "I voted early!" sicker from the City of New York Board of Elections
Credit: "I voted early!" by Eden, Janine and Jim | CC BY 4.0 | Changes: Heavily cropped, slight increased saturation and decreased contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 11/02/2025
A lot of people on the left aren't feeling the love for their country right now and that's understandable but we have some thoughts on more productive ways to channel those conflicting feelings toward a country that is currently falling far short of living up to its founding ideals.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Democracy's Morticians Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt on 'How Democracies Die' Part 1 - Lawfare Archive - Air Date 5-1-18
KP 2: How Trump Changed the World with Anne Applebaum Part 1 - PoliticsJOE Podcast - Air Date 6-14-25
KP 3: Giving Up Is Unforgivable with Joyce Vance Part 1 - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 10-23-25
KP 4: How to FIGHT Mob Boss Politics in America with Senator Andy Kim Part 1 - How to Fix It with John Avlon - Air Date 10-19-25
KP 5: Unitary Executive Meets Textualism Part 1 - #SistersInLaw - Air Date 10-11-23
KP 6: How Underdogs Build Power Stephanie Luce Part 1 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 10-23-25
KP 7: Reclaiming Patriotism From Trumps America with Ted Johnson Part 1 - How to Fix It with John Avlon - Air Date 4-27-25
(00:59:59) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how the Left embraces the contradictions of the US
DEEPER DIVES
(01:10:45) SECTION A: SOCIETAL DRIVERS
(01:47:04) SECTION B: INSTITUTIONAL EROSION
(02:18:26) SECTION C: MILITARIZED LAWFARE
(02:41:12) SECTION D: PATRIOTISM AND NARRATIVE
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image of the Declaration of Independence with three question marks on top filled with the image of the American flag.
Credit: Internal composite design. Images via Pixabay. | Pixabay License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 10/28/2025
As we were looking for episode topics, I came across an article making the case that racism is a real problem in the country and that there were lots of recent examples that proved the point. And I was like, "Racism? In the US?! In Trump's Republican Party?? That doesn't sound like the country I've heard of." (sarcasm) But then we looked into it and it turns out racism is everywhere and also quite bad. (true)
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Will Supreme Court Gut Voting Rights Act Weaken Electoral Power of Black Americans? - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-16-25
KP 2: 'Kids Telling Edgy Jokes'? Hayes SHREDS Vance's Defense of Racist GOP Group Chat - All In W/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 10-15-25
KP 3: Capitol Police INVESTIGATING SWASTIKA FLAG Found in REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMANS DC Office! - Jesse Dollemore - Air Date 10-16-25
KP 4: Racism Is the Policy: Here's 10 Months of Receipts - The Keith Boykin Channel - Air Date 10-15-25
KP 5: TheGrio Daily, Michael Harriot - Systemic Racism Explained - Air Date 4-22-24
KP 6: The Racist Origins of US Law - PBS Origins - Air Date 8-6-20
KP 7: 'A Very Dangerous Theory:' MAGA's Mask-off Racist Vision of America - Velshi - Air Date 9-7-25
(00:50:25) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how you CANNOT purchase your happiness with the misery of others
DEEPER DIVES
(00:56:12) SECTION A: HISTORICAL CONTEXT
(01:36:52) SECTION B: WHITE LASH
(02:04:02) SECTION C: SYSTEMIC RACISM
(02:50:39) SECTION D: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: 1970s poster that says "Racism Chains Both" with an image of a black person's hand and a white person's hand both in connected shackles.
Credit: "Racism chains both Hugo Gellert artist" via Library of Congress Public Domain Archive
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 10/25/2025
Trump's attacks on free speech, particularly with the use of the Federal Communications Commission, goes far beyond the Jimmy Kimmel story. We're in the middle of an all-out assault on freedom of speech, a free and unbiased press, and freedom of association.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: FCC's Anna Gomez & Axios' Sara Fischer - Axios - Air Date 9-19-25
KP 2: Bari Weiss, CBS News, And The Conservative Media Takeover - Lever Time - Air Date 10-9-25
KP 3: Trumps Horrifying Plan to Destroy Free Speech W/ Ken Klippenstein - Current Affairs - Air Date 10-10-25
KP 4: 'They'll Be Others': Trump THREATENS More Indictments of Foes After Comey - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 9-26-25
KP 5: Is ANTIFAscism Really a Violent Extremist Movement? - Matthew Cooke - Air Date 10-14-25
(00:48:56) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On 'Working the Refs'
DEEPER DIVES
(00:53:51) SECTION A: ANTIFA
(01:15:09) SECTION B: POLITICAL ENEMIES
(01:53:02) SECTION C: FREE SPEECH
(02:29:52) SECTION D: MEDIA TAKEOVER
(02:52:28) SECTION E: MOCKING THE FACISTS
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Black and white version of the official portrait of FCC Chair Brendan Carr with the list of words banned by the Trump administration in red over his face.
Credit: Internal composite design. | Carr official portrait via Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date: 10/13/2020
Today we take a look at the myths of Columbus and American Exceptionalism™ that we cling to and turn our gaze to some of the less-understood but more accurate and important aspects of our collective history
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Can You Handle The Truth? - Native Opinion Podcast an American Indian Perspective - Air Date 10-20-19
Ch. 2: Why the US celebrates Columbus Day - Vox - Air Date 10-8-20
Ch. 3: Columbus In His Own Words - Let's Talk Native TV - Air Date 10-12-19
Ch. 4: In Search of a Better American Myth - Progressive Faith Sermons, Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 10-11-20
Ch. 5: Jon Schwarz on social silence, hidden history, and why Trump is our most honest president - The Katie Halper Show - Air Date 11-22-18
Ch. 6: City Upon A Hill: A History Of American Exceptionalism - BackStory - Air Date 1-22-16
Ch. 7: The American Exceptionalism Mythology - Loud & Clear - Air Date 7-5-19
Ch. 8: Columbus redux! - Let's Talk Native - Air Date 7-17-19
Ch. 9: Why The Right Is So Dishonest About American History - Cracked (Some More News) - Air Date 11-21-17
SHOW IMAGE
"Christopher Columbus Statue Torn Down at Minnesota State Capitol" by Tony Webster, Flickr | License | Modifications: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date: 10–14-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - The cartoonish conservative and libertarian responses to Trump's state capitalism
- Ch. 2 - Trump's interest in sovereign wealth funds, and the lie the right sells its supporters about getting money back
- Ch. 3 - The left spectrum of reactions to Trump's state capitalism
- Ch. 4 - Why Trump is definitely, 100%, not in any way a socialist
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm: Ayn Rand's nearly psychotic opposition to altruism
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REFERENCES:
The Danger of Trump Seizing Private Companies - Time magazine
Trump's "State Capitalism … a Hybrid Between Socialism and Capitalism" Won't Make America Great Again - Cato Institute
Trump Is Embracing 'Daddy State' Economics - Reason
Trump's brand of US capitalism faces 'socialist' backlash from conservatives - BBC
Trump, national-capitalism at bay - Heterodox
Don't Let Trump Define What State Capitalism Can Be - The New Republic
What State Capitalism Can Do—and What It Can't - The American Prospect
Unfortunately, Donald Trump is Not a Socialist - Current Affairs
EXTRAS
Were the Nazis Socialists? - Britannica
r/AskHistorians: "Is Nazism right wing or left wing?"
Interview with Hitler - Interviews (Anthology 1859-1993)
BACKSTAGE
I've spent my entire career studying stress—the No. 1 cure for it might 'surprise' you - CNBC
Leonard Peikoff - Wikipedia
Air Date 10/19/2025
Robber Barons™ of The Gilded Age™ told themselves stories about how they were ushering in progress for all which is why, they argued, they shouldn't be constrained by things like safety regulations or worker unions - impoverishing millions while injuring and killing thousands in the process. It took a stock market crash, the Great Depression, WWII, and The New Deal to finally wrench the power away and redistribute it for the sake of building a middle class that could work in relative safety in the US. Today's Robber Barrons™ ushering in techno-feudalism under the banner of AI-For-All are no different but with even higher stakes in the balance.
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Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: We're in Our AI Slop Era Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 8-7-25
KP 2: What AI Means for Your Money, Music and Love Life Part 1 - Here & Now Anytime - Air Date 9-26-25
KP 3: AI Slop Part 1 - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 6-23-25
KP 4: Family Accuses ChatGPT of Helping Their Son Commit Suicide - The Briefing - AIr Date 8-30-25
KP 5: The REAL Reason Trump and Big Tech Want AI in Our Schools - More Perfect Union - Air Date 10-2-25
KP 6: AI and the Demise of College Writing Part 1 - Adam Walker - Close Reading Poetry - Air Date 7-15-25
KP 7: AI, Energy, and Climate Data Center Water Use Alexis Abramson, Julio Friedmann and Angela Yuan Part 1 - The DSR Network - Air Date 10-7-25
(00:56:20) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the pattern of capitalism's social costs
DEEPER DIVES
(01:05:22) SECTION A: AL SLOP
(02:05:43) SECTION B: SOCIAL ASPECTS
(02:47:46) SECTION C: LABOR AND EDUCATION
(03:46:34) SECTION D: DATA CENTERS
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: AI-generated image of robot hands holding up a small globe against a desolate dessert background.
Credit: "ai-generated-robot-earth" via geralt, Pixabay | Pixabay License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 10–5-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - The state of American media consolidation
- Ch. 2 - The debate over free speech and the how the history of the right proves they have never been in favor of it.
- Ch. 3 - The Trump administrations latest aggressive anti-free speech moves, and the Jimmy Kimmel suspension
- Ch. 4 - A look at how independent media was absorbed in the early days of Putin's regime, and the dire importance of not complying in advance
- Ch. 5 - A perspective on why the Trump administration will lose the war on free speech, and some other hopeful notes
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm: Ezra Klein's bizarre interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates
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REFERENCES:
You Think the Bari Weiss–CBS News Story Is Bad? No—It's Much Worse. - The New Republic
The Billionaire Trump Supporter Who Will Soon Own the News - The New York Times
We Have Seen the 'Woke Right' Before, and It Wasn't Pretty Then, Either - The New York Times
Trump Administration Wields Its Full Toolbox to Bring Media to Heel - The New York Times
We Can No Longer Tell Ourselves This Isn't Really Happening - The New York Times
Is Trump's Attack on the Media Following Putin's Playbook? - The New Yorker
Trump is going to lose the war on free speech - New York Magazine
EXTRAS
Carsie Blanton " God Bless the Grass" (by Malvina Reynolds)
**Carsie Blanton and ~450 other unarmed humanitarians from more than 40 countries have been abducted by Israeli forces from the Global Sumud Flotilla. Call your members of Congress: https://globalsumudflotilla.org/contact-officials/
BACKSTAGE
Ta-Nehisi Coates on Bridging Gaps vs. Drawing Lines - The Ezra Klein Show (The New York Times)
TAKE ACTION:
No Kings National Day of Action - Oct. 18th
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY - Tell Congress to stand down the federal escalation
One Million Rising Trainings
Air Date 10/10/2025
The strategy that Trump and the masterminds behind Project 2025 are following is to move as fast as possible to implement their agenda because they know perfectly well how unpopular it is and will be as time goes on. It's hard to argue that anything good will come of this but I'm going to try during my comments anyway.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Checking In On The Federal Workforce As The Government Shuts Down - 1A - Air Date 10-1-25
KP 2: How Trump Is Using The Shutdown To Punish Blue States - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 10-3-25
KP 3: The Vought Doctrine Make It Hurt - Velshi - Air Date 10-5-25
KP 4: SCOTUS Rulings BACKFIRE on THEMSELVES Part 1 - Legal AF - Air Date 8-2-25
KP 5: Trumps Battle With The Federal Reserve Part 1 - 1A - Air Date 9-10-2025
KP 6: The Trump Administration's SCOTUS Winning Streak Part 1 - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 9-29-25
KP 7: Hegseth Declares War On the Military + Trump Declares War On You Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 10-3-25
(01:04:39) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On what Trump's lightning attack on America could mean for the future
DEEPER DIVES
(01:48:40) SECTION B: SHUTDOWN & PROJECT 2025
(02:30:24) SECTION C: AUTHORITARIAN'S HAMMER
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Illustrated image in pop art style of Donald Trump smirking in front of a red banner and sunburst imagery with “Project 2025” on the banner on either side of his head.
Base Image Credit: “Donald-trump-divided-country-usa” by tweetyspics, Pixabay | Pixabay License | Changes: Text overlay added
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date: 09/30/25
The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month we track the dangerous convergence of domestic collapse and international chaos by looking at political violence and martyrdom accelerating division, institutional capture from the courts to the media, the dismantling of voting rights and public health infrastructure, military deployments at home and wars abroad, plus the resistance movements fighting back through town halls, labor organizing, and revolutionary art despite overwhelming odds.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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PART 1: THE HOME FRONT CRUMBLES
(00:01:50) #1739 The Charlie Kirk Assassination and the Plans to Weaponize It 1: Chris Hedges: The Martyrdom of Charlie Kirk - The Chris Hedges Report - Air Date 9-12-25
2: The "Both Sides" Scam: How False Balance Fuels Extremism - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-12-25
3: No, Charlie Kirk Was Not Practicing Politics the Right Way - Mother Jones - Air Date 9-12-25
(00:22:18) #1736 Not the Opposition Party the Country Needs Right Now 4: Why Democrats Should Cut Off Weapons Sales to Israel and Reject AIPAC Money - Pod Save America - Air Date 8-29-25
5: Journalist Exposes Dark Money on the Left - UNFTR Media - Air Date 8-30-25
(00:40:43) #1728 The Lawfare Presidency: The Case of Trump v. Journalism 6: Corporate Media's Surrender to Trump a Wake-up Call for Urgent Reforms Needed to Save Journalism, Democracy - Between The Lines Radio Newsmagazine Podcast - Air Date 7-16-25
7: Trumps War on the Media - Courier - Air Date 7-29-25.mp3 08-01-26-762
8: Trump's Presidential Library Grift. Plus, the Hacker Behind the NYT_s Mamdani Story. - On the Media - Air Date 7-25-25
(01:02:37) #1731 Raw Power, the Presidency, the Courts, and Democracy in the Balance 9: When Unaccountable People Come for Your Vote - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 7-26-25
10: Executive Lawlessness W/ Leah Litman on the Supreme Court Enabling Presidential Overreach Part 1 - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 7-18-25
PART 2: INSTITUTIONAL DECAY AND CONTROL
(01:17:27) #1732 It's Never Just About the Kids (Online Censorship, Age Verification, and the Project 2025 Agenda) 11: Age Verification Will Kill Free Speech Online - Taylor Lorenz - Air Date 6-6-25
12: Can the UK Child-proof the Internet? - Front Burner - Air Date 7-31-25
13: Meet the Creepy Pro-Trump Billionaire Profiting Off of Internet Censorship - The Humanist Report - Air Date 8-7-25
(01:43:50) #1733 The Impossible Promise of Make American Healthy Again: MAHA vs MAGA 14: Despite 'MAHA' Fuss, Truth of Trump Admin's Health Priorities Seen in Drastic Cuts - The Briefing - Air Date 5-23-25
15: The Nutrition Lies We All Fell For Part 1 - Rich Roll - Air Date 8-11-25
16: Dr. Mikes Fight to Save Medicine From RFK Jr. Part 1 - Bulwark Takes - Air Date 8-4-24
(02:04:58) #1730 The Axis of the Dark Personality Triad: Unfit Leaders and the Suffering They Cause 17: The World War II Lessons Trump, Putin, & Netanyahu Actually Learned - Tad Stoermer - Air Date 8-8-25
18: 'Not About Crime': Maddow CRACKS OPEN Trump's Real Motives in Deploying the National Guard to D.C. - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 8-11-25
19: Trump Pushes Forward with Revenge Presidency - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-8-25
PART 3: THE WORLD BURNS
(02:26:54) #1735 Trump's Making Friends of Enemies and Enemies of Neighbors (Foreign and Domestic Wars) 20: NATO Lost in Ukraine and the West Is In Denial, W Vijay Prashad Part 1 - BreakThrough News - Air Date 8-20-25
21: Trumps National Guard Strategy—Plus, the Secret Behind Huck Finn - Start Making Sense - Air Date 8-27-25
22: Why Are US Warships Going to Venezuela Part 1 - The Take - Air Date 8-28-25
(02:51:27) #1738 Escalations: Russia, Israel, And What We Are Allowed to Say About It 23: Israel Bombs Qatar, Nepal Protests, Russian Drones Enter Polish Airspace - American Prestige - Air Date 9-12-25
24: UK Bans Palestine Action as 'Terror Group' - Mehdi & Owen on Censorship, Silencing of Pro-Palestinian Voices - Two Outspoken - Air Date 7-3-25
25: 'Putin Is Mocking' Trump, Polish Foreign Minister Says After Russian Drone Incursion - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 9-10-25
PART 4: RESISTANCE DESPITE FRAGMENTATION
(03:15:52) #1737 State of the Resistance: Labor, Anger, and Knowing That We've Been Here Before 26: While We Were Out An Eye-opening Roundup of Everything We Missed or Wished We Had Over the Past Week - The Bradcast - Air Date 9-2-25
27: What A Raucous Nebraska Town Hall Says About The Country's Mood - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 8-6-25
28: This Is An Invasion - Pritzker, Trump, and the Union Coming Apart + Venezuelan Boat Attack - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 9-5-25
(03:39:51) #1734 Where is the Revolutionary, Anti-Fascist Art? 29: Is Revolutionary Art Possible In The Age Of Trump? - The Majority Report W/ Sam Seder - Air Date 8-17-25
30: On Kennedy Center Stage, Folk Musicians Nora Brown & Stephanie Coleman Protest Trump_s Takeover - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-18-25
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 9–24-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - Intro, and quick follow up on bad satire
- Ch. 2 - The new culture of ‘buy now pay later’ and how these companies are manipulating the public to normalize the culture of overconsumption
- Ch. 3 - How companies pass the environmental toll of their products on the public, and the rise of “cute” debt
- Ch. 4 - The way heavy ‘buy now pay later’ marketing has dramatically changed people’s impression of how they spend their money
- Ch. 5 - Why poor voters are America’s swing voters and why that’s extremely important right now
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm: How we should address young boy’s anger
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REFERENCES:
Buy now, pay later usage for groceries nearly doubles as consumers struggle with food costs - Fox Business
Consumers Are Financing Their Groceries. What Does It Say About the Economy? - The New York Times
Inside the Manipulative “conspiracy” of consumption - Fast Company
The Rise of ‘Cute Debt’ - The Atlantic
The ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Bubble Is About to Burst - The Atlantic
Poor People Are America’s Swing Voters - Time
MEMBERS
Child Soldiers - Slate
TAKE ACTION:
No Kings National Day of Action - Oct. 18th
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY - Tell Congress to stand down the federal escalation
One Million Rising Trainings
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Original Air Date: 11/15/2022
Today, we take a look at our extremely steady history of political violence from the Revolution, through the Civil War, Reconstruction and Jim Crow, into the Civil Rights era, the Militia Movement and domestic terrorism, and now to our current once-again-radicalized, right-wing movement willing to use and tacitly condone violence as a political tactic.
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Full Show Notes
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Capitol Attack Wasn't the 1st Violent Incident in Congress - Inside Edition - Air Date 1-20-22
Ch. 2: A history of US political violence Part 1 - Americast - Air Date 11-2-22
Ch. 3: Storm of White Right Wing Violence Isn't Coming... It's Here Featuring Luke Mogelson Part 1 - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-15-22
Ch. 4: Political Violence Is No Anomaly in American History - System Check - Air Date 1-8-21
Ch. 5: Today's Republicans were made in the 1990s - Part 1 - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 11-7-22
Ch. 6: Storm of White Right Wing Violence Isn't Coming... It's Here Featuring Luke Mogelson Part 2 - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-15-22
Ch. 7: Pelosi Attack Leads to Conspiracies, Obama Crushes GOP - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 10-31-22
Ch. 8: A history of US political violence Part 2 - Americast - Air Date 11-2-22
Ch. 9: Political Violence - In the Thick - Air Date 11-4-22
Ch 10. Today's Republicans were made in the 1990s - Part 2 - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 11-7-22
Air Date 9/23/2025
All that is happening in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination was quite predictable because we've actually seen this game plan play out before. The only thing we didn't know was what would be the catalyst to really put the autocracy into high gear.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: No, Charlie Kirk Was Not Practicing Politics the Right Way - Mother Jones - Air Date 9-12-25
KP 2: Who Is THEY? - We Gon Be Alright - Air Date 9-15-25
KP 3: Blackpill Aesthetics: A Crash Course in Meme Extremism - Cy Canterel - Air Date 9-15-25
KP 4: The 1933 Nazi Playbook That Explains Why ABC Cancelled Kimmel - Tad Stoermer - Air Date 9-18-25
KP 5: How You Die Does Not Redeem How You Lived Charlie Kirk - The Benjamin Dixon Show - Air Date 9-15-25
KP 6: Charlie Kirk = Horst Wessel - CounterVortex Podcast - Air Date 9-14-25
KP 7: Chris Hedges: The Martyrdom of Charlie Kirk - The Chris Hedges Report - Air Date 9-12-25
(00:48:55) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the new cancel culture and bloodlust
DEEPER DIVES
(00:57:52) SECTION A: KIRK
(01:37:38) SECTION B: NAZI PLAYBOOK
(02:31:41) SECTION C: HISTORICAL CONTEXT
(03:03:36) SECTION D: IT'S NOT BOTH SIDES
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of Donald Trump hugging Charlie Kirk on stage at a Turning Point USA event.
Credit: “Charlie Kirk & Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 9–20-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - The right-wing’s continued attempts at satire
- Ch. 2 - Manufactured outrage about male cheerleaders and sorority dances
- Ch. 3 - How political outsiders always adopt new tech, and how that ties to pushing back against misinformation
- Ch. 4 - Final thoughts on how when bad actors make gains, there is always a reaction
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm: The doctor exposing insurance companies’ worst behavior
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REFERENCES:
America has turned dancing into a culture war - Vox
Why America Isn’t Rome (And Why That Matters) - The David Frum Show, The Atlantic
A public health expert keeps going viral on Instagram for delivering this very simple message - Vox
MEMBERS
She Exposed the Insurance Industry’s Worst Behavior. Now They’re Coming After Her. - The Current Affairs
EXTRAS
Some great public health campaigns
Also, Dumb Ways to Die campaign for Melbourne, Australia Metro Trains, which went viral worldwide.
TAKE ACTION:
No Kings National Day of Action - Oct. 18th
Free DC Project: FOR ALLIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY - Tell Congress to stand down the federal escalation
One Million Rising Trainings
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Write to the DNC
Join our Discord Server
Reach us via Signal:
Bestoftheleft.01
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Air Date 9/20/2025
The escalations are happening so fast now that even though this episode is about Russia increasing tensions by violating NATO airspace in Poland with drones and Israel intensifying their belligerence by bombing inside Qatar, those aren't even the most recent incidents now that Russian jets have entered NATO airspace in Estonia and Israel has launched a new attack on Gaza City while Netanyahu says he wants Israel to become like the doomed city-state of Sparta, which was weird.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Israel Bombs Qatar, Nepal Protests, Russian Drones Enter Polish Airspace - American Prestige - Air Date 9-12-25
KP 2: Qatar Today, Turkey Tomorrow - HasanAbi - Air Date 9-11-25
KP 3: Israels West Bank Annex Underway Jasper Nathaniel - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 9-14-25
KP 4: UK Bans Palestine Action as 'Terror Group' - Mehdi & Owen on Censorship, Silencing of Pro-Palestinian Voices - Two Outspoken - Air Date 7-3-25
KP 5: Recognizing Palestine as a State Meaningful Farce Feat. Dana El Kurd - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 9-11-25
KP 6: Israel Bombs Hamas Leaders in Qatar - Pod Save the World - Air Date 9-9-25
KP 7: 'Putin Is Mocking' Trump, Polish Foreign Minister Says After Russian Drone Incursion - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 9-10-25
(00:58:31) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On Israel as the new Sparta
DEEPER DIVES
(01:03:11) SECTION A: RUSSIA
A1: Aftermath of Russian Drones Being Shot Down Over Poland - DW News - Air Date 9-10-25
A2: Putin Cozies Up To Modi And Xi - What A Day - Air Date 9-3-25
A3: AI and Drone Warfare in Ukraine, 'Trump Riviera' Gaza Plan, US Bombs Venezuelan Boat - American Prestige - Air Date 9-5-25
(01:27:06) SECTION B: QATAR BOMBING
B1: Israel Bombs Hamas Leaders in Qatar Part 2 - Pod Save the World - Air Date 9-9-25
B2: Qatar Today, Turkey Tomorrow Part 2 - HasanAbi - Air Date 9-11-25
B3: Israels Qatar Strike We Have to Be Careful When We Attack People - MSNBC Reports - Air Date 9-15-25
B4: Israel Bombs Hamas Leaders in Qatar Part 3 - Pod Save the World - Air Date 9-9-25
B5: After Bombing Qatar, Why Did Israel Strike Yemen - The Take - Air Date 9-15-25
(02:06:29) SECTION C: OTHER GAZA UPDATES
C1: Global Sumud Flotilla Vows to Keep Sailing to Gaza Israeli Drones Accused of Striking Two Boats - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-11-25
C2: Israels Genocide Is Pure Cowardice w/ Jon Elmer - BreakThrough News - Air Date 9-15-25
C3: Recognizing Palestine as a State Meaningful Farce Feat. Dana El Kurd Part 2 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 9-11-25
C4: AI and Drone Warfare in Ukraine, 'Trump Riviera' Gaza Plan, US Bombs Venezuelan Boat Part 2 - American Prestige - Air Date 9-5-25
C5: Israels Genocide Is Pure Cowardice W Jon Elmer Part 2 - BreakThrough News - Air Date 9-15-25
C6: Israels West Bank Annex Underway Jasper Nathaniel Part 2 - The Majority Report W Sam Seder - Air Date 9-14-25
(02:53:26) SECTION D: UK CRACKDOWN
D1: Is Direct Action for Palestine 'terrorism' The UK Says It Is - The Take - Air Date 7-10-25
D2: UK Bans Palestine Action as 'Terror Group' - Mehdi & Owen on Censorship, Silencing of Pro-Palestinian Voices Part 2 - Two Outspoken - Air Date 7-3-25
D3: Is Direct Action for Palestine 'terrorism' The UK Says It Is Part 2 - The Take - Air Date 7-10-25
D4: Protesters Defy Palestine Action Ban Theres No Way They Get Through Everyone - The Guardian - Air Date 9-7-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of protestors holding signs that say “Ceasefire Now” and “Stop the Genocide”
Credit: “Free Palestine” by Can Pac Swire, Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date 9/16/2025
Between recent Labor Day rallies and Republican Town Hall meetings, we're seeing that resistance to Trump's deeply unpopular policies is alive and well. Plus we're going to look at some historical legacies of resistance movements that can both inform and inspire us today.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: While We Were Out An Eye-opening Roundup of Everything We Missed or Wished We Had Over the Past Week - The Bradcast - Air Date 9-2-25
KP 2: How Labor Unions Shape Society Margaret Levi (re-release) - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 9-1-25
KP 3: This Is An Invasion - Pritzker, Trump, and the Union Coming Apart + Venezuelan Boat Attack - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 9-5-25
KP 4: What A Raucous Nebraska Town Hall Says About The Country's Mood - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 8-6-25
KP 5: Microsoft Is an Active Partner in the Genocide! Inside the Tech Worker Revolt for Palestine - Working People - Air Date 9-4-25
KP 6: Rules for Surviving Authoritarian Times - How to Fix It - Air Date 6-22-25
KP 7: We Are All D.C. Massive Protests Rock US Capital in Defiance of Trump - The Real News Network - Air Date 9-7-25
(00:53:35) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On what our history can tell us about our present political conflict
A Senator Just Unapologetically Declared the U.S. a White Homeland
DEEPER DIVES
(01:03:18) SECTION A: LABOR DAY
A1: How Chicago Labor History Teaches Us To Fight Fascism Today - Kat Abughazaleh - Air Date 9-1-25
A2: AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Other Union Leaders Speak in Los Angeles at Labor Day Event - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 9-1-25
A3: How Chicago Labor History Teaches Us To Fight Fascism Today Part 2 - Kat Abughazaleh - Air Date 9-1-25
A4: How Labor Unions Shape Society Margaret Levi (re-release) Part 2 - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 9-1-25
(01:36:45) SECTION B: PROTESTS
B1: Rules for Surviving Authoritarian Times Part 2 - How to Fix It - Air Date 6-22-25
B2: 50 Jewish Activists Arrested Protesting Schumer & Gillibrand for Arming Israel - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-1-25
B3: The Resistance Vs. Trump 2.0 - Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast - Air Date 7-31-25
B4: Microsoft Is an Active Partner in the Genocide! Inside the Tech Worker Revolt for Palestine Part 2 - Working People - Air Date 9-4-25
(02:08:57) SECTION C: STATE-LEVEL PUSHBACK
C1: 'Digital Resistance' Volunteers Push Back Against Deportations Without Due Process - Morning Joe - Air Date 7-31-25
C2: Red-State Farmer Rips Republican At Town Hall - The Majority Report W Sam Seder - Air Date 8-26-25
C3: What A Raucous Nebraska Town Hall Says About The Country's Mood Part 2 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 8-6-25
C4: Republican Rep Gets Crushed During Town Hall - The Majority Report W Sam Seder - Air Date 9-7-25
C5: Our Top Priority with Rep. Brendan Boyle - The Practivist Pod - Air Date 9-4-25
(02:39:21) SECTION D: LEGACIES OF RESISTANCE
D1: Is America Becoming an Autocracy - On the Media - Air Date 8-29-25
D2: Heather Cox Richardson on Donald Trump, MAGA and How We Fight Back - Pod Save America - Air Date 9-7-25
D3: The Resistance Vs. Trump 2.0 Part 2 - Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast - Air Date 7-31-25
D4: Social Problems Require Social Movement Solutions - Economic Update with Richard Wolff - Air Date 9-2-25
D5: Jane Fonda Is Not Backing Down - Fresh Air - Air Date 9-2-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo from the Labor Day rally in Boston depicting Sen. Ed Markey, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren holding a “Workers” banner with other participants. Tall, vertical rally flags are held behind them that say “Justice”, “Solidarity,” “Fairness,” “Security,” and “Freedom”
Credit: Internal photo. “Boston Labor Day Rally” | Copyright 2025, Best of the Left, All rights reserved.
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Air Date 9/11/2025
I've always learned the high-level understanding that the Nazis were partly able to come to power because the opposition at the time was too caught up with infighting to create a coherent resistance. With hindsight, it's easy to lament how badly they miscalculated the circumstances but living through the modern day and watching the Democratic Party struggle gives even more clarity to how that kind of inability to get organized in the face of existential threats to democracy can happen.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Where Is the Party?: Time for Democratic Leaders to ‘Fight with Both Hands’ or ‘Step Aside’ - Velshi - Air Date 8-30-25
KP 2: This Guy, This Line - The Rational National - Air Date 9-2-25
KP 3: How Elites Destroyed the Democratic Party in the US and Fuelled Populism | The Bottom Line - Al Jazeera English -Air Date 8-31-25
KP 4: Desperate Kyle Begs and Pleads With Democrats - The Kyle Kulinski Show - Air Date 8-28-25
KP 5: Ritchie Torres Talks Zionism, LGBT, The Bronx - The Adam Friedland Show - Air Date 8-27-25
KP 6: Journalist Exposes Dark Money on the Left - UNFTR Media - Air Date 8-30-25
(00:50:07) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the murder of Charlie Kirk
DEEPER DIVES
(01:04:12) SECTION A: DARK MONEY AND THE INFLUENCER WAR
(02:01:36) SECTION B: AIPAC, ISRAEL, AND COMPLICITY
(02:46:14) SECTION C: MOSTLY WEAK BUT SIGNS OF LIFE
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: A graphic illustration depicting a donkey colored in red and blue, with stars, looking in shock at its shadow on the ground.
Credit: “Democratic Donkey Vector and Icon” by Vectorportal.com | CC BY 4.0
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Air Date 9/7/2025
Trump has been setting a new tone both at home and abroad which is shaking up everything from the war in Ukraine to threats of force against Mexico, Venezuela, and our own American cities with the militarization of domestic policing. And we made all of this before Trump posted an Apocalypse Now meme about using the Department of War against Chicago.
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Full Show Notes
KEY POINTS
KP 1: NATO Lost in Ukraine and the West Is In Denial, W Vijay Prashad Part 1 - BreakThrough News - Air Date 8-20-25
KP 2: What Ukraine Is Fighting For Denys Pilash - The Majority Report W Sam Seder - Air Date 8-24-25
KP 3: Putins Puppet Show Trump Tangled in the Strings Part 1 - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 8-19-25
KP 4: Why Are US Warships Going to Venezuela Part 1 - The Take - Air Date 8-28-25
KP 5: The Dramatic Overhaul Of The Justice Dept. Part 1 - Fresh Air - Air Date 8-20-25
KP 6: Wall Streets Big Admission on Ukraine, Trump's DC Takeover, and How a General Strike Could Happen Part 1 - The Socialist Program W Brian Becker - Air Date 8-28-25
KP 7: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Tells Trump to Stay Out; Decries Authoritarianism, War on Poor People Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-15-25
KP 8: Trumps National Guard Strategy—Plus, the Secret Behind Huck Finn - Start Making Sense - Air Date 8-27-25
(00:56:33) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On encroaching fascism and the Boston Massacre
DEEPER DIVES
(01:07:01) SECTION A: UKRAINE
A1: Normalizing Militarization Part 1 - Main Justice - Air Date 8-27-25
A2: Putin's Puppet Show Trump Tangled in the Strings Part 2 - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 8-19-25
A3: Russia Expert Katrina Vanden Heuvel on Trump Summits with Putin, Zelensky Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-18-25
A4: Wall Streets Big Admission on Ukraine, Trump's DC Takeover, and How a General Strike Could Happen Part 2 - The Socialist Program W Brian Becker - Air Date 8-28-25
A5: NATO Lost in Ukraine and the West Is In Denial, W Vijay Prashad Part 2 - BreakThrough News - Air Date 8-20-25
A6: Russia Expert Katrina Vanden Heuvel on Trump Summits with Putin, Zelensky Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-18-25
(01:47:03) SECTION B: MEXICO & VENEZUELA
B1: Trump Admin Prepares to Attack Mexico - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-22-25
B2: Is Trump Fading - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 8-22-25
B3: Mexico Rejects Trumps Call for US Military Intervention to Fight Drug Cartels - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 8-26-25
B4: Why Are US Warships Going to Venezuela Part 2 - The Take - Air Date 8-28-25
(02:11:53) SECTION C: THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
C1: The Dramatic Overhaul Of The Justice Dept. Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 8-20-25
C2: Capehart and Ponnuru on the FBI's Raid on Trump Critic John Bolton - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 8-22-25
C3: Weekly Roundup God and the Military in DC + Nazi-Loving Economist Takes Over Jobs Data Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-15-25
(02:37:10) SECTION D: DC AND US CITIES
D1: National Guard Troops In Washington Begin Carrying Weapons Part 1 - HasanAbi - Air Date 8-25-25
D2: Normalizing Militarization Part 2 - Main Justice - Air Date 8-27-25
D3: Weekly Roundup God and the Military in DC + Nazi-Loving Economist Takes Over Jobs Data Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-15-25
D4: Bonus Episode Trump Is Dying. Military Occupation Is Happening. What's Next? Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-28-25
D5: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Tells Trump to Stay Out; Decries Authoritarianism, War on Poor People Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-15-25
D6: National Guard Troops In Washington Begin Carrying Weapons Part 2 - HasanAbi - Air Date 8-25-25
D7: Bonus Episode Trump Is Dying. Military Occupation Is Happening. What's Next? Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-28-25
D8: Joy Reid Trump Is Trying to Turn the US Into Apartheid South Africa - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 8-15-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: A sticker depicting a drawing of a police person in full riot gear, gas mask and visor, holding a baton in their hands with a banner underneath that says “Do you feel safe?”
Credit: “06a.PeoplesPowerAssembly.BaltimoreMD.8March2017” by Elvert Barnes | CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 9–3-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - The surprising origins of Gerrymandering
- Ch. 2 - The options we have to improve congressional representation for everyone in the country
- Ch. 3 - Democratic states response to Republican gerrymandering threats
- Ch. 4 - The argument for DC statehood and the people to blame for why it hasn’t happened yet
- Ch. 5 - How to end homelessness and what you can do to help those being targeted in DC
- SOLVED! BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm: The only correct opinion about the Cracker Barrel rebrand
YouTube (This episode drops on YouTube on Friday - please share!)
Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e
REFERENCES:
Elbridge Gerry and the Original Gerrymander - The Gilder Lehrman Institute
Drawing the Line (“Ratf**cked”: The Innfluence of Redistricting) - The New Yorker (2016)
History of Single Member Districts for Congress: Seeking Fair Representation Before PR - FairVote
Gavin Newsom’s Retaliatory Redistricting Plan Is Good, Actually - The New Republic
How Democrats Should Actually Respond to Republicans’ Attempts to Rig Voting Maps - Slate
How Moderate Senate Democrats Enabled Trump’s D.C. Takeover - The American Prospect
Trump’s Homelessness Crackdown Has Been Tried Before. It Didn’t Work. - Mother Jones
MEMBERS
The New Cracker Barrel Logo Sucks And So Does The Mess Around It - Kotaku
EXTRAS
Congress literally doesn’t care what you think (aka: Corruption is Legal in America) (Represent.US, 2016)
Is illegal immigration really a democratic plot to sway congressional apportionment?
Americans worry democracy in danger amid gerrymandering fights, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
Air Date: 6–20-2023
Today, we take a look at the story of how neoliberalism was born, how corporations were organized to help push it into the mainstream, and how the courts were reshaped to permanently tilt the rules in favor of corporate power.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Chile, Neoliberalism and the CIA - AJ+ - Air Date 11-29-19
Ch. 2: The Powell Memo. Corporate America's Call to Arms. - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 2-9-23
Ch. 3: How the Corporate Takeover of American Politics Began - Robert Reich - Air Date 12-13-22
Ch. 4: Greed Is Rotting America From The Inside Out - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 7-29-22
Ch. 5: Economic False Prophets Part 1 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-10-23
Ch. 6: What has Greed Cost America - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-28-14
Ch. 7: Economic False Prophets Part 2 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-10-23
Ch. 8: Wall Street's ESG Scam EXPLAINED - Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar - Air Date 6-16-22
Ch. 9: Anti-Capitalist Investing Is... Absurd — Jen Pan - Jacobin - Air Date 6-11-22
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 9/1/2025
The way people consume almost every variety of media, entertainment, and art is different now than it was only 10-15 years ago. That means that the way protest music, revolutionary art, and even mass market productions and performances are going to be different, feel different, and likely find you in different ways than in the past. But the drive to create never dies and art will always be part of the resistance to oppression.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
(00:49:08) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the strength of diversity that comes through in art
DEEPER DIVES
(00:56:08) SECTION A: CULTURE
(01:29:28) SECTION B: ART
(02:20:20) SECTION C: MUSIC
(02:46:54) SECTION D: ANDOR
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of street art depicting a stenciled version of Putin and Trump kissing a la the art on the Berlin Wall satirically depicting the “fraternal kiss” between the leaders of the Soviet Union and the German Democratic Republic.
Credit: “Hamburg 2020” by Ittmust | CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped
Air Date: 8–28-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch. 1 - How scientific empires fall
- Ch. 2 - How fascists of the past have destroyed their country’s scientific progress in fear of inconvenient truths
- Ch. 3 - How other countries are taking the opportunity to poach American scientists
- Ch. 4 - Living in a society that is shifting away from believing in evidence based science
- Ch. 5 - The 1938 pro-science manifesto that defended democracy against fascism
- BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm - Trump’s eugenicist mindset and what we didn’t have time for from our main articles
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REFERENCES:
AOL Dial-Up Ending Reminds Us That All Empires Collapse Eventually - Kotaku
Every Scientific Empire Comes to an End - The Atlantic
What’s Behind the Rejection of Science? - American Laboratory
Attacks on the U.S. Innovation Ecosystem Are an Attack on a Wellspring of American Prosperity - American Progress
The World Is Wooing U.S. Researchers Shunned by Trump - NY Times
Science Caught in a Rip Tide: How Authoritarianism Sweeps Away Evidence-Based Policy - USC.org
This 1938 pro-science manifesto defended democracy against fascism - Big Think
MEMBERS ONLY
Attacks on the U.S. Innovation Ecosystem Are an Attack on a Wellspring of American Prosperity - American Progress
TAKE ACTION:
One Million Rising Trainings
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
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Write to the DNC
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Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/27/2025
RFK Jr. and the Make America Healthy Again movement aren't completely wrong about everything, they often identify the larger structural problems with the US health industrial complex even if their proposed solutions are wildly off the mark. But the problem they failed to see coming when partnering with Trump and the Republicans is that they're only going to be allowed to misguidedly defund and dismantle parts of the government that support health which is in line with the broader burn-it-all-down vibes of the MAGA movement, but under no circumstances will they be allowed to implement new regulations that might actually do the public some good at the expense of corporate interests because that would go against the pro-corporate/deregulation obsession of the Republican Party. So, MAHA might be a mixed bag but what the country is getting is a lose/lose.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: RFK Jr. Is Putting American Lives At Risk Part 1 - What A Day - Air Date 8-8-25
KP 2: What the Wellness Industry Doesn't Want You to Know Part 1 - More Perfect Union - Air Date 8-4-25
KP 3: Aryn Melton Backus of 'Fired But Fighting' on RFK's War on Public Health Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 8-11-25
KP 4: Despite 'MAHA' Fuss, Truth of Trump Admin's Health Priorities Seen in Drastic Cuts - The Briefing - Air Date 5-23-25
KP 5: The Nutrition Lies We All Fell For Part 1 - Rich Roll - Air Date 8-11-25
KP 6: Dr. Mikes Fight to Save Medicine From RFK Jr. Part 1 - Bulwark Takes - Air Date 8-4-24
KP 7: You're on Your Own MAHA Dismantles Public Health Rob Wallace & Rita Valenti Part 1 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 8-7-25
(00:53:06) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why regulations are written in blood
DEEPER DIVES
(01:01:33) SECTION A: MAHA AGENDA
A1: Kennedy's MAHA Report Targets Vaccines, Food Supply and Prescription Drugs - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 5-22-25
A2: Raul Ruiz Absolutely Hammers RFK Jr. Over MAHA Report 'That's Lying And Dishonest' - Forbes Breaking News - Air Date 6-24-25
A3: 270 Kennedy's Bloodbath Part 1 - Conspirituality - Air Date 8-14-25
A4: RFK Jr.'s New Vaccine Advisors Signal Big Changes to Come - Short Wave - Air Date 6-30-25
A5: RFK Jr. Is Putting American Lives At Risk Part 2 - What A Day - Air Date 8-8-25
A6: 270 Kennedy's Bloodbath Part 2 - Conspirituality - Air Date 8-14-25
A7: You're on Your Own MAHA Dismantles Public Health Rob Wallace & Rita Valenti Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 8-7-25
(01:53:49) SECTION B: THE GRIFTERS
B1: What the Wellness Industry Doesn't Want You to Know Part 2 - More Perfect Union - Air Date 8-4-25
B2: Make America Healthy Again Part 1 - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 8-18-25
B3: The Nutrition Lies We All Fell For Part 2 - Rich Roll - Air Date 8-11-25
B4: Dr. Mikes Fight to Save Medicine From RFK Jr. Part 2 - Bulwark Takes - Air Date 8-4-24
B5: Make America Healthy Again Part 2 - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 8-18-25
(02:36:28) SECTION C: CON-TRADICTORY POLICIES
C1: The Nutrition Lies We All Fell For Part 3 - Rich Roll - Air Date 8-11-25
C2: 4 Ways SNAP Benefits Will Change After Trump's Big Policy Act - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 8-9-25
C3: Aryn Melton Backus of 'Fired But Fighting' on RFK's War on Public Health Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 8-11-25
C4: Ending Corporate Harm Undue Influence Within Corporate Product Health and Safety with Dr. Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MPH - Cult Conversations The Influence Continuum - Air Date 7-28-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image showing a circular screen grab showing from HHS Secretary RFK Jr. wearing the MAHA hat and pulling down the brim to show the “Make America Healthy Again” text, on a green background.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Image Source: HHS “Netzpolitik Demonstration for press freedom in Berlin” by Sebaso, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 8/24/2025
The nature of politics and public policy is that there's always a need to balance opposing interests. Almost nowhere is there a more intractable set of opposing interests than in the attempt to protect children from harmful content on the internet while maintaining free access to adults, particularly because people wildly disagree about what qualifies as harmful and what degree of privacy invasion is an acceptable tradeoff.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Age Verification Will Kill Free Speech Online - Taylor Lorenz - Air Date 6-6-25
KP 2: Can the UK Child-proof the Internet? - Front Burner - Air Date 7-31-25
KP 3: Social Media Is Making Us Self-Censor - The Bitchuation Room (with Francesca Fiorentini) - Air Date 8-14-25
KP 4: Republicans Want to Redefine 'Obscenity' - Here's Why That Should TERRIFY You - What A Day - Air Day 5-17-25
KP 5: Meet the Creepy Pro-Trump Billionaire Profiting Off of Internet Censorship - The Humanist Report - Air Date 8-7-25
KP 6: Freedom to Connect: Aaron Swartz (1986-2013) on Victory To Save Open Internet, Fight Online Censors - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-14-13
(00:46:37) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the need to demand serious arguments about serious issues
DEEPER DIVES
(00:52:04) SECTION A: AGE VERIFICATION
(01:19:18) SECTION B: SAVE THE CHILDREN
(01:45:50) SECTION C: CENSORSHIP
(02:20:34) SECTION D: ANTI-PORN AGENDA
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of a stack of protest signs that say “Fight for your digital rights!”
Credit: “Netzpolitik Demonstration for press freedom in Berlin” by Sebaso, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/20/2025
There's been a faction of conservatives who have been trying to instill king-like powers into the presidency for a long time, so it shouldn't be surprising that Trump is getting so much help from the packed court and the apparatchiks in the states who are more than happy to turn their precious federalism on its head as long as their king is in charge.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Justifying Democracy w/ Osita Nwanevu - The Majority Report - Air Date 8-11-25
KP 2: Texas Hold Dems - Today, Explained - Air Date 8-7-25
KP 3: Fighting Fire with Fire with Texas Rep. Cassandra Garcia Hernandez - The Practivist Pod - Air Date 8-7-25
KP 4: Bruce Bueno De Mesquita The Five Rules of Power Politics - Big Think - Air Date 5-13-12
KP 5: When Unaccountable People Come for Your Vote - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 7-26-25
KP 6: Executive Lawlessness w/ Leah Litman on the Supreme Court Enabling Presidential Overreach Part 1 - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 7-18-25
KP 7: Leah Litman on the Grievance and Conspiracy Theories That Run SCOTUS Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-11-25
(00:50:56) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how fascists run interference
DEEPER DIVES
(01:03:07) SECTION A: GRIFT AND FORCE
A1: Trump's Presidential Library Grift. Plus, the Hacker Behind the NYTs Mamdani Story. - On the Media - Air Date 7-25-25
A2: Trump Threatens National Guard Deployment to DC - DSR Daily - Air Date 8-11-25
A3: Loyalty Over Competence At Trump's Justice Department - What A Day - Air Date 7-31-25
A4: Trump Deploys National Guard - HasanAbi - Air Date 8-14-25
A5: Trump Press Secs Weird Fawning Rant Goes Awry as Poll Slide Worsens - THE DAILY BLAST - Air Date 8-1-25
A6: U.S. Profoundly Changed by Authoritarian Leader; 'We're Beyond Waiting and Seeing Now' - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 8-4-25
A7: How Today's Tensions Mirror Pre-Civil War America - Why, America? with Leeja Miller - Air Date 8-8-25
(02:00:53) SECTION B: GERRYMANDERING
B1: Republicans Ramp Redistricting Fight up to a 10 - No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen - Air Date 8-10-25
B2: Fighting Fire with Fire with Texas Rep. Cassandra Garcia Hernandez Part 2 - The Practivist Pod - Air Date 8-7-25
B3: TEXAS HOLD DEMS Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 8-7-25
B4: Republicans Ramp Redistricting Fight up to a 10 Part 2 - No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen - Air Date 8-10-25
B5: U.S. Profoundly Changed by Authoritarian Leader; 'We're Beyond Waiting and Seeing Now' Part 2 - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 8-4-25
B6: Justifying Democracy w/ Osita Nwanevu Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 8-11-25
B7: How Today's Tensions Mirror Pre-Civil War America Part 2 - Why, America? with Leeja Miller - Air Date 8-8-25
(02:52:39) SECTION C: COURTS
C1: Stacking the Bench with Creeps and Kooks - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 8-4-25
C2: Leah Litman on the Grievance and Conspiracy Theories That Run SCOTUS Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-11-25
C3: When Unaccountable People Come for Your Vote Part 2 - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 7-26-25
C4: Stacking the Bench with Creeps and Kooks Part 2 - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 8-4-25
C5: Executive Lawlessness w/ Leah Litman on the Supreme Court Enabling Presidential Overreach Part 2 - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 7-18-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Image of a king of diamonds playing card with a king with orange skin and blonde hair, and a nervous expression on his face, against a dark American flag.
Credit: “king-card-casino-diamond” via Pixabay | Pixabay License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date: 8–19-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Ch.1 - The Trump administration’s unprecedented attempts to get your data from the states
- Ch. 2 - Why Trump’s new private health tracking system is a wolf in sheep’s clothing
- Ch. 3 - How HIV patients suffering in the 80s, 90s and early 00s from constant health data breaches is a hint of what could come
- Ch. 4 - Why a new UK law trying to protect children from seeing terrible things online is doing more harm than good
- Ch. 5 - Tips on keeping your digital privacy intact as best as you can in this data hungry world
- BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only): How an activist organization used debanking to make video game companies censor their content, where that tactic might lead, and more.
- A funny thing happened on the way to recording… (blooper)
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Nostr public key: npub1tjxxp0x5mcgl2svwhm39qf002st2zdrkz6yxmaxr6r2fh0pv49qq2pem0e
REFERENCES:
States Have More Data About You Than the Feds Do. Trump Wants to See It. - NY Times
Trump Announces Plan to Launch Private Health Tracking System With Big Tech Firms - Time
HIV & Civil Rights: A Report from the Frontlines of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic - ACLU
Blocking Access to Harmful Content Will Not Protect Children Online, No Matter How Many Times UK Politicians Say So - EFF
'A disaster waiting to happen' — Cybersecurity experts react to UK age verification law - Toms Guide
UK Age Verification Laws: How to Comply & Stay Safe in 2025 - WizCase
MEMBERS ONLY
Steam and Itch.io Are Pulling ‘Porn’ Games. Critics Say It’s a Slippery Slope to More Censorship - Wired
EXTRAS
SOLVED! #7 - The Deficiency of Efficiency: Why govt is inefficient BY DESIGN, & more - SOLVED! (Recorded April 2025)
All 2025 Health Information Data Breaches (Source: HHS.gov)
2025 Data Breach (Account info for Apple, Facebook, Google, GitHub, Telegram, and government platforms)
TAKE ACTION:
One Million Rising Trainings
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Air Date 8/16/2025
There's the old Douglas Adams quote stating that, "Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job" which is a good general rule to live by. But then there are the real baddies, those would-be leaders who possess one or more of the dark triad of traits that spells real doom for the societies that elevate them to power: narcissism, psychopathy, and machiavellianism. Today we compare and contrast Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Benjamin Netanyahu. Xi Jinping also fits nicely on this list as an honorable mention but happens to not be part of the focus today.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
Join our Discord community!
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!
Join our Discord community!
KEY POINTS
KP 1: The World War II Lessons Trump, Putin, & Netanyahu Actually Learned - Tad Stoermer - Air Date 8-8-25
KP 2: 'Not About Crime': Maddow CRACKS OPEN Trump's Real Motives in Deploying the National Guard to D.C. - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 8-11-25
KP 3: Totally Unexpected - HasanAbi - Air Date 8-7-25
KP 4: 'No International Community Is Capable of Stopping Netanyahu' - James O'Brien on LBC - Air Date 7-22-25
KP 5: Kyiv-based Analyst: 'Ukraine Is Being Sidelined From Talks' - LBC - Air Date 8-10-25
KP 6: How Putin's Lies Are Driving the War in Ukraine The Foreign Affairs Interview - The Foreign Affairs Interview - Air Date 1-12-23
KP 7: Donald Trump Wants to Seize Your Reality - Mother Jones - Air Date 8-8-25
(00:49:39) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why humanity is better than we seem and how we can save ourselves
‘Self-termination is most likely’: the history and future of societal collapse
DEEPER DIVES
(00:57:15) SECTION A: TRUMP THE LIAR
A1: Trump Rejects Reality - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 8-5-25
A2: Trump Pushes Forward with Revenge Presidency - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-8-25
A3: Ed Elson Slams Trump Firing Labor Statistics Boss: 'This Is What Cartoon Dictators Do' - Katy Tur - Air Date 8-1-25
A4: Trump Vs. the Bureau of Labor Statistics - The Journal. - Air Date 8-4-25
A5: Trump Thinks You're Very Stupid - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 8-9-25
(01:32:17) SECTION B: NETANYAHU THE MANIPULATOR
B1: Gaza Takeover: Israel Launches New Stage of 'Indefinite, Genocidal Military Campaign' -Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-8-25
B2: Why Bibi Netanyahu Is on Trial - ABC News In-depth - Air Date 4-26-24
B3: DEBUNKED: 14 Israeli LIES About Gaza Famine - Owen Jones - Air Date 8-8-25
B4: Mehdi Hasan Explains Why the War in Gaza Wont End Soon - LBC -Air Date 8-5-25
B5: Trump's Intervention in Netanyahu's Corruption Trial 'Unprecedented': Gideon Levy - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 6-30-25
(02:09:13) SECTION C: PUTIN THE STRATEGIST
C1: Does Putin Have Dark Triad Traits? | Vladimir Putin Case Analysis - Dr. Todd Grande - Air Date 2-23-22
C2: What Happens When You Confront Putin in Public - Penguin History - Air Date 8-7-25
C3: Why Putin Is so Hard to Overthrow - Search Party - Air Date 8-18-23
(02:27:11) SECTION D: MYTHS COLLAPSE
D1: Shocking Study Proves Trumps Biggest Supporters Are Psychopaths - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-11-25
D2: America's Authoritarian Turn - Harvard Radcliffe Institute - Air Date 3-3-25
D3: Huge Economic Problems Coming for Republicans and the U.S. - Heather Cox Richardson - Air Date 8-7-25
D4: How Gaza Exposes The Myths Of The System - Andrewism - Air Date 8-5-25
(03:07:29) SECTION E: THE MEN BEHIND THE THRONE
E1: Who's the Man Who Has Putin's Ear? - NewsNation - Air Date 4-8-22
E2: From Terrorist Backer to Kingmaker: Itamar Ben-Gvir Israeli Far Right Help Netanyahu Regain Power - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-4-22
E3: Bezalel Smotrich: Far-right Israeli Minister Calls for Resettlement of Gaza After War - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 12-31-23
E4: Aleksandr Dugin: The Far-right Theorist Behind Putins Plan - 60 Minutes - Air Date 4-12-22
E5: Why Did Israel Restart the War? One Answer: Bezalel Smotrich. - Consider This From NPR - Air Date 3-28-25
E6: Project 2025 Co-Author Lays Out 'Radical Agenda' for Next Trump Term in Undercover Video - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-16-24
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: A composite image of a pleased-looking Trump holding up a triangle that says “The Dark Triad” in the center, and “Narcissism”, “Machiavellianism”, and “Psychopathy” along each side. Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Benjamin Netanyahu are pictured underneath.
Credit: “The Dark Triad” by Manitee71, Wikimedia Commons, License: CC-By-SA 4.0 | “Putin-politics-kremlin-russia” by DimitroSevastopol, Pixabay, License: Pixabay | “Xi Jinping 2019” by Palácio do Planalto, Wikimedia Commons, License: CC-BY-SA 4.0 | “31/03/2019 Jantar na Residência do Primeiro-Ministro de Israel” by Palácio do Planalto, Flickr, License: CC-BY-2.0
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/12/2025
The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month, we're covering the full spectrum of authoritarian threats—military in the streets, surveillance in our phones, conspiracies in our feeds, and corruption at the top—before turning to the grassroots organizers and Democratic Socialists who are building the resistance and winning.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!
Join our Discord community!
PART 1: DIRECT STATE VIOLENCE
(00:01:34) #1719 - The Fascist Playbook: Immigrants, Brown Shirts, and the Backlash
1: Tanks on DC's Streets and a Us Senator in Handcuffs - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 6-14-25
2: Papers, Please Hayes Flags New Police Tactic Trend in Trumps America - All in w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 6-19-25
3: Palantir Peter Thiel's Data-mining Firm Helps Doge Build Master Database to Surveil Immigrants - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-3-25
(00:22:14) #1722 - Imbalance of Powers: The Supreme Court and Executive Branch Collude for Unchecked Power Grab
4: SCOTUS May End Birth Right Citizenship Soon - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-30-25
5: The Injunction Ban, Explained - Leeja Miller - Air Date 6-30-25
6: ‘Lawlessness Will Flourish’: Scotus Justice Issues Chilling Warning After Major Ruling - The Beat - Air Date 6-27-25
PART 2: SYSTEMIC DESTRUCTION
(00:39:30) #1723 - Scam Nation: Trumpism is the Art of Screwing You Over in Every Way Possible
7: Is AI Productivity Worth Our Humanity w/ Prof. Michael Sandel - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-26-25
8: Empire of AI: Karen Hao & Roger Mcnamee Expose Sam Altman, Musk, & Big Tech - The Nerd Reich - Air Date 6-16-25
8: The Real Reason Investors Are Going All in on Palantir - More Perfect Union - Air Date 6-24-25
(01:02:26) #1721 - The Evolution of the Military Industrial Complex: Now with AI!
10: Is AI Productivity Worth Our Humanity w/ Prof. Michael Sandel - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-26-25
11: Empire of AI: Karen Hao & Roger McNamee Expose Sam Altman, Musk & Big Tech - The Nerd Reich - Air Date 6-16-25
12: The REAL Reason Investors Are Going All In on Palantir - More Perfect Union - Air Date 6-24-25
PART 3: REALITY MANIPULATION
(01:23:14) #1725 - A Flood of Disinformation: A World of Climate Change and Conspiracies
13: Flooding Is Common in Texas Hill Country. This Was Different - Consider This - Air Date 7-7-25
14: Why Kristi Noems Incompetence Matters - Bulwark Takes - Air Date 7-10-25
15: The Real Conspiracy Behind the Texas Floods - More to the Story - Air Date 7-16-25
(01:42:48) #1726 - Epstein Forever: Trump flails as criticism finally comes from inside the MAGA house
16: Epstein Files Firestorm Shows the Power of Online Conspiracy - There Are No Girls on the Internet - Air Date 7-8-25
17: Epstein Conspiracy, or Epstein Conspiracy Theory? - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 7-7-25
18: Epstein Survivor Calls for Accountability: Release the Files, End Impunity for Rich, & Powerful Abusers - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-18-25
19: We Tracked Every Visitor to Epstein Island - Wired - Air Date 11-22-24
Part 4: Global Chaos
(02:12:24) #1718 - On the Path to Destruction: Israel Attacks Iran as Support for War on Gaza Drops
20: Jon Stewart on Israel’s "Urgent" Iran Strike, Minnesota Murders & Maga’s Blame Game - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-16-25
21: “A Show of Human Solidarity”: Ex-U.S. Diplomat to Join Global March to Gaza to Break Israel’s Siege - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-10-25
(02:32:30) #1727 - Super-Powered Men For Good and Ill: Fascism, Media, and the Manoshpere
22: Tired of Putin's 'Bullshit': Trump Reverses, Says Us Should Send Weapons to Ukraine - Erin Burnett Outfront - Air Date 7-8-25
23: The Next Generation of Maga Influencers - Some More News - Air Date 5-28-25
24: Brief Mehdi Hasan vs Jordan Peterson - Conspirituality - Air Date 7-26-25
PART 5: BUILDING RESISTANCE
(02:54:25) #1720 - Building an Organized Left, the Eternal Oxymoron
25: Ralph Nader’s Message to Doomers: "Stop Making Excuses!" - Current Affairs - Air Date 6-22-25
26: “We Fight for Working People with No Apology”: Zohran Mamdani Beats Cuomo in Nyc Mayoral Primary - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-25-25
27: Is Protesting Ineffective? | Penny for Your Thoughts - Dasia Sade - Air Date 6-23-25
(03:21:46) #1724 - How to Socialism: Einstein liked socialism, you think you know better?
28: Mamdani’s Spectacular Victory w/ Alan Minsk - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 7-2-25
29: 'The Economy Is Rigged": Robert Reich on Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Party, Inequality, and Trump - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-26-25
30: Old Democrats Must Go or Trump Never Will - UNFTR Media - Air Date 7-15-25
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date: 8–10-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon (Erin was on vacation!) discuss:
- How modern fascism does not look like the jarring and brutal images people think of, and the “rituals of conformity” in Nazi Germany that remind us of another era we’ve lived through
- How despotism affects the citizen psyche and how to counter those effects
- The importance of countering Orwellian language under fascism
- Advice on living under authoritarianism, with a big focus on community for sanity and resistance
- BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only): A look at the way societies have collapsed throughout history and where the U.S. falls in the pattern
FOLLOW US ON:
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REFERENCES:
Life in authoritarian states is mostly boring and tolerable - Vox
Rituals of Conformity in Nazi Germany - The Montreal Review
The Psychological Impact of Despotism on Citizens: Development Implications - GaradeSud
The Language of Surrender - Notes from the Circus
How to Live Under Authoritarianism (And Protect the People You Love) - Dispatch Revolution
BACKSTAGE:
History shows that societies collapse when leaders undermine social contracts - Phys.org
TAKE ACTION:
One Million Rising Trainings
In a blue state? Help stop ICE overreach
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Write to the DNC
Join our Discord Server
Reach us via Signal:
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Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 8/10/2025
Trump has been condemning the media for all of his professional life and is pretty open about doing it so that people won't believe the negative press he so richly deserves. Now, with the power of the presidency, he's turned his battle with the press into a protection racket complete with payoffs and side deals in an attempt to turn the media into pro-Trump propaganda.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!
Join our Discord community!
PART 1: DIRECT STATE VIOLENCE
(00:01:34) #1719 - The Fascist Playbook: Immigrants, Brown Shirts, and the Backlash
1: Tanks on Dc's Streets and a Us Senator in Handcuffs - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 6-14-25
2: Papers, Please Hayes Flags New Police Tactic Trend in Trumps America - All in W/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 6-19-25
3: Palantir Peter Thiel's Data-mining Firm Helps Doge Build Master Database to Surveil Immigrants - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-3-25
(00:22:14) #1722 - Imbalance of Powers: The Supreme Court and Executive Branch Collude for Unchecked Power Grab
4: SCOTUS May End Birth Right Citizenship Soon - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-30-25
5: The Injunction Ban, Explained - Leeja Miller - Air Date 6-30-25
6: ‘Lawlessness Will Flourish’: Scotus Justice Issues Chilling Warning After Major Ruling - The Beat - Air Date 6-27-25
PART 2: SYSTEMIC DESTRUCTION
(00:39:30) #1723 - Scam Nation: Trumpism is the Art of Screwing You Over in Every Way Possible
7: Is Ai Productivity Worth Our Humanity W/ Prof. Michael Sandel - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-26-25
8: Empire of Ai: Karen Hao & Roger Mcnamee Expose Sam Altman, Musk & Big Tech - The Nerd Reich - Air Date 6-16-25
8: The Real Reason Investors Are Going All in on Palantir - More Perfect Union - Air Date 6-24-25
(01:02:26) #1721 - The Evolution of the Military Industrial Complex: Now with AI!
10: Is AI Productivity Worth Our Humanity w/ Prof. Michael Sandel - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-26-25
11: Empire of AI: Karen Hao & Roger McNamee Expose Sam Altman, Musk & Big Tech - The Nerd Reich - Air Date 6-16-25
12: The REAL Reason Investors Are Going All In on Palantir - More Perfect Union - Air Date 6-24-25
PART 3: REALITY MANIPULATION
(01:23:14) #1725 - A Flood of Disinformation: A World of Climate Change and Conspiracies
13: Flooding Is Common in Texas Hill Country. This Was Different Part 2- Consider This - Air Date 7-7-25
14: Why Kristi Noems Incompetence Matters - Bulwark Takes - Air Date 7-10-25
15: The Real Conspiracy Behind the Texas Floods - More to the Story - Air Date 7-16-25
(01:42:48) #1726 - Epstein Forever: Trump flails as criticism finally comes from inside the MAGA house
16: Epstein Files Firestorm Shows the Power of Online Conspiracy - There Are No Girls on the Internet - Air Date 7-8-25
17: Epstein Conspiracy, or Epstein Conspiracy Theory? - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 7-7-25
18: Epstein Survivor Calls for Accountability: Release the Files, End Impunity for Rich & Powerful Abusers - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-18-25
19: We Tracked Every Visitor to Epstein Island - Wired - Air Date 11-22-24
Part 4: Global Chaos
(02:12:24) #1718 - On the Path to Destruction: Israel Attacks Iran as Support for War on Gaza Drops
20: Jon Stewart on Israel’s "urgent" Iran Strike, Minnesota Murders & Maga’s Blame Game - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-16-25
21: “A Show of Human Solidarity”: Ex-u.s. Diplomat to Join Global March to Gaza to Break Israel’s Siege - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-10-25
(02:32:30) #1727 - Super-Powered Men For Good and Ill: Fascism, Media, and the Manoshpere
22: Tired of Putin's 'bullshit': Trump Reverses, Says Us Should Send Weapons to Ukraine - Erin Burnett Outfront - Air Date 7-8-25
23: The Next Generation of Maga Influencers - Some More News - Air Date 5-28-25
24: Brief Mehdi Hasan Vs Jordan Peterson - Conspirituality - Air Date 7-26-25
PART 5: BUILDING RESISTANCE
(02:54:25) #1720 - Building an Organized Left, the Eternal Oxymoron
25: Ralph Nader’s Message to Doomers: "stop Making Excuses!" - Current Affairs - Air Date 6-22-25
26: “We Fight for Working People with No Apology”: Zohran Mamdani Beats Cuomo in Nyc Mayoral Primary - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-25-25
27: Is Protesting Ineffective? | Penny for Your Thoughts - Dasia Sade - Air Date 6-23-25
(03:21:46) #1724 - How to Socialism: Einstein liked socialism, you think you know better?
28: Mamdani’s Spectacular Victory W/ Alan Minsk - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 7-2-25
29: 'The Economy Is Rigged": Robert Reich on Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Party, Inequality, and Trump - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-26-25
30: Old Democrats Must Go or Trump Never Will - Unftr Media - Air Date 7-15-25
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/6/2025
Today's slate of topics may feel disjointed at first until you realize that they're not. We set out to produce an episode in which we explored powerful men and those who look up to them from various angles and so that ended up including both real and fictional men from supervillains to superheroes.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
Join our Discord community!
KEY POINTS
KP 1: Tired of Putin's 'Bullshit': Trump Reverses, Says Us Should Send Weapons to Ukraine - Erin Burnett Outfront - Air Date 7-8-25
KP 2: What Does Trump See in Putin? Part 1 - The Foreign Affairs Interview - Air Date 3-14-25
KP 3: Russia's Indoctrination Machine Ft. Ian Garner Part 1 - The New Liberal Podcast - Air Date 5-31-25
KP 4: The Next Generation of Maga Influencers Part 1 - Some More News - Air Date 5-28-25
KP 5: Why the Right Hates James Gunn's Superman and Loves the Snyderverse Part 1 - Cinema Survivors - Air Date 7-16-25
KP 6: Super Mad About Superman Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-18-25
KP 7: Brief Mehdi Hasan Vs Jordan Peterson Part 1 - Conspirituality - Air Date 7-26-25
KP 8: Mehdi Hasan Jubilee Debate Left Me Speechless Part 1 - Bulwark Takes - Air Date 7-22-25
(01:02:25) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why supporting the rich and powerful is pathetic
DEEPER DIVES
(01:10:31) SECTION A: RUSSIA
(01:46:10) SECTION B: MANOSPHERE
(02:21:33) SECTION C: DEBATE CULTURE
(03:39:51) SECTION D: SUPERMAN/MEDIA
Original Air Date: 7–22-2023
Today, we take a look at the action needed to curb and adapt to the extreme weather that climate change is already delivering
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Full Show Notes
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Climate and Energy Journalist Andrew Freedman on the Spate of Record-Shattering Extreme Weather - The BradCast - Air Date 7-10-23
Ch. 2: Bill McKibben Climate Crisis Needs Urgent Action as Earth Records Hottest Temps Ever - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-7-23
Ch. 3: Climate and Energy Journalist Andrew Freedman on the Spate of Record-Shattering Extreme Weather Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 7-10-23
Ch. 4: Emily Sanders on How Not to Interview an Oil CEO, Kaufman & Bozuwa on Fighting Climate Disrupters - CounterSpin - Air date 7-7-23
Ch. 5: Climate Precipice & Israel’s Palestinian Expulsion w Bill McKibben, Basel Adra - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-12-23
Ch. 6: To Be Forewarned The Historical Record on Climate Change - WhoWhatWhy - Air date 7-14-23
Ch. 7: Disaster Unpreparedness - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-13-23
Ch. 8: How Will the Next Generation of Cities Address the Challenges of Climate Change? - VOX - Air Date 6-15-23
Ch. 9: Emily Sanders on How Not to Interview an Oil CEO, Kaufman & Bozuwa on Fighting Climate Disrupters Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air date 7-7-23
Ch. 10: Rep. AOC Reintroduces the Green New Deal on its 4th Anniversary - RepAOC - Air Date 4-20-23
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 8-1-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- The impact of A.I. LLM “friend” bots on childhood development
- How using A.I. LLMs negatively impacts critical thinking and information retention
- The importance of understanding how A.I. LLM tools work before using them
- The ways in which A.I. LLM tools could and shouldn’t help movements on the Left, and evaluating the risks
- BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (Members Only!) - The Gen Z Stare, and the incidents of A.I. LLM-induced psychosis
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REFERENCES:
AI Will Never Be Your Kid’s Friend - The Atlantic
ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study - Time
MIT researchers say using ChatGPT can rot your brain. The truth is a little more complicated - The Conversation
What Happens When People Don’t Understand How AI Works - The Atlantic
Steve Jobs on Why Computers Are Like a Bicycle for the Mind (1990) - The Marginalian
Progressive grassroots activist groups must adopt AI or risk irrelevance - Sacramento Bee
Final Thoughts & A Warning: AI as a Tool, Not a Substitute for Thinking - Harvard Kennedy School - Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
Can AI Chatbots Worsen Psychosis and Cause Delusions? - Psychology Today
TAKE ACTION:
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Produced by:
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Air Date: 7/31/2025
Who would have thought that a political movement built almost exclusively on conspiracy theories and a cult of personality would end up being threatened by the cult leader being implicated in the biggest and worst conspiracy coverup… even though it’s been well documented for decades?
Content warning for detailed accusations leveled against Trump and Epstein by their alleged victims.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Epstein Files Firestorm Shows the Power of Online Conspiracy - There Are No Girls on the Internet - Air Date 7-8-25
KP 2: Trump Launches Wild Conspiracy Theory Smokescreen After Being Named in Epstein Files - What a Day - Air Date 7-24-25
KP 3: Epstein Conspiracy, or Epstein Conspiracy Theory? - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 7-7-25
KP 4: Lame Duck Trump Can't Deny Epstein Shockers: Wolff - The Daily Beast Podcast - Air Date 7-18-25
KP 5: Why They're Protecting Jeffrey Epstein's Secrets (w/ Julie K. Brown) - Lever Time - Air Date 7-6-25
KP 6: Epstein Exposed: Trump, Mossad & the Elites Dark Secrets - Double Down News - Air Date 7-21-25
(00:51:26) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the role of human psychology in conspiracies and authoritarianism
DEEPER DIVES
(00:58:55) SECTION A: THE VICTIMS SHOULD BE THE FOCUS
A1: Epstein Survivor Calls for Accountability: Release the Files, End Impunity for Rich & Powerful Abusers - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-18-25
A2: As State Department Office Combating Human Trafficking Faces Cuts, Former Leader Weighs in - Pbs Newshour - Air Date 7-8-25
A3: How Miami Herald's Investigation & Jeffrey Epstein Survivors Helped Blow up a Sweetheart Deal - Miami Herald - Air Date 12-19-19
A4: Documentary: Who Is Jeffrey Epstein, Accused of Sexually Abusing Teen Girls? - Miami Herald - Air Date 11-29-18
(01:34:23) SECTION B: BROKEN NEWS: WE'VE HEARD THIS BEFORE
B1: William Barr Pretends to Care About Jeffrey Epstein's Demise - The Majority Report W/ Sam Seder - Air Date 8-2-25
B2: The 'completely Unprecedented' Plea Deal Jeffrey Epstein Made with Alex Acosta - Pbs Newshour - Air Date 7-18-19
(01:49:11) SECTION C: IS THERE A DEEPSTATE?
C1: Chris Hedges: Trump, Epstein and the Deep State - The Chris Hedges Youtube Channel - Air Date 7-2-25
C2: ‘Big Revelation’: Fbi Was Ordered to Flag Epstein Records Mentioning Trump, Says Senator - All in with Chris Hayes - Air Date 7-18-25
C3: What's Really Going on Between Ghislaine Maxwell and Trump's Justice Department #1680 - David Feldman Show - Air Date 7-22-25
(02:14:19) SECTION D: ENIGMAS NEVER DIE
D1: Who Is Leslie Wexner? Narrated by Margaret Cho - Nowthis - Air Date - 12-13-21
D2: Jeffrey Epstein, Donald Trump and Sexual Blackmail Networks (w/ Nick Bryant) - The Chris Hedges Report - Air Date 7-16-25
D3: We Tracked Every Visitor to Epstein Island - Wired - Air Date 11-22-24
(02:39:05) SECTION E: THE MEDIA IS BAD THIS
E1: Desperate Distractions Have Trump Caught in a Time Warp?! - Internet Today - 7-22-25
E2: BREAKING: Trump Is Confirmed in the Epstein Files | Hasanabi Reacts - Hasanabi Productions - Air Date 7-23-25
E3: The Trumpepstein Story Is Not a Conspiracy Theory - Rebecca Watson (skepchick) - Air Date 7-16-25
(03:02:29) SECTION F: TRUMP & HIS BASE
F1: The Epstein Files Are Not Going Away | Explainer - Heather Cox Richardson - Air Date 7-22-25
F2: Mehdi Hasan: Why the Dems Are 'failing' on Trump's Epstein Scandal - Lbc - Air Date 7-23-25
F3: Flirting with Civil War: Trumps Dangerous New Rhetoric - Mallen Baker - Air Date 7-24-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of a bus stop in the UK with a large photo of Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump. An unidentifiable person in a hoodie and yellow vest is closing the bus stop frame.
Credit: “Put this photo everywhere for Trump's UK visit” via Crowdfunder by user Everyone Hates Elon | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 7-27-2025
Back when I worked in the climate movement, just after the turn of the century, we knew that the extreme weather we were warning about would become ever-more clear to see in people's lived experiences and assumed that any doubts people had about the science of climate change would be wiped away with the evidence they could see with their own eyes as weather became more intense and less predictable. Of course, we didn't foreseen that we were headed straight into the eye of a storm of partisan conspiracism that would fully take over a third of the political spectrum. But here we are, head for high ground.
The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue by Mike Tidwell Ebook
Audiobook
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Flooding Is Common in Texas Hill Country. This Was Different - Consider This - Air Date 7-7-25
KP 2: Trump Press Secs Fury at Media Over Texas Flood Exposes Worst of Maga - The Daily Blast - Air Date 7-9-25
KP 3: Why Kristi Noems Incompetence Matters Part 1- Bulwark Takes - Air Date 7-10-25
KP 4: Republicans Get Exposed on Fox Live - The Adam Mockler Show - Air Date 7-10-25
KP 5: Weekly Roundup: Texas Floods and the Vengeful Theology of Kristi Noem + Why the Concentration Camp Had to Be in Florida - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-11-25
KP 6: The Real Conspiracy Behind the Texas Floods - More to the Story - Air Date 7-16-25
KP 7: Disasters, Natural and Man-made Part 1 - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 7-8-25
(00:51:08) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why we need to fight ignorance with research
The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue by Mike Tidwell Ebook
Audiobook
DEEPER DIVES
(00:57:45) SECTION A: FLOOD DETAILS
A1: Texas Flooding Tragedy Was Both Predictable and Predicted Part 1 - The Bradcast - Air Date 7-7-25
A2: Flooding Is Common in Texas Hill Country. This Was Different Part 2- Consider This - Air Date 7-7-25
A3: Texas Flooding Tragedy Was Both Predictable and Predicted Part 2 - The Bradcast - Air Date 7-7-25
A4: This Is Not a Good Time to Cut Funding for Weather Forecasting - Even More News - Air Date 7-8-25
(01:33:24) SECTION B: FASCIST REGIME
B1: Texas Floods and the Vengeful Theology of Kristi Noem + Why the Concentration Camp Had to Be in Florida Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-11-25
B2: Why Kristi Noems Incompetence Matters Part 2 - Bulwark Takes - Air Date 7-10-25
B3: Devastating Texas Floods Highlight Stakes of Vital Weather Services Amid Reckless Trump Cuts - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 7-8-25
B4: Trump Press Secs Fury at Media Over Texas Flood Exposes Worst of Maga Part 2 - The Daily Blast - Air Date 7-9-25
B5: Disasters, Natural and Man-made Part 2 - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 7-8-25
B6: GOP's Conspiracy Theorist Problem Worsens as Flood Disasters Trigger Misinformation Frenzy - The Briefing - Air Date 7-11-25
(02:13:59) SECTION C: CLIMATE POLICY CAPTURE
C1: A Brighter Climate Future Really Part 1 - The Insurgents - Air Date 7-12-25
C2: The War on Climate Change Policy W/ Lauren Windsor Part 1- The Majority Report - Air Date 7-18-25
C3: Idea: Let Big Oil Dump Its Fracking Into Our Lakes, Rivers, Etc. - Jim Hightower's Radio Lowdown - Air Date 7-10-25
C4: The War on Climate Change Policy W/ Lauren Windsor Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-18-25
C5: How the 'big Beautiful Bill' Is Bad for the Climate Part 1 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 7-8-25
C6: A Brighter Climate Future Really Part 2 - The Insurgents - Air Date 7-12-25
C7: How the 'big Beautiful Bill' Is Bad for the Climate Part 2 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 7-8-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photograph of a damaged bridge in Kerr County, TX over the high river running under it in the wake of the deadly July flood.
Credit: “Texas Floods Devastate Local Communities” by World Central Kitchen, Flickr | License: CC BY 4.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Old Democrats Must Go or Trump NEVER Will - UNFTR Media - Air Date 7-15-25
KP 2: 'The Economy Is Rigged": Robert Reich on Zohran Mamdani, The Democratic Party, Inequality, and Trump - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-26-25
KP 3: Why We Don't Revolt - Confronting Capitalism with Vivek Chibber - Air Date 6-18-25
KP 4: Socialism for Absolute Beginners - Second Thought - Air Date 5-6-22
KP 5: Why We Should Fight For Paid Family Leave ft Natasha Hakimi Zapata - THIS IS REVOLUTION podcast - Air Date 2-20-25
KP 6: What If We Ran The Economy? - Andrewism - Air Date 2-3-25
(00:47:58) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the US being inwardly focused to our own detriment
DEEPER DIVES
(00:57:10) SECTION A: HISTORICAL CONTEXT
A1: Socialism Is Better Than Capitalism...Right? - Hakim - Air Date 1-31-21
A2: SOCIALISM: An In-Depth Explanation Part 1 - Ryan Chapman - Air Date 8-27-22
A3: Einstein's Socialism - Against the Grain - Air Date 11-25-24
A4: Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism - Balkan Odyssey - Air Date 11-22-24
A5: SOCIALISM: An In-Depth Explanation Part 2 - Ryan Chapman - Air Date 8-27-22
(01:45:23) SECTION B: FAILURE TO LAUNCH
B1: Envisioning Socialist Futures: Planning the Economy Part 1 – 1Dime Radio Podcast - Air Date 8-30-24
B2: Why Are People Scared of Socialism? - Make Your Damn Bed - Air Date 6-27-25
B3: "Socialism Always Fails": A Dishonest Claim (3 Times It Worked) - overzealots - Air Date 9-4-24
B4: Zohran Mamdani on NPR: Democratic Socialism, Bernie Sanders, MLK, Making NYC Better for Billionaires - Socialism For All ☭ Intensify Class Struggle - Air Date 7-4-25
(02:16:09) SECTION C: CAPITALISM SUCKS
C1: American Healthcare is a Nightmare - Second Thought - Air Date 3-17-25
C2: "Socialism Leads to Dictatorship": Debunked (3 Times Capitalism Did) - overzealots - Air Date 3-1-25
C3: Historic Medicaid & SNAP Cuts Could Tank Already Faltering U.S. Economy, w/ Prof. Richard Wolff - The Socialist Program with Brian Becker - Air Date 6-4-25
(02:42:05) SECTION D: MAMDANI
D1: Mamdani’s Spectacular Victory w/ Alan Minsk - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 7-2-25
D2: Zohran Mamdani on Affordability, Billionaires, and Fighting Hate | Morning Edition | NPR - NPR - Air Date 7-1-25
(02:55:29) SECTION E: VISION OF THE FUTURE
E1: Envisioning Socialist Futures: Planning the Economy Part 2 – 1Dime Radio Podcast - Air Date 8-30-24
E2: Could Socialism Fix American Healthcare? - The Real News Network - Air Date 12-19-24
E3: It's Time To Abolish Debt - Andrewism - Air Date 7-1-25
E4: Another World is Possible (w/ Natasha Hakimi Zapata) | Scheer Intelligence - ScheerPost - Air Date 3-31-25
E5: How To Prevent Collapse - Our Changing Climate - Air Date 3-14-25
E6: What Can We Do When The System Fails Us? - Andrewism - Air Date 4-23-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Image of a fist bursting out of the desolate, rocky ground.
Credit: “Fist-struggle-revolution” by olenchic, Pixabay | Pixabay License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 7–22-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- The need for universal childcare and the pressure release valve of fighting your employer over working from home
- The need for universal benefits and the pressure release valve of gig workers fighting for a patchwork of crumbs from giant corporations
- The need to get rid of the business model of tipped jobs and the pressure release valve of fighting over tipping culture and taxing
- The need for expanded social welfare programs and better wages and the pressure release valve of expanding food banks
- The need for effective federal disaster support and universal healthcare and the press release valve of GoFundMe culture
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REFERENCES:
Exploring portable benefits for gig workers - Brookings Institute
Ride-Hailing Apps Make Traffic Worse - And Now They’re Admitting It - Futurism
Tipping Is Racist and Harms Us All — It’s Past Time to Eliminate It - Inequality.org
Expanding food banks is no substitute for tackling poverty, charities warn - The Guardian
GoFundMe Is The New FEMA - Wessiler via Substack
GoFundMe Is a Boon for Disaster Survivors. Especially the Wealthy Ones. - The New York Times
How GoFundMe Perpetuates Myths of Merit and Deservingness - MIT’s The Reader
GoFundMe CEO - Dropout.tv
For Trump’s ‘no taxes on tips,’ the devil is in the details - The Conversation
EXTRAS:
Snopes: Investigating claims Kerr County rejected Biden admin's $10M offer to improve flood warning systems - Snopes via Yahoo News
Study Erin mentions at 00:28:38 showing those in lower economic class think they are higher than they are. - Marketplace
Did politics delay approval of Kerr County life-saving infrastructure? - Chrom.com (Former Houston Chronicle digital))
TAKE ACTION:
One Million Rising Trainings
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Produced by:
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Original Air Date: 10–16-2020
Transcript
Today we take a look at the history and origins of the American militia movement right up to the recent plot to kidnap the Governor of Michigan, the likelihood of more violence and the high probability that they will show up at polling places on Election Day.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!
Join our Discord community!
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: FBI Foils Right-Wing Plot to Kidnap Michigan Gov. Months After Trump Urged "Liberation" of State - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-9-20
Just months after President Trump tweeted for his supporters to "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" the FBI has foiled an alleged plot to kidnap and take hostage Democratic Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer.
Ch. 2: Ohio has long history with militias; 2020 saw a surge in activity - WBNS 10TV - Air Date 10-9-20
A group of men plotting to kidnap the governor of Michigan met in Dublin.
Ch. 3: Rise of Violent Militias Prompts National Fears After Foiled Kidnapping Plot - The Takeaway - Air Date 10-12-20
Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, and Daryl Johnson, owner of DT Analytics and former senior analyst at the Department of Homeland Security, discuss the implications for the upcoming election.
Ch. 4: Mary McCord on Unlawful Militias - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-9-20
Mary McCord, a law professor at Georgetown University & legal director at the school's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection and an expert on unlawful militias that manage to be part of the political landscape while somehow escaping media.
Ch. 5: Great Replacement Theory - RE-EDUCATION - Air Date 8-16-19
This theory has become mainstream.
Ch. 6: Protests Put Spotlight on the Relationship Between Armed White Vigilantes, Militia Groups, and Law Enforcement - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-31-20
Armed vigilantes and militia groups are showing up to Black Lives Matter protests across the country.
Ch. 7: Robert Evans Are We In a Second Civil War? - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 10-13-20
Robert Evans explains what we need to do to avoid a second Civil War
Ch. 8: Kathleen Belew Explains the Long History of the White Power Movement and its Global Plans for "Race War" - The Truth Report w. Chauncey DeVega - Air Date 5-26-19
Belew explains white supremacy is a cultural, social and political problem not just the pathology of a small number of people, what "white power" means, and how white supremacist and other right-wing foot soldiers preparing for various forms of "race war"
Ch. 9: Did Trump's "Liberate Michigan" Result in Kidnapped Governor? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-8-20
Donald Trump told his followers to "liberate Michigan". They answered by attempting to kidnap Governor Whitmer.
SHOW IMAGE:
"aIMG_0841" & "cIMG_1169b" & "01IMG_7336" by Becker1999 (Paul and Cathy), Flickr | License | Changes: Composite of 3 different images, cropped, added black background and red design
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 7/16/2025
It increasingly feels like we are completely past the era of legitimate differences in political philosophy and policy preferences. Now that the Republican governing style has been completely consumed by Trumpism, we've entered the era of scam politics which fits nicely with Trump's traditional retail scams, capitalism's continual reinvention of financial scams, and the new age of crypto scams.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Weekly Roundup Mamdani and the Rebirth of Birtherism + Christofascism in the Big Bill - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-4-25
KP 2: Make America Uninsured Again Part 1- Today, Explained - Air Date 7-2-25
KP 3: Michael Galant on Sanctions & Immigration, LaToya Parker on Budgets Racial Impacts - CounterSpin - Air Date 6-20-25
KP 4: Why Gutting SNAP Makes the Economy Worse for Everyone (with Lily Roberts) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 6-3-25
KP 5: The Big Beautiful Bill, Explained Part 1- Leeja Miller - Air Date 7-2-25
KP 6: Why Private Equity Is Buying Hospitals & Shutting Them Down - More Perfect Union - Air Date 6-26-25
KP 7: Mind-Boggling Trump Voters Suddenly Learn Hes Screwing Them Badly - THE DAILY BLAST - Air Date 6-30-25
KP 8: Trump Supporters SEETHE After Getting SCAMMED by His Meme Coin He Fed Us Part 1 - The Humanist Report - Air Date 1-20-25
(00:56:27) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how desperation drives scams and how progressive populism can turn the tide
A Pale Blue Dot of Anxiety: Why humans commit despicable acts (SOLVED #9 — 5-23-25)
DEEPER DIVES
(01:03:55) SECTION A: BIG BEAUTIFUL SCAM
A1: Make America Uninsured Again Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-2-25
A2: The Big Beautiful Bill, Explained Part 2 - Leeja Miller - Air Date 7-2-25
A3: Most Massive Transfer of Wealth Upward in American History John Nichols on Trump's Budget Law - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-7-25
A4: Why Gutting SNAP Makes the Economy Worse for Everyone (with Lily Roberts) Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 6-3-25
A5: Trump Accounts A Drop in the Leaky Bucket Part 1 - UNFTR - Air Date 6-19-25
A6: GOP Budget Bill Would Make ICE Largest Federal Law Enforcement Agency in the History of the Nation - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-2-25
A7: Mind-Boggling Trump Voters Suddenly Learn Hes Screwing Them Badly Part 2 - THE DAILY BLAST - Air Date 6-30-25
A8: Why Gutting SNAP Makes the Economy Worse for Everyone (with Lily Roberts) Part 3 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 6-3-25
A9: Trump Accounts A Drop in the Leaky Bucket Part 2 - UNFTR - Air Date 6-19-25
A10: GOP Budget Bill Would Make ICE Largest Federal Law Enforcement Agency in the History of the Nation Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-2-25
A11: Weekly Roundup Mamdani and the Rebirth of Birtherism + Christofascism in the Big Bill Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-4-25
(02:39:46) SECTION B: TRUMPS PERSONAL SCAMS
B1: STUNNING NEW DETAIL about Trumps Corruption $100K Watches, MAGA Bibles, Billion Dollar Crypto Scam Part 2 - Pod Save America - Air Date 7-5-25
B2: Vietnam Sidesteps Their Own Laws To Give Trump A MAJOR Bribe - Ring of Fire - Air Date 5-27-25
B3: Trump LOSES IT as ABC host Calls OUT MAJOR Scam - MeidasTouch - Air Date 6-2-25
B4: STUNNING NEW DETAIL about Trumps Corruption $100K Watches, MAGA Bibles, Billion Dollar Crypto Scam - Pod Save America - Air Date 7-5-25
B5: Trump Supporters SEETHE After Getting SCAMMED by His Meme Coin He Fed Us Part 2 - The Humanist Report - Air Date 1-20-25
(03:19:19) SECTION C: OTHER SCAMS
C1: Economist's Scary Warning Trump's Tariff Are a SCAM to Make Billionaires Richer w/ Greg Palast - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-5-25
C2: EXPOSED 90 Deals In 90 Days Trump Scam IMPLODES Spectacularly - Secular Talk - Air Date 7-7-25
C3: Why the United States Is Really Losing to China (w/ Kishore Mahbubani) - Current Affairs - Air Date 7-2-25
C4: Hudson's Bay How Private Equity Destroyed North America's Oldest Brand - Spoke Media - Air Date 6-27-25
C5: Rule by Private Equity w Megan Greenwell Part 1 - Behind the News - Air Date 7-7-25
C6: Private Equitys Ruthless Takeover Of The Last Affordable Housing In America Part 1 - More Perfect Union - Air Date 9-18-25
C7: Rule by Private Equity w Megan Greenwell Part 2 - Behind the News - Air Date 7-7-25
C8: Private Equitys Ruthless Takeover Of The Last Affordable Housing In America Part 2 - More Perfect Union - Air Date 9-18-25
C9: Who Wins in Trumps Deregulation Spree - Robert Reich - Air Date 7-8-25
C10: Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) Man Goes to the U.S. South and Tells the Brutal Truth - Kanie Laing - Air Date 7-8-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite of a high contrast image of Trump smirking and giving a thumbs up, over the outline of the US filled in with the flag, and the word SCAM over his chest.
Credit: Composite design A. Hoffman. Elements from Pixabay. Trump, Scam, US | License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 7–13-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
⁃ The calculated, propaganda motives behind “Mar-a-Lago face”
and bizarre MAGA hyper-femininity
⁃ How MAGA uses Kristi Noem’s “Border Barbie” vibes to attempt to
soften its vicious immigration policy, and project victimization
⁃ How bad AI imagery is now the look of modern fascism
⁃ The cruelty of the White House X account - a propaganda
machine of memes (run by Groypers)
⁃ The Right’s psychopathic treatment of immigrants, and bracing
ourselves for what’s coming next
⁃ …and more in BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (MEMBERS
ONLY!)
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REFERENCES:
MAGA glam isn’t about beauty — it’s about politics - Vox
The “Delicate, Beautiful, Tiny” Fascism of Kristi Noem - Mother Jones
AI: The New Aesthetics of Fascism - New Socialist
The Gleeful Cruelty of the White House X Account - The Atlantic
The Right’s Cruelty to Immigrants Is Psychopathic - Current Affairs
EXTRAS:
@Novaramedia and @blindboyboatclub (The video on Trump and
wrestling that Erin couldn’t recall during the show!)
MEMBERS ONLY
Systems are crumbling – but daily life continues. The dissonance is real
- The Guardian
TAKE ACTION:
July 17th - National Day of Action - Good Trouble Lives On
One Million Rising Trainings
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Produced by:
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Thanks for listening!
Air Date 7/12/2025
The idea of the founders was to separate and balance the powers of the federal government and that, as Madison wrote, that ambition would counteract ambition. The problem we face now is that the ambition of the Supreme Court is to give as much power as possible to the executive branch because, ironically, they seem to be nostalgic for a king.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Trump, the Imperial Presidency, and How the Bush & Biden Administrations Got Us Here w/ James Bovard - Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael - Air Date 7-2-25
KP 2: The Shadow Docket and How the Supreme Court Uses It - Bloomberg Law - Air Date 11-3-21
KP 3: SCOTUS Clears the Way for Trump's Lawlessness - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 6-30-25
KP 4: Hot Shadow Docket Summer with Leah Litman Part 1 - Justice By Design - Air Date 6-20-25
KP 5: The Many Compromises of Elena Kagan - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts - Air Date 6-21-25
KP 6: Trump-GOP’s Supreme Court Rubber Stamp w/ Elie Mystal - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder Part 1 - Air Date 6-30-25
KP 7: Why Supreme Court Approved Trump's Mass Deportation to Foreign Concentration Camp Scheme - Thom Hartmann Progam - Air Date 6-25-25
(00:50:22) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the One Million Rising activist trainings from Indivisible.org
DEEPER DIVES
(00:56:04) SECTION A: SHADOWY & FUTURE RULINGS
(01:25:26) SECTION B: THE IMPLICATIONS
(01:50:55) SECTION C: THE GOP'S JUDGES
(02:25:22) SECTION D: DICTATOR TRUMP
(02:46:07) SECTION E: SORT OF POSITIVE I GUESS
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image of the conservative justices on the Supreme Court in front of a giant, elaborate gold frame with a painting of an angry-looking Trump in king/general regalia and tie.
Credit: Composite design A. Hoffman. Elements: Portrait of Supreme Court Justices, Public Domain | Other elements from Pixabay. License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 7/9/2025
It's an old joke that "military intelligence" is a good example of an oxymoron so I just asked an AI chatbot to finish a joke about what a military becomes when they implement artificial intelligence. It said, "an oxymoron squared - or as the generals call it, "strategically enhanced stupidity with a confidence interval of 95%" which is not funny but still managed to be pretty on point regarding the dangers of overconfidence that inevitably follows from the implementation of new technology.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Empire of AI w/ Karen Hao - Why Is This Happening - Air Date 6-3-25
KP 2: The REAL Reason Investors Are Going All In on Palantir - More Perfect Union - Air Date 6-24-25
KP 3: The New Military Industry Complex w Sam Biddle Part 1- Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 6-5-25
KP 4: Jeff Hauser on DOGE After Musk, Katya Schwenk on Boeing Deal - CounterSpin - Air Date 6-6-25
KP 5: Resisting "Cop City" in America's Most Surveilled, Unequal City w/ Micah Herskind Part 1 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 6-25-25
KP 6: Empire of AI: Karen Hao & Roger McNamee Expose Sam Altman, Musk & Big Tech - The Nerd Reich - Air Date 6-16-25
KP 7: Is AI Productivity Worth Our Humanity w/ Prof. Michael Sandel - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-26-25
(00:55:20) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the coming merger between big tech and the military
DEEPER DIVES
(01:00:39) SECTION A: SURVEILLANCE
A1: Ray Brescia, The Private Is Political: Identity and Democracy in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism Part 1 - New Books in Political Science - Air Date 2-17-25
A2: The Shady World of Surveillance Pricing (Ft. Lina Khan) - Robert Reich - Air Date 6-10-25
A3: The Trump Administration Is Building a National Citizenship System - Trump's Terms - Air Date 6-30-25
A4: Empire of AI w/ Karen Hao Part 2 - Why Is This Happening - Air Date 6-3-25
A5: Cool Science Radio - Air Date 1-16-25
(01:32:18) SECTION B: MILITARIZED CAPITALISM
B1: The New Military Industry Complex w/ Sam Biddle Part 2 - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 6-5-25
B2: Spotify Changed Everything but Here's the Truth About Daniel Ek - Gibsunday - Air Date 6-30-25
B3: Trump About To Reward Elon Musk With ANOTHER Multibillion Dollar Contract - The Ring of Fire - Air Date 4-18-25
B4: Resisting "Cop City" in America's Most Surveilled, Unequal City w/ Micah Herskind Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 6-25-25
(02:01:38) SECTION C: COMPANIES VS REGULATION
C1: Brazil's Battle to Rein In Big Tech w/ Laís Martins Part 1 - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 6-19-25
C2: Ray Brescia, The Private Is Political: Identity and Democracy in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism Part 2 - New Books in Political Science - Air Date 2-17-25
C3: Brazil's Battle to Rein In Big Tech w/ Laís Martins Part 2 - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 6-19-25
(02:29:40) SECTION D: HUMAN DRAIN
D1: If AI Can Do Your Classwork, Why Go to College Part 1- The Gray Area - Air Date 6-30-25
D2: Empire of AI: Karen Hao & Roger McNamee Expose Sam Altman, Musk & Big Tech Part 2 - The Nerd Reich - Air Date 6-16-25
D3: The Growing Environmental Impact of AI Data Centers Energy Demands - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 5-25-25
D4: If AI Can Do Your Classwork, Why Go to College Part 2 - The Gray Area - Air Date 6-30-25
D5: Is AI Productivity Worth Our Humanity w/ Prof. Michael Sandel Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-26-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 7–7-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Some advice on understanding how to identify imperfect allies vs. true opponents
- Good-faith critiques of (and agreements with) socialist NYU Professor Vivek Chibber’s views on identity politics on the Left
- Working Families Party head Maurice Mitchell’s ideas on “neoliberal identity” politics for those in the Left movement
- How Gov. Wes Moore rejected our political “charade” and what we should do instead
- …and more in BACKSTAGE: Beyond the Algorithm (MEMBERS ONLY!)
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REFERENCES:
The Left Needs to Learn the Difference Between Imperfect Allies and Our True Opponents - Films for Action
“America Has No Left Wing” with Vivek Chibber - Factually with Adam Conover
(Only between time codes 27:36-52:20)
Building Resilient Organizations: Toward Joy and Durable Power in a Time of Crisis - Convergence Magazine
The Left is Eating Itself - First Person from The New York Times
American Politics Only Pretends to Work - The New Republic
MEMBERS ONLY:
It’s Nice to Be right - New York Magazine
“MAMDANI” via @astorwalk on Instagram
TAKE ACTION:
July 17th - National Day of Action - Good Trouble Lives On
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials
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Original Air Date: 10-21-20
Today we take a look at some of the many zany foreign misadventures the United States has had over the past 100 years. And by "zany misadventures" I mean the naked pursuit of capitalism at any cost, the support of military coups and other undemocratic overthrows of foreign governments and wars for oil and resources in an unabashed attempt to keep America wealthy and the rest of the world less so - all while maintaining an anti-imperial, pro-democracy, pro-freedom, live-and-let-live poker face
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Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The bipartisan empire machine that runs the United States - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 9-26-18
Ch. 2: Empire Unhinged with Aslı Bâli & Aziz Rana - The Dig - Air Date 6-11-20
Ch. 3: American Empire Part 1 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20
Ch. 4: Ghosts of Mossadegh: The Iran Cables, U.S. Empire, and the Arc of History - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 11-20-19
Ch. 5: 2020 Hindsight on Iraq - Open Source with Christopher Lydon - Air Date 1-9-20
Ch. 6: American Empire Part 2 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20
Ch. 7: American Empire Part 3 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20
Ch. 7: The Always Stumbling US Empire - Citations Needed - Air Date 10-25-17
Ch. 9: The Other 9/11: Part One - Making Contact - Air Date 9-3-13
Ch. 10: Empire Unhinged with Aslı Bâli & Aziz Rana Part 2 - The Dig - Air Date 6-11-20
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 7/2/2025
The militarization of Trump's deportation regime and response to protesters is the clearest example of his desire to implement a fully authoritarian government. Pure and simple.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: America Hates The Left & We Need A Plan - Olurinatti - Air Date 12-8-24
KP 2: America Has No Left Wing with Vivek Chibber - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 6-18-25
KP 3: What's 'Left' in America?: The Moral Apathy of Liberal Optimism - Cheyenne Lin - Air Date 9-2-24
KP 4: Ralph Nader’s Message to Doomers: "Stop Making Excuses!" - Current Affairs - Air Date 6-22-25
KP 5: The Worst People in Politics Are LOSING IT Over Zohran Mamdani - Current Affairs - Air Date 6-25-25
KP 6: “We Fight for Working People with No Apology”: Zohran Mamdani Beats Cuomo in NYC Mayoral Primary - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-25-25
(00:45:01) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how to fund the politics we need
DEEPER DIVES
(00:56:26) SECTION A: PROTESTS
(01:25:24) SECTION B: HISTORY & INFIGHTING
(02:01:22) SECTION C: SUBVERSION & THE RIGHT
(02:38:02) SECTION D: ORGANIZING
(03:24:46) SECTION E: THEORY
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of a grid of multi-colored Zohran Mamdani political posters that say “Zohran For Mayor” and a photo of Zohran.
Credit: “Zohran for Mayor” by Eden, Janine and Jim, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 Changes: Cropped and expanded background
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date: 6–30-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- Shifting the way we think and talk about the benefits of peaceful nonviolence at anti-fascist protests
- The unlimited patience for capitalism vs. the knee-jerk “Impossible!” for left-wing ideas
- The centrists Democrats (and their consultants) missing the forest for the trees
- An antidote to decades of neoliberal approaches to policy (and we reject Ezra Klein’s “Abundance”)
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REFERENCES:
Trump's Manufactured Crisis and the Urgency of Strategic Nonviolence - In These Times
A Song of “Full Self-Driving”: Elon Isn’t Tony Stark. He’s Michael Scott. - The Bulwark
They Always Call You Unrealistic - Current Affairs
The Gobs of Money and Lack of Vision at the Heart of Centrism - In These Times
Red Tape Isn’t the Only Reason America Can’t Build - The Atlantic
SOLVED! SONG! Concepts: Human Intelligence * Song: Artificial Intelligence: “Make Some Enemies” inspired directly by SOLVED! #13: “How to Make Enemies and Influence People” (June 30, 2025)
TAKE ACTION:
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials about stopping the Big Stupid Cruel Bill
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
July 17th - National Day of Action - Good Trouble Lives On
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Write to the DNC
Join our Discord Server
Reach us via Signal:
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Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 6/28/2025
The militarization of Trump's deportation regime and response to protesters is the clearest example of his desire to implement a fully authoritarian government. Pure and simple.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube!
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!)
Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience!
Join our Discord community!
KEY POINTS
KP 1: Papers, Please: Hayes Flags New Police Tactic Trend in Trumps America - All In w Chris Hayes - Air Date 6-19-25
KP 2: David Gilbert of WIRED on Trump Demand for Ethnic Cleansing in U.S. - The BradCast - Air Date 6-17-25
KP 3: Trump, ICE, and the US War on Migrants - Red Flag Radio - Air Date 6-15-25
KP 4: Palantir Peter Thiel's Data-Mining Firm Helps DOGE Build Master Database to Surveil Immigrants - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-3-25
KP 5: Tanks On DCs Streets And A US Senator In Handcuffs - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 6-14-25
KP 6: The Military Occupation of Los Angeles - and the USA - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 6-13-25
KP 7: Trump Deploys Troops Against LA Protesters. Plus, Journalists Under 'Less Lethal' Fire. - On the Media - Air Date 6-13-25
KP 8: Tanks On DCs Streets And A US Senator In Handcuffs Part 2 - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 6-14-25
(01:00:15) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On protesting with a theory of change
DEEPER DIVES
(01:07:52) SECTION A: LA PROTESTS AND CIVIL UNREST
A1: Trump Deploys Troops Against LA Protesters. Plus, Journalists Under 'Less Lethal' Fire. Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 6-13-25
A2: The Military Occupation of Los Angeles - and the USA Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 6-13-25
A3: Trump Can Command California National Guard for Now, Appeals Court Rules - Morning Joe - Air Date 6-13-25
A4: ICE Raids Continue As LA Fights Back - The Insurgents - Air Date 6-13-25
A5: A Medical Perspective On Protest Safety - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 6-23-25
A6: Trump Deploys Troops Against LA Protesters. Plus, Journalists Under 'Less Lethal' Fire. Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 6-13-25
A7: A Medical Perspective On Protest Safety Part 2 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 6-23-25
(02:01:45) SECTION B: FASCIST PLAYBOOK
B1: Covering the Military Parade and a No Kings Rally on the Same Day - Consider This from NPR - Air Date 6-21-25
B2: Protests in LA Posse Comitatus is Long Over. - UNFTR - Air Date 6-14-25
B3: The Brainless Propaganda of Stephen Miller - Current Affairs - Air Date 6-25-25
B4: David Gilbert of WIRED on Trump Demand for Ethnic Cleansing in U.S. Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 6-17-25
B5: How ICE Raids Are Terrorizing Farmworkers and Threatening the Food Supply - Breakthrough News - Air Date 6-21-25
B6: Protests in LA Posse Comitatus is Long Over. Part 2 - UNFTR - Air Date 6-14-25
B7: The Brainless Propaganda of Stephen Miller Part 2 - Current Affairs - Air Date 6-25-25
B8: Trump is Close to Ending Democracy - How to Stop Him Before It's Too Late! - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-23-25
(03:05:41) SECTION C: IMMIGRATION CONTEXT
C1: Michael Galant on Sanctions & Immigration, LaToya Parker on Budgets Racial Impacts - CounterSpin - Air Date 6-20-25
C2: Trump, ICE and the US War on Migrants Part 2 - Red Flag Radio - Air Date 6-15-25
C3: Private Prisons and Local Jails Are Ramping Up as ICE Detention Exceeds Capacity - Morning Edition - Air Date 6-6-25
C4: How White Fear Fuels The Age of Trump - The Truth Report - Air Date 6-13-25
(03:34:17) SECTION D: SURVEILLANCE
D1: How Student Protesters and Immigrants Became Targets of Trumps Surveillance Tech - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 5-30-25
D2: Trump's Plan To Surveil America - Leeja Miller - Air Date 6-3-25
D3: How Student Protesters and Immigrants Became Targets of Trumps Surveillance Tech Part 2 - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 5-30-25
D4: Trump's Plan To Surveil America Part 2 - Leeja Miller - Air Date 6-3-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of a protest sign held in the air depicting a colorful drawing of a happy brown-skinned family surrounded by flowers. The text “No more detention” is at the top and “No more deportations. Abolish I.C.E.” is at the bottom.
Credit: “Abolish ICE protest” by Master Stever Rapport, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 Changes: Cropped and expanded background
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 6-25-2025
We thought we were going to have an episode about the war Israel is conducting ready for you last week but then they started another war. So, it would have felt odd to release an Israel episode without the latest major updates including Iran. I can only imagine what will happen between the time I speak these words and when you hear them that will make this episode feel out of date.
What Happens When Bereaved Israelis and Palestinians Share Their Pain? Listening from the Heart Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on the infamous Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Why Is The Media Coverage of Israel vs Iran So Skewed? - Zeteo - Air 6-16-25
KP 2: Jon Stewart on Israel’s "Urgent" Iran Strike, Minnesota Murders & MAGA’s Blame Game - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-16-25
KP 3: The REAL Reason Israel Attacked Iran - uncivilized - Air Date 6-18-25
KP 4: Israeli Forces Open Fire at New Gaza “Aid” Site, as Netanyahu Rejects Ceasefire Deal Part 1 - Drop Site News - Air Date 5-27
KP 5: Greta Thunberg Speaks to France 24 After Her Deportation From Israel - FRANCE 24 English - Air Date 6-10-25
KP 6: Preemptive Strike or Act of War? Israel Attacks Iran Amid Sinking Global Support for Assault on Gaza - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-17-25 (END OF MAIN )
(00:40:25.) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the Parents Circle efforts for reconcilliation
DEEPER DIVES
(00:49:45) SECTION A: STARVATION
A1: “Israel Is the Rabid Dog of American Imperialism”: Gaza Surgeon Dr. Mohammed Tahir Speaks Out Part 1 - MintCast - Air Date 6-10-25
A2: When Hunger Is a Weapon - Front Burner - Air Date 6-3-25
A3: Doctors Returning From Gaza Beg Humanity to Stop the Carnage - The Marc Steiner Show - Air Date 6-10-25
A4: Mara Kronenfeld on Israel’s Aid Blockade - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-16-25
A5: “Israel Is the Rabid Dog of American Imperialism”: Gaza Surgeon Dr. Mohammed Tahir Speaks Out Part 2 - MintCast - Air Date 6-10-25
A6: Has Israel Turned Gaza Into a Starvation Camp? | Inside Story - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 5-31-25
(01:42:13) SECTION B: GAZA
B1: The Israeli Government’s True Goal in Gaza - On Point - Air Date 6-5-25
B2: Mosquito Protocol: Ex-Israeli Soldier on Army's Systematic Use of Palestinians as Human Shields - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-29-25
B3: The State of the Gaza Negotiations and Ongoing Israeli Massacres - Drop Site News - Air Date 6-3-25
(02:08:26) SECTION C: NETANYAHU
C1: Israel Allies With ISIS - To STARVE Gaza to Death - Owen Jones - Air Date 6-10-25
C2: Israeli Forces Open Fire at New Gaza “Aid” Site, as Netanyahu Rejects Ceasefire Deal Part 2 - Drop Site News - Air Date 5-27
C3: Israeli PM Netanyahu Confirms Arming Gaza Militia Against Hamas - FRANCE 24 English - Air Date 6-6-25
(02:30:42) SECTION D: Historical & Media Context
D1: Blowback: How Israel Helped Create Hamas - The Intercept - Air Date 2-20-18
D2: How Israel, the Media, & the West Set the Stage for Gaza’s Genocide - Zeteo - Air Date 6-10-25
(02:48:16) SECTION E: WAR WITH IRAN
E1: Ukraine Drone Attack, Gaza Aid Center Massacres, IAEA Suggests “Secret Nuclear Activities” in Iran - American Prestige - Air Date 6-6-25
E2: Will the US Join the War With Iran? w/ Akbar Shahid Ahmed - American Prestige - Air Date 6-18-25
E3: Israel Attacks Iran w/ Séamus Malekafzali - American Prestige - Air Date 6-13-25
(03:13:15) SECTION F: PROTESTS
F1: LIVE Interview From Gaza Flotilla as Threats Escalate - Empire Files - Air Date 6-4-25
F2: Piers Morgan's DISGUSTING Attack On Greta Thunberg - Novara Media - Air Date 6-9-25
F3: The Grassroots Movements to Break the Siege on Gaza - Drop Site News - Air Date 6-10-25
F4: Why Sisi Won't Lift the Gaza Blockade - Middle East Eye - Air Date 6-11-25
F5: “A Show of Human Solidarity”: Ex-U.S. Diplomat to Join Global March to Gaza to Break Israel’s Siege - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-10-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description:Photo of a person holding a protest sign out their car window that says “Never again to anyone” with barbed wire across the text.
Credit: “2014/08/16 #BlocktheBoat for Gaza” by Daniel Arauz, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 6–23-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- The long history of nostalgia in politics as we find ourselves reliving the 1980s
- How MAGA Youth have a lot in common with Reagan Youth (a la Alex P. Keaton) without the context
- Trump’s Reaganitis: All the ways Trump is just straight up copying Reagan and how he could fail like him too
- The “Landlord in Chief” and how to fight back against the new feudalism
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REFERENCES:
Donald Trump and the ’80s Aesthetic - Jacobin
The 1980s Are Back, and Not in a Good Way - The New York Times
Trump’s Big Fail: Making America the 1980s Again - Mother Jones
Trump is What Happens When You Give a Landlord Power - Current Affairs
EXTRAS:
“Wrestling is Drag” - Smartypants Dropout.tv
https://youtube.com/shorts/zw9bNgKogUI
TAKE ACTION:
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials about stopping the Big Stupid Cruel Bill
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
July 17th - National Day of Action - Good Trouble Lives On
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Write to the DNC
Join our Discord Server
Reach us via Signal:
Bestoftheleft.01
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 6/21/2025
The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month, we're focusing on the way authoritarian movements operate across multiple fronts simultaneously to reshape society.
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PART 1: ECONOMIC CONTROL
(00:01:20) #1707 Tariffied: Exposing Trump's Artless Deal
(00:26:46) #1713 Yes, GOP Policies Really Are That Bad: Trump's Corruption and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
(00:49:50) #1716 The Fight for Workers: Oligarchy and its Bipartisan Enablers
PART 2: INFORMATION CONTROL
(01:12:17) #1711 How It Started, How It's Going: Assessing the Flooded Zone Full of Shit
(01:34:36) #1714 Trump's Anti-Knowledge Agenda is Inviting the Next Authoritarian Dark Age
PART 3: SOCIAL CONTROL
(01:57:51) #1708 Rent Asunder: From the Moderation of Pope Francis to Extremism of JD Vance, the Catholic Church is Deeply Divided
(02:12:57) #1710 The past is never dead. It’s not even past. Race, Religion, Culture and the Stories we Tell
(02:30:51) #1712 Eugenics Redux: A Gilded Age Ideology Brought Back for the Second Gilded Age
(02:53:26) #1715 The Weaponization of Antisemitism and Counterproductive Violence
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Air Date 6/18/2025
Critics of capitalism like us often advocate for the system to come to an end and be replaced with another that aligns better with human needs and continued existence. Well, it's possible that the system is close to having run its course and will be making way for something different. Unfortunately, the natural course of capitalism is to concentrate wealth and, by extension, power so that's what's happened and we're now getting close to basically reinventing feudalism. So, wrong direction.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The End of Capitalism: What comes next is worse. Part 1 - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 4-18-25
KP 2: People vs. Neoliberalism: Race, Gold, IQ, & the Capitalism of the Far Right (w/ Quinn Slobodian) - Bad Faith - Air Date 5-15-25
KP 3: Musk vs. Trump Quinn Slobodian on the Risks of Billionaire Rule - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-6-25
KP 4: Why Do Workers Need Welfare: How Billionaires TRICKED Us into Keeping Wages Low & the Poor Desperate - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-3-25
KP 5: Capitalism's Critics w John Cassidy - Behind the News - Air Date 6-5-25
KP 6: Democrats Hate Their Own Party. The People Can Take It Back. - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 6-6-25
KP 7: Labor Movement v. Fascism Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack - Laura Flanders and Friends - Air Date 5-4-25
KP 8: Shawn Fain's Radical Plan For 2028 - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-20-25
(01:00:31) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how to snowball progressive policies
DEEPER DIVES
(01:10:12) SECTION A: NEO-LIBERALISM
A1: Who Will Likely Win and Lose the U.S.-China Trade War - Economic Update with Richard Wolff - Air Date 5-27-25
A2: Daily Take The Great American Tariff Scam Starring Donald Trump as the Savior Who Sells You Out - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 6-5-25
A3: Quinn Slobodian - The Neoliberal Roots of the Populist Right - How To Academy Podcast - Air Date 6-6-25
A4: The End of American Empire (w/ Richard Wolff) - Current Affairs - Air Date 6-3-25
A5: The next stage of capitalism Yanis Varoufakis on technofeudalism and the fall of democracy - The Institute of Art and Ideas - Air Date 2-13-25
A6: The End of American Empire (w/ Richard Wolff) Part 2 - Current Affairs - Air Date 6-3-25
A7: People vs. Neoliberalism Race, Gold, IQ, & the Capitalism of the Far Right (w/ Quinn Slobodian) - Bad Faith - Air Date 5-15-25
(02:06:40) SECTION B: CORPORATE DEMOCRATS
B1: How the Democrats Abandoned Workers - Confronting Capitalism - Air Date 5-7-25
B2: The End of Capitalism: What comes next is worse. Part 2 - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 4-18-25
B3: Abundance Gang Wants To Crush Unions - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-7-25
B4: How the Democrats Abandoned Workers Part 2 - Confronting Capitalism - Air Date 5-7-25
B5: Abundance Gang Wants To Crush Unions Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-7-25
B6: Democrats Hate Their Own Party. The People Can Take It Back. Part 2 - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 6-6-25
(02:57:58) SECTION C: LABOR AND RESISTANCE
C1: An update on the longest ongoing strike in the US - Working People - Air Date 5-28-25
C2: Labor Movement v. Fascism Worker Organizers & Labor Educators Are Under Attack Part 2 - Laura Flanders and Friends - Air Date 5-4-25
C3: Arizona Dems Say NO To Billionaire-Bought Primaries - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-11-25
C4: An update on the longest ongoing strike in the US Part 2 - Working People - Air Date 5-28-25
C5: Who Will Likely Win and Lose the U.S.-China Trade War Part 2 - Economic Update with Richard Wolff - Air Date 5-27-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Photo of a handmade protest sign held in the air that says “CAPITALISM IS KILLING US”
Credit: “ClimateStrike-210924-4-1140371” by Mark Dixon, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Original Air Date: 2-20-2024
"Luddite" should never have become the epithet that it is as the Luddites were never afraid of or opposed to technological advancement, they only opposed the exploitation of workers and the degradation to society that came with the unfair distribution of the benefits of the targeted technology.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The New Luddites - SHIFT - Air Date 2-14-24
Ch. 2: Being a Luddite Is Good, Actually ft. Jathan Sadowski - Left Reckoning - Air Date 5-29-21
Ch. 3: Why this top AI guru thinks we might be in extinction-level trouble | The InnerView - TRT World - Air Date 1-22-24
Ch. 4: This is not good - jstoobs (TikTok) - Air Date 2-16-24
Ch. 5: The ACTUAL Danger of A.I. with Gary Marcus Part 1 - Factually! - Air Date 7-2-23
Ch. 6: The Left Luddites and the AI Accelerationists - torres - Air Date - 5-15-23
Ch. 7: Luddites Show Us The Politics Of Technology | Brian Merchant - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-21-23
Ch. 8: The ACTUAL Danger of A.I. with Gary Marcus Part 2 - Factually! - Air Date 7-2-23
Ch. 9: The anti-tech movement is back. - Alice Cappelle - Air Date 6-15-22
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: An 1812 block print of “The Leader of the Luddites” depicting a man in disheveled early 1800s clothing and missing one shoe leading other men up a hill while a building burns in the background.
Credit: “The Leader of the Luddites”, Messrs | Working Class Movement Library catalog | Public Domain
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Air Date: 6-11-2025
Following the 2023 attack and counterattack between Israel and Hamas which brought the simmering conflict into the mainstream of American politics, we're now living with the opportunistic weaponization of antisemitism being used as a pretext to crack down on anti-Israel protests and universities that just aren't teaching a Trump-aligned curriculum. Meanwhile, genuinely inexcusable antisemitism is being either condemned or excused by Israel supporters based more on political affiliation than the danger posed to Jews.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: I Am Not Your Pawn - Rabbi Sharon Brous | Purim 5785 - IKAR - Air Date 3-8-25
KP 2: U.S. Jewish Anti-Zionism - Against the Grain - Air Date 4-2-25
KP 3: Who Are ‘JINO Jews’ and Why Do Conservatives Hate Them? - Zeteo - Air Date 3-6-25
KP 4: “Nothing Can Justify It”: Journalist Gideon Levy Reacts to Killing of Israeli Embassy Staffers in D.C. - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-22-25
KP 5: CNN Attempts To Make 'Free Palestine' Offensive - The Rational National - Air Date 5-23-25
KP 6: The Antisemitism Panic Part 1 - matt bernstein - Air Date 5-30-25
(00:50:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why violence makes for a terrible theory of change
DEEPER DIVES
(00:59:36) SECTION A: FREE SPEECH
A1: He Helped Define Antisemitism; Now He Says the Term Is Being Weaponized - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 5-1-24
A2: Noem Makes WILD Claims About "Hamas Agents" At Harvard - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 5-23-25
A3: Harvard professor hits back at Trump administration - LBC - Air Date 5-24-25
(01:28:03) SECTION B: WEAPONIZATION
B1: How the weaponization of antisemitism is becoming a grave threat to freedom of speech in America - AYMAN - Air Date 4-26-25
B2: Ex-Education Dept. Official: Trump Is Dismantling Agency as He Weaponizes It Against Gaza Protesters - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-13-25
B3: Why the U.S. is pausing all student visa interviews - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 5-28-25
B4: The Antisemitism Panic Part 2 - matt bernstein - Air Date 5-30-25
(01:59:28) SECTION C: INDEFENSIBLE
C1: Palestinian BABIES are the ENEMY - Israeli politician - Owen Jones - Air Date 5-23-25
C2: Investigators say man used makeshift flamethrower in attack on pro-Israel group in Boulder - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 6-3-25
(02:11:29) SECTION D: BACKFIRE
D1: The ‘Bullsh*t’ of Bill Maher — Gianmarco Soresi on Israel, Antisemitism, and ‘Anti-Woke’ Comedy Part 1- Zeteo - Air Date 5-5-25
D2: The Redefining of Antisemitism | Gianmarco Soresi | Stand Up Comedy - Gianmarco Soresi - Air Date 10-20-24
D3: The ‘Bullsh*t’ of Bill Maher — Gianmarco Soresi on Israel, Antisemitism, and ‘Anti-Woke’ Comedy Part 2 - Zeteo - Air Date 5-5-25
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: A metal placeholder with the Star of David on it resting between two pages of the Torah. Credit: “Star of David emblem” via Ri_Ya, Pixabay | Pixabay license
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 6-8-25
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Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- The right’s attack on free speech and academic freedom
- Trumponomics, men, and tradwives
- The lessons to learn about culture wars from the fight for gay marriage
- How the internet and Trump force us to live in and re-litigate the past
- How the left can avoid Trump’s culture war traps
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REFERENCES:
Trump’s Attack on Harvard Marks a New Phase in the Culture War - New York Magazine
There’s No Trumponomics Without the Tradwife - New York Magazine
To Stop Losing the Culture Wars, Learn From Gay Marriage - Jacobin
I Can’t Believe We’re Still Arguing About This - The New York Times
Democrats Can Avoid Trump’s Culture-War Traps - Jacobin
SOLVED! SONG! “Rob You Blind” - Concepts: Human Intelligence. Song: Artificial Intelligence. Based on SOLVED! Ep. #11: “Culture War Distractions While the Oligarchs Rob You Blind” (June 8, 2025)
TAKE ACTION:
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June 14th - “No Kings” Nationwide Day of Action
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Produced by:
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Air Date 6/6/2025
Today, Trump's administration is doing everything in its power to end the era of educational dominance the US has enjoyed for decades. The simple fact that explains the change is that democracy used to be valued across the political spectrum while todays Republican Party is authoritarian and understands that an educated public is a public that demands democracy while an uneducated public is much easier to manipulate and oppress.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: How Trump has reshaped the federal workforce - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 5-29-25
KP 2: As Trump cuts funding, researchers look for opportunities outside the U.S. - Soundside - Air Date 4-21-25
KP 3: Anti-Science Mugging on the Right and the Ascent of American Anti-Intellectualism - Citations Needed - Air Date 5-28-25
KP 4: Trump's Dark Age Admin is 'attacking the foundations of empirical knowledge', journalist says - MSNBC Reports - Air Date 5-28-25
KP 5: Trumps Rants about Harvard Get Darker as He Loses a Big One in Court - The Daily Blast - Air Date 5-29-25
KP 6: Prof Jason Stanley Trump is targeting the three pillars of democracy as he follows fascist playbook - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 6-1-25
KP 7: Worse Than McCarthyism Historian Ellen Schrecker on Trumps War Against Universities & Students - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-30-25
KP 8: Tanya Clay House on Freedom to Learn, Danaka Katovich on Attacks on Activists - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-2-25
(01:00:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On what will fill the gap left by anti-intellectualism
DEEPER DIVES
(01:07:27) SECTION A: ANTI-SCIENCE
(02:27:53) SECTION B: ANTI-HIGHER EDUCATION
(02:56:38) SECTION C: ANTI-PUBLIC GOODS
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: An illustrated image of an arm and hand holding up a protest sign with an image of a brain on it.
Credit: “brain icon mind thinking” via Mohamed_hasan, Pixabay | Pixabay license
Original Air Date: 12-8-2023
Neoliberalism has created a lot of economic suffering and insecurity in addition to weakened social ties over the past few decades. And now, in what may be the most devastating result of the ideology yet, neoliberalism may be leading much of the world toward fascism bolstered by legitimate grievances about economic precarity which are coopted by the false promises of right-wing populism.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Far-right extremism on the rise around the globe - The ReidOut with Joy Reid - Air Day 11-28-23
Ch. 2: How Can Democracy Survive in an Age of Discontent Rachel Navarre and Matthew Rhodes-Purdy on Populism and Political Extremism - Democracy Paradox - Air Date 11-28-23
Ch. 3: Argentina's Trump? Far-Right Javier Milei Wins Presidency with Echoes of Past Dictatorship - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-21-23
Ch. 4: How Can Democracy Survive in an Age of Discontent Rachel Navarre and Matthew Rhodes-Purdy on Populism and Political Extremism Part 2 - Democracy Paradox - Air Date 11-28-23
Ch. 5: Media Coverage of the Trump Movement is Missing Vital Context - On the Media - Air Date 11-29-23
Ch. 6: 'Democracy on a Knife's Edge' Far-right electoral victories in Argentina, Holland; Trump threatens Insurrection Act - The Bradcast - Air Date 11-28-23
Ch. 7: How Can Democracy Survive in an Age of Discontent Rachel Navarre and Matthew Rhodes-Purdy on Populism and Political Extremism Part 3 - Democracy Paradox - Air Date 11-28-23
Ch. 8: Media Coverage of the Trump Movement is Missing Vital Context Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 11-29-23
Ch. 9: How Can Democracy Survive in an Age of Discontent Rachel Navarre and Matthew Rhodes-Purdy on Populism and Political Extremism Part 4 - Democracy Paradox - Air Date 11-28-23
Air Date: 6–2-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss:
- The role of art in political movements and moments under capitalism
- The problems with the Democratic Party that go far beyond Biden
- The Democrats’ gerontocracy that is literally dying and allowing Trump legislation to pass
- Our response to the latest DNC Executive Committee Meeting (held May 29th in Little Rock, AR)
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REFERENCES:
Don’t Expect Art To Save Us - Current Affairs
To Be a Consumer of Culture Means Living in a Hostage Situation - Slate (from 2023)
The Problem Goes Well Beyond Biden - Current Affairs
The Democratic Party Is Literally Dying - The Nation
Inside the Democrats’ Reboot - Time
The DNC Executive Committee Meeting via Progressive Hub
SOLVED! SONG! “Push” - Concepts: Human Intelligence. Song: Artificial Intelligence. Based on SOLVED! Ep. #10: “The Old Guard is Dying” (June 2nd)
TAKE ACTION:
Write to the DNC
June 14th - “No Kings” Nationwide Day of Action
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
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Reach us via Signal:
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Produced by:
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Thanks for listening!
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 5/30/2025
Given the overwhelming weirdness of Trump and his malfeasant style of governance, it would be perfectly understandable for casual observers to believe that his signature piece of legislation, weirdly named in reality the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," was itself also likely to be pretty weird; a potential departure from usual Republican Party policy priorities. In reality, what's weird is how deeply normal it is: take from the poor and give to the rich while letting corporations get away with murder.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: All the president's side hustles - Today, Explained - Air Date 5-15-25
KP 2: 'Met Gala of pay-for-play' Trump crypto dinner is brazenly corrupt, says Hayes - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-22-25
KP 3: Historian Julian Zelizer Trump's corruption is the worst ever seen in the White House! - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 5-13-25
KP 4: Analyst Trump's Middle East Trip Isn't For Peace. It's a Turn Towards Fighting China - BreakThrough News - Air Date 5-16-25
KP 5: Trump's Big Beautiful Bill is Baloney - The Coffee Klatch with Robert Reich - Air Date 5-17-25
KP 6: Trump-GOP Tax Bill Cuts Medicaid, SNAP To Give Handouts To Billionaires Part 1- The Majority Report - Air Date 5-20-25
KP 7: Trump Castrated the Courts! Big Beautiful Bill ENDS Constitutional Protection Against Dictatorship - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-20-25
(00:55:49) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why seeing is not believing and how that helps Republicans
DEEPER DIVES
(01:02:25) SECTION A: CORRUPTION
(01:45:05) SECTION B: BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL
(02:19:13) SECTION C: IMPACT
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image depicting Trump giving a speech at a podium with his hands out and an image of House Speaker Mike Johnson’s face in a circle over his shoulder. Text over the image reads “THE BIG CRUEL STUPID BILL”
Credits: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Photo credit: “President of the United States Donald J. Trump at CPAC 2017 February 24th 2017” by Michael Vadon, Flickr | CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Darkened overlay and text and image overlays | “Mike Johnson” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped into circle with darker overlay
Air Date 5/27/2025
Slippery slope arguments persist because good ideas taken to extremes become bad ones. Eugenics exemplifies this—often starting with good intentions.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The movement that inspired the Holocaust - Alexandra Minna Stern and Natalie Lira - TED-Ed - Air Date 3-10-22
KP 2: MAHA's Soft Eugenics - Conspirituality - Air Date 3-8-25
KP 3: It Must Be Eugenics - I Must Be BUG'N - Air Date 4-24-25
KP 4: Hayek's bastards w/ Quinn Slobodian - Politics Theory Other - Air Date 3-30-25
KP 5: Even More News: Grok's Meltdown, Donald Trump's Rampant Corruption, and Ms. Rachel w/ Mehdi Hasan - Some More News - Air Date 5-16-25
KP 6: Undercover inside a ‘scientific racism’ network - Today in Focus - Air Date 10-25-24
(00:49:40) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the likely future of gene editing ethics
DEEPER DIVES
(01:02:09) SECTION A: HISTORICAL CONTEXT
(01:44:19) SECTION B: RFK JR. ON AUTISM
(01:59:39) SECTION C: TECH BROS
(02:46:44) SECTION D: PRONATALISM
(03:05:05) SECTION E: MAGA
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image depicting HHS Secretary RFK Jr. at a microphone in the center of an overlay of repeating, identical “people” icons. A handful of icons are different, bright neon colors and have a red X in a box over them.
Credits: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Elements from Pixabay. Photo credit: “Robert F. Kennedy Jr.” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, background color change, and added overlay
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Air Date: 5-26-25
CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE MOVIE “SINNERS”
You thought you were going to listen to SOLVED! today, and you're not alone. We also thought we were going to make an episode of SOLVED!, but this turned into something a little bit different. So, we're calling it a “special” in which Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss storytelling and mythology in general, and the extremely relevant and fascinating themes of the new Ryan Coogler film “Sinners,” in particular. Because storytelling is the process by which humans attempt to understand ourselves, it is, by its nature, never ending.
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REFERENCES:
Humans are not the only animals that create their own culture - Earth.com
Ancient Myths in Modern Times: Illuminating Bygone Legends Through Technology - Connolly Cove
The Vampire in Mythology: Analyzing the Symbolic Meanings and Archetypes of Vampire Figures - Mythology Worldwide
“Sinners” - A film by Ryan Coogler starring Michael B. Jordan
TAKE ACTION:
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Use the 5 Calls app for scripts and to reach all your elected officials
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
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Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Original Air Date: 6/29/2020
From 2020: Today we take a look deeper at the concept of "I can't breathe," going beyond the literal utterances by victims of police brutality and COVID-19 sufferers to the metaphorical epidemic of exhaustion, burnout, depression and disaffection in the US and around the world.
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Full Show Notes
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Black Lives Matter Protests, "Outside Agitators," and the Coronavirus - DOOMED with Matt Binder - Air Date 5-30-20
Ch. 2: Structural robbery, mass resistance with William C. Anderson Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 6-4-20
Ch. 3: George Floyd, you, me… us - Jim Hightower - Air Date 6-9-20
Ch. 4: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 1 - Tysky Sour, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20
Ch. 5: America, Racism & Patterns of Change (with Heather Cox Richardson)- Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date - 6-11-20
Ch. 6: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 2 - Tysky, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20
Ch. 7: Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor on how racism & racial terrorism fueled nationwide anger - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-1-20
Ch. 8: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 3 - Tysky, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20
Ch. 9: The Uprising and Its Leadership: What Does it Look Like in This Moment? - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-10-20
Ch. 10: Cornel West: Nationwide uprisings herald "America's moment of reckoning" - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-1-20
Produced by Jay!
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Air Date: 5-21-2025
A popular MAGA refrain is, "promises made, promises kept." The key is having known which promises to take seriously. Weaponizing the government against his enemies and attempting to wield dictatorial power, sure. Benefit his supporters or the working class more broadly, or rid the government of waste, fraud, or corruption... not so much.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: 100 Perfect Days - Pod Save America - Air Date 4-29-25
KP 2: 100 Daze of Trump's 'Fascist Death Spiral' with Heather Digby Parton of Salon, 'Driftglass' of 'Pro Left Podcast' - The BradCast - Air Date 4-30-25
KP 3: There is no president, really - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 4-26-25
KP 4: 100 days of payback - Today, Explained - Air Date 4-29-25
KP 5: Trump Is Losing A Lot In Court. Plus, the First Episode of The Divided Dial (S2). - On The Media - Air Date 5-9-25
KP 6: 100 Days of Hypocrisy - Main Justice - Air Date 4-29-25
KP 7: A Trumped Up Police State Is Coming Part 1 - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 5-8-25
KP 8: 100 Days of Chaos Skye Perryman - Future Hindsight - Air Date 5-1-25
(52:39) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the upcoming No Kings protest on June 14
DEEPER DIVES
(57:36) SECTION A: EXECUTIVE POWER
(1:35:05) SECTION B: IMMIGRATION & FORCE
(1:58:20) SECTION C: INCOMPETENCY AND SELF ENRICHMENT
(2:40:49) SECTION D: RESISTANCE
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS for #1711 - Trump 100 days
Description: Black and white photo of Trump at a podium at the White House looking stern, with a policeman standing behind him.
Credit: “P20250519JB-0425P20250519JB-0425” by The White House, Flickr | Government work, Public Domain
Produced by Jay!
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Air Date: 5-19-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon (Erin was on vacation) discuss:
- The origins of and problems with “the one way” Christian mindset
- Why Finland’s happiest country title and happiness itself are terribly misunderstood by Americans
- How our globalized world is messing with perceptions of our cultural similarities and differences
- The link between genocides, pseudoscience, and conspiracy theories
- Naomi Klein’s analysis on the problems with how we talk about the Holocaust
- How we get back to humanization and recognizing our core similarities as beings floating on a rock in space
- Some Finnish wisdom that encapsulates life, the universe, and everything
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REFERENCES:
My Miserable Week in the Happiest Country on Earth - The New York Times
Doppelgänger by Naomi Klein (If you buy via this link, you can support indie bookstores and SOLVED! at the same time!)
The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan (If you buy via this link, you can support indie bookstores and SOLVED! at the same time!)
A Wilder Shore: The Romantic Odyssey of Fanny and Robert Louis Stevenson by Camille Peri (If you buy via this link, you can support indie bookstores and SOLVED! at the same time!)
“Pale Blue Dot” - An excerpt from Carl Sagan’s book “Pale Blue Dot” (If you buy via this link, you can support indie bookstores and SOLVED! at the same time!)
SOLVED! SONG! “Pale Blue Dot” - Concepts: Human Intelligence. Song: Artificial Intelligence.
TAKE ACTION:
June 14th - “No Kings” Nationwide Day of Action
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Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 5/18/2025
The full quote from today's title is from one of the most celebrated writers of Southern American literature, William Faulkner, who said, "The past is never dead. It’s not even past. All of us labor in webs spun long before we were born, webs of heredity and environment, of desire and consequence, of history and eternity.” The new film, Sinners, set in the Jim Crow South, attempts to take on some of the subjects that make up that web of history and consequence. The theme of today's episode is an attempt to dig into many of the subjects of the film.
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Full Show Notes
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Sinners: Director Ryan Coogler on His Latest Hit, Delta Blues, His Mississippi Roots & Vampires Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-25-25
KP 2: Sinners and the General State of Things - The Morbid Zoo - Air Date 5-10-25
KP 3: Western Christianity and White Supremacy Part 1 - Meant For This - Air Date 3-23-22
KP 4: How Do You Put A Price On America's Original Sin? - Consider This - Air Date 3-27-23
KP 5: Storm and Stress: Jim Crow America Part 1 - History is US - Air Date 6-5-22
KP 6: Trump's first 100 days, but it's just the racism - Garrison Hayes - Air Date 5-2-25
(48:29) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how to talk about the interplay between economics and identity politics
DEEPER DIVES
(57:48) SECTION A: CHRISTIANITY
(1:33:29) SECTION B: RACE
(2:18:56) SECTION C: CULTURE
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Portion of the 1830s painting “Slave Market” (Brazil) depicting two white men discussing the sale of enslaved, black Brazilian men with a church with steeple and cross in the background and the iconography of the Virgin Mary on the wall above.
Credit: “Slave Market” by Johann Moritz Rugendas, New York Public Library Digital Collections | Copyright status undetermined by NYPL | Changes: Cropped with increased contrast and brightness
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date 6/4/2022
Today we take a look at some of the obvious steps we need to take to reduce gun violence in the United States, debunk some of the favored propaganda supporting unfettered gun ownership and explore the origins of how Gun Culture™ was invented by corporations as the frontier era need for guns began to vanish pushing them to convert guns from tools that were needed but not loved into items that were loved though no longer needed.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Igor Volsky on Ending Gun Violence - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-27-22
Ch. 2: NRA's "Good Guy With A Gun" Theory Failed In Real Time In Uvalde - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-27-22
Ch. 3: Jordan Klepper Debunks The "Good Guy with a Gun" Argument - The Daily Show - Air Date 12-11-15
Ch. 4: The Second Amendment Isn't About Killing Politicians or Overthrowing Democracy - The Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-31-22
Ch. 5: Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger speaking to Charlayne Hunter-Gault - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 12-16-1991
Ch. 6: How the Gun Industry Used Marketing to Change a Culture - Letters and Politics - Air Date 8-7-19
Ch. 7: Mass Shootings: American Exceptionalism of the Worst Kind - Breaking the Sound Barrier by Amy Goodman - Air Date 5-26-22
SHOW IMAGE: Description: A pencil sketch of a larger-than-life hand gun on the shoulders of a weary man, in the image of Jesus carrying the cross. He stands in a pool of red blood.
Credit: “Gun Culture” by Christopher Dombres, Flickr | Public Domain | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date 5/24/2019
As the neoliberal order collapses from the pressure of its failures to provide for working people, we take a look at the much-maligned, rarely-understood field of economic and social study known as Marxism.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Contributions of Karl Marx Part 1 - Economic Update - Air Date 5-25-18
Professor Wolff takes a deeper look at the life and work of Karl Marx in celebration of the 200th anniversary of his birth.
Ch. 2: Marxism Today - Analysis - Air Date 6-19-16
Robin who was a BBC reporter for 25 years thinks Marx was always in the background discourse of politics, an influence he partly feared and didn't fully understand. He takes a walk through central London in the footsteps of the great revolutionary.
Ch. 3: David Harvey on Marx, Capital, and the Madness of Economic Reason - Left Out - Air Date 11-5-17
David Harvey is arguably the most influential living geographer, as well as one of the world’s leading Marxist scholars. He is among the most cited intellectuals of all time across the humanities and social sciences.
Ch. 4: This Ruthless Criticism of All That Exists Marxism as Science - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 2-2-19
J. Moufawad-Paul, a Marxist philosopher and author of "Continuity and Rupture", "The Communist Necessity", and "Austerity Apparatus", joins Breht to discuss his most recent essay "This Ruthless Criticism of All That Exists: Marxism as Science".
Ch. 5: Erosion of Consumer Choices - David Harvey's Anti-Capitalist Chronicles - Air Date 4-24-19
Prof. Harvey discusses Marx's theory of Capital and its relevance today. Consumers have less and less autonomy. Their choices, even how they will spend their leisure time, are increasingly influenced by capitalists.
Ch. 6: The Contributions of Karl Marx Part 2 - Economic Update - Air Date 5-25-18
Professor Wolff takes a deeper look at the life and work of Karl Marx in celebration of the 200th anniversary of his birth.
Produced by Jay!
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Air Date 5/6/2025
The Monthly-ish Mix™ is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month we look at government surveillance overreach, challenges facing immigrant and refugee communities, the shifting landscape of American culture brought on by Christian Nationalism and the emerging broligarchy, and grassroots movements challenging institutional power.
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Full Show Notes | Transcript
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PART 1: GOVERNMENT POWER & ITS MISUSE
#1697 The Trump World Order: Are we the Baddies?
(00:27:13) #1699 A Government Of the People, By the People, and Weaponized Against the People
(00:41:10) #1704 Weaponization and Capitulation: Trump vs Immigrants, Universities, and Media
(01:05:30) #1706 Trump's Kafkaesque Deportation Nightmare is the Shame of the Nation
PART 2: VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES & CIVIL RIGHTS
(01:29:29) #1700 Dehumanizing Trans People is Always the First Step for Fascists
(01:49:55) #1705 Threatened Social Safety Nets Are Foundational to Healthy Societies
PART 3: CULTURAL & SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION
(02:03:47) #1702 Destroying Education, Boosting Christian Nationalism: Rewriting the Past and Hamstringing the Future
(02:24:21) #1703 The Broligarchy and the Rise of Techno-Feudalism
PART 4: OPPOSITION & RESISTANCE
(02:39:54) #1698 Resistance is Not Futile: Support the collective revolt against Trumpism (Special Podcasthon!)
(02:53:32) #1701 Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way: Installing the Backbone Democrats Need
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date: 5-5-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin continue our discussion on masculinity and dive into:
-
The dangers of the online obsession with Patrick Bateman from American Psycho
-
John Adams’ famous quote that could give some insight into today’s incels
-
The Matt Walsh/Megan Kelly skirmish that exposes Walsh’s siloed world-view
-
A small but interesting group of former Trumpers who seem to have woken up to the bullshit of traditional gender roles
-
The studies that show women have better sex under socialism
-
SOLVED! SONG! “Love’s Not a Game” (Directly inspired by this episode!)
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REFERENCES:
Sigma grindset: TikTok's toxic worshipping of Patrick Bateman is another sign young men are lost - GQ Magazine
John Adams Writes to Abigail: ‘I must study politicks and war’
Megyn Kelly Rebukes Matt Walsh for Saying Women Should Be ‘Traditionally Feminine’: Men Find Working Wives ‘Smokin Hot’ - Mediaite
Daily Wire's Matt Walsh: “Men are generally not attracted to ambitious career-driven women” - Media Matters
The Vibe Shifts Against the Right - The New York Times
Why Women Had Better Sex Under Socialism - The New York Times (August 2017)
SOLVED! SONG! “Love’s Not a Game” - Concepts: Human Intelligence. Song: Artificial Intelligence. Based on SOLVED! Ep. #8: Part 2
EXTRAS
“The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity and Love” by bell hooks (If you buy via this link, you can support indie bookstores and SOLVED! at the same time!)
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Air Date 5/2/2025
We're taking the passing of Pope Francis as an opportunity to explore the deeper political implications of the extremist, rightward turn for some in the Catholic Church, including many recent converts.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Why Pope Francis successor could have great influence on U.S. politics - MSNBC Reports - Air Date 4-23-25
KP 2: Trump Purges Military Leaders And Angela Denker On The Radicalization Of White Men - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 2-25-25
KP 3: The Meaning of Pope Francis - Know Your Enemy - Air Date 4-25-25
KP 4: Weekly Roundup The Pope, JD Vance, and Anti-Christian Bias - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 4-25-25
KP 5: Opus Dei A Catholic Cult with Gareth Gore - Free Thought Matters - Air Date 2-20-25
KP 6: To Understand JD Vance, You Need to Meet the TheoBros - Mother Jones - Air Date 10-2-24
KP 7: The Radical Catholic Right from Paul Weyrich to JD Vance Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 9-23-24
(53:23) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the benefits of democracy
DEEPER DIVES
(1:04:00) SECTION A: THE POPE
(1:22:49) SECTION B: IN POLICY
(1:43:34) SECTION C: POST-LIBERAL CATHOLICS
(2:17:50) SECTION D: MEN
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Composite image. Showing a disgruntled looking JD Vance looking toward an image of Pope Francis smiling while blessing a child in a crowd. A quote in a box says “What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly, and will end badly.”
Credit: Design by A. Hoffman | Components: “JD Vance” Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, used in composite | “Blessing of children pope” by ansehen, Pixabay | License: Pixabay
Produced by Jay!
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Air Date 4/29/2025
The economic and political fallout of Trump’s misguided tariffs, exposing his self-proclaimed deal-making prowess as a fraud and his grasp of the relevant issues to be childlike at best.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The Lost History of Trump's Tariff War Part 1 - Lever Time - Air Date 4-4-25
KP 2: What we can learn from a past tariff tiff - Make Me Smart - Air Date 2-11-25
KP 3: Who Got Rich? The Trump Tariffs, Explained by MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle - PABLO TORRE FINDS OUT- Air Date 4-11-25
KP 4: From “Liberation Day” to Chaos: Trump Pauses Most Tariffs While Escalating Trade War with China - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-10-25
KP 5: Is Trump (Already) Giving Up On Tariffs? - TLDR News - Air Date 4-25-25
KP 6: The tariffs are just stupid. - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 4-18-25
(00:48:40) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the related topics of masculinity and labor
DEEPER DIVES
(00:53:39) SECTION A: MOTIVATION
(01:17:08) SECTION B: DOMESTIC EFFECT
(01:57:28) SECTION C: INTERNATIONAL EFFECT
(02:43:36) SECTION D: HISTORY
Tariffied: Exposing Trump's Artless Deal
Description: Composite image. An illustrated outline of Trump’s bust, including hair and suit and tie, with overlapping tariff stamps where the eyes and nose should be, and a wide open mouth with a globe between his teeth.
Credit: Design by A. Hoffman | Components License: Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 4-28-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss:
-
Why the “manly” manufacturing jobs Trump and MAGA want are never coming back
-
Why incels love Trump’s tariffs
-
The sad flails of the “Make America Manly Again” movement
-
The “Sigma grindset” guys’ obsession with - and complete misunderstanding of - disturbing fictional movie characters
-
Cliffhanger! Jay explains our upcoming schedule
-
SOLVED! SONG! “Blinded” (Directly inspired by this episode!)
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REFERENCES:
Manufacturing jobs are never coming back - Vox
The strange link between Trump’s tariffs and incel ideology - Vox
Trump’s Tariff Pause Sets Back the “Make Men Manly Again” Movement - The Nation
Sigma grindset: TikTok's toxic worshipping of Patrick Bateman is another sign young men are lost - GQ
SOLVED! SONG! “Blinded” - Concepts: Human Intelligence. Song: Artificial Intelligence. Based on SOLVED! Ep. #8: “Part 1: Drowning Men Will Clutch at Straws: Masculinity in a MAGA world” (April 26th)
TAKE ACTION:
May Day nationwide action - May 1st
Find your Indivisible group - or start one
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
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Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 4/26/2025
For those of us who knew that Trump was lawless and deeply racist in his desire for mass deportations of brown people, we're getting exactly what we expected. For others, at least the lawlessness is coming as a bit of a surprise, and yet, here we are.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Mr. Abrego Garcia - Main Justice - Air Date 4-15-25
KP 2: Dara Lind on Criminalizing Immigrants - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-11-25
KP 3: Are Trump Administration Officials in Criminal Contempt - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 4-21-25
KP 4: Bukele Goes To Washington w. Roberto Lovato - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-20-25
KP 5: What a photojournalist saw as Venezuelan migrants arrived in El Salvador - 60 Minutes - Air Date 4-6-25
KP 6: Dictator Behind Trump's Notorious El Salvadorian Prison Deportations Wants U.S. Dissents Locked Up - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 4-16-24
KP 7: Trump's Real Plan With El Salvador Revealed - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 4-15-25
KP 8: Sen. Van Hollen on Meeting Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador & Escalating Constitutional Crisis - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-21-25
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On finding glimmers of hope for the future
DEEPER DIVES
SECTION A: DEPORTATION PRACTICES
SECTION B: VICTIMS OF REGIME
SECTION C: VENEZUELA AND EL SALVADOR
SECTION D: RESISTANCE
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Composite image. An illustration of ghost-like man, woman, and child walking into a dark, complex maze with the I.C.E. logo and Trump’s mug shot at the entrance.
Credit: Design by A. Hoffman | Components License: Pixabay
Produced by Jay!
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Air Date 4/22/2025
George W. Bush proposed privatizing Social Security and didn't succeed. But, as with appointing Justices that would eventually overturn Roe V. Wade, groundwork was being laid as part of a multi-decade effort that would, they hoped, pay off in the future. So don't be surprised when they come for your earned benefits programs just as they came for the fundamental right to bodily autonomy.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: What few people know about the program that saved America - Meg Jacobs - TED-Ed - Air Date 6-17-21
KP 2: Trump is coming for Social Security. And he has a new 'Big Lie' to justify it. - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-5-25
KP 3: What DOGE could mean for Medicare and Medicaid? - Consider This - Air Date 2-10-25
KP 4: Food banks feel the pain from higher prices and cuts to government programs - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 4-10-25
KP 5: Important HHS services _will grind to a halt_ with cuts, former Secretary Sebelius says - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 4-2-25
KP 6: Trumps Butchering Social Security to Feed His Starving Billionaires w/ Alex Lawson - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 3-12-25
KP 7: 'The federal workforce feels tormented': Federal employees on the consequences of losing their jobs Part 1 - On Point - Air Date 4-1-25
KP 8: INTERVIEW: Tim Faust on Defending Medicaid - The Worst of All Possible Worlds Part 1 - Air Date 3-31-25
(00:51:58) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the false moral arguments for cutting social safety nets
DEEPER DIVES
(01:02:18) SECTION A: SOCIAL SECURITY
(01:51:24) SECTION B: GENERAL CUTS
(02:34:52) SECTION C: MEDICAID & HHS
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Photo of a homemade protest sign that says “Hands Off My Social Security” from the Hands Off nationwide rallies.
Credit: Private permission photo
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Air Date 4/18/2025
Before the election, I heard interviews and statistics about Trump supporters responding to his stated desire to weaponize the government against his political enemies. Their response was that 1) they didn't want him to do that and 2) didn't think he would.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Free Mahmoud Khalil with Ben Wizner and Baher Azmy - At Liberty - Air Date 3-26-25
KP 2: News Brief Dem Leaders, 'Free Speech' Warriors Mostly Shrug as Trump Disappears Political Dissidents - Citations Needed - Air Date 4-2-25
KP 3: Trump's Revenge - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-1-25
KP 4: Trump Pauses Tariffs, Businesses Welcome Relief, Trump Targets Former Officials - Up First - Air Date 4-10-25
KP 5: Mahmoud Khalil and a New Red Scare. Plus, Press Freedom Under Threat. - On The Media - Air Date 3-14-25
KP 6: Trumps Attacks on Law Firms, Lawyers, and the Law - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 3-20-25
KP 7: Trump and the Courts w Samuel Moyn - Behind the News - Air Date 3-7-25
(00:52:02) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how racism and anti-intellectualism are a self-inflicted injury to society
DEEPER DIVES
(00:59:09) SECTION A: COMPLYING ENTITIES
(01:46:29) SECTION B: GOVERNMENT WEAPONIZATION
(03:01:33) SECTION C: JUDGES AND LEGISLATORS
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Air Date 4/14/2025
Everything, it turns out, is a double-edged sword. Democracy and freedom are great but it also contains the keys to its own destruction. Love is pretty good but it turns out that only love can break your heart. And technology, which has freed people from countless hours of menial labor also has the power to subsume our economy, our politics, and much of our everyday lives. It may even be said to have supplanted capitalism itself.
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ACTIVISM ROUNDUP
KEY POINTS
KP 1: The Broligarchy Pt 2: Is this Techno-Fascism? Part 1 - Close All Tabs - Air Date 4-2-25
KP 2: Capitalism Has Mutated Into Something Worse with Yanis Varoufakis - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 2-7-24
KP 3: How Technofacism is Rooted in Silicon Valley / Becca Lewis Part 1 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 2-11-25
KP 4: We Went To Georgia Facebooks Data Center Took This Town Hostage - More Perfect Union - Air Date 3-27-25
KP 5: The Rise of Techno-Authoritarianism - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 2-26-24
KP 6: What does Palantir actually do? - Good Work - Air Date 3-28-25
(00:52:52) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the faustian bargain of the internet's walled gardens
DEEPER DIVES
(01:02:20) SECTION A: FALLOUT
(01:45:41) SECTION B: ORIGINS
(02:10:50) SECTION C: TECH BROS
(02:37:42) SECTION D: APARTHEID
Technofeudalism
Description: A composite image of Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Jeff Bezos wearing tiny golden crowns with dollar signs on them. An illustration of tiny replication of workers at desks in cubicles is in the background.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date: 3/5/2019
From 2019: Today we take a look at how the illiberalism of the Israeli government has alienated the vast majority of democratic nations and individuals who support human rights, leaving the country with some of the most far-right, fascist, white-supremacist, anti-Semitic people in the world as their only remaining allies.
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Show Notes
Ch. 1: Peter Beinart on anti-Semitism in America and illiberalism in Israel - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-28-18
Ch. 2: Inequality and the Fight Against Anti-Semitism Q&A with Paul Jay (2/5) - @TheRealNews - Air Date 11-1-18
Ch. 3: Advocates: Israel’s Jewish Nation-State Law Constitutionally Enshrines Racism Against Palestinians - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 7-23-18
Ch. 4: Canada's Trudeau Attacks BDS, Joins Trump & Israel Blaming 'Both Sides' for Anti-Semitism - @TheRealNews - Air Date 11-12-18
Ch. 5: Noam Chomsky Condemns Israel’s Shift to Far Right & New “Jewish Nation-State” Law - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 7-30-18
Ch. 6: The Last Temptation of Evangelicals - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 5-21-18
Ch. 7: Saudi Crown Prince Tells Palestinians to 'Shut up' as He Cozies up to Israel - @TheRealNews - Air Date 5-3-18
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 4/5/2025
Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past. And with Trump in place, the Christian Nationalists are looking to rewrite history to their liking in order to create the dystopian future they desire.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Donald Trump is Rewriting the Past. Plus, the Christian Groups Vying for Political Power - On The Media - Air Date 2-17-25
KP 2: Trumps Vision for America I Am God - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 3-7-25
KP 3: How to Stand Up to Project 2025 and Save Public Education - Assembly Required - Air Date 12-12-24
KP 4: How School Integration Failed Black Students w Noliwe Rooks - This Is Hell! - Air Date 3-19-25
KP 5: Trump Can't Destroy The Dept. Of Education But He Will - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 3-7-25
KP 6: Trump orders 'restoring' American history through Smithsonian overhaul - Trump's Terms - Air Date 3-28-25
KP 7: Make America Great Again means segregation - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 3-25-25
KP 8: Does Trump Have A Mandate - Stop Christian Nationalism - Air Date 11-20-24
(00:54:50) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the power of repetition
DEEPER DIVES
(01:00:41) SECTION A: PUBLIC EDUCATION
(01:45:37.350) SECTION B: CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
(02:35:29) SECTION C: RELATED TOPICS
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS for #1702 - White nationalism
Description: A composite image of an illustration of Trump holding up a white cross against a dark background of a brick wall painted with the American flag.
Credit: Custom composite design. | Components License: Pixabay
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Air Date 4/2/2025
Love them or loathe them, the Democratic Party is the political institution available to the left to structurally take on Trumpism but we need a whole lot of new energy and new commitments to the fight to turn them into an opposition worthy of the moment we face.
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Full Show Notes | Transcript
New Format Notes Code
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: 'Now is the time to break glass’: Chris Hayes reacts to Schumer interview 'Now is the time to break glass’: Chris Hayes reacts to Schumer interview - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 3-19-25
KP 2: Why Are Some Democrats Trying To Be Republicans？- Kat Abughazaleh - Air Date 3-3-25
KP 3: WATCH: Crowd ROARS As AOC Lays Out Fighting Strategy For Democratic Party - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 3-23-25
KP 4: Why Democrats Are Failing Us - Bean Thinking - Air Date 3-19-25
KP 5: Why Im Running For Congress - Kat Abughazaleh - Air Date 3-24-25
KP 6: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D-IL) Speaks at the 2025 HRC Los Angeles Dinner - Human Rights Campaign - Air Date 3-24-25
(00:48:03) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
With a VM on trans kids and a sneek peek at SOLVED!
DEEPER DIVES
(00:58:17) SECTION A:
(01:37:40) SECTION B:
(02:19:15) SECTION C:
(02:35:50) SECTION D:
(02:55:46) SECTION E:
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 3/28/2025
You might not be trans yourself but that's just like how coal miners aren't canaries because when they saw that the canaries were under threat, they knew the danger was all around them. Fascists always start with those who are the easiest to dehumanize but they never stop there.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Watch, like, subscribe & comment on our newly-launched YouTube show, SOLVED!
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Activism Roundup
KEY POINTS
KP 1: The Threat of Project 2025 on LGBTQ+ Rights - The Blueprint with Jen Psaki - Air Date 9-16-24
KP 2: The fight to protect LGBTQ+ rights from Trump - Politics Weekly America - Air Date 1-31-25
KP 3: Ezra Young on Trans Rights Law, Anne Sosin on RFK Jr. and Rural Health - CounterSpin - Air Date 2-7-25
KP 4: The Rights About-Turn on Parental Rights - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 11-30-24
KP 5: Humanizing Trans People Laverne Cox - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-23-25
KP 6: Imperialism and Totalitarianism Go Hand in Hand M. Gessen on Trumps Policies at Home & Abroad - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-14-25
KP 7: The Fight for Trans Futures - In The Thick - Air Date 12-12-24
KP 8: Know Your LGBTQIA+ Rights with Chase Strangio - At Liberty - Air Date 2-13-25
(01:02:12) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the launch of SOLVED!
DEEPER DIVES
(01:10:48) SECTION A: POLICY ROLLSBACKS
(01:47:25) SECTION B: DEHUMANIZATION
(02:25:13) SECTION C: HISTORICAL ATTACKS
(02:59:41) SECTION D: STORIES
(03:29:55) SECTION E: TRANS JOY AND RESISTANCE
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Original Air Date: 3/29/2022
Today we take a look at the current iteration of the cynical culture wars being waged by conservative Republicans against LGBTQ kids for political gain. The current wave of anti-trans and anti-gay legislation sprouting across the country is not about protecting kids and is absolutely nothing new.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Protecting Women and Children Is a Shield for Transphobia - At Liberty - Air Date 3-17-22
Ch. 2: Andy Marra on Trans Youth Rights - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-4-22
Ch. 3: The Anti-Trans Agenda (w/ Gillian Branstetter) - Know Your Enemy - Air Date 3-20-22
Ch. 4: Chase Strangio on the GOPs Push in Florida, Texas, Idaho to Eradicate Trans Youth & Trans Lives - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-9-22
Ch. 5: Protecting Women and Children Is a Shield for Transphobia Part 2 - At Liberty - Air Date 3-17-22
Ch. 6: Don't Say Gay - Today, Explained - Air Date 3-17-22
Ch. 7: Behind the Transphobic Hate Campaigns (and Steven Crowder) on College Campuses in Texas (w/ Steven Monacelli) Part 1 - DOOMED with Matt Binder - Air Date 3-23-22
Ch. 8: Protecting Women and Children Is a Shield for Transphobia Part 3 - At Liberty - Air Date 3-17-22
Ch. 9: Behind the Transphobic Hate Campaigns (and Steven Crowder) on College Campuses in Texas (w/ Steven Monacelli) Part 2 - DOOMED with Matt Binder - Air Date 3-23-22
Ch. 10: Andy Marra on Trans Youth Rights Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-4-22
Ch. 11: Protecting Women and Children Is a Shield for Transphobia Part 4 - At Liberty - Air Date 3-17-22
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 3–24-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss:
-
Our new game Satire Showdown
-
The authoritarian takeover of the term common sense
-
How Americans actually feel about DEI initiatives
-
The right’s turn on Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett
-
A deep dive on the theory of a multiracial Right and how Democrats should respond
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REFERENCES:
How populist leaders like Trump use ‘common sense’ as an ideological weapon to undermine facts - The Conversation
The Age of Anti-Woke Overreach - The Atlantic
‘She is evil’: Amy Coney Barrett under attack by right wing after USAid ruling - The Guardian
Trump and the Rise of the Multiracial Right - In These Times
“Common Sense” - Concepts: Human Intelligence. Song: Artificial Intelligence. Based on SOLVED! Ep. #342: Common Sense Is Not So Common (March 25th)
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Produced by:
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Air Date 3/21/2025
If you've been paying attention, the weaponization of the government against Trump's political and ideological enemies is exactly what you would have seen coming and now it's here.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Special - The Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil w/ Spencer Ackerman - American Prestige - Air Date 3-12-25
KP 2: Trump Invokes Wartime Alien Enemies Act, Then Ignores Judicial Order to Turn Around Deportation Flights - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-17-25
KP 3: Are Non-Violent Protestors Now Labeled "Terrorists?" - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 6-20-13
KP 4: John Harwood on Trump's attack on free speech: ‘Everyone in civil society needs to stand up' - Velshi - Air Date 3-6-24
KP 5: Trump Hates Science - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 3-14-25
KP 6: Fascism is Officially Here | Hasanabi reacts - Hasanabi Productions - Air Date 3-17-25
(48:46) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the need for us to protect each other
DEEPER DIVES
(53:17) SECTION A: FREE SPEECH CAN BE TERRORISM
(1:25:56) SECTION B: OPPOSING TRUMP CAN BE TERRORISM
(1:43:42) SECTION C: DOJ, FBI, & THE JUDICIARY
(2:20:30) SECTION D: GOVERNMENT FUNCTION
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Protestors in New York City hold signs that say “Release Mahmoud Khalil - Hands off our students” and “Release Mahmoud Khalil” with the activist’s photo.
Credit: “Mahmoud Khalil NYC detention protest 013” by SWinxy, Wikimedia | License: CC BY 4.0
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 3–19-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss:
-
A special little ditty Jay put together
-
The legitimate problems that helped birth the damaging MAHA movement
-
Sherrod Brown’s OpEd on how the Democrats lost their way
-
What Jay learned from India’s railway engineers
-
An interview with Ro Khanna that sparked some hope
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REFERENCES:
“Like a Flame in the Night” - Based on SOLVED! Ep. #340: Prophetic Voices from the Past and Hope for the Future (March 9th)
Health Paranoia and the Politics of MAHA
Democrats Must Become the Workers’ Party Again
Ro Khanna Is Doing More Than Voting 'No'
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Produced by:
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Air Date 3/18/2025
In this special Podcasthon episode, we're joining thousands of podcasts around the world in taking the opportunity this week to support a cause or organization that we believe in. In this time of fighting fascism, Best of the Left has chosen to support Indivisible, the grassroots organizing team that's working to resist Trumpism and pressure Democrats to do the same. Follow the link in the description of this episode to make a donation but also take a moment to find and join your local Indivisible chapter to stay engaged.
SUPPORT INDIVISIBLE WITH A DONATION AND SIGN UP WITH YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER!
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Activism Roundup
KEY POINTS
KP 1: Bernie Response Does Huge Numbers｜One Democrat Defies Trump - The Rational National - Air Date 3-5-25
KP 2: How to Rebuild the Left as the Far Right Floods the Zone - UNFTR Media - Air Date 2-5-25
KP 3: How to Really Resist - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 2-28-25
KP 4: Republicans finally go NUCLEAR over town hall disasters - Brian Tyler Cohen - Air Date 3-5-25
KP 5: How Leftists Can Win in 2025 - Harper O'Conner - Air Date 1-3-25
KP 6: Gov. Pritzker SLAMS Trump and Musk in closing remarks of State of the State address - NBC Chicago - Air Date 2-19-25
(50:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Giving the call to join the fight at Indivisible.org
DEEPER DIVES
(52:46) SECTION A: STRATEGY & GOALS
(1:16:30) SECTION B: HUMOR AS A TACTIC
(1:35:34) SECTION C: PROTEST
(1:54:57) SECTION D: BOYCOTT
(2:13:48) SECTION E: RESOURCES
(2:37:09) SECTION F: POWER STRUCTURES
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A protestor holds a Trans Pride flag with the word RESIST (with an equals sign in the E) in front of a state capitol building.
Credit: Private permission photo
Air Date 3/15/2025
It always bears repeating that the progressive perspective on the state of the world is not that everything was going just fine before Trump showed up but there's a world of difference between the leftist desire to improve things and Trump's bull-in-a-china-shop foreign and economic policies. Allow us to list the ways.
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KEY POINTS
1: Project 2025 Foreign Policy America Last - The Tristan Snell Show - Air Date 8-15-25
2: March 6, 2025 Full Show - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-6-25
3: Trump's Foreign Policy - It Could Happen Here - 11-14-24
4: Ukraine's Fight for Self-Determination w/ Howie Hawkins - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-3-25
5: Russia, Ukraine, US The Global Chessboard - WhoWhatWhy's Podcasts - Air Date 3-4-25
6: After restarting aid to Ukraine, U.S. will present ceasefire proposal to Russia - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 3-11-25
7: Trump's tariff tumult - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 3-6-25
8: Trumps On-and-Off-Again Tariffs, and Decoding Make America Healthy Again - On the Media - Air Date 3-7-25
9: Global Chess Europe's Unity Strengthens While American Trade Policy Falters - The Tristan Snell Show - Air Date 3-6-25
(59:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On Monthly-ish Recaps and the week of activism
DEEPER DIVES
(1:02:33) SECTION A: RUSSIA AND UKRAINE
(1:44:50) SECTION B: TRADE WARS AND TARIFFS
(2:27:43) SECTION C: USAID
(3:03:26) SECTION D: US REALIGNMENT & NATO
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Rendering of Donald Trump handing Vladimir Putin the world while they stand at podiums with the American and Russian flags behind them.
Credit: “trump-putin-russia-usa-politics” by Lola4556677, Pixabay | License: Pixabay
Air Date 3/12/2025
The (Approximately) Monthly Mix is here to get you caught up on recent news without being overwhelming! This month we look at the future for Gaza, Trump's plans for mass deportations, the decline of the US on the international stage, the wrecking crew dismantling the federal government, RFK Jr. and the threat to public health, and Trump's endemic corruption.
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PART 1: ETHNIC CLEANSING AT HOME AND ABROAD
#1687 Respite: Ceasefire in Gaza and the Legacy of Imperial Folly in the Middle East
1: Gaza Ceasefire Explained Reading Between The Lines Part 2 - The Socialist Program - Air Date 1-16-25
2: On the Situation in Syria and its Implications for the Region - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 1-6-25
3: Egypt, Jordan Reject Trump Plan to Clean Out Gaza; Palestinians Return to N. Gaza in Historic Day - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-27-25
(25:13) #1693 Empowering Ethnostates: Ethnically cleansing Gaza and Trump's South Africa fixation
4: Trump's Insane Plan To Own Gaza - Pod Save the World - Air Date 2-12-25
5: West Bank Annexation Inevitable - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-6-25
6: Trump's South Africa Fixation - What Next - Air Date 2-12-25
(49:33) #1692 Ethnically Cleansing America
(1:16:02) #1688 International Decline: The Old Is Dying and the New Cannot Be Born
PART 2: TRUMP AND THE WRECKING CREW
(1:41:55) #1689 The Media and the Moguls
(2:02:34) #1691 Breaking the Government
(2:25:26) #1690 Oligarchy Unmasked- Why Billionaires Hate Democracy and How They're Dismantling It
(2:45:15) #1694 Unhealthy Discourse - RFK Jr. and the Anti-Science Movement Endangering Global Health
(3:02:31) #1695 Trump's Corruption As A Matter Of Course
Air Date: 3–9-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss:
-
The Founding Fathers’ prophetic concerns that we don’t ever talk about
-
FDR VP Harry Wallace’s op-ed on American fascism from 1944
-
Philosopher Richard Rorty’s chilling predictions from 1998
-
A few reasons - with caveats - why U.S. Democracy might make it through Trump 2.0
-
Some hope and advice from a country that recently defeated their authoritarian regime
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REFERENCES:
Benjamin Franklin to the Federal Convention
The Other Fear of the Founders - The Atlantic
Vice President Henry A. Wallace on ‘The Danger of American Fascism’ in 1944 - Brewminate
An eerie prophecy of Trump’s second term - Vox
Three reasons why American democracy will likely withstand Trump - Vox
Poland just showed the world how democracy wins
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Produced by:
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Air Date 3/7/2025
Corruption, for those who indulge, isn't just a perk of power, it can also be a method of maintaining it. Trump is not bothering to hide the corruption he's working to facilitate or how it's geared toward supporting his desire for unchecked power.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: President Trump's Second Administration and Project 2025 - Trump's Terms - Air Date 2-11-25
KP 2: The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau was protecting you from corporate greed. It's gone now. - The Real News Network - Air Date 2-18-25
KP 3: The Gangster Presidency - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 2-15-25
KP 4: Trump's Theory of Power - Brennan Center for Justice - Air Date 2-5-25
KP 5: See Trump's blatant quid pro quo with Eric Adams play out live on Fox News - All In w Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-14-25
KP 6: The Billionaires Government Branko Marcetic on Trumps Complete Betrayal of His Base - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-27-25
KP 7: D.C. Gutted. Grassroots Galvanized. - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 2-22-25
KP 8: Elie Mystal On The Peoples Checks and Balances - Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 2-21-25
(56:17) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the impact of corruption
DEEPER DIVES
(1:05:38) SECTION A: THE CABINET OF GREED
(1:48:28) SECTION B: QUID-PRO-QUO
(2:10:58) SECTION C: CORPORATE INTERESTS
(2:48:08) SECTION D: KING TRUMP
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A protestor holds up a sign that says “Stop The Billionaire Grift!”
Credit: “HANDS OFF THE CFPB RALLY at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau” by Elvert Barnes, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 3/4/2025
An old proverb says that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and we're all about to see how dangerous as know-nothings and science skeptics take over the government agencies staffed by doctors and scientists with the goal of keeping the population healthy.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: U.S. health agencies hit with mass layoffs by Trump administration - Way Too Early with Ali Vitali - Air Date 2-18-25
KP 2: Department of Health and Holy Sh*t: RFK Jr.’s MAHA Movement and What It Means for America Part 1 - Inside the Hive - Air Date 2-5-25
KP 3: Psychiatric Struggle w/ Danielle Carr - The Dig - Air Date 2-17-25
KP 4: MAHA Forever - The Dream - Air Date 2-16-25
KP 5: Republicans are Proposing Bills SO F***ing Stupid They’ll Make Your Head Explode - The Humanist Report - Air Date 2-18-25
KP 6: Samoa's Health Chief Says RFK Jr. Spread Anti-Vax Misinformation Before Deadly Measles Outbreak - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-31-25
(48:15) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the tragedy of the mirror world
DEEPER DIVES
(57:25) SECTION A: HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS
(1:15:51) SECTION B: RFK JR.
(1:30:48) SECTION C: ANTI-SCIENCE DANGERS
(1:55:19) SECTION D: PREDATORS AND PREY
SHOW IMAGE
Description: RFK Jr. speaks at the podium at a Trump-Vance rally while an out-of-focus Donald Trump watches him in the background.
Credit: “Donald Trump & Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 3-2-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss:
-
How “entrepreneurialism” has gained unearned adoration and disempowered labor organizing
-
The 100-year-old “New Thought” era and how it shaped our current culture of work
-
The social critic Theodore Roszak’s accurate predictions about the dark turn of tech and work
-
What Democrats should learn from Steve Bannon’s approach to Musk
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REFERENCES:
The Cult of the Entrepreneur - The New Republic
The Social Critic Who Predicted Big Tech’s Dark Turn - The Nation
What Anti-Musk Democrats Can Learn From Steven Bannon - NY Magazine
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Original Air Date: 615/2022
The many reasons why we are experiencing a housing crisis in the US and beyond but it mostly comes down to treating housing as a commodity to be profited from rather than a basic human need or, if you're feeling radical, a basic human right.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Housing Market - If You Don't Know, Now You Know - The Daily Show - Air Date 12-8-21
Ch. 2: How Foreign Companies Are Raising Housing Prices - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-27-21
Ch. 3: John and Ana React to Bonkers Housing Story - The Damage Report - Air Date 3-12-22
Ch. 4: How Socialists Solved The Housing Crisis - The Gravel Institute - Air Date 1-29-21
Ch. 5: Is the Housing Bubble About to Burst Featuring Prof. Richard Wolff - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-1-22
Ch. 6: Eviction Rates Are Rising - The Takeaway - Air Date 5-13-22
Ch. 7: Why Dems Have Abandoned Public Housing - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-9-22
Ch. 8: Does Vienna Have the World's Best Council Housing? Swimming Pools, Private TV Channels & More - Channel 4 Documentaries - Air Date 8-8-19
Ch. 9: Short-term rental housing is hurting Ouray residents - Rocky Mountain PBS - Air Date 7-19-21
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: An illustration of a simple green house with a "$" symbol incorporated into it. The vertical line of the symbol is also the shape of the chimney and the front door. Small dollar signs flow out of the chimney, getting smaller as they go up.
Credit: Household | License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 2/25/2025
Racism is at the core of most of what Trump believes so it should be no surprise when he aligns himself and the country with explicitly supremacist projects like the perceived Jewish superiority over Palestinians and the assumed "reverse racism" against White South Africans
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Trumps Insane Plan To Own Gaza - Pod Save the World - Air Date 2-12-25
KP 2: Elon's African roots - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-13-25
KP 3: Trumps South Africa Fixation - What Next - Air Date 2-12-25
KP 4: American Jews, Israel, and Palestine w Peter Beinart - American Prestige - Air Date 2-11-25
KP 5: West Bank Annexation Inevitable - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-6-25
KP 6: Israelis and Palestinians Standing Together - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 2-15-25
KP 7: On The Ground in Gaza Serving the People in Palestine - Rev Left Radio - Air Date 2-11-25
(51:08) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why Israel and Gaza are not are complicated as you may think
DEEPER DIVES
(56:45) SECTION A: TRUMP’S GAZA PROPOSAL
(1:10:39) SECTION B: AFRIKANERS AND TRUMP
(1:35:00) SECTION C: WEST BANK VIOLENCE
(1:59:33) SECTION D: HISTORICAL CONTEXT
(2:25:09) SECTION E: RESISTANCE
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Composite showing Netanyahu and Trump with their heads close looking down on a Palestinian flag flying out of the rubble on Gaza.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 2-23-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss:
-
The heavy influence of a Nazi political theorist (propagandist) on the MAGA movement
-
How our disagreements on baseline reality lead us to devastatingly different conclusions
-
What many Trump supporters hoped for vs. what they got
-
How so-called Timeline apps may help us extricate ourselves from social media
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REFERENCES:
Us and Them Is All the Rage
What Our Broken Politics Owe to the Nazi Jurist Carl Schmitt
It's The Fascism, Stupid
Timeline apps are here: Tapestry, Reeder, and a new way to read feeds
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Air Date 2/21/2025
There is nothing other than racism at the heart of Trump's immigration policy. He wants to deport as many brown people as possible, stop as many immigrants and refugees as possible unless they're White people from South Africa or the nearly 40 million Canadians he's inviting to enjoy immediate US citizenship. This is not complicated. Trump is a disgusting, blatant racist (and always has been) who's trying to turn the US into a White ethnostate.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Trump’s Unconstitutional Rampage Against Immigration - Amicus - Air Date 1-25-25
KP 2: Guantanamo's other history Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-10-12
KP 3: Know your rights (immigration edition) - Make Your Damn Bed - Air Date 1-23-25
KP 4: Operation Wetback and the Bipartisan Legacy of US Deportations Part 1 - Letters and Politics - Air Date 1-16-25
KP 5: Extraordinary Cruelty, Ordinary Policy: Immigration and Deportation Under Trump 2.0. - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 1-31-25
(45:30) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On what we can learn from imaginary borders
DEEPER DIVES
(51:24) SECTION A: RIGHTS & FIGHTS
(1:26:42) SECTION B: GITMO & HAITI
(1:48:34) SECTION C: BIPARTISAN EXPLOITATION
(2:36:28) SECTION D: REALITY ON THE GROUND
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A composite image showing a photograph of a sign from a protest that says “The Criminal Is In Office” blended into an illustrated depiction of the backs of people behind a chainlink fence.
Credit: Composite images: private permission photo, and illustrated graphic via Pixabay | License: Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 2/18/2025
Democracies slide into dictatorship in two ways, first slowly and then all of a sudden. We have been sliding in this direction for at least as long as I have been paying attention to politics and we're finally at the moment where that slow slide shifts into full speed.
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KEY POINTS
1: Is America Broken - The Gray Area - Air Date 2-10-25
2: Musk's 'DOGE' is spiraling U.S. into a constitutional crisis - The ReidOut - Air Date 2-7-25
3: Trump's latest target the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 2-10-25
4: Trumps American Takeover - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 2-1-25
5: Musk's Coup and Trump's Christian Zionist Gaza Takeover - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 2-7-25
6: Media Continues Painting Musk's Far Right Coup as Good Faith _Cost-Cutting Effort - Citations Needed - Air Date 2-5-25
7: Why Are Dems Surprised - The Intercept Briefing - Air Date 2-7-25
(55:58) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the long slide to dictatorship
Clip: O'Connor Decries Republican Attacks on Courts - NPR
DEEPER DIVES
(1:03:06) SECTION A: GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
(1:29:34) SECTION B: CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS
(2:00:04) SECTION C: THE PLAYBOOK
(2:22:46) SECTION D: WHAT TO DO
SHOW IMAGE
Composite image of the US Capitol building, surrounded by symbols of justice, treasury, international aid, and education, with a large brick smashing into the center with the acronym “MAGA” on the end.
Credit: Composite images from Pixabay | License: Pixabay
Air Date: 2-16-25
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss:
-
Why we may be forced to bring back bullying
-
The impact of algorithms and what we can do about it
-
Democrats and the meaning of 'the medium is the message'
-
The unbelievable stupidity of techbro dweebs and their followers
-
The sociopathic reasons why Musk is doing this
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REFERENCES:
The Algorithmic Cage
The Big Tech Takeover of American Politics
I knew one day I’d have to watch powerful men burn the world down – I just didn’t expect them to be such losers
Remedial Civics for Tech Bros (Middle article)
Why Is Elon Musk So Hell-Bent on Bulldozing the Government?
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Original Air Date: 8/4/2015
The dysfunctional state of the US immigration system and the political fight brewing over what to do about it
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Full Show Notes
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Show Notes Act 1: Coming Out As An Undocumented Immigrant - Latino Voices - AJ+ (@ajplus) - Air Date: 03-20-15
Act 2: Donald Trump WRONG About 'Immigrant Crime' - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-08-15
Act 3: Scott Walker Now Bashing Any and All Immigrants - @majorityfm - Air Date: 04-22-15
Act 4: La Raza Annual Conference Will Be Skipped By EVERY 2016 Republican Candidate - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-12-15
Act 5: 'OITNB' actress (@dianeguerrero__) speaks out about family's deportation - CNN - Air Date: 11-17-14
Act 6: Mass Graves of Immigrants Found in Texas, But State Says No Laws Were Broken - @democracynow - Air Date: 07-16-15
Act 7: Did You Know Jesus Was Against Immigration? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-16-15
Act 8: Hold Border Patrol Responsible via @ACLU — Best of the Left Activism
Act 9: Let Them All In? How Immigration Can Help the Economy - @LearnLiberty - Air Date: 01-13-15
Act 10: The Migrant Manifesto by Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga) - @migrants_rights Network - Air Date: 11-26-12
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 2/11/2025
The very rich, as has been noted before, are not on the side of regular people. And even if you think that the federal government needs a major reboot, no one but the ultra-wealthy are going to be happy with what they build in the aftermath of the administrative coup currently underway.
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ACTIVISM ROUNDUP
KEY POINTS
KP 1: How Oligarchs Took Over The World - Double Down News - Air Date 1-9-25
KP 2: Is Elon Musk Staging a Coup? Unelected Billionaire Seizes Control at Treasury Dept. & Other Agencies - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-3-25
KP 3: The Oligarchy's Power is Waking America Up - Velshi - Air Date 1-27-25
KP 4: DARK GOTHIC MAGA: How Tech Billionaires Plan to Destroy America Part 1 - Blonde Politics | The Silly Serious - Air Date 11-13-24
KP 5: Why the Tech Bros Allied with Trump - Zeteo - Air Date 2-2-25
KP 6: President Trump and the Power of the Purse - Takes™ by Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 2-5-25
(51:21) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the dream of the accelerationists
DEEPER DIVES
(56:16) SECTION A: HISTORICAL CONTEXT
(1:40:21) SECTION B: GOVERNMENT DESTRUCTION
(2:25:04) SECTION C: THE BROS
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A composite image showing a wrecking ball - with Elon Musk’s face on it - smashes a white wall.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Image sourced from Pixabay. | License: Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 2-10-25 Today, Jay! and Amanda (Deon and Erin were sick) discuss: - Why you should be using an RSS reader - The danger of Mystification as humans try to cope - Musk and Trump's flagrant law breaking - What Dems and you can do, with some tips from our own experience
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REFERENCES:
You should be using an RSS reader
Doppelgänger by Naomi Klein
Q & A: Jared Yates Sexton on the ‘Weaponized Abuse’ of Authoritarianism
Brian Schatz on How Democrats Can ‘Start Kicking Ass Again’
All the ways Elon Musk is breaking the law, explained by a law professor
Five Things Dems Must Do to Fight Trump Now
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Air Date 2/7/2025
Trump came in with a plan to subdue the media and large swaths of the media came in with a plan to acquiesce. But it's important to understand why because it's not a conspiracy or people wanting to do harm, it's structural to the system.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Revenge- Trump throws lawsuits at the media and demands compliance - The ReidOut w Joy Reid - Air Date 12-17-24
KP 2: Fox News is Back at the White House. Plus, No Joke, The Onion Buys Infowars. - On the Media - Air Date 11-15-24
KP 3: Trump SECRET Meeting with Media before Payoff EXPOSED - The MeidasTouch Podcast - Air Date 12-16-24
KP 4: Mickey Huff The Mainstream Media is [CENSORED] - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 1-11-25
KP 5: Why Is Mainstream Media Still So Bad At This - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-2-25
KP 6: Public Broadcasting Is In Danger (Again) - On the Media - Air Date 1-10-25
KP 7: Attention pays (with Chris Hayes) - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 1-27-25
KP 8: Jim Acosta's powerful last words as he leaves CNN- -It is never a good time to bow down to a tyrant - Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 1-28-25
KP 9: Fox News is Back at the White House. Plus, No Joke, The Onion Buys Infowars. Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 11-15-24
(53:40) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the liberatory power of the humble RSS feed reader
DEEPER DIVES
(1:00:23) SECTION A: MONEY
(1:20:46) SECTION B: ATTENTION
(1:34:24) SECTION C: FREE PRESS
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Photo of a TV in a living room with a Breaking News graphic. A person can be partially seen sitting on the couch eating a bowl of popcorn in their lap.
Credit: “Breaking news journalism press” by Tumisu, Pixabay | License: Pixabay
Air Date 2/4/2025
The era of unquestioned US hegemony is undoubtedly on the decline but the future is much more complicated and uncertain than the straightforward idea of China rising to take our place that we've been told. Though Trump is not the cause of US decline, he may send us out in a tragic blaze of glory.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Things Fall Apart - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 1-28-25
KP 2: The end of America's global dominance Part 1 - The New Statesman - Air Date 1-8-25
KP 3: Will France and Germany's woes affect the rest of Europe? | Counting the Cost - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 12-12-24
KP 4: Putin faces 'economic dilemma' amid Trump sanctions threats | World in 10 - Times Radio - Air Date 1-25-25
KP 5: Goodnight, Pax Americana: Neoliberalism and the decline of the US Empire w/ Radhika Desai Part 1 - The Red Nation Podcast - Air Date 9-22-23
KP 6: Yanis Varoufakis on Cloud Capital vs AI: DeepSeek, Technofeudalism, Capitalism and the New Cold War - DiEM25 - Air Date 1-26-24
(46:57) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On soft landings vs crash landings
DEEPER DIVES
(52:56) SECTION A: AMERICAN DECLINE
(1:26:09) SECTION B: CHINA
(1:49:01) SECTION C: RUSSIA
(2:15:18) SECTION D: FRANCE
(2:35:47) SECTION E: CORPORATE CONTROL
(2:59:56) SECTION F: WHAT COMES NEXT
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Composite image of a crystal ball with Earth floating in its center and a white question mark on top of it.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Images from Pixabay. | License: Pixabay
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Air Date: 2-2-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: - How the resistance is transforming, not over - What actually worked when resisting Trump's first term - A curation of good advice on being effective and staying sane this time around
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REFERENCES:
Goodbye, ‘Resistance.’ The Era of Hyperpolitics Is Over.
How to Take Heart From What Really Worked in the First Resistance
The Authoritarian Regime Survival Guide, VerfBlog
Here's What You Can Do to Keep Democracy Alive During Trump's Second Term
Trump Will Overplay His Hand. Here’s How to Be Ready.
A Message From the Future With Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
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Air Date 1/31/2025
The genocide and subsequent ceasefire in Gaza is only the latest horrifying consequence of botched military misadventures in the Middle East and if the history of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay prisons can teach us anything it's that atrocities have long shadows.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Gaza Ceasefire Explained Reading Between The Lines - The Socialist Program - Air Date 1-16-25
KP 2: The Ceasefire in Gaza w Mohammad Alsaafin - American Prestige - Air Date 1-19-25
KP 3: Trump's Middle East Plans w Mouin Rabbani - Behind the News - Air Date 1-23-25
KP 4: On the Situation in Syria and its Implications for the Region - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 1-6-25
KP 5: Katherine Gallagher on Abu Ghraib Verdict - CounterSpin - Air Date 11-29-24
KP 6: Trump's Middle East Plans w Mouin Rabbani Part 2 - Behind the News - Air Date 1-23-25
KP 7: Egypt, Jordan Reject Trump Plan to Clean Out Gaza; Palestinians Return to N. Gaza in Historic Day - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-27-25
KP 8: Gaza Ceasefire Explained Reading Between The Lines Part 2 - The Socialist Program - Air Date 1-16-25
(51:16) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the echos of atrocities
DEEPER DIVES
(1:02:15) SECTION A: THE DEAL
(1:24:41) SECTION B: CEASEFIRE POLITICS
(1:46:00) SECTION C: THE EMPIRE
(2:28:35) SECTION D: NOW WHAT?
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Photo of Palestinians walking through a street of rubble and debris with collapsed buildings on either side.
Credit: “Damage in Gaza Strip during the October 2023 - 27” by WAFA, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC-SA 3.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date 1/28/2025
The existence of out-of-control wildfires in Los Angeles amid the rising climate crisis is not confusing or strange. How to deal with such an emergency during our ongoing political and information crisis is a completely different story.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Untold Stories of L.A. Fires: Incarcerated Firefighters, Black Altadena & Octavia Butler's Warning - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-13-25
KP 2: Water Wars - Sustainable Minimalists - Air Date 12-14-23
KP 3: Climate Scientist Debunks L.A. Wildfire Myths with Dr. Daniel Swain - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 1-19-25
KP 4: Wildfire Conspiracies And Reinvigorating Black Male Voters with Mondale Robinson & Trae Crowder (Ep 263) Part 1- The Bitchuation Room - Air Date 1-15-25
KP 5: The Politics of Fire - The Keith Boykins Channel - Air Date 1-12-25
KP 6: Fires, Liars, and Oligarchy Rising; Garland nixes execution drug - The Bradcast - Air Date 1-16-25
(47:06) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why progressive visions are interconnected
DEEPER DIVES
(55:26) SECTION A: WATER
(1:18:36) SECTION B: INSURANCE
(1:38:09) SECTION C: POLITICAL FAILURE
(2:21:29) SECTION D: CLIMATE
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Photo of downtown Los Angeles at night with the Pacific Palisades fire burning on the mountains in the background.
Credit: “Palisades Fire from downtown” by Toastt21, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC-SA 4.0 | Changes: Cropped, time stamp in lower right corner removed
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Air Date: 1-26-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: - The mindset of collaborators - Why many people turn inward and drop out - at their own risk - under authoritarianism - The nature of true dissidents and what we can learn from them
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REFERENCES:
History Will Judge the Complicit
The Desire to Turn Inward Is a Delusion
How to Keep Your Moral Compass
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Original Air Date: 3/7/2017
Today we look at the dangerous myths of individualism and the American Dream™, some of their origins and some of their consequences
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Full Show Notes
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Act 1: Cultural influences on our perspective of self w/Gish Jen - Think Again - Air Date 3-4-17
Act 2: You are not as free as you think you are w/Raoul Martinez - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-24-17
Act 3: Individualism in the prosperity gospel brand of Christianity - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 1-8-17
Act 4: The Cold War propaganda of anti-collectivism w/Gish Jen - Think Again - Air Date 3-4-17
Act 5: The myths of the autonomous individual and free markets w/Raoul Martinez - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-24-17
Act 6: Training is all that matters - A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain
Act 7: An ignorance of history bolsters acceptance of anti-regulation individualism - You are not so smart - Air Date 2-24-17
Act 8: The Dangerous Myth of the American Dream w/Raoul Martinez - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-24-17
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 1/21/2025
Decades ago, the conscious decision was made to exacerbate inequality for the sake of economic growth that would supposedly lift all boats. What probably wasn't understood at the time is that the logical conclusion of that choice would be to break democracy and usher in oligarchy. Now working people are left with only bad choices and empty promises.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Workers Without a Party - Confronting Capitalism - Air Date 12-11-24
KP 2: Democrats Bungled The 2024 Election WAY Worse Than We Thought - The Majority Report - Air Date 1-8-25
KP 3: The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order (with Gary Gerstle) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 1-14-25
KP 4: How Democrats Can Win Back The Working Class - Lever Time - Air Date 11-8-24
KP 5: Why Elites Love Identity Politics - Confronting Capitalism - Air Date 1-1-25
KP 6: The failures of liberals and the Left have helped Trump's rise - The Marc Steiner Show - Air Date 10-30-24
KP 7: Democratic Dealignment w Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor - The Dig - Air Date 11-9-24
KP 8: Why Elites Love Identity Politics Part 2 - Confronting Capitalism - Air Date 1-1-25
(54:01) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the path Democrats have charted
DEEPER DIVES
(1:02:38) SECTION A: PARTY RECKONING
(1:23:40) SECTION B: NEOLIBERAL STRANGLEHOLD
(1:39:24) SECTION C: CROSSED WIRES
(2:08:27) SECTION D: SOLUTIONS
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Composite image of multi-colored people outlines crossing over each other with arrows in the background pointing two different directions.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman, Images from Pixabay | License: Pixabay
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Air Date: 1-20-25 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: - Our new show name! - Getting over hurdles to find and form local community as a form of resistance and preparation - The study groups teachers are forming to teach and learn real history - How Citizen Assemblies could transform American politics for the better
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REFERENCES:
A New Year's resolution for an Uncertain Future (The New Republic)
Teachers Turn to Study Groups for Anti-Racist Learning as History is Whitewashed (TruthOut)
What Could Citizens’ Assemblies Do for American Politics? (The New Yorker)
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Air Date 1/18/2025
We are looking back on Jimmy Carter's life and legacy as a lens through which to more clearly see and understand the current state of our politics, our incoming president, the Middle East, the climate, and more.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Jimmy Carter Part 1 - Past Present - Air Date 2-28-23
KP 2: From the Archives: Former President Jimmy Carter on Women's Rights, Religion and Power - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 12-30-24
KP 3: Jimmy Carter's "Decency & Humanity" Came with Deadly U.S. Policies in Latin America_ Greg Grandin - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-7-25
KP 4: The Faith of Jimmy Carter - Facepalm America - Air Date 4-12-23
KP 5: The Jimmy Carter Cudgel & Preparing for Mass Deportations with Gabriel Salguero - Holy Post - Air Date 1-8-25
KP 6: When Carter called out America - Today, Explained - Air Date 12-30-24
(46:27) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the supposed desire for truth
DEEPER DIVES
(52:22) SECTION A: HISTORICAL CONTEXT
(1:33:23) SECTION B: FOREIGN POLICY
(2:07:22) SECTION C: CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
(2:25:30) SECTION D: REPUBLICAN RATFUCKING
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Black and white photo of President Jimmy Carter in front of the White House in 1977. Credit: “President Jimmy Carter and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat at the White House, Washington, D.C.“ by Marion S. Trikosko, Library of Congress | License: Public Domain
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Air Date 1/15/2025
Elon Musk is leading the way for his class of tech broligarchs anxious to take over the MAGA movement and shape it to their own ends of deregulation, tax cuts, and lucrative government contracts. The disappointment that is inevitable for the MAGA populists is coming even faster than expected.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The long con of America's ultra-wealthy elites - The ReidOut - Air Date 1-2-25
KP 2: Crack-Up Capitalism- How Billionaire Elon Musk's Extremism Is Shaping Trump Admin & Global Politics - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-6-24
KP 3: GOP Already At Each Other's Throats While Musk Gloats - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-24-24
KP 4: MAGA civil war explodes between Elon & Trump faithful - No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen - Air Date 12-29-24
KP 5: Elon & Vivek's H1-B Crash Out - Bad Faith - Air Date 1-2-25
KP 6: Our Moment is Approaching - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-31-24
KP 7: Weekly Roundup Jimmy Carter vs Elon Musk - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 1-3-25
KP 8: The Oligarch Class - Left Anchor - Air Date 1-3-25
(55:27) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the rehashing of the anti-democratic argument for extreme wealth for the benefit of humanity
DEEPER DIVES
(1:07:40) SECTION A: OLIGARCHS
(1:35:23) SECTION B: THE MAGA FRACTURE
(1:51:04) SECTION C: GLOBAL INFLUENCE
(2:21:44) SECTION D: ORGANIZING
Air Date: 1/11/2025
Today, we look back to the warnings we gave ourselves at the beginning of the first Trump administration. In 2017 there was concern about corruption and his business dealings, ethics around his nominees, and the inability of the media to cover him properly.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: What should Trump do to resolve his conflicts of interest? - @DecodeDC - Air Date 1-11-17
KP 2: SHOCKING: The GOP Doesn't Care That the Office of Govt. Ethics Can't Fully Vet Trump Nominees - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 01-10-17
KP 3: Zephyr Teachout on Trump and the emoluments clause - Amicus from @Slate - Air Date 12-24-16
KP 4: Trump's team exhibits classic abuser behavior - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 1-23-17
KP 5: We Need To Talk About That Donald Trump Press Conference - Jay Smooth (@jsmooth995) - Air Date 1-12-17
KP 6: A Taxonomy of Trump Tweets - On the Media - Air Date 1-13-17
KP 7: Masha Gessen on the rules for surviving autocracy - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 11-14-16
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 1/8/2025
Trump's first term was marked by all of the friendships he built with some of the world's worst, most oppressive leaders. His second term is getting an early start as he has begun making threats toward traditional allies and friends including Canada, Mexico, Greenland, and Panama.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Make US imperialism great again: Trump threatens to colonize Panama, Canada, Greenland, Mexico - Geopolitical Economy Report - Air Date 12-27-24
KP 2: Donald Trump’s New Manifest Destiny - WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch - Part 1 - Air Date 12-26-24
KP 3: Why Elon Musk interferes in politics around the world - DW News - Air Date 1-3-25
KP 4: Is Musk Flirting With Fascism? - Politics unpacked - Air Date 1-3-24
KP 5: Imperialist Fantasy: Historian Greg Grandin on Trump Threat to Retake Panama Canal, Invade Mexico - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-27-24
KP 6: The Weekender: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Destruction Part 1 - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-27-24
(49:09) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the baby-brained ideas of the far right
DEEPER DIVES
(54:40) SECTION A: PANAMA
(1:16:10) SECTION B: MANIFEST DESTINY
(1:35:47) SECTION C: MUSK
(1:48:38) SECTION D: TRUMP 2.0
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Composite image of a vector drawing of a confused-looking Trump leaning on a podium with a globe and dice being rolled. A risk dial is on the front of the podium showing an increasing threat level.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman | Images from Pixabay | License: Pixabay
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Air Date: 1-6-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: - Why people love villains - How plutocracy kills - Why the path forward is through membership organizations
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REFERENCES:
The Year Villainy Won
Plutocracy Kills
Democracy Is Not a Customer Loyalty Program
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Air Date 1/4/2025
The murder of a health insurance CEO being met with widespread approval and the risk of going backward on life-saving vaccines pretty much sums up the current state of our approach to health care in this country.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Weekly Roundup Luigi Mangione and the End of Civilization - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 12-13-24
KP 2: You Don't Actually Need to Condemn the Murder of the CEO Guy - Serious Inquiries Only - Air Date 12-12-24
KP 3: The Dark History Behind RFK Jr.'s Health Policies - The Majority Report - Air Date 12-11-24
KP 4: Vaccine skepticism Will the new Trump admin axe the polio vaccine - The ReidOut - Air Date 12-13-24
KP 5: Weekly Roundup Luigi Mangione and the End of Civilization Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 12-13-24
KP 6: The Health Care Crisis Is The Democracy Crisis - The Lever - Air Date 12-17-24
(48:31) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the racist history of opposing universal health care
DEEPER DIVES
(53:28) SECTION A - RFK Jr.
(1:07:08) SECTION B - Luigi Mangione
(1:22:43) SECTION C - United Health Care
(1:41:01) SECTION D - Health Care History
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A cropped photo of two people holding a handmade sign that says “Healthcare for people NOT for profit!”
Credit: “Demand SINGLE PAYER Expanded & Improved Medicare for All HR 676 Now Protest” by Elvert Barnes, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0
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Original Air Date: 4/19/2023
Today, we take a look at the history and present of the interconnected movements to privatize education and dismantle democracy.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Segrenomics: The Long History of Cashing In On Unequal Education - Have You Heard - Air Date 1-3-18
Ch. 2: Democracy and Public Education: A Future in Peril - Have You Heard - Air Date 8-12-21
Ch. 3: The Hidden Agenda of Privatization with Jessica Piper (pt.1) - Teach Me, Teacher - Air Date 10-31-21
Ch. 4: Betsy DeVos Is Still Making Moves to Destroy Public Schools - The New Abnormal - Air Date 4-1-23
Ch. 5: The Surprising History Behind Charter Schools - WBUR - Air Date 11-4-16
Ch. 6: The Segrenomics of American Education w/ Dr. Noliwe Rooks - Human Restoration Project - Air Date 2-11-23
Ch. 7: The War on Public Education Is Escalating – with Jennifer Berkshire - Is This Democracy - Air Date 3-16-23
Ch. 8: Diane Ravitch on Pandemic School Privatization - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-22-20
Ch. 9: Racism-High-Stakes Disaster Education | Dr. Ricardo Rosa - TEDxCCSU - Air Date 11-24-15
Ch. 10: The Secret Power of Homeschoolers - VICE NEWS - Air Date 10-12-22
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 12/28/2024
Decades of dictatorial rule in Syria have come to an end, leading to something else to be determined. Israel sprang into action taking control of Syrian land on their border. And no one seems to care what the US thinks of all this, which is telling.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Assad Ousted From Syria - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-10-24
KP 2: Assad downfall: Is the Arab Spring back from the dead? - Middle East Eye - Air Date 12-14-24
KP 3: Syria's Transition, Biden Migrant Detention Facilities Part 1 - American Prestige - Air Date 12-13-24
KP 4: Why is Israel bombing Syria? - The Take - Air Date 12-17-24
KP 5: “Lawless”: Marwan Bishara on Israel Bombing Syria 800 Times & Expanding Occupation of Golan Heights - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-16-24
KP 6: Syria: Western Hypocrisy, Israeli Expansion & The Fall of Assad - Double Down News - Air Date 12-20-24
(53:44) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On closing out the year
DEEPER DIVES
(56:35) SECTION A - THE SYRIAN PEOPLE
(1:38:56) SECTION B - ISRAEL
(2:03:38) SECTION C - HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND THE PROXY WAR
SHOW IMAGE
Description: The sun shining through a Syrian flag flying in the breeze against a clear sky.
Credit: “Close up of Syrian flag” by Ahmed akasha, Pexels | License: Pexels
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date: 6/13/2023
Today, we take a look at the struggle to act ethically, at least by our own measure if there's not a universally-agreed standard to compare with, relating to the purchase of both the necessities of life we all need as well as the more luxury items that get added on top.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: No ethical consumption under capitalism: short deep dive - @professor_neil - Air Date 4-13-23
Ch. 2: Hasan and The Left's Paradoxical Relationship with Consumer Capitalism - The Kavernacle - Air Date 5-26-23
Ch. 3: "Separating Art vs. the Artist" doesn't work for Harry Potter - Kuncan Dastner - Air Date 4-14-22
Ch. 4: There are many forms of ethical consumption under capitalism, you just have to understand ethics - poppysaw - Air Date 2-11-23
Ch. 5: Ethical Consumption - Pullback - Air Date 3-7-23
Ch. 6: The moral philosophy of The Good Place (with Mike Schur and Pamela Hieronymi) - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 12-9-19
Ch. 7: Ethical Capitalism: Is It Possible? - Wise Crack - Air Date 7-19-21
Ch. 8: Ethical Behavior in Modern Society – Can We Still Get Into The Good Place? - Like Stories of Old - Air Date 4-30-19
Ch. 9: Conscious Consumerism: Does it make a difference - Roundtable - Air Date 7-10-19
Ch. 10: “No Ethical Consumption” is Not License for Nihilism & Hedonism. So What Is It? (Hausfrau Friday) Parkrose Permaculture - Air Date 6-3-22
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Air Date: 12-23-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon (Erin was again missed) discuss: - The Realignment of the right-wing toward economic populism and government programs
-
The need for a different kind of government efficiency than DOGE is offering
-
The future of the left working to fix government
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REFERENCES: The New Pro-Life Playbook - The New Yorker
The American People Deserve DOGE - The Atlantic
In This House, We’re Angry When Government Fails - The New York Times
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Air Date 12/20/2024
There's no denying that things are about to get bad, Trump and company have had years to prepare for their next turn in office, but those preparing to resist also have the benefit of past experience resulting in a response to Trumpism that looks very different this time around.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The Shallow, Power-Flattering Appeal of High Status #Resistance Historians - Citations Needed - Air Date 12-3-24
KP 2: Can Trump Really End Birthright Citizenship? - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 12-12-24
KP 3: Rep. Delia Ramirez- Trump's Immigration Plans Are -Un-American, Unconstitutional & Undemocratic - Democracy Now! - Air Table 12-11-24
KP 4: Can Trump Really End Birthright Citizenship? Part 2 - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 12-12-24
KP 5: Centrists Signal Capitulation After Trump's Victory - The Majority Report - Air Date 12-16-24
KP 6: Trumps Rage at FBI Takes Dark Turn as GOPers Signal They Wont Resist - The Daily Blast - Air Date 12-13-24
(53:43) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the importance of scheduled maintenance for democracy
Reference article:
Reviving the American Tradition of Fusion Voting
DEEPER DIVES
(1:00:59) SECTION A - IMMIGRATION INTIMIDATION
(1:19:46) SECTION B - BENDING THE KNEE
(1:40:16) SECTION C - RESISTANCE
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Composite image of Trump with his arm out admiring a lit match in his hand in front of a burning U.S. Constitution.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman using multiple images from Pixabay | License: Pixabay
Air Date 12/17/2024
Changing the direction of a political party doesn't happen overnight and it usually takes a major disrupting event to shake it out of its well-wore groove. The loss of the Harris campaign to Trump and the evident desperation people have for a new economics that works for people might finally be enough to put Democrats on track to a more full-throated support of economic populism.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Jon Stewart On What Went Wrong For Democrats - The Daily Show - Air Date 11-11-24
KP 2: The Democratic Party Is A Rudderless Ship - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 11-21-24
KP 3: ‘BERNIE WAS RIGHT!’: Corporate Democrat ADMITS DEFEAT - The Kyle Kulinski Show - Air Date 11-18-24
KP 4: Assad Ousted From Syria - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-10-24
KP 5: Can Ben Wikler Fix The Democratic Party? - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 12-4-24
KP 6: “Get These Incels to Work” (feat. Hasan Piker) Part 1 - Pod Save America - Air Date 11-27-24
(49:33) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the Democrats perception gap and Ben Wikler for the DNC
DEEPER DIVES
(1:00:11) SECTION A - WHY DEMOCRATS LOST
(1:32:40) SECTION B - TIME TO FIGHT
(1:56:05) SECTION C - MOVING FORWARD
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Photo of billionaire Mark Cuban speaking into a microphone at a Harris Walz campaign event.
Credit: “Mark Cuban” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 12-15-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon (Erin was missed) discuss: - Why many people want a village, but most don't act like they do - Some proposed solutions to loneliness and building community - How politicians on both sides lack vision on how to improve peoples lives
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REFERENCES: I’m Starting to Think You Guys Don’t Really Want a “Village”
Stephanie Harrison - The New Happy: To build the communities that we long for, we must change our worldview
Stephanie Harrison - The New Happy: How to stop being lonely
Americans Are Hoarding Their Friends
On Family Policy, Neither Party Has a Vision of the Good Life
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Air Date 12/13/2024
The most important thing to understand about authoritarian and dictatorial governance is that it is neither efficient nor competent, contrary to the myth. The problem lies with the need to hire people based on their unquestioning loyalty rather than any kind of demonstrated ability to do the jobs they're tasked with. The results are, unsurprisingly, chaos.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Fight Trump With Everything You Have! Shocking Warning From Hungarian Democracy Movement - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 11-25-24
KP 2: MAGA 2.0 w Quinn Slobodian & Wendy Brown - The Dig - Air Date 11-29-24
KP 3: A Slew Of A$$hole Nominations...- The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 11-15-24
KP 4: What Pete Hegseth Has Said About Civil War and Whiteness - Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 11-27-24
KP 5: Trump goes off the deep end with Cabinet pick - No Lie w Brian Tyler Cohen - Air Date 12-1-24
KP 6: The Trump Trials... Cases Closed - Americast - Air Date 11-29-24
KP 7: MAGA 2.0 w Quinn Slobodian & Wendy Brown - The Dig - Air Date 11-29-24
(54:37) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why it's important to stay engaged
Don’t Let Donald Trump Drive You Into Internal Exile - NYTimes
DEEPER DIVES
(58:44) SECTION A: THE LINEUP
(1:27:56) SECTION B: THE PLAYBOOK
(1:52:28) SECTION C: GLOBAL REFERENCE
(2:12:50) SECTION D: CRACKS IN AUTHORITY
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Composite graphic of Trump giving the double thumbs up over black silhouettes of people in suits with the clown face emoji on their heads and “MAGA” on their chests.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Various images via Pixabay.
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Air Date: 12-12-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - What the orcas are up to - Confronting the truth about eating meat - How to not let grief destroy leftist movements - Living a better life by accepting our own mortality
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REFERENCES:
Confessions of a Former Carnivore
For Our Movements to Win, We Must Learn How Not to Let Our Grief Destroy Us
You Are Going to Die
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Air Date 12/10/2024
In a moment of darkness, it's important to not only look for light but also understand how to create your own. Today we're exploring the philosophy of Tragic Optimism, the differing frameworks of freedom-from and freedom-to, and the slow progress of democracy but also the organizing strategies that are themselves the best coping mechanisms and path to progress.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The Tragic Optimist's Guide to Surviving Capitalistic Nihilism - Dasia Sade Part 1 - Air Date 11-29-24
KP 2: Where Do We Go From Here? Featuring Kali Akuno - Millennials Are Killing Capitalism - Air Date 11-10-24
KP 3: How To Fight Fascism In America - Why, America? with Leeja Miller - Air Date 11-20-24
KP 4: Timothy Snyder: Is Freedom Misunderstood? - The Agenda - Air Date 10-9-24
KP 5: Neoliberalism Borrowed From Lenin, Why Can’t We? - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 11-22-24
KP 6: The Tragic Optimist's Guide to Surviving Capitalistic Nihilism - Dasia Sade Part 2 - Air Date 11-29-24
(49:55) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On holiday memberships
DEEPER DIVES
(52:31) SECTION A - ORGANZING
A1: Organizing in Rural America (w/ Luke Mayville) - Know Your Enemy - Air Date 11-27-24
A2: The Quest for the Offline Left with Cecilia Guerrero: Organizing the South - Fucking Cancelled - Air Date 11-3-24
(1:11:16) SECTION B - COPING
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Original Air Date: 11/29/2023
The movement for universal health care is still underway, though it rarely gets recognized in mainstream discourse. The murder of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson is an occasion worth using to look at the progress being made to improve our system of promoting the health of all people in the United States as well as efforts to rein in the power of big Pharma that's used to gouge the American people with exorbitant prices. So, that's what we're doing.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Healthcare Activist Ady Barkan Dies of ALS; Watch His 2021 Interview on Demanding Medicare for All - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-27-23
Healthcare activist Ady Barkan has died at the age of 39 of the neurodegenerative disease ALS. His story is told in the documentary Not Going Quietly. In 2021, Democracy Now! spoke with Ady Barkan just ahead of the film’s premiere.
Ch. 2: Why your health insurance is tied to work - The Weeds - Air Date 10-18-23
The wartime policy that changed health insurance forever
Ch. 3: Rethinking the path to winning single payer - Code WACK! - Air Date 4-10-23
Winning Medicare for All in the U.S. may be at a standstill at the federal level, but it's a different story In the states. In 2021 alone, 18 single-payer bills were introduced in states such as Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Oregon.
Ch. 4: How Can This Predatory Exploitation Be Considered Health Care - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 11-15-23
If Medicare Advantage, the profit-driven entity that is decidedly NOT part of REAL Medicare, could be summed up in three words, they might be: deny, deny, deny.
Ch. 5: Biden vs. Big Pharma Medicare to Begin Negotiations to Lower Price of 10 Costly Drugs & Insulin - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-30-23
Peter Maybarduk joins us to discuss how the new negotiation process aims to break up drug monopolies and disband the pharmaceutical industry’s profit incentive.
Ch. 6: Inequality Undermines Health & Healthcare in the U.S. - Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff - Air Date 11-14-23
Ch. 7: Big Pharma Explained Why Are Meds So Expensive [& The Solution] - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 6-12-23
Ch. 8: The Challenge of Caring for Our Elders - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 11-15-23
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Air Date: 12-6-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The political origins of SimCity and how capitalism warps our choices - A new video game offering a very different vision of societal management - Naomi Klein's insights on the Left's missteps responding to the Mirror World - Applying cynicism and skepticism in moderation
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REFERENCES: SimCity Isn’t a Model of Reality. It’s a Libertarian Toy Land
Build-a-Brrr
Naomi Klein on her doppelganger (and yours)
Be Like Claud Cockburn: Tell Truths to the Masses
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Air Date 12/3/2024
At a time when there are very legitimate concerns about men's place in society, the Manosphere has stepped in to fill the gap in the cultural discussion to give an answer, not a good answer but an answer, to young men about modern masculinity which included a strong push to vote Trump.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The Role of the Press in This Moment with Matt Pearce - Why Is This Happening - Air Date 11-19-24
KP 2: The #MenToo Election Catholics, Latinos, and the Manosphere - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 11-11-24
KP 3: Inside Elon's Twitter Takeover with Ryan Mac and Kate Conger - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 11-13-24
KP 4: The #MenToo Election Catholics, Latinos, and the Manosphere Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 11-11-24
KP 5: Make America Male Again Fifteen years of aggrieved men - It's Been a Minute - Air Date 11-19-24
KP 6: Misinformation, Disinformation, Malinformation ( Feat Esosa Osa)- Gettin' Grown - Air Date 11-12-24
KP 7: How the Fediverse can make social fun again - WordPress - Air Date 8-12-24
(56:23) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the slow process of fixing our broken internet
DEEPER DIVES
(1:02:00) SECTION A - MEDIA LANDSCAPE
(1:22:06) SECTION B - MEN ARE NOT OKAY
(1:52:03) SECTION C - WHAT WE CAN DO
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Photo of the back of a young man standing on a subway platform putting headphones on as a silver train whizzes past.
Credit: “People guy man sound music” by StockSnap, Pixabay | License: Pixabay
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Air Date 11/29/2024
Today’s episode is a remix of a 5-part series of episodes we did several years ago about telling native stories beyond what the US tends to share about its history. The series stretched all the way from Columbus to modern day and today we’re sharing the highlights reel of what stuck out to us looking back.
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Ch 1: Historian Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz on Thanksgiving: "It Has Never Been About Honoring Native Americans" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 11-29-16
Ch 2: American expansion and violence against Native Americans - @BackStory - Air Date: 01-19-2018
Ch 3: The legal structures that uphold violence against Indigenous people #MMIW - Let's Talk Native... with John Kane - Air Date 2-14-19
Ch 4: Doctrine of Christian Discovery Part 1 - Let’s Talk Native - Air Date 3-18-19
Ch 5: Beyond Tragedy: The Living History of Native America - Ideas from CBC Radio - Air Date 2-20-19
Ch 6: Hawaiian Indigeneity and the theft of Aloha with W. Gerry Ebalaroza - Breakdances With Wolves - Air Date 8-21-18
Ch 7: Confederacy Inc. Donald Trump, Racist Police, and the Whitewashing of History Part 1 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 7-1-20
Ch 8: Indigenous historian Nick Estes discusses the trivializing of native people - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 10-23-18
Ch 9: Sexual Violence and Native American Genocide - @Making_Contact - Air Date 11-26-13
Ch 10: ’Reel' Indians and the invention of Hollywood Indian English - Backstory - Air Date 11-22-14
Ch 11: The moral narratives of colonization as relates to the Western Frontier and Israel - Citations Needed (@CitationsPod) - Air Date 8-22-17
Ch 12: Confederacy Inc. Donald Trump, Racist Police, and the Whitewashing of History Part 2 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 7-1-20
Ch 13: What we inherit: Explaining intergenerational trauma - Code Switch - Air Date 6-6-18
MORE CLIPS IN FULL SHOW NOTES
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Air Date 11/26/2024
In a world of infinite information but a finite amount of time to check your facts, we're living the logical conclusion of an online environment that favors false information over truth and the most popular online media reflects that reality perfectly.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Aaron Rodgers moment perfectly sums up how fake information spreads - All In with Chris Hayes - 11-14-24
KP 2: Why is everyone suddenly an expert? (Even when they’re not) - The Bunker - Air Date 5-20-24
KP 3: How Right-Wing Media Took Over America Part 1 - Why America? with Leeja Miller - Air Date 11-18-24
KP 4: The Manosphere Celebrates a Win. Plus, M. Gessen on How to Survive an Autocracy - On The Media - Air Date 11-8-24
KP 5: We DON'T need a LEFTIST Joe Rogan - The Kavernacle - Air Date 11-14-24
KP 6: Stop Having an "Open Mind" - Breaking In The Habit - Air Date 5-31-24
KP 7: Birds Aren’t Real? How a Conspiracy Takes Flight | Peter McIndoe - TED - Air Date 9-13-23
(49:25) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the nature of skepticism and open-mindedness
DEEPER DIVES
(55:48) SECTION A - THE JOE ROGAN EXPERIENCE AND THE MEDIA
(1:27:00) SECTION B - TRUST AND BELIEF
(1:53:40) SECTION C - CENTRISM
(2:23:47) SECTION D - ROOTS
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A graphic depicting a silhouette of the Thinking Man statue with a chaotic swarm of letters coming from the top of his head. The word “Heterodoxy” is written along the curve of his back.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman | “thinker words thoughts mind white” image by Convegni_Ancisa via Pixabay (Pixabay license)
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Air Date: 11-24-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Erin discuss: - A few sort of fun-ish news things because it's very necessary right now - A clear-eyed but concise take on why people voted the way they did - Why the hard right political philosophy and their lies are catching on, and what the left can do to stop the appeal
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REFERENCES: Here’s Why I Decided To Buy ‘InfoWars’
Alex Jones Is Trying to Halt the Sale of Infowars. Elon Musk’s X Just Got Involved in the Case.
American Kakistocracy
Yes, Trump's Defense Secretary Pick Pete Hegseth Once Said 'Germs Are Not a Real Thing'
Americans Didn't Vote for What Donald Trump is About to Give Them
A Modest Proposal: Let Trump Be Trump
Steve Bannon Has Called His “Army” to Do Battle—No Matter Who Wins in November
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Air Date 11/20/2024
We're in the phase where prejudice still exists but it has become socially unacceptable to openly express it - but to deny the impact on our politics just because people don't admit to their prejudice would be to completely misunderstand the nature of the issue.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The Racism of MAGA Is as American as Apple Pie Nina Turner on Trump & 2024 Election - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-31-24
KP 2: Some Americans Are Already Living in Trump’s Purge - The New Abnormal - Air Date 10-1-24
KP 3: Why You Shouldn't Buy the Election Narrative About Black Men - Reveal - Air Date 10-23-24
KP 4: Trumps Nazi Rally at MSG Perfectly Reflected Republican Values - The New Abnormal - Air Date 10-29-24
KP 5: “The Confederacy Won” Why Donald Trump’s Reelection Is a Win for White Supremacy, Xenophobia & Hate - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-6-24
KP 6: Trump campaign was built on 'hate' which has contributed to 'racial terror' NAACP exec - MSNBC - Air Date 11-8-24
KP 7: The Hard Truth About Why Harris Was the Wrong Choice for America Part 1 - The New Abnormal - Air Date 11-6-24
(51:52) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the shifting landscape of social media
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DEEPER DIVES
(56:28) SECTION A - A MIRROR FOR AMERICA
(1:25:17) SECTION B - WHITE SUPREMACY FOR THE WIN
(1:49:19) SECTION C - REVERBERATION
(2:09:22) SECTION D - WHAT NOW
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Air Date 11/15/2024
Today’s episode is a remix of multiple past episodes but was inspired by one in particular from just back in July of this year, #1645, when we were making a point of demonstrating what a sham the idea of conservative economic populism is. Well, now that Trump has been reelected - seemingly because regular folks were hoping he’d fix the economy for them - we thought we’d take this moment to highlight the difference between right wing and left wing economic populism.
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CHAPTERS
1: How progressives need to frame their economic message - @theLFshow w: @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 12-29-14
2: It’s time to stop relying on crisis legislation (with Lindsay Owens) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 8-4-20
3: “He’s a Fake” Robert Kuttner on How J.D. Vance Disguises His Anti-Worker Views as Economic Populism - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-16-24
4: JD Vance, Phony Populism on the Right, the Republican National Convention, and Democratic Party Messaging w Ben Burgis - Parallax Views - Air Date 7-22-24
5: Europe's Circular Economy Action Plan - euronews - Air Date 11-24-20
6: What is Economic Democracy? - The Next System Project - Air Date: 3-1-16
7: Responding to Tim Scott & J.D. Vance on Poverty - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 7-16-24
8: The Tragic Cost of American Child Poverty w: Jeff Madrick - The Majority Report w: Sam Seder - Air Date 10-7-20
9: Dispelling some myths about worker coops - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 6-12-16
10: Sean O'Brien faces criticism from Teamsters Vice President for RNC appearance - The Real News Network - Air Date 7-19-24
11: Amsterdam's "doughnut economy" puts climate ahead of GDP - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 4-24-21
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 11/12/2024
It's easy enough to look into one industry at a time to see what's going wrong, but today we're looking at what is so often lurking in the background of higher prices, lower quality goods and services, and, ultimately, many failing businesses: Private Equity.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Why Does Everyone Hate Private Equity? - The Plain Bagel - Air Date 9-20-24
KP 2: How Private Equity Consumed America - Wendover Productions - Air Date 5-7-24
KP 3: How private equity conquered America - The Chris Hedges Report - Air Date 3-1-24
KP 4: Warren Calls for Ownership Transparency for Private Equity in Health Care - Senator Elizabeth Warren - Air Date 7-12-24
KP 5: BlackRock: The Conspiracies You Don’t Know - More Perfect Union - Air Date 9-15-24
(48:16) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On getting through this together
DEEPER DIVES
(53:11) SECTION A - HOW IT WORKS
(1:30:42) SECTION B - POWER
(2:03:28) SECTION C - SOLUTIONS
SHOW IMAGE
Description: The words “Private Equity” are typed out on paper on a clipboard, surrounded by $20 and $100 bills and a pair of glasses.
Credit: “Private Equity” by Nick Youngson, Pix4free.org | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped
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Air Date 11/8/2024
The Best of the Left team holds a special post-election discussion available to all listeners to present the initial takes on the election as well as our own reactions and suggestions for how to move forward.
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A few worthwhile reads that gave inspiration for some of our discussion:
Democrats Blow Their Chance to Block Trump’s Resurgence - The Intercept (Discussing the Genocide in Gaza)
Harris and the Democrats Committed to a Rightward Lurch — and Lost Big Time - Truthout (Courting moderate Republicans)
Donald Trump’s Second Term Is Joe Biden’s Real Legacy - The New Yorker
I’m a Gen Z man. Here’s why so many of my peers supported Donald Trump - Fast Company (Revenge of the Bros)
This Time We Have to Hold the Democratic Party Elite Responsible for This Catastrophe - The Nation
10 Ways We Can Prepare for Another Trump Presidency - Truthout
Air Date 11/5/2024
There's big money in politics, and then there's 2024. The role and influence of billionaires have taken on new shapes and patterns as the threat of fascism has made itself undeniably known. From the candidate and campaigners to those acquiescing to the mere threat of power, billionaires are everywhere you look at this election season.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Why Elon Musk Went Full MAGA - Reveal - Air Date 10-30-24
KP 2: Elon Musks War on Workers - 5-4 - Air Date 10-29-24
KP 3: Elon Musk Is SO Bad At This - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-3-24
KP 4: The Trump White Supremacy Festival and Hootenanny - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 10-29-24
KP 5: Ballots Burn in WA, OR; Billionaire WaPo, LATimes owners 'Obey in Advance - The BradCast - Air Date 10-28-24
KP 6: The Trump White Supremacy Festival and Hootenanny Part 2 - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 10-29-24
KP 7: How Trump could steal the election - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-29-24
(00:54:26.000) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how to feel about the road ahead
DEEPER DIVES
(00:59:57.000) SECTION A - DEMOCRACY DYING IN DAYLIGHT
A1: Ballots Burn in WA, OR; Billionaire WaPo, LATimes owners 'Obey in Advance Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 10-28-24
A2: TYT Explodes Over Calling Trump 'Fascist' - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-1-24
(01:17:32.000) SECTION B - ACTUAL ELECTION INTERFERENCE
(01:39:40.000) SECTION C - ELON MUSK THE BILLIONAIRE
(02:04:16.000) SECTION D - TRUMP THE FASCIST
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 11/2/2024
The cult of Trump isn't just about Trump, it's religion and patriarchy reacting to a moment of global economic and climactic instability. But those organizing the religious right aren't just reacting to their environment, they've also been planning for a very long time.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Extremist White Christian Nationalists Prepping For War w Brad Onishi - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-16-24
KP 2: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation - Ideas - Air Date 10-18-24
KP 3: MAGA's 'Young Male Voter' Plan Hits Bottom Of The Barrel - The Majority Report - Air Date 10-22-24
KP 4: JD Vance Joins Lance Wallnau in Spiritual Warfare - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 10-14-24
KP 5: Ziklag Exposed Secretive Christian Nationalist Network Tries to Purge Voters in Battleground States - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-30-24
KP 6: Spirit & Power Episode 4 Take Back that Which Was Stolen from Us The Charismatic Rituals of the Religious Right - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 10-17-24
KP 7: Unfcking Flashback The American Propaganda Machine. - UNFTR - Air Date 10-12-24
(54:31) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On susceptibility to manipulation
DEEPER DIVES
(59:43) SECTION A - THE MOVEMENT
(1:18:09) SECTION B - TRUMP AND ELECTION
(1:36:04) SECTION C - PATRIARCHY AND RACE
(1:55:36) SECTION D - AMERICAN CHRISTIAN
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A woman with blonde hair wears a Trump campaign flag as a cape while praying on her knees with both arms in the air.
Credit: “Fascism Worship”, 2016, by Johnny Silvercloud, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Increased brightness and contrast
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Air Date: 10-31-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - How neoliberalism is fucking up renewable energy transitions - Marketing and why the viral Stanley Cup never should have gone viral - How big tech is heavily surveilling school kids without any oversight - How the fossil fuel industry has infiltrated higher education
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REFERENCES: Germany’s Green Transition Is Faltering
This $23 Stanley Cup Accessory Fixes Your Biggest Complaint About the Tumbler
How the ex-marketing whiz behind Crocs helped turn Stanley into the "it" cup
How the Stanley Cup Went Viral
School Surveillance Earns Tech Companies Billions. Students Pay the Price.
Here’s How the Fossil Fuel Industry Infiltrates and Influences Higher Education
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Air Date 10/29/2024
Trump has only come close to perfecting the grift of the American conservative, he certainly didn't invent the strategy. Today we look at some current and past grifts and explore why they work.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: GRIFT-GOBLIN Donald Trump is Selling HILARIOUSLY CRAPPY Gold Watches Now!!! - Jesse Dollemore - Air Date 9-27-24
KP 2: The "Dirtbag of the Internet" and Trump's Crypto Project - Bloomberg Technology - Air Date 9-13-24
KP 3: Controlling the Weather and Eating Pets: Expert Breaks Down Disinformation - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 10-18-24
KP 4: Down the Rabbit Hole w/ Naomi Klein - The Dig - Air Date 10-8-24
KP 5: Media Literacy Can't Save Us Part 1 - Dummy - Air Date 10-7-24
KP 6: How did grifters like Trump take over the GOP? - The Bunker - Air Date 9-25-24
(48:03) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the scam of political fundraising
DEEPER DIVES
(56:06) SECTION A - GRIFT
A1: Russell Brand Has A New Grift - Novara Media - Air Date 10-16-24
A2: GRIFTER-CON Morons Did Not Disappoint - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 10-1-24
A3: Russell Brand And The Conspiracy Grift - Media Matters - Air Date 1-2-24
A4: Some Grifters Who Finally Faced Consequences – SOME MORE NEWS -Air Date 9-25-24
(1:28:27) SECTION B - SCAMS
(1:50:18) SECTION C - CONSPIRACY
(2:19:48) SECTION D - MISINFORMATION
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Graphic showing a large pile of triangular warning signs with the word “SCAM” inside.
Credit: “traffic-signs-attention-notice” by Gerald, Pixabay | License: Pixabay
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Original Air Date: 2/14/20223
Today, we take a look at some origins, alternatives and misunderstandings of capitalism from the Dutch East India Company, to Adam Smith and up through the planned obsolescence and marketing that have tricked us all into working far harder than necessary while failing to make us happy.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Indigenous Economics with Tyson Yunkaporta (In Conversation) - Upstream - Air Date 11-10-21
Ch. 2: Transcending Capitalism Insights from Buddhism and Marxism - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 1-3-23
Ch. 3: We don't understand Capitalism. Part One - UNFTR - Air Date 1-27-23
Ch. 4: Your Work Is Not Your Worth - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 10-21-22
Ch. 5: We don't understand Capitalism. Part Two. - UNFTR - Air Date 1-27-23
Ch. 6: Economics for a New Year - Economic Update with Richard Wolff - Air Date 1-19-23
Ch. 7: Indigenous Economics with Tyson Yunkaporta (In Conversation) Part 2 - Upstream - Air Date 11-10-21
Ch. 8: Transcending Capitalism Insights from Buddhism and Marxism Part 2 - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 1-3-23
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Air Date 10/22/2024
This is your one-stop reference guide to every issue that is being wrongly blamed on immigrants as the Trump campaign rhetoric turns evermore fascist and xenophobic.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Deportation First Trump and Harris Compete for Latinx Votes While Pushing Anti-Immigrant Policies - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-16-24
KP 2: Escaping Otherism Why Dr. Seuss Could Never Find a Rhyme for Genocide - Crazy Town - Air Date 6-12-24
KP 3: The Real Reason Trump Is Demonizing Immigrants - The Lever - Air Date 10-11-24
KP 4: 'Villains nor victims' Why immigration is good for our economy - Velshi - Air Date 6-2-24
KP 5: Escaping Otherism Why Dr. Seuss Could Never Find a Rhyme for Genocide Part 2 - Crazy Town - Air Date 6-12-24
KP 6: Prof Richard Wolff A FUTURE WITHOUT FEAR OF IMMIGRANTS - The Zero Hour - Air Date 10-12-24
(38:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Giving a quick list of immigration lies
DEEPER DIVES
(42:07) SECTION A - MIS/DISINFORMATION
A1: How is Trump winning the US immigration debate - Anywhere but Washington - Air Date 10-10-24
A2: FEMA is running low on disaster money, but not because funds went to housing undocumented migrants - Verify - Air Date 10-7-24
(50:26) SECTION B - REALITY CHECK
(1:08:30) SECTION C - OTHERING
(1:26:35) SECTION D - SOLUTIONS
SHOW IMAGE CREDIT
Description: Trump, with a serious expression, stands at a lectern and points out into the crowd.
Credit: “Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 10-20-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - Yet another GOP animal abuse horror - Why weather machine conspiracy theories took off so easily - The questionable UAE organization trying to control rain with cloud seeding - Why more extreme weather isn't swaying certain voters on climate change - Talking about climate change through a patriotic lens - Bonus Segment: The surprising origins of Don't Mess with Texas
REFERENCES: New NRA Chief Once Tortured a Cat to Death
MTG Implies Dems Created Hurricane Helene: ‘They Can Control the Weather’
Marjorie Taylor Greene - U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene cited patents as proof of weather control. That's Pants on Fire!
The New Gods of Weather Can Make Rain on Demand—or So They Want You to Believe
Extreme Weather Has Had a Surprising Impact on Voters’ Attitudes About Climate Change
Kamala Harris Framed Climate Action as a Patriotic Duty. New Research Shows Why That’s Effective.
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Original Air Date: 5/27/2022
Today we take a look at the disruptions to society that can unfold in times of economic distress such as high inflation, price gouging, wage stagnation and income inequality as well as some policy ideas for turning things around.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Will America's Capitalists Pull Us Into War & Fascism? Featuring Richard Wolff - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-18-22
Ch. 2: You Are Being Lied to About Inflation - Robert Reich - Air Date 2-28-22
Ch. 3: Prices Soar as Corporate Profiteers & Speculators Drive Inflation; It Hurts the Developing World - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-13-22
Ch. 4: Prof. Richard Wolff Do Workers Have It Too Good Nowadays - The Zero Hour w RJ Eskow - Air Date 5-14-22
Ch. 5: Omar Ocampo of Inequality.org on corporate billionaire greed Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 5-11-22
Ch. 6: David Dayen on the Baby Formula Shortage & Monopolies in the Age of Corporate Power - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-17-22
Ch. 7: Omar Ocampo of Inequality.org on corporate billionaire greed Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 5-11-22
Ch. 8: How Biden’s budget proposal takes on corporate power (with Niko Lusiani) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 5-10-22
Ch. 9: Elon Musk’s Billionaire Games - The Daily Show with Trevor Noah - Air Date 5-7-22
Ch. 10: Prof. Richard Wolff Do Workers Have It Too Good Nowadays Part 2 - The Zero Hour w RJ Eskow - Air Date 5-14-22
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 10/15/2024
Just as COVID tended to expose the preexisting fractures and inequalities in our society causing undue harm, supercharged by disinformation, so do natural disasters. And the impact of disinformation and conspiracy has only grown in recent years.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Election Denials, Asheville, Israel & Inequality. - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 10-25-24
KP 2: Meteorologist Guy Walton on Hurricane Milton's threat to Florida - The Bradcast - Air Date 10-8-24
KP 3: Six Factory Workers Feared Dead In Tenn. After Being Swept Away During Hurricane Helene - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-3-24
KP 4: Derek Seidman on Insurance and Climate, Insha Rahman on Immigration Conversation - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-4-24
KP 5: Trump's politicized lies about Helene recovery calls to mind his abysmal record handling disasters - Alex Wagner Tonight - Air Date 10-4-24
KP 6: 'Enraging' Republicans ‘suddenly’ see disinformation problem amid hurricane crisis - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 10-9-24
KP 7: Hurricane Milton Menaces Florida; Fact Report after Helene with NC blogger Tom Sullivan - The BradCast - Air Date 10-7-24
(54:00) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how to work with distrust in government
DEEPER DIVES
(58:58) SECTION A - NATURAL DISASTERS
A1: Meteorologist Guy Walton on Hurricane Milton's threat to Florida Part 2 - The Bradcast - Air Date 10-8-24
A2: Complete Neglect Thousands Not Evacuated from Florida Jails & Prisons Ahead of Hurricane Milton - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-10-24
(1:09:28) SECTION B - INTERSECTIONAL ISSUES
(1:31:26) SECTION C - POLITICS
(1:45:45) SECTION D: TRUMP AND DISINFORMATION
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Watercolor-style illustration of people of all abilities on a Main St. with houses and trees, and smaller groups of people sitting together.
Credit: “ai generated inclusion community” by Franz26, Pixabay | License: Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 10-14-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - A member voicemail about autopilot cars - Some call backs, including JD Vance being unsurprisingly weird with his dog - The frustrating shift in the Kamala Harris campaign - Biden's continuous blundering of Israel's war on Gaza - The historical precedent for Harris to depart from Biden on Israel war policy ASAP
REFERENCES: Finally, The New York Times Is Getting Real About Trump's Mental...Status
An Entirely Necessary Investigation Into JD Vance's Relationship With His Dog, Atlas
Professional Dog Walkers Aren’t Sure JD Vance Has Ever Walked—or Even Met—His Dog Before
Kamala’s Comedown
Kamala Harris Is Taking a Big Risk by Playing It Safe
Joe Biden Chose This Catastrophic Path Every Step of the Way
Netanyahu Doesn't Care About His Friendship With Biden
Biden Gives Shocking Answer on Potential Israeli Election Interference
Biden May Be the President Who Kills the Two-State Solution
Biden’s Gaza policy is a liability for Kamala Harris. She must break with Biden now
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Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 10/11/2024
Humans insatiable need for increasing amounts of energy and our tendency to want to at least have the option to wipe entire populations off the map has led to a renewed age of risks related to nuclear power, nuclear weapons, nuclear waste, and nuclear fallout.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Can clean energy handle the AI boom? - Vox - Air Date 10-1-24
KP 2: Why Nuclear Energy Is On The Verge Of A Renaissance - CNBC - Air Date 6-7-22
KP 3: Is Nuclear Energy the solution? - Our Changing Climate - Air Date 5-10-19
KP 4: Three Mile Island Is Reopening. Some Climate Scientists are Thrilled. - CNN One Thing - Air Date 9-25-24
KP 5: Warnings of Nuclear Catastrophe as Power Plants in Russia and Ukraine at Risk Amid Escalating War - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-29-24
KP 6: Are we facing a new nuclear arms race? - This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler - Air Date 9-17-24
(47:23) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the nature of humans and energy use
DEEPER DIVES
(54:59) SECTION A - ENERGY
(1:31:22) SECTION B - CLIMATE
(1:56:40) SECTION C - RISK
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: A photo of two, active nuclear power plant towers on the bank of a river at sunset.
Credit: “nuclear power plant, Rhine, flow” by distelAPPArath, Pixabay | License: Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Presenting an episode of 'To See Each Other,' a show that complicates the narrative about small town Americans in our most misunderstood, and often abandoned, communities. This season, host George Goehl travels to Lincoln County, Wisconsin to follow a small town battle for the last remaining public nursing home in the community. It’s a heart-pounding roller coaster of a fight - in a swing state that could determine the election. Over the course of the show, a universal truth emerges: That in every complicated set of politics, when we refuse to give up on each other, we can build a better future.
You can listen to more episodes of To See Each Other at https://link.chtbl.com/toseeeachother?sid=bestoftheleft
Air Date 10/8/2024
Immigration dominates our politics in the worst way because one side benefits from lying about it and the other can't get their messaging together to create an effective rebuttal. Opposing immigration and stoking blatantly racist arguments doesn't just make the right bad or unsavory, it also makes them wrong on literally all of the facts.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Trump & Vance are Reviving Dangerous Racist Myths To Win 2024 Election - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-16-24
KP 2: Fascism Expert Jason Stanley on Project 2025, Great Replacement Theory, Attacks on Immigrants & Gaza - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-15-24
KP 3: The Daily Blast Trumps Angry, Unhinged New Rant About Fox News Offers Hidden Warning Part 1 - Deep State Radio - Air Date 9-30-24
KP 4: Did Donald TRUMP Make Germany RACIST Again - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-27-24
KP 5: The Daily Blast Trumps Angry, Unhinged New Rant About Fox News Offers Hidden Warning Part 2 - Deep State Radio - Air Date 9-30-24
KP 6: Trump's rhetoric on immigrants gets even darker - The ReidOut - Air Date 9-27-24
KP 7: Paola Ramos Explains the Rise of the Latino Far Right and Growing Anti-Immigrant Sentiments - LeBatardShow - Air Date 9-26-24
(55:21) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On what Democrats need to do on immigration messaging
Articles:
The Democrats’ Shameful, Foolish Surrender on Immigration
Kamala Harris Needs to Meet the Moment and Reframe Our Poisonous Immigration Debate
DEEPER DIVES
(1:01:12) SECTION A - DISINFORMATION
(1:14:11) SECTION B - WHITE SUPREMACY
(1:37:38) SECTION C - LATINO ANTI-IMMIGRATION VIEWS
SHOW IMAGE CREDIT
Description: A stenciled image on a metal trailer structure shows the words “I stand with immigrants” in the shape of a rectangle.
Credit: “Stand with immigrants” by Quinn Dombrowski, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Added lower metal space and increased contrast.
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Air Date: 10-7-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The Today Show's take on viral phenom Moo Deng - The GOP's obsession with killing animals - How the media made a mess of Rashida Tlaib's comments and missed the key point - How some Nazi language is infiltrating left wing spaces & what to do about it - How to solve antisemitism
REFERENCES: Meet Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo taking the internet by storm
How the GOP Became the Party of Pet Slaughter
Anatomy of a Smear Campaign Against Rashida Tlaib
Fact-check: Tlaib did not say Nessel charged pro-Palestinian protesters because she’s Jewish
Normalizing Nazi Rhetoric Won’t Further the Goal of Palestinian Liberation
A Leftist Analysis of Antisemitism
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Air Date 10/4/2024
When women's value is seen only in relation to their ability to bear and raise children, you get policies that strip them of the right to choose whether that is something they actually want for themselves - the lived consequences are devastating.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: ‘Authoritarian’: Vance’s weird war on women echoes history's biggest fascists - The ReidOut - Air Date 8-15-24
KP 2: Where Did MAGA's 'Post-Birth' Abortion Claim Come From? - NowThis Impact - Air Date 9-12-24
KP 3: Woman Shares 'Trauma' of Abortion Bans During Senate Hearing - NowThis Impact - Air Date 9-24-24
KP 4: Donald wants to CONTROL WOMEN not PROTECT them. The truth behind his FALSE PROMISE. - Danielle Moodie - Air Date 9-25-24
KP 5: Georgia's Deadly Abortion Ban: The Tragic Deaths of Two Black Women, Candi Miller & Amber Thurman - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-18-24
KP 6: Texas Republicans ARE KILLING WOMEN!!! - Brittany Page - Air Date 9-26-24
KP 7: Everyone Loves Someone Who's Had an Abortion - The Defenders - Air Date 12-30-23
(48:52) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the further demands for reproductive justice
Articles:
We Need Better Than a Return to the Roe Status Quo
National Abortion Rights Groups Have the Wrong Priorities for Our Movement
Abortion Access Right Now Fund
DEEPER DIVES
(56:49) SECTION A: THE CASUALTIES
(1:32:58) SECTION B: RELIGION
(2:00:00) SECTION C: THE PUNISHMENT IS THE POINT
(2:26:03) SECTION D: BLACK WOMEN
(2:42:41) SECTION E: THE PUSHBACK
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: A protestor holds a hand-painted sign that says “Justices Lie. Women Die!” with a drawing of a coat hanger.
Credit: “220503_RoeVWade_Rally_Pittsburgh-100103” by Mark Dixon, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0
Air Date 10/1/2024
There's still no end in sight to Israel's war on its neighbors and the US continues its toothless efforts to de-escalate while maintaining seemingly unconditional support in spite of standing laws that should prevent our sale of weapons to any country committing war crimes - which Israel certainly it.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Israel Terrorizes Hezbollah With Exploding Pagers - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 9-20-24
KP 2: Hell Is Breaking Loose in Lebanon Israel Rejects Ceasefire Proposal as U.N. Chief Calls for Peace Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-26-24
KP 3: U.S. Gov't Agencies Found Israel Was Blocking Gaza Aid. Blinken Ignored Them to Keep Weapons Flowing - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-26-24
KP 4: 'Whitewashing genocide' How Democrats & the media kept Gaza out of the DNC - The Real News Network - Air Date 8-31-24
KP 5: Palestine In Israeli School Books w Author Nurit Peled-Elhanan - Book Cafe Podcast - Air Date 2-22-24
KP 6: How U.S. College Administrators Are Dreaming Up Ways to Squash Gaza Protests - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-5-24
KP 7: Arrest Netanyahu: NYC activists call for mass march during Netanyahu's UN address - The Real News Network
(55:08) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the ease of misunderstanding when discussing Israel
Article: A Leftist Analysis of Antisemitism - Jacobin
DEEPER DIVES
(1:01:15) SECTION A: STATE TERRORISM
(1:27:44) SECTION B: GLOBAL COMPLICITY
(2:00:10) SECTION C: PROTESTS AND INDOCTRINATION
(2:14:13) SECTION D: RESISTANCE
SHOW IMAGE CREDIT
Description: A black and white photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu making a speech with the flags of Israel and the United States behind him.
Credit: “Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III participates in a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, April 12, 2021” by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders / U.S. Secretary of Defense, Wikimedia Commons | License: Public Domain
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Air Date: 9-29-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - Why Cards Against Humanity is fighting Elon Musk - How car-related deaths have soared in the US - How partial automation tech in cars is making driving more dangerous - Why truck bloat(or C.O.U.S.s, if you prefer)is deadly - Surveillance CARpitalism that will blow your mind - The electric school bus fleets sweeping the nation - The fratzonic sound of the electric Dodge Charger
REFERENCES: "Cards Against Humanity Sues Elon Musk’s SpaceX “With Great Vengeance and Furious Anger” For Trespassing"
"Cards Against Humanity Sues Elon Musk for 15 million dollars"
The Stubborn Problem of Cars Killing People
Tesla and Volvo drivers using partial automation tech were studied. Here are the results
The US finally takes aim at truck bloat
It’s Official: Cars Are the Worst Product Category We Have Ever Reviewed for Privacy
Electric school buses are the future we deserve
Here’s what the new Dodge Charger Daytona’s fake engine sounds like
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Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 9/27/2024
Let's just say that it's not a coincidence that right-wing authoritarians are on the rise at the same time as people around the world are having a harder time than ever figuring out what's true. That said, society is beginning to fight back.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-project-2025-will-lay-groundwork-for-second-term
KP 2: NBC's Jacob Ward: How Technology Shapes Our Thinking and Decisions Part 1 - Commonwealth Club World Affairs (CCWA) - Air Date 1-31-22
KP 3: Streaming is Changing Politics...Is That A Good Thing? - Wisecrack - Air Date 9-20-24
KP 4: YouTube and the Death of Media Literacy - Zoe Bee - Air Date 9-2-24
KP 5: A Citizen's Guide to Disinformation - TechTank - Air Date 9-3-24
KP 6: Enshittification Part 3: Saving The Internet - On the Media - Air Date 5-19-23
(45:53) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On bad media diets and brain worms
Article: Welcome to the Era of ‘Deep Doubt’
DEEPER DIVES
(54:23) SECTION A: SOCIAL MISINFORMATION
(1:23:18) SECTION B: LIVE BY THE ALGORITHM
(1:55:54) SECTION C: SOLUTIONS
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: Graphic of two profiles back to back, one red, one blue. A white question mark is in the middle.
Credit: “face-question mark-disoriented” by geralt| License: Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 9/24/2024
The positive dad vibes of Tim Walz came onto the national scene in the middle of an ongoing crisis of masculinity that stretches from the youngest generations to the oldest. Both positive and negative aspects of masculinity tie in with the general election, basically divided right down the partisan line, and the next generation of voters (not to mention humans) are often feeling stuck between the two with insufficient guidance from the men in their lives.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Tim Walz is The Perfect Model of Masculinity Which Contrasts Weird, Blowhard JD Vance - Hysteria - Air Date 8-15-24
KP 2: Are Men Okay – SOME MORE NEWS - Air Date 5-22-24
KP 3: Dating Amid Gender Differences in Politics - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 7-30-24
KP 4: “BoyMom” Author Looks at Raising Sons in an Age of “Impossible Masculinity” - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 7-9-24
KP 5: We Love Some BDE Part 2 - Big Dad Energy - Dear Old Dads - Air Date 8-23-24
KP 6: Rethinking Boyhood What Moms Should Know (with Guest Ruth Whippman) - What Fresh Hell Podcast - Air Date 6-17-24
KP 7: That's My Gus Walz - Dear Old Dads - Air Date 8-30-24
KP 8: “BoyMom” Author Looks at Raising Sons in an Age of “Impossible Masculinity” Part 2 - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 7-9-24
(54:39) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the 3 top takeaways on and for boys and men
Article: CONSIDER THE BOOR
DEEPER DIVES
(1:00:56) SECTION A: TIM WALZ
(1:17:49) SECTION B: JD VANCE BRANDED MASCULINITY
(1:41:18) SECTION C: THE FALL OUT OF STOICISM
(1:46:43) SECTION D: DATING LIFE
(2:07:48) SECTION E: SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SHOW IMAGE CREDIT
Description: Image of a man in a flannel shirt in free fall against a gray cloud background.
Credit: “man-fall” by Pexels | License: Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 9-23-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - Musk's latest - J.D. Vance's war on truth and brown people - The super villains who spread lies - Sane Washing Trump - Correcting the Left - Right-wing lies as a matter of course
REFERENCES: Musk Claims ‘Joke’ About Assassinating Harris Was Funnier in Person
J.D. Vance’s War on American Life Starts in Springfield
JD Vance Thinks He Can Sell His Nationalism With Cat Memes
J.D. Vance’s Admission Shouldn’t Shock You—They’ve Done This for Years
How the Media Sanitizes Trump’s Insanity
Trump Has Not Been ‘Sane-Washed’
The Sound of One MAGA Attacking (Retracted)
“He’s one of us”: Trump defends political violence against the press, while the press remains silent
Man arrested at Trump rally in Pa. wanted to hang a protest banner, police say
How Right-Wingers Manufacture Scandal
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Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Original Air Date: 3/21/2023
Today, we take a look at how GOP-controlled states are subverting democracy with a form of "competitive autocracy" and some of the horrifying legislation these states then pass after they are no longer subject to the opinions of the general public.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Autocratic Nightmare of State Republicans (David Pepper Interview) - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 2-5-22
Ch. 2: Republicans Are Staging A Legislative Coup - More Perfect Union - Air Date 1-5-22
Ch. 3: Laboratories of Autocracy – David Pepper – It’s the States, Stupid! - The Al Franken Podcast - Air Date 10-29-22
Ch. 4: The Fight for Fair Maps - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-18-22
Ch. 5: Failing (Red)States - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 3-4-23
Ch. 6: Ending my sm sabbatical since Houston is once again under attack by the party of "small government" - princewilliamhtx - Air Date 3-15-23
Ch. 7: Wherever you live in America, here’s why you should care about Governor Abbott’s removal of school board members in Houston. - isiahrmartin - Air Date 3-16-23
Ch. 8: “Plantation Politics”: How White Mississippi Lawmakers Want to Seize Power in Majority-Black Jackson - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-9-23
Ch. 9: These Republicans are Trying to LITERALLY Send Your Kids Back To The Mines - The Young Turks - Air Date 2-11-23
Ch. 10: How Moore v. Harper Could Reshape Democracy - The Takeaway - Air Date 12-8-22
Ch. 11: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Rolls Back Child Labor Protections in Arkansas - The Young Turks - Air Date 3-10-23
Ch. 12: Missouri law barring police from enforcing federal gun laws creates confusion - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 2-26-23
Ch. 13: Tennessee legislator shocks with lynching suggestion - Alex Wagner Tonight - Air Date 3-3-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 15: Final comments on how to fix the states
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date: 9-19-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - the fallout from the debate, Trump's lies, and how his incoherence is being sanitized - The inadequacy of workplace protections, even in unionized shops - how worker stress and consumer misery are actually features, not bugs - the hope of Philosopher Obama and Trump's Power of Positivity® - people's need to feel like they're getting their money's worth at the expense of all else
REFERENCES: UPS Drivers Won “Historic Heat Protections.” They Say the Company Hasn’t Lived Up to That Promise
In Fast Food, Worker Stress Is the Business Model
Why Airlines Want to Make You Suffer
Barack Obama Is the Last American Transcendentalist
The True Source of Trump’s Delusions: The Gospel of Positive Thinking
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Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 9/17/2024
It's not just the threat of the electoral college handing the presidency to the loser of the popular vote, nor the specter of a repeat of a January 6th-like event hanging over the election - there's also copious lies and disinformation including a new and improved nazi-to-Republican-talking-point-pipeline, and fresh new intimidation and voter suppression tactic experiments underway in the laboratories of democracy.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Ignore your lying eyes: Republicans attempt to overwrite living memory to rewrite history - Alex Wagner Tonight - Air Date 8-14-24
KP 2: Trump Admits He Lost 2020 Election?!? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-5-24
KP 3: How Pro-Trump Election Officials Could Refuse To Certify The 2024 Election - Democracy Docket - Air Date 8-15-24
KP 4: What Does “Election Interference” Even Mean Anymore? - The Political Scene Podcast - Air Date 9-4-24
KP 5: Subvert the Election, But Make It Legal - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts - Air Dat 9-7-24
KP 6: ‘Intimidation’: MAGA Texas AG orders raids on homes of Latino Democrats - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-29-24
KP 7: Republicans caught in BOMBSHELL lie - Brian Tyler Cohen - Air Date 9-9-24
KP 8: This is also ominous foreboding for what these people will do in office - Jamelle Bouie - Air Date 9-13-24
(49:26) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On what puts democracies at risk
DEEPER DIVES
(1:01:09) SECTION A: INTIMIDATION
(1:15:27) SECTION B: INTERFERENCE
(1:54:14) SECTION C: LIES
(2:08:49) SECTION D: ELECTION INTEGRITY
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Photo of a woman holding a sign above her head that says “Voting Rights are Human Rights”. She is wearing a bucket hat that says “Good Trouble.”
Credit: “210828 - voting rights-6” by Johnny Silvercloud | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 9/13/2024
We've been living through the modern equivalent of the oil boom, back when poking a hole in the ground would make one of the world's most valuable substances, upon which entire economies would be built. But in our case, it's not oil, it's data. Now we are at a pivotal moment as the old unchallenged master of data, Google, has been found guilty of illegal anti-competitive behavior at the same time as generative AI companies are in a new desperate rush to stake claims on every last piece of data they can find.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The New Colonialism of Big Tech - Andrewism - Air Date 9-3-24
KP 2: Tech's Big Money Campaign is Getting Pushback with Margaret O'Mara and Brody Mullins - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 8-26-24
KP 3: Nathan Calvin on California AI bill SB 1047 and it's potential to shape US AI policy - 80,000 Hours Podcast - Air Date 8-29-24
KP 4: This Moment in AI How We Got Here and Where Were Going - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 8-12-24
KP 5: Newsoms AI dilemma To sign or not to sign - POLITICO Tech - Air Date 9-6-24
KP 6: At Last Big Tech's Free Ride May Be Over - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 9-4-24
KP 7: Where AI Isn't a Four Letter Word China Builds Robots to Aid Workers - The Socialist Program - Air Date 9-4-24
KP 8: Tech's Big Money Campaign is Getting Pushback with Margaret O'Mara and Brody Mullins Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 8-26-24
(1:00:18) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On a possible future for humanity
DEEPER DIVES
(1:07:35) SECTION A: THE THREAT
(1:20:31) SECTION B: BIG TECH LOBBYING
(1:39:26) SECTION C: REGULATION
(1:56:17) SECTION D: THINKING THROUGH SOLUTIONS
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Photo of a giant wall-sized screen displaying data numbers and a hand touching a finger to it.
Credit: “ai analyzing data” via mimpori01, Pixabay | Pixabay License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 9/10/2024
It's said that we live in a melting pot here in the United States. Perhaps it's more of a salad bar, who knows? In any case, there are a lot of people coming from a lot of different backgrounds, cultures, histories, and geographies all about to vote in a few weeks. Today, we try to understand, at least roughly, how people’s backgrounds influence their vote.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: A conversation about how demographic changes could impact the 2024 election - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 9-3-24
KP 2: The Gender Gap Is Widening In The 2024 Election - What A Day - Air Date 9-4-24
KP 3: Why So Many Young Men Are Leaving Democrats for Republicans in 2024 - WSJ State of the Stat - Air Date 8-19-24
KP 4: What Will Black Male Voters Do In 2024? - AJ+ - Air Date 7-7-24
KP 5: Ian Haney López, "Dog Whistle Politics: Coded Racism and Inequality for All" - Brown University - Air Date 8-23-17
KP 6: How Michigan explains American politics - Vox - Air Date 1-11-24
(50:47) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the nature of demographic cohorts and the movement of the Democratic Party
DEEPER DIVES
(57:01) SECTION A: THE MIXED BAG
(1:28:15) SECTION B: LATINO AND BLACK VOTERS
(2:03:35) SECTION C: WHITE AND RURAL VOTERS
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A composite image showing red and blue silhouettes of men and women yelling at each other, two with megaphones. A faded diptych of V.P. Harris and D. Trump are in the background.
Credit: Composite Design: A. Hoffman.
Photo 1: “Kamala Harris” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, faded
Photo 2: “Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, faded
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 9-8-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - labor unions fighting for time off when it's too hot - cooling tech - electric trains - and the corporations running our national parks into the ground
REFERENCES: Greek Unions Want Paid Time Off When It’s Too Hot to Work
To keep workers going in the heat, companies try fledgling cooling tech
Please Do Not Make Fun of My Neck Fan
Is the US finally getting all-aboard with electric trains?
Yosemite National Park Is a Mess
Aramark Stock Hits All-Time High Amid Triple-Digit Profit Growth
OpenAI won’t watermark ChatGPT text because its users could get caught
The Case for Public Rail Ownership
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Air Date 9/6/2024
We're living in the world that dark money in politics and Citizen's United built. But since that Supreme Court ruling in 2010, we've invented cryptocurrency that promises to be a brand new source of opacity and financial power built on smoke and mirrors.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Steve Macek on Dark Money - CounterSpin - Air Date 8-23-24
KP 2: Why Big Money Supports Trump - Robert Reich - Air Date 8-27-24
KP 3: Trump shifts stance on cryptocurrency to win over new bloc of voters and mega-donors - PBS Newshour - Air Date 7-29-24
KP 4: Silicon Valley's Impact on the 2024 Elections - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 7-31-24
KP 5: Dem Donors Want Harris To Bail On Biden's Best Decision - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-29-24
KP 6: Andy Levin, Pushed Out of Congress by AIPAC, Calls for Change in U.S.-Israel Policy - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-21-24
KP 7: Steven Rosenfeld on Election Transparency, Ian Vandewalker on Small Donors - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-17-24
KP 8: We need to move to the public funding of elections - Bernie Sanders - Air Date 8-29-24
(49:16) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the changing sense of urgency to address money in politics
DEEPER DIVES
(52:47) SECTION A: THE SYSTEM
A1: Trump and the Billionaires Part 2 - The Socialist Program with Brian Becker - Air Date 7-16-24
A2: Steve Macek on Dark Money Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air Date 8-23-24
(1:10:02) SECTION B: FUNDING REPUBLICANS
(1:26:54) SECTION C: FUNDING DEMOCRATS
(1:34:05) SECTION D: SOLUTIONS
SHOW IMAGE CREDITS
Description: A composite image showing a Bitcoin in front of a pile of US cash, and a dark American flag in the background.
Credit: Composite Design: A. Hoffman. Photo 1: “Cash on table” via Pexels | License | Photo 2: American flag via Pixabay | License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date: 10/16/2018
Today we take a look at the distant and recent history of conservatism in America and beyond and follow the steps that have led to their rejection of science at a moment in history when it has never been more critical to heed the warnings of scientists
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Corey Robin on the right from Burke to Trump - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 12-3-17
Corey Robin on the Right from Burke to Trump. While most people on the Left fear and demonize the Right, they aren't interested in its ideas. Robin, however, takes them very seriously and analyzes their ideas for us.
Ch. 2: Jonah Goldberg on Trump, Republicans and the conservative movement - Diane Rehm: On My Mind - Air Date 3-2-18
The state of the conservative movement and where it goes from here.
Ch. 3: Kurt Andersen: How religion turned American politics against science - Big Think - Air Date 1-18-28
In the last 30 years, religion has radicalized American politics and seriously harmed the perception of science, says journalist and author Kurt Andersen. This can be directly tied to the rise of the Christian Right in the 20th century.
Ch. 4: The fall of family values - Past/Present - Air Date 6-25-18
Explaining how we came to the end of “family values” conservatism
Ch. 5: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE: FL, IN, MO, MT, ND - Help Democrats Retain These Toss-Up Battleground Senate Seats!
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.
Ch. 6: Jennifer Rubin on the breakdown of the GOP from a center-right perspective - The Good Fight - Air Date 2-13-18
Yascha Mounk discusses how to cover the Trump presidency; the complicity of the Republican party; and the future of the right with proud conservative and staunch Never Trumper Jennifer Rubin.
Ch. 7: Chomsky on the GOP Has Any Organization Ever Been So Committed to Destruction of Life on Earth? - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 04-26-17
Amy Goodman began by asking Noam Chomsky about the catastrophically destructive tendencies of the Republican Party.
Ch. 8: America: The Farewell Tour (with Guest Chris Hedges) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 10-2-18
Chris Hedges on the erosion of democratic infrastructure, imperialist leanings, and the widening gap between the morbidly rich and the working class, a sign of America's farewell?
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 9-1-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The ever-stranger headlines about RFK Jr. ...and dead animals - The political philosophies and missteps behind unipolar, bipolar or multipolar world views - The dogmatic history of the American Communist Party - The deeper reasons having kids is on the decline - The impacts of our bizarre online world on kids and teens
REFERENCES: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Admits He Falls for Online Misinformation “All the Time”
RFK Jr. Whale-Beheading Story Gives RFK Jr. Bear-Murder Story a Run for Its Money
Environmental Group Wants Answers About RFK Jr. Chainsawing a Whale’s Head Off
RFK Jr. in Hot Water With Environmental Group Over That Wild Whale Story
As Eurasia Awakes Our World Will Shake
The “Multipolar World”: A Euphemism to Support Multiple Imperialisms
Red Weather Vanes
The Real Reason People Aren’t Having Kids
The Big Problem Faced by Teens Isn’t Caused by Phones. It’s Deeper.
What Tweens Get from Sephora and What They Get from Us
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Air Date 8/30/2024
Israel's assault on Gaza is fueled by pain, rage, trauma... a desire for safety, a desire for revenge, the hope for the safe return of hostages. It's a complicated mix of all of the above and more and it will be different for each person. However, there's also a deep well of denial and delusion about the decades-old status quo between Israel and Palestine that made the current conflict all but inevitable and the pursuit of genocide by some decision-makers in the Israeli government - as well as the support of the US government - possible.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Kamala Harris Mentioned Palestinian Suffering — in the Passive Voice - The Intercept - Air Date 8-26-24
KP 2: Substance vs Vibes in VP Kamala Harris' Gaza PR Reboot - Citations Needed - Air Date 8-2-24
KP 3: Former Israeli Spy Chief- If I Was A Palestinian, I Would Fight Against Israel's Occupation - Zeteo - Air Date 8-19-24
KP 4: Torture Is Systemic in Israel's Prisons / Shai Parnes - This Is Hell! - Air Date 8-21-22
KP 5: EXPOSED- Netanyahu's Plan to Set World on Fire - Double Down News - Air Date 8-23-24
KP 6: Rami Khouri on Latest Israel-Hezbollah Escalation & Stalled Ceasefire Talks - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-26-24
(50:37) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the deep denial at the heart of Zionism
My Father and the Withering of Liberal Zionism - New York Mag
DEEPER DIVES
(1:02:24) SECTION A - UNCOMMITTED
(1:28:38) SECTION B - TORTURE
(1:56:35) SECTION C - ARMS EMBARGO
(2:26:17) SECTION D - JOURNALISM
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A young woman in the middle of a protest in Washington, DC holds up a sign in front of her that says “End the Siege On Gaza Now”
Credit: “March on Washington for Gaza” https://www.flickr.com/photos/perspective/53463705757/ by Elvert Barnes, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode.en | Changes: Cropped
Air Date 8/27/2024
People feel lots of ways about immigration. Sometimes it's fear of the other, other times it's not about the people but just dismay over a broken system. The validity of these concerns and others certainly exist on a spectrum, some are utter bullshit and others aren't. Left-wing political parties tend to do a terrible job creating immigration policy - in that they just don't do it at all - while the right wing is all too happy to create and implement terrible policy. And given a choice between action and inaction, regardless of how misguided the proposed action is, people with concerns will choose action.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The UK's Far Right Riots - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 8-8-24
KP 2: Riots in the UK - Today, Explained - Air Date 8-7-24
KP 3: Introducing 'Battle of 187' week! - The Times Essential news from the L.A. Times - Air Date 7-19-21
KP 4: The Battle of 187 ends — and the war begins - The Times Essential news from the L.A. Times - Air Date 7-20-21
KP 5: RNC & ”Migrant Crime”- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 7-25-24
KP 6: Election 2024 As 'neofascist' Trump targets immigrants, how will the left respond w Juan González - The Real News Network - Air Date 7-28-24
KP 7: Employment Visa Paths for Dreamers and a Harris vs. Trump Presidential Race - This Week in Immigration - Air Date 7-30-24
(50:32) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the electoral politics of immigration policy
DEEPER DIVES
(58:41) SECTION A - THE UK RIOTS
(1:13:16) SECTION B - CA PROPOSITION 187
(1:26:59) SECTION C - TRUMP VS HARRIS
(1:49:23) SECTION D - MIGRANTS
SHOW IMAGE: Description: Two young women stand amidst a protest in London showing their signs to the camera that say "No human is illegal."
Credit: "No Human is Illegal" by Alisdare Hickson, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Air Date 8/23/2024
The vibes of this election are nothing anyone could have predicted a month ago. And yet, some of the details have played out as though by a script. Democrats drink hope like ambrosia from the gods; Trump, when confronted with reality initiates a full blown meltdown; and everyone is doing their best to ignore the genocide in Gaza being carried out with our weapons.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Unlearning Zionism with Simone Zimmerman & Eliza Skinner - The Bitchuation Room (with Francesca Fiorentini) - Air Date 8-13-24
KP 2: Dems Walz All Over GOP Attacks; Harris's Israel Tightrope w/ Krystal Ball - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 8-9-24
KP 3: The Rise of Kamala Harris with Heather McGhee Part 1 - Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast - Air Date 8-13-24
KP 4: Jon Stewart on Why Trump Wants Biden Back So Badly He's Reusing His Old Attacks - The Daily Show - Air Date 8-12-24
KP 5: 'Stupidest' candidate Trump did not answer reporters' questions - The Last Word With Lawrence O'Donnell - Air Date 8-8-24
KP 6: Democrats, Republicans, and the Meaning of Life - Steve Shives - Air Date 8-19-24
(48:45) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
on the vibes and archetypes of the election
Kamala Harris Is Providing a Very Specific Kind of Psychological Relief to America - Slate
Tim Walz is the dad that we lost - TikTok
DEEPER DIVES
(1:03:02) SECTION A - HARRIS'S POSITIVE VIBES
(1:33:14) SECTION B - GAZA WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN
(1:54:55) SECTION C - REALITY OVER VIBES
(2:25:41) SECTION D - TRUMP MELTDOWN
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Composite triptych graphic showing Kamala Harris smiling with her hands in the air at a podium, the flag of Palestine in vertical, and Trump in profile stepping off the stage with his head down.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Image 1: “Kamala Harris” by Marc Nozell, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped ; Image 3: “Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Original Air Date: 8/23/2023
For decades, we have rightly been focused on dialing back endemic misogyny and poking holes in the patriarchy in the hopes of a new normal of gender relations emerging that would be genuinely healthier for everyone, not just women. But, with so much of the focus on the type of masculinity men and boys shouldn't embrace, we may have fallen short on giving positive direction to boys about what they should be and do.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Andrew Tate & Re-examining Masculinity - Long Story Short The Daily Show - Air Date 4-21-23
Jordan Klepper looks at Andrew Tate and breaks down how a void of role models has harmful consequences for young boys.
Ch. 2: The new crisis of masculinity - The Gray Area - Air Date 8-7-23
What does masculinity mean these days? Sean Illing speaks with Christine Emba, a columnist at The Washington Post who wrote the piece “Men are lost. Here’s a map out of the wilderness.”
Ch. 3: The New Masculinity - ON BOYS podcast - Air Date 4-27-23
Boys and men, Manley says, are caught between traditional definitions and understandings of masculinity, and a future definition that hasn’t been fully defined.
Ch. 4: Redefining Masculinity and Embracing Vulnerability - The Daily Show Beyond the Scenes - Air Date 3-7-23
Host Roy Wood Jr. sits down with the co-founder of “A Call to Men,” Ted Bunch, and developmental psychology professor at NYU, Niobe Way, to chat about boys' friendships and how therapy could be transformative for a lot of men.
Ch. 5: What Does Positive Masculinity Look Like? - Paging Dr. NerdLove - Air Date 4-12-18
Toxic masculinity doesn’t mean that being a man is toxic, bad, or even undesirable. At the same time, non-toxic or positive masculinity doesn’t mean apologizing for being a man or trying to be as gender-neutral as possible.
Ch. 6: What is Positive Masculinity: How Patriarchy Oppresses Men - Swolesome - Air Date 12-2-22
Looking at what patriarchy teaches boys to do
Ch. 7: Redefining Masculinity and Embracing Vulnerability Part 2 - The Daily Show Beyond the Scenes - Air Date 3-7-23
Ch. 8: The New Masculinity Part 2 - ON BOYS podcast - Air Date 4-27-23
Ch. 9: Why Allan Energy Is The New “Big D_CK Energy” - Barbie Movie - Fashionistas - Air date 8-4-23
Examining positive masculinity through Allen from The Barbie Movie
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on why emotionally stunted men are a social, not individual, problem
Air Date: 8-19-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - How we likely all have COVID and can't believe we did a Bonus Show - The bizarre ways AI is already part of our political systems - Strong feelings on AI-generated art in a hyper-capitalist world - The ups, downs and side effects of so-called AI friends - AI in our love lives (P.S. Audiophiles Beware: We had some technical difficulties, so this show may sound a little strange in spots.)
REFERENCES:
RFK Jr. Doubles Down on Dead Bear Cub With Bonkers Brag
The A.I. Influencer Ads Are Coming
Zoom founder Eric Yuan wants ‘digital twins’ to attend meetings for you so you can ‘go to the beach’ instead
There’s an AI Candidate Running for Parliament in the UK
An AI Bot Is (Sort of) Running for Mayor in Wyoming
OpenAI Imprisons AI That Was Running for Mayor in Wyoming
Harvard Scholars Suggest Pollsters Ask Questions to AI Simulations of Voters Because Real People Won't Answer The Phone
Political Candidate Accused of Being AI Insists He Is a Living Human With a Very Smooth, AI-Looking Face
‘We have to adapt or die’: Daniel Bedingfield says AI is music’s future
Wear This AI Friend Around Your Neck
Can an AI friend make you less lonely?
What If Your AI Girlfriend Hated You?
Computer says yes: how AI is changing our romantic lives
In the Age of A.I., What Makes People Unique?
The Big AI Risk Not Enough People Are Seeing
Bonus: Opinion: The problem with calling Trump and Vance weird
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Air Date 8/17/2024
James Baldwin's 100th birthday passed by recently and we're using the occasion to draw on his moral clarity and eloquence while we assess the state of race in America
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Celebrating James Baldwin's 100th Birthday - 1A - Air Date 7-30-24
KP 2: James Baldwin's Fire - Throughline - Air Date 9-17-20
KP 3: “Justice for My Brother”: Sister of Samuel Sharpe Speaks Out After Police Killing During RNC - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-19-24
KP 4: Why JD Vance and the MAGA GOP Do Not Represent the True Idea of America & Our Core Values - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-2-24
KP 5: Truth, Privilege, and James Baldwin - Woke AF Daily - Air Date 10-3-23
KP 6: Celebrating James Baldwin's 100th Birthday Part 2 - 1A - Air Date 7-30-24
KP 7: US' Unconditional Support For Israel Making The World More Dangerous - The Majority Report - Air Date 8-2-24
KP 8: Raw video- Rep. Cori Bush concedes 1st Congressional District primary race to Wesley Bell - KSDK News - Air Date 8-7-24
(49:08) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the need for national self-reflection
DEEPER DIVES
(56:50) SECTION A - BALDWIN THE WRITER
A1: 100 Years of James Baldwin; Election Integrity and National Security; New York City Etiquette - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 8-3-24
A2: Celebrating James Baldwin's 100th Birthday Part 3 - 1A - Air Date 7-30-24
(1:08:50) SECTION B - RACE IN AMERICA
(1:35:59) SECTION C - THE WHITE LIE
(2:00:40) SECTION D - GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Portrait of author and civil rights activist James Baldwin, an African American man, leaning against a tree with arms folded in a park and smiling, looking away from the camera.
Credit: “James Baldwin taken in Hyde Park London” by Allan Warren, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 | Changes: Cropped
Air Date 8/13/2024
Spirits among Kamala Harris supporters, Democrats, and anyone opposing Trumpism are at an all-time high right now. That's both fortuitous and crucial to the upcoming election. By the very nature of Trumpism, this election will be the most flagrantly contested in history with far more Trump loyalists in place ready to throw wrenches in the works wherever they can. Nothing short of overwhelming victory for the Harris/Waltz ticket is necessary to stave off constitutional crisis.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Maddow points out frightening truth about Trump's lack of concern about votes - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 7-29-24
KP 2: How Trump (Allegedly) Tried to Steal the Election - LegalEagle - Air Date 8-12-23
KP 3: As Tension over Venezuelan Election Escalates, the Left Debates Who Won the Contested Vote - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-5-24
KP 4: Why Millions Won't Be Able To Vote In 2024? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-8-24
KP 5: In The Hands Of The Voters with Marc Elias - Justice by Design - Air Date 8-2-24
KP 6: Resisting Minority Rule - Brennan Center for Justice - Air Date 5-30-24
(52:11) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the importance of happy warriors
DEEPER DIVES
(54:53) SECTION A - THE MECHANICS OF MINORITY RULE
(1:22:28) SECTION B - THE PROPONENTS OF MINORITY RULE
(1:44:21) SECTION C - THE HISTORY OF MINORITY RULE
(2:01:34) SECTION D - A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
(2:38:53) SECTION E - ACTIVISM
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A cardboard sign taped to a street poll shows an American flag image and a short arrow pointing toward it. Underneath is the word "VOTE".
Credit: "Vote!" by Kristin Ausk, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 8-11-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon, and Erin discuss: - Understanding the New Right - JD Vance's mangled metaphor - The best headline about RFK Jr. - Where the anti-trans movement has taken us - What Star War controversies through the years can teach us
REFERENCES: Watch: J.D. Vance Makes an Unfortunate Couch Joke at Nevada Rally
This Is Why J.D. Vance Hates “Childless Cat Ladies”
How JD Vance Thinks About Power
JD Vance Just Blurbed a Book Arguing That Progressives Are Subhuman
Read J.D. Vance’s Violent Foreword to Project 2025 Leader’s New Book
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Says He Staged an Elaborate Bear-Cub Murder Scene in Central Park, but Only Because He’d Planned to Eat It Later
RFK Jr is an always sunny in Philadelphia character
The Insidious Scrutiny of Female Athletes’ Bodies
The misleading controversy over an Olympic women’s boxing match, briefly explained
The Right-Wing Campaign to Purge Women From Women’s Sports
This Olympics Moment Shows Where Anti-Trans Calls to “Protect Women” Have Brought Us
Every Star Wars Backlash I've Ever Seen Has Really Been About The Same Thing
Once the most hated man in Star Wars, the actor behind Jar Jar Binks reflects on his reputation in that galaxy far, far away.
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Original Air Date: 2/8/2019
Amid the ongoing fallout of a contested presidential election, we take a look back, briefly, at the last 100 years of Venezuelan history to understand how they went from oil riches and inequality to revolution and social progress only to run afoul of American imperialism
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Attempted Coup in Venezuela with Abby Martin, Greg Wilpert, Paul Jay - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-26-19
Ch. 2: How Did Venezuela Go From So Rich To So Poor - The Inquiry - Air Date 5-10-17
Ch. 3: Venezuela in Crisis- Defending the Bolivarian Revolution - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 7-29-17
Ch. 4: Is Donald Trump waging a coup in Venezuela? - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 1-25-19
Ch. 5: Maduro’s Corruption Pushed Venezuela Further Into Economic DISASTER - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 2-2-19
Ch. 6: Jorge Martin on what’s next for Venezuela’s Bolivarian revolution? - @ThisIsHellRadio - Air Date 5-25-18
Ch. 7: The Yankee Plot to Overthrow Nicolás Maduro and Steal Venezuela’s Oil - The Intercept - Air Date 2-2-19
Ch. 8: As U.S. Moves to Oust Maduro, Is Invading Venezuela Next? Allan Nairn on Trump’s Attempted Coup - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 1-30-19
Ch. 9: Many Countries at UN Oppose Trump Interference in Venezuela - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-29-19
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 8/6/2024
After the recent Supreme Court ruling that allowed governments to constitutionally purge unhoused people from public spaces, we are getting an immediate lesson in the difference between addressing systemic problems with solutions and using the police to clean up after governments that failed to act.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Criminalizing homelessness - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-2-24
KP 2: Sotomayor TORCHES Oregon Town Trying To Ban Homeless People - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-23-24
KP 3: Biden Proposes Major SCOTUS Reforms, Including Ending Lifetime Appointments & Enforcing Ethics Code - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-30-24
KP 4: Billionaires' Attacks on Homeless People May Pay Off Big at Supreme Court - Citations Needed - Air Date 3-6-24
KP 5: Myths about Homeless People with Dr. Margot Kushel - Factually! - Air Date 5-8-24
KP 6: White House takes new action to lower housing costs - Morning Joe - Air Date 7-16-24
KP 7: Can Homelessness Be Eliminated- One Oregon County Found a Surprising Solution - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 4-1-24
(45:37) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the layers of problems and solutions for addressing homelessness
Article:
With Sacramento’s robust water infrastructure, why are homeless residents still dying of thirst?
DEEPER DIVES
(51:59) SECTION A - THE SUPREME COURT
(1:02:06) SECTION B - DEMONIZATION
(1:19:15) SECTION C - DIGITALIZATION OF RENTING
(1:33:27) SECTION D - SOLUTIONS
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A photograph of a group of multicolored camping tents on a plaza outside City Hall in Los Angeles.
Credit: "Unhoused in Los Angeles" by Ron Reiring, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 8-4-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The use of strategic ambiguity as a way to ensure everyone hears what they want to hear - How weird Republicans are now - How the joke about JD Vance having sex with a couch is viewed as plausible because his inability to deal with generational trauma has made him a bizarre person - How the right's bigotry runs so deep, they can't escape it even when they try their hardest - Seriously, the Trump era of the Republican Party is really weird!
REFERENCES: Those magic half-hours at Lozano Car Wash, where my dad was all mine
The Real Origin of Trump’s Hannibal Lecter Obsession The deeper you go, the less sense it makes.
Trump campaign finally reveals why ex president continues to profess love for Hannibal Lecter in speeches
J.D. Vance didn’t have sex with a couch. But he’s still extremely weird.
Critics Question JD Vance's 'Weird' Defense Of Wife Usha After White Supremacist Attacks
JD Vance's Response to White Supremacist Attacks on His Wife Seen as Lacking Strength and Conviction
J. D. Vance’s Sad, Strange Politics of Family
Trump: People who like family will support JD Vance
Trump faces backlash for ‘in four years, you don’t have to vote again’ remark
Trump asked to clarify his remarks about how Christians won't need to vote again
Dems Go All-In on Blasting Trump and MAGA as ‘Sick Freaks Who Everyone Hates’
How Trump and Vance went from a ‘threat to democracy’ to ‘weird’
Inside the “Big Weirdo” Political Strategy That Democrats Are Using to Taunt Republicans
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Air Date 8/2/2024
The Kamala Harris presidential campaign has been on a wild ride since it unexpectedly began less than two weeks ago. Record fund raising, organic enthusiasm not seen since Obama, and the ugly pushback to match.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: This Is What DEI Means (And Why Conservatives Get Super Racist With It) - Kate Abu - Air Date 7-29-24
KP 2: Political Plot Twists - Bad Queers - Air Date 7-29-24
KP 3: Israel Furious With Harris Over This Speech - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 7-28-24
KP 4: Share & Rizz & Tell with Mina Kimes and Dan Le Batard - PABLO TORRE FINDS OUT - Air Date 7-26-24
KP 5: Black Women Lead - Woke AF Daily - Air Date 7-24-24
KP 6: "It is a train that is never late"- Trump, GOP escalate racist and predictable attacks on VP Harris - Deadline White House - Air Date 7-24-24
(48:51) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the power of excitement
DEEPER DIVES
(56:51) SECTION A: MISOGYNOIR DEFINED
A1: Misogynoir by Dr. Moya Bailey #Jubilee21 - Black Feminist Future - Air Date 12-11-21
A2: Digital Misogynoir - The Anti-Dystopians - Air Date 9-8-23
(1:10:32) SECTION B: MISOGYNOIR IN ACTION
(1:41:14) SECTION C: TALK OF THE TOWN
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Vice President Kamala Harris stands on stage holding a microphone with one hand on her hip in front of the stars of the U.S. flag.
Credit: “Kamala Harris” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Slight crop
Air Date 7/30/2024
The Republican Party is making it sound like they're trying to transform themselves into the party of working people. There's a mountain of evidence suggesting that you shouldn't believe them but there's also plenty of reason to sit up and take notice of the situation.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: “He’s a Fake” Robert Kuttner on How J.D. Vance Disguises His Anti-Worker Views as Economic Populism - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-16-24
KP 2: Trump, Vance, and the New Right at the RNC - Deconstructed - Air Date 7-19-24
KP 3: JD Vance, Phony Populism on the Right, the Republican National Convention, and Democratic Party Messaging w Ben Burgis - Parallax Views - Air Date 7-22-24
KP 4: Teamster President’s RNC Both-Sides Pandering Fails Miserably - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-17-24
KP 5: Why Hiking Tariffs Actually Protects Americans - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-14-24
KP 6: Sean O'Brien faces criticism from Teamsters Vice President for RNC appearance - The Real News Network - Air Date 7-19-24
(43:44) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the shifting political epoch toward pro-worker policies we're witnessing
Clip: Let's adopt the GOP's national platform - Jim Hightower - Air Date- 3-6-13
Article: Biden’s labor report card: Historian gives ‘Union Joe’ a higher grade than any president since FDR
DEEPER DIVES
(54:05) SECTION A: TEAMSTER SPEECH AND FALSE POPULISM
(1:17:09) SECTION B: PRO-WORKER LEGISLATION
(1:28:24) SECTION C: JD VANCE AND THE "CENTER" RIGHT
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: J.D. Vance scowls with his face in partial shadow while standing at a podium.
Credit: "J.D. Vance" by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 7-29-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - All of our hope-y, fearful feelings about this political moment - The sexist, racist insults already being hurled at Harris - The perceived threat of a woman's laugh - Men's deep-seeded struggle with masculinity
REFERENCES: Trump campaign finally reveals why ex president continues to profess love for Hannibal Lecter in speeches
What people mean when they call Kamala Harris a ‘DEI candidate’
Kamala Harris and the Threat of a Woman’s Laugh
‘It is a train that is never late’: Trump, GOP escalate racist and predictable attacks on VP Harris
Are We Not Men?
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Air Date 7/26/2024
It's clear where the vast majority of violent rhetoric is coming from in the country and it's clear which party is a cult of personality and which puts country before personal power. This is the state of play in our politics.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Jeff Sharlet on Trump Assassination Attempt, Authoritarian Violence & Project 2025 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-15-24
KP 2: Who Really is Stoking Violence in America? - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 7-15-24
KP 3: The Long Simmer of Political Violence in America - The Atlantic - Air Date 7-15-24
KP 4: In "Unity" Speech, Trump Demonizes Migrants, Spreads Lies & Embraces Authoritarianism - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-19-24
KP 5: Jon Stewart on Biden 2024: It Is What It Is? - The Weekly Show With Jon Stewart - Air Date 7-11-24
KP 6: You did it, Joe - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-22-24
(51:48) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On why it's OK to have a bit of hope even if it's uncomfortable
DEEPER DIVES
(57:02) SECTION A: BIDEN STEPS DOWN
A1: "Beating Donald Trump Is Vital": Mehdi Hasan on Joe Biden Dropping Out, Kamala Harris, Gaza & More - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-22-24
A2: Fox News MELTS DOWN Over Kamala Harris - The Rational National - Air Date 7-22-24
(1:12:23) SECTION B: VIOLENCE AND VIOLENT RHETORIC
(1:21:33) SECTION C: THE RNC
(1:57:29) SECTION D: CONSPIRACY
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Composite image: In background, a photo from the RNC with image of Trump making a fist after the assassination attempt on every screen. In the foreground, Biden's letter telling America he is not running for reelection. Beside it, a photo of a smiling Vice President Kamala Harris.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Photo: "Kamala Harris" by Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped around subject
Original Air Date: 11/15/2022
Today, we take a look at our extremely steady history of political violence from the Revolution, through the Civil War, Reconstruction and Jim Crow, into the Civil Rights era, the Militia Movement and domestic terrorism, and now to our current once-again-radicalized, right-wing movement willing to use and tacitly condone violence as a political tactic.
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Capitol Attack Wasn't the 1st Violent Incident in Congress - Inside Edition - Air Date 1-20-22
Ch. 2: A history of US political violence Part 1 - Americast - Air Date 11-2-22
Ch. 3: Storm of White Right Wing Violence Isn't Coming... It's Here Featuring Luke Mogelson Part 1 - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-15-22
Ch. 4: Political Violence Is No Anomaly in American History - System Check - Air Date 1-8-21
Ch. 5: Today's Republicans were made in the 1990s - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 11-7-22
Ch. 6: Storm of White Right Wing Violence Isn't Coming... It's Here Featuring Luke Mogelson Part 2 - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-15-22
Ch. 7: Some Democrats call on McCarthy to resign after comment 'hard not to hit' Pelosi with speaker's gavel - ABC News - Air Date 8-2-21
Ch. 8: Paul Pelosi attacked with hammer in his home - ABC News - Air Date 10-29-22
Ch. 9: A history of US political violence Part 2 - Americast - Air Date 11-2-22
Ch. 10: Political Violence - In the Thick - Air Date 11-4-22
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 11: Today's Republicans were made in the 1990s Part 2 - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 11-7-22
Show Image:
Description: A newspaper cartoon/drawing of Senator Sumner being beaten on the floor of the Senate with a cane by Sen. Preston Brooks in 1856.
Credit: “Southern Chivalry - Argument vs. Clubs” by J.L. Magee, 1856 | Public Domain
Air Date: 7-21-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon (Erin couldn't join us) discuss: - Deon's hatred of old people - How the media industry's failing state led to ineffective coverage of the Biden age story - Amanda's excellent sports analogy - The factors that have lead to America's worsening gerontocracy
REFERENCES: Did the media botch the Biden age story?
Jon Stewart Examines Biden’s Future Amidst Calls For Him to Drop Out | The Daily Show
Inside the Complicated Reality of Being America’s Oldest President
Biden, turning 80, faces renewed age questions as he weighs reelection
Our U.S. Gerontocracy Needs to Go (and Biden Isn’t Even the Worst)
Why American politicians are so old
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Air Date 7/20/2024
Extremism comes in many forms and we live in an era in which way too many of them are on display simultaneously, but it's not coincidence. The far right has been working toward an extremist Supreme Court for decades. Christian Nationalists have similarly been trying to impose their rigid view of far-right Christianity on the rest of us for a very long time. The far-right Heritage Foundation now deems this to be the time to attempt to radicalize the federal bureaucracy, and far-right calls for political violence and lax gun laws resulted in an environment where no one was really all that surprised about the assassination attempt against Donald Trump.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Opinionpalooza The Supreme Court End-of-Term Breakfast Table - Amicus - Air Date 7-6-24
KP 2: Opinionpalooza This SCOTUS Decision Is Actually Even More Devastating Than We First Thought - Amicus - Air Date 7-13-24
KP 3: Just Decide the EMTALA Case Already, You Cowards - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 6-27-24
KP 4: What is Project 2025 - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-11-24
KP 5: Project 2025 would allow Trump to target his enemies through the judicial system - The ReidOut - Air Date 7-10-24
KP 6: Republicans issue vile reaction to Trump shooting - No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen - Air Date 7-15-24
KP 7: Project 2025 would allow Trump to target his enemies through the judicial system Part 2 - The ReidOut - Air Date 7-10-24
KP 8: What is Christian nationalism and why it raises concerns about threats to democracy - PBS Newshour - Air Date 2-1-24
(57:30) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On what should come next for the Democrats
DEEPER DIVES
(1:05:02) SECTION A: SUPREME COURT
(1:51:47) SECTION B: PROJECT 2025
(2:07:10) SECTION C: POLITICAL VIOLENCE
(2:16:21) SECTION D: CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Composite. Photo of Trump giving a speech at a podium with the overlaid words "The Plot Against America" next to him against the black background.
Credit: Composite by A. Hoffman. Photo: "Donald Trump" by Matt Johnson, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, overlaid text added
Air Date 7/17/2024
Recent elections in the UK, France and Mexico spanned the spectrum from confirming inevitabilities to completely upending expectations but they each have lessons for politics in the US
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The UK Election Results Explained - TLDR News - Air Date 7-5-24
KP 2: Shocking French election results- What you need to know - Zeteo - Air Date 7-8-24
KP 3: The biggest problems Mexico's first female president Claudia Sheinbaum is facing - DW News - Air Date 6-3-24
KP 4: Labour Wins Massive Majority On Low Vote Share, Gaza Costs Starmer - Novara Media - Air Date 7-5-24
KP 5: France’s leftwing alliance beat the far right, but what now? - Today in Focus - Air Date 7-8-24
KP 6: "The North Needs to Learn from the South": Mexico Poised to Elect First Woman President - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-29-24
KP 7: Who Broke Britain- Part 4- The Tories Are Out - If You_re Listening - ABC News In-depth - Air Date 7-5-24
KP 8: First Woman President- Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum Faces Border And Drug Cartel Challenges - The Hill - Air Date 6-16-24
(1:00:32) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how to react to the current political moment and all of the many moments to come
Article: The Democratic Party’s Strange Attraction to Defeatism
DEEPER DIVES
(1:10:16) SECTION A: FRANCE
(1:44:54) SECTION B: GREAT BRITAIN
(1:59:28) SECTION C: MEXICO
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Graphic of a partially transparent ballot box with the UK flag, the French flag and the Mexican flag visible in composite in the background.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Images from Pixabay.
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Air Date: 7-14-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon (Erin couldn't join us) discuss: - How we're feeling - The philosophy of liberal patriotism - The positive policies Democrats should be running on to inspire voters - The reckoning the current Democratic Party desperately needs
REFERENCES: Liberal Patriotism Is About More Than Flag-Waving
How to Beat Trump in a World of Unreason
Democrats don’t just need a new candidate. They need a reckoning.
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Air Date 7/12/2024
From solar scams to controversial congestion pricing and the smart grid that's needed to connect it all, we look at the messy and difficult path to a low-carbon future.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: When solar power leaves you feeling burned - Today, Explained - Air Date 1-2-24
KP 2: How can we develop new energy technologies and get them deployed at scale - The Energy Gang - Air Date 3-5-24
KP 3: This is what's REALLY holding back wind and solar - DW Planet A - Air Date 6-2-23
KP 4: How to fix clean energy’s storage problem - VOX - Air Date 4-27-23
KP 5: How can we develop new energy technologies and get them deployed at scale Part 2 - The Energy Gang - Air Date 3-5-24
KP 6: The Lost Subways of North America - 99% Invisible - Air Date 5-21-24
KP 7: NYC Congestion Pricing Advocates Slam Hochul for Halting Plan to Reduce Emissions, Fund Transit - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-25-24
KP 8: Comptroller on Congestion Pricing's Indefinite Pause - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 6-17-24
(54:25) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how to make the case to Biden to step aside
DEEPER DIVES
(1:01:35) SECTION A: ENERGY POLICIES
(1:20:31) SECTION B: THE INTENTIONAL SOLAR SCAM
(1:36:14) SECTION C: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a smoggy traffic jam on a highway, taken from the middle of the lane behind the cars. Cars' brake lights are visible.
Credit: “World Class Traffic Jam: Jersey Turnpike Version” by b k, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Slight crop
Original Air Date: 2/5/2019
Today we take a look at the history of FDR's "Four Freedoms" and "Economic Bill of Rights" that laid the groundwork for the fight for economic freedom for all that continues to this day.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Harvey Kaye, "The Fight for the Four Freedoms" - Book TV - Air Date 5-11-14
Harvey Kaye examines the progressivism of the Roosevelt-era and argues that a reminder of the "four freedoms" could address today's political and social issues.
Ch. 2: What Ted Cruz Doesn't Get About 'Freedom' - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 7-21-16
Thom talks about Ted Cruz's speech at the Republican Convention and compares his definition of 'freedom' with the way it was described by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Ch. 3: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 1 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18
F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented.
Ch. 4: Fighting for the Four Freedoms - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-15-14
Historian Harvey J. Kaye talks about how FDR was able to mobilize Americans to create "the strongest and most prosperous country in human history."
Ch. 5: Libertarian Definition of "Freedom" is Freedom in Name Only - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 8-1-13
Explaining that libertarian thinking doesn't incorporate the existence of economic coercion
Ch. 6: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 2 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18
Ch. 7: Bernie Sanders & FDR's Second Bill of Rights - Berniementum - Air Date 8-12-15
President FDR's Second Bill of Rights speech - January 11, 1944 Sen. Bernie Sanders speech at the National Press Club - Mar. 9, 2015 Music - "There is Romance" by Imcompetech
Ch. 8: Fight for the Four Freedoms What Made FDR & the Greatest Generation Truly Great (w: Harvey J Kaye) - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 9-9-15
University of Wisconsin Professor Harvey J Kaye author of Fight for the Four Freedoms: What Made FDR and the Greatest Generation Truly Great, explains Ronald Reagan and the great pushback against a progressive America
Ch. 9: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 3 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18
Air Date: 7-7-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - Some stuff that we planned and A LOT more that we did not.
REFERENCES: The Cause That Turned Idealists Into Authoritarian Zealots
'Extreme wealth as power must be regulated’: 31-year-old heiress is letting 50 strangers give her $27 million fortune away
The Baffling Disaster Unfolding at the Washington Post
The Democratic Governor Whose Message Can’t Be Beat
Best of the Left #1247 The Fight for the Four Freedoms (FDR vs. Libertarianism)
The Fight for the Four Freedoms
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Air Date 7/5/2024
China is an undeniable force in the world relating to several major political issues and to address their influence without a deep understanding of the history, context, and current dynamics would be to invite 100 years of humiliation.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Joe Biden's Radical Worldview - More Perfect Union - Air Date 6-27-24
KP 2: Why China Doesn't Identify with the West, Explained - Siming Lan - Air Date 9-23-22
KP 3: Has China's Belt and Road Initiative been a success? - Financial Times - Air Date 10-30-23
KP 4: Why China Isn't the Problem - Our Changing Climate - Air Date 5-5-23
KP 5: The Escalating Sino-Philippine South China Sea Dispute Explained - TLDR News Global - Air Date 6-26-24
KP 6: Why China's Economy is Finally Slowing Down - Wendover - Air Date 3-21-24
KP 7: Our New Global Economy - Johnny Harris - Air Date 12-20-23
(1:04:13) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On how Joe Biden can become a hero in the wake of his debate with Trump
DEEPER DIVES
(1:12:51) SECTION A: CHINA'S ECONOMIC FOREIGN POLICY
A1: Kidnappings and ghost towns on China’s Belt and Road: 10 years of Xi Jinping’s masterplan | Dispatch - The Telegraph - Air Date 9-7-23
A2: Has Africa gained from China's infrastructure plans? - Focus on Africa - Air Date 10-20-23
A3: China-Africa Relations in the Era of Great Power Competition - The China in Africa Podcast - Air Date 5-9-24
SEE FULL SHOW NOTES
(1:37:10) SECTION B: THE EV WARS
(1:59:44) SECTION C: TECH AND SPACE RACE
(2:14:44) SECTION D: ESCALATING TENSIONS
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: An illustration of a darkened, draped Chinese flag, with its 5-star pattern, close up.
Credit: "China flag" by The Digital Artist, Pixabay | Pixabay License |Changes: Added dark overlay
Air Date 7/2/2024
Border security around the world continues to take turns for the dark and dystopian as right-wing sentiment against migrants and refugees continues to escalate to the extreme.
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Air Date 7/2/2024
Border security around the world continues to take turns for the dark and dystopian as right-wing sentiment against migrants and refugees continues to escalate to the extreme.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: First Illinois Latina Rep. Praises Biden's New Immigration Executive Order But Slams Border Shutdown - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-20-24
KP 2: EU Border Enforcement, Part 1 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 6-4-24
KP 3: Migrants & Refugees, the Pope & Volkswagen - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 5-26-24
KP 4: Tunisia, EU scrutinized for harsh treatment of migrants along route from Africa to Europe - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 8-7-23
KP 5: Why Are Migrants Becoming AI Test Subjects? With Petra Molnar - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-20-24
KP 6: EU Border Enforcement, Part 2 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 6-5-24
KP 7: Why Are Migrants Becoming AI Test Subjects? With Petra Molnar Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-20-24
(52:45) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On our summer membership drive
DEEPER DIVES
(57:32) SECTION A: POLITICIZATION OF THE BORDER
(1:19:47) SECTION B: BRUTAL BORDER ENFORCEMENT
(1:36:40) SECTION C: BORDER INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
(1:48:14) SECTION D: MIGRANT STORIES
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Composite graphic showing a deep blue ocean with the gold stars of the EU flag. On the horizon, a faded US flag is behind concertina wire fencing. In the center, a long boat full of refugees floats on the water.
Credit: Composite Design by A. Hoffman. | Composite imagery via Pixabay | Photo: “P52 Migrants 19 July 2015 03” by Oglaigh na hEireann, Flickr. License: CC BY 2.0 Changes: Cropped and reduced opacity
Air Date: 6-30-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - the baffling trend of tech companies using cautionary tales from dystopian fiction as a blueprint for what to create next - how the people who build or champion tools of oppression never think those same tools will inevitably be turned on them - the use of drones as first responders, and the long term effects this has had on the residents - a different perspective on how to think about the end - humanity's seeming inability to think about longterm repercussions of technology before we put something into use
REFERENCES: What Is 'Torment Nexus?' The 'Man-Made Horrors' Trope Explained
Author of cautionary tale about Torment Nexus creates tech company to build Torment Nexus
‘Snow Crash’ Author Neal Stephenson Is Building a ‘Free Metaverse’ Called Lamina1
The Age of the Drone Police Is Here
Watch a swarm of cyborg cockroaches controlled by computers
Are We Doomed? Here’s How to Think About It
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Air Date 6/28/2024
AI, like all new technologies, won't be all good or all bad. In fact, my favorite understanding of emerging technologies is that they often bring simultaneous utopia and dystopia, though many tend to focus on the benefits while only discovering the drawbacks later.
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KEY POINTS
1: We’re already using AI more than we realize - Vox - Air Date 2-28-24
2: AI is a Lie. - Linus Tech Tips - Air Date 6-13-24
3: What Is an AI Anyway? | Mustafa Suleyman - TED - Air Date 4-22-24
4: How to Limit the Threat of "Killer Robots" and Autonomous Weapons That Are Changing Warfare - Global Dispatches - Air Date 3-13-24
5: How Much AI Regulation Is The Right Amount? - FiveThirtyEight Politics Podcast - Air Date 6-13-24
6: How AI causes serious environmental problems (but might also provide solutions) | DW Business - DW News - Air Date 4-29-24
7: Why Are Migrants Becoming AI Test Subjects? With Petra Molnar - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-20-24
8: Big Tech AI Is A Lie - Tina Huang - Air Date 4-30-24
(1:07:12) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the nature of misalignment between AI and human wellbeing
Article: This article is OpenAI training data
DEEPER DIVES
(1:16:18) SECTION A: MORE CURRENT USES OF AI
(1:44:54) SECTION B: POTENTIAL USES OF AI AND THE ETHICS WE NEED TO CONSIDER
(2:08:00) SECTION C: REGULATING AI
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Graphic showing a human hand and a digital pixilated hand reaching out toward each other with arching digital lines coming from the center of each hand.
Credit: “Digitization Particles Hand” via geralt, Pixabay | Pixabay License | Changes: Expanded
Original Air Date: 10/23/2023
The people who want to pull the country in directions that are only supported by a small minority of the population have to develop very intricate plans to have any hope of succeeding. This is the story of the latest plan to establish unchecked rule to implement unpopular policies supported only by the far right.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: ‘The endgame of election denial is that we shouldn't have elections’: Authoritarianism expert - The ReidOut - Air Date 10-6-23
Donald Trump has ramped up his violent rhetoric in recent weeks. Meanwhile, a Fox host has urged the U.S. towards civil war and claimed that voting does not work.
Ch. 2: Violent Authoritarianism: How Did This Become the GOP? - Keeping Democracy Alive with Burt Cohen - Air Date 11-23-21
Pat Buchanan was ahead of his time. He used the KKK’s David Duke to breed a new nativist religious nationalism, based on fear of liberalization. On this show, political science professor Joseph Lowndes sheds light on how the Republican Party got here
Ch. 3: Analyzing The Dark Roots Of Modern Conservatism - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 10-15-23
Emma hosts John S. Huntington, professor of history at Houston Community College, to discuss his recent book Far-Right Vanguard: The Radical Roots of Modern Conservatism.
Ch. 4: How Often Do YOU Think About the Roman Empire? - Wisecrack - Air Date 10-16-23
The real reason TikTok is crazy for ancient Rome If you’re even a little bit online, you know that the men love ancient Rome. This isn’t new: The civilization has loomed large in the Western imagination ever since its catastrophic collapse.
Ch. 5: The Conservative Plan to Take Over the Country Part 1 - Leeja Miller - Air Date 9-26-23
Project 2025 is the terrifying plan set out by conservatives to take over the government. But it's radical, and it doesn't align with what most Americans want. Which is why we have to make sure this plan never happens.
Ch. 6: The GOP’s "Red Caesar" New Political Order Plan Marches Forward - The Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-3-23
A Trump supporter just displayed exactly how stochastic terrorism works.
Ch. 7: The Conservative Plan to Take Over the Country Part 2 - Leeja Miller - Air Date 9-26-23
Ch. 8: Think Tanks: How Fake Experts Shape the News - Tom Nicholas - Air Date 5-13-23
A video about how billionaire-funded right-wing “think tanks” such as the Heritage Foundation, Adam Smith Institute, Manhattan Institute, and Institute of Economic Affairs manipulate the news to spread their propaganda
Air Date: 6-23-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The Kidult trend in depth (since we had to cut it short last time) - A right-wing attempt at a puppet-based kids show to draw in young viewers early - How Nanalan' - a kids puppet show from the 90s - is helping some Millennials with reparenting
REFERENCES: Adults Are Spending Big on Toys and Stuffed Animals—for Themselves
Kidults - do you have one in your life?
PLAYBACK The UK’s adults-only soft play, ball pits, Lego nights, museum sleepovers & holiday camps where grown-ups play like kids
'Gus Plus Us' Offers a Glimpse of Texas Filmmaking’s Conservative Future
What is Bentkey?
'She Is the Icon of All That Is Joyful in the World
Nanalan' on YouTube
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Air Date 6/21/2024
The European elections could have been worse but they weren't great. Shifting politics among mainstream parties is legitimizing far-right policies at the same time as people's concerns over immigration is being reflected in a willingness to vote for far-right parties.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Clear Shift Toward the Far Right Anti-Immigrant Nationalists Gain Ground Across Europe - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-11-24
KP 2: Europe Slides to the Right Unpacking the EU Parliamentary elections. - UNFTR - Air Date 6-15-24
KP 3: How the EU Parliament Voted This Year - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 6-12-24
KP 4: Does the economy matter to the far right? - Business Beyond - Air Date 5-31-24
KP 5: How Deep Does Right Wing Extremism Go In The Republican Party With Teddy Wilson - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 6-11-24
KP 6: What is behind the rise of the far-right in Europe - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 6-11-24
KP 7: Far Right Surges in European Elections - Pod Save The World - Air Date 6-12-24
KP 8: Europe Slides to the Right Unpacking the EU Parliamentary elections Part 2 - UNFTR - Air Date 6-15-24
(49:23) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the snowball effect of factors leading to a rightward shift in politics
DEEPER DIVES
(56:56) SECTION A: THE EU STRUCTURE AND ELECTION RESULTS
(1:05:58) SECTION B: IMMIGRATION AND THE CULTURE WAR
(1:24:12) SECTION C: THE PLAYBOOK AND MESSAGING OF THE FAR RIGHT
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of European Parliament off-center, shifted right.
Credit: “European Parliament Strasbourg Hemicycle” by Diliff, Wikimedia | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 | Cropped
Original Air Date: 12/11/2021
Today we take a look at the many structures of American government that tilt to favor minority rule and conservatism which, in our case, is one and the same. Some structures like the Senate and the filibuster were intentionally designed to give extra weight to the minority while others like gerrymandering and the influence of large-dollar political donors were, well, I suppose they were designed for about the same reason but just in a different way.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Lawrence Lessig on Unrepresentative Democracy - Network for Responsible Public Policy - Air Date 10-1-21
Ch. 2: Why Wyoming Has More Power Than California in the Senate - AJ+ - Air Date 10-14-20
Ch. 3: Perpetual Minority Rule with David Faris - Battleground with Amanda Litman and Faiz Shakir - Air Date 6-10-21
Ch. 4: Biden's DOJ is SUING Texas For Their Brazenly Discriminatory Gerrymandering - The Humanist Report - Air Date 12-7-21
Ch. 5: Andrew Perez on the Filibuster - CounterSpin - Air Date 6-18-21
Ch. 6: A To-Do List for Senate Democrats - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 7-17-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Chauncey DeVega On Why Democracy Might Not Survive - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-7-21
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on public policy, human nature and Cold War talking points
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 6-16-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The importance of unsupervised playtime for children and why it's disappearing - The roots and consequences of over-scheduling kids and why it's so hard to cut back - The rise of the "Kidult"
REFERENCES: Parents: Keep Out! - Hidden Brain
The Fine Art of Underscheduling
Adults Are Spending Big on Toys and Stuffed Animals— For Themselves
Let Grow Play Club
Chasing Childhood documentary
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Air Date 6/14/2024
We're in the middle of Supreme Court opinion season, which is not going well for non-extreme conservatives in the country, at the same time as scandal, corruption, and justices Thomas and Alito's refusal to recuse in the face of clear bias is reaching a modern peak.
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KEY POINTS
1: Opinionpalooza A Bad June Rising At SCOTUS Part 1 - Amicus
2: How The Mifepristone Case Reached SCOTUS - Amicus
3: Way Too Close Insane SCOTUS Case Could've Sunk The Country w Mark Joseph Stern - The Majority Report
4: Fact-Checking the Supreme Court - 99% Invisible
5: The IVF Decision We Should Have Seen Coming - Amicus
6: SCOTUS Flag Neighbor Exposes Alito’s BS Story- The Majority Report
7: Delegitimize The Court - Contempt of Court
(1:03:35) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On some of Alito's finer absurdity
Articles:
Alito says the Supreme Court’s fake ethics code allows him to be unethical
The Republican Party's man inside the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court's new voting rights decision is a love letter to gerrymandering
DEEPER DIVES
(1:14:19) SECTION A: DO FACTS MATTER?
(1:45:47) SECTION B: POLICING MEDICAL CARE
(2:15:48) SECTION C: THE REPUBLICAN COURT WE’VE ALL WAITED FOR
(2:42:24) SECTION D: SCOTUS IS A FLAWED SYSTEM
Description: Photo of the U.S. Supreme Court building with an ominous red filter. An image of golden, uneven scales of justice sits on top.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. / Photo: “The Supreme Court” by Glenn Beltz, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Overlaid with red and imagery as part of composite. / Illustration: “Uneven scales of justice” via TheDigitalArtist, Pixabay.
Air Date 6/11/2024
Democracies don't break all of a sudden in a moment of crisis, they fail slowly over time and only by knowing the warning signs and responding effectively to the threat before it's too late can the worst be averted.
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KEY POINTS
1: Why and Where is Democracy in Decline? - TLDR News
2: Is Democracy Under Threat? - Tufts University
3: The decline of American democracy won't be televised - Vox
4: How Republicans are fueling Russia and China_s global effort to undermine democracy - Velshi
5: How Republican Attorneys General are Undermining Voting Rights - Democracy Docket
6: Democracy vs. Autocracy: An Unproductive Dichotomy - Marxist Project
7: When Democracy Breaks: Final Thoughts with Archon Fung, David Moss and Arne Westad - Democracy Paradox
8: Protecting Voting Rights with Eric Holder - Why Is This Happening?
9: Rich Logis Escaped the Trump - MAGA Cult -- Heed His Warnings About Its Power and Extreme Danger to America - Chauncey DeVega Show
10: "The President of Forgetting" - Dastardly Cleverness in the Service of Good
(1:03:29) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Those who defend authoritarians against criticism during D-Day commemoration
Conservatives Angry at Biden’s Anti-Nazi D-Day Speech
Fighting Trump on the Beaches
DEEPER DIVES
(1:09:52) SECTION A: DISSECTION OF DEMOCRACY
(1:31:56) SECTION B: INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY
(2:09:54) SECTION C: THE CULT OF TRUMP
(2:36:47) SECTION D: DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
IMAGE:
Description: Black and white photo of a person holding a homemade sign that says “Fighting for Democracy”
Credit: “For Democracy” by Alisdare Hickson, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Change: Cropped
Air Date: 06-09-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - how focusing on the "politics" of an event trivializes the impact that event has on real people - the detrimental effects combining the daily news grind and the prioritization of profits forces has on news coverage - how keeping news coverage light and ignoring the effects of neoliberalism leaves desperate people vulnerable to fascism - the way history is repeating itself when it comes to news media not treating a demagogue's rhetoric as the emergency it is - the difference between symbolic beliefs vs factual beliefs
REFERENCES: Why Americans Hate the Media
The Media Still Doesn’t Grasp the Danger of Trump
Don’t Believe What They’re Telling You About Misinformation
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Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 6/7/2024
Banning abortion is wildly unpopular and also one of the primary motivators for the group most strongly supporting the Republican Party and Donald Trump, the Christian Right, which has transformed both the party and politicians into extremists made in their own image, threatening the lives and health of millions and sacrificing democracy in the process.
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KEY POINTS
1: Abortion and Reproductive Rights - Lectures in History
2: Abortion and the erosion of privacy - The Weeds
3: Digital surveillance and reproductive rights - Technically Optimistic
4: Anti-abortion hardliners want restrictions to go farther. It could cost Republicans - Consider This
5: Abortion and Reproductive Rights Part 2 - Lectures in History
6: Rakeen Mabud on Greedflation, Rachel K. Jones on Mifepristone - CounterSpin
7: Abortion and the erosion of privacy Part 2 - The Weeds
8: Digital surveillance and reproductive rights Part 2 - Technically Optimistic
(57:00) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the abuse produced by abortion restrictions
DEEPER DIVES
(1:02:40) SECTION A: CRIMINALIZING ABORTION
(1:21:07) SECTION B: ABORTION EXTREMISM OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
(1:36:40) SECTION C: ABORTION IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM
(1:53:45) SECTION D: WHAT IS THERE TO DO?
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A person dressed in a red cape and white conical bonnet with a red sash over their nose and mouth (referencing the Handmaid's Tale) stands outside the U.S. Supreme Court at dusk holding a cardboard sign with the words "This is NOT fiction."
Credit: Photo by Tyler Merbler, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Air Date 6/4/2024
The problems that arise within the systems of sports are the same problems we all face everywhere which makes them a good lens through which to understand the mechanisms of broader society. Fair pay, both journalism and addictive games functioning under capitalism, and benefits for billionaires all resonate far beyond the bounds of the players, owners and fans of sports clubs.
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: Pay for Play Part 1 - University of Iowa
KP 2: What the historic $2.8 billion settlement to pay NCAA players means for college sports - PBS NewsHour
KP 3: Pay for Play Part 2 - University of Iowa
KP 4: Sports Media has changed forever. - Brett Kollmann
KP 5: Dan Le Batard Tells Stephen A. Smith He Hates What He and Skip Bayless Did to Sports Media - LeBatardShow
KP 6: Report Finds That Sports Owners Use Their Teams To Avoid Millions In Taxes - MSNBC Reports
KP 7: The Sports Stadium Scam - Robert Reich
KP 8: The gambling problem in sports - The Current
(1:01:43) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the value of sports to building community
DEEPER DIVES
(1:06:18) SECTION A: PAY FOR PLAY
A1: Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger: What NCAA Suit Settlement Means for Paying Players - The Rich Eisen Show
A2: "Amateurism Is Dead" - The Rich Eisen Show
A3: Pay for Play Part 3 - University of Iowa
(1:23:57) SECTION B: STADIUMS, OUR GREAT FOLLY
(1:40:18) SECTION C: SPORTS JOURNALISM
(1:59:15) SECTION D: SPORTS GAMBLING
SEE FULL SHOW NOTES
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A grocery store display of Coca-Cola soft drinks stacked in the shape of a basketball and “NCAA!”.
Credit: “Coca Cola NCAA Cases Display” by Mike Mozart, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Air Date: 6-2-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - How one MIT study used AI to reduce belief in conspiracy theories - How a new AI tool is attempting to make comments sections less awful - Some advice from Korea's litigious political environment on how to deal with Trump
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REFERENCES: America’s Worst Time Zone
Chatbots can persuade conspiracy theorists their view might be wrong
The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
South Korea Has a Warning About Donald Trump’s Trial
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Original Air Date: 9/19/2017
Today we look not so much at hurricanes and the climate science behind them (though we touch on that as well) but focus more on what we can see more clearly when it’s illuminated by so-called “natural” disasters, the structural inequality and legacies of decision-making that make these disasters worse than they need to be
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Show Notes Act 1: Mark Hertsgaard: It's not politics, it's science - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 9-13-17
Act 2: What is environmental racism and environmental justice? - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 9-7-17
Act 3: Breaking News Consumer's Handbook: U.S. Storm Edition - On The Media - Air Date 9-1-17
Act 4: Disasters call attention to inequalities if we care to notice - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-1-17
Act 5: Preventing future floods with data and regulation - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 09-14-2017
Act 6: The Human Causes of Natural Disasters - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 12-8-16
Act 8: Dr. Michael E. Mann on attribution science and the tactics of inaction and delay - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 9-13-17
(Music from Blue Dot Sessions)
EDUCATE YOURSELF:
We will not be silenced. Stand up for a strong NEPA! (Earth Justice)
Trump CEQ rolls out plans for swift NEPA reviews (Governors' Wind & Solar Energy Coalition)
US people of color still more likely to be exposed to pollution than white people (The Guardian)
Christine Todd Whitman: How Not to Run the E.P.A. (New York Times)
Boston Communities Unite to Democratize Their Economy (Next City)
Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman
Air Date 5/28/2024
Today we look at the most disappointing yet most idolized false heroes of our day, the titans of tech and the zany hijinks they've been getting up to recently.
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KEY POINTS
1: When a tech company like OpenAI doesn't get the dark message at the heart of science fiction
2: How Peter Thiel Got Rich | The Class Room ft. Second Thought
3: Google's Sundar Pichai on AI-powered search and the future of the web
4: Elon's Reputation is Hurting Tesla
5: Crypto’s crown prince in court
6: The Entire OpenAI Chaos Explained
7: Scarlett Johansson's Open AI voice fight shows the need for consent in tech
8: Fascism and the Failure of Imagination
SEE FULL SHOW NOTES
1:03:38 NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the misplaced excitement in private corporations pushing big technological advancements
1:09:33 DEEPER DIVE A: THAT WORD YOU KEEP USING…
1:36:58 B: SiliCON VALLEY, emphasis on the CON
1:53:05 C: MICROSOFT THE DESTROYER
2:10:35 D: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Composite image where the faces of Sam Altman, Peter Thiel, Sam Bankman-Fried, and Elon Musk are seen through an overlay of stock prices and a growth chart arrow.
Credits: Composite by A. Hoffman. Photos: 1) "Open AI co-founder & CEO Sam Altman" by TechCrunch, Flickr | CC BY 2.0 ; 2) "Peter Thiel" by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | CC BY 2.0 ; 3) "Sam Bankman-Fried" by Cointelegraph, Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0 ; 4) "Elon Musk Presenting Tesla's Fully Autonomous Future" by Steve Jurvetson, Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0
Air Date: 5-26-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - the con of supply and demand economics being about distributing goods with the greatest efficiency, and is instead nothing more than predatory greed - what we value as humans goes far beyond the price of commodities - even more examples of the enshitification of life via hostile experiences from things we've already paid for - how companies restrict functionality to create artificial price points as a way to extract even more from us
REFERENCES: WELCOME TO PRICING HELL
The Gap Between the Price You See and What You Pay Is Getting Worse
Welcome to the Golden Age of User Hostility
My Printer Is Extorting Me
Bought a Model Y? Tesla may charge you to use the battery’s full range
Corporate America Knows We’re Miserable. Is a Toilet Bomb the Answer?
Billy Bragg - Not Everything That Counts Can Be Counted
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Air Date 5/24/2024
Assessing the impacts of new diet drugs on physical and mental health in the context of our unhealthy food system and societal fat phobia
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KEY POINTS
KP 1: The world after Ozempic - The Gray Area - Air Date 5-13-24
KP 2: The Ozempic economy - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-23-24
KP 3: Have the new weight-loss drugs changed what it means to be body positive - Consider This - Air Date 5-13-24
KP 5: Body Neutrality - What The Actual Fork Podcast - Air Date 8-11-23
KP 6: Examining America's Unhealthy Obsession With Fitness w. Natalia Mehlman Petrzela - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-24-23
KP 7: What Ozempic can't fix - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-26-34
SEE FULL SHOW NOTES
(56:10) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the metaphor of the new show format
(1:01:22) DEEPER DIVE A: BUSINESS OF DESIRE
A1: Examining America's Unhealthy Obsession... Part 2
A2: The Ozempic economy Part 2
A3: The world after... Part 4
(1:20:48) DEEPER DIVE B: BIAS AND RISK
B1: What Ozempic can't fix Part 2
B2: The world after... Part 5
B3: What Ozempic can't fix Part 3
(1:31:00) DEEPER DIVE C: BODY NEUTRALITY
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Overhead photo of a bunch of Ozempic pens in a plastic pharmacy basket.
Credit: "Bundle of Ozempic Pens" by Chemist4U, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Air Date 5/21/2024
Whether by the US government playing matchmaker for the domestic weapons industry or through the illegal trade of the 'iron river,' the US is the leading seller of weapons around the world, fueling violence and conflict, oppression and rights abuses.
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FRONTPAGE
FP 1: US Leads Global Arms Sales - American Prestige - Air Date 3-15-24
FP 2: How Washington Plays Matchmaker For The US Gun Industry Part 1 - Big Take - Air Date 10-30-23
FP 3: Can a lawsuit stop Mexico’s ‘iron river’ of guns? - The Take - Air Date 8-13-21
FP 4: How America’s Guns Fuel Violence across the Border: With Guest Ieva Jusionyte - Facepalm America - Air Date 2-27-24
SEE FULL SHOW NOTES
(1:02:19) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the problems with looking for good or bad intentions
(1:08:24) SECTION A:
A1: Inside Biden's Secret Arms Deal - Deconstructed - Air Date 9-22-23
A2: Josh Paul Reveals The Truth Behind US Arms Supply to Israel - Laura Flanders and Friends - Air Date 11-7-23
(1:30:10) SECTION B:
B1: Can Mexico win... Part 2 - The Inquiry - Air Date 3-7-24
B2: Ieva Jusionyte, "Exit Wounds: How America's Guns Fuel Violence Across the Border" (U California Press, 2024) - New Books Network - Air Date 4-15-24
(1:42:43) SECTION C:
C1: Why America's police look like soldiers - Vox - Air Date 6-25-20
C2: Why US gun laws get looser after mass shootings - Vox - Air Date 7-28-22
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A square version of the American flag with silhouettes of guns and bombs in place of white stars. Three bombs are falling from the pattern across the red and white stripes.
Credit: Pixabay image modified by A.Hoffman
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 5/9/2015
Today we take a look at the continuing failure that is the War on Drugs™ as well as some of the signs of hope that we may be making progress toward shutting it down
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Is Marijuana Harmful to Health? - Healthcare Triage (@HCTriage) - Air Date: 04-19-14
Ch. 2: Man Gets 13 Years in Prison for 2 Joints Worth of Pot - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-13-15
Ch. 3: Legalized Marijuana = Millions For Public Schools In Colorado - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-16-15
Ch. 4: Johann Hari on Everything We Know About the Drug War & Addiction is Wrong - @democracynow - Air Date: 2-6-15
Ch. 5: Legalizing marijuana doesn't lead to doomsday scenarios - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 10-26-14
Ch. 6: Rand Paul & Others Introduce National Medical Marijuana Bill - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-11-15
Ch. 7: Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders Talk Drugs - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 06-01-15
Ch. 8: Marijuana Shows Medical Value, Feds Don't Give A Sh*t - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-12-15
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date: 5-16-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - How mega drive-throughs are ruining American towns and cities - Why giant car washes are popping up across the country and what we could have instead - How Tokyo's beautiful public toilets are an inspiration - The impact boring and ugly buildings are having on our mental health
REFERENCES: RFK Jr. revealed he had a parasitic brain worm. Here’s what to know.
Social Media is Not What Killed the Web
Mega drive-throughs explain everything wrong with American cities
Car Washes are proliferating across the U.S. Here’s why
Why are they building so many car washes? And storage facilities?
Tokyo’s Public Toilets Will Leave New Yorkers Sobbing
The Global Danger of Boring Buildings
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Air Date 5/15/2024
In an age of cultish in-group/out-group politics and media, we seek to find messaging for progressive partisans to achieve electoral success
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FRONTPAGE
FP 1: Everything's a cult now - The Gray Area
FP 2: Examining how U.S. politics became intertwined with personal identity - PBS NewsHour
FP 3: Jason Stanley on the Politics of Language - Amanpour and Company
FP 4: A Conversation About How Dems Can Win in November with Rachel Bitecofer - Deep State Radio
FP 5: Employ Negative Partisanship w. Rachel Bitecofer - Future Hindsight
FP 6: Everything's ... Part 2
FP 7: Hit 'Em Where It Hurts ... Part 2
FP 8: Employ Negative ... Part 2
(59:24) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
On the importance of finding common-but-adaptable messaging
(1:02:14) SECTION A: IDENTITY
A1: Everything's ... Part 3
A2: Examining how U.S. ... Part 2
(1:10:14) SECTION B: POLITICAL RHETORIC
B1: 'Hit 'Em Where It Hurts' urges Dems to go on attack - Morning Joe
B2: 'Our message resonated with voters' - Morning Joe
B3: Watch VP Harris slams Trump over abortion access - MSNBC
(1:26:17) SECTION C: MESSAGING
C1: Employ Negative ...Part 4
C2: Republican Policies VERY Unpopular With Voters - The Majority Report
C3: Everything's ... Part 4
C4: Employ Negative ... Part 3
(1:50:33) SECTION D: INDEPENDENTS
D1: Hit 'Em ... Part 3
D2: Why Voters Are Down On The Economy - 538 Politics
Air Date 5/11/2024
The effort to turn theory into practice that will open up new ways of thinking about antitrust lawsuits attempting to rein in big tech and other mega-corporations, which are operating in a new phase of capitalism.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: FTC Chair Lina Khan on Antitrust in the age of Amazon - Planet Money - Air Date 11-3-23
On today's show, a conversation with FTC Chair Lina Khan on what it's like to try to turn audacious theory into bureaucratic practice, the FTC's new lawsuit against Amazon, and what it all means for business as usual.
Ch. 2: Apple's Antitrust Problem - Professor Talha Syed - The BTLJ Podcast - Air Date 3-10-24
Professor Syed reveals his thoughts and assessment of the new Brandeis movement, headed by Lina Khan and Jonathan Kanter of the FTC and DOJ.
Ch. 3: FTC Chair Lina Khan on Antitrust in the age of Amazon Part 2 - Planet Money - Air Date 11-3-23
Ch. 4: How to Fight Monopoly Power with FTC Chair Lina Khan - Factually! - Air Date 11-8-23
Lina Khan, appointed chair of the Federal Trade Commission by President Biden, has become the foremost voice of this movement and has engaged in high-profile battles to reshape how America deals with monopolies.
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MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Real Estate Fees Crushed By Anti-Trust w David Dayen - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-26-24
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the new show format tried out in the campus protesters episode as well as a retraction
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A court document with “Antitrust” at the top sits on a desk with a gavel and block on top.
Credit: “Antitrust” by Nick Youngson via Pix4free | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 | Changes: Added solid background
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Air Date 5/7/2024
Civil resistance on campuses across the country against Israeli genocide in Gaza calling for cease fire and divestment, university administrations up to the Biden administration respond, often with overwhelming violence and claims of antisemitism.
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FRONTPAGE
FP 1: The US college protests... - Today in Focus - Air Date 4-25-24
FP 2: Behind Columbia... - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 4-24-24
(47:13) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
(50:54) SECTION A: POLICE RESPONSES
A1: Atlanta Police Violently Arrest Emory... - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-26-24
A2: Juan González, Veteran of '68 Columbia Strike... - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-1-24
(1:06:59) SECTION B: INSIDE THE PROTESTS
B1: Pro-Israel THUGS Attack... - Owen Jones - Air Date 5-1-24
B2: Live from the Encampments - CODEPINK Radio - Air Date 5-1-24
(1:34:52) SECTION C: BIDEN'S POLITICS AND ACCUSATIONS OF ANTISEMITISM
C1: Nicholas Kristof ... Part 2 - Brian Lehrer - Air Date 4-26-24
C2: Manufactured Panic Over Peaceful... - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-23-24
(1:57:05) SECTION D: UNIVERSITY ADMINS AND ENDOWMENTS
D1: Why Colleges Have No Idea... - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 4-23-24
D2: Columbia University President ... - The Bitchuation Room - Air Date 4-27-24
(2:37:42) SECTION E: MEDIA CRITICISM
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IMAGE
Description: A photo of a lawn in front of a university building at Vassar College showing students standing near tents, a sign that reads "Liberation," and a Palestinian flag along a walkway.
Credit: "Liberation Lawn at Vassar College (cropped)" by Found5dollar, Wikimedia | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 | Changes: Cropped
Air Date: 5-5-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - Jerry Seinfeld blaming the "extreme left" and "PC culture" for the death of sitcoms - how Poe's Law (and the Amanda Principle) makes creating and identifying satire difficult - how TV shows trying to satirize the left for the left struggle to land the jokes
REFERENCES: Jerry Seinfeld Says TV Comedy Is Being Killed By the ‘Extreme Left and P.C. Crap and People Worrying So Much About Offending Other People’
Jerry Seinfeld Is a Lazy Hack Out of Touch with the Real World—And Who Can Blame Him?
Poe’s Law and Internet Satire
In the Know (Peacock)
‘In the Know’ Showrunners Unpack Its Loving Evisceration of Public Radio, Progressive Politics
Zach Woods, NPR Fan, Reads NPR Fans for Filth
Exclusive: In the Know's Zach Woods and Brandon Gardner on Satirizing Liberals with Mike Judge
The Cleaner - S2 E5 The Statue (Acorn)
Malthusian Conception
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Air Date 5/3/2024
A look back at previous coverage of criminalizing protests, weaponizing civility, and violent responses to peaceful dissent.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Problem with Civility - On the Media - Air Date 6-30-18
Ch. 2: Criminalizing Protest - @USNewsBeat - Air Date 6-14-18
Ch. 3: Civility as a cudgel - Trumpcast - Air Date 6-30-18
Ch. 4: Protests Sweep Across America and Beyond Part 2 - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-9-20
Ch. 5: The coming anti-protest laws w/ Alleen Brown and Akela Lacy Part 1 - This is Hell! - Air Date 2-12-21
Ch. 6: Anti-Protest Bills Popping Up Everywhere - David Pakman Show - Air Date 8-19-20
Ch. 7: Elly Page on Anti-Protest Bills - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-23-21
Ch. 8: Not Ready For That Conversation - On The Media - Air Date 4-23-21
Ch. 9: GOP States Are Pushing for Stricter Penalties for Protesters - The Takeaway - Air Date 4-27-21
Ch. 10: How Corporate Media Protects Violent Cops - Carlos Maza - Air Date 6-4-20
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 5/1/2024
The past, present, and future of tackling the uselessness of extreme wealth by exposing and closing tax avoidance loopholes and pushing for a culture change to embrace the need for a more equal society.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What Happens When You Tax Billionaires at 90 Percent? - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 6-3-23
We did it before, and the result was the creation of the world’s first and largest middle class and a level of peace and prosperity that held its own until Ronald Reagan took a meat-axe to it…
Ch. 2: #TaxBillionaires w/ Robert Reich, Sen. Ron Wyden, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, and more - Americans for Tax Fairness - Air Date 4 -18-22
If you think school teachers shouldn't pay a higher tax rate than billionaires, join us to learn how you can join in on the fight to #TaxBillionaires!
Ch. 3: Wealth Tax Part 1 - Pullback - Air Date 4-11-23
Should we be taxing Scrooge-McDuck wealth? Can we? We talk with friend of the pod Fariya Mohiuddin, a Senior Program Officer with the International Budget Partnership's Tax Equity Program, and our favourite tax justice researcher and activist.
Ch. 4: No One Should Have More Than 10 Million Pounds | Ash Sarkar meets Ingrid Robeyns - Novara Media - Air Date 2-4-24
If you're serious about alleviating poverty, as most liberals claim to be, should there be a cap on how wealthy one person can be?
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FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on anger and irrationality in war and politics
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A protester holds a sign that says “Tax the Rich”
Credit: “We have a right to the city. Tax the rich.” by dignidadrebelde, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 4-29-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - how the film 'Civil War' intentionally avoids any specifics about the "why", and in doing so becomes a perfect encapsulation of the Amanda Principle™
- how "the view from nowhere" journalism is supposed to be straight down the middle and fact-based, but is actually rife with bias and ends up representing the dominant culture - that America and its culture has been steeped in war and violence since it's inception - the similarities between modern America and Germany in 1933
REFERENCES: Americans Have Enjoyed Imagining Civil War for a Long, Long Time
How to Both-Sides a “Civil War”
Alex Garland's Civil War Plays Both Sides
Opinion: Is the US on the brink of another civil war?
‘Civil War’ and the Dangerous Myth of ‘Unbiased’ Journalism
America Isn’t Nazi Germany, but It Looks a Little Like 1933
Modern Mathematics Confronts Its White, Patriarchal Past
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Original Air Date 9/14/2022
Today, we take a look at the history and hysteria behind debt and debt forgiveness while Biden is canceling student debt and opponents of the idea are reacting in the most predictable way possible because they misunderstand the relationship between debt and morality.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Cancel It All: Debt Collective's Astra Taylor on Biden Plan & Need for Full Student Debt Relief - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-25-22
We speak to Astra Taylor, writer, filmmaker, and co-director of the Debt Collective, a union for debtors and one of the original advocates for a debt jubilee that would cancel all student debt.
Ch. 2: Freedom Dreams: Black Women and the Student Debt Crisis - The Intercept - Air Date 8-22-22
The Intercept’s new documentary, “Freedom Dreams: Black Women and the Student Debt Crisis,” profiles Black women educators and activists struggling under the weight of tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, in student loan debt.
Ch. 3: Hidden History of Student Debt - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-25-22
Many woke up to find news that $10k of their student debt would be forgiven, Thom Hartmann and Jefferson Smith break down what this means and what happens next.
Ch. 4: Bidens Big Student Debt Announcement: PITOTWIU for the Indebted Masses - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 8-28-22
Max breaks down the politics, the details, and biggest misses of the Biden student debt relief plan and why it’s in danger of being PITOTWIU
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FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on morality and money
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A dark gray, 3D image of the word "DEBT" sits in a white void, a connected chain and open shackle with an open padlock lie in front of it.
Credit: "3D Shackled Debt" by Chris Potter, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Enlarged with more white background
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Air Date 4/24/2024
Only by understanding the past can we understand the present and the histories of Cuba and Haiti have very stark lessons to impart about the cruelty of the Cuba embargo, the repercussions of imperial exploitation, and the dangers that arise amid dysfunctional democracy.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: On Cuba and Haiti The Fight for Liberation & Self-Determination in the Caribbean - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 4-4-24
Musa Springer, Erica Caines, & Onyesonwu Chatoyer from Hood Communist discuss their participation in The Second International Meeting of Theoretical Publications of Left Parties and Movements and discuss history and present events playing out in Haiti.
Ch. 2: Havana Syndrome How the Biden Administration Is Driving Cubans Into Misery - Deconstructed - Air Date 3-22-24
Ryan Grim delves into the complexities of Cuba’s current economic crisis with Andrés Pertierra, a historian of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Ch. 3: Havana Syndrome How the Biden Administration Is Driving Cubans Into Misery Part 2 - Deconstructed - Air Date 3-22-24
Ch. 4: Empire's Laboratory— How 2004 U.S.-Backed Coup Destabilized Haiti & Led to Current Crisis - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-11-24
"The root of this crisis is not last week, it's not this week, it's not even Ariel Henry. But we have to go back to 2004 with the coup-d'état," says Pierre.
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FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the dangers of unrepresentative, unresponsive government
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a protester in 2007 holding a large cloth sign that says “Solidarity…Haiti YES! Occupation NO. Canada-US-U.N. OUT of Haiti”
Credit: “Solidarity - Haiti Yes - Occupation No” by Robert Thivierge, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 4-22-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - How Israeli citizens and government officials use of the US's settler-colonialist past, westward expansion, and religious fundamentalism to justify their own settler expansion - How the members of the extreme right are put in positions of power within the Israeli government, which is then used to validate the settler's actions - The role racist propaganda and intergenerational trauma play in convincing Israelis of the righteousness of their settler-colonialist actions - The societal dangers of living in an ethnostate combined with feeling of specialness that comes from generations of victimhood
REFERENCES: The Israeli Settlers Attacking Their Palestinian Neighbors
The grandmother who wants to lead Israelis back to a Gaza without Palestinians
A debate over Israel-Palestine curriculum flares at Berkeley schools
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Air Date 4/20/2024
Old habits die hard and the American establishment's unquestioning support for Israel is a very old habit indeed. Israel's government drifts farther and farther to the right, culminating in a genocidal push into Gaza. Meanwhile, President Biden, standard-bearer of the old establishment, seems destined to be the very last Democrat to see the need for a change.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Jon Stewart Interrogates America's Support of Israel - The Daily Show - Air Date 4-8-24
Jon Stewart checks in on the war in Gaza and interrogates how America's purported values stack up against its support of Israel. Plus, Ronny Chieng and Grace Kuhlenschmidt report from the eclipse's path of totality with startling different reports.
Ch. 2: Biden’s 'double talk' on Gaza: Cynical election politics? | The Bottom Line - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 3-31-24
Roth tells host Steve Clemons that US President Joe Biden is engaging in “cynical” election politics by refusing to enforce the UN resolution calling for a ceasefire, or the World Court ruling ordering Israel to allow more food into Gaza
Ch. 3: Jon Stewart & Bassem Youssef Call Out “Performative” Outrage Over Israel’s War Crimes - The Humanist Report - Air Date 4-12-24
In this video, we’ll look at comments from both Youssef and Stewart, examples of “performative” outrage from politicians, and demands from voters that the Democratic Party and Joe Biden are refusing to meet.
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FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the words we've heard and the actions we've seen from Israel's government
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a protest outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC in honor of Airman Aaron Bushnell’s self-sacrifice. Protestors kneel behind a banner that says “Stop U.S. Support of Genocide.”
Credit: “50.Gather.AaronBushnellVigil.WDC.26February2024” by Elvert Barnes, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 4-18-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - how a tech start-up is trying to sell a shortcut to bliss - the world of drug-free psychedelic experiences - the capitalists trying to solve the loneliness epidemic
REFERENCES: The Meditation Start-Up That’s Selling Bliss on Demand
What’s it like to take a $249 drug-free psychedelic trip? We found out
Origin of the Dreamachine
Can You Solve Loneliness? These Startups Are Betting On It.
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Original Air Date 2/12/2019
Today we take a look at both the BDS movement and the backlash response to it resulting in firings and legislation in many states (and pending federally) to restrict employment and business opportunities from those who fail to pledge in writing to not support of the boycott of Israel
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Explaining BDS - The Katie Halper Show - Air Date 10-11-17
We speak to art critic and writer Kareem Estefan, co-editor of “Assuming Boycott: Resistance, Agency, and Cultural Production,” about Boycott, Divest, Sanction (BDS)
Ch. 2: Exclusive: Angela Davis Speaks Out on Palestine, BDS & More After Civil Rights Award Is Revoked - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-11-19
Legendary activist and scholar Angela Davis speaks out after the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute rescinded a human rights award for her, reportedly due to her activism for Palestinian rights.
Ch. 3: Pro-Israel Lobby Groups Secretly Admits Cultural Boycott Is Effective, Leaked Report Shows - @TheRealNews - Air Date 12-10-18
Ali Abunimah discusses a leaked report from Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), a front for Israel government-backed lobby group StandWithUs, which admits the cultural boycott is "constantly growing" and "innovative."
Ch. 4: Josh Ruebner on BDS Bans - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 1-31-19
We’ll hear about so-called “anti-BDS” laws, and their context, from Josh Ruebner, policy director at the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights.
Ch. 5: Senators Sneak Amendment to Make Israel Boycott Illegal - @TheRealNews - Air Date 12-19-18
While Senators Cardin and Portman are trying to sneak a last-minute amendment into the budget bill to make BDS illegal - violating free speech - 26 states are also moving to make boycotts of Israel illegal. We speak to IPS’s Phyllis Bennis.
Ch. 6: Palestine/Israel, the Firing of Marc Lamont Hill & the Limits of Open Inquiry Part 1 - Speak out with Tim Wise - Air Date 12-3-18
Tim discusses CNN’s firing of contributor Marc Lamont Hill (a former guest on the show), for comments he made in favor of full equality and justice for the Palestinian people.
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Air Date 4/12/2024
The forces of capitalism and deregulation loom large as industrial transport disasters continue to pile up with new focus brought to the issue by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and the series of dangerous and deadly failures from Boeing.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Horror in Baltimore: Awful New Info Emerges About Six Missing Workers - THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent - Air Date 3-28-24
Two full days after the disastrous collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, little is known about six construction workers who went missing—and are now presumed dead.
Ch. 2: Everything we know about the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 4-4-24
The Real News convened a panel of journalists working all sides of this story to get a sense of what we know about the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, what key questions still need to be answered, and what happens next.
Ch. 3: Cars, Bridges, Ships and Planes - The Zero Hour - Air Date 04-06-24
Discussing the Baltimore disaster in the context of infrastructure investment more broadly
Ch. 4: Everything we know about the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Part 2 - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 4-4-24
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FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the threat to society of runaway corporate executive pay
References:
The failure of Bill Clinton's CEO pay reform - Politico
The Executive Pay Cap That Backfired - ProPublica
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo taken from inside the Alaska Airlines flight 1282 Boeing plane that lost its door mid-flight. A rectangular hole in the side of the plane reveals a wall of white clouds. The nearby seats are empty and oxygen masks hang from the ceiling.
Credit: Photo taken by unidentified passenger and provided to the public by the National Transportation Safety Board(NTSB) as part of their investigation. | License: Public Domain
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Air Date 4/9/2024
The neoliberal legacy of the New Democrats continues to loom large but it really does seem like the progressive wing of the party and the broader demand for populist economic policies has had an impact. Now people just need to know that it's happening.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: American Socialism - Prospect: Generations - Air Date 4-6-23
In this episode of the Prospect’s Generations podcast, editor at large Harold Meyerson, who joined the Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee in 1975, and writing fellow Luke Goldstein, who was attracted to socialism by Bernie Sanders
Ch. 2: The Legacy of the New Democrats - KPFA - Against the Grain - Air Date 8-17-22
Historian Lily Geismer looks at how the the Democratic Leadership Council and Clinton-era Democratic Party increased inequality, through development zones, charter schools, welfare “reform”, and microfinance.
Ch. 3: Clinton’s ‘Fabulous Failure’ Part 1 - Start Making Sense - Air Date 10-4-23
Our politics today is haunted by the failures of Bill Clinton—the “centrist” who “triangulated” with Republicans, lost on healthcare, and proclaimed that “the era of big government is over.” Nelson Lichtenstein explains Clinton’s turn to the right
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Ch. 7: Price Controls: An Inflation Solution That Doesn't Screw Workers - Deconstructed - Air Date 7-7-23
CENTRIST AND RIGHT-WING economists continue to advocate for laying off workers and engineering a recession to address inflation. But why not set price controls instead?
Ch. 8: Clinton’s ‘Fabulous Failure’ Part 2 - Start Making Sense - Air Date 10-4-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the way we think about political criticism
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of President Joe Biden shaking hands with a hard-hat-and-safety-vest clad union worker during a campaign event in Pennsylvania.
Credit: “President Biden greeting union workers” by Governor Tom Wolf Flickr account | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 4-7-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - Many facets of our society are clearly broken by capitalism, and bizarrely for some, chaos is the only thing that beings agency to their life - The delusion of RFK Jr. voters, the understandable desire to vote third party, and the age-old cry of the 'uniparty' - The trend of conservative voters among communities of color and where they find themselves in Trump's Republican Party - And that one of the Democrats main stumbling blocks is they're only interested in keeping things exactly as they are
REFERENCES: The Americans Who Need Chaos
Andrew Tate on why he doesn’t read books
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Targets a Generation of Politically Disaffected, Extremely Online Men
Forget Kennedy Democrats. Here Comes the 2024 Kennedy Voter.
The Strange History of the ‘Uniparty’
The unexpected dynamic that could decide the Trump-Biden rematch
Duty Calls
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Original Air Date: 11/10/2020
Today we take a look at the long and shifting history of the myth of democracy in America. We've never had it since the beginning but the reasons have shifted, ebbed and flowed over time. Now, in the midst of an attempted slow-motion coup, we look back at this most central American myth.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: "Let the People Pick the President" The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-30-20
Two of the last three presidents — George W. Bush and Donald Trump — came to office after losing the popular vote. "The Framers who met at the Constitutional Convention really had no idea what they were doing when they established how to pick a president"
Ch. 2: The Second Revolution - Scene On Radio - Air Date 2-19-20
After the Civil War, a surprising coalition tried to remake the United States into a real multiracial democracy for the first time. Reconstruction, as the effort was called, brought dramatic change to America. For a while.
Ch. 3: Democracy: Past, Present... and Future? - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 6-26-19
Don't remember the past? Does that mean you're condemned to repeat it? What does our country's past tell us about our present— and how can it help us imagine a better future? This week, two leading thinkers on the tricky challenges of democracy.
Ch. 4: More Democracy - Scene on Radio - Air Date 6-10-20
What will it take to make the United States a more fully functioning democracy, and how can we, as citizens, bring about that change? By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika.
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MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 4/3/2024
As the country gears up for the election in November, we look at a variety of ways the GOP and their election-denialist supporters are preparing to subvert the democratic process to get the result they want.
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Ch. 1: Election Dissection 'How can the election system be improved' - The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast - Air Date 3-27-24
A question remains among most American, and specifically Arizonan, voters: how can we make elections better? David Becker is a co-founder of the Center for Election Innovation and Research to improve elections through technology and reliance on data.
Ch. 2: Giuliani ordered to pay $148 million for defamation of election workers - PBS Newshour - Air Date 12-15-23
A federal jury in Washington ordered Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump’s former campaign attorney, to pay $148 million to two Georgia election workers for distress caused by lies he spread following the 2020 election.
Ch. 3: Charlie Kirk Lackey Gets Humiliated By Election Official - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-3-24
Ch. 4: Far Right Plan Chaos Ahead of 2024 Election - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 3-22-24
Donald Trump and the far right want the 2024 election to be so chaotic they can make the case that Trump won, even if he goes down in flames losing by spectacular numbers.
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Ch. 9: Election Dissection 'How can the election system be improved' Part 3 - The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast - Air Date 3-27-24
Ch. 10: Exposing Secret Fascist Plan To ‘Win’ 2024 Election - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 2-26-24
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the backfire effect of lies about mail-in voting
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A photo of a protestor, wearing a mask, and holding a sign up that says “When we count, democracy wins.”
Credit: “40a.BLM.Plaza.WDC.7November2020” by Elvert Barnes, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 4-1-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - how Trump uses humor to normalize his behavior and engage his supporters - how humor is not always a great weapon against fascism and autocracy
REFERENCES: Can Parents Prevent Their Sons From Sliding to the Right?
In on the Joke: The Comedic Trick Trump Uses to Normalize His Behavior
Laugh Riot
Laughing All the Way to Autocracy
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Air Date 3/30/2024
We are living through an age of protest from the opposition to the Iraq war, the Arab Spring uprisings, Occupy Wall Street, through to marches against Trump, and now the war in Gaza. So, we thought we should take a look at the art and science of protest itself.
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Ch. 1: The Missing Revolutions of The 2010s | Ash Sarkar Meets Vincent Bevins Part 1 - Novara Media - Air Date 10-29-23
The 2010s saw a new era of mass protest, from Arab Spring uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and Syria, to Occupy Wall Street, EuroMaidan and Hong Kong’s Umbrella Movement. Many of these movements shared a “horizontalist” or leaderless approach
Ch. 2: The Uncommitted Movement feat. Layla Elabed & Waleed Shahid - Chapo Trap House - Air Date 3-8-24
Organizers Layla Elabed and Waleed Shahid join us to discuss their recent successes with the movement to vote uncommitted against Joe Biden in the ongoing democratic primaries. They lay out their goals
Ch. 3: Why Peaceful Protest Won't Solve Anything - Second Thought - Air Date 8-12-22
Ch. 4: Gaza Protesters SHUT DOWN Schiff's Victory Speech - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-6-24
Ch. 5: The Missing Revolutions of The 2010s | Ash Sarkar Meets Vincent Bevins Part 2 - Novara Media - Air Date 10-29-23
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FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the importance of building momentum over time with protest
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A photo of a handmade protest sign taped to a chainlink fence that says "This is a movement not a moment." Taped to the bottom of the sign is a smaller sign that says "Jacob Blake" with hearts around it.
Credit: "18a.StreetArtFence.BLM.Plaza.WDC.27August2020" by Elvert Barnes, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, slightly increased brightness, contrast and saturation.
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Air Date: 3-28-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - how the wealthy use psilocybin to deal with stress and break the rules of time - the working class get bath time and training on how to self-care their stress away - the
REFERENCES: It’s Time to Give Up on Email
The Working Woman’s Newest Life Hack: Magic Mushrooms
Stress Less
Had a bath. still stressed.
How America Became Addicted to Therapy
Life Under the Algorithm
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Original Air Date: 12/23/2021
Today we take a look at some of the history of labor struggles in America and the current wave of strikes that is giving renewed energy to the labor union movement and the struggle for better working conditions for all.
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Ch. 1: Lessons from the Luddites - On the Media - Air Date 12-10-21
Gavin Mueller [@gavinmuellerphd], assistant professor of New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, on what modern lessons can be learned from the Luddite workers of 19th century England.
Ch. 2: Victory at Starbucks, Struggle at Kellogg's Part 1 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 12-13-21
Suzi talks with John Logan about the unionization victory at Starbucks in Buffalo, and the continuing Kellogg Co. strike.
Ch. 3: Strike Wave Workers Flex Their Muscle in Tight Labor Market Part 1 - Intercepted - Air Date 11-10-21
We hear from Kaiser Permanente workers, and then Labor Notes’ Jonah Furman joins The Intercept’s Washington Editor Nausicaa Renner to discuss this year’s strike wave.
Ch. 4: Labor Unions From Pullman to Kelloggs. Labors long, hard road. - Unf*cking The Republic (UNFTR) - Air Date 12-18-21
The episode includes a blow-by-blow analysis of a recent interview with the CEO of Kellogg's to translate Wall Street speak for “how to fuck workers and influence inflation.”
Ch. 5: Victory at Starbucks, Struggle at Kellogg's Part 2 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 12-13-21
Suzi talks with John Logan about the unionization victory at Starbucks in Buffalo, and the continuing Kellogg Co. strike.
Ch. 6: Class Struggles in the US Today - Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff - Air Date 12-2-21
The "labor shortage" isn't, "Build Back Better" does not begin to approach what Europe already has.
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Ch. 9: Lessons from the Luddites Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 12-10-21
Gavin Mueller [@gavinmuellerphd], assistant professor of New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, on what modern lessons can be learned from the Luddite workers of 19th century England.
Ch. 10: Labor Unions From Pullman to Kelloggs. Labors long, hard road. Part 2 - Unf*cking The Republic (UNFTR) - Air Date 12-18-21
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 3/23/2024
Equality has been at the heart of civil rights movements for decades but what we have failed to see is that in striving for equality we cannot help but reinforce the unquestioned preexisting structures of society which, themselves, may be at fundamental odds with true freedom for all.
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Ch. 1: Marcie Bianco — Breaking Free - with Charlotte Clymer - Politics and Prose - Air Date 9-23-23
Watch author Marcie Bianco's book talk and reading at Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington, D.C.
Ch. 2: Angela Saini The Patriarchs 'How Men Came to Rule' - The Overpopulation Podcast - Air Date 2-6-24
By detailing the diversity of human arrangements, including the prevalence of egalitarian and matrilineal societies around the world – past and present – Angela reveals that male-supremacy is neither natural nor immutable.
Ch. 3: The Fraud Of 'White Feminism' w/ Kyla Schuller - The Majority Report - Air Date 1-20-22
Emma hosts Kyla Schuller, Assistant Professor of Women's and Gender Studies at Rutgers University, to discuss her recent book The Trouble With White Women: A Counterhistory of Feminism.
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Ch. 8: The Fraud Of 'White Feminism' w Kyla Schuller Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 1-20-22
Ch. 9: Angela Saini The Patriarchs 'How Men Came to Rule' Part 3 - The Overpopulation Podcast - Air Date 2-6-24
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on what the path beyond equality and toward freedom looks like
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A photo of a protest in a city street. A person holds up a neon pink sign that says “Smash Patriarchy. Smash Capitalism.” Part of a Starbucks logo can be seen behind the sign.
Credit: “Smash patriarchy smash capitalism” by Peter, Flickr | License: CC By 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, slight increase in brightness, contrast and saturation.
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Air Date: 3-21-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - how AI became a tool in the gender culture war - the real reasons "soft girls" and "tradwives" are a thing
REFERENCES: You Will Not Believe the Dumb Reason My Son Gave Me for Refusing to Wipe His Butt
AI has come to the gender culture war, yielding some truly dumb content
The False Escapism of Soft Girls and Tradwives
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Air Date 3/19/2024
We break down some of the pseudoscience the trans panic is built on, look at the political drive to erase trans people, understand how language of panic shifts over time, and present and alternate view of societal healing for a healthier humanity.
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Ch. 1: The Anatomy of a Moral Panic Ft. Dr. Julia Serano - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 2-21-24
Mia and Gare are once again joined by Dr, Julia Serano to discuss how the concept of contagious stigma drives moral panics against cis and trans people alike
Ch. 2: Are Red States 100 Committed to Erasing Trans People - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 1-8-24
Just a week into 2024 and Red State Republicans have already introduced over 150 bills targeting the transgender community. Journalist Erin Reed, host of 'Erin in the Morning,' updates us on the sorry parade.
Ch. 3: Jamie Lee Curtis Interviews ALOK on the World Beyond the Gender Binary - Upfront Ventures - Air Date 3-9-23
ALOK sits down with Jamie Lee Curtis to explore themes of gender, race, trauma, belonging and the human condition.
Ch. 4: How the Media Gets Trans Coverage Wrong - Medium - Air Date 8-19-23
A panel discussion centered on the representation of trans issues in the media. Moderated by Katherine Cross.
Ch. 5: The Anatomy of a Moral Panic Ft. Dr. Julia Serano Part 2 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 2-21-24
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Ch. 9: How the Media Gets Trans Coverage Wrong Part 2 - Medium - Air Date 8-19-23
Ch. 10: The Anatomy of a Moral Panic Ft. Dr. Julia Serano Part 3 - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 2-21-24
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on a new reframing of the right to the freedom of sex
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A colorful, hand-drawn protest sign says “Protect Trans Youth” with the trans pride flag.
Credit: “Protect Trans Youth” by Taymaz Valley, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 3/15/2024
Republicans have been trending toward Putin fandom for more than a decade but with each passing year the stakes get higher, the propaganda gets more brazen, and what they're willing to support gets more grotesque.
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Ch. 1: Chris Wallace DESTROYS former colleague Tucker Carlson - Bryan Tyler Cohen - Air Date 2-10-24
Ch. 2: Trump voters tell NBC Reporter that ‘Russia is not our enemy’ - MSNBC - Air Date 2-27-24
Vaughn Hillard discusses meeting with Trump voters who have started to echo the rhetoric from Putin and Russia when it comes to that country’s war on Ukraine and how the base of the MAGA movement has leaned into authoritarian rhetoric.
Ch. 3: American Patriots Support... Vladimir Putin - On the Media - Air Date 3-4-22
Casey Michel joins to discuss why white nationalists like David Duke, Richard Spencer, and Matthew Heimbach have long since looked to Putin's Russia as inspiration for their far-right movements in this country
Ch. 4: The Dark and Destructive Vision of Putin's GOP - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 2-27-24
Author and reporter Heidi Siegmund Cuda has the dirt that ties Mike Johnson to President Putin. Does Mr Johnson want to follow Russia's example and become an authoritarian pseudo-theocracy?
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Ch. 8: Trump Backers Kill Navalny - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 2-20-24
Andrea and Terrell Starr of the Black Diplomats Podcast and Substack discuss the assassination of Navalny and the work ahead to build a meaningful opposition.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the global view of autocratic propaganda
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Protestors in a major city at night hold up cutouts of Putin’s head and Trump’s head. Large cutouts of open hands are on either side of Trump.
Credit: “2I4A7393” by rob walsh, Flickr | License: Public Domain | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 3-11-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - mascuzynity and the conservative male ethos - talking to young men to prevent their slide to the right - and that brutal man camps that are more a symptom and cry for help than a solution
REFERENCES: Mascuzynity: How a nicotine pouch explains the new ethos of young conservative men
Can Parents PreventTheir Sons From Sliding to the Right?
Men are going to brutal boot camps to reclaim their masculinity. How did we get here?
Do You Need a Visit to the Confident Man Ranch?
Outro song courtesy of Supergoldfl
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Original Air Date 2-17-2018
We hear from activists and advocates to get a sense of the life, land, and walls that divide occupied Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
Ch. 2: Amer Zahr on working toward rights and democracy for all in Israel - Part 1 - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 3-18-17
Ch. 3: The Oakland Institute's Anuradha Mittal on Life, Land and the Wall Between Them in Occupied Palestine Part 1 - This is Hell - Air Date 11-1-17
Ch. 4: Ben Ehrenreich and Amy Wilentz looking at life for Palestinians on the West Bank - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date is 7-6-2016
Ch. 5: Amer Zahr on working toward rights and democracy for all in Israel - Part 2 - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 3-18-17
Ch. 6: The Oakland Institute's Anuradha Mittal on Life, Land and the Wall Between Them in Occupied Palestine - Part 2 - This is Hell - Air Date 11-1-17
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Original Air Date 2/7/2018
Looking at Israel from a variety of angles including what they do to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and why White supremacists, of all people, support them
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
Ch. 2: Breaking down Trump's moves on Israel - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 1-31-18
Ch. 3: What doesn't get mentioned when reporting on Israel - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 1-19-18
Ch. 4: “Gaza An Inquest into Its Martyrdom” Norman Finkelstein on the Many Lies Perpetuated About Gaza - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 01-10-18
Ch. 5: What Israel has to do with local policing in the US - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 9-20-17
Ch. 6: Richard Spencer Appears On Israeli TV, Says Ethno-Nationalism Should Make Viewers Respect Him - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 08-21-17
Ch. 7: Ilan Pappé: The Myths of Israel - @TheRealNews - Air Date 3-30-17
Ch. 8: Final comments addressing some of the concerns about the #MeToo movement
(Music from Blue Dot Sessions, Free Music Archive)
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Air Date: 3-3-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - why men struggle with friendship - why men and boys are lonelier than ever - the impact of different masculine identities on relationships - something The Beatles apparently did that no one seems to talk about
REFERENCES: Why Men Struggle With Friendship
Boys and men are lonelier than ever. What can we do about it?
3 ‘Masculine Identities’ Men Take On In Relationships
Release the Beatles Jerk-off Cut
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Air Date 3/1/2024
We don't have to think too hard to understand the fears of a world in which work, and the ability of millions to support themselves, are lost to automation and artificial intelligence. But that is only a capitalist future in which the benefits of technological advancement are hoarded by the already-wealthy. Today we imagine a different path.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Introduction to Inventing the Future: Postcapitalism and a World Without Work by Srnicek & Williams - Dank Audio Stash - Air Date 4-8-21
Introduction to Inventing the Future: Postcapitalism and a World Without Work by Nick Srnicek and Alex Williams
Ch. 2: The People's Republic of Walmart Interview with Leigh Phillips and Michal Rozworski - Novara Media - Air Date 6-13-19
Since the demise of the USSR, the mantle of the largest planned economies in the world has been taken up by the likes of Walmart, Amazon and other multinational corporations.
Ch. 3: The Two Futures Of Automation Capitalism VS Socialism - Second Thought - Air Date 12-15-21
With jobs being automated and handed off to machines at an ever-increasing pace, it's only natural to consider what our future will look like.
Ch. 4: Planet of the Robots: Four Futures of AI (Documentary) - 1Dime - Air Date 10-15-21
In this video we will be discussing automation, which is often confused with being the ‘technological revolution’ in it of itself as it is what the mainstream focuses on, and for good reason, as how we handle automation will determine the trajectory or co
Ch. 5: Universal Basic Income Explained (An Automation Solution) - Futurology - Air Date 5-28-24
With jobs being automated and handed off to machines at an ever-increasing pace, it's only natural to consider what our future will look like.
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Ch. 9: The People's Republic of Walmart Interview with Leigh Phillips and Michal Rozworski Part 3 - Novara Media - Air Date 6-13-19
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on living our values and stepping away from work
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a patch on a backpack that says "What would you do if your income were taken care of?"
Credit: "Berlin UBI March" by Patrick Maynard, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date 2/28/2024
AI-generated deepfakes, entirely fabricated audio and video of recognizable people, are here. They have been on the horizon for years but they have finally arrived during the biggest global election year in history which may prove to be a make of break year for democracy itself as we struggle to separate fact from fiction and autocracy is on the rise around the world.
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Ch. 1: Deepfaking Democracy: Why AI Threatens News And Global Elections In 2024 - Forbes - Air Date 2-6-24
Deepfaked news segments that appear to be delivered by well-known journalists and TV networks are going viral on social media. Oftentimes, the view counts of deepfaked segments largely outnumber those of real news stories.
Ch. 2: AI Deepfakes Are Everywhere and Congress is Completely Out of Their Depth - CYBER - Air Date 2-9-24
An AI-generated Biden called voters in New Hampshire ahead of the primary and told them to stay home. X locked down the search term “Taylor Swift” after AI-generated nudes of the pop giant flooded the platform.
Ch. 3: Tech giants pledge action against deceptive AI in elections - All Things Considered - Air Date 2-16-24
Tech giants including Microsoft, Meta, Google, Amazon, X, OpenAI and TikTok unveiled an agreement on Friday aimed at mitigating the risk that artificial intelligence will disrupt elections in 2024.
Ch. 4: Deepfake Adult Content Is a Serious and Terrifying Issue - Aperture - Air Date 5-1-23
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FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on even more dangers from news sites populated with AI-generated content
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Computer-generated image of a silhouetted man standing in front of a large wall-sized image of the profile of a middle-aged man with digitized lines and cracks running through it.
Credit: "ai-generated-man-computer-science" by NickyPe, Pixabay | License
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Air Date: 2-25-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon discuss: - authoritarian Technocracy - and why interoperability may be one of the best weapons against it
REFERENCES: THE RISE OF TECHNO-AUTHORITARIANISM
Big Tech Won’t Let You Leave. Here’s a Way Out
The Great Interoperability Convergence: 2023 Year in Review
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Air Date 2/23/2024
2024 is already shaping up to be even more of a disaster than expected. The causes for anxiety are many and varied, leaving many of us with questions. We generally try to avoid topics and commentaries that lean into the realm of pure speculation but today we decided to lean all the way in to answer your most pressing questions. What about Biden's support of Israel? What about his age? Should he be replaced at the Democratic Convention? How likely is Trump to do the horrible things he promises? And what about his court cases?
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Biden GENOCIDE COMPLICITY US Court Backs ICJ - Breaking Points - Air Date 2-1-24
Krystal and Emily discuss a US court ruling Biden may be complicit in genocide after the ICJ's ruling against Israel.
Ch. 2: Moral Failure Democrats Urge Biden to Change Gaza Policy - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-21-24
"The administration needs to change course in foreign policy in the Middle East to gain the trust of people who we have lost," says California Democratic Congressmember Ro Khanna.
Ch. 3: Manufacturing Discontent How Was America SO Easily Convinced Biden’s Brain is Bad - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 2-13-24
Did the media convince you that Biden is losing his touch? Thom Hartmann explains why you can’t trust this false narrative.
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FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the presidential age debate and what we're really voting for
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Graphic design composite featuring a large pile of red, triangular traffic attention/warning signs. Every sign has a question mark in the middle with the exception of two, which show the faces of President Biden and Donald Trump, respectively.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Composite components: “Joe Biden” by Gage Skidmore, Flickr (License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped). “The Swearing-in Ceremony of the Honorable Brett M. Kavanaugh” via Trump White House Archive, Flickr (Public domain). “Traffic-signs-attention-right-of-way” via Pixabay (Public domain).
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Air Date 2/20/2024
"Luddite" should never have become the epithet that it is as the Luddites were never afraid of or opposed to technological advancement, they only opposed the exploitation of workers and the degradation to society that came with the unfair distribution of the benefits of the targeted technology.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The New Luddites - SHIFT - Air Date 2-14-24
Activists are fighting back against generative AI and reclaiming a misunderstood label in the process, says Brian Merchant in a new piece for The Atlantic.
Ch. 2: Being a Luddite Is Good, Actually ft. Jathan Sadowski - Left Reckoning - Air Date 5-29-21
Jathan Sadowski (@jathansadowski) of the This Machine Kills (@machinekillspod) podcast repairs our sabotaged understanding of the legacy of the Luddites.
Ch. 3: Why this top AI guru thinks we might be in extinction-level trouble | The InnerView - TRT World - Air Date 1-22-24
Lauded for his groundbreaking work in reverse-engineering OpenAI's large language model, GPT-2, AI expert Connor Leahy tells Imran Garda why he is now sounding the alarm.
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FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the fork in the road and a look at our options
References:
Rethinking the Luddites in the Age of A.I.
A Scottish Jewish joke - Things Fall Apart - Air Date 1-25-22
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: An 1812 block print of “The Leader of the Luddites” depicting a man in disheveled early 1800s clothing and missing one shoe leading other men up a hill while a building burns in the background.
Credit: “The Leader of the Luddites”, Messrs | Working Class Movement Library catalog | Public Domain
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Air Date: 2-19-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda and Deon discuss: - how augmented reality and the Apple Vision Pro affects the human brain - how algorithms are changing and flattening our culture - how to take back your life from algorithmic choices
REFERENCES: The Vision Pro's scary side effect
Why Tim Cook Is Going All In on the Apple Vision Pro
We’ve Forgotten How to Use Computers
Have Algorithms Ruined Our Culture?
How to Take Back Your Life From Algorithms
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Air Date 2/17/2024
The debate over education has been derailed from the legitimate concerns of the past focused on the downfalls of No Child Left Behind and Common Core policies into a cul-de-sac of ignorance over opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion programs and the teaching of critical race theory. Not to mention the new McCarthyism that has sprung up to squash any criticism of Israel's genocidal war in Gaza.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How to Dismantle the Anti-DEI Machine - At Liberty Podcast - Air Date 2-9-24
Free speech on campus, book bans, education gag orders, the overturn of affirmative action, the resignation of former Harvard president Claudine Gay. All of these issues center on one hot-button topic: DEI.
Ch. 2: Fighting Back Against The GOP’s War On College w. Bradford Vivian Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-8-24
Author Bradford Vivian joins Emma to discuss his book Campus Misinformation: The Real Threat to Free Speech in American Higher Education.
Ch. 3: Wadie Said on the New McCarthyism - CounterSpin - Air Date 12-22-23
Powerful institutions, including the media, combine a selective understanding of free expression with a vehement desire to enforce it.
Ch. 4: The Education Myth - How America Changed Its Relationship With School w. Jon Shelton - The Majority Report - Air Date 8-20-23
Sam and Emma host Jon Shelton, professor at the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay, to discuss his recent book The Education Myth: How Human Capital Trumped Social Democracy.
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MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Resistance to Change in Higher Ed Part 2 - with Dr. Brian Rosenberg - The EdUp Experience Podcast - Air Date 11-7-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the tradeoffs we make when we allow culture wars to dominate the education debate
Articles:
The Loss of Things I Took for Granted - Slate
In the Fight Over How to Teach Reading, This Guru Makes a Major Retreat - NYTimes
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of the gothic facade of a university with dark clouds overhead.
Credit: "Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana", Pixabay | License
Air Date 2/13/2024
The entire political system has lurched to the right on immigration as Democrats adopt the talking points of the Republicans and the MAGA Republicans put Trump's election chances over the policies they claim to support.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: ‘Basically a cult’: Trump's MAGA Republicans slammed for vowing to block immigration reform bill - The ReidOut with Joy Reid - Air Date 2-5-24
MAGA Republicans have vowed to block the latest immigration reform bill, while also saying immigration is a crisis and immediate threat. Donald Trump’s influence over MAGA Republican elected officials regarding immigration is discussed
Ch. 2: Democrats Fully Embrace Trump’s Immigration Narrative - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 2-9-24
Ch. 3: Republican CALLS OUT Trump By Name Over Outrageous Border Lies - The Damage Report - Air Date 2-10-24
Republican Chip Roy goes off on a fiery rant against his own party, explicitly calling out Donald Trump for posting false claims on Truth Social over the border deal he plotted to destroy. John Iadarola and Sharon Reed break it down on The Damage Report.
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FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the incentives for our politicians to fail at governing
Related Articles:
How Texas officials stymied nonprofits' efforts to help migrants they bused to northern cities
As cities struggle to house migrants, Biden administration resists proposals that officials say could help
Half of Republicans say California isn’t really American
Commentary: If only Congress would listen to the CBO on immigration
SHOW IMAGE: Description: Photo of detained migrants - adults and children - lined up against the US-Mexico border fence as a border patrol officer walks by.
Credit: "U.S. Border Patrol agent apprehends a group of migrants" via Picryl | License: Public Domain
Air Date 2/10/2024
Continuing to tell the stories of those directly impacted by abortion bans is important to demonstrate the extreme stances taken by anti-choice politicians but we also look ahead to potential ways the situation could be made even worse as well as efforts to relieve the suffering.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Texas Abortion Laws Cruel Outcomes - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 12-16-23
The results of overturning Roe have reached their awful, logical conclusion.
Ch. 2: Post-Roe America 5. Culture of Silence - The Nocturnists - Air Date 10-19-23
In episode 5 of The Nocturnists: Post-Roe America we talk about the culture of silence around reproductive health in medical spaces, and how breaking that silence is our only hope for reclaiming our reproductive freedom.
Ch. 3: Texas Abortion Laws Cruel Outcomes Part 2 - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 12-16-23
Ch. 4: Did Kate Cox Expose GOP Plan To Turn Women into Property - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-14-23
The saga of Kate Cox in Texas is making it clear to every American that GOP opposition to abortion isn’t just about abortion: it’s ultimately about controlling every aspect of women’s bodies and lives.
...
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FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on addressing concerns regarding the 15-minute city concept of walkable towns
TAKE ACTION!
Support repro rights orgs doing vital work, such as:
National Network of Abortion Funds
Center for Reproductive Rights
Abortion Access Legal Defense Fund
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a protestor holding a handmade sign that reads "You can't ban abortion. You can only ban safe abortion."
Credit: "Defend Abortion Rights - Maintain the Rage" by Matt Hrkac, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date 2/7/2024
Loneliness is an epidemic that long-predates the COVID lockdowns that only made things worse but it's not primarily cultural or even technological in origin. The issue largely has to do with how our built environment is designed and then social and technological aspects compound the problem.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Surgeon General discusses health risks of loneliness and steps to help connect with others - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 5-2-23
The U.S. Surgeon General declared a new public health epidemic in America, loneliness. A new report finds loneliness can have profound effects on mental health as well as heart disease, stroke and dementia.
Ch. 2: Our Loneliness Epidemic is Infrastructuralized - Studio Leonardo - Air Date 6-2-22
The infrastructure in the US is one of the main culprits for our loneliness. In this video, we deep-dive into why that is and how it has come to be this way. So, what can we do to fix this?
Ch. 3: Original Barcelona video - @The Happy Urbanist TikTok - Air Date 12-15-23
Ch. 4: How cohousing can make us happier (and live longer) | Grace Kim - TED - Air Date 8-7-17
Loneliness doesn't always stem from being alone. For architect Grace Kim, loneliness is a function of how socially connected we feel to the people around us -- and it's often the result of the homes we live in. She shares an age-old antidote to isolation
....
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MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photograph taken from behind a woman in a dark room who is leaning out an open window. She looks out at a brick apartment building across the way.
Credit: "Woman looking out the window" by Jon Eric Marababol, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC0 1.0 Universal
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Air Date: 2-6-24 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The impacts of the myth of the model minority - Haley and Ramaswamy Denying America's racism as they both experience and use racism during the Republican primary race
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REFERENCES: Vivek Ramaswamy and the lie of the “model minority”
Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy Can’t Escape GOP Racism
Scholars worry Haley and Ramaswamy's race-blindness helps GOP advance "white supremacist worldview"
Jake Tapper Confronts Nikki Haley About Saying U.S. Is Not ‘Racist’
Nikki Haley, MAGA and the Confederacy: Time to purge these myths
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Air Date 2/3/2024
We attempt to understand as many of the interlocking elements as possible in the current Middle East conflicts sparked most prominently by the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: From Red Sea to Iran, Will Israel's Gaza Assault Spark Wider War - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-17-24
For a look at where all this is headed, we speak with journalist Spencer Ackerman, who says it's "the most dangerous moment for the Middle East" he has witnessed in over 20 years of covering war and security.
Ch. 2: Houthis Are Not Iranian Proxies Helen Lackner on the History & Politics of Yemen's Ansar Allah - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-1-24
Helen Lackner, author of several books on Yemen, describes the history of the Houthis, the political landscape in Yemen, and debunks the idea the group is controlled by Iran.
Ch. 3: What does Iran want - The Inquiry - Air Date 1-25-24
After months of tension and hostility in the Middle East over the Gaza-Israel conflict, Iran has publicly stated its desire to avoid a regional conflict. It has however displayed its military force on several fronts.
Ch. 4: Biden Stands at the Precipice of a Greater War in the Middle East and His Political Future Part 1 - Intercepted - Air Date 1-31-24
After years of attempting to pivot away from the region, the Biden administration now looks set to deepen its military involvement in the Middle East as it fights the Houthis in Yemen and squares off in an escalating proxy war with Iran.
Ch. 5: Drone Strike Kills 3 U.S. Troops in Jordan as Risk Grows of Regional War over Israel's Gaza Assault - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-29-24
"There will be more of these attacks, for sure," says Palestinian American journalist Rami Khouri, who lays out the simmering regional conflict and questions U.S. foreign policy running counter to American opinion and strategic goals.
.......
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SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A satellite image of the Middle East.
Credit: "Satellite relief map of Middle East" by Merikanto, Wikimedia | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 | Changes: Cropped
Air Date: 1-28-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - Boardgames Ritual - Making kids cry buy taking their phones away at school - Making kids sad by never buying them phones in the first place
REFERENCES: It Sure Looks Like Phones Are Making Students Dumber
Schools don't want kids on cellphones. Is banning them the solution?
Birmingham head calls for ban after pupils 'in tears' when phones confiscated
The Schools That Ban Smartphones
I Won’t Buy My Teenagers Smartphones
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Air Date 1/26/2024 In an election year where, more than ever before, democracy itself is on the ballot, there is less democracy happening in the lead-up to the election than at any time in recent memory. And with two profoundly disliked candidates running, the supporters of democratic ideals have a hard uphill push ahead of them. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Democratic Strategists Have Their Heads In The Sand - The Majority Report - Air Date 1-24-24 Semaphor's Dave Weigel talks to Sam about what happened during the 2024 Iowa Caucus. Ch. 2: Bidenomics Continue To Worsen For Young Adults - The Ring of Fire - Air Date 1-21-24 The Biden administration keeps telling us that the economy is humming along, but for young Americans, things are getting worse. Ch. 3: Is Biden Trying to Lose - The Humanist Report - Air Date 1-18-24 Ch. 4: Maddow on Trump-Biden rematch 'Not very much democracy in an election about saving democracy' - MSNBC - Air Date 1-24-24 Rachel Maddow discusses the looming 2024 general election clash with President Biden possibly taking on Donald Trump again. Maddow points out that there has been little democracy so far in the race for the White House. Ch. 5: 2024 Election Is About The Fight For Democracy - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 1-25-24 President Biden used his first campaign event of 2024 to call out his likely opponent, former President Donald Trump, for the threat he poses to American democracy, calling the issue a 'sacred cause' for the race ahead. Ch. 6: Iowa, New Hampshire, and No Fair Remembering 2012 - The Professional Left Podcast - Air Date 1-24-24
.... SHOW IMAGE: Description: A photograph with bokeh edges of glossy, red-white-and-blue-striped "VOTE" buttons on a table. Credit: "2012 U.S. Presidential Election Gala" by U.S. Embassy Dakah, Flickr | License: Public Domain Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 1/23/2024
The recent discovery of hundreds of bodies buried behind a jail in unmarked graves sparks a renewed discussion about the futility and counter-productiveness of our system of incarceration and the context of our history that has brought us to this point.
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Related Episodes:
#1313 Why Prison Abolition is not Nearly as Scary as it Sounds
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Families in disbelief after hundreds of bodies found buried behind Mississippi jail - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 1-10-24
The discovery of 215 bodies buried in unmarked graves behind a jail outside of Jackson, Mississippi, has left a community in disbelief. The families are angry they were never notified of the deaths and how their loved ones are buried
Ch. 2: The Most Infamous Jail in America - Olurinatti - Air Date 3-29-23
Bail reform is essential in the fight to close horrible pre-trial detention centers like Rikers Island.
....
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
8 Ways You Can Advocate for Justice Reform in 2024 (Vera)
Prison and Jail Reform (Brennan Center for Justice)
Criminal Justice Reform (Equal Justice Initiative)
Cutting Jail and Prison Populations (Brennan Center for Justice)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photograph of the outside of Coyote Ridge Corrections Center. Barbed wire lines the fences of the entrance in front of the dark gray cement building with tinted windows.
Credit: "A sagebrush sea change from behind barbed wire" by U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Original Air Date 12/3/2022
Today, we take a look at the mega-companies that touch all of our lives and the monopolistic practices that have been developed to keep power and wealth concentrated with the few while the rest of us get screwed.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Tech Monopolies - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 6-13-22
John Oliver discusses tech monopolies, and how to address the hidden harm they can do.
Ch. 2: How Ticketmaster Is Destroying Live Music - More Perfect Union - Air Date 10-19-22
Ticketmaster is destroying live music. Their scam fees now cost as much as 78% of a ticket. They control the events, the venues, and even the artists. There’s a movement pushing the Justice Department to take on its monopoly. Cory Doctorow breaks it down.
Ch. 3: Corporate Greed Is Causing Inflation But The Rich Blame Workers - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 11-16-22
Not since the Great Depression have corporate profits soared so high. But it is not enough to satisfy them. More than 54% of the inflation America is experiencing is caused by record-setting corporate profits.
Ch. 4: Why Food Prices Could Skyrocket Thanks to This Grocery Merger - More Perfect Union - Air Date 11-14-22
Safeway, Ralphs, Smiths, Harris Teeters, Shaws, Kings, Randalls, and about 25 other brands, will all be owned by a single company if the Kroger-Albertsons merger goes through. And that’s really bad news for the prices you pay.
Ch. 5: Chokepoint Capitalism (with Cory Doctorow and Rebecca Giblin) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 11-1-22
Novelist Cory Doctorow and intellectual property expert Rebecca Giblin discuss their new book, Chokepoint Capitalism, which documents the increasing tensions between extractive corporations and creative laborers.
Ch. 6: Making The Case For Abolishing Billionaires - MSNBC - Air Date 11-21-22
"One after another, four of our best-known billionaires laid waste to the image of benevolent saviors carefully cultivated by their class," Anand Giridharadas writes in a recent New York Times column.
Ch. 7: Elon Musk Is An Idiot (and so are Zuck and SBF) - Adam Conover - Air Date 11-23-22
Tech CEOs aren't geniuses, and here's the proof.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Chokepoint Capitalism (with Cory Doctorow and Rebecca Giblin) Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 11-1-22
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on how regulation helps stop financial scams
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 1/17/2024
It is evident that the immigration debate is more about acquiring raw power than about immigration as demands from the Republican Party change along with whatever strategies they feel are most likely to get Republicans elected and in the age of Trump, that means the most draconian, harmful and, ultimately, pointless demands to date.
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Ch. 1: The Beginning Monroe and Migration Part 1 - Under the Shadow - Air Date 1-9-24
In the second half of the episode, we meet migrants walking North toward the United States on the edge of Central America. A very real manifestation, right now, of the never-ending impact of US intervention in Latin America.
Ch. 2: Rep. Greg Casar on GOP’s Hard-Line Immigration Demands in Ukraine Funding Request - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-13-23
As negotiations on the emergency funding request continue, we speak with Democratic Congressmember Greg Casar of Texas about how he and other lawmakers oppose “some of the worst changes to our immigration system in decades.”
Ch. 3: The Migrant Crisis On The Border And The Hill - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 1-11-24
The stream of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border hit record numbers at the end of 2023. Guests: political correspondent Ashley Lopez, congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and immigration correspondent Jasmine Garsd.
Ch. 4: GOP Bets It All on the Border - What Next - Air Date 11-8-23
A partial government shutdown is just 10 days away.
Ch. 5: The Beginning Monroe and Migration Part 2 - Under the Shadow - Air Date 1-9-24
Ch. 6: Trump Plans to Declare War on Who? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 1-9-24
If re-elected, will Trump dredge up an archaic 18th-century law as a de-facto anti-immigration policy? Just how far will he go…?
Ch. 7: Under Attack TX Law Targets Immigrants as Trump Cites Hitler, GOP Pushes for Border Crackdown - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-20-23
It's very clear that we are under attack. … We have targets on our backs," says Marisa Limón Garza, executive director of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center in El Paso, which is challenging the new Texas law along with other rights groups.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Fox Host Admits GOP Doesn’t Give A Sh— About Immigration - The Majority Report - Air Date 1-12-24
Laura Ingham gives the conservative game away
Ch. 9: AOC Dismantles GOP Immigration Lies - The Majority Report - Air Date 9-25-23
When interviewed, AOC "...sanctions that were originally authored by Marco Rubio took a large part in the driving of populations to our southern border, shortly after those sanctions were enacted, we started seeing dramatic increases."
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the naked power grab behind the immigration debate and Trump's long-held fascination with Hitler
Bonus:
Trump Claims He’s Never Read Mein Kampf After Quoting Hitler, Praising Putin: A Closer Look - Late Night with Seth Meyers - Air Date 12-22-23
Articles:
House Republican Admits He’ll Kill Border Deal If It Helps Biden
Donald Trump's ex-wife once said Trump kept a book of Hitler's speeches by his bed
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A photograph taken during a "Reform Immigration March" in D.C. A man holds a homemade sign that says "Militarized Border = A Failed Policy." Other protestors in background hold American flags.
Credit: "Reform Immigration March on Washington" by Elvert Barnes, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, increase in contrast and brightness.
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Air Date: 1-15-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - why one of the last isolated tribes in the world desperately wants to stay that way - why we know that women also hunted, counter to what all the male archeologists would have us believe
REFERENCES: Why Uncontacted Tribes Want to Stay Uncontacted
They choose to live in isolation—but the world won’t leave them alone
The Mission Documentary
The Theory That Men Evolved to Hunt and Women Evolved to Gather Is Wrong
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Air Date 1/13/2024
The Supreme Court began to lose its legitimacy in the eyes of many when President Obama wasn't allowed to fill the open seat left by the death of Antonin Scalia but, in truth, the scandal and manipulation of the nation's highest court go back much, much farther than that. However, in a bygone age, scandal was handled much differently than today, putting our current state of disfunction and hyper-partisanship into sharp focus.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Ralph explains the need for resignations and reform on the Supreme Court - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 12-30-23
I think they are reaching a point—the six-justice majority— of getting a huge backlash… I don't call for the impeachment of Justices very easily. In case after case these Justices come down on the side of artificial entities called corporations
Ch. 2: Astonishing Corruption at The Supreme Court? - LegalEagle - Air Date 5-6-23
Ethics? Never heard of it
Ch. 3: Supreme Court's Corrupt Financial Ties To Billionaire Exposed During Senate Hearing - The Majority Report - Air Date 5-3-23
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) used a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Supreme Court ethics on Tuesday to discuss the financial ties between Justice Clarence Thomas and conservative billionaire Harlan Crow.
Ch. 4: EXPOSED: Supreme Court Corruption CAUGHT Red Handed - The Kyle Kulinski Show - Air Date 4-27-23
Looking at Neil Gorsuch's questionable property sale and Clarence Thomas' refusal to answer to congress
Ch. 5: Clarence Thomas Grifting - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-19-23
They shift to another bombshell report about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas's taking advantage of his position to enrich his lifestyle.
Ch. 6: New Supreme Court ethics code 'does very little' to hold justices accountable, expert says - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-13-23
The nine Supreme Court justices handed down a surprise unanimous decision binding themselves to a new code of ethics. It comes after criticism over undisclosed perks for some of the justices.
Ch. 7: How to Fix a Broken Supreme Court - Robert Reich - Air Date 7-18-23
Justice Roberts refused to testify in a hearing on SCOTUS ethics. Thomas and Alito accepted luxury vacations from GOP megadonors. Gorsuch sold property to the CEO of a law firm that argues cases before the Court.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Bombshell new report on the Supreme Court's abortion leak - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 12-15-23
New York Times investigative reporter Jodi Kantor joins Chris Hayes to discuss her behind-the-scenes look into the dismantling of Roe
Ch. 9: Supreme Court Scandals: A Story of Justice - Now & Then - Air Date 4-26-23
Samuel Chase’s impeachment over his pronounced Federalist leanings, Stephen J. Field’s 1880s relationships with railroad magnates, and Abe Fortas’ 1969 resignation following the revelation of his acceptance of consulting fees from a felonious financier
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on John Roberts' year-end report and the slide away from the possibility of accountability
Article: Chief Justice John Roberts’ AI Report Reads Like an Old Robot Wrote It
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A close-up photograph of the entrance of the U.S. Supreme Court building. White stone columns partly lit by sun slightly obscure the dark wooden entryway door at the center in shadow.
Credit: "Supreme Court of the United States Facade" by Leandro Paes Leme, Pexels | License | Changes: Cropped
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Original Air Date 1/7/2023
Today, we take a look at the criminal charges against Donald Trump that the January 6th Committee has referred to the DOJ but examine them through the lens of past presidential crimes that have gone unpunished from Nixon to George W. Bush
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: No One Is Above The Law - Calls Grow for Trump to Be Charged to Avoid Another Coup Attempt - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-20-22
We speak with Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a scholar of fascism and authoritarianism, and Robert Weissman, president of the advocacy group Public Citizen.
Ch. 2: Historian Meets Watergate Prosecutor On The Right (And Wrong) Kinds Of President Part 1 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 12-28-22
Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University and Jill Wine-Banks, MSNBC legal analyst and former Watergate special prosecutor look to lessons from Watergate for what needs to happen with the Jan. 6th committee report.
Ch. 3: Lisa Gilbert on the January 6 Report - CounterSpin - Air Date 12-23-22
We spoke with Lisa Gilbert, executive vice president of Public Citizen and co-founder of the forged-for-purpose Not Above the Law Coalition, about what the hearings found and why it can’t end there.
Ch. 4: Historian Meets Watergate Prosecutor On The Right (And Wrong) Kinds Of President Part 2 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 12-28-22
Ch. 5: "Brazen" Fraud: David Cay Johnston on How Trump's Tax Returns Show He Defrauded U.S. & Enriched Himself - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-3-23
Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter David Cay Johnston, who has covered Trump for decades, says the new documents show "absolutely brazen" tax fraud. "Donald Trump has been a criminal his whole life," says Johnston.
Ch. 6: Obama on Investigating Bush Crimes: "Need to Look Forward" - This Week - Air Date 1-11-09
Barack Obama on This Week, January 11, 2009
Ch. 7: Obama Admin: Torture Not Illegal, Just A "Disagreement" - The Young Turks - Aired 3-27-10
Speaking of hangovers... Look forward, not backward. We don't do truth and reconciliation in this country.
Ch. 8: The Central Cause of January 6th Was One Man House Panel Urges Trump Be Banned from Public Office - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-23-22
We’re joined by John Nichols, The Nation’s national affairs correspondent, to discuss the full report.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Ginni Thomas not mentioned in Jan. 6 Committee report - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 1-3-23
Slate’s Mark Joseph Stern and political strategist Rina Shah join Mehdi to discuss.
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date: 1-7-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - the little bit of Paganism that's in all of us - the Christian priests who want to reform the church through psychedelic mushrooms
REFERENCES: The Return of the Pagans
God, Magic Mushrooms, and Me
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Air Date 1/5/2024
As the war in Gaza drags on, accusations of genocide by Israel have been filed by South Africa at the International Court of Justice and we are reminded that the tactics and technology that Israel develops and tests against Palestinians are sold around the world.
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#1584 Israel's Political Upheaval, Supreme Court Power Struggle, US Support, and the Normalization of Apartheid
#1589 War in the Holy Land: Context Behind the Atrocities, Crimes Against Humanity, and the Possible Escalation
#1591 Broken News: Understanding traditional media and social media reporting on the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza
#1592 Israel and Palestine are less complicated than you think
SHOW NOTES
Introduction: In Gaza and Israel, side with the child over the gun
Ch. 1: Israels Push to Expel Residents of Gaza - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-3-24
Dutch Palestinian policy analyst Mouin Rabbani says Israel is using the Hamas attack of October 7 as a pretext to carry out its “long-standing ambition” to push Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip.
Ch. 2: South Africa Files Case Against Israel at International Court of Justice over Genocidal Gaza War - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-2-24
"I believe South Africa will win an order against Israel to cease and desist from committing all acts of genocide against the Palestinians," says Francis Boyle, an international human rights lawyer
Ch. 3: A Conversation on the Horrors in Gaza with Jeremy Scahill and Sharif Abdel Kouddous - The Intercept - Air Date 12-20-23
Intercept co-founder Jeremy Scahill and journalist Sharif Abdel Kouddous discuss the U.S. role in Israel’s scorched-earth campaign to annihilate Gaza.
Ch. 4: Disease In Gaza - Up First - Air Date 12-28-23
The World Health Organization warns that disease could kill more people in Gaza than the bombings.
Ch. 5: Gaza, Solidarity, and the Movement for Palestinian Liberation - Making Contact - Air Date 11-29-23
We uncover the military corporations profiting from the war.
Ch. 6: Gaza is a weapons lab for the arms industry w/ Antony Loewenstein - The Chris Hedges Report - Air Date 12-8-23
Antony Loewenstein, journalist and author of The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World, joins The Chris Hedges Report for a deep dive.
Ch. 7: Gaza, Solidarity, and the Movement for Palestinian Liberation Part 2 - Making Contact - Air Date 11-29-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Gaza is a weapons lab for the arms industry w/ Antony Loewenstein Part 2 - The Chris Hedges Report - Air Date 12-8-23
Ch. 9: Christian Zionism - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 12-30-23
Ralph welcomes Rev. Dr. Donald Wagner, National Program Director of Friends of Sabeel—North America, to discuss the ongoing violence in Palestine, the influence that Christian Zionists have on America's Israel policy, and more.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the impacts of the antisemitism that is felt by the Jewish diaspora in the wake of the Hamas attack and war in Gaza
Articles referenced:
California lawmakers ‘pull the fire alarm’ on antisemitism
Anti-Defamation League staff decry ‘dishonest’ campaign against Israel critics
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Black and white photo of a woman at a protest in the city. She stares straight into the camera while holding a cardboard sign that reads "Bombing refugee camps, hospitals, ambulances, children is not self defence."
Credit: "Bombing Refugee camps, Hospitals, Ambulances, Children - is not self defence" by Alisdare Hickson, Flickr | License: CC BY SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, increased contrast
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Air Date 1/2/2024
Trump's greatest impact has been to bring the fringes of the conservative movement into the center and, by strongly courting the Evangelical Christian vote, helped accelerate the Christian Nationalist movement to merge religion with patriotism
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: A Threat to Church and State - Confronting Christian Nationalism - Air Date 9-9-23
In this episode, we’ll hear from experts, authors, and theologians who will help articulate what Christian Nationalism is, what it’s not, and why it’s a a threat to both the church and democracy.
Ch. 2: How Trump Is Dividing The Evangelical Church - Fresh Air - Air Date 11-29-23
Journalist Tim Alberta grew up in a conservative, republican, evangelical church, where his father was the pastor. He wanted to know why so many evangelical Christians had become extremists, and ardent supporters of Trump.
Ch. 3: How Trump Has Transformed Evangelicals - Radio Atlantic - Air Date 12-14-23
How did evangelical Christians shift from being reluctant supporters of Trump to among his most passionate defenders? How did some evangelicals, historically suspicious of politicians, develop a “fanatical cult-like attachment” to Donald Trump?
Ch. 4: Will MAGA Mike Inflict a Religious Crusade on America? - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 11-2-23
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is closely tied to Christian groups that want to make America a theocracy. So why does he support policies that are so contrary to Christ's teachings? Plus - Handmaiden Tale Alert!
Ch. 5: Trump's "personal shortcomings" have become a bonus for evangelical Christians, says Tim Alberta - Meet the Press - Air Date 12-24-23
In an interview with Kristen Welker on Meet the Press, author and writer Tim Alberta discusses the role of white evangelical Christians in building support for Donald Trump’s presidency and the “uneasy alliance” the community established with him.
Ch. 6: The Trump movement is turning America fascist w/ Jeff Sharlet - The Chris Hedges Report - Air Date 10-27-23
Jeff Sharlet has spent two decades covering the intersection of extreme Christian nationalism and the far-right. In his new book, Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War, he gives snapshots of a country rapidly devolving into a Christian fascist state.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Interview with Author Elle Hardy on Christian Nationalism - The Benjamin Dixon Show - Air Date 1-19-23
Ch. 8: Trump's Escalating Racist Rhetoric & the Far-Right's Plan for a Slow Civil War - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-21-23
As the 2024 presidential election campaign heats up, Republican front-runner Donald Trump is escalating his racist rhetoric, repeatedly saying in recent days that immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country,” drawing comparisons to Hitler.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the idolatry at the heart of Christian Nationalism
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The image of a cross leans into the frame over a representation of the American flag.
Credit: "Cross banner USA flag cross sign" by Kalhh, Pixabay | License: Creative Commons (CC0)
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Air Date: 12-31-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon discuss: - how Italy is making it harder for same-sex partners to have children by making it harder for everyone to have children - how well-meaning advocates in the US are putting same-sex families at risk - why Christian homophobia may just be based on a mistranslation of the Bible
REFERENCES: ‘The state says our kids don’t exist’ - how LGBT life is changing in Italy
Why Anonymous Sperm Donation Is Over, and Why That Matters
Did Christian homophobia come from a mistranslation of the Bible?
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Original Air Date 12/17/2022
Today, we take a look at the fringe philosophy of accelerationism that is having a bigger impact on society than you will likely have realized as it's been behind some of the worst terror attacks in recent years and is likely behind attacks on infrastructure targeting society as a whole.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Dystopian Philosophy You've Never Heard Of - Philion - Air Date 6-26-22
Explaining the origins of Accelerationism
Ch. 2: A Foiled Plot in Texas: The Threat of Violent Fringe Online Networks - Tech Against Terrorism - Air Date 2-22-22
Matt Kriner is an intelligence analyst with almost a decade of experience researching and analyzing US domestic violent extremists, transnational far-right extremism, and radicalization.
Ch. 3: “It only takes a few” - White Hot Hate - Air Date 11-28-21
Some members of The Base are planning deadly attacks that they hope will spark a race war. Will they be stopped, before it's too late?
Ch. 4: Proud Boys, January 6, and When a U-Haul Is a Clown Car - Angry Planet - Air Date 6-17-22
So, it’s time to look again at what this group — and related groups — did on January 6, and just how dangerous they really are. We’ll also talk about accelerationism, what it is and what accelerationists want.
Ch. 5: Right-Wing, Domestic Terror Eyed In N.C. Infrastructure Sabotage As Facts Remain Elusive - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 12-6-22
Rachel Maddow looks at a mysterious gun attack on electricity infrastructure in North Carolina and how it lines up with a past attack in California in 2013 and a DOJ case this year against white supremacists in Ohio.
Ch. 6: Accelerationism: The International Apocalyptic Doctrine That's Unifying the Far Right - World Affairs Council Monterey Bay - Air Date 5-29-21
Accelerationism is a doctrine of revolutionary violence that holds that society is irreparably broken and must be destroyed. In recent years it has caught on among a variety of disparate movements throughout the world.
Ch. 7: The seductive dangers of speed - RSA Podcasts - Air Date 7-5-17
The accelerating pace of political and economic change can be disorienting – but, for some, change isn’t happening fast enough. Matthew Taylor is joined by the journalist Andy Beckett and philosophers Benjamin Noys and Nina Power
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Why We’re All Rooting for the Apocalypse - Wisecrack - Air Date 4-8-22
The apocalypse has never been more omnipresent in the cultural zeitgeist. But why are we all so convinced that the world is going to end, and do we have a moral obligation to prevent this gnarly fate?
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments giving some helpful advice to White supremacists looking to start a race war
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A young white man dressed in a black hoodie with the hood over his hat is looking away from the camera while wearing a black mask with the image of the lower half of a skull on it. A lit torch is next to him in the foreground. A lit structure and a crowd of people are visible in the background.
Credit: “Face of the streets” by spoilt.exile, Flickr | License CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Original Air Date 12/24/2022
We compare the far-right religious extremists who are fighting to gain power in the US with the protests against the theocratic regime in Iran supporting women's rights in the country.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How a new Christian right is changing US politics - BBC News - Air Date 11-28-22
A new battle of faith is being driven by some pastors and politicians in the United States. Their central message is that the country's conservative Christian way of life is under threat, and American society is moving in the wrong direction.
Ch. 2: Women's Rights Activist on Protests Sweeping Iran, the Intensifying Gov't Crackdown & Executions Part 1 - Democracy now! - Air Date 10-15-22
"Iranians voted multiple times for over two decades for some process of reform … but the state has not given in to those demands," she says. "What we're seeing now is the result." Tahmasebi is the director of FEMENA
Ch. 3: The Taliban’s Far-Right Fan Base - VICE - Air Date 10-18-21
In chat rooms and message boards on the darker corners of the web - far-right groups have been praising the Taliban’s takeover, lauding their religious fundamentalism, execution of opponents, and hatred of so-called liberalism.
Ch. 4: Complete Dissatisfaction with the Current Order - Why Protests in Iran Are Not Slowing Down - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-6-22
"Today's movement is not calling for reform. Today's movement is calling for a new vision of politics … with women at the helm of it," says Narges Bajoghli, professor of anthropology and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University
Ch. 5: Are We Prepared For Anti-Democratic Extremist Threats? Featuring Peter Montgomery - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-15-22
Far Right, Anti-Democratic Extremist groups are not slowing down. Some even have connections with ‘mainstream’ Republican politicians. Peter Montgomery joins Thom Hartmann to discuss the threat the far right still poses.
Ch. 6: Inside the Iran Protests: What You Need to Know Nahid Siamdoust - The Majority Report - Air Date 12-18-22
Sam and Emma host Nahid Siamdoust, Assistant Professor of Middle East and Media Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, to discuss the recent political protests in Iran.
Ch. 7: Republican Leader Trump's Dinner With Racist Forces Reckoning For Normal Americans - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 11-28-22
Rachel Maddow shares some of the fringe perspectives of the racist, Christian fascist who Donald Trump hosted for dinner at Mar-a-Lago
Ch. 8: Women's Rights Activist on Protests Sweeping Iran, the Intensifying Gov't Crackdown & Executions Part 2 - Democracy now! - Air Date 10-15-22
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Will SCOTUS Turn America Into A Theocracy? (w/ Rachel Laser) - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 4-18-22
Joseph Kennedy, a football coach, pressured his students to pray with him. He was asked not pressure students into religion during Public School activities. but he refused. Rachel Laser joined Thom to discuss the case and the pressure on students.
Ch. 10: Hayes: Supreme Court conservative majority is ‘high council of Fox News viewers’ - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 12-5-22
“Because the conservative majority has tossed away all pretense of being anything other than, essentially, a high council of Fox News viewers, they decided her case should be heard before the Supreme Court,” says Chris Hayes
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on why Christian Nationalists would be better off not installing a dictatorship
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 12/23/2023
The housing crisis is at a worse point than at any time in recent history. Solutions are available and require political will to bring into reality but because the problem is now so widespread, we may actually be able to take action that would have been untenable before.
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Related Episodes:
#1496 Home Is Where The Hardship Is
#1565 Co-Housing Builds Community and Fights Loneliness
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Housing is a Moral Issue w Shaun Donovan - Future Hindsight - Air Date 12-7-23
Shaun Donovan is the CEO and President of Enterprise Community Partners. We discuss how the deeply entrenched housing crisis has become worse in recent years and the multiple strategies to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.
Ch. 2: Why NYCs Move to Privatize Public Housing Could Impact the Rest of the Country - Notes to America - Air Date 12-18-23
On this week’s show, Fanta — a reporter for WNYC’s Radio Rookies — speaks with residents, organizers and officials as she tries to find out what this program means for families like hers.
Ch. 3: Biden In Trouble With Voters Over Inequality And Housing - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-28-23
President Joe Biden’s approval ratings surrounding the economy are not good! What, if anything, can Biden and the Democrat do to improve on those poll numbers (maybe…run on something? Anything?)
Ch. 4: Housing is a Moral Issue w Shaun Donovan Part 2 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 12-7-23
Ch. 5: Why NYCs Move to Privatize Public Housing Could Impact the Rest of the Country Part 2 - Notes to America - Air Date 12-18-23
Ch. 6: Why The US Is Failing At Housing And How To Fix It - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-9-23
Rachel Cohen describes how the US housing crisis came to be and how it can be solved.
Ch. 7: Housing is a Moral Issue w Shaun Donovan Part 3 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 12-7-23
Ch. 8: Can the French Plan For Social Housing Save America From Hyper-Gentrification w Cole Stangler - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 11-9-23
Is Paris more gentrified than New York? Gentrification is the process where beloved cities & towns price out residents with rents ‘too damn high’ to pay & failing infrastructure.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Why NYCs Move to Privatize Public Housing Could Impact the Rest of the Country Part 3 - Notes to America - Air Date 12-18-23
Ch. 10: How to build beautiful social housing in a crisis - Channel 4 News - 9-7-23
The architect Peter Barber has been winning awards for turning tiny patches of land into innovative estates and houses, designed not just to be beautiful – but to foster a sense of community too.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on why North America Can't Build Nice Apartments
Bonus: Why North America Can't Build Nice Apartments (because of one rule)
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE: Description: Photograph of newly built, colorful single-family row houses.
Credit: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development archive, License: Public Domain
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 12/20/2023
AI needs to be regulated by governments even though politicians don't understand computers just as the government regulates the manufacture and operation of aircraft even though your average politician doesn't know their ass from an aileron. That's why expert advisory panels are for.
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Related Episodes:
#1547 Shaping the Future of the Internet
#1578 A.I. is a big tech airplane with a 10% chance of crashing, should society fly it?
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How are governments approaching AI regulation - In Focus by The Hindu - Air Date 11-16-23
Dr Matti Pohjonen speaks to us about the concerns revolving around AI governance, and if there are any fundamental principles that an AI regulatory regime needs to address.
Ch. 2: A First Step Toward AI Regulation with Tom Wheeler - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 11-2-23
President Biden released a sweeping executive order that addresses many risks of artificial intelligence. Tom Wheeler, former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, shares his insights on the order and what's next for AI regulation.
Ch. 3: Artificial Intelligence Godfathers Call for Regulation as Rights Groups Warn AI Encodes Oppression - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-1-23
We host a roundtable discussion with three experts in artificial intelligence on growing concerns over the technology’s potential dangers: Yoshua Bengio, Max Tegmark, and Tawana Petty.
Ch. 4: The EU agrees on AI regulations - What will it mean for people and businesses in the EU - DW News - Air Date 12-9-23
European Union member states and lawmakers reached a preliminary agreement on what they touted as the world's first comprehensive AI legislation on Friday.
Ch. 5: EU vs. AI - Today, Explained - Air Date 12-18-23
The EU has advanced first-of-its-kind AI regulation. The Verge’s Jess Weatherbed tells us whether it will make a difference, and Columbia University’s Anu Bradford explains the Brussels effect.
Ch. 6: A First Step Toward AI Regulation with Tom Wheeler Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 11-2-23
Ch. 7: How to Keep AI Under Control | Max Tegmark - TEDTalks - Air Date 11-2-23
Scientist Max Tegmark describes an optimistic vision for how we can keep AI under control and ensure it's working for us, not the other way around.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Anti-Democratic Tech Firm’s Secret Push For A.I. Deregulation w Lori Wallach - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-8-23
Giant tech firms are meeting secretly to deregulate Artificial Intelligence technologies in the most undemocratic ways possible. Can profit really take over and corrupt progress?
Ch. 9: How are governments approaching AI regulation Part 2 - In Focus by The Hindu - Air Date 11-16-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the need to understand the benefits and downsides of new technology
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date: 12-15-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon discuss: - why humans need rituals for mental health and community - what happens when corporations try to adopt rituals - what happens when squishy-blob humans are allowed to drive cars that somewhat drive themselves a little bit
REFERENCES: Rituals are important to human life — even when they seem meaningless
Can Rituals Fix Our Soulless Corporate Culture? A Ritual Designer Says Yes
THE INSIDE STORY OF MICROSOFT’S PARTNERSHIP WITH OPENAI
The Way We Talk About Self-Driving Cars Is Going To Get People Killed
Self-Driving Cars Won’t Save Us Anytime Soon
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Air Date 12/12/2023
Henry Kissinger, it turns out, was actually a pretty good representative of the United States, the foreign policy actions we took, and the reasonings we gave for them over the past century. He embodied the idea that the US is always on the side of right, the world and its inhabitants are merely a game board and pieces for us to manipulate for our own ends, and that lives, particularly foreign lives, lost in pursuit of our interests are not of much concern.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: A look at the consequential and controversial legacy of Henry Kissinger - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-30-23
Henry Kissinger, America’s most consequential and controversial Secretary of State, died Wednesday at the age of 100. He reached the peak of his power in the 1970s and remained highly influential until the very end. reports.
Ch. 2: Henry Kissinger's Huge but Deeply Problematic Legacy - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 11-30-23
Henry Kissinger has died at 100 years old. Fred Kaplan, Slate's War Stories columnist and the author of many books, including The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War examines the diplomat's impact on U.S. foreign policy
Ch. 3: Kissinger: An Architect of Genocide - The Majority Report - Air Date 12-5-23
Tim Shorrock then gives his initial reflections on Kissinger’s passing and the myriad lies he told for the ends of US primacy. Shorrock and Emma trace Kissinger’s bloody footprints from Vietnam and East Timor to Argentina
Ch. 4: Henry Kissinger and the Moral Bankruptcy of U.S. Elites - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-30-23
Henry Kissinger is dead at the age of 100. The former U.S. statesman served as national security adviser and secretary of state at the height of the Cold War and wielded influence over U.S. foreign policy for decades afterward.
Ch. 5: The Case Against Henry Kissinger: War Crimes Prosecutor Reed Brody on Kissinger’s Legacy of “Slaughter” - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-1-23
Former U.S. secretary of state and national security adviser Henry Kissinger has died at the age of 100. He leaves behind a legacy of American statecraft that brought war and mass atrocities to Southeast Asia, South Asia and South America
Ch. 6: The world Henry Kissinger built - The Take (Al Jazeera English) - Air Date 12-1-23
Henry Kissinger was a giant of our world order for half a century. The former US secretary of state died at the age of 100 on Wednesday. He left a mark on every region – often not for the better of those left in the wake of his controversial policies.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Henry Kissinger's Reactionary Idealism - Against the Grain - Air Date 10-11-17
Historian Greg Grandin reflects on the ideology and practice of Henry Kissinger.
Ch. 8: Amb. Martin Indyk Pens Kissinger Book - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 11-12-21
Former envoy to Israel, Martin Indyk, is out with a new book that details Henry Kissinger’s legacy in the Middle East.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on our year-end membership drive
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A photo of the profile of an elderly Henry Kissinger with a solemn expression. His hair is white and he wears glasses and a dark suit.
Credit: "Dr. Henry Kissinger listens..." by U.S. Secretary of State, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Horizontal crop
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Original Air Dates 12-3-23 and 12-10-23
We discuss in episode #281:
- the impacts of a stratified wealth disparity - the anti-social habit we're adopting that will make us more anti-social - the desperation many feel to just put life on hold for a few days
REFERENCES: Infants Are Born With Syphilis in Growing Numbers, a Sign of a Wider Epidemic
Behind the Gates of a Private World for Only the Wealthiest New Yorkers
Hungry (but Not for Human Contact), Americans Head for the Drive-Through
Let’s unpack the hospital fantasy
We discuss in episode #282:
- the relationship between religion and AI - the probably results of uploading your mind to a computer - an idea for helping to disconnect from your technology a bit
REFERENCES: Silicon Valley’s vision for AI? It’s religion, repackaged.
Uploading your consciousness will never work, a neuroscientist explains
Uploading Our Consciousness To a Computer. But Should We?
Mind Uploading? Not Worth it.
In a future of mind uploading, will you still be you, and who will own your mind?
This Ancient Ritual Is Key to How I Run a Company of 500 People. Harvard Research Shows Why.
Everything You Need to Enjoy One Tech-Free Day a Week
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Air Date 12/8/2023
Neoliberalism has created a lot of economic suffering and insecurity in addition to weakened social ties over the past few decades. And now, in what may be the most devastating result of the ideology yet, neoliberalism may be leading much of the world toward fascism bolstered by legitimate grievances about economic precarity which are coopted by the false promises of right-wing populism.
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Related Episodes:
#1491 Mismanaging Capitalism Can Lead to Fascism (Inflation and the Working Class)
#1519 International Fascist Movement on the Move
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Far-right extremism on the rise around the globe - The ReidOut with Joy Reid - Air Day 11-28-23
A troubling sign of the rise of far-right extremists being elected around the world, as anti-Islamic populist Geert Wilders is newly elected in the Netherlands.
Ch. 2: How Can Democracy Survive in an Age of Discontent Rachel Navarre and Matthew Rhodes-Purdy on Populism and Political Extremism - Democracy Paradox - Air Date 11-28-23
Populism is rather a specific form of discontent. Discontent is the umbrella term. It's this vague sense that the way things are being done is not working. That democracy is not effective.
Ch. 3: Argentina's Trump? Far-Right Javier Milei Wins Presidency with Echoes of Past Dictatorship - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-21-23
Far-right libertarian Javier Milei has been elected president of Argentina. Franco Metaza, the director of international relations for the Argentine Senate, joins to discuss.
Ch. 4: How Can Democracy Survive in an Age of Discontent Rachel Navarre and Matthew Rhodes-Purdy on Populism and Political Extremism Part 2 - Democracy Paradox - Air Date 11-28-23
Ch. 5: Media Coverage of the Trump Movement is Missing Vital Context - On the Media - Air Date 11-29-23
Jeff Sharlet, author of The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War, argues that Trump's narratives of martyrdom, a persecuted in-group, a mysterious out-group, and a rhetoric of violence are all hallmarks of fascism.
Ch. 6: 'Democracy on a Knife's Edge' Far-right electoral victories in Argentina, Holland; Trump threatens Insurrection Act - The Bradcast - Air Date 11-28-23
Ultra-conservative former federal Judge Michael Luttig warns: 'American democracy [is] on a knife's edge...in greater peril today than it's ever been in American history.
Ch. 7: How Can Democracy Survive in an Age of Discontent Rachel Navarre and Matthew Rhodes-Purdy on Populism and Political Extremism Part 3 - Democracy Paradox - Air Date 11-28-23
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Ch. 8: Media Coverage of the Trump Movement is Missing Vital Context Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 11-29-23
Ch. 9: How Can Democracy Survive in an Age of Discontent Rachel Navarre and Matthew Rhodes-Purdy on Populism and Political Extremism Part 4 - Democracy Paradox - Air Date 11-28-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on preparing for the 2024 election
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A photo triptych of Donald Trump, Geert Wilders president-elect of The Netherlands, and Javier Milei president-elect of Argentina. Trump is smiling and looking toward Wilders and Milei.
Credits: “Trump at CPAC” by Kingofthedead, Wikimedia Commons; License: CC BY SA 2.0; Changes: Cropped | “Geert Wilders during a political campaign” by Peter van der Sluijs, Wikimedia Commons; License: CC BY SA 2.0; Changes: Cropped | “Javier Milei in VIVA22” by Vox España, Wikimedia Commons; License: Public Domain; Changes: Cropped
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Air Date 12/5/2023
It's important to focus on positive visions and not only get stuck in doom cycles of complaining about what's going wrong. So, we're looking at a variety of positive visions including rethinking human nature, reimagining our relationship with consumerism, considering how design can work with nature instead of against it, and understanding why cooperation is better than individualistic competition from an evolutionary point of view.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What We Get Wrong About Human Nature - Andrewism - Air Date 1-11-23
What does it mean to be human? Join me as I explore the many interpretations of human nature across various philosophies and delve into the true breadth of human possibilities.
Ch. 2: Gabor Maté on Illness, Human Nature, Capitalism, and Socialism - Against the Grain - Air Date 5-30-23
North Americans are sick, stressed, and alienated, a state of affairs accentuated in recent years by Covid. Gabor Maté argues that capitalism engenders illness, while the medical system blindly ignores the lives of its patients.
Ch. 3: Imagining a Solarpunk Education - Human Restoration Project - Air Date 5-11-23
Do we have the willingness to challenge the predominant social, economic, & political structures & systems that need to be challenged? To change the very nature of humanity's relationship to the planet? What role does education play in all of this?
Ch. 4: What science fiction teaches us about imagining a better world - The New Humanitarian - Air Date 1-11-23
Time and again, guests on this season of Rethinking Humanitarianism have called for systemic changes to the humanitarian system and global governance – from alternatives to the UN to revolutionized global climate financing.
Ch. 5: Elon Musk Has Become the Very Thing He Hates Most - The New Abnormal - Air Date 11-20-23
A conversation with award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor about her transformational Africanfuturism and the importance of inclusive visions of science fiction.
Ch. 6: How We Can Build A Solarpunk Future Right Now (ft. @Andrewism) - Our Changing Climate - Air Date 4-20-22
In this Our Changing Climate climate change video essay, I look at ways in which we can build a Solarpunk future right now. Solarpunk envisions a world in which nature and humanity are seamlessly intertwined
Ch. 7: The Race to Cooperation - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 2-2-23
David Sloan Wilson's work shows that humans can and have chosen values like cooperation, altruism and group success – versus individual competition and selfishness
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Ch. 8: The Race to Cooperation - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 2-2-23
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Geoengineering concerns - Bud from Idaho
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments clarifying some details about using Solar Radiation Management as a geoengineering strategy
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Original Air Date: 10/8/2022
Today, we take a look at the recent elections in Italy, Brazil and Sweden where far-right parties are either taking power or looking to maintain it as well as the parallels to our own politics including moderate conservatives helping to legitimize the far-right while delegitimizing elections.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Fascist Brothers of Italy Party takes power in Italy - The Mehdi Hassan Show - Air Date 10-2-22
Why the American right wing is racing to embrace Italy's next prime minister.
Ch. 2: Italian Fascism w/ David Broder - Jacobin Show - Air Date 9-30-22
Our own European editor David Broder explains what Giorgia Meloni and the Brothers of Italy's victory means for Italy.
Ch. 3: Fascist Brothers of Italy Party takes power in Italy Part 2 - The Mehdi Hassan Show - Air Date 10-2-22
Why the American right wing is racing to embrace Italy's next prime minister.
Ch. 4: Fascism scores another victory with Italian election - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 9-26-22
Conservatives in the US have been courting the extreme right on and off all along
Ch. 5: The Stakes Are High - In The Thick - Air Date 10-4-22
"The candidates and their vision for Brazil’s future could not be more different, but the trends underpinning this election are an echo of global experiences,” reports Roberta S. Braga for the ISPI.
Ch. 6: Noam Chomsky & Vijay Prashad: A Lula Victory in Brazil Could Help Save the Planet - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-30-22
Noam Chomsky joins us from Brazil with Vijay Prashad just back from Brazil to discuss Sunday’s Brazilian election between Brazil’s far right president Jair Bolsonaro and former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Ch. 7: Brazil Votes For Democracy While SCOTUS Does Not - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 9-4-22
Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman discuss the ramifications of the Brazilian election for president, as Bolsonaro loses by 5 points and is priming the country to reject the second round election later this month.
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Ch. 8: Rise of the Swedish far right w/ David Broder - Jacobin Show - Air Date 9-30-22
Jonas Pontusson joins us to unpack the strong electoral showing of the Swedish far right.
Ch. 9: Fascism scores another victory with Italian election - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 9-26-22
A history lesson on the rise and fall of fascism in Europe and what it says about the path we're all on today.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the big problem with small misunderstandings
TAKE ACTION!
MIDTERMS MINUTE 2022 - Installment #2:
Today’s focus is on toss-up Senate races in GA, NV, PA, and WI, and Senate races (precariously) leaning Democrat or Republican: GET FULL DETAILS AND ACTION LINKS
Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo from 2014. Far-right Italian politician (and newly elected Prime Minister) Giorgia Meloni stands in front of a backdrop with the Italian tricolor flame, a symbol of the neo-fascist political party in Italy. She is a white woman with straight blond hair. She is wearing a leather jacket and smiling with her arms crossed.
Credit: “Giorgia Melone 2014” by Jose Antonio, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC Attribution 4.0 International | Changes: Black vignette
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Air Date 11/29/2023
The movement for universal health care is still underway, though it rarely gets recognized in mainstream discourse. The death of Medicare For All (M4A) activist Ady Barkan is an occasion worth using to look at the progress being made to improve our system of promoting the health of all people in the United States as well as efforts to rein in the power of big Pharma that's used to gouge the American people with exorbitant prices. So, that's what we're doing.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Healthcare Activist Ady Barkan Dies of ALS; Watch His 2021 Interview on Demanding Medicare for All - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-27-23
Healthcare activist Ady Barkan has died at the age of 39 of the neurodegenerative disease ALS. His story is told in the documentary Not Going Quietly. In 2021, Democracy Now! spoke with Ady Barkan just ahead of the film’s premiere.
Ch. 2: Why your health insurance is tied to work - The Weeds - Air Date 10-18-23
The wartime policy that changed health insurance forever
Ch. 3: Rethinking the path to winning single payer - Code WACK! - Air Date 4-10-23
Winning Medicare for All in the U.S. may be at a standstill at the federal level, but it's a different story In the states. In 2021 alone, 18 single-payer bills were introduced in states such as Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, and Oregon.
Ch. 4: How Can This Predatory Exploitation Be Considered Health Care - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 11-15-23
If Medicare Advantage, the profit-driven entity that is decidedly NOT part of REAL Medicare, could be summed up in three words, they might be: deny, deny, deny.
Ch. 5: Biden vs. Big Pharma Medicare to Begin Negotiations to Lower Price of 10 Costly Drugs & Insulin - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-30-23
Peter Maybarduk joins us to discuss how the new negotiation process aims to break up drug monopolies and disband the pharmaceutical industry’s profit incentive.
Ch. 6: Inequality Undermines Health & Healthcare in the U.S. - Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff - Air Date 11-14-23
Interview with Dr. Stephen Bezruchka on how economic inequality connects to stress, health problems, and inadequate healthcare."
Ch. 7: Big Pharma Explained Why Are Meds So Expensive [& The Solution] - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 6-12-23
Today's three integral guests (listed below) join the Laura Flanders Show to discuss the pharmaceutical industry and how to end Big Pharma companies' monopoly.
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Ch. 8: The Challenge of Caring for Our Elders - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 11-15-23
Reed Abelson, New York Times reporter, talks about the financial challenges of caring for our elders since the United States does not have a comprehensive system to help pay for long-term care as the population ages.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on more good news from the fight against climate change
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A photo of Ady Barkan wearing a “Be A Hero” shirt while sitting in his specialized wheelchair and smiling at someone off-camera.
Credit: “Elizabeth Warren & Ady Barkan”, Elizabeth Warren, Flickr | License: CC By 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date 11/26/2023
As the hottest year in 125,000 years or so begins to come to a close, we turn to two projects still in their infancy that have big plans to decarbonize our electricity generation on one hand and give us a bit more time to turn our climate futures around on the other. The first is a reinvigoration of the geothermal power industry with the hopes of scaling up globally and the second is geo-engineering which aims to reduce the solar radiation hitting the planet to reduce devastating climate impacts while the world finishes up the work of going carbon neutral. Both ideas are a little scary, either or both could be brilliant or disastrous. The two things that are clear to me are that failure in the face of climate chaos will definitely be disastrous and any ideas with a reasonable chance of helping deserve further study.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Have We Made ANY Progress on Climate Change? Here's The Data, You Decide - PBS Terra - Air Date 12-20-22
Tune into this episode of Weathered to see where we’ve been in our race against the clock, where we’re going, and how the RCP scenarios can help us understand this story as well as our future on this planet.
Ch. 2: Batteries are dirty. Geothermal power can help. - Vox - Air Date 11-1-22
Lithium-ion batteries are a transformative technology in the fight against climate change. Most notably, they power electric vehicles, which have the potential to replace emissions produced by road transportation. But there’s a problem.
Ch. 3: The Untapped Energy Source That Could Power the Planet | Jamie C. Beard - TEDTalks - Air Date 10-28-21
Deep beneath your feet is a molten ball of energy the same temperature as the surface of the sun -- an immense clean energy source that could power the world thousands of times over, says technologist and climate activist Jamie C. Beard. How do we tap it?
Ch. 4: A Messy and Unhinged Introduction to Geoengineering - vlogbrothers - Air Date 10-4-23
Describing the most dangerous way to save the world
Ch. 5: Smog Cloud Silver Lining - Radiolab - Air Date 9-22-23
Summer 2023 was a pretty scary one for the planet. Global temperatures in June and July reached record highs. And over in the North Atlantic Sea, the water temperature spiked to off-the-chart levels.
Ch. 6: How to think about solar radiation management - Volts - Air Date 2-24-23
Even if greenhouse gas emissions halted entirely right now, we would continue to feel climate change effects for decades due to existing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere — and warming could accelerate
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 7: Final comments and interview with Mike Tidwell about the arguments for and against geo-engineering
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Original Air Date 10-5-2022
Today, we take a look at the life and legacy of President Ronald Reagan, the last transformational U.S. president who's regime we are still living in. Between his neoliberal economics, anti-government ideology and white supremacist appeal to authoritarians, he did more to shape the last 40 years of the politics of the country and conservative movement than anyone else.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: 40 years later, is this the end of Reaganomics? - Make Me Smart - Air Date 12-14-21
It’s been just over 40 years since newly elected President Ronald Reagan declared, “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to the problem, government is the problem.”
Ch. 2: The Democracy We Think We Live In - On the Media - Air Date 8-9-19
Adam Serwer [@AdamSerwer], staff writer at The Atlantic, on the catastrophic, deadly idea that "only white people are fit for self-government."
Ch. 3: General Motors Proves Trickle Down Theory Only Works If You Shower With Gold Water - The Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-3-18
General Motors admits what we all know, after receiving a massive tax cut, the auto maker is laying off thousands of American employees and closing it's plants.
Ch. 4: The Lasting Impact of Reagan's Firing of Air Traffic Controllers (1/2) - The Real News Network - Air Date 8-4-14
Prof. Joseph McCartin and former PATCO spokesperson Elliot Simons discuss the anniversary of the firing and Ronald Reagan's betrayal
Ch. 5: When American Presidents Go to Trial - On the Media - Air Date 9-9-22
Rick Perlstein [@rickperlstein], a journalist and author of The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan, explains the continuing impact of Gerald Ford's decision to pardon Richard Nixon for his crimes.
Ch. 6: Ronald Reagan “Terrifying Words - ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’” - Professor Buzzkill History Podcast - Air Date 5-13-21
We scrutinize Reagan's famous quote "the nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help’” in today's episode. Where and when was it coined? What is its broader meaning?
Ch. 7: How Ronald Reagan's Regime Led To The Jan 6th Capitol Riot - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-17-21
The Capitol insurrection on January 6th was a long time coming. Back in 1980, Ronald Reagan's campaign was laying the groundwork for what would become Donald Trump's platform.
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Ch. 8: America’s Right Turn with Rick Perlstein - Why Is This Happening? - Air Date 9-1-20
How did America’s modern conservative movement come to power? Historian and author Rick Perlstein’s prolific work has traced the arc of modern electoral politics, and specifically has laid out how modern conservatism arose.
Ch. 9: Why the "Reagan Regime" Endures - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 3-7-22
Presidencies are rarely transformational, and neither Biden nor Trump have lived up to their supporters’ dreams. So what does it take to really change our politics? Host Kai Wright is joined by political theorist Corey Robin to confront that question.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on my first debate about Reagan
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A large portrait of former American President Ronald Reagan in a dark suit and red tie is framed on a wall in a dim, museum-like room. His smiling face is softly lit with a spotlight.
Credit: “President Ronald Re[a]gan” by LunchboxLarry, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped
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Air Date: 11-17-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - The internet culture of putting people on blast, - a reexamination of kids who want their parents to track their movements, - trying to learn about the human condition but getting tricked into watching poverty porn, - and using AI to talk to whales and save all life on earth
REFERENCES: Teens Want Parents to Track Their Phones and Monitor Their Every Move - Wall Street Journal
Whoever staves lease wins - Vulture
How to Use AI to Talk to Whales—and Save Life on Earth - Wired
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Air Date 11/14/2023
The Supreme Court turned the table on average, working people back in the 70s when they empowered wealthy individuals and corporations to have an outsized role in our politics. Now we're trapped in the reality that shift in power created and are dreaming of a better way to manage our economic and political systems for the benefit of all people.
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#1247 The Fight for the Four Freedoms (FDR vs. Libertarianism)
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Citizens United Has Destroyed America Why Is Nobody Talking About It - Thom Harmann Program - Air Date 10-27-23
If America is to recover any semblance of meaningful democracy in our country, we have to cut out the cancer of big money in our political system. We MUST overturn Citizens United.
Ch. 2: How Things Work Congress's Revolving Door - Jim Hightower's Lowdown - Air Date 11-9-23
Hear it? What’s that sound? “Whoop-whoop-whoop.” Oooo, it’s Washington’s revolving door, allowing corporate interests to come directly inside Congress to pervert public policy.
Ch. 3: Corporate Bullsht Legal Bullsht - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 11-11-23
Donald Cohen discusses the long history of corporate propaganda covering for corporate greed, and his new book Corporate Bullsh*t: Exposing the Lies and Half-Truths That Protect Profit, Power, and Wealth in America.
Ch. 4: What Socialism Needs to Succeed - Economic Update - Air Date 10-32-23
This week's episode covers the crisis of today's left, the need to build upon and go beyond successful socialism of the 19th and 20th century, the state and micro focus on the workplace, and democratizing workplaces.
Ch. 5: Redefining Wealth–with Aisha Nyandoro - OFF-KILTER - Air Date 11-2-23
As Aisha Nyandoro—CEO of Springboard to Opportunity and architect of the Magnolia Mother’s Trust—argues in her recent Tedx Talk, it’s time to redefine wealth in the United States.
Ch. 6: Prof. Richard Wolff Why Not Democratize Big Auto Companies - The Zero Hour - Air Date 10-28-23
Prof Wolff joins Zero Hour with RJ Eskow to discuss the recent agreement between the Ford Motor Company and the United Auto Workers and how it relates to the larger issues of labor, capitalism, and democratizing workplaces.
Ch. 7: Inside West Virginia's New Economic Bill of Rights–with Troy N. Miller - OFF-KILTER - Air Date 11-9-23
For this week’s episode, Rebecca sat down with Troy N. Miller, who’s long served as the Off-Kilter podcast’s beloved “man behind the curtain,” aka executive producer.
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Ch. 8: How Media's Use of 'The Economy' Flattens Class Conflict - Citations Needed - Air Date 11-1-23
Kim Kelly joins to discuss the term "the economy," how and why metrics reflect interest of capital- GDP, the DOW - which are positioned as more important indicators of economic strength versus the needs of the average person.
Ch. 9: Redefining Wealth–with Aisha Nyandoro Part 2 - OFF-KILTER - Air Date 11-2-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on how a shifting baseline obscures the inequity of our economic system
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A photo of a protest banner depicting a drawn human figure with its arms out standing on top of the symbol for dollars ($). The words “People Over Profits” are written across the middle.
Credit: “World Bank/IMF demonstration [06]” by Ben Schumin, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date 11/10/2023
Violence and oppression are destructive and corrosive to both the victim and perpetrator and this goes a long way toward explaining many of the dynamics at play in the holy land between Israelis and Palestinians.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why Hamas Attacked Israel - And What's Next For Gaza - AJ+ - Air Date 10-13-23
On October 7th, Hamas launched one of the deadliest attacks on Israel in years. But why? And what does this mean for the 2.3 million people trapped in Gaza, often called the largest open-air prison on Earth?
Ch. 2: 'The possibility of genocide is staring us in the face' in Gaza: Holocaust studies professor - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 11-3-23
Omer Bartov, an Israeli-American professor of Holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University, joins Mehdi to discuss Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Bartov tells Mehdi, “I don’t think that what is happening there right now is genocide…
Ch. 3: Shock Doctrine Israel with Naomi Klein - The Bitchuation Room - Air Date 10-31-23
Weaponizing trauma to inflict more trauma is Israel's forte. Naomi Klein, author of The Shock Doctrine, No Logo, and the new book Doppelganger, joins Francesca to discuss the all out assault on the people of Gaza in retaliation for Hamas' attack.
Ch. 4: Antisemitism: An Evil, An Enemy Of Peace - Owen Jones - Air Date 10-31-23
Antisemitism is an evil in itself - it is the cause of terrible horrors over many centuries - and it is also a mortal enemy of peace in Palestine.
Ch. 5: Far Right Exploiting Gaza War to Spread Antisemitism and Islamophobia / Shane Burley - This Is Hell! - Air Date 11-7-23
Shane Burley on his writing at Waging Nonviolence on white nationalists manipulating the Gaza crisis. Plus 'Rotten History.'
Ch. 6: Naomi Klein on 'Selective Information' About Israel and Gaza - Inside the Hive - Air Date 11-2-23
Host Brian Stelter joins Naomi Klein to discuss the challenges of understanding what’s happening on the ground in Israel and Gaza as an information war plays out alongside the carnage.
Ch. 7: What’s Happening in Israel and Why with Nathan Thrall - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 11-1-23
The October 7th attack by Hamas and Israel's subsequent response has left the world in shock. To better understand the context behind this moment, Adam is joined by Nathan Thrall, one of the leading experts on the conflict in Gaza.
Ch. 8: Ta-Nehisi Coates Speaks Out Against Israel's "Segregationist Apartheid Regime" After West Bank Visit - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-2-23
Ta-Nehisi Coates joins us to discuss his journey to Palestine and Israel and learn about the connection between the struggle of African Americans and Palestinians.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Beyond Settler-Colonialism - Against the Grain - Air Date - 10-31-23
Mahmood Mamdani, the acclaimed scholar of colonialism and anti-colonialism, reflects on the United States, Nazi Germany, South Africa, and Israel — settler-colonial societies built on internment and ethnic cleansing.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on an extraordinary case of looking the find the humanity in the inhumane attacks on Israel of October 7th
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A black and white photo of a street protest in London. An older man holds a large handmade protest sign, which reads "Hamas targetting civilians = war crimes. Israel targetting civilians = war crimes." The greeting "Shalom" is written in Hebrew next to the greeting "Salam" written in Arabic. At the bottom, "End the occupation!"
Credit: "No Excuses for War Crimes under any Pretext." by Alisdare Hickson, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped and slightly increased contrast
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Air Date 11/6/2023
Media literacy is a basic requirement for understanding the war in Gaza, as propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation are being distributed for both ideological and financial reasons.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Breaking News Consumer's Handbook Israel-Gaza Edition - On the Media - Air Date 10-27-23
Discussing how to navigate your social media feed in the midst of the war in Gaza.
Ch. 2: Hearts, minds, and likes - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-23-23
False information about what is happening in Israel and Gaza is taking over SM faster than journalists like BBC Verify’s Shayan Sardarizadeh can check it.
Ch. 3: US Media, Washington Rush Head First into 9-11 2.0 - Citations Needed - Air Date 10-11-23
In this public News Brief, we discuss the recent escalation in violence in "the Middle East" and the quickly forming bipartisan consensus to jam the issue into a simplistic, dehumanizing War on Terror narrative
Ch. 4: Fog of War The Media and the Israel–Palestine Conflict - Deconstructed - Air Date 10-13-23
Ryan Grim is joined by Intercept reporter Alice Speri, who has frequently reported from occupied Palestinian territory, and Palestinian American writer and political analyst Yousef Munayyer.
Ch. 5: Hate Crimes, American Media & the 'Free Palestine' Movement - NowThisNews - Air Date 11-1-23
As attacks on Gaza continue, so do violent acts in the U.S., and this researcher is breaking down our media's narratives.
Ch. 6: 12 Journalists, Mostly Palestinians in Gaza, Killed in Deadliest Time for Journalists - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-16-23
Sherif Mansour of the Committee to Protect Journalists says it is one of the highest death tolls for journalists covering the conflict since 1992 and calls today it the "deadliest time for journalists in Gaza."
Ch. 7: Breaking News Consumer's Handbook Israel-Gaza Edition Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 10-27-23
Ch. 8: Peter Maybarduk on Paxlovid, Maya Schenwar on Grassroots Journalism - CounterSpin - Air Date 11-27-23
The media lens—the points of view that they show us day after day, those they obscure or ridicule—affects the way we understand the world, our neighbors, and what’s politically possible. Guest Maya Schenwar, author and editor at large of Truthout.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Gaza Siege and the Liberal Handwringing Industrial Complex - Citations Needed - Air Date 10-18-23
We break down the latest efforts by Democrats to support Israel's brutal bombing and collective punishment of Gaza while still looking "deeply concerned" about the logical outcomes of this bombing and collective punishment.
Ch. 10: Not in Our Name 400 Arrested at Jewish-Led Sit-in at NYC's Grand Central Demanding Gaza Ceasefire - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-30-23
We bring you the voices of Jewish Voice for Peace and their allies who shut down the main terminal of Grand Central Station during rush hour Friday in one of New York's largest acts of civil disobedience in 20 years to demand a ceasefire in Gaza.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: The influence of calling Congress - Craig from Ohio
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on a case study in war media manipulation
Reference: Does a Photo Show 'Wonder Woman' Actor Gal Gadot Turning Up to Serve in the Israel Defense Forces? - Snopes
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Composite image of an illustrated hand holding a phone with "LIVE" and "BREAKING" on the screen, along with the much-maligned initial NY Times headline "Israel Strike Kills Hundreds in Hospital, Palestinians Say". A finger is pressing an invisible button at the bottom of the screen. Many "share" arrows point out away from the phone.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. News image credit: "Gaza" by Marcin Monko, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 DEED | Changes: Cropped
Original Air Date: 8/31/2022
Today, as the news of Trump's various trials continues to drop out, we take a look back at this episode covering the long and illustrious history of powerful people avoiding prosecution in the United States.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Welcome to the golden age of white collar crime (with Michael Hobbes) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 3-10-20
Why is right now the easiest time in modern history for the wealthy to get away with whatever they want? HuffPost reporter and fellow Seattleite Michael Hobbes join Zach in the studio for a deep dive into his most recent article about white-collar crime.
Ch. 2: Flint Residents Outraged as Charges Dropped in Fatal Water Scandal That Poisoned Majority-Black City - Democracy Now - Air Date 5-30-22
Eight years after the deadly Flint water crisis began, the state’s Supreme Court has thrown out charges against former Governor Rick Snyder and eight other former officials for their complicity in the public health emergency.
Ch. 3: Obama Requests Immunity for War Criminal George W. Bush - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 8-22-13
Obama's DOJ has requested that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Paul Wolfowitz be granted immunity in a case that is alleging that they violated international law with the Iraq War...
Ch. 4: Obama on Investigating Bush Crimes: "Need to Look Forward" - This Week - Air Date 1-11-09
Barack Obama on This Week, January 11, 2009
Ch. 5: How George H.W. Bush's Pardons for Iran-Contra Conspirators Set the Stage for Trump's Impunity - Democracy Now - Air Date 12-4-18
In 1992, when Bush Sr. was president, he pardoned several Iran-Contra defendants, including Caspar Weinberger, Robert McFarlane, and Elliott Abrams. We speak with Greg Grandin, prize-winning author, and professor of Latin American history at New York Univ.
Ch. 6: Pardon Me - Reveal - Air Date 7-6-19
Presidential pardons grab the headlines each time Donald Trump grants clemency to a controversial person. We tell the untold story of a pardon system that is completely broken and a pardon attorney’s office that is being ignored by the White House.
Ch. 7: Bryan Stevenson on the racial terrorism of lynching - Cape Up - Air Date 4-24-18
Bryan Stevenson wants us to confront our country’s racial terrorism and then say, ‘Never again’
Ch. 8: Justice Department Weighs Whether Or Not To Prosecute Trump - MSNBC - Air Date 8-29-22
New York Times Justice Department Reporter Katie Benner and former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman discuss how the inquiry into Trump’s handling of classified documents poses an unparalleled test for DOJ
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Restoring the Brotherhood of Union: Confederate Pardon and Amnesty Records, 1865-1877 - US National Archives - Air Date 5-21-15
"Restoring the Brotherhood of Union: Confederate Pardon and Amnesty Records, 1865-1877" Archives specialist John Deeben provides a brief legislative history of amnesty activity during and after the Civil War.
Ch. 10: The power of presidential pardons - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 12-25-20
Pardons are among the most powerful tools a president has. While pardons can be politically motivated, drawing criticism, they can also change lives.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the nature of pardons, accountability and hurt feelings
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Original Air Date: 8/16/2022
Today, we take a look at the strategies underway to systematically dismantle democracy in the United States including installing Big-Lie™ believers in elected and poll-working positions, preventing state-level Supreme Courts from holding GOP-dominated state legislators to the state constitutions, and wiping out tens of thousands of career civil servants from the federal government to be replaced by right-wing extremists.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Republicans Caught Planning MASSIVE Voter Fraud - David Pakman Show - Air Date 6-2-22
Republicans are caught planning massive voter fraud in a mindblowing new report from Politico
Ch. 2: Republican plans to use political operatives as poll workers alarm voting rights activists - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 6-1-22
Now, reporting by POLITICO details GOP efforts on the local level to challenge and potentially overturn elections. Rick Hasen, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine and the author of "Cheap Speech" joins William Brangham to discuss.
Ch. 3: Inside Trump's Stealth Purge Plan with the Congressman Leading the Fight Against It - Beyond Politics - Air Date 7-28-22
Trump’s top allies are prepping a plan to purge the federal government. They want to remove thousands of key decision-makers and replace them with MAGA loyalists, all through an Executive Order called "Schedule F."
Ch. 4: 2024 Republican Hopefuls Support Trump Allies' Plan To Purge Government Workers - Ring of Fire - Air Date 8-4-22
Many of the possible 2024 Republican contenders have told Axios that they support the plan being put together by Trump's allies to purge career government workers and replace them with their own loyalists.
Ch. 5: Fake Electors, Real Crimes and Much More - The Bradcast - Air Date 7-26-22
Explaining the plan to election 2020 election deniers into positions of power to influence the 2024 election.
Ch. 6: Dark Money Is Fueling Election Deniers In Secretary Of State Races - The Ring of Fire - Air Date 8-6-22
Across the country, dark money is pouring into Secretary of State races to promote election-denying candidates. This money is mostly untraceable, thanks to our absurd campaign finance laws.
Ch. 7: Judicial Coup SCOTUS Gerrymandering Case May Let GOP State Legislatures Control Federal Elections - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-6-22
Carolyn Shapiro says a ruling in favor of North Carolina Republicans would be "extremely problematic from the perspective of democracy" and "could cause enormous chaos."
Ch. 8: The Supreme Court Case That Could Upend U.S. Elections - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 7-5-22
"I always counsel against assuming that any one court decision is going to dramatically change the landscape. But this case is different," says Marc Elias on the Supreme Court taking up a case on state legislatures' authority over elections.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Fake Electors, Real Crimes and Much More Part 2 - The Bradcast - Air Date 7-26-22
Previously undisclosed emails between top associates and aides of Donald Trump expose how they coordinated their plot to present 'fake' electors in seven states to steal the 2020 election from the American people.
TAKE ACTION:
Become a Poll/Election Worker:
How to Be A Poll Worker Where you Live (US Election Assistance Commission)
WorkElections.org (Fair Elections Center)
Defeat MAGA Secretaries of State in Midterms:
MoveOn "US v. MAGA" Campaign
Help People Get Voter IDs:
VoteRiders
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A voter crouches by a folding table, his head is obscured by the white voter privacy box decorated with an American flag on each side. Other tables and privacy boxes can be seen in the large building foyer. Glass entrance doors can be seen in the distance.
Credit: “Election Day 2020” by Phil Roeder, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 10/23/2023
The people who want to pull the country in directions that are only supported by a small minority of the population have to develop very intricate plans to have any hope of succeeding. This is the story of the latest plan to establish unchecked rule to implement unpopular policies supported only by the far right.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: ‘The endgame of election denial is that we shouldn't have elections’: Authoritarianism expert - The ReidOut - Air Date 10-6-23
Donald Trump has ramped up his violent rhetoric in recent weeks. Meanwhile, a Fox host has urged the U.S. towards civil war and claimed that voting does not work.
Ch. 2: Violent Authoritarianism: How Did This Become the GOP? - Keeping Democracy Alive with Burt Cohen - Air Date 11-23-21
Pat Buchanan was ahead of his time. He used the KKK’s David Duke to breed a new nativist religious nationalism, based on fear of liberalization. On this show, political science professor Joseph Lowndes sheds light on how the Republican Party got here
Ch. 3: Analyzing The Dark Roots Of Modern Conservatism - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 10-15-23
Emma hosts John S. Huntington, professor of history at Houston Community College, to discuss his recent book Far-Right Vanguard: The Radical Roots of Modern Conservatism.
Ch. 4: How Often Do YOU Think About the Roman Empire? - Wisecrack - Air Date 10-16-23
The real reason TikTok is crazy for ancient Rome If you’re even a little bit online, you know that the men love ancient Rome. This isn’t new: The civilization has loomed large in the Western imagination ever since its catastrophic collapse.
Ch. 5: The Conservative Plan to Take Over the Country Part 1 - Leeja Miller - Air Date 9-26-23
Project 2025 is the terrifying plan set out by conservatives to take over the government. But it's radical, and it doesn't align with what most Americans want. Which is why we have to make sure this plan never happens.
Ch. 6: The GOP’s "Red Caesar" New Political Order Plan Marches Forward - The Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-3-23
A Trump supporter just displayed exactly how stochastic terrorism works.
Ch. 7: The Conservative Plan to Take Over the Country Part 2 - Leeja Miller - Air Date 9-26-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Think Tanks: How Fake Experts Shape the News - Tom Nicholas - Air Date 5-13-23
A video about how billionaire-funded right-wing “think tanks” such as the Heritage Foundation, Adam Smith Institute, Manhattan Institute, and Institute of Economic Affairs manipulate the news to spread their propaganda.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments discussing the Red Caesar movement and our strange allies opposing it
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A white marble bust of Julius Caesar in armor and robes wears a red MAGA hat.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Source images of bust and hat are copyright-free from Pixabay.
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Air Date: 10-21-23
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss:
-
the complainers at The Atlantic
-
why a mindful workforce is an oxymoron
-
the myriad problems with creeping on people
-
how Taylor Swift is going to solve anti-native racism
REFERENCES:
The Microwave Makes No Sense - The Atlantic
Real mindfulness would transform the economy - Vox
Maybe think twice before making an innocent stranger go viral? - NPR
The Very Common, Very Harmful Thing Well-Meaning Parents Do - The Atlantic
The 7 Best Conspiracies About Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce - Wired
Native Americans hope Taylor Swift can help get tomahawk chop banned from Chiefs games - USA Today
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Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 10/17/2023
There is absolutely no understanding of the conflict in Israel and Gaza without deep context, history, and human psychology. Those who attempt to find moral clarity through simplification of the situation will only find themselves supporting atrocities by one side or the other and demonstrate themselves to be fools in the process.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Israel and Palestine A Difficult Discussion Part 1 - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 10-10-23
Andrea is joined by Terrell Starr, host of the Black Diplomats podcast, who recently visited the West Bank.
Ch. 2: Israeli Human Rights Leader Orly Noy on Israel’s War on Palestinians After Hamas Attack - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-9-23
Israel has declared war on Hamas after Hamas fighters launched a surprise coordinated attack over the militarized border, the largest in decades.
Ch. 3: Phyllis Bennis on Gaza - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-13-23
“War is not the time for context” still seems to be the mantra for many in the US press. We’ll talk with Phyllis Bennis from the New Internationalism project at the Institute for Policy Studies.
Ch. 4: Israeli Journalist Gideon Levy Israel Should Lift Siege & Call Off Plan for Ground Invasion of Gaza - Democracy Now - Air Date 10-11-23
From Tel Aviv, we hear from award-winning Israeli journalist and author Gideon Levy, whose recent column for Haaretz is headlined “Israel Can’t Imprison Two Million Gazans Without Paying a Cruel Price.”
Ch. 5: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez On The Israel-Hamas Conflict & USA's Role - Ebro in the Morning - Air Date 10-12-23
Ebro in the Morning sits down with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to discuss the conflicts in the Israel-Hamas war, the role of the United States in the conflict, the conversation, and the next steps.
Ch. 6: Israel and Palestine A Difficult Discussion Part 2 - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 10-10-23
Ch. 7: Between Israel and Palestine, Things are going to get a lot worse - The Marc Steiner Show - Air Date 10-12-23
We speak with journalist and Palestine News Director for Mondoweiss Yumna Patel from Bethlehem about the events of the past week
Ch. 8: Gaza Is Running Out of Life Human Rights Watch Sounds Alarm on Israel's Collective Punishment - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-16-23
As the humanitarian crisis worsens, we get an update from Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch, who says conditions in Gaza are dire.
Ch. 9: How Western Leaders & Media Are Justifying Israel’s “Genocidal Campaign” Against Palestinians - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-13-23
The unfolding crisis in Gaza, where relentless Israeli bombardment has killed more than 1,500 people since Saturday, is “a humanitarian catastrophe,” says Palestinian American human rights attorney Noura Erakat.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: US Media's Pro-Israel Propaganda Interrupted By Palestinian Mustafa Barghouti's CNN Interview - The Majority Report - Air Date 10-9-23
Palestinian National Initiative leader Mustafa Barghouti discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Russian invasion of Ukraine with CNN's Fareed Zakaria.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Calling Congress about the latest war - Andrew
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments with even more notes of nuance from the conflict
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo. In the foreground, piles of broken concrete and twisted metal line a section of the coast of Gaza. The sea and tall buildings are visible in the distance. The sky is cloudy and ominous.
Credit: "Gaza" by Marcin Monko, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 DEED | Changes: Tightly cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 10/13/2023
Understanding the historical context of the civil war within the GOP as they have just fought their way out of being able to govern at all with an empty Speakership in the house that is grinding congress to a halt.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Shutshow - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-2-23
The US government is open for business at the cost of Ukraine aid. Semafor’s Jordan Weissmann explains how we got here. And White House communications director Ben LaBolt explains how the Biden administration is justifying the compromise.
Ch. 2: Far-Right Republicans Look to Oust Speaker McCarthy After He Averts Government Shutdown - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-2-23
“It’s a crisis entirely of Kevin McCarthy’s own making,” says our guest Sasha Abramsky, the West Coast correspondent for The Nation.
Ch. 3: AOC Explains Why Democrats Voted To Remove Kevin McCarthy From Speaker Position - Forbes Breaking News - Air Date 10-6-23
At a virtual town hall, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) spoke about the ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the Speaker role, which every Democratic lawmaker in the House voted for.
Ch. 4: The House that Newt Built: The Rise of Matt Gaetz Part 1 - UNFTR - Air Date 10-7-23
Max struggles to understand exactly what Matt Gaetz is after, but has his suspicions. Regardless of the right-wing endgame, this week’s fiasco was made possible by Newt Gingrich in the 1990s.
Ch. 5: Through the Gaetz of Hell - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 10-6-23
Brad begins with an analytical discussion of political nihilism in order to provide a window into the chaos in Congress created by the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Ch. 6: The House that Newt Built: The Rise of Matt Gaetz Part 2 - UNFTR - Air Date 10-7-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Why Our Politics Are Stuck In 2016 - FiveThirtyEight Politics - Air Date 9-25-23
In this installment of the FiveThirtyEight Politics podcast, Galen Druke speaks with American politics professor Lynn Vavreck to help make sense of how we got here.
Ch. 8: Who Will Replace Kevin McCarthy - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 10-6-23
Since a faction of far-right Republicans ousted Kevin McCarthy as speaker, Luke Broadwater, congressional reporter for The New York Times, talks about the candidates vying to replace him.
Ch. 9: It's Now Or Never For The GOP Candidates - FiveThirtyEight Politics - Air Date 9-28-23
The crew reacts to the second Republican presidential primary debate in this late-night podcast.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on what divides the parties from each other and from within
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A caricature of former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy standing in front of the seal of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Credit: “Kevin McCarthy - Caricature” by DonkeyHotey, Flickr | License: CC By 2.0 DEED | Changes: Cropped
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Original Air Date: 2/22/2023
Today, we take a look at some of the work of the chaotic wrecking crew that is the GOP of the 118th Congress including their plan to hold the world economy hostage and weaponize the government against Democrats all while infighting their way to the 2024 presidential election.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What House Speaker McCarthy’s concessions to get elected mean for the nation - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 1-7-23
His dramatic victory came after a series of concessions that will give hardline conservatives greater influence in the House. Sarah Binder, a political scientist at George Washington University, joins John Yang to discuss.
Ch. 2: GOP is playing with U.S. prosperity in fight over debt ceiling - MSNBC - Air Date 1-14-23
McCarthy and the House GOP are threatening to not raise the debt ceiling. That would be a huge mistake. Ali Velshi explains why.
Ch. 3: Sen. Elizabeth Warren: Impending debt ceiling showdown a ‘manufactured crisis’ - GBH News - Air Date 1-19-23
Senator Warren joined Jon Keller to discuss the debt ceiling which she called a "manufactured crisis" that Republicans don't care enough about, and that wealthy corporations need to pay more in taxes.
Ch. 4: Joe: Debt ceiling fight is just a lose-lose for McCarthy - Morning Joe - Air Date 1-18-23
The Republican-controlled House has planted the seeds for a debt-ceiling showdown. The Morning Joe panel discusses.
Ch. 5: Right-Wingers FINALLY Exposed For Crushing Plot In Real Time - The Damage Report - Air Date 2-12-23
Right-wingers, including Matt Gaetz, Lindsey Graham and Kevin McCarthy, get caught for their blatant lies over social security on camera while ABC Johnathan Karl runs cover. John Iadarola and Ben Carollo break it down on The Damage Report.
Ch. 6: The real reason behind the Republican Party infighting Part 1 - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-10-23
Then, Republican infighting keeps going public, as even Fox News pans their hearings. Guests: Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Stacey Plaskett, Yurii Hundych, Alfie Williams, Gov. George Pataki
Ch. 7: House GOP Twitter Hunter Biden laptop 'censorship' hearing crashes and burns Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 2-9-23
The awaited GOP-led House hearings are now underway, and as predicted, they are not going well. Republicans intended a hearing on Twitter's content moderation policies to bolster their bogus claims of alleged federal government censorship of social media.
Ch. 8: The real reason behind the Republican Party infighting Part 2 - All In W Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-10-23
Ch. 9: House GOP Twitter Hunter Biden laptop 'censorship' hearing crashes and burns Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 2-9-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Is America broken? - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 2-2-23
Sean Illing speaks with Alana Newhouse, the editor-in-chief of Tablet magazine. They discuss her recent essay on "brokenism," a term she coined in an effort to redefine political divisions in America.
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 10/7/2023
Spanning the gamut of terrible policy choices and their impacts on children, we look today at the perverse reality at odds with conservatives' claim to be standing up for "family values" and saving children from the abuse of Democrats.
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Related Episodes:
#1479 Torturing Children and Families in the Name of Protecting Them (Trans Rights)
#1563 Putting Our Kids to Work for Corporate Profits
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What "Parents' Rights" REALLY Means - Zoe Bee - Air Date 9-26-23
"Parents' Rights" has been a rallying cry for several political and social groups in the past few years. But what does it really mean? Let's find out.
Ch. 2: Child poverty increases sharply following expiration of expanded tax credit - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 9-12-23
In 2021, as the economy reeled from the pandemic, a one-year expansion of the child tax credit led to a historic 46 percent decline in the child poverty rate. But new census data shows a dramatic reversal with the rate of children in poverty skyrocketing
Ch. 3: Why Child Labor in America is Skyrocketing - Robert Reich - Air Date 5-16-23
Corporations are now using the “labor shortage” as an excuse to bring back child labor. It’s part of a horrifying trend: Since 2015, child labor violations have risen nearly 300%.
Ch. 4: America First 2.0 & A Defense of Child Marriage - Head in the Office - Air Date 4-19-23
The boys highlight a slurry of bad news coming from states like Florida and Ohio, the Missouri GOP defends child marriage, a GOP presidential contender drops a 25 point plan for America First 2.0, many people might lose Medicaid
Ch. 5: Having A Baby In America – SOME MORE NEWS - Air Date 9-27-23
Conservatives sure want Americans to have more children, but they don't seem to like children at all or want to support them in society! In today's episode, we look at the many challenges Americans face if they want to become parents
Ch. 6: How Inequality Fuels Child Abuse - One in Ten - Air Date 9-5-23
How do we come alongside and stand with families in poverty who are struggling with child abuse and neglect? How do we examine our own policies and procedures to ensure that we’re being genuinely helpful and not just adding to families’ burdens?
Ch. 7: Sen. Booker blasts GOP: ‘Morally obscenity’ of child poverty is a ‘policy choice’ - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 9-13-23
Sen. Cory Booker on the child poverty rate doubling after Republicans let the expanded child tax credit expire: “We have now proved something pretty phenomenal and at the same time, pretty obscene.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Why It Sucks To Be Young - Andrewism - Air Date 2-3-21
We don't talk enough about how our society treats young people and children. Let's change that.
Ch. 9: We Uncovered the Shocking Plot to Eradicate Public Schools in America - More Perfect Union - Air Date 10-2-23
Leaked videos and recordings uncovered by investigative watchdog Documented expose the Alliance Defending Freedom’s plot to wipe out public schools in America.
Their goal is to take down the entire system of education
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the article that inspired today's episode and more examples of abusing children through policy New
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 10/3/2023
The Stop Cop City movement in Atlanta is the current tip of the spear of the police accountability movement but the instinct of elected officials to lean into building more and bigger policing facilities is likely to spread as part of the backlash to the backlash against police violence which calls for defunding and redistributing resources to programs that actually help people.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Cop City, RICO, and corporate fascism w/ Taya Graham & Stephen Janis - Rattling the Bars - Air Date 9-18-23
Ch. 2: The Struggle to Stop Cop City - On the Nose - Air Date 6-22-23
Joining to discuss Stop Cop City, Micah Herskind, a community organizer and writer; Keyanna Jones, a reverend and organizer; and Josie Duffy Rice, a writer who covers criminal justice.
Ch. 3: Is America becoming Cop City - The Police Accountability Report - Air Date 4-10-23
We went on the ground in Atlanta, GA to find the truth behind the Cop City protests, the police shooting death of Manuel "Tortuguita" Tehran and the dark money funding the creation of the Atlanta Public Safety Center.
Ch. 4: The Struggle to Stop Cop City Part 2 - On the Nose - Air Date 6-22-23
Joining to discuss Stop Cop City, Micah Herskind, a community organizer and writer; Keyanna Jones, a reverend and organizer; and Josie Duffy Rice, a writer who covers criminal justice.
Ch. 5: Armed Police Raid on Bail Fund for Cop City Opponents Is Attack on “Infrastructure of the Movement” - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-2-23
These new and unprecedented arrests are a clear attack on “the infrastructure of the movement,” says Kamau Franklin, founder of the organization Community Movement Builders and a vocal Cop City opponent.
Ch. 6: Stop Cop City with Atlanta DSA - Revolutions Per Minute - Air Date 8-23-23
Tonight we’ll hear from Atlanta DSA member Gabriel Sanchez about the chapter's effort to stop Cop City through a ballot referendum and the terrifying tactics police, the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia have used to in order to crush opposition.
Ch. 7: A Political Prosecution 61 Cop City Opponents Hit with RICO Charges by Georgia's Republican AG - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-6-23
"They are choosing to use the legal process in an essentially violent way to target protesters," says attorney Devin Franklin with the Southern Center for Human Rights, which is organizing legal representation for the defendants in the case.
Ch. 8: Stop Cop City - Keyanna Jones - Air Date 9-17-23
Sam talks with Keyanna Michelle Jones, an organizer with Community Movement Builders. They discuss the ominous and illegitimate RICO indictments "Cop City" opponents face and the fascist assault on the right to protest there.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Stop Cop City Part 2 - Keyanna Jones - Air Date 9-17-23
Ch. 10: Stop Cop City with Atlanta DSA Part 2 - Revolutions Per Minute - Air Date 8-23-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments Final comments on understanding the movement cycle
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Protesters walking in the street in NYC hold a large banner that says “Stop Cop City: NYC Supports Atlanta Forrest Defenders” with images of trees.
Credit: “36 Stop Cop City” by Felton Davis, Flickr | License: CC BY 4.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date: 9-29-23
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss:
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The economics of witch trials
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The creation of content for capital
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Layers and layers of bullshit obscure reality
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Post script: visit to the Salem museum
REFERENCES:
How Social Turmoil Has Increased Witch Hunts throughout History - Scientific American
To Be a Consumer of Culture Means Living in a Hostage Situation - Slate
WE’VE LOST THE PLOT - The Atlantic
Dance, I Said — Dance! And Leave the Package on the Porch. - NYTimes
The Salem Witch Trials: Restoring Justice - Peabody Essex Museum; Salem, Mass
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Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 9/26/2023
Rays of hope for the worker's struggle against unfettered, exploitative capitalism are coming from multiple angles as strikes from creatives in Hollywood and autoworkers in Detroit are striking to demand wages, benefits, and protections while executives make arguments for why workers should be made to feel the threat of poverty to keep them in line.
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Related Episodes:
#1463 People Are Waking Back Up To The Need For Labor Unions
#1557 Tactics and Counter-Tactics of the Struggle for Labor Rights
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: GM CEO Flails In Response To CNN Question Over Her Pay vs. Workers - The Rational National - Air Date 9-15-23
On day 1 of the UAW strike, CNN questioned CEO of General Motors Mary Barra over why she has seen a 34% increase in her pay while GM workers haven't. I break down how ridiculous her response here is.
Ch. 2: Far-Right Anti-Science Conspiracies Are Literally Killing Us - The New Abnormal - Air Date 9-18-23
Dr. Peter Hotez joins The New Abnormal this week to discuss his new book, “The Deadly Rise of Anti-Science”—and why anti-vaccine conspiracies are so dangerous. Plus! An interview with labor reporter and author Kim Kelly about the UAW strike.
Ch. 3: Sociopath Businessman Tells The Truth About Capitalism - Novara Media - Air Date 9-14-23
A CEO says the quiet part out loud about the inhuman fundamentals of capitalism
Ch. 4: GOP, Corporate Media Attempt to Manufacture Conflict Between Autoworkers and Climate - Citations Needed - Air Date 9-20-23
In this public News Brief, we break down recent attempts by Politico, Axios, New York Times and faux populist Republicans to pit autoworkers against climate mandates.
Ch. 5: Labor historian Nelson Lichtenstein on the UAW strike and the U.S. labor movement rising - The BradCast w/ Brad Friedman - Air Date 9-18-23
UC Santa Barbara labor historian Dr. NELSON LICHTENSTEIN explains the specific concerns of autoworker unions, how 2023's summer of unionization compares to prior waves of union organizing in the US and the political implications of unionization
Ch. 6: Labor Decision Could Lead To A Union Revolution In America - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 9-23-23
Harold Meyerson, editor-at-large at The American Prospect, discusses the recent decisions made at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Ch. 7: Workers Fighting Back: The UAW Goes on Strike! - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 9-19-23
Teddy Ostrow and Maximillian Alvarez from The Real News Network join Breht to discuss the recent "stand up" strike launched by the United Auto Workers labor union. Teddy and Max discuss the strike and explain the causes
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: How These Strippers UNIONIZED Their Strip Club with Equity Strippers Noho - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 9-13-23
Every worker deserves a union — including strippers! Recently, strippers at the Star Garden in North Hollywood became the first strippers in decades to unionize. On this week’s Factually, Charlie and Lilith from Equity Strippers Noho join Adam
Ch. 9: Marvel workers just won the first union in visual effects history - More Perfect Union - Air Date 9-13-23
The workers who power the biggest superhero movies on the planet voted unanimously to unionize with VFX-IATSE. This is a major first step for the industry, and Disney is next.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on Biden's visit to the picket line and the importance of how moral questions are framed
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 9/24/2023
Israel's politics have been upended by the return of Netanyahu as Prime Minister, put in office with the help of extremely far-right factions who have now pushed through reforms to the Israeli Supreme Court that fundamentally undermine their democracy. All this while they were already a farce of a democracy due to the maintenance of an apartheid-like system of differing rules applying to different residents based on ethnicity.
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Related Episodes:
#1447 Settler Colonialist Structures Around the World
#1542 Despair and violence in Israel's illiberal and exclusionary "democracy"
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The U.S. should not reward Israel’s bad behavior - Velshi - Air Date 9-3-23
Israel’s internal politics has been upended, with indicted Prime Minister Netanyahu returning to office and, in a situation echoing American politics, trying to use his power and influence to remain in power to avoid prosecution.
Ch. 2: Haggai Matar & Gideon Levy - Israel's Fight over Judicial Changes Ignores Occupation & Apartheid Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-25-23
We speak with two Israeli journalists in Tel Aviv after lawmakers in Israel passed a highly contested bill Monday weakening the power of the Supreme Court by preventing it from blocking government decisions it deems unreasonable.
Ch. 3: Protests in Israel: The Rights Further Consolidation of Power - Intercepted - Air Date 7-26-23
Jeremy Scahill and Murtaza Hussain are joined by Mairav Zonszein, an Israeli American journalist and a senior analyst on Israel-Palestine at the International Crisis Group.
Ch. 4: Congress Melts Down Over Israel Again - Deconstructed - Air Date 7-21-23
The House overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Tuesday pledging "the United States will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel” and that Israel is “not a racist or apartheid state.” Guest Beth Miller
Ch. 5: Protests in Israel: The Rights Further Consolidation of Power Part 2 - Intercepted - Air Date 7-26-23
Ch. 6: Palestinian Attorney Noura Erakat: The U.S. Is Normalizing Apartheid by Hosting Israel's President - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-18-23
The visits from Israeli leadership are an attempt to "normalize apartheid," says Palestinian human rights attorney Noura Erakat, who compares today's U.S. support of Israel to the nation's support for South African apartheid.
Ch. 7: The Palestine Laboratory Antony Loewenstein on How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-23-23
We speak with journalist and author Antony Loewenstein about his new book, The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The Palestine Laboratory Antony Loewenstein on How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-23-23
Ch. 9: Protests in Israel: The Rights Further Consolidation of Power Part 3 - Intercepted - Air Date 7-26-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the circular Supreme Court case sending Israel into a spiral of chaos
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Israeli flags fly around a crowd of people standing on a sidewalk holding signs that say "Saving Israeli Democracy" and "Democracy for All" with a picture of Israeli Prime Minister Netenyahu behind bars.
Credit: "Democracy for All" by Alisdare Hickson, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0) | Changes: Cropped
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Original Air Date: 8/8/2020
Today we take a look at the concept of defunding the police; what it means, what it doesn't and what the goals of the movement are.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Race, Police, & The Pandemic - FRONTLINE - Air Date 6-2-20
Jelani Cobb describes how the relationship between black Americans and the police has become a “barometer” for race relations in the country and that explosive tensions are “overwhelmingly” in response to an issue of police use of force.
Ch. 2: Panel Discussion on Radical Police Reform - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-10-20
Trevor hosts a panel on movements to radically reimagine policing in the U.S. with Patrisse Cullors, Josie Duffy Rice, Sam Sinyangwe, Mychal Denzel Smith and Alex S. Vitale.
Ch. 3: The Racial Justice Uprising in the U.S. is Taking Hold Overseas - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-8-20
Explaining that an overburdened police system that takes on way too much, including much that is outside the realm of their training, is something that no one should want.
Ch. 4: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale - The Bastani Factor, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20
Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it.
Ch. 5: Defunding the Police Is Only the Beginning - The Mother Jones Podcast - Air Date 6-17-20
Josie Duffy Rice joins Jamilah King for a discussion about the recent police killing of Rayshard Brookes in Atlanta, the deep racist and classist structural issues with policing in America, and why defunding the police is only step one.
Ch. 6: Defund Police What It Means & How It Would Really Work - News Beat - Air Date 6-16-20
In the wake of the police slaying of George Floyd in Minneapolis, protesters have not only flooded the streets, but they're actively pushing reforms that go well beyond traditional solutions.
Ch. 7: How to Defund the Police - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 6-11-20
Racism is baked into the U.S. model of policing. More and more people are starting to believe that no amount of "reform" will help; a full tear-down is required. But what does "defunding the police" actually mean?
Ch. 8: Is It Time To Defund the Police? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-11-20
Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss the future of policing and community-oriented systems of public safety in the United States.
Ch. 9: The Politics of "Defund the Police" - Politics with Amy Walter, The Takeaway - Air Date 6-12-20
Congress is reckoning with how to respond to the protests and calls for police accountability. Two national reporters join to discuss the Justice in Policing Act of 2020.
Ch. 10: We Can't Let The Uprising Get Co-opted - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 6-10-20
Notes on the uprising and how we move forward without allowing the forces of neoliberalism to co-opt the movement.
Ch. 11: Angela Davis: Abolishing police is not just about dismantling. It’s also about building up. - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-12-2020
Amid a worldwide uprising against police brutality and racism, we discuss the historic moment with legendary scholar and activist Angela Davis.
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
The Movement for Black Lives Introduces the BREATHE Act (Colorlines)
What Exactly Does It Mean to Defund the Police? (The Cut, NY Mag,)
What Does It Mean to Invest in Black Communities? (The Nation)
How to Defund the Police (The New Yorker)
How to Make Defunding the Police a Reality (The Nation)
Defunding the Police Will Actually Make Us Safer (ACLU)
Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 9/18/2023
Exploring the captivating world of conspiracy theories! We are all wired to believe misinformation to some degree, but not all to the same degree. With help from Naomi Klein, and other experts, discover why people are drawn to conspiracies, the psychology behind belief and ideas about the best way to prevent conspiratorial thinking.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why we are all attracted to conspiracy theories - The Guardian - Air Date 3-10-21
Belief in conspiracy theories is far more widespread than the stereotypes that dominate pop culture.
Ch. 2: How did conspiracy theories become mainstream? | Naomi Klein | Big Questions - Penguin Books UK - Air Date 9-12-23
When Naomi Klein discovered that a woman who shared her first name, but had radically different, harmful views, was getting chronically mistaken for her, it seemed too ridiculous to take seriously. Then suddenly it wasn't.
Ch. 3: Why Do Conservatives Fall For Fake News? - Leeja Miller - Air Date 6-28-23
Why do conservatives fall for fake news? Is it just them, or are we all culpable? How did Americans become so susceptible to falling for disinformation? And what can we do about it??
Ch. 4: Naomi Klein on Her New Book "Doppelganger" & How Conspiracy Culture Benefits Ruling Elite Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-14-23
Klein explains her initial motivation for the book was her own alter-ego, the author Naomi Wolf, for whom she has often been mistaken.
Ch. 5: How Conspiracy Theories Capture the Mind - UChicago Institute of Politics - Air Date 4-8-22
Journalisms role in solving the spread of misinformation
Ch. 6: Naomi Klein on Her New Book "Doppelganger" & How Conspiracy Culture Benefits Ruling Elite Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-14-23
Ch. 7: Why People Believe in Conspiracy Theories, with Karen Douglas, PhD - Speaking of Psychology - Air Date 1-13-21
This past year, COVID-19 and the U.S. elections have provided fertile ground for conspiracy theories—with sometimes disastrous consequences. Karen Douglas, PhD discusses psychological research on how conspiracy theories start & why they persist.
Ch. 8: Birds Aren’t Real? How a Conspiracy Takes Flight | Peter McIndoe - TEDTalks - Air Date 9-13-23
Peter McIndoe isn't a fan of birds. In fact, he has a theory about them that might shock you. Listen along to this eye-opening talk as it takes a turn and makes a larger point about conspiracies, truth and belonging in divisive times.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Conspiracies Around Trump, Military Leadership, and Militias - Jordan Klepper Fingers The Conspiracy - The Daily Show - Air Date 7-12-23
MAGA supporters not only believe that Donald Trump is still president, but that he's in charge of the military.
Ch. 10: Mother has Moment of Truth that leads to her rejecting conspiracy theories she believed - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 9-27-22
Like millions of Americans, Karen Robertson of Iuka, Mississippi believed in conspiracy theories. But one day she had an experience that convinced her to challenge her beliefs. She spoke about that moment with student reporter Makenna Mead
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the importance of making connections while avoiding conspiratorial thinking
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Original Air Date: 6/15/2018
The high toll Puerto Rico is paying, in both money and lives, for the triple disasters of colonialism, Hurricane Maria and disaster capitalism
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Deadlier than Katrina & 9/11 Hurricane Maria Killed 4,645 in Puerto Rico, 70 Times Official Toll - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 05-30-18
Ch. 2: Colonialism during hurricane season - On the Media - 6-6-18
Ch. 3: Elizabeth Yeampierre on Puerto Rican colonialism and disaster capitalism - Infinite Earth Radio - Air Date 2-22-18
Ch. 4: The Battle for Paradise: Naomi Klein on Disaster Capitalism & the Fight for Puerto Rico’s Future - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 03-21-18
Ch. 5: Naomi Klein on Puerto Rico and Disaster Capitalism - Touré Show - Air Date 4-25-18
Ch. 9: Final comments on the lessons of Mister Rogers that we could use right now
TAKE ACTION
Get involved with/support Mutual Aid Disaster Relief
MARD Skillshare Trainings (Links for request forms are at the bottom of the blog post)
Read more about MARD ongoing work in Puerto Rico
FOR FURTHER READING/SHARING
FEMA Blamed Delays In Puerto Rico On Maria; Agency Records Tell Another Story (NPR/Frontline)
About a quarter of Puerto Rico’s schools are shutting down. Here’s a look inside one. (Vox)
"Justice was served": Judge halts school closures in Puerto Rico (CBS)
New bill pushes for commission to investigate federal response to Puerto Rico hurricanes (NBC)
At Issue In Florida Senate Campaign: Who's Fighting For Puerto Rico? (NPR)
Hurricane Maria Casts Shadow Over Puerto Rican Parade (NY Times)
Puerto Rico's Push For Food Independence Intertwined With Statehood Debate (NPR)
The Shame in Puerto Rico (NY Times)
Fighting for Those Who Can No Longer Speak (SocialistWorker.org)
Resisting Disaster Capitalists and Building Solidarity in Puerto Rico (Grassroots International)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 9/13/2023
This eye-opening episode will explore the complex web of colonialism, disaster capitalism, and climate change is ravaging Native Hawaiian communities. We explore how corporations and privatization going back to annexation have exacerbated wildfires, water scarcity and housing issues in Hawaii. We also discuss the role of tourism and its impact on local culture and resources and learn how community-led mutual aid efforts are offering a glimmer of hope for the unhoused and those struggling to reclaim their ancestral lands.
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Related Episodes:
#1401 That is a Texas-Sized Climate Disaster You Got There
#1546 Exist, Resist, Indigenize, Decolonize: A story of colonialism, cultural renaissance and modernity
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Plantation Disaster Capitalism: Native Hawaiians Organize to Stop Land & Water Grabs After Maui - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-18-23
We speak with Hawaiian law professor Kapuaʻala Sproat about the conditions that made the fires more destructive and what’s yet to come for residents looking to rebuild their lives.
Ch. 2: Why Maui burned - Today, Explained - Air Date 8-15-23
Hawaii’s landscape has been rapidly changing for the last 200 years thanks to plantations, tourism, and climate change. A reporter and climatologist explain how those factors fueled one of the worst wildfires in US history.
Ch. 3: We are concerned for you. - Read Choi - Air Date 8-4-23
A skit imagining a discussion between an elite property owner and a Native Hawaiian
Ch. 4: Disasters at every turn - Native America Calling - Air Date 8-28-23
Officials are still sorting out the human and financial toll of the unprecedented fire on Maui. Many Native Hawaiians remain missing, hundreds more sustained serious damage to their homes and businesses.
Ch. 5: “We’re Living the Climate Emergency”: Native Hawaiian Kaniela Ing on Fires, Colonialism & Banyan - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-11-23
We speak with Kaniela Ing, national director of the Green New Deal Network and seventh-generation Kanaka Maoli, Native Hawaiian, about the impact of this week’s devastating wildfires and their relationship to climate change.
Ch. 6: As Fires Destroy Native Hawaiian Archive in Maui, Mutual Aid Efforts Are Launched to Help Lahaina - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-11-23
In Lahaina, the area in west Maui that is of historical importance to Indigenous people, entire neighborhoods were wiped out by this week’s historic wildfires, including the Na 'Aikane o Maui Cultural Center
Ch. 7: Janine Jackson takes a quick look back at recent press coverage of the Maui fires and the climate crisis - CounterSpin - Air Date 8-25-23
Janine Jackson takes a quick look back at recent press coverage of the Maui fires and the climate crisis.
Ch. 8: Wildfires - This is Democracy - Air Date 9-5-23
This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by guests Randy Denzer and Dr. Alison Alter to discuss the increasing incidence of wildfires in the United States and what efforts have been made to mitigate them.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Relationships, Money, and Maui Tourism - The Amanda Seales Show - Air Date 8-18-23
Is Tourism helpful to the Hawaiian Islands? Is the tourism industry a byproduct of the colonization of Hawaii?
Ch. 10: How Native Hawaiians have been pushed out of Hawai'i - Bianca Graulau - Air Date 2-7-23
Native Hawaiians are struggling to afford to live on the land that was once stolen from their ancestors.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the need for better systems to respond to predictable disasters
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 9-8-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - The need for good structures of society, not scripture - Jesus is too liberal for Christians - Amateur anthropology - Technology and humanity - Drugs and alcohol
REFERENCES: Report: Record Number Of People Following Their Hearts - Babylon Bee
The Misunderstood Reason Millions of Americans Stopped Going to Church - The Atlantic
Evangelicals Are Now Rejecting 'Liberal' Teachings of Jesus - Newsweek
Doug Rushkoff Is Ready to Renounce the Digital Revolution - Wired
A kind of magic - CEO Mag
A philosopher's psychedelic encounter with reality - The Gray Area with Sean Illing
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Air Date 9/6/2023
The first GOP presidential debate happened without the frontrunner, Donald Trump, being present for the event but rather hanging over the proceedings like a specter. Meanwhile, Trump's legal troubles continue to mount and we examine what it is that is keeping Republican voters and presidential candidates alike, with minor exceptions, firmly defending the former president.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Party of Authoritarianism - In The Thick - Air Date 8-23-23
As the GOP presidential debates make their premiere in Milwaukee, Jeanne Whalen reports on Donald Trump’s failure to make good on a promise of bringing a manufacturing boom to Wisconsin
Ch. 2: Trickle Down Trumpism - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-26-23
The GOP debate, where Trump was somehow both absent and present.
Ch. 3: An Argument at the Kids' Table John Nichols on First GOP Debate Held Without Trump Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-24-23
Highlights from the first Republican presidential debate of the 2023 race and analysis from John Nichols
Ch. 4: Why top Republicans want to bomb Mexico - Today, Explained - Air Date 8-29-23
Long-shot presidential candidate Ron DeSantis said he would send US forces into Mexico “on day one.” Longer-shot presidential candidate Will Hurd explains why that’s a bad idea.
Ch. 5: Trickle Down Trumpism Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-26-23
Ch. 6: The Party of Authoritarianism Part 2 - In The Thick - Air Date 8-23-23
Ch. 7: Is America Run By A Psychopathic Cult w Seth D. Norrholm - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-24-23
Will America’s Democracy be a memory before Trump’s cult wakes up?
Ch. 8: Trickle Down Trumpism Part 3 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 8-26-23
Ch. 9: Ticking Bomb Inside GOP’s Plan To Defund Trump Prosecution - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 8-31-23
Far-Right lawmakers want to defund Fani Willis without settling for legal means to stop the persecution of Donald Trump.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: An Argument at the Kids' Table John Nichols on First GOP Debate Held Without Trump Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-24-23
Discussing the 14th Amendment option
Ch. 11: An Argument at the Kids' Table John Nichols on First GOP Debate Held Without Trump Part 3 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-24-23
Discussing the GOP debate on support for Ukraine
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the need to ban Trump from office in the right way
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A four-quadrant layout of photos of GOP presidential candidates, including Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Vivek Ramaswamy. At the intersection of the images is a red circle around a photo of Donald Trump’s face, mid-speech, pointing a finger at the camera.
Credit: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Individual image credits: Chris Christie by Michael Vadon, Flickr (License: CC BY-SA 2.0), Changes: Cropped; Photos of Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Donald Trump all by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date 9/3/2023
Sports gambling through smartphones has become widely available and wildly addictive but the effects are being felt beyond the individual gambler's bank account and anxiety levels. Partnerships between gambling companies and colleges, influencers, and even journalistic institutions like ESPN are changing the fundamentals of the sports themselves and how they're understood by fans - all for the worse.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How the Sports Betting Industry Quietly Consumed America - Wendover Productions - Air Date 12-13-22
How the Sports Betting Industry Quietly Consumed America
Ch. 2: The Explosion of Online Sports Betting with Eric Lipton - Why Is This Happening? - Air Date 5-9-23
You’ve probably encountered an advertisement for sports betting in one form or another. In the past few years, there’s been a marked rise in the number of online sports betting ads from companies like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Ch. 3: Gambling controversy continues to hit the NFL, MORE Players suspended - The Domonique Foxworth Show - Air Date 6-29-23
On the Domonique Foxworth Show, Domonique dives into the latest news of NFL players suspended for gambling violations and how everything revolves around money.
Ch. 4: ESPN Will NEVER be the Same After This Major Decision - TYT Sports - Air Date 8-12-23
Now that legal sports betting has become normalized and adopted nationwide, ESPN is trying to wedge themselves into the market, which is something that should worry anyone who cares about sports. Rick Strom breaks it down.
Ch. 5: The Toxic Normalization of Online Gambling - Cara Nicole - Air Date 9-30-22
In this video, we're dissecting the rise of sports betting apps, gambling shows on Twitch and ESPN, casino streams by celebrities like Drake, and how we're creating widespread gambling addictions
Ch. 6: College partnerships are bringing sports betting to campus. Are students safe? - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 2-27-23
We are weeks away from college basketball’s March Madness and billions of dollars worth of wagers on the games. As more states legalize sports betting, Paul Solman reports on the increasing concern that some colleges are too involved in its promotion.
Ch. 7: What Happened to Black Activism in Professional Sports? - Edge of Sports - Air Date 7-26-23
Later in the show, we have Choice Words about the social cost of smartphone sports gambling becoming the economic lifeblood of sports.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The Puppets of Online Gambling - Philion - Air Date 4-7-23
Stake.com is the world's largest crypto casino valued at over 1 billion dollars. It is licensed in Curacao and operates out of Australia. Stake.com is infiltrating pop culture via Twitch streamers celebrities & coporate sponsors
Ch. 9: How Australian sports make money from gambling - Full Story - Air Date 5-10-23
As the online gambling industry grows, at least one Australian football league is taking a greater share of its revenue. Reporter Henry Belot tells Jane Lee why this is a problem for fans, punters and even some players
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Buddhist teachings and A.I. - Craig from Ohio
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the outsized influence of impetuous billionaires
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Original Air Date: 12/15/2017
The history and current state of rich people seeking to undermine democratic rule by the people in favor of oligarchy for the rich
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Why The Koch Brothers Despise The Constitution - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 07-26-17
Ch. 2: Jane Mayer on the Rise of Conservative Orthodoxy - On The Media - Air Date 5-5-17
Ch. 3: The complicated reality of corruption rules. @BackStory - Air Date: 11-24-17
Ch. 4: Millionaire Donor Threatens Democrats - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-14-17
Ch. 5: Why our democracy in is danger - Belabored (@DissentMag) - Air Date 5-13-16
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date 8/10/2022
Origins of the European colonial land-grab, the need for the #Landback movement, and the benefits to society and the environment in the context of the climate crisis to return stewardship of the land to native peoples.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why It’s Time To Give Native Americans Their Land Back - AJ+ - Air Date 10-9-20
For some reason, Oct. 12th is still Columbus Day in a lot of the United States. Fortunately, more and more cities and states are adopting that day as Indigenous Peoples Day
Ch. 2: Canada, it's time for Land Back - The Breach - Air Date 6-2-21
Since its inception, Canada has been stealing Indigenous lands — by the barrel of a gun, by starvation tactics & by tearing children from their families.
Ch. 3: Mark Charles: An Indigenous Liberation Theology - A People's Theology - Air Date 7-7-21
Mason chats with Mark Charles about his book, Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. We chat all about the Doctrine of Discovery, Mark's theology of land and water, and much more.
Ch. 4: Can Indigenous People Lead the Fight Against Climate Change? - Above the Noise - Air Date 4-20-22
Indigenous communities across the globe are experts at managing and protecting land. Is it time the U.S. finally returned STOLEN parklands back to them?
Ch. 5: LandBack: The Indigenous Liberation Movement - Andrewism - Air Date 1-6-21
LandBack isn’t about deporting white people. It’s a path to a better future.
Ch. 6: What We Can Learn About #LandBack From These Native American Comedies - PBS Origins - Air Date 6-13-22
Native American representation in film and TV used to be confined to Westerns and storylines of defeat. Today, a new wave of Native American comedies, written and created by Native peoples, are taking back their narratives.
Bonus: Landback cold open - Reservation Dogs S1 E3 Uncle Brownie - Air Date 8-16-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Meet the native Hawaiians fighting U.S. occupation - AJ+ - Air Date 3-3-17
In 1893, armed U.S. naval forces helped American sugar plantation owners illegally overthrow Hawaii’s constitutional monarchy. 100 years later, the U.S. apologized and admitted in a resolution that Native Hawaiians had never relinquished their sovereignty
Ch. 8: Why Native Americans are buying back land that was stolen from them - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 10-16-21
From 1877 to 1934, under a range of laws and reneged-upon treaties, the U.S. government appropriated tens of millions of acres of Native American land. In recent years there has been a growing movement known as “land back” to reclaim their lands.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Definition of power and organizing - Pat from Chicago
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on why the left doesn't fight hard enough for political power
TAKE ACTION / EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Yellowhead Institute (@Yellowhead_): "Land Back - A Yellowhead Institute Red Paper" (Includes tools and resources. Canadian-based, but broadly applicable.)
NDN Collective (@ndncollective): LandBack.org (U.S.-based)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A red "Land Back" flag waves outside the front of a courthouse. An American flag flies above it against a blue sky at the top of the courthouse.
Credit: "A Land Back flag flies under the US Flag outside Aitkin County Courthouse in Aitkin, Minnesota" by Lorie Shaull | License CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, increased contrast, decreased brightness
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Original Air Date 8/2/2022
Explaining neurodiversity and why it should be seen as a strength and benefit to society when accommodated properly rather than a problem to be solved or, worse, ignored. Autism, ADHD and other examples of neurodiversity all have positive attributes that rarely get talked about which blinds society to those benefits but also perpetuates stigma.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What Exactly is Neurodiversity? - How to ADHD - Air Date 1-18-22
The neurodiversity movement has been around for some time, but what exactly is it? In this video, we talk about what the neurodiversity movement is and how it's linked to the autistic community.
Ch. 2: Adriana White - Autism and Neurodiversity: Different Does Not Mean Broken - TEDx Talks - Air Date 11-11-21
In this talk, Adriana discusses the idea of neurodiversity. Many people are labeled incorrectly because their brains are wired differently. Adriana offers awareness and an alternative way to see people as unique and valuable.
Ch. 3: Giftedness is Not Achievement with Aurora Remember Holtzman - ADHD Essentials - Air Date 12-11-21
Today, we’re talking to Aurora Remember Holtzman. Aurora is a school psychologist, neurodivergence coach, and host of the Embracing Intensity podcast. And her focus is giftedness and twice exceptionality.
Ch. 4: Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming World - Neurodiversity Podcast - Air Date 8-10-21
Emily Kircher-Morris and Joel Schwartz talk about what it would take to create a neurodiversity-affirming world where old stereotypes and perceptions are shed.
Ch. 5: Elaine Halligan: Neurodiversity is a super power, not a problem - TEDx Talks - Air Date 11-25-19
We have to break the stigma around mental health and children. Most of the time the signals are quite subtle and can be often overlooked by parents, so many children may be suffering behind closed doors.
Ch. 6: The Utility (or Futility) of Labels - The Neurodiversity Podcast - Air Date 7-7-22
The reality of working within a system in flux. The meaning or usefulness of the term “gifted.” The utility (or futility) of labels. The confusion of overlapping diagnoses.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Neurodivergence and Queerness with Leela Sinha - Embracing Intensity - Air Date 5-23-22
Today’s episode is a recording of our talk with Leela Sinha on the intersection of neurodivergence and gender. This is definitely not an “inside-the-box” topic.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the hyper-focus ability of ADHD
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The neurodiversity awareness symbol - an infinity symbol (a horizontal elongated number 8) in a rainbow of overlapping colors - is against a white background.
Image Credit: “Neurodiversity Symbol” by MissLunaRose12, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC by-SA 4.0 | Changes: White background added
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Original Air Date 9-11-2018
Strategies to, and reasons why we need to, have better political conversations. As the first GOP debate signals the beginning of a new election cycle with the country divided as ever, we could always use a refresher on better ways to communicate.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Robb Willer: How to have better political conversations - @TEDTalks - Air Date 2-9-17
Robb Willer studies the forces that unite and divide us. As a social psychologist, he researches how moral values -- typically a source of division -- can also be used to bring people together.
Ch. 2: Understanding the backfire effect Part 1 - You are not so smart - Air Date 2-10-17
Stephan Lewandowsky takes us step-by-step through The Debunking Handbook, a guide he and John Cook wrote for avoiding the backfire effect when confronting vaccine and climate change deniers.
Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE: California’s Battleground Races! - Best of the Left Activism
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.
Ch. 4: Van Jones: Exposing Liberal Hypocrisy and Conservative Close-Mindedness - Big Think - Air Date 11-23-17
The amount of political disagreement in the nation is matched only by righteous indignation. But in order to disagree without disrespecting each other, we need to look hard at our own positions, and Van Jones does just that.
Ch. 5: Understanding the backfire effect Part 2: Replacing the leg of a table - You are not so smart - Air Date 2-10-17
Explaining the key takeaway regarding the backfire effect. Always replace a faulty idea with a valid one. Never debunk a claim only to leave a void.
Ch. 6: In This Life - How to argue with those we oppose - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 7-15-18
Explaining why saying the things you may want to say to your political adversaries is more likely to exacerbate the problems in our political divide further, making you part of the problem.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 8/23/2023
For decades, we have rightly been focused on dialing back endemic misogyny and poking holes in the patriarchy in the hopes of a new normal of gender relations emerging that would be genuinely healthier for everyone, not just women. But, with so much of the focus on the type of masculinity men and boys shouldn't embrace, we may have fallen short on giving positive direction to boys about what they should be and do.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Andrew Tate & Re-examining Masculinity - Long Story Short The Daily Show - Air Date 4-21-23
Jordan Klepper looks at Andrew Tate and breaks down how a void of role models has harmful consequences for young boys.
Ch. 2: The new crisis of masculinity - The Gray Area - Air Date 8-7-23
What does masculinity mean these days? Sean Illing speaks with Christine Emba, a columnist at The Washington Post who wrote the piece “Men are lost. Here’s a map out of the wilderness.”
Ch. 3: The New Masculinity - ON BOYS podcast - Air Date 4-27-23
Boys and men, Manley says, are caught between traditional definitions and understandings of masculinity, and a future definition that hasn’t been fully defined.
Ch. 4: Redefining Masculinity and Embracing Vulnerability - The Daily Show Beyond the Scenes - Air Date 3-7-23
Host Roy Wood Jr. sits down with the co-founder of “A Call to Men,” Ted Bunch, and developmental psychology professor at NYU, Niobe Way, to chat about boys' friendships and how therapy could be transformative for a lot of men.
Ch. 5: What Does Positive Masculinity Look Like? - Paging Dr. NerdLove - Air Date 4-12-18
Toxic masculinity doesn’t mean that being a man is toxic, bad, or even undesirable. At the same time, non-toxic or positive masculinity doesn’t mean apologizing for being a man or trying to be as gender-neutral as possible.
Ch. 6: What is Positive Masculinity: How Patriarchy Oppresses Men - Swolesome - Air Date 12-2-22
Looking at what patriarchy teaches boys to do
Ch. 7: Redefining Masculinity and Embracing Vulnerability Part 2 - The Daily Show Beyond the Scenes - Air Date 3-7-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The New Masculinity Part 2 - ON BOYS podcast - Air Date 4-27-23
Ch. 9: Why Allan Energy Is The New “Big D_CK Energy” - Barbie Movie - Fashionistas - Air date 8-4-23
Examining positive masculinity through Allen from The Barbie Movie
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on why emotionally stunted men are a social, not individual, problem
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 8/20/2023
Big tech is currently scrambling to bring untested A.I. products to market, over-promising, under-delivering, and working hard obscure and ignore any possible downsides for society. Big tech needs A.I. regulation now before we all suffer the easily foreseeable consequences as well as some unforeseeable ones.
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Ch. 1: A.I. is B.S. - Adam Conover - Air Date 3-31-23
The real risk of A.I. isn't that some super-intelligent computer is going to take over in the future - it's that the humans in the tech industry are going to screw the rest of us over right now.
Ch. 2: Center for Humane Technology Co-Founders Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin discuss The AI Dilemma Part 1 - Summit - Air Date 6-15-23
What does it look like to align technology with humanity’s best interests? Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin discuss how existing A.I. capabilities already pose catastrophic risks to a functional society
Ch. 3: Tech's Mask Off Moment - What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - Air Date 8-13-23
When conservative writer Richard Hanania’s old posts, originally published under a pseudonym, came to light people were shocked at just how racist and reactionary they were. Perhaps less shocking were the tech moguls who were revealed to be supporting him
Ch. 4: Pregnant Woman’s False Arrest in Detroit Shows “Racism Gets Embedded” in Facial Recognition Technology - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-7-23
A shocking story of wrongful arrest in Detroit has renewed scrutiny of how facial recognition software is being deployed by police departments, despite major flaws in the technology.
Ch. 5: Princeton University's Ruja Benjamin on Bias in Data and A.I. - The Data Chief - Air Date - 2-3-21
Joining Cindi today is Ruha Benjamin, a professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and the founding director of the IDA B. WELLS Just Data Lab. She has studied the social dimensions of science, technology, and medicine for over 15 years
Ch. 6: AI ethics leader Timnit Gebru is changing it up after Google fired her - Science Friction - Air Date 4-17-22
Timnit Gebru was fired by Google in a cloud of controversy, now she's making waves beyond Big Tech's pervasive influence
Ch. 7: Center for Humane Technology Co-Founders Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin discuss The AI Dilemma Part 2 - Summit - Air Date 6-15-23
Ch. 8: Can We Govern AI? - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 4-21-23
Our guest Marietje Schaake was at the forefront of crafting tech regulations for the EU. In spite of AI’s complexity, she argues there is a path forward for the U.S. and other governing bodies to rein in companies that continue to release these products
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Buddhism in the Age of AI - Soryu Forall - Monastic Academy - Air Date 6-21-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the difference between Microsoft's marketing and the realities of capitalism
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Original Air Date 12-7-2019
In the context of the devastating fire on Maui, we are replaying this throwback episode to look at the reaction to decades of the fetishization of privatization in the form of a reinvigorated movement for public ownership of institutions meant to serve the public such as utilities, banks, train systems and so on. But this isn't your grandfather's top-down public ownership, the new movement has bottom-up, accountable, democratic control of institutions at the very core of its mission.
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Ch. 1: As California Burns Again, Rep. Ro Khanna Calls for PG&E to Become Publicly Owned Utility - Democracy Now - Air Date 10-31-19
PG&E declared bankruptcy amid a number of lawsuits related to the wildfires. We speak with California Congressmember Ro Khanna, who is calling for the California state government to take over control of PG&E.
Ch. 2: When Power Goes Out, Who Is Held Accountable? - Building Local Power - Air Date 10-31-19
PG&E’s negligence and how a distributed energy system could avoid future outages and detrimental fire damage.
Ch. 3: Public Ownership 2.0 - Weekly Economics - Air Date 2-18-19
Public ownership is back on the agenda. But if privatization has failed, what kind of public ownership should replace it?
Ch. 4: From Private Profits to Public Alternatives - The Next System Podcast - Air Date 1-24-19
The conversation runs the gamut from the pitfalls of the privatization of goods and services to the social benefits of public ownership and envisioning democratic governance thereof.
Ch. 5: The Future of Banking - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-29-19
Ralph welcomes Walt McRee President of Public Banking Associates, who explains how public banks should be the future of banking.
Ch. 6: Trinity Tran on Public Banking - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-11-19
Trinity Tran, co-founder and lead organizer for Public Bank LA and a founding member of the California Public Banking Alliance.
Ch. 7: Who’s Afraid of Public Ownership? - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 1-28-19
Laura in conversation with Thomas Hanna, research director at The Democracy Collaborative and author of “Our Common Wealth: The Return of Public Ownership in the United States”.
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 8-15-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - The Internet, it turns out, is bad - Musk and Zuckerberg cage fight - The "Dopamine Detox" movement
REFERENCES: The Ugly Honesty of Elon Musk’s Twitter Rebrand
The ‘Dopamine Detox’ Is Having a Moment
Dopamine fasting: Misunderstanding science spawns a maladaptive fad
#dopamine #dopamineaddiction #classpolitics #disabilitystudies - slug.town on TikTok
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Air Date 8/12/2023
Today, we take a look at the most consequential case against Trump which summarizes his direct involvement in using allegedly illegal means to contest the 2020 election while making knowingly false claims about the legitimacy of election process while directing a conspiracy of followers to do the same.
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Ch. 1: Presidents Are Not Kings Unpacking Indictment of Donald Trump for Plot to Overturn Election - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-2-23
We speak with Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen, and former federal prosecutor Dennis Aftergut on the new criminal charges against Donald Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Ch. 2: A Special Reading Of The Special Counsel's Trump Indictment Part 1 - Brian Lehrer - Air Date 8-4-23
We present longform readings of key excerpts from the Trump indictment, plus analysis from legal experts.
Ch. 3: House Democrats The Trump trials should be televised Part 1 - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-4-23
House Democrats: The Trump trials should be televised.
Ch. 4: Charges to Overturn an Election - Prosecuting Donald Trump - Air Date 8-2-23
Donald Trump has been indicted for a third time, twice now at the federal level. Jack Smith’s indictment lays out the chilling details of his alleged plot to overturn the 2020 election.
Ch. 5: A Special Reading Of The Special Counsel's Trump Indictment Part 2 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Podcast - Air Date 8-4-23
Ch. 6: Trump & KKK Act: Carol Anderson on Reconstruction-Era Voting Rights Law Cited in Trump Indictment Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-4-23
We speak with Author Carol Anderson about Trump's attempt to wipe out the votes of Americans of color and the intimidation of Black voters and election workers.
Ch. 7: House Democrats The Trump trials should be televised Part 2 - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-4-23
Ch. 8: A Protective Order - Prosecuting Donald Trump - Air Date 8-7-23
Trump and team spent the weekend unleashing defenses across social media and major news networks. This, along with the former president’s record of revealing private information, led prosecutors to seek a protective order from Judge Chutkan.
Ch. 9: Trump & KKK Act: Carol Anderson on Reconstruction-Era Voting Rights Law Cited in Trump Indictment Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-4-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: A Special Reading Of The Special Counsel's Trump Indictment Part 3 - Brian Lehrer - Air Date 8-4-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the possibility of accountability for Trump at last
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Original Air Date 11-1-2016
Today we dive deeply into the world of conservatives as described in the new book “Strangers in their own Land” by Arlie Russel Hochschild in an attempt to understand how some non-deplorable people in the country could be supporting Donald Trump.
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: What Drives Trump Supporters? Sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild on Anger & Mourning of the Right Part 1 - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 9-28-16
Ch. 4: Act 2: The environmentalist tea-partier who dumped toxic waste in public water - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 10-5-16
Ch. 6: Act 3: How Our Stone-Age Brain Gets in the Way of Smart Politics Part 1 - @BillMoyersHQ in Conversation - Air Date 4-15-16
Ch. 8: Act 4: What Drives Trump Supporters? Sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild on Anger & Mourning of the Right Part 2 - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 9-28-16
Ch. 10: Act 5: The Deep Story of conservatives and the rise of Trump - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 9-29-16
Ch. 12: Act 6: How Our Stone-Age Brain Gets in the Way of Smart Politics Part 2 - @BillMoyersHQ in Conversation - Air Date 4-15-16
Ch. 14: Act 7: Where shame is the companion to need - @thisishellradio - Air Date 10-22-16
Ch. 16: Act 8: The Media That Created Trump - United States of Anxiety - Air Date 10-13-16
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Original Air Date 6/25/2022
Today we take a look at some of the takeaways from the hearings investigating the January 6th insurrection. Most notably: they knew, they knew, they knew, they knew from the very beginning that their fraud claims were nonsense and they pushed ahead anyway.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Jan. 6 Insurrection Understanding The Big Picture Part 1 - Fresh Air - Air Date 6-9-22
New York Times Congressional reporter Luke Broadwater says the effort to overturn the 2020 election results was a "sprawling and diffuse" one that involved local governments as well as White House insiders.
Ch. 2: January 6th Goes Primetime Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 6-10-22
Brad is joined by guest co-host Dr. Leah Payne. They begin by discussing the first primetime hearing of the J6 Select Committee. They then focus on Tucker Carlson's response to hearings.
Ch. 3: Special coverage of House J6 Hearing, Day 3 Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 6-16-22
RANDALL D. ELIASON, and HEATHER DIGBY offer important insights into today's hearing, which was focused on Donald Trump's corrupt pressure campaign to induce former Vice President Mike Pence to violate his oath to the Constitution
Ch. 4: The Jan. 6 Insurrection Understanding The Big Picture Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 6-9-22
Ch. 5: January 6th Goes Primetime Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 6-10-22
Ch. 6: Special coverage of House J6 Hearing, Day 3 Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 6-16-22
Ch. 7: Jan. 6 Hearings Point Finger at Donald Trump. But Federal Prosecutors Haven't Gone That Far. - The Intercept - Air Date 6-15-22
This week on Intercepted, investigative reporter Trevor Aaronson is joined by Margot Williams, research editor for The Intercept, and Michael Loadenthal, founder and executive director of the Prosecution Project.
Ch. 8: Generals Warn America's Democracy Is in Danger From the Inside - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-23-22
These retired Generals fought to defend Democracy abroad, now they are warning that America's Democracy needs to be defended from threats inside the country.
Ch. 9: Guess Which Republican Congressmembers Sought Pardons After Trying to Help Trump Subvert Vote - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-24-22
Six Republican members of Congress who supported Donald Trump's lies sought broad presidential pardons for their involvement in the campaign to discredit the election results
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Top Arizona Republican Testifies He Rejected Trump Plot to Overturn Vote, Then Faced Violent Threats - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-22-22
Republican Speaker of the Arizona House "Rusty" Bowers described how he was pushed by Trump, John Eastman and Rudy Giuliani to call the Arizona Legislature back into session to investigate claimed illegal votes.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on turning anger into election action
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The logo of the House January 6th Commission sits on a background image of the interior ceiling of the U.S. Capitol dome. The logo is a white illustration of the U.S. Capitol dome and below it are the words "Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol".
Credit: January6th.house.gov
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Air Date 8/6/2023
Today, we take a look at the education curriculum reforms currently being pushed through in Florida through the lens of the long pattern of choosing to see our history in a way that comforts the comfortable and afflicts the afflicted.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Meet the Man Driving the Right’s Culture War Panic - Deconstructed - Air Date 7-28-23
The Republican Party’s full embrace of the culture war as a political tactic — from drag queen story hour to critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives — has been chiefly guided by activist and polemicist Christopher Rufo
Ch. 2: DeSantis culture war drives AP Psychology out of Florida schools - Alex Wagner Tonight - Air Date 8-4-23
Rachel Chapman, who teaches AP Psychology in Florida, talks with Alex Wagner about being an educator in Florida why psychology can't pick and choose which people to consider.
Ch. 3: We Actually Have To Explain To DeSantis Why Slaves Didn't Benefit From Slavery - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 7-25-23
Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman had to break down why the new curriculum in Florida that requires teachers to explain how slaves benefitted from slavery is racist
Ch. 4: PragerU in Florida Schools - I Doubt It Podcast - Air Date 7-28-23
Jesse and Brittany discuss the heat wave wreaking havoc on the nation as well as their recent adventures engaged in tourist activities in DC, listener communication related to Biden's re-election and the new Florida education guidelines
Ch. 5: Why a Leftist is Defending Conservatives Over Desantis' Racist Florida Curriculum - The Benjamin Dixon Show - Air Date 7-30-23
Highlighting some of the gentle pushback from Black Republicans to the new Florida education curriculum
Ch. 6: Fox News BUSTED For Rewriting History Of Slavery - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-26-23
Jesse Watters spoke with William Allen, one of the authors of Florida's revised Black History curriculum, about Vice President Harris's representation that one of the standards outlined implies teaching that slavery in some ways benefitted Black Americans
Ch. 7: I was teaching before he was born: Professor slams DeSantis for quashing Black history education - The Reidout - Air Date 1-23-23
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is trying to control the type of education that Florida students can receive, most recently rejecting an advanced placement course in African-American studies, claiming it was “contrary to Florida law”
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Ch. 8: It’s hard to vilify DEI training, without announcing one’s racism - Think About It with Michael Leppert - Air Date 8-1-23
If the average American were to learn about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training through its discussion in the political arena alone, suspicion of it should be expected, and hostility toward it would be understandable. Duh.
Ch. 9: Andrew Spar, Florida Education Association President and Scott Slawson, UE Local 506 President - America’s Work Force Union Podcast - Air Date 7-26-23
Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the fight over African American studies in Florida’s curriculum
Ch. 10: The Court Room of History - Why Now? A Political Junkie Podcast - Air Date 7-29-23
In this episode, we are talking about her most recent book, Sisters and Rebels: A Struggle for the Soul of America (W.W. Norton, 2019), which tells the story of three sisters, women from the slave-holding Lumpkin family of Georgia.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on how education curriculum is helping maintain power imbalances
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date: 8-4-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - Barbie, Black Mirror and corporations in on the joke - The Extended Mattel Cinematic Universe - The alternate conservative commerce universe - The alternate conservative entertainment universe
REFERENCES: Sorry Netflix, Streamberry isn't funny - Mashable
Matt Gaetz Can’t Say Margot Robbie Is Hot Without Being Transphobic - Rolling Stone
Can the Daily Wire Become a Right-Wing Entertainment Machine? - Bloomberg
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Air Date 8/2/2023
Today, we take a look at the status of the war in Ukraine and the decision made recently for the US to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, a munition that Biden's Press Sec. referred to as a potential war crime when it was reported that Russia had used them.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Is Russia Headed Towards Collapse - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 6-27-23
Russian mafia expert Olga Lautman joins Andrea to discuss where things are headed in Russia’s escalating power struggle, what it means for Ukraine, and how the world needs to start preparing for a post-Putin Russia.
Ch. 2: Tim Mak on the Ukrainian Counteroffensive - The Good Fight - Air Date 7-1-23
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Tim Mak discuss the slow progress of Ukraine’s counteroffensive and how a big breakthrough might come about.
Ch. 3: NATO, Ukraine, and The American Empire Daniel Bessner & Derek Davison - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-23-23
Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison hosts of the American Prestige Podcast join the program to discuss the problematic origins behind the formation of NATO and its continued role in the world today.
Ch. 4: William Arkin CIA Is Playing Outsize Role in Ukraine Despite Biden Pledge Not to Send U.S. Forces - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-19-23
We're joined on the show by the author of the investigation, William Arkin, a national security reporter and senior editor at Newsweek, who says that the CIA has "got its hand in a little bit of everything" in Ukraine.
Ch. 5: Cluster Bomb Fight in the House - Deconstructed - Air Date 7-15-23
Ryan Grim is joined by Erik Sperling to discuss how a bipartisan bill to prevent the Biden administration from sending cluster bombs to Ukraine went from gaining momentum to being undermined by another bill.
Ch. 6: The Indiscriminate Rain of Cluster Bombs Part - Intercepted - Air Date 7-18-23
Marc Garlasco joins Jeremy Scahill and Murtaza Hussain to discuss how cluster munitions kill civilians during war and long after, and why their use should be considered a war crime.
Ch. 7: Cluster Bomb Fight in the House Part 2 - Deconstructed - Air Date 7-15-23
Ch. 8: NATO, Ukraine, and The American Empire Daniel Bessner & Derek Davison Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-23-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: The Indiscriminate Rain of Cluster Bombs Part 2 - Intercepted - Air Date 7-18-23
Ch. 10: Tim Mak on the Ukrainian Counteroffensive Part 2 - The Good Fight - Air Date 7-1-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the coming civic renewal of 2024
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE: Description: Two unexploded cluster bomblets (cylindrical metal canisters) lay on the ground amongst dirt, rocks and leaves.
Credit: "Cluster bombs in fig orchard in Yaroun, Lebanon" by Cluster Munition Coalition, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Original Air Date 6/17/2022
Today we take a look at many intertwining realizations that are beginning to permeate society which include but are not limited to the dead-end mentality of infinite growth, the uselessness of growth past a certain point for wellbeing, and the deepening alienation being felt in response to consumerism in place of community.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Capitalism is the Planet’s Cancer: Operate Before it’s too Late George Monbiot - Double Down News - Air Date 1-30-20
“Infinite growth on a finite planet is a recipe for catastrophe”
Ch. 2: Degrowth: why some economists think abandoning growth is the only way to save the planet Part 1 - The Conversation Weekly - Air Date 10-28-21
Some economists have long argued that to really save the planet – and ourselves – from the climate crisis, we need a fundamental overhaul of the way our economies work.
Ch. 3: Degrowth: liberation from growthism - The Taxcast - Air Date 9-23-21
In this episode, Naomi Fowler explores degrowth and how we liberate ourselves from ‘growthism’ with economic anthropologist Jason Hickel.
Ch. 4: Our Struggles are Your Struggles: Stories of Indigenous Resistance & Regeneration - Upstream - Air Date 3-21-22
Standing Rock was a pivotal moment in regards to Indigenous resistance — but it was just one in a long line of battles that Indigenous peoples have been fighting against the twin forces of colonialism and capitalism since first contact.
Ch. 5: Eco-Socialist Degrowth? w/ Paul Murphy - Rupture Radio - Air Date 5-2-22
Capitalist growth is destroying our life support systems. Every single year the material taken from the Earth to feed the insatiable capitalist appetite for profits grows larger and the waste spewing into the atmosphere, land, rivers, and sea grows bigger
Ch. 6: Jason Hickel on how degrowth will save the world (part two) - Politics Theory Other - Air Date 12-19-21
We talked about the concept of 'green growth', and why the notion of decoupling growth from intensive resource use is ultimately unconvincing. We also chatted about the Green New Deal and whether it is compatible with the politics of degrowth.
Ch. 7: Infinite Growth on a Finite Planet? (Tim Jackson Interview) - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 9-19-21
Tim Jackson, ecological economist, professor, and author of the book "Post Growth: Life After Capitalism," joins David to discuss consumption, growth, macroeconomics, the modern economy, and more.
Ch. 8: Degrowth: why some economists think abandoning growth is the only way to save the planet Part 2 - The Conversation Weekly - Air Date 10-28-21
Some economists have long argued that to really save the planet – and ourselves – from the climate crisis, we need a fundamental overhaul of the way our economies work.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: How We End Consumerism - Our Changing Climate - Air Date 6-4-21
How we end consumerism, explained.
Ch. 10: Jason Hickel on International Development and Post-capitalism (In Conversation) - Upstream - Air Date 5-28-20
We spoke with him about international capitalism during the pandemic, new opportunities for degrowth economics, and how to fundamentally move to a post-capitalist world — which will take more than just a shift in economic policy
Ch. 11: Post Growth - Life after Capitalism (Podcast with Prof. Tim Jackson - CUSP) - Circular Metabolism Podcast - Air Date 4-28-21
We explored some alternative societal and economic models such as degrowth, living well within limits, permacircularity and we continue our quest by looking into post-growth.
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Original Air Date: 2/15/2019
Today we take a look at recent teachers union strike in the Los Angeles school district and see it as another event in an emerging pattern of progressive uprisings that have been stirring for the last decade, fighting back against the status quo, neoliberal instinct to privatize everything for the ultimate benefit of billionaires.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why Teachers Are Striking in Los Angeles - NowThis - Air Date 1-20-19
‘This strike is a strike to save public education.’ — Here’s why Los Angeles teachers are striking in their own words.
Ch. 2: Alex Caputo-Pearl explains the teachers union strategy and planning ahead of the strike - Belabored by Dissent Magazine - Air Date 1-13-19
Caputo-Pearl talks about a wide range of issues that led to the strike. Building up to the strike as a leader in the union. UTLA received criticism for being too bold but with an issue this large, it's important to be bold.
Ch. 3: Sarah Jaffe on the intersectional movements coming together in the teachers' strike - The Dig - Air Date 1-17-2019
The people in power are all about privatization. Public education attacks are compared to citizens united. Public schools have become a competing marketplace instead of educational services.
Ch. 4: A surge in strikes! - Past Present - Air Date: 1-28-2019
Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the Los Angeles teachers’ strike. Enthusiasm for collective action since the election of '45. Fighting for the very existence of public schools. Charter makes things better for some, public makes things better for all (when properly funded and supported). Charter squirms around Unions.
Ch. 5: Sarah Jaffe on the conflict within the Democratic party at the core of the LA teachers strike - Start Making Sense - Air Date 1-22-2019
Sarah Jaffe discusses why the parents agreed with the strike. Librarians who have to travel to different schools every day of the week. Will austerity reign, or can they turn it around. Fight for a society that actually provides what people need.
Ch. 6: LA Teachers Striking For All Of Us - The Michael Brooks Show - 01-07-2019
While the LA Teachers Union strikes, their demands are referred to as shiny distractions. Increased privatization by charter schools reduces the effectiveness of public education.
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date 7/25/2023
Today, we take a look at the impact of the rise of streaming video services and the potential for AI-written scripts on the future of show business and those trying to earn a living from it.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Writers Guild Strikes Back | Adam Conover Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-11-23
Adam Conover then talks Sam through updates on the writers’ strike as it reaches its fifth week, tackling the scope of the issues – from the gigification of the job to the labor threat of AI
Ch. 2: Why Actors Are Striking For The First Time In 40 Years - More Perfect Union - Air Date 6-23-23
Hollywood actors have joined writers on strike and shut down the TV and film industry. Streaming has broken the industry. Successful actors are working second jobs. Some received $0 in residuals from Netflix shows with millions of viewers.
Ch. 3: Why the Supreme Court Broke Up Hollywood's Studio System - On the Media - Air Date 7-5-23
The dominance of giant streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus has led to the current strike by television writers, who say their ubiquity has led to lower pay, shakier job security, and perhaps even worse writing.
Ch. 4: How streaming caused the TV writers strike - Vox - Air Date 6-7-23
The way scripted television gets made today has transformed the careers of writers.
Ch. 5: Why Are Studio Executives Like This? - Steve Shives - Air Date 7-17-23
Donate to support the striking members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA!
Ch. 6: How AI Took Center Stage In The Hollywood Writers' Strike - CNBC - Air Date 6-30-23
As streaming companies scramble to nourish their bottom line, content is being removed from platforms, cutting off creators from being compensated.
Ch. 7: Writers Guild Strikes Back | Adam Conover Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-11-23
Ch. 8: Hollywood On Strike: Who Cares? - Wisecrack - Air Date 6-2-23
Screenwriters are on strike, which means a lot less new television for our greedy consumption. And understandably, nobody’s excited about Hollywood shutting down. But what if the writers’ strike can actually teach us about how labor movements function
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Meet the AI company that wants to remake Hollywood - Recode Media with Peter Kafka - Air Date 6-14-23
For some people that’s a dystopian vision. But for Cristóbal Valenzuela, it’s a mission statement: Valenzuela is the co-founder and CEO of Runway, an AI startup that wants to radically change the way movies and TV are made.
Ch. 10: 'We Know Where He F***ing Lives' - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-17-23
Hollywood star Ron Pearlman delivers a serious response to Disney CEO Bob Iger’s comments about using the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes to force writers and actors into homelessness.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on closing in on the end of our membership drive
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A person holds a large sign in a crowd of protestors that says “Writers Guild of America ON STRIKE!”
Credit: “WGA Strike 6.21.2023 032” by ufcw770, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date 7/22/2023
Today, we take a look at the action needed to curb and adapt to the extreme weather that climate change is already delivering
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Climate and energy journalist Andrew Freedman on the spate of record-shattering extreme weather - The BradCast - Air Date 7-10-23
The planet last week registered its hottest day ever recorded and then broke it four different times on four consecutive days. Our climate is in crisis, from the U.S. to Canada to Spain to India. Andrew Freedman joins us to discuss.
Ch. 2: Bill McKibben Climate Crisis Needs Urgent Action as Earth Records Hottest Temps Ever - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-7-23
"We can't stop global warming at this point," says Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org. "All we can do is try to stop it short of the place where it cuts civilizations off at the knees."
Ch. 3: Climate and energy journalist Andrew Freedman on the spate of record-shattering extreme weather Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 7-10-23
Ch. 4: Emily Sanders on How Not to Interview an Oil CEO, Kaufman & Bozuwa on Fighting Climate Disrupters - CounterSpin - Air date 7-7-23
Emily Sanders discusses the article “How (Not) to Interview an Oil CEO”. Johanna Bozuwa joined us during 2019’s California wildfires and power outages, to explain the potential role of public utilities in the climate crisis.
Ch. 5: Climate Precipice & Israel’s Palestinian Expulsion w Bill McKibben, Basel Adra - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-12-23
Sam and Emma talk to Bill McKibben, contributing writer at The New Yorker and founder of ThirdAct.org, to discuss the recent climate disasters across the country.
Ch. 6: To Be Forewarned The Historical Record on Climate Change - WhoWhatWhy - Air date 7-14-23
Climate change shapes history, says historian Peter Frankopan. Civilizations thrive or fall on environmental stewardship and adaptability.
Ch. 7: Disaster unpreparedness - Today, Explained - Air Date 7-13-23
Vermont just got slammed with flash floods, road closures, and evacuations. Harvard’s Juliette Kayyem says the storm reveals how unprepared the US is for the present moment when natural disasters are more frequent and more intense than ever before.
Ch. 8: How will the next generation of cities address the challenges of climate change? - VOX - Air Date 6-15-23
By taking inspiration from ancient cities, they can prioritize public transportation and foster human connection, resulting in reduced emissions and more accessibility.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Emily Sanders on How Not to Interview an Oil CEO, Kaufman & Bozuwa on Fighting Climate Disrupters Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air date 7-7-23
Ch. 10: Rep. AOC Reintroduces the Green New Deal on its 4th Anniversary - RepAOC - Air Date 4-20-23
“First they laugh at you, then they fight you, then we win.”
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments giving a hopeful perspective on climate action
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Original Air Date: 10/16/2019
Today we take a look at the literally depressing truth about our economy, our work and the culture that surrounds it. We work too hard to be perfect, we don't get enough time off, many of us don't have enough control over the work we do and too many know their jobs are completely worthless.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How the Economy Is Damaging Our Mental Health with Becki Winson, Hana Riaz and Annie Quick - Weekly Economics Podcast - Air Date 2-4-19
One in eight young people have a mental health problem. One big problem is access to treatment. Mental health services are underfunded, leaving many people stuck on waiting lists.
Ch. 2: From Stigma to Oppression - Off-Kilter with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 5-31-19
Mental Illness is very common in the US, from burnout to anxiety to depression to suicide, and our systems don't support proper care.
Ch. 3: Neoliberalism Is Creating a Mental Health Crisis - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 02-08-18
Neoliberalism, the belief that markets are democratic and that what works for them, works for all parts of society, isn't working for working people. Neoliberalism is creating a mental health crisis in America and around the world!
Ch. 4: David Graeber Bullshit Jobs - Novara Media with James Butler - Air Date 2-1-19
David Graeber discusses neoliberalism, bullshit jobs, capitalism and the value of labor.
Ch. 5: On Bullshit Jobs with David Graeber - This Is Hell - Air Date 5-14-18
David Graeber and Chuck discuss bullshit jobs, financial feudalism, the ruling class and human instinct.
Ch. 6: Uncovering the Causes of Depression with Johann Hari - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-19-19
The biological makeup of humans has not changed for many centuries, but depression, anxiety and addiction are on the rise. Sam and Johann discuss.
Ch. 7: Why You Are Depressed and Anxious with Johann Hari - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 9-18-19
Johann Hair discusses the causes of rising depression and anxiety because of the modern capitalist neoliberal world.
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Air Date 7/16/2023
Today, we take a look at the problems of overconsumption and some policy solutions for reducing waste through a circular, rather than linear, approach to the economy.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Is capitalism actually broken? - TED-Ed - Air Date 11-1-22
People have become increasingly worried that the threats we face today, like climate change and rising inequality, can’t be solved by a capitalist economic system. So, is that true? And if it is, can we fix capitalism or do we need to tear the system down
Ch. 2: World Water Day: UN chief warns “vampiric overconsumption” is draining “humanity’s lifeblood” - Global News - Air Date 3-22-23
The United Nations (UN) opened its first conference on water security in almost half a century on Wednesday, with a plea to governments to better manage one of humanity's shared resources.
Ch. 3: How Our 'Stuff' Problem Impacts the Planet (and the Key to Beating Overconsumption for Good) - Good Together - Air Date 6-28-23
We have a major “stuff” problem. With everything we want just a click away, we bring new things into our homes every day just to toss them out. Excessive consumption has led to an alarming statistic: The average American produces 4.5 pounds of trash daily
Ch. 4: How do we create a better economy? - TED-Ed - Air Date 11-29-22
Can we call any economy “healthy” in the face of dwindling resources and growing inequality? What if we cut off our addiction to endless growth, and used a new compass for modern prosperity?
Ch. 5: Europe's Circular Economy Action Plan - euronews - Air Date 11-24-20
Business Planet takes a look at Europe's plans for a Circular Economy and examines what this transition might mean for both businesses and consumers.
Ch. 6: Amsterdam's "doughnut economy" puts climate ahead of GDP - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 4-24-21
Amsterdam is the first city in the world to adopt a radical economic theory that suggests economic growth shouldn’t be the ultimate measure of success. Instead, “doughnut economics” focuses on protecting the environment while meeting citizens’ basic needs
Ch. 7: Busting the myths of circular design for fashion - The Circular Economy Show Podcast - Air Date 4-11-23
The current fashion system is broken. Every year the fashion industry misses out on hundreds of billions of dollars and contributes significantly to waste and pollution through the linear take-make-waste economy.
Ch. 8: We Need A Library Economy - Andrewism - Air Date 10-5-22
The library has been a long-standing institution in our society, but what if we applied its philosophy more broadly? Let's imagine what it would mean to realise the possibilities of this proto-socialist concept and reintroduce free access to the commons.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: How Can We Make Policy Makers Realize & Understand the Potential of the Circular Economy? - Ellen MacArthur Foundation - Air Date 10-11-19
How do you convince work colleagues that your bright idea isn’t just another burden to their existing workload? Working with policymakers at the regional and city level in Italy, Luigi Acquaviva has had to learn a few tricks
Ch. 10: Add to basket: How retailers are working towards a circular economy for food | Redesigning Food series - The Circular Economy Show Podcast - Air Date 6-5-23
What if there were no bad choices in your shopping basket? What if every bite of food had been designed in a way that helped to regenerate nature?
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments giving an update on the membership drive
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 7-14-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - A bad take on smartphones - Eating alone - Lunches of suffering - The failure of Instant Pot
REFERENCES: What Did People Do Before Smartphones?
A Brief History of the 'Sad Desk Lunch'
Party Of 1: We Are Eating A Lot Of Meals AloneParty Of 1: We Are Eating A Lot Of Meals Alone
‘Lunch of suffering’: plain ‘white people food’ goes viral in China
The Instant Pot Failed Because It Was a Good Product
Join our Discord Server
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Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 7/11/2023
Today, we take a look at the history and unceremonious end of affirmative action for college admissions that were an attempt to correct the compounded impact of hundreds of years of systemic racism.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Affirmative Reactions Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-1-23
What does the SCOTUS decision on affirmative action have to do with the Don't Say Gay bills, book bans, and attacks on school curricula all over the country? How is is part and parcel of a certain White supremacist libertarianism?
Ch. 2: The Architect Part 1 - More Perfect - Air Date 12-7-17
More Perfect profiled Edward Blum in season one of the show. We catch up with him to hear about his latest effort to end affirmative action at Harvard.
Ch. 3: What Does Color-Blind Really Mean - Notes From America - Air Date 7-10-23
Affirmative action is gone. Ibram X. Kendi tells us the history leading up to this moment and what could be next.
Ch. 4: MAGA SCOTUS Is Back - Amicus - Air Date 7-1-23
The Supreme Court’s conservatives return to form, stripping protections for same-sex couples, striking down student loan relief, and ending race-conscious college admissions.
Ch. 5: The Architect Part 2 - More Perfect - Air Date 12-7-17
Ch. 6: Asian Americans + Affirmative Action - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-5-23
Myths, Data, Predictions
Ch. 7: What Does Color-Blind Really Mean Part 2 - Notes From America - Air Date 7-10-23
Ch. 8: Affirmative Reactions Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-1-23
Ch. 9: Legal Scholar Says Supreme Court Could Become a “Pointless Institution” - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 5-17-23
“Shadow docket.” This refers to cases that are decided quickly, without written opinions or oral arguments. In his new book, Vladeck traces the transformation of the Supreme Court. He explains all to Hari Sreenivasan.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Elie Mystal's Court Packing Plan - Contempt of Court - Air Date 7-10-23
When most people talk about expanding the Supreme Court, they're talking about adding a few justices. Two or four to the bench. But I am not most people.
Ch. 11: Weekly Roundup Affirmative Reactions Part 3 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 7-1-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the need for a new solution to the old problem that affirmative action was trying to solve
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE
Description: The angled shadow of a student in a cap and gown stretches across white concrete.
Credit: "Graduation_Future_University_Cap" by Csparks, Pixabay
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Air Date 7/8/2023
Today, we take a look at the dubious, ideologically-driven debate between overpopulation being a danger to the future of humanity and it being a dangerous myth obscuring the real issue of over-consumption
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Is Overpopulation Killing the Planet? - Ideas - Air Date 6-12-23
In the fall of 2022, humanity entered unprecedented territory when, according to the United Nations, the world’s population reached eight billion people. Journalist Bruce Livesey explores the complex issues around population growth
Ch. 2: Richard Heinberg: Powering Down | Beyond Growth, Toward Simplicity - The Overpopulation Podcast - Air Date 5-16-23
We discuss how we might deliberately rein in our power, starting with an urgent transition away from fossil fuels, and move from a culture of unabated growth toward a culture of sufficiency, simplicity, and resilience.
Ch. 3: Could Everything You Know About Global Population Growth Be Wrong? - WhoWhatWhy - Air Date 4-5-19
Contrary to popular and long held assumptions, global population is declining. The environmental consequences are good, the economic consequences are bad, says this podcast guest.
Ch. 4: The Dubious Overpopulation Debate - Acclimated - Air Date 8-12-20
Is overpopulation driving environmental collapse? Nope. But that hasn't stopped politicians, filmmakers, and comic book villains from making the claim. We consider the real-world consequences of two centuries of overpopulation concerns
Ch. 5: Overpopulation or overproduction? Marx vs. Malthus - International Marxist Radio - Air Date 5-31-23
Is human population growth to blame for poverty and climate change? Plenty of pundits and politicians on the right and left alike seem to think so. Knowingly or not, they repeat the reactionary ideas of the Reverend Thomas Malthus
Ch. 6: An Eye-Opening Discussion On Practical Solutions To Human Overpopulation - Rewilding Earth Podcast - Air Date 7-18-22
Overpopulation and pronatalism, the role of humane education in turning the tide on human population issues, the effects of overpopulation on people, wildlife, and wild places, and simple, practical, humane solutions to the population crisis
Ch. 7: The Dangerous Myth of Overpopulation - The Wild Life - Air Date 4-8-21
Welcome to part 1 of Us, an ongoing series examining our connections and impact on the environment, sustainability, and our changing climate.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Naomi Oreskes: How Free-Market Fundamentalism Fuels Overpopulation Denialism & Undermines Democracy - The Overpopulation Podcast - Air Date 6-1-23
We discuss the role that libertarian, techno-fundamentalist, anti-choice think tanks have played in fueling anti-Science propaganda on overpopulation denialism, and why these forces must be vehemently opposed for a more just and sustainable planet.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the philosophical question behind the overpopulation debate
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Original Air Date: 1/2/2018
Today we take a look at a few different visions of what the future holds for our labor market and some policies we should be putting in place to set the scene for the coming evolution of work
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Show Notes Act 1: The future of work in a world of artificial intelligence - Ideas - Air Date 9-12-17
Act 2: Robots Causing Wealth Inequality? - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 04-28-17
Act 3: A 15 Hour Work Week Would Save the Planet - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 07-26-17
Act 4: Demanding a future of full automation and a post-work world - Ideas - Air Date 9-26-17
Act 5: Designing the future of jobs and economics - Freakonomics - Air Date 4-20-17
Act 6: Ai-jen Poo on the caretaker jobs of the future - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-13-17
(Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions & Free Music Archive)
Action Resources/Further Reading
New Economy Coalition
The Next System Project
Democracy At Work
Public Predictions for the Future of Workforce Automation (Pew Research Center, 2016)
A World Without Work (The Atlantic, 2015)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 7/4/2023
Today, we take a look at the difference between the kind of political messaging that feels like the right thing to say and the reframed messages that actually get political results that allow for progressive policies to get passed.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why Behind The What with Gretchen Barton - How We Win - Air Date 6-21-23
Gretchen Barton, founder of Worthy Strategy Group, is a researcher and strategist who spends most of her time going inside the minds of American voters, and shares her unique perspective and insights with us!
Ch. 2: Winning a Trifecta with Mike Lux - How We Win - Air Date 5-31-23
And joining us for our interview to urge us all into action to win in 2024, is a democratic campaign veteran and progressive media trailblazer, the one and only Mike Lux!
Ch. 3: Winning Messages Anat Shenker-Osorio - Future Hindsight - Air Date 4-13-23
Anat Shenker-Osorio is a renowned communications researcher and campaign advisor, the host of Words to Win By, and the Principal of ASO Communications.
Ch. 4: Democrats Can Win If They Follow These Rules Featuring Ken Weber & Daryl Weber - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-14-22
Why can't the Democratic Party message as well as the Republican Party? Ken Weber and his son Daryl Weber explain how the left can finally win if they use these rules on messaging that the GOP uses every single time.
Ch. 5: A Dmitri Rebuttal by Messaging Expert Anat Shenker-Osorio - Deconstructed - Air Date 6-2-23
Grim and Shenker-Osorio discuss why certain messages do well and others fail, why reframing the debate is essential, and how to craft messages that resonate and win.
Ch. 6: How Democrats can win Working-Class Voters - Start Making Sense - Air Date 6-21-23
Katie Rader joins the Start Making Sense podcast to discuss the issues that are most likely to mobilize them.
Ch. 7: Winning Messages Anat Shenker-Osorio - Future Hindsight - Air Date 4-13-23
Anat Shenker-Osorio is a renowned communications researcher and campaign advisor, the host of Words to Win By, and the Principal of ASO Communications.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Why Behind The What with Gretchen Barton Part 2 - How We Win - Air Date 6-21-23
Discussing the politics of Florida
Ch. 9: Why Behind The What with Gretchen Barton Part 3 - How We Win - Air Date 6-21-23
Looking at the messaging hurdles women face when running for president
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments launching our overdue membership drive
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a three-dimensional museum sign hanging on a wrought iron bracket that reads “The People’s Story.” A sculpted person holding a rolled-up newspaper and calling out with one hand cupped to his mouth sits above the words.
Credit: “People’s Story” by Alan Levine, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
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BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Become a member in July for 20% off!) Air Date: 7-1-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - Marriage and christianity collapsing - Free lunches for kids - Neo-nazis doing pushups at Pride - The assault on no-fault divorce - Hannah Gadsby's wedding cake REFERENCES: Marriage collapse, absent fathers 'unraveling' Christianity in growing US crisis: study Nevada Legislature Advances Bill to Extend Free School Meals Into 2025 Neo-Nazis tried to disrupt a Pride festival. They got humiliated & fled. The Next Front in the GOP’s War on Women: No-Fault Divorce Hannah Gadsby tricked a Christian baker into making a gay wedding cake Join our Discord Server Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Original Air Date 6/11/2022
Today we take a look at the reasons why Democrats lost rural America and why it's important to make gains outside urban centers through working-class coalitions and a focus on the policy failures of unchecked Republicanism.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How can Democrats win back rural America? (with Bill Hogseth) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 1-26-21
Democrats used to win elections in rural areas, but that seems like a distant memory now. This week, Zach is joined by Bill Hogseth, a political organizer from rural Wisconsin, to talk about the difference between making promises and delivering change
Ch. 2: Can Democrats Win in Rural America? - Deconstructed - Air Date 6-4-22
Maine state Sen. Chloe Maxmin tackles one of the most pressing problems confronting the modern Democratic Party: how to reverse its decades-long backslide in rural support. Maxmin and her co-author and campaign manager Canyon Woodward join Ryan Grim
Ch. 3: How Democrats Lost Rural America w/ Anthony Flaccavento Part 1 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-24-22
Anthony Flaccavento, Virginia-based farmer, author, and co-founder of the Rural-Urban Bridge Initiative, joins the Jacobin Show to discuss rural America—and why the Democrats lose so consistently in rural elections.
Ch. 4: Joe Shepherd of United Rural Democrats - The Rick Smith Show - Air Date 5-9-22
By working people. For working people. Welcome to The Rick Smith Show.
Ch. 5: How Democrats Lost Rural America w/ Anthony Flaccavento Part 2 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-24-22
Anthony Flaccavento, Virginia-based farmer, author, and co-founder of the Rural-Urban Bridge Initiative, joins the Jacobin Show to discuss rural America—and why the Democrats lose so consistently in rural elections.
Ch. 6: David Pepper On Why We Need to Focus on State Capitols to Save Democracy - The Tennessee Holler Podcast - Air Date 2-9-22
Former OHIO Democratic party chair David Pepper On Why We Need to Focus on State Capitols to Save Democracy, and why we all need to do our part to lift it up.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Corporate Democrats Have a Vested Interest in Not Listening to Workers – RAI with Thomas Frank - The Real News - Air Date 9-5-17
On Reality Asserts Itself, Thomas Frank, author of “What’s the Matter with Kansas” and “Listen, Liberal”, tells host Paul Jay that the Democratic Party serves the professional class and the top 10% and no longer cares about the poor or working class.
Ch. 8: The New Democrats w/ Lily Geismer - The Dig - Air Date 6-5-22
Dan’s second episode with historian Lily Geismer, who he interviewed in 2019 about Don’t Blame Us: Suburban Liberals and the Transformation of the Democratic Party. This interview is on Left Behind: The Democrats’ Failed Attempt to Solve Inequality
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the ignoring the middle class and poor open the door to right-wing populism of the worst sort
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a blue, dented, and rusted mailbox on a spike leaning against an old wooden fence. Its flag is down, indicating no mail. Thick, golden tall grass grows behind it against a blue sky.
Credit: "Rural America" by Kris Notaro, Flickr | License CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, slight increase in brightness and saturation
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Air Date 6/25/2023
Today, we take a look at the state of the religious right as declining religiosity and the looming 2024 election put a strain on the movement.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Trump Indicted, Robertson Dead, + Catholic Public Schools? - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 6-9-23
Brad and Dan being by discussing Trump's indictment on federal charges. They then break down the life and death of Pat Robertson - an architect of the Religious Right and someone whose influence resounds in American Christian nationalism today
Ch. 2: The Power Christian Nationalists Seek | The Evil Ignorance of Marjorie Taylor Greene - The Benjamin Dixon Show - Air Date 4-27-23
Ch. 3: How Rapture Theology Shaped America (Part 2) - The Holy Post - Air Date 5-10-23
How did a theological system that rejected Christian participation in politics eventually give birth to the Religious Right? Phil talks to historian Daniel Hummel about the spread of rapture theology in the 20th century
Ch. 4: Trump Taps Into Evangelical Fascism To Hypnotize His Followers - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 9-20-22
Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman discuss a rally Donald Trump hosted over the weekend, where he mixes the rapture of fervent religious followers with the QAnon conspiracy set to lure people with the sweet siren sounds of fascism.
Ch. 5: DeSantis Tries To Attack Trump on Abortion - The Damage Report - Air Date 6-19-23
Ron DeSantis attacks Trump on his abortion stance. John Iadarola and Brett Erlich break it down on The Damage Report.
Ch. 6: Americans Are Losing Their Religion. That's Changing Politics. - FiveThirtyEight Politics - Air Date 4-22-21
About 20 years ago, 70 percent of Americans belonged to one of those houses of worship. Today, it’s 47 percent. While that doesn’t mean a majority of Americans are areligious, the share of religiously unaffiliated Americans has also been increasing
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Is Religion Dead? - Wisecrack - Air Date 6-9-23
Philosophy and religion might seem as incompatible as peanut butter and raw garlic. But what if understanding religion from a philosophical perspective could actually illuminate some of our deepest cultural and social values?
Ch. 8: How My Christian Faith Fell Apart | A Case Study of DECONSTRUCTION - Sara Martin - Air Date 8-26-20
How does someone go from a faith-filled follower of Jesus to no longer identifying as a Christian? In this video, I share my personal story of how my faith fell apart and demonstrate how, step by step, a person’s relationship with Jesus can unravel.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the enduring support for Trump by the evangelical right
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
God's Playground - Nathanael Christy
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Original Air Date 2-5-2019
Today we take a look at the history of FDR's "Four Freedoms" and "Economic Bill of Rights" that laid the groundwork for the fight for economic freedom for all that continues to this day.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Harvey Kaye, "The Fight for the Four Freedoms" - Book TV - Air Date 5-11-14
Harvey Kaye examines the progressivism of the Roosevelt-era and argues that a reminder of the "four freedoms" could address today's political and social issues.
Ch. 2: What Ted Cruz Doesn't Get About 'Freedom' - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 7-21-16
Thom talks about Ted Cruz's speech at the Republican Convention and compares his definition of 'freedom' with the way it was described by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Ch. 3: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 1 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18
F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented.
Ch. 4: Fighting for the Four Freedoms - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-15-14
Historian Harvey J. Kaye talks about how FDR was able to mobilize Americans to create "the strongest and most prosperous country in human history."
Ch. 5: Libertarian Definition of "Freedom" is Freedom in Name Only - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 8-1-13
Explaining that libertarian thinking doesn't incorporate the existence of economic coercion
Ch. 6: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 2 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18
Ch. 7: Bernie Sanders & FDR's Second Bill of Rights - Berniementum - Air Date 8-12-15
President FDR's Second Bill of Rights speech - January 11, 1944 Sen. Bernie Sanders speech at the National Press Club - Mar. 9, 2015 Music - "There is Romance" by Imcompetech
Ch. 8: Fight for the Four Freedoms What Made FDR & the Greatest Generation Truly Great (w: Harvey J Kaye) - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 9-9-15
University of Wisconsin Professor Harvey J Kaye author of Fight for the Four Freedoms: What Made FDR and the Greatest Generation Truly Great, explains Ronald Reagan and the great pushback against a progressive America
Ch. 9: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 3 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 6/20/2023
Today, we take a look at the story of how neoliberalism was born, how corporations were organized to help push it into the mainstream, and how the courts were reshaped to permanently tilt the rules in favor of corporate power.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Chile, Neoliberalism and the CIA - AJ+ - Air Date 11-29-19
This is the story of how Chile came to be called the “neoliberal laboratory of the world’ ... and it even involves the CIA.
Ch. 2: The Powell Memo. Corporate America's Call to Arms. - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 2-9-23
Today’s episode discusses the nature of the memo, the inspiration for it and details its prescriptive elements.
Ch. 3: How the Corporate Takeover of American Politics Began - Robert Reich - Air Date 12-13-22
In 1976, I watched as thousands of corporate lobbyists descended on Washington. Fast forward to today, and lobbying has become a $3.7 billion dollar industry.
It all began with the Powell Memo.
Ch. 4: Greed Is Rotting America From The Inside Out - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 7-29-22
The GOP has become a rotting corpse, politically, infested with maggots & defended by wealthy vultures. It has only one true principle, greed, & is determined to reinvent America in greed’s image
Ch. 5: Economic False Prophets Part 1 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-10-23
Ralph welcomes New York Times reporter, Binyamin Applebaum, author of “The Economists' Hour: False Prophets, Free Markets, and the Fracture of Society”
Ch. 6: What has Greed Cost America - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-28-14
Thom Hartmann begins a conversation about how greed has destroyed the American economy.
Ch. 7: Economic False Prophets Part 2 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-10-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Wall Street's ESG Scam EXPLAINED - Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar - Air Date 6-16-22
Krystal and Saagar are joined by researcher and policy analyst Ron Ivey to better understand the wall street ESG scam being investigated by regulators for its deceptive practices
Ch. 9: Anti-Capitalist Investing Is... Absurd — Jen Pan - Jacobin - Air Date 6-11-22
Jen Pan explains why the new trend of "anti-capitalist investing" is just elite charity with another name, and only helps maintain the power of elites over everyone else's lives.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the next revolution in values we need
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 6-17-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, and Deon discuss: - Hoopy Froods - Other people with diarrhea - The lack of civil engineers to manage the waste water - Neoliberal pay scales of business professors - How billionaires became our gurus
REFERENCES: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The billionaire’s guide to self-help
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Original Air Date 4/13/2022
Today we take a look at the mainstreaming of crypto and NFTs by celebrity endorsements, why they're terrible by nearly any metric and why they are emblematic of our broken culture.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Line Goes Up – The Problem With NFTs - Folding Ideas - Air Date 1-21-22
If someone pitches you on a "great" Web3 project, ask them if it requires buying or selling crypto to do what they say it does.
Ch. 2: NFTS and Celebrities: A Match Made in Hell? - Wisecrack - Air Date 4-4-22
How did NFTs become the new Coca-Cola? NFTs are everywhere, nowhere more so than on the lips of celebrities. But why are celebrities getting into the world of crypto? And what can the rise of celebrities endorsing NFTs tell us about our society?
Ch. 3: Celebrities Love Cryptocurrencies - and it's lame (Feat. Ben McKenzie and Jacob Silverman) - Crypto Critics' Corner - Air Date 2-16-22
Bennett and Cas are joined by Ben McKenzie and Jacob Silverman who discuss the ideas behind their upcoming book about cryptocurrency, their issues with celebrity shilling of speculative assets, and how it really feels like corporate greed
Ch. 4: Why Scams Are Inherent To Cryptocurrency - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 3-27-22
Explaining the systemic reasons why the features of crypto are so amenable to scams
Ch. 5: Can Our Climate Survive Bitcoin? - Reveal - Air Date 3-25-22
Bitcoin’s demand for electricity is so great that it’s giving new life to the dirtiest type of power plants: ones that burn coal. In Hardin, Montana, the coal-fired power plant was on the verge of shutting down until bitcoin came to town.
Ch. 6: Line Goes Up Creator Breaks Down The Problem with NFTs and Cryptocurrency - The Damage Report - Air Date 3-6-22
Crypto specialist, Dan Olson, shares his takes on NFTs and explains pieces from his insanely popular video, "Line Goes Up – The Problem With NFTs." John Iadarola and Dan Olson break it down on The Damage Report.
Ch. 7: The Crypto Grift Descends on Ukraine - Scam Economy - Air Date 3-17-22
Matt Binder breaks down how grifting cryptocurrency founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and hustlers are trying to pump their money-making schemes for a profit and generate good PR for the crypto industry under the guise of charity for Ukraine.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on how people, myself included, get scammed
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date 2-2-2020
Today we take a look at the relationship between fear, anger and how to deal with the structural forces of harm in our society. To help us, we examine two of the greatest thinkers of the past 65 years, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mister Rogers, and go beyond the nonviolence of King and interrogate Mr. Roger's insistence on liking everyone just the way they are.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: W. Kamau Bell on coming face to face with white supremacists - Finding Fred - Air Date 11-26-19
Empathy can be found when you understand what circumstances people came from
Ch. 2: Author Christian Picciolini on how white nationalists recruit and radicalize online - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-18-19
Reformed neo-Nazi and author Christian Picciolini explains how white nationalists target vulnerable online communities
Ch. 3: The dubious luxury of anger - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 6-24-17
Understanding the fear that underlies anger.
Ch. 4: Help the Helpers: Evil cannot withstand forgiveness - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19
On being your best self. On the least of these. On the virtues of a cup of tea.
Ch. 5: Help the Helpers: But forgiveness can be complicated - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19
You can't be nice to everyone because being nice to certain people is inherently cruel to others.
Ch. 6: Anger and forgiveness as a survival strategy - In The Thick - Air Date 10-4-19
Discussing the conviction and sentencing of Amber Guyger, the Dallas police officer who shot and killed her black neighbor, Botham Shem Jean
Ch. 7: Forgiveness in the #MeToo era - Interfaith Voices - Air Date 6-24-18
Many faith traditions emphasize the importance of forgiveness. But in the context of the #MeToo movement, can forgiveness silence women who have been abused?
Ch. 8: Why Do Black People Always Have to Forgive? - The Real News - Air Date 10-4-19
As Botham Jean’s brother makes headlines for “forgiving” Amber Guyger, Real News hosts Jacqueline Luqman and Lisa Snowden-McCray to discuss what Christian forgiveness in the face of oppression means.
Ch. 9: Why accountability matters for faith-based forgiveness - Interfaith Voices - Air Date 7-13-18
Serene Jones says deep forgiveness is actually part of a larger process of seeking justice and accountability.
Ch. 10: The art and science of apologies and forgiveness Commentary - Best of the Left - Air Date 3-23-19
Final comments on strength, power, fragility, apologies, forgiveness and the legacy of the Confederacy
Ch. 11: Help the Helpers: Grace - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19
Grace is to focus on the humanity of others than to see them as monsters.
Ch. 12: Help the Helpers: The fear and hurt that gets in the way - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19
The difficulty of focusing on helping the needy rather than punishing the dangerous
Ch. 13: Van Jones: Why Casting “Bigots” Out Doesn’t Move America Forward - Big Think - Air Date 12-6-17
There is a limit to empathy, you cannot tolerate the intolerant for too long—but having empathy for those who interpret change as scary, and understanding why they think that way, maybe the only inroad to untying this great mess.
Ch. 14: The birth of the Black Power Movement - King in the Wilderness (HBO) - Air Date 4-2-18
The story of King's reaction to the rise of the Black Power movement and the roles of anger, fear and sickness
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 15: Final comments on the various sicknesses infecting our society
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 6/13/2023
Today, we take a look at the struggle to act ethically, at least by our own measure if there's not a universally-agreed standard to compare with, relating to the purchase of both the necessities of life we all need as well as the more luxury items that get added on top.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: No ethical consumption under capitalism: short deep dive - @professor_neil - Air Date 4-13-23
Origin of "no ethical consumption under capitalism"
Ch. 2: Hasan and The Left's Paradoxical Relationship with Consumer Capitalism - The Kavernacle - Air Date 5-26-23
What once was a statement of fact, now has been taken as an excuse to essentially be a consumer without even thinking about the ethics involved of what you were buying.
Ch. 3: "Separating Art vs. the Artist" doesn't work for Harry Potter - Kuncan Dastner - Air Date 4-14-22
Secrets of Dumbledore and Hogwarts Legacy aren't enough to save this franchise
Ch. 4: There are many forms of ethical consumption under capitalism, you just have to understand ethics - poppysaw - Air Date 2-11-23
Alternate thoughts on the ethics of consumption within capitalism
Ch. 5: Ethical Consumption - Pullback - Air Date 3-7-23
So, there’s no ethical consumption under capitalism. Does that mean there’s no value to movements like slow fashion, eating local, and Fairtrade?
Ch. 6: The moral philosophy of The Good Place (with Mike Schur and Pamela Hieronymi) - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 12-9-19
This is a conversation about how and why The Good Place exists and what it reflects about The Odd Place in which we actually live. Unlike a lot of conversations about moral philosophy, this one is a lot of fun.
Ch. 7: Ethical Capitalism: Is It Possible? - Wise Crack - Air Date 7-19-21
We live in an era of increased skepticism towards capitalism. But is participating in capitalism inherently antithetical to living an ethical life? Or is it possible to act ethically within a capitalist system?
Ch. 8: Ethical Behavior in Modern Society – Can We Still Get Into The Good Place? - Like Stories of Old - Air Date 4-30-19
A video essay on modern day ethics as discussed in the Netflix show The Good Place. Focusing in particular on the notion of ethical consumerism and individuality from a sociological perspective.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Conscious Consumerism: Does it make a difference - Roundtable - Air Date 7-10-19
Conscious consumerism focuses on making positive decisions throughout the buying process, with the intention of helping to balance some of the negative impacts that consumerism has on the planet.
Ch. 10: “No Ethical Consumption” is Not License for Nihilism & Hedonism. So What Is It? (Hausfrau Friday) Parkrose Permaculture - Air Date 6-3-22
My 17 yr-old and I have noticed an unsettling trend on social media: folks choosing to take the concept of "No ethical consumption under capitalism" as a license to give up when it comes to trying to make ethical purchases for our bodies and our homes.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Response to cohousing episode
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on why people being misled into unethical behavior gives me hope
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: White text in a funky font says “There is no ethical consumption under capitalism.” in quotation marks on a black background.
Credit: Design by A. Hoffman using "BM Kirang Haerang" font.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 6/10/2023
Today, we take a look at the emerging trend of various community housing styles people are using to build community, fight loneliness and lighten the load of everyday chores and tasks.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Cohousing The Future of Community and Human Connection Part 1 | Trish Becker-Hafnor - TEDx Talks - Air Date 1-13-20
Trish is the owner of StorySpring Consulting and Director of Community Engagement at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work.
Ch. 2: Katie McCamant of CoHousing Solutions Part 1 - Transforming Cities - Air Date 8-24-22
On this episode, I’m speaking with Katie McCamant, President at CoHousing Solutions. Katie brings the depth and diversity of her 35 years of experience as a developer, architect, and cohousing resident to benefit her clients.
Ch. 3: Cohousing communities help prevent social isolation - PBS Newshour - Air Date 2-12-17
Groups in Denmark and the U.S. are choosing to live in intentionally intergenerational communities, which emerged to strengthen social ties between aging seniors and their younger counterparts who are balancing work and family.
Ch. 4: Katie McCamant of CoHousing Solutions Part 2 - Transforming Cities - Air Date 8-24-22
Ch. 5: Cohousing Communities of Ann Arbor — Episode 4 of Planet Community - Foundation for Intentional Community - Air Date 1-17-19
Cohousing communities are collaborative neighborhoods created with intention and a little ingenuity.
Ch. 6: Cohousing The Future of Community and Human Connection Part 2 | Trish Becker-Hafnor - TEDx Talks - Air Date 1-13-20
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Jack Kerouac's boarding house now co-living for creatives - Kirsten Dirksen - Air Date 11-7-20
Sara McEre bought the former 19th-century boarding house in San Luis Obispo (CA), it was rundown. Instead of converting it to apartments for a profit, she turned it into a communal living residence for 19 like-minded individuals.
Ch. 8: Microgrid energy and community cohousing - Local Zero - 5-4-22
We hear from Andy O’Brien from the Bristol Energy Cooperative, and Monica King from Bridport Cohousing in Dorset.
Ch. 9: Katie McCamant of CoHousing Solutions Part 3 - Transforming Cities - Air Date 8-24-22
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on a couple of undervalued benefits of cohousing
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A photograph of a winding path through a colorful, close-together neighborhood of houses with children's toys and flowers on the grass.
Credit: "Cohousing" by Joy Cross, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, increased saturation and contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date 1-22-2019
Today we take a look at socialism in America from our often violent response to the concept in the wake of the Russian Revolution through the recent revival in interest, driven primarily by the younger generation today
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Red Dawn Americans and the Bolshevik Revolution - @BackStory - Air Date 11-9-17
One hundred years ago, Vladimir Lenin and his Bolshevik Party seized power in a revolution that would change the world. Today we explore how that distant revolution had an immediate impact in the United States.
Ch. 2: What the Russian Revolution Proved Possible - Empire Files - Air Date 12-18-17
To understand the context of this first socialist experiment, how it happened and what caused the many problems it faced, Abby Martin sits down with Brian Becker, a long-time socialist organizer.
Ch. 3: America’s Unofficial Religion - The War On An Idea Part 1 - Empire Files - Air Date 11-27-17
Everyone in the United States knows that “socialist” or “communist” is considered a bad word. How did things get that way? Abby Martin explores the history of anti-communism in America and the heavy repression of an idea that became an unofficial religion
Ch. 4: "Socialism" in the Air - On the Media - Air Date 7-27-18
The word "socialism" has been trending, appearing on op-ed pages, FOX News, ABC's The View and beyond. In this word watch, Bob speaks with another self-described socialist, Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan Robinson
Ch. 5: Americans are ready for socialism - @ThisIsHellRadio - Air Date 3-13-18
Columnist Elizabeth Bruenig looks beyond the failures of liberalism, to the possibilities of socialism. Elizabeth wrote the op-ed “It’s time to give socialism a try” at the Washington Post.
Ch. 6: Richard D. Wolff - What are Capitalism & Socialism? What differentiates them from each other? - acTVism Munich - Air Date 2-21-17
In this interview with Professor of Economics Emeritus (University of Massachusetts), Marxist economist and founder of Democracy at Work, Richard D. Wolff, we talk to him about Capitalism and Socialism.
Ch. 7: Why Are People Talking About Socialism? with Paul Jay - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-2-19
Explaining why socialisms time may have come - the failures of capitalism
Ch. 8: Dr. Richard Wolff on Marxism 101: How Capitalism is Killing Itself - Empire Files - Air Date 11-28-17
Prof. Richard Wolff explains some tenets of how a modern socialists system could work
Ch. 9: America’s Unofficial Religion The War On An Idea Part 2 - Empire Files - Air Date 11-27-17
Capitalism can no longer compare itself with the dysfunctional Soviet Union but can only be compared to itself and it's failures
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 6/6/2023
Today, we take a look at the widespread impact of marketing on culture, consumerism, transportation, food, gender roles, and gun ownership in the United States.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Our Consumer Society - Then & Now - Air Date 6-9-22
I explore our consumer society, looking at the history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology of what consumerism really means. Is it a useful concept? Where did it appear from? Are there alternatives?
Ch. 2: Would You Fall for It? - Not Just Bikes - Air Date 1-9-23
In the 1950s, the US automobile industry was lobbying hard to get more funding for roads and highways. Part of this effort included propaganda targeted to the general public.
Ch. 3: How The Auto Industry Carjacked The American Dream - Climate Town - Air Date 4-8-21
Based on an article by Spencer R. Scott P.h.D.
Ch. 4: How Backyard Grilling Conquered America - Cheddar Explains - Air Date 5-19-20
Backyard grilling is an American institution. But have you ever wondered where it came from? You might be surprised to learn that the history of your weekend barbecue twists and turns back through the earliest years of America’s past.
Ch. 5: WOKE BRANDS - hbomberguy - Air Date 2-22-19
Can a product be truly progressive? How can I free my skin? Let's discuss!
Ch. 6: Men Eat Red Meat, Women Eat Salads –– But Why? - Cool Stuff Ride Home - Air Date 10-26-22
How and why did food become so gendered? Y’know, men eat red meat and women eat salads. When did those associations begin?
Ch. 7: Marketing Masculinity: How Guns Are Marketed, Glamorized, and Normalized - Marketing Muckraking - Air Date 5-25-22
Just like tobacco companies targeted kids to create a market of “replacement smokers,” so do gun manufacturers. Boys as young as 6 are targeted with ads conflating guns with masculinity so that by the time they turn 18, the seed has been planted.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: These Stupid Trucks are Literally Killing Us - Not Just Bikes - Air Date 3-6-23
Engineers, planners, politicians, and advocates all around the world are trying to improve their cities and build more great walkable places with viable alternatives to driving. But there's a looming trend that could undo all of that hard work
Ch. 9: Of Meat and Men: How Beef Became Synonymous with Settler-Colonial Domination - Citations Needed - Air Date 6-30-21
"Beef. It’s what’s for dinner," the baritone voices of actors Robert Mitchum and Sam Elliott told us in the 1990s. "We’re not gonna let Joe Biden and Kamala Harris cut America’s meat!" cried Mike Pence during a speech in Iowa last year.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the counterweight to the power of marketing
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A 1930s print car ad shows an illustration of a large silver Pontiac car with nicely dressed couples admiring the outside. The tagline reads “If you want to ride in luxury and save your money, too… Pontiac’s the Answer”. Some ad copy is visible below the image in small unreadable text.
Credit: “Pontiac Car 1938 Ad” by Indiana Ivy Nature Photographer, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, some left-side color extended
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date: 5-31-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - Towel Day - Adults liking things made for kids - What it means for something to be suitable for kids or adults - Bronson Pinchot - The decline in students studying the humanities
REFERENCES: The Real Reason Young Adults Seem Slow to ‘Grow Up’
This writer brilliantly explains to Bill Maher why millennials refuse to grow up
We're All Babies Now
Everyone needs to grow up
The End of the English Major
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Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 6/3/2023
Today, we take a look at the dynamics at play between our immigration and labor policies that lead to the exploitation of children in dangerous and deadly jobs.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why Child Labor in America is Skyrocketing Part 1 - Robert Reich - Air Date 5-16-23
Corporations are now using the “labor shortage” as an excuse to bring back child labor. It’s part of a horrifying trend: Since 2015, child labor violations have risen nearly 300%.
Ch. 2: We Uncovered the Corporations Bringing Back Child Labor in America - More Perfect Union - Air Date 4-3-23
Iowa’s extreme child labor bill began in the office of Gov. Kim Reynolds and was written by top corporate lobbyists.
Ch. 3: The Child Labor Crisis In America Part 1 - Fresh Air - Air Date 5-4-23
Tonya Mosley spoke with New York Times investigative reporter Hannah Dreier, who has been reporting on the children, and Washington Post business reporter Jacob Bogage, who has been reporting on conservative campaign to weaken child labor laws
Ch. 4: HORRIFIC Child Labor Practices In Dangerous Meatpacking Facility - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-23-23
NBC News Reporter Julia Ainsley reports on the accusation of PSSI using child migrant labor in Nebraska meatpacking plant.
Ch. 5: Inside the Conservative Campaign to Relax Child Labor Laws - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 4-27-23
In a recent article, Washington Post reporter Jacob Bogage explains how campaigners are cloaking these rollbacks under cover of "parental rights." Bogage joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss why conservatives appear willing to put children at risk.
Ch. 6: News Brief: Media's Credulous Labor Shortage Reporting Helps Lay Groundwork For Repealing Child Labor Laws - Citations Needed - Air Date 4-12-23
We detail how uncritical acceptance by centrist––and even liberal––media that the US is seeing an unprecedented "labor shortage" is helping justify repealing child labor protections in roughly a dozen states.
Ch. 7: The Child Labor Crisis In America Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 5-4-23
Ch. 8: New York Times: Biden Admin Ignored Warnings About Migrant Child Labor, Punished Whistleblowers - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-19-23
Our guest Hannah Dreier, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter at _The New York Times_, has published a bombshell new investigation headlined "As Migrant Children Were Put to Work, U.S. Ignored Warnings."
Ch. 9: NYT Exposé Shows Migrants Kids in U.S. Are Forced into Brutal Jobs for Major Brands - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-28-23
We speak with the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Hannah Dreier, We are also joined by Gregory Chen, senior director of government relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Ch. 10: Why Child Labor in America is Skyrocketing Part 2 - Robert Reich - Air Date 5-16-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 11: We Uncovered the Corporations Bringing Back Child Labor in America Part 2 - More Perfect Union - Air Date 4-3-23
Ch. 12: News Brief: Media's Credulous Labor Shortage Reporting Helps Lay Groundwork For Repealing Child Labor Laws Part 2 - Citations Needed - Air Date 4-12-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on what child labor shows us about the ongoing debate within the GOP
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Colorized historic photo of Addie Card, a 12-year-old blonde girl in a smock with bare feet posing in front of machinery at a textile mill in 1910 where she worked. Her expression is neutral.
Credit: “Addie Card, 12 years old. Spinner in cotton mill, North Pownal, Vermont, 1910” by by Lewis W. Hine via the Metropolitan Museum of New York. Processed and colorized by Kelly Short using Gimp 2.6.11 | License: Public Domain
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date 2/17/2017
Today we look at the state of the corporate-controlled media in the age of Trump, how you can navigate those murky waters, and what we can do to make it better.
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Diversify your news - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 11-24-16
Ch. 2: Spicer vs. the Interns - On the Media - Air Date 1-27-17
Ch. 3: Is Donald Trump good for journalism? - The Inquiry - Air Date 2-13-17
Ch. 4: Keep Going Back to Substance and the Truth - On the Media - Air Date 1-27-17
Ch. 5: Is 'Biased News' More Destructive Than Fake News? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-23-16
Ch. 6: Ned Beatty's NETWORK speech-by Paddy Chayefsky
Activism:
TAKE ACTION
Go to FAIR.org to get Action Alerts and become a “media activist”
Check out FAIR’s Media Activism Kit
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EDUCATE YOURSELF
NYT’s False Choice for Democrats: Move to the Right or Divide by Race (FAIR)
Jessica Gonzalez on FCC Chair Ajit Pai (FAIR's CounterSpin)
Scrutiny for Supreme Court Pick Fails to Focus on Rights of Disabled (FAIR)
ACTION ALERT: WaPo’s Post Live Series Is a Love Letter to Corporate Conflicts of Interest (FAIR)
Trump’s Inauguration and the Legitimacy Fetish (FAIR)
Daily Kos Founder Gleefully Celebrates Coal Miners Losing Health Insurance (FAIR)
Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 5/16/2023
Today, we take a look at the current state and deep context for why our immigration and asylum system broken, and why our policies have made it worse rather than better, all while stoking anti-immigrant hatred.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The law that broke US immigration - Vox - Air Date 8-9-21
Why the US has so many undocumented immigrants.
Ch. 2: Biden & The Border - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 5-1-23
Explaining the lackluster immigration policy of the Biden administration in contrast to the disaster of the Trump administration
Ch. 3: The US has a 'thirst' for immigrant workers. Why do so many struggle to get legal status? - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 5-20-21
President Joe Biden has said that changing immigration law remains an important piece of his agenda. But the path to new legislation is complex and hardly clear. One of the biggest flashpoints in this debate is questions about undocumented workers
Ch. 4: Amid Growing Anti-Immigrant Hate, 8 Killed as Driver Plows Into Group Near Migrant Shelter in Texas - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-8-23
We get an update from South Texas, where eight people were killed and at least 10 more injured Sunday in Brownsville after a driver rammed his SUV into a group of people near a shelter for migrants.
Ch. 5: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist on the Expiration of Title 42 - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 5-12-23
We continue to unpack the expiration of Title 42 and the impact on those entering the U.S. illegally. Bianna speaks to journalist Caitlin Dickerson, who recently won a Pulitzer Prize for her extensive reporting on immigration.
Ch. 6: A Nation of Hating Immigrants - Latino Rebels Radio - Air Date 5-11-23
Amid a wave of anti-immigrant rhetoric and violence, Julio Ricardo Varela welcomes Roberto Lopez to discuss the circumstances around the tragedy in Brownsville, Texas, and how the country has become a nation of hating immigrants.
Ch. 7: The Abuse of Migrant Workers - In The Thick - Air Date 4-26-23
Fernanda Santos leads a discussion with Fernanda Echavarri and Tina Vasquez about their explosive two-part investigation, “Head Down,” which examines the abuse of migrant workers under the H-2A visa program.
Ch. 8: The case for immigration - The David McWilliams Podcast - Air Date 2-6-23
Immigrants are used to having it hard, both in life and in the public eye where they are often vilified. This lambasting though is based on nothing more than lies - the truth is that immigrants help society grow and prosper.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: The law that could bring Florida's economy to a halt - Make Me Smart - Air Date 5-12-23
As the Title 42 immigration policy ends at the border, a new immigration law that aims to crack down on employers who hire undocumented workers has been signed in Florida. We get into the economic implications of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new immigration policy.
Ch. 10: Florida's New Immigration Bill Is A DISASTER! - Law Firm of Moumita Rahman - Air Date 5-12-23
I share insights into the new anti-immigration bill signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The recently signed Florida immigration law has raised serious concerns, primarily due to its potential implications for undocumented immigrants.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on Republicans cynically supporting and abhorring child labor exploitation
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a section of the U.S. border fence in Tijuana, Mexico with people visible on the opposite side. A concrete building stands on a hill in the near distance.
Credit: “Tijuana Through the Fence” by Tony Webster, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 5/13/2023
Today, we take a look at the history and resurgent idea of the company town, sometimes described by other names to obscure the reality, and the problem of affordable housing they are trying to solve.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Un-American and yet, totally American Company Towns - Knowing Better - Air Date 1-23-22
There's a tendency to think about company towns as a quaint relic of the past, something that disappeared a century ago. But company towns aren't just some quirk of American history, they are American history.
Ch. 2: Chicago's South Side Nightmare - The Rise and Fall of Pullman's Utopia - It's History - Air Date 10-22-22
The neighborhood we know today as Pullman was the first industrial planned community in the U.S., explicitly built for the Pullman Palace Car Company employees.
Ch. 3: The Coal Town System - PBS - Air Date 1-13-16
West Virginia coal operators built small, company-owned towns for their miners to live in. The coal towns were almost always unincorporated; there were no elected officials, no independent police forces.
Ch. 4: Why Elon Musk Is Planning Towns for Tesla, SpaceX and Boring Co. Workers - Wall Street Journal - Air Date 5-8-23
In the almost 200 years that company towns have existed in the U.S., rarely do these planned communities live up to their creator’s utopian vision. WSJ explores why Musk is looking to the company town model for his properties in Texas.
Ch. 5: Un-American and yet, totally American Company Towns 2 - Knowing Better - Air Date 1-23-22
Ch. 6: Elon Musk Wants To Build DYSTOPIAN Company Town - Breaking Points w James Li - Air Date 5-6-23
James Li breaks down the dystopian dreams of Elon Musk to build a modern-day company town.
Ch. 7: The Housing Crisis Is So Bad Disney Is Building Housing For Workers - TYT - Air Date 11-26-22
Workers are struggling with the high cost of living near Disney World, so the corporate giant will build 1,300 affordable housing units near the park.
Ch. 8: Seattle’s Social Housing Initiative Camille Gix - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-14-23
Camille Gix then joins to walk through Seattle’s I-135 initiative, what “Social Housing” implies, and why this model can bolster the reclamation of housing from the financial world to the public realm.
Ch. 9: Vishaan Chakrabarti: A vision of sustainable housing for all of humanity - TED - Air Date 2-20-22
Architect Vishaan Chakrabarti wants us to start thinking about how we'll house all these people -- and how new construction can fight climate change rather than make it worse
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Un-American and yet, totally American Company Towns 3 - Knowing Better - Air Date 1-23-22
Ch. 11: Arizona schools build tiny homes for teachers - CNN - Air Date 5-1-23
School districts in Arizona are building their own affordable housing for teachers, hoping to recruit a bigger and better batch of educators to address the ongoing shortage.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the right to repair and why we all live in a company town
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Black and white photo of simple, identical concrete row houses fading off into the distance.
Credit: “Deutsch: "Schweizer Häuschen" in der Bayreuther Sozialsiedlung Burg” by Röhrensee, 1972 | License: CC BY SA-3.0 | Changes: Cropped
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Original Air Date 9/15/2017
Today we look at the history and structures of authoritarianism and explore how they relate to the Trump campaign and administration
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Show Notes Act 1: It can't happen here Part 1 - Ideas from the CBC - Air Date 1-17-17
Act 2: Evan McMullin on spotting the dangers of authoritarianism - Primary Concerns from @NewRepublic - Air Date 1-4-17
Act 3: Opposing conservative policies and authoritarianism - Who. What. Why. - Air Date 2-11-17
Act 4: It can't happen here Part 2 - Ideas from the CBC - Air Date 1-17-17
Act 5: Historian Timothy Snyder on the prospect of tyranny in America - This is Hell - Air Date 4-29-17
Act 6: Why Arpaio's Pardon Could Trigger Constitutional Crisis - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-29-17
Act 7: Full Frontal Is Scared: Masha Gessen Edition - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee - Air Date 1-18-17
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 5-10-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - Self-Love and Loneliness - Friends - Commercialized Coitus - Why men are perfectly fine
REFERENCES: Self-Love Is Making Us Lonely - Time
‘When people can talk about sex, they flourish’: the rise of sexual wellness - The Guardian
Straight Male Friend - SNL
What’s the Matter with Men?
Chad Daniels | Twelfth Night | Daddy Issues
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Air Date 5/9/2023
Today, we take a look at the hyper-polarization of our era and the anti-democratic instincts of the right taking hold in state legislatures. Building on a decade of gerrymandering and voter suppression within a structurally undemocratic American system that has helped Republicans create minority rule in many places and unearned super-majorities in others, they have now turned to simply ejecting their elected political opponents from fully representing their constituents.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Long division: America’s busy state legislatures - The Intelligence from The Economist - Air Date 2-9-23
America’s Congress may be gridlocked, but its state legislatures certainly aren’t.
Ch. 2: GOP legislatures gaming elections, suppressing voting - The BradCast - Air Date 5-4-23
In Ohio, Republicans are pushing a scheme to raise the qualification threshold for ballot initiatives before voters can mobilize to stop them.
Ch. 3: Banned MT Dem Zooey Zephyr: Silencing me is 'using decorum as a tool of oppression' - The Last Word - Air Date 4-26-23
MSNBC's Ali Velshi reports on the vote Wednesday by Montana House Republicans to ban Democratic State Rep. Zooey Zephyr, who is trans, after she spoke out against anti-trans legislation.
Ch. 4: Have State Legislatures Gone Rogue? - The New Yorker Radio Hour - Air Date 5-5-23
The story of two lawmakers expelled from the Tennessee legislature captured headlines across the country.
Ch. 5: Deciding the Fate of Democracy in North Carolina - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 5-7-23
So far, 27 people in North Carolina have been indicted in connection with the effort to overturn the 2020 election on January 6th.
Ch. 6: “Courage Is Contagious”: Zooey Zephyr & Justin Jones on the GOP’s Silencing of State Lawmakers - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-28-23
Tennessee’s Justin Jones and Montana’s Zooey Zephyr, two Democratic state lawmakers who were both punished by their Republican-led legislatures for peaceful protests, say the only way to fight such anti-democratic moves is through broad solidarity.
Ch. 7: North Carolina lawmaker Tricia Cotham switches to GOP, votes to ban abortion - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-4-23
"This is a woman who spoke movingly about her own abortion on the floor of the North Carolina statehouse in 2015 when she was arguing against abortion restrictions," says Chris Hayes on State Rep. Tricia Cotham.
Ch. 8: “Rising Tide of Fascism”: Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones Warns of GOP’s Embrace of Authoritarianism - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-28-23
The largely white Tennessee House of Representatives, with its heavily gerrymandered Republican supermajority, expelled two members, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, the two youngest Black representatives in the House.
Ch. 9: Tyranny of the Minority: How American Democracy Came to the Breaking Point - Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs - Air Date 5-1-23
Steven Levitsky is David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies and Professor of Government at Harvard University.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: The Polarization Of State Legislatures - Not Another Politics Podcast - Air Date 3-1-23
Are state legislatures polarizing as well? And, if they are, what can that tell us about the state of our democracy?
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Thoughts on big ideas to redistribute wealth - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on an analogy that explains the dangers of poorly framed arguments
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A distorted, high-contrast photo of an American flag on a flag pole against a dark red sky.
Credit: "redflag" by AK Rockerfeller, Flickr | License: CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Air Date 5/5/2023
Today, we take a look at the history and present of the labor movement to demonstrate how times may change but the fundamental struggle, including many of the exact tactics, remains the same. Plus, get ready to get excited about salts, the secret ingredient in labor movement.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: May Day and the Haymarket Massacre Part 1 - Rattling the Bars, Real News Network - Air Date 5-1-23
RNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez joins Rattling the Bars for a discussion on the history of May Day, and how the persecution of organizers in the wake of the Haymarket Massacre highlights the importance of extending solidarity
Ch. 2: The History of May Day - The Young Turks - Air Date 5-2-23
The Young Turks discuss the history of May Day.
Ch. 3: Labor in America Part 1 - The Zero Hour - Air Date 1-21-23
Heidi Shierholz is President of the Economic Policy Institute
Ch. 4: Secret Union Tactic Fuels Unprecedented Labor Wins - Bloomberg Originals - Air Date 4-3-23
Bloomberg's Josh Eidelson explains the tactic's recent revival after exclusive visits to undercover training sessions over the past year.
Ch. 5: Donna Murch on Rutgers Labor Action - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-21-23
We’ll get an update from Donna Murch, associate professor of history at Rutgers, and New Brunswick chapter president of Rutgers AAUP-AFT.
Ch. 6: Labor in America Part 2 - The Zero Hour - Air Date 1-21-23
Ch. 7: Union Organizing 101 Building Class Solidarity Every Day - The Majority Report - Air Date 1-22-18
Jane McAlevey on strengthening the union movement.
Ch. 8: May Day and the Haymarket Massacre Part 2 - Rattling the Bars, Real News Network - Air Date 5-1-23
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Ch. 9: May Day and the Haymarket Massacre Part 3 - Rattling the Bars, Real News Network - Air Date 5-1-23
Ch. 10: Jane McAlevey on Deep Organizing - Jacobin - Air Date 12-10-18
Unions are the weakest they have been in a century. But, as Jane McAlevey explains, the story of a group of Philadelphia nurses shows that deep organizing and a willingness to strike can still win.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Nuances to add to the JK Rowling episode - Soph
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on framing arguments in defense of trans lives
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Labor protesters march on a city sidewalk. The person in the front holds a placard that says “Support Amazon Labor Union.” The person behind them holds a sign that says “Starbucks: Union Busting is Disgusting.” A third person in the line wears a sign that says “Safety & Unions For All Workers.”
Credits: “Philly Solidarity with Starbucks, Amazon & all workers organizing!” By Joe Piette, Flickr | License: CC BY- SA 2.0 | Changes: Slight increase in contrast
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Air Date 5/2/2023
Today, we take a look at the intertwining of oil wealth, philanthropy, and culture washing from John Rockefeller to the sheiks of the Middle East.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Who Were the Robber Barons? - Brain Blaze - Air Date 10-29-19
The Robber Barons were some dudes who got rich and were pretty sketchy about it all, but then founded a bunch of universities and stuff like that, so I guess we're cool?
Ch. 2: Jane Mayer / The Koch Brothers and the Weaponizing of Philanthropy - EthicsinSociety - Air Date 4-6-16
Why is America living in an age of profound economic inequality? Why, despite the desperate need to address climate change, have even modest environmental efforts been defeated again and again?
Ch. 3: “Sportswashing & Greenwashing”: Ex-Soccer Player Jules Boykoff on Qatar Hosting World Cup - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-29-22
We speak with author Jules Boykoff about the climate and political implications of the 2022 World Cup.
Ch. 4: How One Industry Controls Football - Athletic Interest - Air Date 11-5-21
Who controls football?
Ch. 5: Why Billionaire Philanthropy Won't Solve Anything - Second Thought - Air Date 2-25-22
You ever notice how oligarchs like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates are cast as these uber-wealthy saviors who are singlehandedly raising the world out of poverty? That doesn't happen by accident.
Ch. 6: What Is Sportswashing (and Does It Work)? - Freakonomics - Air Date 6-8-22
In ancient Rome, it was bread and circuses. Today, it’s a World Cup, an Olympics, and a new Saudi-backed golf league that’s challenging the P.G.A. Tour.
Ch. 7: Why Billionaires Won't Save Us - Our Changing Climate - Air Date 5-21-21
I look at how the elite philanthropy of Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk function as more of a billionaire preservation of wealth and self than as an act of altruism.
Ch. 8: Anand Giridharadas: Why We Should Be Skeptical of Billionaires - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 9-19-18
Anand Giridharadas believes we should be a bit more skeptical about embracing billionaires as the change-makers of our era.
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Ch. 9: The 2022 FIFA World Cup And The Rise Of 'Sportswashing' (In The Loop) - Scripps News - Air Date 11-21-22
Christian Bryant explores why sporting events are and can be held in countries with authoritarian regimes in this segment of "Scoreboard."
Ch. 10: Fixing the Economy - Garys Economics - Air Date 11-27-22
After having opened up the publics eyes to the problem of Wealth Inequality, Gary reveals to the Channel his own idea for a possible Wealth Tax.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Reaching a conclusion on understanding the J.K Rowling episode - Boris from Belgium
Ch. 12: The is/ought malfunction in our pattern recognition - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on the is/ought problem of politics
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A diptych of photos of Mohammad bin Salman and a painting of John. D. Rockefeller. A drop of black oil falls into a splash over the center of the image.
Credits: Composite design by A. Hoffman. Photo of “Defense Secretary Jim Mattis stands with Deputy Crown Price of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud” by U.S. Secretary of Defense, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0) | Changes: Cropped / Photo of painting of J.D. Rockefeller by John Singer Sargent, Flickr | License: Public Domain | Changes: Cropped / Oil drop and splash from Pixabay.
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Air Date 4/26/2023
Today, we take a look at the trials and tribulations facing the youth today as men and boys are being surpassed academically by women and girls and girls are suffering disproportionately under the weight of the toxic forces of social media.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Senator Josh Hawley on masculinity - Axios on HBO - Air Date 11-7-21
Axios’ Mike Allen sits down with Missouri Senator Josh Hawley to discuss the senator's comments on masculinity.
Ch. 2: Male inequality, explained by an expert | Richard Reeves - Big Think - Air Date 1-4-23
Modern males are struggling. Author Richard Reeves outlines the three major issues boys and men face and shares possible solutions.
Ch. 3: Liz Plank & Richard Reeves Debate Gender Inequality - The Man Enough Podcast - Air Date 4-5-23
Brookings Institution scholar and acclaimed author Richard Reeves tackles the pressing issue of young men falling behind, on a mission to uplift them without jeopardizing women's rights.
Ch. 4: Teenage girls experiencing record high levels of sadness, violence and trauma, CDC says - PBS Newshour - Air Date 2-20-23
In 2021, the CDC saw an increase in mental health challenges across the board, but it’s girls in the U.S. that are engulfed in a wave of sadness, violence, and trauma.Stephanie Sy spoke with Sharon Hoover about the survey.
Ch. 5: The Number One Reason This Generation Is Struggling | Scott Galloway Part 1 - The Diary of a CEO - Air Date 10-27-22
Scott Galloway, or ‘Prof G’ to his fans, is one of the most influential business thought leaders in the world. Host of The Prof G Show, one of the most popular business podcasts in America
Ch. 6: What the Andrew Tate phenomenon reveals about our society | Richard Reeves - Keep Talking - Air Date 11-13-22
Ch. 7: Social media companies face legal scrutiny over deteriorating mental health among teens - PBS Newshour - Air Date 2-14-23
A national survey by the CDC sounded a new alarm about teens in crisis. It shows nearly 30% of teenage girls said they considered dying by suicide, and three out of five girls said they felt persistently sad or hopeless.
Ch. 8: Are the Kids Alright — with Jonathan Haidt Part 1 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-27-20
NYU social psychologist Jonathan Haidt has spent the last few years trying to figure out why, working with fellow psychologist Jean Twenge, and he believes social media is to blame.
Ch. 9: The Number One Reason This Generation Is Struggling | Scott Galloway Part 2 - The Diary of a CEO - Air Date 10-27-22
Ch. 10: Are the Kids Alright — with Jonathan Haidt Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-27-20
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Ch. 11: Spotlight — Addressing the TikTok Threat - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 9-8-22
This week on Your Undivided Attention, we bring you a bonus episode about TikTok. Co-hosts Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin explore the nature of the TikTok threat, and how we might address it.
Ch. 12: Male inequality, explained by an expert | Richard Reeves Part 2 - Big Think - Air Date 1-4-23
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 13: Continuing discussion of J.K. Rowling episode - VoiceMailer Boris
Ch. 14: Marking an isolating Black leaders - V from Central New York
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 15: Final comments on the fundamental disconnections that tend to drive modern debate
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
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Air Date: 4-21-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - How you’re seen by others is important - Jokes are learning - Injecting money into morality breaks people’s brains - Remembering the labor movement - Another frustrating Atlantic article, this time about France
REFERENCES: Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World (Affiliate: Book, Audio)
The French are in a Panic over Le Wokisme - The Atlantic
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Air Date 4/19/2023
Today, we take a look at the history and present of the interconnected movements to privatize education and dismantle democracy.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Segrenomics: The Long History of Cashing In On Unequal Education - Have You Heard - Air Date 1-3-18
Education reform is often referred to as the "civil rights issue of our time." But what would have happened if "edupreneurs" had used their money, influence, connections and access to solve the riddle of why we can't integrate schools?
Ch. 2: Democracy and Public Education: A Future in Peril - Have You Heard - Air Date 8-12-21
Why are the same states that are rolling back democracy also intent on dismantling public education? We assembled an all-star cast to get some answers.
Ch. 3: The Hidden Agenda of Privatization with Jessica Piper (pt.1) - Teach Me, Teacher - Air Date 10-31-21
Jessica Piper, a previous middle and high school English teacher and now candidate for Missouri state representative, believes there's a far bigger agenda behind the outrage we are currently hearing about.
Ch. 4: Betsy DeVos Is Still Making Moves to Destroy Public Schools - The New Abnormal - Air Date 4-1-23
Betsy DeVos is no longer wreaking havoc as former President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Education, but even without the title, the Republican donor is still actively making moves to “destroy” the public school system.
Ch. 5: The Surprising History Behind Charter Schools - WBUR - Air Date 11-4-16
Today, teachers' unions are among the fiercest opponents of charter schools in the United States. The fact that a legendary union president was maybe the key champion of the idea tells you how much things have changed in 30 years.
Ch. 6: The Segrenomics of American Education w/ Dr. Noliwe Rooks - Human Restoration Project - Air Date 2-11-23
Because it is so well researched and presented, Cutting School: The Segrenomics of American Education, is a frustrating read. To tell the story of privatization, segregation, & the end of public education requires a massive cast.
Ch. 7: The War on Public Education Is Escalating – with Jennifer Berkshire - Is This Democracy - Air Date 3-16-23
We are in the midst of an escalating rightwing assault on public education in America. It comes in the form of an attempted authoritarian takeover of schools and universities, in hundreds of bills establishing state censorship, banning books, ect.
Ch. 8: Diane Ravitch on Pandemic School Privatization - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-22-20
We talk with Diane Ravitch about the latest scheme for rich folks to decide what's best for schools their children don't attend.
Ch. 9: Racism-High-Stakes Disaster Education | Dr. Ricardo Rosa - TEDxCCSU - Air Date 11-24-15
Dr. Rosa is a member of Save Our Schools, United Opt-Out and the Badass Teachers Association. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, an activist, writer, and researcher.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: The Secret Power of Homeschoolers - VICE NEWS - Air Date 10-12-22
VICE News investigates why families are opting out, and what happens to the institution of public school when people abandon it.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Thanks for the Rowling episode - VoicedMailer Roland
Ch. 12: Regarding Puberty Blockers - VoicedMailer J
Ch. 13: Thoughts on the J.K. Rowling episode - VoicedMailer Boris
Ch. 14: Something to add to the JK Rowling episode - VoicedMailer Daniel
Presentation: Is Sex Binary?
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 15: Final comments on responses to the trans rights and authoritarianism episode
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 4/16/2023
Today, we take a look at some of the arguments of the anti-trans feminist movement, known by its most prominent proponent, J.K. Rowling, all in the shadow of the anti-trans fervor of the right wing which is checking off the stages of genocide like a to-do list.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Stage 1 - Classification | The Ten Stages of Genocide by Dr. Gregory Stanton - Genocide Watch - Air Date 9-1-21
Ch. 2: Understanding The 'Logic' Of TERFs - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 2-13-22
Why do TERFs think the way they do? The history of TERFs goes way back before JK Rowling. In the 1980s TERF Janice Raymond ran a successful campaign to push Sandy Stone out of Olivia Records.
Ch. 3: Comments 1: Introducing Authoritarianism
Ch. 4: Stage 3 - Discrimination | The Ten Stages of Genocide by Dr. Gregory Stanton - Genocide Watch - Air Date 9-15-21
Ch. 5: Transphobia In A Suit - The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: A Plot Against Equality - Air Date 7-22-21
Imara investigates the influence the Heritage Foundation had in infusing anti-trans ideology into the government during Trump’s presidency—a legacy the Biden administration is still trying to unravel.
Ch. 6: Comments 2: Reasons for the extreme defense of trans rights
Ch. 7: Stage 4 - Dehumanization | The Ten Stages of Genocide by Dr. Gregory Stanton - Genocide Watch - Air Date 9-22-21
Ch. 8: American Fascism And The Groomer Panic Part 1 - Second Thought - Air Date 2-24-23
We've seen a number of moral panics over the decades, and this one is no different. Come learn how the same old tropes are being recycled to animate this latest strain
Ch. 9: Comments 3: Just asking questions
Ch. 10: Stage 5 - Organization | The Ten Stages of Genocide by Dr. Gregory Stanton - Genocide Watch - Air Date 9-29-21
Ch. 11: American Fascism And The Groomer Panic Part 2 - Second Thought - Air Date 2-24-23
Ch. 12: Comments 4: Straw men and moderates
Ch. 13: Stage 6 - Polarization | The Ten Stages of Genocide by Dr. Gregory Stanton - Genocide Watch - Air Date 10-6-21
Ch. 14: Can We Stop the GOP From “Eradicating” Trans People? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 3-8-23
Pastor Martin Niemöller’s famous poem begins, “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist.” But, in fact, first they came for the queer people. A year before Nazis began attacking union leaders and socialists
Ch. 15: Comments 5: Who understands Harry Potter?
Ch. 16: Comments 6: Misogyny in the movement
Ch. 17: Comments 7: Fueling anger and emboldening action
Ch. 18: TERFs and the Fascist Roots of Anti-Trans Movements - Jessie Gender - Air Date 3-22-23
At a gender-critical TERF rally in Melbourne, Australia, Neo-Nazis showed up to support the anti-trans rhetoric... and this shouldn't surprise anyone.
Ch. 19: Comments 8: If nazis are supporting your movement...
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 20: Final comments on reimagining reality
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE
Description: The sentence “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” is repeated in alternating colors of the transgender pride flag. The UN Free & Equal logo is on the bottom right corner.
Credit: "#TransRightsAreHumanRights" UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) initiative UN Free & Equal (@free_equal)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Original Air Date 4/20/2022
Today we take a look at the bizarre halo effect that seems to surround Elon Musk and then thoroughly puncture it by just explaining a few things about him and his companies.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Myth Of The "Self-Made" Billionaire - Second Thought - Air Date 9-10-21
It’s no secret that Americans love to hear about billionaires. You’ll find them everywhere. They’re on the news [Bezos space launch], have their own TV shows, movies, and even make their way to elected office.
Ch. 2: Is Elon Musk a Fraud - Deconstructed - Air Date 5-14-20
Over the weekend, Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter to voice his frustrations about the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Alameda County, California. The billionaire entrepreneur threatened that he would take his auto factory to another state
Ch. 3: Tesla SUED Over Racial Discrimination In The Workplace - The Young Turks - Air Date 2-12-22
Elon Musk and Tesla are coming under fire as the state of California is suing the company for allegedly running a “racially segregated” workplace. Black workers are reportedly concentrated in certain parts of the factory and are constantly berated
Ch. 4: Elon Musk Is Not Your Friend - Some More News - Air Date 5-10-21
Hi. Elon Musk will not save us. Sorry.
Ch. 5: Elon Musk’s Childlike Libertarian Fantasy That Government Is The Biggest Corporation - The Majority Report - Air Date 12-9-21
Billionaire memelord Elon Musk has dropped yet another batcrap Libertarian rant for his adoring fans, this time regarding the bloodthirsty government and how he hates the pesky electric vehicle subsidies that he would (and already does) benefit from.
Ch. 6: Elon Trolls the SEC - What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - Air Date 4-8-22
With 9.1% ownership of Twitter—and a board seat—Elon Musk is the new master of Twitter's future. Why did the wealthiest man in the world just take over the world's most influential platform?
Ch. 7: Elon, Segregationist & Culture War in Colorado w/ Chase Woodruff - Left Reckoning - Air Date 2-23-22
The real reason Elon Musk fleed California: incredible racism and animal cruelty charges. Also, how he's giving marching orders to Texas cops.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Elon Musk Isn’t Saving Humanity w/ Manu Saadia - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 3-25-21
Paris Marx is joined by Manu Saadia to discuss the roots of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos’ visions for space, and why they serve the billionaires’ need for control, not the betterment of humanity.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Back on the path - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on foundational ideas that help explain politics
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date: 4-6-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - Reactions to the Half Hour News Hour - A layered conservative joke? - Romance bots for all - Tech bros are 8-year-olds - How to teach American history
REFERENCES: Half Hour News Hour Snipits
Time to take biden to the train station
What Happens When Sexting Chatbots Dump Their Human Lovers
Super League: The War for Football
Elon Musk Sets Poop Emoji as an Autoreply to Twitter’s Press Email
A view of American History that Leads to One Conclusion
Join our Discord Server
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Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Original Air Date 4/2/2022
Today we take a look at the modern reality of cyber war. It's not the mass destruction of attacks that were imagined to look like a "Cyber Pearl Harbor" but the much more subtle cyber attacks that often fly under the radar and live in the grey area in attempts to inflict harm without provoking counterattack.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Andy Greenberg - Longform - Air Date 12-11-19
Andy Greenberg is a senior writer for Wired. His new book is Sandworm. “I kind of knew I was never going to get access to Sandworm, which is the title of the book - so it was all about drawing a picture around this invisible monster.”
Ch. 2: How America’s gas got hacked - Today, Explained - Air Date 5-12-21
The largest-known ransomware attack on American energy infrastructure is driving up gas prices and creating shortages. Wired's Lily Hay Newman says Colonial Pipeline might be a turning point for cybersecurity.
Ch. 3: Is Russia at War with the West? Part 1 - The Inquiry - Air Date 11-21-18
There are currently a number of serious allegations made in the West against Russia. They include the attempted murder of the former spy Sergei Skripal on British soil; interference in the 2016 US election; the hacking of the American electricity grid.
Ch. 4: How prepared is the U.S. to fend off cyber warfare? Better at offense than defense, author says - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 8-6-18
Sanger joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the threats and realities, how the U.S. wages cyber warfare, and how prepared the U.S. is to stop attacks.
Ch. 5: Is Russia at War with the West? Part 2 - The Inquiry - Air Date 11-21-18
Ch. 6: Russia Perfected Its Cyberwarfare In Ukraine — America Could Pay The Price - Think | NBC News - Air Date 11-23-19
Russia has been practicing cyberwar in a real-life test lab — Ukraine. Andy Greenberg, author of 'Sandworm', recounts how Russia went from repeatedly shutting down Ukraine's infrastructure to unleashing worms that caused billions of dollars in damage.
Ch. 7: Is World War III Already Here? - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 1-3-22
Warfare has changed so fundamentally, that we're currently in a war we don't even recognize. It's the war that Russia, China, and other hostile foreign actors are fighting against us — weaponizing social media to undermine our faith in each other
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The Hackers Who Took Down the Colonial Pipeline - What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - Air Date 5-21-21
Last week, a hacker group called DarkSide shut down the Colonial Pipeline, which supplies 45 percent of the fuel consumed on the East Coast. Gas prices skyrocketed, people started hoarding gas, and DarkSide walked away with over $4 million in Bitcoin.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Puberty blockers experimental? - Maria in Pennsylvania
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the deception and logical fallacies at the heart of critiques of gender affirming care
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 3/31/2023
Today, we take a look at the history and legacy of the invasion of Iraq by the United States under George W. Bush and his administration with the support of the vast majority of Americans who had been systematically mislead by falsified evidence used to make the case for war.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Catastrophic Iraqi Writers Sinan Antoon & Feurat Alani Reflect on U.S. Invasion 20 Years Later Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-20-23
We spend today's show with two Iraqis looking back at how the unprovoked U.S. invasion devastated Iraq and helped destabilize much of the Middle East.
Ch. 2: How To Start A War And Get Away With It Part 1 - AJ+ - Air Date 3-16-23
Twenty years ago the U.S. began its invasion of Iraq. What came next is a story well tread— a bloody, brutal and senseless war— but what lead up to the invasion deserves just as much scrutiny
Ch. 3: 20 years on, should George W. Bush be on trial for Iraq Part 1 - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 3-16-23
20 years after the launch of the disastrous invasion of Iraq, Mehdi is asking: Isn’t it finally time to hold George W. Bush accountable for the brutal war and the lies he told us about it?
Ch. 4: How To Start A War And Get Away With It Part 2 - AJ+ - Air Date 3-16-23
Ch. 5: Norman Solomon on the Iraq Invasion, 20 Years Later - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-24-23
We’ll talk about it with author, critic and longtime friend of FAIR Norman Solomon. What passes for debate about why we must remain at some kind of war—cold, hot, corporate, stealth, acknowledged, denied has roots worth studying in 2003.
Ch. 6: 20 years on, should George W. Bush be on trial for Iraq Part 2 - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 3-16-23
Ch. 7: “To Start a War” by Robert Draper - PBS - Air Date 8-7-20
On the Washington Week Extra, New York Times Magazine writer at large and National Geographic contributing writer Robert Draper discusses his latest book, "To Start a War: How the Bush Administration Took America into Iraq.”
Ch. 8: Death, Destruction & Resilience Nadje Al-Ali on the 20th Anniversary of U.S. Invasion of Iraq - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-16-23
“The story of the past 20 years is a story of destruction, devastation, corruption, incompetence, but also a story of resilience,” says Nadje Al-Ali, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at Brown University
Ch. 9: Catastrophic Iraqi Writers Sinan Antoon & Feurat Alani Reflect on U.S. Invasion 20 Years Later Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-20-23
Ch. 10: 20 years on, should George W. Bush be on trial for Iraq Part 3 - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 3-16-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 11: Lessons America Refuses To Learn From The Iraq Disaster w/ Spencer Ackerman - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-21-23
Sam hosts Spencer Ackerman, columnist for The Nation and author of the Forever Wars newsletter on Ghost, to discuss his recent piece “The Unlearned Lessons From the War in Iraq”.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: Leftists are now war mongers - Ronald Bruce Meyer
Ch. 13: Senseless war - VoicedMailer Marg
Comment on your recent Ukraine podcast - VoicedMailer Trevor
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on the moral responsibility of inaction in Ukraine
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 3/16/2022
Today we take a look at the dynamics of mis- and disinformation as well as the history of those, primarily Russia, who are actively using it as a weapon of information warfare against the US, The West, and democracies around the world.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Are you Disinformed or Misinformed? - Harvard Data Science Review Podcast - Air Date 6-17-21
Harvard Data Science Review digs into the world of disinformation and misinformation, and the difference between them.
Ch. 2: Moving beyond news deserts and misinformation - Democracy Works - Air Date 2-14-22
Victor Pickard is the C. Edwin Baker Professor of Media Policy and Political Economy at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Democracy Without Journalism?
Ch. 3: Why "Cheap Speech" Threatens Democracy - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 3-5-22
Dahlia talks to Rick Hasen about his new book Cheap Speech: How Disinformation Poisons Our Politics–and How to Cure It.
Ch. 4: The Firehose of Falsehood Effect - The Propwatch Project - Air Date 4-4-21
Dr. Christopher Paul, senior social scientist of the Pardee RAND Graduate School, discusses his seminal work on the "Firehose of Falsehood" propaganda model, going through its key components and explaining how each exploits facets of human heuristics.
Ch. 5: The long history of Russian disinformation targeting the U.S. - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-22-18
A recent New York Times video series explores the long history of Russian disinformation
Ch. 6: Post-Truth: Lee C. McIntyre - Future Hindsight - Air Date 5-14-20
Authoritarians use post-truth to corrupt our faith in the truth. The end goal is not to make citizens believe lies, but to make them so cynical and uncertain, they think they can never know the truth.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Inside Estonia's approach in combating Russian disinformation - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 1-15-22
Russian disinformation is rife in countries formerly ruled from Moscow. Some ex-Soviet states have tried to suppress it altogether by banning Russian television stations and even limiting the use of the Russian language on their own domestic channels.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Seeking power from the right and left - Alex from Maryland Old
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on avoiding the nihilism strategy of the Underpants Gnomes
TAKE ACTION!
Media Literacy Now - Advocate for U.S. Media Literacy Bills at State Level (See Existing Media Literacy Bills and Laws)
Tools to Fight Disinformation:
FactCheck.Org
List: Tools That Fight Disinformation Online (RAND.org)
InVID - Browser plug in to help identify and verify shared videos and images
Hamilton 2.0 Dashboard - War in Ukraine (Disinformation tracker)
Orgs Fighting Disinformation:
Project Origin
Content Authenticity Initiative
Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity
News Literacy Project
Alliance for Securing Democracy
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Short Docuseries: Operation InfeKtion (New York Times)
Book: “The Misinformation Age: How False Beliefs Spread” by Calin O’Connor and James Owen Weatherall
Video Series: Crash Course Media Literacy
Training: First Draft News - Training
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: In graphic form, the word "TRUTH" is angled and textured in red. A magnifying glass hovers over most of the letter "U" and the word "LIES" can be seen repeated in rows through the circular glass.
Credit: Original design on Pixabay / Changes: angled, text color, background color / Final by Amanda Hoffman
Air Date 3/26/2023
Today, we take a look at the Russian invasion of Ukraine as the debate over continuing to support Ukraine heats up, an arrest warrant is issued for Putin and China makes a state visit to Moscow.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Biden in Ukraine Matt Duss, Medea Benjamin Debate U.S. Involvement, Hopes for Peace - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-20-23
Matt Dust discusses Biden's trip to Ukraine and the symbolism. CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin speaks on why she believes this is a propaganda move to increase support for a senseless war.
Ch. 2: Russias Total War on Ukraine One Year Later - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 2-22-23
We discuss what’s changed since February 2022, what Ukraine still needs to win, Biden’s recent visit, and the geopolitical consequences of the war for the rest of the world.
Ch. 3: Unwinnable War Calls Grow for Negotiated End to Ukraine War - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-2-23
To talk about possible peace talks, we are joined by two guests: Vladislav Zubok, a Russian professor of international history at the London School of Economics, and Wolfgang Sporrer, a conflict manager and adjunct professor at the Hertie School in Berlin
Ch. 4: Nuclear weapon policy analyst Stephen Schwartz on Putin's suspension of nuclear weapons treaty - The BradCast - Air Date 2-22-23
Nuclear weapons policy analyst and historian STEPHEN SCHWARTZ unpacks the implications of Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a unilateral suspension of participation in the New START treaty.
Ch. 5: Arrest warrant issued for Putin for forced deportation of Ukrainian children - NBC News - Air Date 3-17-23
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, alleging that he oversaw the forced deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia.
Ch. 6: Chinese president visits Putin in Russia as the countries increase cooperation - PBS Newshour - Air Date 3-20-23
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow Monday for a three-day state visit to Russia.Sasha Gabuev of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace discussed the visit with Nick Schifrin.
Ch. 7: Russia will 'lose on the global stage' even if Ukraine gets its territory back - Morning Joe - Air Date 3-20-23
The Eurasia Group's Ian Bremmer joins Morning Joe to discuss Turkey and Hungary clearing way for Finland to join NATO, Vladimir Putin's recent trip to Mariupol and the ICC issuing arrest warrants for Putin for war crimes.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Unwinnable War Calls Grow for Negotiated End to Ukraine War Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-2-23
Ch. 9: Russias Total War on Ukraine One Year Later Part 2 - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 2-22-23
Ch. 10: Veteran War Correspondent Phil Ittner LIVE from Kiev, Ukraine - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 2-2-23
Are recent attacks by Russia just the beginning of what could be a bloody year for both Ukraine & Russia? Veteran War Correspondent Phil Ittner joins Thom Hartmann to discuss.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the debate on the left about the future of the war in Ukraine
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a soldier standing with their back to the camera wearing a helmet, tactical gear, and a gun on their back. A distressed Ukrainian flag flies in the distance on the battlefield.
Credit: “Ukraine-war-soldier-weapon” LukasJohnns, Pixabay | Pixabay License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Original Air Date: 3-23-23
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss:
-
giving credit where due
-
the mysteries of right-wing comedy through the ages
-
the dream of freedom from cars and trapping people in cities
REFERENCES:
The 1/2 Hour News Hour
Is the right winning the comedy wars? - Vox
Fifteen Minutes of Blame - Slate
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 3/21/2023
Today, we take a look at how GOP-controlled states are subverting democracy with a form of "competitive autocracy" and some of the horrifying legislation these states then pass after they are no longer subject to the opinions of the general public.
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Transcript
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Watch/Listen: The Laura Flanders Show
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Autocratic Nightmare of State Republicans (David Pepper Interview) - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 2-5-22
David Pepper, former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, author of the book "Laboratories of Autocracy: A Wake-Up Call from Behind the Lines."
Ch. 2: Republicans Are Staging A Legislative Coup - More Perfect Union - Air Date 1-5-22
Republicans are now carrying out a legislative coup by rigging a decade of elections.
Ch. 3: Laboratories of Autocracy – David Pepper – It’s the States, Stupid! - The Al Franken Podcast - Air Date 10-29-22
The former Ohio Democratic State Chair on how state legislatures are dismantling democracy.
Ch. 4: The Fight for Fair Maps - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-18-22
After each census every 10 years, a fight for redistricting ensues.
Ch. 5: Failing (Red)States - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 3-4-23
Ralph welcomes William Kleinknecht, author of “States of Neglect: How Red-State Leaders Have Failed Their Citizens and Undermined America”
Ch. 6: Ending my sm sabbatical since Houston is once again under attack by the party of "small government" - princewilliamhtx - Air Date 3-15-23
Ch. 7: Wherever you live in America, here’s why you should care about Governor Abbott’s removal of school board members in Houston. - isiahrmartin - Air Date 3-16-23
Ch. 8: “Plantation Politics”: How White Mississippi Lawmakers Want to Seize Power in Majority-Black Jackson - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-9-23
Mississippi's Republican majority in the state Legislature has put forth a slew of bills in recent months to put the majority-Black capital of Jackson under a white-led superstructure.
Ch. 9: These Republicans are Trying to LITERALLY Send Your Kids Back To The Mines - The Young Turks - Air Date 2-11-23
Iowa Republicans are proposing a new bill that would change Iowa's child labor law to allow teens to work more dangerous jobs.
Ch. 10: How Moore v. Harper Could Reshape Democracy - The Takeaway - Air Date 12-8-22
The Supreme Court began hearing arguments on Moore v. Harper this week, a case that involves North Carolina’s Republican-led-state legislatures' efforts to pass gerrymandered maps.
BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 11: Sarah Huckabee Sanders Rolls Back Child Labor Protections in Arkansas - The Young Turks - Air Date 3-10-23
Arkansas Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a law that would make it significantly easier for children to work extremely hard jobs.
Ch. 12: Missouri law barring police from enforcing federal gun laws creates confusion - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 2-26-23
Missouri has some of the most permissive gun laws in the nation. A state law passed in 2021 is making it harder for police to enforce federal gun laws.
Ch. 13: Tennessee legislator shocks with lynching suggestion - Alex Wagner Tonight - Air Date 3-3-23
Jelani Cobb talks with Alex Wagner about a Tennessee legislator suggesting that lynching be added as an option in new state death penalty legislation.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 14: Re-indigenization - VoicedMailer Daniel
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 15: Final comments on how to fix the states
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Partial illustrated map of the U.S. "Red states" are black. A hollow-eyed elephant is overlaid on top of them. Blue and purple states are visible.
Credit: Composite by A. Hoffman, License: CC By-SA 4.0. Map image credit: “Last 2 Election Red States and Blue States and Purple States” by BobWyatt07, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC BY-SA 4.0 | Changes: Cropped, color-filled red states to black
Air Date 3/18/2023
Today, we take a look at how Fox News is being exposed as the alleged liars-for-pay we always suspected they were by the defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: They All Knew Media Matters Files FEC Complaint That Fox News Broke Election Laws, Lied for Trump - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-6-23
Fox News based on evidence from the Dominion lawsuit. "All the way from Rupert Murdoch on down to the show producers, they knew what they were saying was not true, that it was actually a lie, and they did it anyway," says Carusone.
Ch. 2: Ranking Fox News LIES & LEAKS from the Dominion Lawsuit Brian Tyler Cohen vs Tommy Vietor - Pod Save America - Air Date 3-15-23
Former Obama spokesperson Tommy Vietor and political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen draft the biggest bombshells and revelations from Dominion's Lawsuit against Fox News.
Ch. 3: MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin on Fox News election lies Fox is a state-controlled propaganda machine - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 3-3-23
MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin talks to SiriusXM radio's Dean Obeidallah about the recent revelations that Fox News anchors and Rupert Murdoch knew the 2020 election fraud claims that Fox News was broadcasting were a lie
Ch. 4: Planet Fox Rupert Murdoch's Empire Of Influence w Jonathan Mahler - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-19-19
Jonathan Mahler (@jonathanmahler), staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, joins us to discuss his article, 'Planet Fox: How Rupert Murdoh's Empire of Influence Remade the World.'
Ch. 5: Fox News Still Broadcasts Election Lies. It Could Cost Them. - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 3-8-23
White House correspondent Scott Detrow, media correspondent David Folkenflik, and Colorado Public Radio reporter Bente Birkeland.
Ch. 6: See Tucker Carlson demolished on TV by his own words - The Beat - Air Date 3-14-23
Before hosting a Fox News show, Tucker Carlson warned against "conspiracy theories.” Now, Mr. Carlson is involved in a case alleging lies, where some of the most damning evidence comes from Fox hosts including Carlson.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Fox News Faces ANOTHER Election Fraud Defamation Lawsuit - The Young Turks - Air Date 12-30-21
Venezuelan businessman Majed Khalil is suing Fox News, Lou Dobbs, and Sidney Powell for defamation regarding conspiracy theories about the 2020 election being rigged against Donald Trump.
Ch. 8: The OTHER Lawsuit Involving the Murdochs - On the Media - Air Date 3-1-23
Guest host David Folkenflik speaks with Lachlan Cartwright, the Editor at Large of the Daily Beast where he covers power, crime, celebrity and justice, to get a look into the lawsuits and what they mean for the future of the Fox empire.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Criticizing Culture - VoicedMailer Dr. Wiskers
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on our national multiculturalism
American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America (Affiliate links: Physical, Audiobook)
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 3-10-23
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss:
-
Nick being a liar
-
The competing values behind editing and banning books
-
Why tech leaders are like 8-year-olds
REFERENCES:
The BFG Isn’t a BFD
Equating the Roald Dahl edits to book banning is living in a Willy Wonka fantasy world
Biden talks to Anthony Fontana about 90s rap
Connect your Discord to Patreon
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 3/14/2023
Today, we take a look at the rise of "woke capitalism" as the cudgel now being wielded against any corporations who dare to seek profits by appealing to the majority of potential customers who prefer progressive social positions to that of Republicans.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Dissecting the War on Woke | Part One - Shanspeare - Air Date - Air Date 1-13-23
Republicans are at war with Woke
Ch. 2: CRT, ESG: Don't fall for the Right's pretend 'Culture Wars' - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-2-23
We debunk Republicans' new fake culture war outrage attacking a mundane, decades-old investment framework known as ESG in which corporations and investment managers consider factors like the environment when making business decisions.
Ch. 3: Who Is Afraid of Woke Capitalism? - After Hours - Air Date 11-2-22
Mihir, Felix and NYU’s Dolly Chugh discuss the pressure on business leaders to conform to the demands of woke capitalism. Should you give in? Push back? What are the risks and rewards?
Ch. 4: Why Are Republicans Obsessed With “Woke” Corporations? | The Class Room With Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò - More Perfect Union - Air Date 7-7-22
In the last few years, Republicans have been increasingly concerned about a “woke” corporate agenda, but they're missing the real problem. It’s not that corporations and establishment politicians care too much about racial or gender justice.
Ch. 5: Republicans Encouraged SVB Failure - Blame it on 'WOKENESS!' - The Dollemore Daily - Air Date 3-13-22
Jesse talks about the pathetic Republican response to the entirely predictable failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). James Comer substituted leadership and policy acumen for the expected deflection and blamed the bank's collapse on being WOKE
Ch. 6: Republicans Loved Corporations…Until They Got ‘Woke’ | The Couch Report - Vice News - Air Date 5-10-21
Greg Walters explains the current conflict between the Republican Party and corporate America.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: BlackRock: The Devil's Banker. Do as I say, not as I do. - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 9-17-22
BlackRock is at the center of a storm in conservative media for pushing companies too hard toward sustainability. That he’s too woke. Liberals think he’s behind the housing crisis. Conspiracy theorists believe he’s in the pocket of the Chinese government.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on how the left really brought about woke capitalism
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 3/8/2023
Today, we take a look at some of the emerging elements of technology and regulation that will likely shape the next era of the internet and our relationship to it. For today, these will include synthetic relationships with artificial intelligence, fake audio and video virtually indistinguishable from reality that will facilitate disinformation, reinterpreting Section 230 for a new era of internet content and the ongoing struggle to regulate social media platforms.
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Watch/Listen: The Laura Flanders Show
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What is ChatGPT, the AI software taking the internet by storm - BBC News - Air Date 1-15-23
While its popularity is soaring amid reports that OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is closing in on a $10bn investment from Microsoft, there are fears the technology could cause more harm than good.
Ch. 2: Synthetic Humanity AI & Whats At Stake - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 2-16-23
In this episode of Your Undivided Attention, Tristan and Aza reach beyond the moment to talk about this powerful new AI, and the new paradigm of humanity and computation we’re about to enter.
Ch. 3: What are deepfakes and are they dangerous? - Start Here, Al Jazeera English - Air Date 6-21-21
What are deepfakes? How are they made? And should they worry us?
Ch. 4: Creating a lie detector for deepfakes - CBS Sunday Morning - Air Date 1-29-23
Adobe and Microsoft have teamed up to develop new tools for verifying the attributes and history of images and videos on the web.
Ch. 5: Free Speech on Trial: Supreme Court Hears Cases That Could Reshape Future of the Internet - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-27-23
We speak with Aaron Mackey, senior staff attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, who says Section 230 “powers the underlying architecture” of the internet.
Ch. 6: SCOTUS on the Internet Its Complicated Part 1 - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 2-25-23
Two big tech cases before the US Supreme Court this week promised justices tackling the thorny issues of content moderation, liability, and internet platforms, but instead delivered confusion and dodges.
Ch. 7: Why Some See Web 3.0 as the Future of the Internet - WSJ - Air Date 2-15-22
Some see Web 3.0 as the next generation of the internet, a decentralized version of the web-based on the blockchain. Here are the key principles behind it, and why skeptics are unconvinced it could scale globally.
Ch. 8: Real Social Media Solutions, Now — with Frances Haugen - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 11-23-22
Tristan sits with Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, a friend of Center for Humane Technology, to discuss the harm caused to our mental health and global democracy when platforms lack accountability and transparency.
Ch. 9: SCOTUS on the Internet It's Complicated Part 2 - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 2-25-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Synthetic Humanity AI & Whats At Stake Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 2-16-23
Ch. 11: Ban TikTok? - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-21-23
Politicians across the United States are calling for an outright ban on the popular social media platform. Alex Heath, deputy editor at The Verge, explains how TikTok hopes to pre-empt one from ever passing.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 13: What does re-Indigenization mean for White folks and racial tribalism? - Pat from Chicago
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on what re-Indigenization means for the rest of us
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A dark, abstract image with the appearance of staining or mildew. In the center, there is a dark silhouette of hands holding the outline of a smartphone. A dark question mark is on the phone screen.
Credit: "Phone-question-screen-online" by ChenSpec | License
Air Date 3/4/2023
Today, we tell a story of colonialism, dispossession and cultural renaissance as a lens through which to understand alienation, a primary condition of modernity
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The annexation of Hawaii
The dark history of the overthrow of Hawaii - TED-Ed - Air Date 2-17-22
U.S. Apology Bill to Hawaiian People - EarthWorldSolutions - Air Date 11-02-12
Ch. 2: Scottish clearances and economic displacement
The Highland Clearances of Scotland - Pilgrim Kat - Air Date 1-22-23
Why Can’t Hawaiians Afford To Live In Hawaii? - AJ+ - Air Date 1-20-22
Ch. 3: White people, Indians and Highlanders
White People, Indians, and Highlanders: Tribal People and Colonial Encounters in Scotland and America (Affiliate link)
Ch. 4: Cultural and linguistic erasure
The Banning of the Hawaiian Language - Noʻeau Woo-O'Brien - Air Date 12-07-19
Aloha Aina - Indigenous Life in Hawaii - Captain Potter - Air Date 11-26-21
Two Worlds - weRnative - Air Date 11-22-19
Ch. 5: Red Power, the American Indian Movement and the Siege of Wounded Knee
What is the Red Power Movement? - Fusion - Air Date 6-2-17
Wounded Knee siege - Witness History - Air Date 2-27-23
Ojibwe Author David Treuer on Retelling the History of “Indian Life Rather Than Indian Death” - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-22-19
Ch. 6: Cultural renaissance of Hokulea
Papa Mau: The Wayfinder - OiwiTV - Air Date 4-14-17
Ch. 7: Cultural renaissance of GalGael
Birdman of Pollok/Curaidh na Coille - BBC - Air Date 12-28-19
The Highland Clearances of Scotland - Pilgrim Kat - Air Date 1-22-23
The Fight To Take Back Hawaii - Foreign Correspondent - Air Date 5-11-22
Hawaiian Language Ban - Barry Shell - Air Date 5-17-08
Ch. 8: re-Indigenization in Scotland
Alastair McIntosh - The Lesley Riddoch Podcast - Air Date 1-3-23
Ch. 9: Connecting with Aina in Hawaii
Aloha Aina - Indigenous Life in Hawaii - Captain Potter - Air Date 11-26-21
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the single story of the values that drove colonialism and continue to shape our world
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The words “exist & resist & indigenize & decolonize” on top of each other in white, lowercase letters on a black background.
Credit: “exist & resist & indigenize & decolonize” by dignidadrebelde, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped and increased size of credit watermark
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date 1/15/2022
Today we take a look at tradeoffs that are becoming ever more evident between the advancement of mass communication and social media technologies and the ways in which those advancements contribute to the degradation of social cohesion.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Re-musing Ourselves - On the Media - Air Date 3-3-06
The late media critic Neil Postman argued in his seminal book "Amusing Ourselves to Death," that as TV prevailed over the printed word, it impaired our ability to make sense of a world of information. Jay Rosen writes the blog, PressThink.
Ch. 2: Neil Postman Technopoly - C-Span Book TV - Air Date 7-10-92
Neil Postman, author of Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology published by Alfred A. Knopf Publishers, spoke on the theme of his book which noted the dependence of Americans on technological advances for their own security.
Ch. 3: Prescient Predictions 1984; Brave New World; and Network Part 1 - Future Tense - Air Date 7-7-19
The dystopian best-seller 1984 was published exactly seventy years ago. Its influence has been profound. But does it really speak to today’s politico-cultural environment? Scott Stephens believes Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is a closer match.
Ch. 4: The Trouble With Reality - On The Media - Air Date 5-17-17
This is a conversation between Brooke Gladstone, author of "The Trouble with Reality: A Rumination on Moral Panic in Our Time," and WNYC morning show host Brian Lehrer.
Ch. 5: Prescient Predictions 1984; Brave New World; and Network Part 2 - Future Tense - Air Date 7-7-19
Ch. 6: Neil Postman on Cyberspace - The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour - Air Date 7-25-95
Charlene Hunter-Gault interviews media theorist and cultural critic Neil Postman on PBS' The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour in 1995. Postman discusses new media and the "Faustian bargain" of technological change in the context of the "Information Superhighway."
Ch. 7: Alexa, What's Amazon Doing Inside My Home? - Land of the Giants - Air Date 7-30-19
What’s the downside to letting Alexa run your entire home? And why is Amazon making a microwave oven powered by Alexa?
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on Faustian Bargains
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date: 2-23-23
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss:
-
Briefly celebrating a Super Bowl victory
-
Extinguishing empathy for profit
-
Manifesting disaster through film
-
The Ohio derailment
-
The value of ownership
-
Reducing workplace stressors
REFERENCES:
‘You unleash hell on your kids’: Central Texas mom warns parents about ‘Hocus Pocus 2′
After East Palestine derailment, a resident reflects on Ohio movie "White Noise"
The Ohio derailment is an inflection point that shows that business will drive over our bodies to make a buck.
Norfolk Southern is giving $25,000 to an Ohio town where it caused a life-or-death evacuation
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 2/22/2023
Today, we take a look at some of the work of the chaotic wrecking crew that is the GOP of the 118th Congress including their plan to hold the world economy hostage and weaponize the government against Democrats all while infighting their way to the 2024 presidential election.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What House Speaker McCarthy’s concessions to get elected mean for the nation - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 1-7-23
His dramatic victory came after a series of concessions that will give hardline conservatives greater influence in the House. Sarah Binder, a political scientist at George Washington University, joins John Yang to discuss.
Ch. 2: GOP is playing with U.S. prosperity in fight over debt ceiling - MSNBC - Air Date 1-14-23
McCarthy and the House GOP are threatening to not raise the debt ceiling. That would be a huge mistake. Ali Velshi explains why.
Ch. 3: Sen. Elizabeth Warren: Impending debt ceiling showdown a ‘manufactured crisis’ - GBH News - Air Date 1-19-23
Senator Warren joined Jon Keller to discuss the debt ceiling which she called a "manufactured crisis" that Republicans don't care enough about, and that wealthy corporations need to pay more in taxes.
Ch. 4: Joe: Debt ceiling fight is just a lose-lose for McCarthy - Morning Joe - Air Date 1-18-23
The Republican-controlled House has planted the seeds for a debt-ceiling showdown. The Morning Joe panel discusses.
Ch. 5: Right-Wingers FINALLY Exposed For Crushing Plot In Real Time - The Damage Report - Air Date 2-12-23
Right-wingers, including Matt Gaetz, Lindsey Graham and Kevin McCarthy, get caught for their blatant lies over social security on camera while ABC Johnathan Karl runs cover. John Iadarola and Ben Carollo break it down on The Damage Report.
Ch. 6: The real reason behind the Republican Party infighting Part 1 - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-10-23
Then, Republican infighting keeps going public, as even Fox News pans their hearings. Guests: Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep. Stacey Plaskett, Yurii Hundych, Alfie Williams, Gov. George Pataki
Ch. 7: House GOP Twitter Hunter Biden laptop 'censorship' hearing crashes and burns Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 2-9-23
The awaited GOP-led House hearings are now underway, and as predicted, they are not going well. Republicans intended a hearing on Twitter's content moderation policies to bolster their bogus claims of alleged federal government censorship of social media.
Ch. 8: The real reason behind the Republican Party infighting Part 2 - All In W Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-10-23
Ch. 9: House GOP Twitter Hunter Biden laptop 'censorship' hearing crashes and burns Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 2-9-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Is America broken? - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 2-2-23
Sean Illing speaks with Alana Newhouse, the editor-in-chief of Tablet magazine. They discuss her recent essay on "brokenism," a term she coined in an effort to redefine political divisions in America.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the complication of the ideological dividing lines through societal change
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 2/17/2023
Today, we take a look at the importance of teaching a full and unflinching version of Black history and why the campaign to block it is reaching a peak at this moment in time.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The fight over AP African American Studies - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-7-23
The College Board piloted an AP course on African American Studies. Then, after conservative pushback, it debuted a revised curriculum. But the group insists it’s not caving to political pressure.
Ch. 2: How Florida’s School Censorship Spreads - What Next - Air Date 2-9-23
Governor Ron DeSantis canceling the rollout of AP African-American Studies course in Florida is more than just another salvo in the culture war. It has implications across public education, across the country—and its chilling effect is already evident.
Ch. 3: Erasing History - Counter Stories - Air Date 6-4-21
On this episode, we tackle how new efforts aim to limit or erase important history and context. From bodies discovered in a former Indian Boarding school in Canada to new legislation banning Critical Race theory
Ch. 4: Combating Anti-History - Latino Rebels Radio - Air Date 2-9-23
While the fight for African American studies continues in Florida, Sean Arce draws parallels to the current battle with Arizona's ethnic studies battle over a decade ago.
Ch. 5: Black History Month: Teaching Beyond Slavery, Racism, Oppression, and Struggle - Here Wee Read - Air Date 2-1-22
In response to a recent post on my Instagram account, I’m talking about going beyond teaching children about slavery, racism, oppression, and struggle during Black History Month or anytime of the year.
Ch. 6: Ta-Nehisi Coates on the right-wing backlash to teaching Black history - All In With Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-2-23
“I take it as a sign of strength for where the movement is right now,” says Ta-Nehisi Coates on anti-CRT policies and the backlash from the right. “It doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous—but it’s also a statement of how threatened they feel..."
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: The Movement to Erase Black History and Culture - At Liberty - Air Date 2-3-22
February marks Black History Month, a time to recognize the significant achievements and culture of Black Americans–from bell hooks to Beyonce–and also to honor an accurate history about them, a history that we know is rife with discrimination and abuse
Ch. 8: Why Our Idea of History is a Poison - Then & Now - Air Date 12-1-22
Why Our Idea of History is a Poison
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the Streisand Effect
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: On a black background, scattered historic images of famous Black Americans, including Sojourner Truth, Thurgood Marshall, and Josiah Thomas Walls, as well as images of slavery, the Jim Crow era and the Civil Rights Movement. The shape of Florida is centered and filled in with part of the Florida state flag (including red crossed bars of the Confederate flag). A black horizontal banner in forefront reads “Black History is American History”.
Credit: Composite designed by Amanda Hoffman. Historic images are in the public domain, except for the Negro League patch (credit: David, Flickr, License) and the Navy Band sign (Gerry Dincher, Flickr, License)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 2/14/2023
Today, we take a look at some origins, alternatives and misunderstandings of capitalism from the Dutch East India Company, to Adam Smith and up through the planned obsolescence and marketing that have tricked us all into working far harder than necessary while failing to make us happy.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Indigenous Economics with Tyson Yunkaporta (In Conversation) - Upstream - Air Date 11-10-21
We speak with Tyson Yunkaporta of the Apalech Clan in far north Queensland, Australia, about the connections between Indigenous economics, complexity theory, and systems thinking.
Ch. 2: Transcending Capitalism Insights from Buddhism and Marxism - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 1-3-23
Professor of Philosophy and author, Graham Priest, joins Breht to discuss his latest book Capitalism - it's Nature and Replacement: Buddhist and Marxist Insights.
Ch. 3: We don't understand Capitalism. Part One - UNFTR - Air Date 1-27-23
How we no longer seem to understand Capitalism. Adam Smith was so much more than the figurehead we associate with Capitalism. He was a true innovator and we use many of his concepts to measure economies to this day
Ch. 4: Your Work Is Not Your Worth - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 10-21-22
Dorian Warren is co-president of Community Change and co-chair of the Economic Security Project, and Aisha Nyandoro is CEO of Springboard to Opportunities and founder of the Magnolia Mother’s Trust.
Ch. 5: We don't understand Capitalism. Part Two. - UNFTR - Air Date 1-27-23
Adam Smith was a social theorist who was greatly concerned with improving lives and creating a balanced economic system. He created several crucial concepts that remain relevant to this day and believed in the power of the free market.
Ch. 6: Economics for a New Year - Economic Update with Richard Wolff - Air Date 1-19-23
US spending for war in Ukraine paid for by higher interest rates; a rational transport system is NOT electric cars; an appreciation of the "degrowth" impulse with a critique of the degrowth movement's focus.
Ch. 7: Indigenous Economics with Tyson Yunkaporta (In Conversation) Part 2 - Upstream - Air Date 11-10-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Transcending Capitalism Insights from Buddhism and Marxism Part 2 - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 1-3-23
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Stolen children and native cultures - Alan from Connecticut
Ch. 10: Thoughts on the reasons for Cop City - V from Central New York
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the value of being open to understanding indigenous thinking
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 2/10/2023
Today, we take a look at the recent rise in tensions in the wake of Israel electing what may be their most right-wing government to date. Literal fascists are now in the governing coalition, violence is rising and reforms are being considered to effectively remove judicial review from the governing process all while the US continues to give its support.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: A look at the violence and unrest in the West Bank - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-2-23
A look at the violence and unrest in the West Bank.
Ch. 2: Israel and the Progressives - Against the Grain - Air Date 1-25-23
Why do so many people who see themselves as progressive nonetheless support the state of Israel, considered an apartheid state for its treatment of the native Palestinian population?
Ch. 3: Diana Buttu & Gideon Levy: Israel's New Far-Right Gov't Entrenches Apartheid System with US Support - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-5-23
Far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Tuesday visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem is being roundly condemned across the Middle East. Ben-Gvir is a key part of Benjamin Netanyahu’s new far-right government
Ch. 4: Protests in Israel over proposed judicial reform Part 1 - The Current - Air Date 1-19-23
Proposed judicial reform in Israel has prompted thousands to take to the streets in protest. We talk to Dahlia Scheindlin and Diana Buttu, a lawyer and former adviser to the negotiating team of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
Ch. 5: "An Intolerable Situation": Rashid Khalidi & Orly Noy on Israeli Colonialism & Escalating Violence - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-30-23
U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken is in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories amid an alarming rise in violence, with Israel killing at least 35 Palestinians since the beginning of January.
Ch. 6: An Escalating Cycle of Violence in Israel and Palestine - Global Dispatches - Air Date 2-1-23
We are in the midst of an escalating cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine. On Thursday, January 26 Israeli forces killed at least 9 people in a raid in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank.
Ch. 7: Protests in Israel over proposed judicial reform Part 2 - The Current - Air Date 1-19-23
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Republicans feign anti-Semitism standard to eject Rep. Omar from committee - Alex Wagner Tonight - Air Date 2-3-23
House Republicans use a tweet by Rep. Ilhan Omar containing anti-Semitic tropes as an excuse to remove her from the Foreign Affairs Committee, Alex notes when Republican leaders were not only untroubled by anti-Semitic tropes but perpetuated by them.
Ch. 9: Israel and the Progressives Part 2 - Against the Grain - Air Date 1-25-23
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments to wrap up
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date: 2-8-23 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss: - Using emotional intelligence to talk about sports - Uncomfortable conversations and circular logic - Nouning The French - Political Spam
REFERENCES: The French Want to Remain the French - New York Times
Words Matter by Sally McConnell-Ginet (Affiliate link)
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Air Date 2/5/2023
Today, we take a look at the threat to the lives of environment protectors around the world with a special focus on the first environmental activist in the U.S. to lose their life at the hands of police while defending the environment and the people who depend on it as part of the Defend the Atlanta Forest movement against the construction of what they have dubbed "Cop City."
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Record number of environmental activists murdered - BBC News - Air Date 9-13-21
227 people were killed around the world in 2020, the highest number for a second consecutive year. The victims were called "environmental defenders" by the report – killed for protecting natural resources that need to be preserved,
Ch. 2: Cop City - The Takeaway - Air Date 1-17-23
Digital producer Zachary Bynum reports from Atlanta, talking with activists, organizers, and elected officials from the city to determine what this all means about race, land stewardship, and power.
Ch. 3: 200 environmental activists murdered in 2021 Global Witness report - Down to Earth - Air Date 10-4-22
According to Global Witness’ report titled ‘Decade of Defiance’, 1733 activists were killed between 2012 and 2021. 227 of them were killed in the year 2020. Last year, 200 environmental defenders were murdered. Nearly 4 people a week!
Ch. 4: SWAT Teams Attack Atlanta Forest Encampments, Activists Charged with "Terrorism" - Unicorn Riot - Air Date 12-17-22
SWAT teams and other armed police officers from eight different federal, state, county, and city police agencies conducted a raid on those camping out in the Atlanta forest
Ch. 5: Six Charged in Atlanta with Domestic Terrorism for Protesting Cop City Training Facility - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-21-22
Six people in Atlanta have been charged with domestic terrorism for taking part in protests against a massive new police training facility known as Cop City.
Ch. 6: Environmentalists in danger Part 1 - DW Documentary - Air Date 10-29-22
Around the globe, people are risking their lives to protect the environment and climate. When environmentalists’ activities disrupt organized crime and other illegal profiteers, they are sued, threatened and even murdered.
Ch. 7: Atlanta's Cop City Moves Ahead After Police Kill 1 Protester & Charge 19 with Domestic Terrorism - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-2-23
Just weeks ago, law enforcement officers — including a SWAT team — were violently evicting protesters who had occupied a wooded area outside the center, when they shot and killed a longtime activist and charged 19 with domestic terrorism.
Ch. 8: Environmentalists in danger Part 2 - DW Documentary - Air Date 10-29-22
Ch. 9: Cop City: Forest Defender Killed by Police in Forest Raid - The Takeaway - Air Date 1-25-23
We checked in with Founder of Community Movement Builders Kamau Franklin and Sean, a participant in the Defend the Atlanta Forest movement, for an update on the situation.
Ch. 10: Former Energy Executive Charged In Connection To Environmental Activist's Murder - NBC news - Air Date 6-22-22
Former energy executive Roberto David Castillo has been sentenced in Honduras for orchestrating the murder of environmental activist Berta Cáceres in 2016.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 11: Cop City Part 2 - The Takeaway - Air Date 1-17-23
Ch. 12: Activists at COP26 Honor 1,000+ Environmental Defenders Killed Since Paris Accord 1 in 3 Indigenous - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-8-21
Glasgow memorial honors 1,005 land and environmental defenders who have been murdered since the 2015 Paris Agreement. One in three of those defenders killed was an Indigenous person. 2020 was the most dangerous year on record for environmental defenders.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments and conversation with Ben about his fallen friend
Bonus clip: More training not enough to reform police culture says whistleblower - MSNBC - Air Date 1-31-23
Whistleblower Katie Sponsler, former National Park Service ranger, U.S. Air Force veteran, and advocate for police reform, joins Joy Reid on why more training alone is not enough to reform police culture.
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 1/31/2023
Today, we take a look at just some of the nearly infinite ways in which our society, culture, and economy are infused from top to bottom with Scam Culture™ that is bleeding us dry both financially and mentally.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Grift Economy: Everything is a scam, always. - Thought Slime - Air Date 11-5-21
For those that need to read this: you aren’t a capitalist. You’re capital.
Ch. 2: Power and Corruption: The Devos Family - iilluminaughtii - Air Date 1-20-23
Betsy DeVos and her family have been important figures in the business world for decades. They’re involved in a massive MLM, invest in shady businesses, and have put their money toward politics for as long as anyone can remember.
Ch. 3: Bill Black: The Best Way to Rob a Bank is to Own One - theAnalysis.news - Air Date 5-31-21
How does a corrupt mortgage scam by brokers in California become a massive national fraud that puts the whole economy into a deep crisis? Bill Black on theAnalysis.news with Paul Jay.
Ch. 4: Why FTX’s Crypto Scam Is A Tale As Old As Time - The Problem With Jon Stewart Podcast - Air Date 12-7-22
“Whatever fun name you wanna put on it, it’s the same damn thing we’ve seen over and over again.” David Dayen, Executive Editor of The American Prospect, joins us to talk through the spectacular rise and fall of crypto exchange FTX
Ch. 5: The Gig Economy Was Always A Scam - Wisecrack - Air Date 8-8-22
The gig economy has revolutionized how we think about work, but not necessarily for the better. How have a bunch of multi-billion-dollar companies like Uber or Instacart so fundamentally changed our economy?
Ch. 6: Why Spotify Will Ultimately Fail - Benn Jordan - Air Date 1-9-23
An investor's guide to breaking the thing you're trying to sell.
Ch. 7: James O'Brien caller wrote his dissertation on 'incel' culture - LBC - Air Date 1-27-23
Explaining the appeal of Andrew Tate and his acolytes to young, insecure men
Ch. 8: TikToker Exposes New A.I. Scam That Is Absolutely TERRIFYING - Rebel HQ - Air Date 1-13-23
TikToker @benno56 shares his family's experience with a terrifying new A.I. voice-mimicking scam. Max Burns breaks it down.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Mark Rober's Prank And The Truth About Scammers And Capitalism - Second Thought - Air Date 6-17-22
Scam call centers are just one cancerous offshoot of bureaucracy under capitalism, and while pranking these places may be cathartic, it's not enough to tackle the root cause.
Ch. 10: Is all money just a ponzi scheme? | Vicki Robin - Big Think - Air Date 7-22-18
"Money, it's a gas," wrote Pink Floyd's Roger Waters for their hit 'Money'. Author, speaker, and social innovator Vicki Robin would probably agree: she posits that most people don't understand the true, human, working value of money.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Response to the Stolen Children episode
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on radical criticism of the true sources of Scam Culture and other ails of our society
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 1-17-23
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin and Deon discuss:
-
The updated dress code in the Missouri legislature
-
One-Way Empathy
-
Andrew Tate and Capitalism Culture
-
The management and labor of modern conveniences
REFERENCES:
Outrage after Missouri lawmakers' new dress code for women in the state House
Andrew Tate: The Arrest, Greta Thunberg Feud and Everything Else You Need to Know
Southwest's antiquated and atypical flight systems are partially responsible for cancellation chaos, airline experts say
Modern Conveniences - 1883: A Yellowstone Origin Story
Andrew Tate on reading books
Join our Discord Server
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 1/25/2023
Today, we take a look at the long, global history of invading peoples stealing the children of native families to be acculturated into the population of the invading force. Reasons can range from a tactic of war and an intention to commit genocide, usually based on an ideology of racial superiority, to concerns over shifting national demographics, simple economic dispossession, or all of the above. We end with a discussion of ICWA, the Indian Child Welfare Act, which is currently being challenged in the US Supreme Court to the detriment of native children and sovereignty.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The kidnapping campaign of Nazi Germany - DW Documentary - Air Date 3-11-20
On orders from Heinrich Himmler, the Nazis abducted children from Poland for forced Germanization.
Ch. 2: Claims of Russia kidnapping Ukrainian children throughout the region - ABC News - Air Date 11-22-22
Amid the war in Ukraine, children have been caught in the middle, with claims of some being kidnapped.
Ch. 3: Eliminating An Entire Race: Australia's Dark History of The Stolen Generation - History's Stories - Air Date 12-29-22
A brief history of Australia's Stolen Generations
Ch. 4: 10th Anniversary since the Apology to the Stolen Generations - Behind the News - Air Date 2-12-18
The 13th of February 2018 marks 10 years since former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said sorry to the Stolen Generations.
Ch. 5: Nick Estes Indian Boarding Schools Were Part of Horrific Genocidal Process by the U.S. - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-13-22
Nick Estes says the institutions were part of a “genocidal process” of “dispossession and theft of Indigenous people’s lands and resources.”
Ch. 6: Canadian government announces $2B in compensation settlement - TRT World - Air Date 1-24-23
Canada has announced it will pay more than 2 billion dollars to hundreds of Indigenous communities to settle a lawsuit seeking compensation for the loss of language and culture caused by residential schools.
Ch. 7: How the US stole thousands of Native American children - VOX - Air Date 10-14-19
Ranjani Chakraborty revisits underreported and often overlooked moments from the past to give context to the present.
Ch. 8: Jen Deerinwater on Indian Child Welfare Act - Counterspin - Air Date 12-9-22
Opposing the actual mission of those who want to eliminate the Indian Child Welfare Act is just…reality: the reality that made the Act necessary in the first place
Ch. 9: When You Take Away the Kids, You Take Away the Future - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 11-19-22
The case that seeks to strike down the Indian Child Welfare Act is about colonialism, not civil rights.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: When You Take Away the Kids, You Take Away the Future Part 2 - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 11-19-22
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the opposing world views of apologies
TAKE ACTION!
Follow @ProtectICWA on Twitter and check out their resources
ACLU: “Native Families' Right to Stay Together is at Stake at the Supreme Court”
ACLU: “Keep Our Families Together”: A Law That Protects Native Families is at Risk”
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Hear the Oral Argument Audio
“Why Are Right-Wing Groups Targeting a Law Aimed at Protecting Native Families?” (Mother Jones)
“Supreme Court case on adoption of Indigenous children could threaten Native American sovereignty” (San Diego Tribune)
“The fight over American Indian children“ (Politico - Newsletter)
“Experts say 2 lawsuits pose greatest threat to tribal sovereignty in decades” (Anchorage Daily News)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Black and white photo of hundreds of Native American children in uniform settler clothing posed in front of Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania (c. 1900).
Credit: “Pupils at Carlisle Native Industrial School” by Unknown author - Unknown source | License: Public Domain
Air Date 1/21/2023
Today, we take a look beyond our shores to other examples of anti-democratic forces seeking to take control of governments in Germany, Brazil, and Peru, all of which echo, in some form or fashion, the coup attempt on January 6th, 2021 by pro-Trump insurrectionists.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: ‘Barbarism’ by mob of ‘fascists’ - The World - Air Date 1-9-23
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had harsh words for those who stormed his country’s parliament, its Supreme Court and presidential palace this past weekend.
Ch. 2: ‘American export’: Right-wingers storm Congress in Brazil in echo of Jan. 6 - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 1-9-23
“If the U.S. can export this model of attempted authoritarian coup to Brazil, well then perhaps Brazil can export back a model of real accountability for the perpetrators and the planners,” says Chris Hayes on the January 6-style riot in Brazil.
Ch. 3: Brazil sends crucial message with quick arrest of rioters - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-10-23
Timothy Snyder, author of "On Tyranny," talks with Rachel Maddow about the similarities between Saturday's attack on the government buildings in Brazil's capital and the importance of swift, transparent and equitable accountability.
Ch. 4: German police raids nix far-right coup plot - The World - Air Date 12-7-22
German police conducted raids all across the country on Wednesday, making arrests, and attempting to dismantle a plot aimed at overthrowing the government.
Ch. 5: What's behind the political unrest in Peru - DW News - Air Date 1-13-23
Anti-government protests erupted after Dina Boluarte was sworn in as Peru's president in early December. Now, just over a month after her inauguration, the police response to protests has led to the deaths of more than 40 people, with hundreds injured.
Ch. 6: Peru: Death Toll Tops 40 as Security Forces Crack Down on Protests over President Castillo's Ouster - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-11-23
A major contributor to the current crisis is "the extreme weakness of the political system in Peru" in which many politicians lack any real connection to their constituents, adds Peruvian sociologist Eduardo González Cueva.
Ch. 7: Swift coup foreign arrests abroad a contrast to Garland's Trump probe - The Beat - Air Date 12-12-22
Swift arrests of coup plotters in Peru and Germany are contrasts to the U.S. response to the insurrection. There are new lessons and a new push for accountability.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Brazil's fight against Fascism / Brian Mier - This Is Hell! - Air Date 1-16-23
Chuck welcomes friend of the show Brian Mier to talk about Brazil's January 6 knockoff event and the differences in how Brazil fights fascism to how the US refuses to.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the different forms that authoritarianism takes
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 12/15/2021
Today we take a look at the cracks and fissures appearing ever more quickly in the neoliberal order that was already widely criticized before the pandemic stripped it bare, exposing all of the inherent inequality and inhumanity baked right into the system.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How Economic Jargon and Cliches Make Cruel, Anti-Poor Policies Sound Sterile and Science-y (Part I) - Citations Needed - Air Date 12-1-21
Part 1, where we examine the most popular cliches, jargon, etc that economists, economic reports, and pundits use to sanitize, obscure, and provide a little science-ism to what is little more than power-flattering cruel, racist, austerity ideology.
Ch. 2: American Capitalism In 4 Different Ages w Jonathan Levy Part 1 - The Majority Report w Sam Seder - Air Date 12-8-21
Sam and Emma host Jonathan Levy, professor of History at the University of Chicago, to discuss his recent book Ages of American Capitalism: A History of the United States.
Ch. 3: Noam Chomsky Part 1 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 11-20-21
Noam Chomsky discusses a whole raft of issues, including the climate crisis, the military budget, healthcare, challenging the corporate structure, reforming both the tax system and our elections, and how the Democrats have abandoned the working class
Ch. 4: How Economic Jargon and Cliches Make Cruel, Anti-Poor Policies Sound Sterile and Science-y (Part II) - Citations Needed - Air Date 12-1-21
Ch. 5: Noam Chomsky Part 2 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 11-20-21
Ch. 6: Reagan on Employee Ownership
Ch. 7: Ecology, Co-ops, and Profit - Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff - Air Date 12-8-21
Prof. Wolff interviews Prof. Melissa Scanlan on her new book showing how coops are a better bet than traditional capitalist corporations to solve current ecological crises.
Ch. 8: American Capitalism In 4 Different Ages w Jonathan Levy Part 2 - The Majority Report w Sam Seder - Air Date 12-8-21
Sam and Emma host Jonathan Levy, professor of History at the University of Chicago, to discuss his recent book Ages of American Capitalism: A History of the United States.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Liberal Hypocrisy is Fueling American Inequality. Here's How - NYT Opinion - The New York Times - Air Date 11-9-21
Many blue states are actually doing worse in some areas than red states. It is in blue states where affordable housing is often hardest to find, there are some of the most acute disparities in education funding and economic inequality.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Personal disability experience - Jade from Upstate New York
Ch. 11: Thoughts on human nature and systems - Quai from North Carolina
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the nature of laws and morality
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 1/14/2023
This Martin Luther King Day weekend, we take a look at a wider range of Black radicals who all helped build the unfinished Civil Rights Movement and who our history either whitewashes or demonizes to fit the narrative of American Exceptionalism™ marching us inexorably toward perfection.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The dangers of whitewashing black history | David Ikard - TEDxNashville - Air Date 6-18-22
Equipped with the real story of Rosa Parks, professor David Ikard highlights how making the realities of race more benign and digestible harms us all -- and emphasizes the power and importance of historical accuracy. This talk was filmed at TEDxNashville.
Ch. 2: The Black American Civil Rights Movement Was One of The Greatest "Military" Campaigns and Insurgencies in History - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 1-10-23
Thomas Ricks is the guest on this special January 2023 fundraising episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show.
Ch. 3: #ilovemalcolm: Tariq Ali on Malcolm X at Oxford - rosaluxnyc - Air Date 3-23-15
At "I Love Malcolm: Legacies of Love and Liberation" on February 14, 2015, organized by the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung—New York Office, Tariq Ali discusses the impact of Malcolm X's debate at Oxford University in 1964.
Ch. 4: The Radicalism of Martin Luther King Jr. and W.E.B. Du Bois - Communist Party USA - Air Date 2-26-20
WEB Du Bois and Martin Luther King Jr are two 20th-century giants in both the struggle for African American equality and the liberation of oppressed people worldwide.
Ch. 5: The Socialist Anti-Imperialism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Left Anchor - Air Date 1-18-21
Today we are hoisting up an episode from the archives in celebration of MLK Day. We discuss King's advocacy of democratic socialism and his argument that civil rights were inadequate without an equal share of economic production.
Ch. 6: Whitewashing 101: How To Rewrite Black History - Second Thought - Air Date 2-18-22
It's Black History Month, so it's about time we talked about the recuperation of Black radicals like Dr. King and Nelson Mandela. Everyone and their mother likes to claim MLK as their own, and use his words as a rhetorical weapon.
Ch. 7: Why the US government murdered Fred Hampton - Vox - Air Date 6-2-21
What we aren't taught about the Black Panther Party.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Written by Himself - the Life of Frederick Douglass - History of Indian and Africana Philosophy - Air Date 2-29-20
Frederick Douglass' journey from slave to leading figure of 19th-century American thought.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the producers who made this week's topics come to life
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE: Description: Composite image of black and white photos. Top: Martin Luther King Jr. talks with Malcom X. Bottom left: Portrait of W.E.B. Du Bois. Bottom Center: Rosa Parks’ mug shot. Bottom right: Button with the words “All Power to the People” surrounding Fred Hampton’s head.
Credit: MLK and Malcom X; W.E.B. Du Bois; Rosa Parks; Fred Hampton button | License All Images in Public Domain
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 1/11/2023
Today, we take a look at the way unscientific guidelines, government subsidies, corporate propaganda, cultural context, capitalism, community stigma, and many actively and loudly wallowing in ignorance have shaped your personal food choices.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: 'Healthy' Food, Nutrition and Access - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 10-12-22
The FDA has proposed new standards for food to qualify for its "healthy" seal of approval. Marion Nestle, professor emerita of nutrition, food studies, and public health at NYU talks about the changes, plus food insecurity and access to healthy food.
Ch. 2: The Meat Merchants Feeding Climate Catastrophe: Spencer Roberts and Jan Dutkiewicz Part 1 - This is Hell! - Air Date 11-29-22
Chuck Mertz speaks with science writer Spencer Roberts and political economist Jan Dutkiewicz about their New Republic Article, "How the Meat Industry Undermines Effective Climate Policy".
Ch. 3: The Politics of Meat ft. Jan Dutkiewicz - Our Hen House - Air Date 8-28-21
Political economist Jan Dutkiewicz, PhD, joins the podcast for a fascinating conversation about the ethical, political, legal, social, and environmental intersections of meat consumption.
Ch. 4: Which food future will you choose? - Jim Hightower's Radio Lowdown - Air Date 11-25-22
As the eminent farmer-poet-activist Wendell Berry tells us, eating is a profound political act.
Ch. 5: The Meat Merchants Feeding Climate Catastrophe: Spencer Roberts and Jan Dutkiewicz Part 2 - This is Hell! - Air Date 11-29-22
Ch. 6: Black, Brown, and Diverse Plant-Based People for Equity w/ Lisa Dumas - Our Hen House - Air Date 10-29-22
Lisa Dumas is on a mission to make the world a better place. This week she joins us on the podcast for a conversation about how she’s working toward expanding access to plant-based food options to those in need.
Ch. 7: High-End Veganism and the Rise of Plant-Based Eating - Past Present - Air Date 10-5-21
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the history of veganism in light of an eviscerating review of the new plant-based menu at the New York restaurant Eleven Madison Park.
Ch. 8: Animal Agriculture is the New Oil w/ George Monbiot - Downstream - Air Date 6-8-22
In his new book Regenesis: Feeding the World Without Devouring the Planet, George Monbiot warns that we’re approaching a tipping point in the fight to protect the planet.
Ch. 9: A (Mostly) Vegan World Plantf*ckers Can Save Us All - UNFTR - Air Date 1-8-22
It’s finally time to unf*ck our food system and talk about veganism. We decided not to pursue this topic from a moral or ethical perspective, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a story about justice.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: The Politics of Meat ft. Jan Dutkiewicz Part 2 - Our Hen House - Air Date 8-28-21
Ch. 11: The Meat Merchants Feeding Climate Catastrophe: Spencer Roberts and Jan Dutkiewicz Part 3 - This is Hell! - Air Date 11-29-22
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on our emotional attachment to our perspective on food
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE
Description: A woman with short gray hair and glasses stands in front of the brightly lit meat section at a grocery store. She looks down at a package of meat in her hands.
Credit: "d2590-1" by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 1/7/2023
Today, we take a look at the criminal charges against Donald Trump that the January 6th Committee has referred to the DOJ but examine them through the lens of past presidential crimes that have gone unpunished from Nixon to George W. Bush
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: No One Is Above The Law - Calls Grow for Trump to Be Charged to Avoid Another Coup Attempt - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-20-22
We speak with Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a scholar of fascism and authoritarianism, and Robert Weissman, president of the advocacy group Public Citizen.
Ch. 2: Historian Meets Watergate Prosecutor On The Right (And Wrong) Kinds Of President Part 1 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 12-28-22
Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University and Jill Wine-Banks, MSNBC legal analyst and former Watergate special prosecutor look to lessons from Watergate for what needs to happen with the Jan. 6th committee report.
Ch. 3: Lisa Gilbert on the January 6 Report - CounterSpin - Air Date 12-23-22
We spoke with Lisa Gilbert, executive vice president of Public Citizen and co-founder of the forged-for-purpose Not Above the Law Coalition, about what the hearings found and why it can’t end there.
Ch. 4: Historian Meets Watergate Prosecutor On The Right (And Wrong) Kinds Of President Part 2 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 12-28-22
Ch. 5: "Brazen" Fraud: David Cay Johnston on How Trump's Tax Returns Show He Defrauded U.S. & Enriched Himself - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-3-23
Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter David Cay Johnston, who has covered Trump for decades, says the new documents show "absolutely brazen" tax fraud. "Donald Trump has been a criminal his whole life," says Johnston.
Ch. 6: Obama on Investigating Bush Crimes: "Need to Look Forward" - This Week - Air Date 1-11-09
Barack Obama on This Week, January 11, 2009
Ch. 7: Obama Admin: Torture Not Illegal, Just A "Disagreement" - The Young Turks - Aired 3-27-10
Speaking of hangovers... Look forward, not backward. We don't do truth and reconciliation in this country.
Ch. 8: The Central Cause of January 6th Was One Man House Panel Urges Trump Be Banned from Public Office - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-23-22
We’re joined by John Nichols, The Nation’s national affairs correspondent, to discuss the full report.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Ginni Thomas not mentioned in Jan. 6 Committee report - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 1-3-23
Slate’s Mark Joseph Stern and political strategist Rina Shah join Mehdi to discuss.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: The upside of TikTok - James
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the good and bad of tech and the structural nature of media
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 1/3/2023
Today, we take a look at the emerging implementation of facial recognition technology in public and commercial spaces along with the tracking and "amplifagandizing" capabilities of TikTok
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Twitter, Facial Recognition and the First Amendment - The Lawfare Podcast - Air Date 4-15-21
This week on Arbiters of Truth, the Lawfare Podcast’s miniseries on our online information ecosystem, Evelyn Douek and Quinta Jurecic spoke with Jameel Jaffer and Ramya Krishnan of the Knight First Amendment Institute.
Ch. 2: Addressing the TikTok Threat Part 1 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 9-8-22
TikTok, the flagship app of the Chinese company Bytedance, recently surpassed Google and Facebook as the most popular site on the internet in 2021, and is expected to reach more than 1.8 billion users by the end of 2022.
Ch. 3: Privacy, your face and the rise of facial recognition - Life Matters from ABC - Air Date 7-26-22
Several large retailers, including Kmart and Bunnings, already use facial recognition technology in their stores – collecting biometric data that is as unique as a fingerprint – but are customers aware of how their facial data is being captured and used?
Ch. 4: NJ Legal Rights & NYPD's Facial Recognition Technology - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-30-22
Alexander Shalom, senior supervising attorney and director of Supreme Court advocacy at the ACLU-NJ, talks about the implications of a case in Hudson County, NJ, where a suspect was identified using the NYPD's facial recognition technology.
Ch. 5: The problem with banning TikTok - Vox - Air Date 8-29-20
TikTok’s in trouble. But so is the internet as we know it.
Ch. 6: Are You Feeding a Powerful Facial Recognition Algorithm? - NOVA PBS Official - Air Date 4-23-21
Facial recognition technology has great potential to help law enforcement identify suspects. But collecting and storing data from online photos has raised concern among critics.
Ch. 7: Addressing the TikTok Threat Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 9-8-22
Ch. 8: Why Facial Recognition Technology Is So Dangerous - Second Thought - Air Date 7-3-20
Government crackdowns, hyper-personalized ads, real-time location tracking of citizens. Mass surveillance is a growing threat in the modern world. In this episode, we'll take a look at why it's so dangerous.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: The Real Danger Of ChatGPT - Nerwriter1 - Air Date 12-30-22
The Nerdwriter is a series of video essays about art, culture, politics, philosophy and more.
Ch. 10: Hustle / Grind Alpha Bro vs. Random ChatGPT Guy - Andrew Rousso - Air Date 12-13-22
Inside everyone, there are two wolves but inside me... there are three.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the new ad system for the show
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 12-15-22
Today, Jay!, Amanda, Erin, and Deon discuss:
-
Why framing corporations are moral actors is a step on the path to conspiratorial thinking
-
Conservative framing that doesn't make them look as good as they think it does
-
Indoctrination as a scare word
-
Defining political topics that are beyond the scope of civil debate
Connect to out Discord
References:
Tucker Carlson: Apple is covering for the Chinese government
Apple is willing to engage in global censorship: David Sack
Apple CEO confronted over China protests
Alito asks a hypothetical about a Black Santa at the mall who doesn't want to have his picture taken with a child dressed up in a KKK outfit.
Kanye STORMS OUT On Tim Pool After Claiming Jewish Cabal Is Targeting Him - The Majority Report
MAHER: ‘Don’t Say Gay Law’ Could Have Been Called ‘Let’s Do Things the Way We Did 5 Years Ago Law’
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Original Air Date 10/27/2021
Today we take a look at some of the ways that 25 years of Fox News has reshaped our media and political landscape. Crucially, understanding Fox isn't just about their influence on their conservative viewers but how they manage to hack the political conversation for the rest of us.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The War On Fox Is Over - The Young Turks - Air Date 12-22-13
Archive clip from A parody of itself (Media) - Best of the Left - Archives - Air Date 2-17-14
Ch. 2: Losing Relatives to Fox News - You're Wrong About - Air Date 12-7-20
Mike tells Sarah what makes older Americans more vulnerable to misinformation — and who is delivering it to them.
Ch. 3: Kevin Drum on how Fox 'News' broke America - The Bradcast - Air Date 9-17-21
Data journalist and longtime Mother Jones columnist KEVIN DRUM explains his exhaustive analysis of the madness of this political moment, and how and why we arrived at it. The Right has seemingly gone mad due to the spread of conspiracy theories.
Ch. 4: You're watching Fox News. You just don't know it. - Vox - Air Date 5-24-19
Fox News was created to push right-wing nonsense to the mainstream, and now there’s no escape.
Ch. 5: Conspiracy Network OAN 90% Funded by AT&T - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 10-7-21
Right wing conspiracy network OAN turns out to be 90% funded by AT&T
Ch. 6: How Fox News Made Every Moment of the Last 25 Years Worse - The New Abnormal - Air Date 10-7-21
Yes, it’s been 25 years since Fox News came on the air—25 years of “refracting the absolute most absurd and destructive and deadly disinformation and misinformation from the right wing fever swamps,” Carusone tells co-hosts Molly and Jesse.
Ch. 7: What 25 Years Of Fox News Poison Have Done To America - All In - Air Date 10-8-21
Chris Hayes marks 25 years of dangerous lies from Fox News: “There is a direct pipeline from what appears on Fox News to the absolute worst manifestations, worst behavior, worst elements of our politics and society.”
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Former Fox News Reporter Tells All - David Pakman Show - Air Date 2-05-13
Archive clip from Ridiculing Fox isn't just fun, it's important (Media) - Best of the Left - Archives - Air Date 2-28-13
Ch. 9: The biggest difference between Trump and Nixon is Fox News - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 11-8-19
Nicole Hemmer, the brilliant historian of conservative media, joins to discuss how Fox News and the larger conservative media-verse protects Trump but also lures him into disaster.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the multi-decade victim mentality of conservatives about the media
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A slightly distorted Fox News logo sits askew at the center of a hypnotic spiral.
Credits: “Fox News” by Johnny Silvercloud, Flickr | License | Changes: Added hypnotic swirl background, cropped, faded edges || Hypnosis Spiral via Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 12/24/2022
Today, we compare the far-right religious extremists who are fighting to gain power in the US with the protests against the theocratic regime in Iran supporting women's rights in the country.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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Join our Discord community!
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How a new Christian right is changing US politics - BBC News - Air Date 11-28-22
A new battle of faith is being driven by some pastors and politicians in the United States. Their central message is that the country's conservative Christian way of life is under threat, and American society is moving in the wrong direction.
Ch. 2: Women's Rights Activist on Protests Sweeping Iran, the Intensifying Gov't Crackdown & Executions Part 1 - Democracy now! - Air Date 10-15-22
"Iranians voted multiple times for over two decades for some process of reform … but the state has not given in to those demands," she says. "What we're seeing now is the result." Tahmasebi is the director of FEMENA
Ch. 3: The Taliban’s Far-Right Fan Base - VICE - Air Date 10-18-21
In chat rooms and message boards on the darker corners of the web - far-right groups have been praising the Taliban’s takeover, lauding their religious fundamentalism, execution of opponents, and hatred of so-called liberalism.
Ch. 4: Complete Dissatisfaction with the Current Order - Why Protests in Iran Are Not Slowing Down - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-6-22
"Today's movement is not calling for reform. Today's movement is calling for a new vision of politics … with women at the helm of it," says Narges Bajoghli, professor of anthropology and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University
Ch. 5: Are We Prepared For Anti-Democratic Extremist Threats? Featuring Peter Montgomery - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-15-22
Far Right, Anti-Democratic Extremist groups are not slowing down. Some even have connections with ‘mainstream’ Republican politicians. Peter Montgomery joins Thom Hartmann to discuss the threat the far right still poses.
Ch. 6: Inside the Iran Protests: What You Need to Know Nahid Siamdoust - The Majority Report - Air Date 12-18-22
Sam and Emma host Nahid Siamdoust, Assistant Professor of Middle East and Media Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, to discuss the recent political protests in Iran.
Ch. 7: Republican Leader Trump's Dinner With Racist Forces Reckoning For Normal Americans - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 11-28-22
Rachel Maddow shares some of the fringe perspectives of the racist, Christian fascist who Donald Trump hosted for dinner at Mar-a-Lago
Ch. 8: Women's Rights Activist on Protests Sweeping Iran, the Intensifying Gov't Crackdown & Executions Part 2 - Democracy now! - Air Date 10-15-22
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Will SCOTUS Turn America Into A Theocracy? (w/ Rachel Laser) - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 4-18-22
Joseph Kennedy, a football coach, pressured his students to pray with him. He was asked not pressure students into religion during Public School activities. but he refused. Rachel Laser joined Thom to discuss the case and the pressure on students.
Ch. 10: Hayes: Supreme Court conservative majority is ‘high council of Fox News viewers’ - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 12-5-22
“Because the conservative majority has tossed away all pretense of being anything other than, essentially, a high council of Fox News viewers, they decided her case should be heard before the Supreme Court,” says Chris Hayes
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on why Christian Nationalists would be better off not installing a dictatorship
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
What if California seceded from the United States? If it did, what would happen? Would it usher in a new era of peace and prosperity? Or plunge the US into a new civil war? This is The Last Resort, a new documentary podcast following the rise, fall, and rebirth of CAL EXIT: the campaign for Californian Independence. It’s a story about a dream for a new progressive utopia on the West Coast. It’s about the fight for America’s future. And it’s also a tale of two friends who started on the political fringe and ended up in the middle of a still-unfolding global criminal conspiracy involving the FBI and Russian Intelligence. Coming October 18th from Interval Presents and Awfully Nice. Narrated by Xiuhtezcatl.
Binge all episodes of The Last Resort available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Original Air Date: 12-1-22
Today, Jay!, Amanda and Deon discuss:
-
That the youth are doing away with "You're welcome"
-
Words Matter: Building solidarity or maintaining power structures through vocatives
-
The power play of intentional misnaming
-
Ye's name, ego and run for president
Connect our Discord Community
References:
A scorching hot take on why younger people say 'no problem' instead of 'you're welcome.'
Words Matter by Sally McConnell-Ginet
HOW TO PRONOUNCE YE AND MEANING OF KANYE’S NEW NAME EXPLAINED
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 12/17/2022
Today, we take a look at the fringe philosophy of accelerationism that is having a bigger impact on society than you will likely have realized as it's been behind some of the worst terror attacks in recent years and is likely behind attacks on infrastructure targeting society as a whole.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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Join our Discord community!
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Dystopian Philosophy You've Never Heard Of - Philion - Air Date 6-26-22
Explaining the origins of Accelerationism
Ch. 2: A Foiled Plot in Texas: The Threat of Violent Fringe Online Networks - Tech Against Terrorism - Air Date 2-22-22
Matt Kriner is an intelligence analyst with almost a decade of experience researching and analyzing US domestic violent extremists, transnational far-right extremism, and radicalization.
Ch. 3: “It only takes a few” - White Hot Hate - Air Date 11-28-21
Some members of The Base are planning deadly attacks that they hope will spark a race war. Will they be stopped, before it's too late?
Ch. 4: Proud Boys, January 6, and When a U-Haul Is a Clown Car - Angry Planet - Air Date 6-17-22
So, it’s time to look again at what this group — and related groups — did on January 6, and just how dangerous they really are. We’ll also talk about accelerationism, what it is and what accelerationists want.
Ch. 5: Right-Wing, Domestic Terror Eyed In N.C. Infrastructure Sabotage As Facts Remain Elusive - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 12-6-22
Rachel Maddow looks at a mysterious gun attack on electricity infrastructure in North Carolina and how it lines up with a past attack in California in 2013 and a DOJ case this year against white supremacists in Ohio.
Ch. 6: Accelerationism: The International Apocalyptic Doctrine That's Unifying the Far Right - World Affairs Council Monterey Bay - Air Date 5-29-21
Accelerationism is a doctrine of revolutionary violence that holds that society is irreparably broken and must be destroyed. In recent years it has caught on among a variety of disparate movements throughout the world.
Ch. 7: The seductive dangers of speed - RSA Podcasts - Air Date 7-5-17
The accelerating pace of political and economic change can be disorienting – but, for some, change isn’t happening fast enough. Matthew Taylor is joined by the journalist Andy Beckett and philosophers Benjamin Noys and Nina Power
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Why We’re All Rooting for the Apocalypse - Wisecrack - Air Date 4-8-22
The apocalypse has never been more omnipresent in the cultural zeitgeist. But why are we all so convinced that the world is going to end, and do we have a moral obligation to prevent this gnarly fate?
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Sign that union card and support striking unions! - Nick From California
UAW-UC Academic Workers Strike Support and Hardship Fund
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments giving some helpful advice to White supremacists looking to start a race war
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A young white man dressed in a black hoodie with the hood over his hat is looking away from the camera while wearing a black mask with the image of the lower half of a skull on it. A lit torch is next to him in the foreground. A lit structure and a crowd of people are visible in the background.
Credit: “Face of the streets” by spoilt.exile, Flickr | License CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 12/13/2022
Today, we take a look at the labor dispute within our freight rail industry as well as other unionization fights that corporations are vehemently opposing while the Democrats and Biden, the "most pro-labor president ever" are doing precious little to help.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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Join our Discord community!
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Railroaded - Bad Faith - Air Date 12-1-22
Union train engineer Ross Grooters returns to the podcast along with The Real News' Maximilian Alvarez, and Bad Faith newbie and co-host of Well There's Your Problem Justin Roczniak.
Ch. 2: The People's Guide To Power - The Power Of Labor - The Brain Lehrer Show - Air Date 10-23-22
Labor unions represent workers in conversations with their employers. Can a political party represent workers in our government? Sochie Nnaemeka talks about some of the policies and politics behind the party's agenda.
Ch. 3: Biden, Congressional Dems Partner with GOP, Media to Discipline Rail Labor - Citations Needed - Air Date 11-30-22
We are joined by Real News' Mel Buer and Max Alvarez to discuss the media campaign to obscure Biden and Congressional Dems selling out rail workers.
Ch. 4: Railroaded Part 2 - Bad Faith - Air Date 12-1-22
Union train engineer Ross Grooters returns to the podcast along with The Real News' Maximilian Alvarez, and Bad Faith newbie and co-host of Well There's Your Problem Justin Roczniak.
Ch. 5: John Logan on Amazon & Starbucks Organizing - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-7-22
With tens of thousands of workers walking out around the country, the notion that this is somehow not meaningful should be hard to maintain.
Ch. 6: Instability - Capitalism's Constant - Economic Update with Richard Wolff - Air Date 12-1-22
Prof. Wolff presents updates on the Twitter-Musk scandals, critique of profit as a return on risk, and mass European union-led strikes against inflation.
Ch. 7: How to show solidarity with railroad workers - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 11-16-22
In a special panel co-hosted by The Real News and Haymarket Books, Railroad Workers United members speak about their struggle, the situation on the rails, and how you can get involved in efforts to support them.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Wall Street is holding the supply chain hostage to stop a railroad workers' strike - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 9-15-22
Maximilian Alvarez interviews Matt Parker, a full-time locomotive engineer who’s worked on the railroads for 19 years. Parker also serves part-time as Chairman on the Nevada State Legislative Board of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the hot mess of the fight for labor rights
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 11/9/2021
Today we take a look at the Facebook business model that is driving hate, lies, violence, extremism, and the breakdown of democracy around the world as well as some of the regulatory ideas geared toward reigning it in and mitigating the damage.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Facebook Papers Docs Reveal Tech Giants Complicity in Hate, Lies & Violence Around the World Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-26-21
UCLA professor Ramesh Srinivasan, who says the papers confirm what many critics have warned about for years. “This new form of digital capitalism that I believe Facebook is trailblazing is one that is playing with our intimate emotions on every level."
Ch. 2: Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen in Conversation Part 1 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-18-21
Tristan and Aza go behind the headlines with Frances herself. We go deeper into the problems she exposed, discuss potential solutions, and explore her motivations — along with why she fundamentally believes change is possible.
Ch. 3: Hate and Lies On Facebook: They're Even Worse In India Part 1 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 10-27-21
We've been hearing about revelations from the leaked 'Facebook Papers.' What has the social media giant been doing, and what they haven't been doing, around the world? Guest: Sheera Frenkel, New York Times technology reporter.
Ch. 4: Zuckerberg's Metaverse - TyskySour - Air Date 10-29-21
Facebook is now Meta, and Mark Zuckerberg says our future is in the Metaverse. Is virtual reality the future of the internet, or Zuckerberg’s latest gimmick? With Michael Walker and Aaron Bastani.
Ch. 5: The Facebook Papers Docs Reveal Tech Giants Complicity in Hate, Lies & Violence Around the World Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-26-21
Ch. 6: Hate and Lies On Facebook: They're Even Worse In India Part 2 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 10-27-21
Ch. 7: Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen in Conversation Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-18-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen in Conversation Part 3 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-18-21
Ch. 9: The Science Fiction Origins of the Metaverse - On the Media - Air Date 11-5-21
Jill Lepore, Harvard historian and New Yorker staff writer; Gene Seymour culture critic with work in Newsday, the Nation, etc; and Annalee Newitz science fiction author and science journalist, on the makings (and potential mishaps) of the metaverse.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on Facebooks treatment of nonprofits and the actions you can take to call for regulation
TAKE ACTION!
Take part in The Facebook Logout, Nov. 10th-13th via Kairos & coalition - Read the demands
Call on DOJ, SEC, and FTC to Open Criminal Investigations into Facebook Execs via American Economic Liberties Project & MoveOn.org
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A cardboard cutout of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg wearing a black shirt that says "FACEBOOK" and holding a flag (referencing his infamous July 4th video where he rode a hydrofoil on a lake while holding a giant American flag). The flag is dark blue with white text that says "I know we harm kids, but i don't care." with a Facebook icon. A roadway with cars and a building with scaffolding can be seen in the background.
Credit: "Zuckerberg_Sum_Of_Us_2" by SumOfUs, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, enhanced brightness, contrast and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 12/6/2022
Today, we take a look at some of the factors driving hyper-partisanship in the US right now along with multiple arguments to not give up on the power of persuasion.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What If We Don't Need To 'Fix' Polarization? - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 3-20-21
NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben interviews Lilliana Mason, associate professor of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland, about her book Uncivil Agreement.
Ch. 2: Getting Past Polarization: Anand Giridharadas - Ideas - Air Date 11-23-22
The extremes are extreme in U.S. politics. But Anand Giridharadas and some other progressives are convinced that there are uncompromising approaches that can move up to 60 percent of voters to value democracy and human rights.
Ch. 3: How to fix our polarized conversations (with Robb Willer) - How to Be a Better Human - Air Date 2-1-21
Is your family, community, or even your country more divided than ever? Today’s guest Robb Willer is here to share some compelling insights on how we might bridge the ideological divide and offer some intuitive advice on ways to be more persuasive.
Ch. 4: Can persuasion bridge the political divide? - Front Burner - Air Date 11-25-22
In his book, Giridharadas speaks with experts on reaching people — organizers, activists, politicians, cognitive scientists, and even a cult deprogrammer — and takes a critical look at his fellow American progressives.
Ch. 5: Why We're So Polarized - The Truth of the Matter - Air Date 10-25-21
Johns Hopkins University professor Dr. Lillianna Mason joins the podcast for a discussion of political polarization in the U.S. and how politics have become central to the identities of many Americans across racial, religious and cultural lines.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 6: An innovative polling model can move us past political polarization - The Future of Everything - Air Date 6-24-22
A Stanford professor explains how the deliberative polling model can get people to listen to one another and even compromise on some of society’s most complex policy issues.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 7: Final comments on hyper-partisanship in the ballot box
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 12/3/2022
Today, we take a look at the mega-companies that touch all of our lives and the monopolistic practices that have been developed to keep power and wealth concentrated with the few while the rest of us get screwed.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Tech Monopolies - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 6-13-22
John Oliver discusses tech monopolies, and how to address the hidden harm they can do.
Ch. 2: How Ticketmaster Is Destroying Live Music - More Perfect Union - Air Date 10-19-22
Ticketmaster is destroying live music. Their scam fees now cost as much as 78% of a ticket. They control the events, the venues, and even the artists. There’s a movement pushing the Justice Department to take on its monopoly. Cory Doctorow breaks it down.
Ch. 3: Corporate Greed Is Causing Inflation But The Rich Blame Workers - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 11-16-22
Not since the Great Depression have corporate profits soared so high. But it is not enough to satisfy them. More than 54% of the inflation America is experiencing is caused by record-setting corporate profits.
Ch. 4: Why Food Prices Could Skyrocket Thanks to This Grocery Merger - More Perfect Union - Air Date 11-14-22
Safeway, Ralphs, Smiths, Harris Teeters, Shaws, Kings, Randalls, and about 25 other brands, will all be owned by a single company if the Kroger-Albertsons merger goes through. And that’s really bad news for the prices you pay.
Ch. 5: Chokepoint Capitalism (with Cory Doctorow and Rebecca Giblin) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 11-1-22
Novelist Cory Doctorow and intellectual property expert Rebecca Giblin discuss their new book, Chokepoint Capitalism, which documents the increasing tensions between extractive corporations and creative laborers.
Ch. 6: Making The Case For Abolishing Billionaires - MSNBC - Air Date 11-21-22
"One after another, four of our best-known billionaires laid waste to the image of benevolent saviors carefully cultivated by their class," Anand Giridharadas writes in a recent New York Times column.
Ch. 7: Elon Musk Is An Idiot (and so are Zuck and SBF) - Adam Conover - Air Date 11-23-22
Tech CEOs aren't geniuses, and here's the proof.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Chokepoint Capitalism (with Cory Doctorow and Rebecca Giblin) Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 11-1-22
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on how regulation helps stop financial scams
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 11-5-22 Today, Jay!, Amanda, Deon and Erin discuss: - The Neverending Story - Instilling distrust through abuse - More on collectivist storytelling - Joseph Campbell and the myth of the monomyth - The politics of public toilets and potty training Connect to our Discord References: The Martin Beck Police Mystery Series Joseph Campbell's Myth of the Monomyth | Part 1 - Maggie May Fish The Weird History of Gender-Segregated Bathrooms - Live Science The Powerful History of Potty Training - The Atlantic How an urban myth about litter boxes in schools became a GOP talking point Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 11/30/2022
Today, we take a look at the context of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar including the labor abuses endemic in the construction of the facilities, the authoritarianism and anti-LGBTQ policies of the Qatari government, and the corruption fundamental to the inner working of FIFA that brought the tournament to Qatar in the first place.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Qatar and a World Cup controversy - Front Burner - Air Date 11-10-22
In the decade since Qatar won its bid to host this year's tournament, allegations of bribery, discrimination and human rights abuses have threatened to overshadow the game.
Ch. 2: What Does Qatar Want? - Pro Revolution Soccer - Air Date 11-25-22
Tom speaks to Lebanese writer and activist Ali Reda about why Gulf petrostates are investing billions into football – particularly in the north of England – and what the British state gets out of the deal.
Ch. 3: Qatar and the World Cup of Shame - Burn It All Down - Air Date 4-20-21
We discuss the (longstanding) controversy around the Qatar 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup including the ongoing inhumane working conditions and indentured servitude for migrant laborers building stadiums that have led to at least 6,500 deaths
Ch. 4: World Cup: Welcome to Qatar! - Today, Explained - Air Date 11-4-22
Soccer is sometimes called “the second religion of the Arab World,” and Qatar is the region’s first country to host the World Cup.
Ch. 5: Qatar World Cup: FIFA president defends tournament in extraordinary speech - Channel 4 News - Air Date 11-19-22
FIFA's President Gianni Infantino gave an extraordinary speech in which he railed against Western hypocrisy over migrant workers
Ch. 6: 'One Love' campaign hit by threat of FIFA sanctions - DW News - Air Date 11-21-22
The threat of sanctions has resulted in the seven European nations who had signed up to the One Love campaign, including England and Germany, announcing their decision to abandon plans to wear the rainbow-themed captain’s armbands.
Ch. 7: Boom in demand for 'One Love' arm bands banned by FIFA - FRANCE 24 English - Air Date 11-24-22
The "One Love" armbands that captains of some teams at the World Cup had been intending to wear to show support for the LGBTQ+ community are seeing a boom in demand among the general public after FIFA decided to ban players from wearing the armbands.
Ch. 8: Qatar World Cup - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 11-21-22
John Oliver discusses the Qatar World Cup, the human rights violations happening in the sporting event’s host country, and what perfection really means to David Beckham.
Ch. 9: Human Rights and the Qatar World Cup - Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters - Air Date 11-16-22
In this episode, we speak with Michael Page, deputy director in the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch We discuss how and why migrant workers were exploited in Qatar and then have a conversation about human rights
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: How FIFA corrupted the World Cup - Vox - Air Date 11-23-22
FIFA announced the 2022 World Cup would take place in a surprising country, Qatar. At that same meeting, they also announced that the 2018 World Cup would take place in Russia. These selections set off a new chapter in FIFA’s history
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the propaganda master class put on by the president of FIFA
Reference: FIFA President Gianni Infantino Press conference
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 11/27/2018
Today we take a look at the literal and figurative bloody messes of the history of Thanksgiving and the identities of native peoples. This episode is the second in an ongoing series focusing on Native Peoples in North America. Other episodes include #1216 on Christopher Columbus, #1252 on Westward Expansion, #1265 on native peoples adapting to the modern world, and #1283 on (mis)representation of native peoples in popular culture.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: A Code Switch Thanksgiving Feast - Code Switch - Air Date 11-21-17
Exploring the conflicting narratives of American Thanksgiving.
Ch. 2: Historian Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz on Thanksgiving: "It Has Never Been About Honoring Native Americans" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 11-29-16
We speak with indigenous historian and activist Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. She is the author of "An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States" and co-author of "All the Real Indians Died Off: And 20 Other Myths About Native Americans."
Ch. 3: The stolen sisters Part 1 - In the Thick - Air Date 9-18-18
Maria and Julio speak about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement with Annita Lucchesi, a Southern Cheyenne cartographer who has built the largest database of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Ch. 4: Indigenous DNA - Science for the People - Air Date 1-5-17
Kim TallBear, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples Technoscience, on her book "Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic Science."
Ch. 5: The stolen sisters Part 2 - In the Thick - Air Date 9-18-18
Maria and Julio speak about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement with Annita Lucchesi, a Southern Cheyenne cartographer who has built the largest database of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Ch. 6: It's not just about the blood - Code Switch - Air Date 2-6-18
If you're Native American, who or what gets to define your identity? We dive into an old system intended to measure the amount of "Indian blood" a person has.
Ch. 7: Native Americans React to Elizabeth Warren's DNA Test: Stop Making Native People "Political Fodder" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 10-18-18
Native Americans across the country are criticizing Senator Elizabeth Warren’s decision to use a DNA test to assert her Native American heritage. We host a roundtable discussion of Native American activists and journalists to respond.
Ch. 8: Indigenous historian Nick Estes discusses the trivializing of native people - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 10-23-18
Indigenous historian Nick Estes discusses the ongoing attacks on native people, voter disenfranchisement, the Red Power movement and the latest on the fight against major oil and gas pipelines.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: The dangers of over-secrecy - Abdul from DC
Ch. 10: Final comments on #StandWithMashpee
TAKE ACTION!
Tell your members of Congress to support the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation Reaffirmation Act (H.R. 5244 / S. 2628)
Learn more and find out how to support the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
Share the tribe’s video on social media
Amplify the #StandwithMashpee hashtag
EDUCATE YOURSELF
The true story of the first Thanksgiving and what it meant (Opinion | Boston Globe)
Mashpee Wampanoag Confront 'Loss Of Self-Governance' After Interior Department Reversal (WBUR, Here & Now)
This Thanksgiving, The Trump Administration Is Taking Land From The Tribe That Welcomed The Pilgrims (Huffington Post)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 11/22/2022
Today, we take a look at three recent incidents of celebrities using their platforms to spread antisemitic tropes all in the context of greater openness to antisemitism within the Republican Party in the age of Trumpism.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: From Kanye To Trump: The Mainstreaming Of Antisemitism On The American Right - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 10-17-22
Chris Hayes: "Right-wing politics as currently embodied by MAGAism—which is the dominant ethos of one of two of America's major parties—has always been and will always be fundamentally a threat to tolerance and pluralism that will inevitably target Jews."
Ch. 2: Anti-Semitism - This is Democracy - Air Date 11-9-22
This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Peter Beinart to discuss the history of antisemitism in The United States and around the world.
Ch. 3: Legacy Media Problems - In The Thick - Air Date 10-28-22
Maria and Julio talk about the mainstream media’s coverage of the election, the consequences of Kanye West’s antisemitic and anti-Black comments, and voter intimidation efforts in Arizona.
Ch. 4: Conspiracy theories, anti-Semitism and fun - The Philosopher's Zone - Air Date 5-29-22
You don’t have to be stupid to be a conspiracy theorist. Many people who buy into paranoid fantasies about stolen Presidential elections and sinister global Jewish cabals are perfectly sane, well-educated individuals. So why do they fall for these myths?
Ch. 5: Unpacking Kyrie Irving - Edge of Sports - Air Date 11-7-22
‘Choice Words’ about Kyrie Irving, anti-Semitism, and his frightening new allies.
Ch. 6: A historic look at the ties between Black and Jewish communities - CBS Mornings - Air Date 7-22-20
Jericka Duncan took a deep dive into the history of anti-Semitism, and the rich history between the Black and Jewish communities.
Ch. 7: A word about the casual antisemitism that's growing and who it supports - jamylecannon - Air Date 10-28-22
Why "positive" stereotypes about Jewish people are promoted by White Supremacists
Ch. 8: Nick reacts to Kyrie Irving’s promotion of antisemitic film - What’s Wright? - Air Date 10-31-22
Nick weighs in on Irving’s recent promotion of antisemitic film before Jewish-owned team visited Nets. Nick reacts to Irving’s actions involving his past controversies with off-the-court issues.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Pogroms and Prejudice - Arts & Ideas - Air Date 8-24-22
New Generation Thinker Brendan McGeever traces the links between anti-Semitism now and pogroms in the former Soviet Union and the language used to describe this form of racism.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Policing gender norms - VoicedMailer John
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on Jon Stewart discussing antisemitism and Dave Chapelle
Articles:
Jon Stewart is right about how to fight antisemitism — and should maybe be our ‘spokesjew’
Jon Stewart is not our ‘spokesjew’ — he normalized hate speech
Original Interview:
Jon Stewart On Dave Chappelle, Kyrie Irving, And Kanye West - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert - Air Date 11-15-22
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Horizontally split image. The top half is a black and white photo of Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) performing at a concert. The bottom half is a close-up, profile photo of Kyrie Irving on the basketball court holding a basketball near his face about to shoot.
Credit 1: “Kanye West Central Hall” by Daniel Cruz Valle, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Credit 2: “Kyrie Irving” by Erik Frost, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 4/16/2019
Today we take a look at just a few of the aspects of modern life for Native Peoples that we can see as stemming from the racism and colonialism that have been endemic in post-contact America. This episode is the fourth in an ongoing series focusing on Native Peoples in North America. Previous episodes are, in order, #1216 on Christopher Columbus, #1230 on Thanksgiving, and #1252 on Westward Expansion.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: American Indians Confront “Savage Anxieties” - Moyers and Company - Air Date 12-26-14
Bill speaks with Robert A. Williams Jr., a professor specializing in American Indian law, about how deals such as the one with Rio Tinto are a part of American Indian’s tragic history of dispossession.
Ch. 2: What we inherit: Explaining intergenerational trauma - Code Switch - Air Date 6-6-18
The story of one family's struggle to end a toxic cycle of inter-generational trauma from forced assimilation. Getting back to their Native Alaskan cultural traditions is key.
Ch. 3: Sexual Violence and Native American Genocide - @Making_Contact - Air Date 11-26-13
Andrea Smith, author of “Conquest: Sexual Violence and Native American Genocide” explains the connection between violence against women, and the colonization of native lands and bodies.
Ch. 4: The legal structures that uphold violence against Indigenous people #MMIW - Let's Talk Native... with John Kane - Air Date 2-14-19
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is a major issue because of racism. Acquittals for murdering Native people occur because of racism. Racism is systemic, historic and the norm in the US and Canada.
Ch. 5: End the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Crisis: Tell Congress to Pass #SavannasAct, #SURVIVEAct & Reauthorize #VAWA
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.
Ch. 6: Jenni Monet on Indigenous Journalism - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 1-24-19
Corporate media’s lack of interest in indigenous issues, and their ahistorical, distorted view of them when they do cover them, are long overdue for a change.
Ch. 7: Beyond Tragedy: The living history of Native America - Ideas from CBC Radio - Air Date 2-20-19
This idea of history as tragedy is something that Ojibwe writer David Treuer tries to undo in The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee. He argues that Indigenous peoples have always found ways to adapt, and that's exactly what they're doing now.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Disagreeing on arguments against a female presidential candidate - Stacy from San Francisco Bay Area
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments sharing some voices of Native people giving their perspective on the burning of Notre Dame cathedral
TAKE ACTION!
Tell Congress to Pass/Reauthorize:
- Savanna's Act
- SURVIVE Act
- Violence Against Women Act
Learn more at MontanaMMIW.com & on Twitter: #MMIW #MMIWG
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
A missing sweater tells the story of missing Indigenous women (Indian Country Today)
Savanna's Act is Back (Splinter)
States weigh bills addressing Native deaths, disappearances (AP)
House Passes Bill Protecting Domestic Abuse Victims; GOP Split Over Gun Restrictions (NPR)
Montana Senate Betrays Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (Splinter)
Tester reintroduces “Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment” Act (KRTV)
Lisa Murkowski Revives Bill Targeting Missing And Murdered Native Women (Huffington Post)
Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Episode Image: Slowking4 via commons.wikimedia.org
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 11/15/2022
Today, we take a look at our extremely steady history of political violence from the Revolution, through the Civil War, Reconstruction and Jim Crow, into the Civil Rights era, the Militia Movement and domestic terrorism, and now to our current once-again-radicalized, right-wing movement willing to use and tacitly condone violence as a political tactic.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Capitol Attack Wasn't the 1st Violent Incident in Congress - Inside Edition - Air Date 1-20-22
According to Yale historian Joanne Freeman, “The caning of Charles Sumner, which happened in 1856, is pretty much the most famous violent incident in the US Congress.”
Ch. 2: A history of US political violence Part 1 - Americast - Air Date 11-2-22
The Americast team looks at how the attack has led to the sharing of disinformation on social media and Justin and Sarah speak to author Josh Zeitz about the history of political violence in the US.
Ch. 3: Storm of White Right Wing Violence Isn't Coming... It's Here Featuring Luke Mogelson Part 1 - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-15-22
Right-wing violence isn't just sporadic it is a war against American values. The most startling details on right-wing militias, violence, and Trump are coming from Luke Mogelson, an award-winning war reporter.
Ch. 4: Political Violence Is No Anomaly in American History - System Check - Air Date 1-8-21
Our guest and guide this week is Hasan Kwame Jeffries, associate professor of history at The Ohio State University. He reminds us that the violence we saw at the Capitol this week is not an anomaly—in fact, political violence is what birthed this nation.
Ch. 5: Today's Republicans were made in the 1990s - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 11-7-22
Sean Ililing talks with author Nicole Hemmer, who shows how the GOP became what it is today
Ch. 6: Storm of White Right Wing Violence Isn't Coming... It's Here Featuring Luke Mogelson Part 2 - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-15-22
Ch. 7: Some Democrats call on McCarthy to resign after comment 'hard not to hit' Pelosi with speaker's gavel - ABC News - Air Date 8-2-21
An aide to McCarthy said "he was obviously joking" without commenting further.
Ch. 8: Paul Pelosi attacked with hammer in his home - ABC News - Air Date 10-29-22
Officials say the suspect was targeting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Ch. 9: A history of US political violence Part 2 - Americast - Air Date 11-2-22
Ch. 10: Political Violence - In the Thick - Air Date 11-4-22
“The political violence in our nation’s history is organized and purposeful. It is normalized by rhetoric that justifies it, and often encourages it,” writes Jeremi Suri on the attack on Paul Pelosi, in this piece for Time Magazine.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 11: Today's Republicans were made in the 1990s Part 2 - The Gray Area with Sean Illing - Air Date 11-7-22
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: Not just winning, defeating - V from Central New York
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the bipartisan uses of Rules for Radicals
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Show Image:
Description: A newspaper cartoon/drawing of Senator Sumner being beaten on the floor of the Senate with a cane by Sen. Preston Brooks in 1856.
Credit: “Southern Chivalry - Argument vs. Clubs” by J.L. Magee, 1856 | Public Domain
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 11/12/2022
Today, we take a look at a few types of panic that regularly strike within communities or across the nation including various satanic panics, Halloween candy panics, and panic over kids being too inclusive and welcoming of all types of people.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why Satanic Panic never really ended | What's the Story? - Vox Quick Hits - Air Date 4-7-21
One of the most famous moral panics in history, the Satanic Panic, may have been at its peak in the 80s, but did it ever really go away? Vox culture writer Aja Romano walks up through the history of this fear of the occult
Ch. 2: Rainbow Fentanyl for Halloween? - The Politics of Everything - Air Date 10-19-22
Are evil-minded strangers trying to hook your kids on candy-colored fentanyl? As Halloween approaches, a dire story is making the rounds about the threat to children of so-called rainbow fentanyl.
Ch. 3: Satanic Panic: Part One - American Hysteria - Air Date 12-10-18
This episode is part one of our two-part series on perhaps the most mystifying moral panic in US history, the 1980s and early 90s 'Satanic Panic.' For this episode, Chelsey covers the rise of organized Satanism beginning in the late 60s
Ch. 4: Fentanyl In Our Halloween Candy and Liberal Messaging Failures of the Overdose Crisis - Citations Needed - Air Date 10-28-22
In this Halloween-themed News Brief, we debunk the idea drug dealers are handing out fentanyl candy to our children. But we also examine why these copaganda panics are able to take hold: namely the failure of liberals to provide an alternative
Ch. 5: Satanic Panic — Dungeons & Dragons and Harry Potter - Soul Search - Air Date 9-22-22
The Satanic Panic was a time of incredible anxiety in the United States and Australia. This feature examines how games like Dungeons and Dragons and books like Harry Potter became unlikely villains in a war over religion, politics and imagination.
Ch. 6: Deranged Parents FREAK OUT Over Mural During School Board Meeting - The Majority Report - Air Date 10-21-22
Michigan high school student defends her mural which parents called satanic and anti-Christian because it contained a Genshin Impact character and a person wearing a transgender flag t-shirt. The Majority Report crew discusses parents.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Our annual Halloween hysteria - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-28-22
This year’s fear of rainbow fentanyl in kids’ trick-or-treat bags is just the latest unfounded Halloween candy freakout. But the yearly panic has its roots in a very real crisis: the 1982 Tylenol murders.
Ch. 8: Satanic Panic: Part Two - American Hysteria - Air Date 1-7-19
Two characters, Stranger Danger’s murderous pedophile and the Satanist, blurred into a new villain and psychological archetype
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on policing gender norms through the ages
References:
A Brief History of Men Today Are Too Feminine and Women Too Masculine
A Brief History of Nobody Wants to Work Anymore
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 11/8/2022
Today, we take a look at the life and times of China's president, Xi Jinping, and his rise to be China's first non-term-limited president who also, not coincidentally, has a bit of an authoritarian streak.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: China Under Xi Jinping From Human Rights Concerns to Inter-Capitalist Competition with U.S. Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-25-22
Chinese President Xi Jinping has begun a historic third term. We speak with Yaqiu Wang, senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch and Johns Hopkins University professor Ho-fung Hung.
Ch. 2: Made in China Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-14-22
Chinese President Xi Jinping is a product of Mao Zedong’s revolution. On Sunday, he'll become the most powerful Chinese leader since the Communist Party’s founder — and maybe the most powerful person in the world.
Ch. 3: What A Third Term For Xi Jinping Could Mean For China And The World - Consider This - Air Date 10-19-22
Ailsa Chang speaks with Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, about the global implications of a third term for Xi Jinping and how this signals a new era for China.
Ch. 4: China Under Xi Jinping From Human Rights Concerns to Inter-Capitalist Competition with U.S. Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-25-22
Ch. 5: Made in China Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-14-22
Ch. 6: Chinese President Xi tightens grip on authority amid fears of a return to one-man politics - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 10-14-22
China's Communist party sees a shake-up of leadership but President Xi Jinping is set to remain at the helm. It comes amid growing fears about what a return to one-man politics might mean for the future of the country. Special correspondent Patrick Fok.
Ch. 7: Xi Jinping - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 6-18-18
Chinese president Xi Jinping is amassing an alarming amount of political power. If only his propaganda videos made the idea of unrestricted authority seem as troubling as the concept of singing children.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Made in China Part 3 - Today, Explained - Air Date 10-14-22
Ch. 9: China Under Xi Jinping From Human Rights Concerns to Inter-Capitalist Competition with U.S. Part 3 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-25-22
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on misinformation in the mirror universe
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Graffiti portrait of Xi Jinping in profile on a concrete wall. His face is outlined in black on a red background. Weeds grow up from the ground under the portrait.
Credit: “Xi Jinping, painted portrait_DDC2205” by Thierry Ehrmann, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 10-24-22
Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin. We discuss:
- The rise of AI-powered therapy bots
Connect to our Discord community!
References:
My Therapist, the Robot
Therapy for People Who Can’t Go to Therapy
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 11/1/2022
Today, we take a look at the corporate price-gouging and massive profits happening under the cover of widespread inflation, all in the run-up to the midterm elections in which the GOP is running cover for corporations and blaming Democrats for price hikes.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why corporations are reaping record profits with inflation on the rise - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 4-12-22
Economics correspondent Paul Solman explores whether concentrated market power is contributing to inflation.
Ch. 2: Why Gas Prices Are So High Right Now | Ft. Jessica Burbank - More Perfect Union - Air Date 10-30-22
What explains the oil industry's historically massive profits? A price gouging scheme that oil companies freely acknowledge.
Ch. 3: Variety in the price of life: inflation and the midterms - The Intelligence from The Economist - Air Date 10-19-22
How inflation—at its highest since the early Reagan era—is affecting people’s lives and their voting intentions.
Ch. 4: Katie Porter EXPOSES Corporate Greed Causing Inflation - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 10-21-22
Rep Katie Porter brings attention to statistics revealing the huge role corporate greed has on inflation.
Ch. 5: Katie Porter TORCHES Corporate Oil Profits In Brilliant Lesson - The Damage Report - Air Date 10-21-22
Corporate price gouging concerning big oil companies and inflation, Jessica Burbank breaks it down on The Damage Report.
Ch. 6: AOC And Raskin On Stakes Of Midterms: We Are 'Facing An Environment Of Fascism' - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 10-28-22
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Rep. Jamie Raskin join Chris Hayes to discuss what’s at stake ahead of the midterm elections.
Ch. 7: Ralph Nader Throws Support to Democrats Ahead of Midterms But Warns the Party's Message is Failing - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-25-22
Democrats hoping to keep control of Congress and make gains in state governments are facing significant political headwinds
Ch. 8: Liberal Redneck - Inflation and the GOP - Trae Crowder - Air Date 10-27-22
Republicans harp on and on about inflation, but what are they actually going to DO about it? Not much, prolly. I holler bout it herein.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Republicans embrace last-ditch dangerous tactic ahead of midterms - No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen - Air Date 10-30-22
Mike Levin joins to discuss what the Inflation Reduction Act actually does for climate
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: UK could well go fascist - Anonymous
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the quickness with which anger can turn to fascism
TAKE ACTION!
MIDTERMS MINUTE 2022:
Persuade someone to vote:
-
Jay's final comments from episode #1365 (Transcript) on using your vote as a theory of change tool.
-
"Ask the Experts: How to Inspire People to Vote for Their Values" (ACLU)
-
"This is How to Convince Your Friends to Vote" (Lemonade.com)
Short on time? Donate once to...
-
Secretary of State Races: MoveOn.org's "America for All" midterm election campaign
-
Senate Races: SwingLeft Hold the Senate Fund, or SwingLeft Immediate Impact Fund (Senate & House)
-
House races: SwingLeft Hold the House Fund, or SwingLeft Immediate Impact Fund (House & Senate)
-
Governors: SwingLeft Governor Fund
-
State Legislative Races: SwingLeft Legislative Fund
MIDTERMS MINUTE Segments: #1 , #2 , #3, #4
Researched and written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a long shopping receipt that lays across a background of various groceries.
Credit: “Shopping spending till slip” by Stevepb, Pixabay
Air Date 10/29/2022
Today, we take a look at the destruction accomplished over decades by adherents to a libertarian, neoliberal ideology in the UK which culminated recently in the tanking value of the British pound sterling and the resignation of the shortest-serving Prime Minister ever
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why The United Kingdom Is In A Big Mess - AJ+ - Air Date 1-5-22
Why is post-Brexit Britain such a mess? Rising food and energy prices, empty shelves in stores and worker shortages. But could Brexit lead to something even bigger: the breakup of the United Kingdom?
Ch. 2: What's wrong with Great Britain? - Financial Times - Air Date 4-19-22
The FT's chief economics commentator Martin Wolf says the UK is facing six interlocking crises, from stagnant living standards to a lack of political leadership
Ch. 3: Thatcherism: What We Get Wrong About Neoliberalism - Kay and Skittles - Air Date 10-1-22
Differentiating between neoliberal ideology and how it plays out in practice
Ch. 4: Liz Truss: The Oligarch's Prime Minister | George Monbiot - Double Down News - Air Date 10-4-22
What happens when libertarian ultras get everything they ever wanted all at once? Welcome to Oligarch Island
Ch. 5: “We Are a Democracy in Name Only”: George Monbiot on Truss Resignation & Who Will Be Next British PM - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-21-22
British Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned Thursday after just 45 days in office, the shortest term in the nation’s history. Her low-tax, low-regulation financial policies were widely criticized after they sent the pound plummeting
Ch. 6: James O'Brien claims trickle-down economics is as ghoulish, greedy and gross as it appears - LBC - Air Date 9-21-22
Explaining trickle-down economics for what it is and condemning the big lie that makes it palatable to the masses
Ch. 7: Does Economics Drive All Politics? - WhoWhatWhy - Air Date 10-20-22
Financial Times economic analyst Martin Wolf gives an overview of global economic forces, and looks at Britain’s economic and political chaos.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: The Brexit effect: how leaving the EU hit the UK | FT Film - Financial Times - Air Date 10-18-22
The UK's recent disastrous "mini" Budget can trace its origins back to Britain's decision to leave the European Union. The economic costs of Brexit were masked by the Covid-19 pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the destabilization of neoliberalism
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MIDTERMS MINUTE 2022:
Installment #4: The Rest of the Toss-Up House Races
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Secretary of State Races: MoveOn.org's "America for All" midterm election campaign
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House races: SwingLeft Hold the House Fund, or the SwingLeft Immediate Impact Fund (House & Senate)
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Governors: SwingLeft Governor Fund
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State Legislative Races: SwingLeft Legislative Fund
MIDTERMS MINUTE Segments: Installment #1 , Installment #2 , Installment #3
Researched and written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The Union Jack flag of the United Kingdom with black charred edges on a black background.
Credit: Union Jack
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 10/26/2022
Today, we take a look at the 2022 election and the political dynamics at play as the GOP continues on its path of ideological anti-democracy and Democrats work to register new voters and get out the vote.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: "Democracy Demands We Participate": Black Voters Mobilize for Midterms Amid GOP Voter Suppression Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-21-22
We speak to law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw and civil rights attorney Barbara Arnwine, who are on an Arc of Voter Justice bus tour of 26 cities across the country to increase Black voter turnout at critical midterm elections in November.
Ch. 2: Battling the Big Liars with Dan Pfeiffer - How We Win - Air Date 10-19-22
Biden is making it clear that abortion rights are on the ballot, as early voting kicks off in many states. New polls are worrying Democrats, but don’t worry… keep working!
Ch. 3: Bernie Sanders Knows How Democrats Can Win Featuring Bernie Sanders - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-13-22
Democrats need a strategy to win the upcoming midterm election and Senator Bernie Sanders has a strategy to win.
Ch. 4: Battling the Big Liars with Dan Pfeiffer Part 2 - How We Win - Air Date 10-19-22
Ch. 5: Senate Races That Could Tip The Balance - Deconstructed - Air Date 10-14-22
Journalists Jon Ralston and George Chidi join Ryan Grim to discuss two potentially pivotal states, Nevada and Georgia, where tight races for the Senate are underway.
Ch. 6: "Democracy Demands We Participate": Black Voters Mobilize for Midterms Amid GOP Voter Suppression Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-21-22
Ch. 7: How We Vote! with Andrea Hailey - How We Win - Air Date 9-21-22
A conversation with the woman who is leading the charge for the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan voting registration and get-out-the-vote technology platform in America, the CEO of Vote.org, Andrea Hailey!
Ch. 8: Julie Hollar and Jim Naureckas on 2022 Midterms - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-21-22
This midterm is a big-picture election.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: How Midterm Campaigns are Framing Crime - The Takeaway - Air Date 10-20-22
We're joined by Rena Karefa-Johnson, Director of National programming at FWD.us, and Ames Grawert, Senior Counsel at the Justice Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU.
Ch. 10: Julie Hollar and Jim Naureckas on 2022 Midterms Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-21-22
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: The prolonged fight - V from Central New York
Ch. 11: Doing the work - Wendy
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on doing the work to normalize all humans
TAKE ACTION!
MIDTERMS MINUTE 2022:
Short on time? Donate once...
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Secretary of State Races: MoveOn.org's "America for All" midterm election campaign
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Senate Races: SwingLeft Hold the Senate Fund, or SwingLeft Immediate Impact Fund (Senate & House)
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House races: SwingLeft Hold the House Fund, or the SwingLeft Immediate Impact Fund (House & Senate)
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Governors: SwingLeft Governor Fund
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State Legislative Races: SwingLeft Legislative Fund
MIDTERMS MINUTE Segments: Installment #1 , Installment #2 , Installment #3
Researched and written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a yellow sticker with black writing that says “Resist the NAZI-GOP Coalition” on a cross walk sign. The red hand “stop” symbol on the sign is visible below the sticker.
Credit: “Resist the NAZI-GOP Coalition Sticker” by Amanda Hoffman | License: CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Original Air Date: 10-12-22
Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin. We discuss:
-
The new fascist party running Italy and their love of Lord of the Rings
-
"The Jay Principle" which has something to do with people liking stories they shouldn't
-
How to write progressive stories
Join our Discord community!
References:
Hobbits and the Hard Right: How Fantasy Inspires Italy’s Potential New Leader
Why liberals love "Downton Abbey" - Salon
Downton Abbey–Why We Love Rich Aristocrats
"50 Fantasy & Science Fiction Works That Socialists Should Read" by China Miéville
Tolkien and race
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Original Air Date 9/8/2021
Today we take a look at the legacy of red-lining, the building and subsequent destruction of Black communities and the health and environmental impacts of segregation. The concept of “Structural Racism” is often a metaphor, not something physical that you can touch, but that is not the case when it comes to environmental racism.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Environmental Racism: A Hidden Threat with Dr. Dorceta Taylor - Black History Year - Air Date 4-19-21
We're making a deadly mistake if we don't talk about environmental justice when we discuss racism and Black liberation.
Ch. 2: Redlining & Climate Change: A Deadly Combination - News Beat - Air Date 4-27-21
Although the Fair Housing Act of 1968 banned redlining and housing discrimination in general, three out of four redlined communities rated "hazardous" 80 years ago are struggling economically today.
Ch. 3: Monuments to Racism - Environmental Injustice on This Week in Social Justice - News Beat - Air Date 4-8-21
Guests: Catherine Flowers founder of the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice and Amy Stelly, a designer and board member of the Urban Conservancy.
Ch. 4: Environmental Racism is Real Part 1 - Tamarindo Podcast - Air Date 6-16-21
We talk to Environmental justice lawyer Claire Woods about how black and brown communities face the brunt of many environmental justice issues, the connection to racism, and what we can do to help.
Ch. 5: Biden Promises To Grapple With Environmental Racism - Short Wave - Air Date 2-4-21
NPR climate reporter Rebecca Hersher talks about the history of environmental racism in the United States, and what Biden's administration can do to avoid the mistakes of the past.
Ch. 6: Environmental Racism is Real Part 2 - Tamarindo Podcast - Air Date 6-16-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Environmental Racism: A Hidden Threat with Dr. Dorceta Taylor Part 2 - Black History Year - Air Date 4-19-21
Ch. 8: Monuments to Racism Part 2 - Environmental Injustice on This Week in Social Justice - News Beat - Air Date 4-8-21
Summary + reading from The Sum of Us on pollution in segregated cities
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Post-Civil War Reconstruction and the occupation of Afghanistan - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on how structural racism becomes personal racism and comparing Reconstruction with the occupation of Afghanistan
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: An official, rectangular metal sign bolted to a telephone poll displays the image of a cropped city map with a red outlined area. Below, the sign reads "Portland's Historic Redline District." Smaller text below reads "In Portland's past, 'redlining' practices created exclusionary zones for 'Negroes and Orientals' by real estate, banking and insurance companies. Agents could lose their licenses for crossing this color barrier. Now, urban gentrification displaces low-income families, as the remaining affordable housing stock in this area disappears."
Credit: "Redlining" by radcliffe dacanay, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 8/18/2021
Today we take a look at history of white people deciding to get their way through violence and the tradition of having the government look the other way
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The KKK: History and Myth - Professor Buzzkill History Podcast - Air Date 8-24-17
Practically nothing in the history of the United States has suffered from myth-making and misunderstanding as much as the history of race relations and racist violence. The history Ku Klux Klan is no exception. This is ironic.
Ch. 2: Remembering a White Supremacist Coup - Reveal - Air Date 10-23-20
On the eve of a contentious election, Reveal looks back to the nearly forgotten election of 1898 in Wilmington, North Carolina. A coup d’etat gave birth to much of the structural racism that still plagues our nation today.
Ch. 3: Voices: Children ‘stripped of innocence’ - Cape Up - Air Date 4-11-19
A member of the Little Rock Nine and a survivor of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing both lost the illusion of safety in their young lives.
Ch. 4: Armed and Dangerous - On the Media - Air Date 9-24-20
Armed right-wingers are stoking violence in cities across the country. On this week’s On the Media, a look at the origins of the American militia movement. Plus, as things heat up, Facebook is fanning the flames.
Ch. 5: The Evolution of All-American Terrorism - Reveal - Air Date 6-27-20
The Trump years have seen an increase in domestic terrorist attacks linked by hateful ideologies that thrive online. Reveal teams up with Type Investigations to track each case and determine what the government has done to fight them.
Ch. 6: Radical Caucasian Extremism - News Beat - Air Date 1-9-21
This hugely important episode highlighted the threat posed by such extremists, even as many in the media and government engaged in Islamophobic rhetoric about Muslim Americans.
Ch. 7: "Nobody actually accounts for this violence": How the FBI fails to track white supremacist terrorism - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-5-19
Former FBI agent Mike German says "Unfortunately their policies have actually masked how they use their domestic terrorism resources to make it harder for the Congress to understand how many of those resources are going toward white supremacist violence,"
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Tucker Carlson Doubles Down on White Supremacist 'Great Replacement' Theory - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 4-13-21
The Atlantic's Adam Serwer and Mehdi discuss Carlson's history of promulgating racist rhetoric on prime time television and its real-life consequences.
Ch. 9: Southern Shame Culture & How to Fight Racism w/Jemar Tisby - The Holy Post - Air Date 1-20-21
Jemar Tisby (The Color of Compromise) rejoins Phil to discuss his new book, How to Fight Racism. Actual, real steps to be part of the solution, not part of the problem!
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Response on remix climate episode - Alan from Connecticut
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the arguments against individual climate action
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Black and white photo taken during "Bloody Sunday" in Selma, AL on March 7th 1965. A young John Lewis has fallen on the grass, lifting one hand, while a police officer stands over him wielding a billy club. More chaos fills the background.
Credit: "12 - Civil Rights Movement" (low resolution). Original from the Library of Congress (via U.S. Embassy The Hague on Flickr) | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 10/14/2022
Today, we take a look at the women-led protests roiling Iran in response to violent crackdowns from the so-called morality police that have led to the deaths of young women demanding rights and freedom.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Voices of women inside and outside Iran on the uprising after Mahsa Amini's death - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 10-7-22
For nearly three weeks, Iranians have marched in the streets to denounce the Islamic regime that has ruled for more than 40 years. What started as a response to the killing of a young woman by the "morality police," this uprising is now nationwide.
Ch. 2: What Iranian Protesters Need Now - What Next - Air Date 9-28-22
What began as a revolt in the wake of an overstep by Iran’s morality police has evolved into a mass movement calling for “death to the dictator.” Protests in Iran are nothing new, but these demonstrations strike at the heart of the repressive regime.
Ch. 3: “Complete Dissatisfaction with the Current Order”: Why Mahsa Amini Protests in Iran Are Not Slowing Down - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-6-22
Protesters in Iran are continuing to demand justice for Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in the hands of the so-called morality police, as well as envisioning a political future beyond the Islamic Republic.
Ch. 4: 'Woman, Life, Freedom' - On the Media - Air Date 9-30-22
Large-scale protests took over the streets of Iran after twenty-two-year-old Mahsa Amini died on September 16 while in custody of the morality police. She had been arrested her for wearing her headscarf improperly.
Ch. 5: Anti-Regime Protests and the Devastating Effects of US Sanctions in Iran - theAnalysis.news - Air Date 10-5-22
Iranians protest brutal repression and why U.S. statements of solidarity are empty without a reversal of crushing sanctions. Assal Rad joins Talia Baroncelli on theAnalysis.news.
Ch. 6: What’s Happening in Iran and Why? with Reza Aslan - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 9-28-22
Iran is currently being rocked by protests against the oppressive theocratic regime that rules the country. What is happening there, and what brought us to this point?
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Revolutions - Power Corrupts - Air Date 4-2-20
When revolutions happen, everything changes. In this episode, we'll look at how Teddy Roosevelt's son led a CIA-backed coup in 1953 that contributed to the Iranian revolution
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on the beneficial discomfort of diversity
TAKE ACTION!
MIDTERMS MINUTE 2022 - Installment #3:
How to defend State Governor and Secretary of State races from anti-democracy MAGA extremists.
Past Installments:
Installment #2 - Toss-up Senate Races in GA, NV, PA & WI, & Senate Races Leaning D or R
Installment #1 - Toss-up House Races in CA, NY, & OH, & Open Seats Leaning D or R
Researched and written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A woman stands in the midst of a protest in London wearing full face paint in the color and pattern of the Iranian flag. She holds up both arms and in each hand is a photo of Mahsa Amini, the Iranian woman who died in the custody of the Iranian "Morality Police".
Credit: "Mahsa Amini #1" by Alisdare Hickson, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 9-27-22
Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin. We discuss:
-
Nazis using The Amanda Principle on Uncle Tom's Cabin
-
Societal instability driven by businesses always "disrupting" everything
-
The anti-social nature of gratitude
Connect your Discord to Patreon
References:
Germany's strange nostalgia for the antebellum American South
Forget Disruption. Tech Needs to Fetishize Stability
Debt: The First 5000 Years (Affiliate link)
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Original Air Date 10/9/2021
Today we take a look at structures and specifics of settler colonialism from around the world including the US, Caribbean, Australia, Israel and Mexico
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: History of US imperialism in Latin America: From settler colonialism to Pink Tide - Moderate Rebels - Air Date 12-12-20
Ben Norton was invited to give this talk on US imperialism in Latin America, for the Workers' Party of Ireland. He discusses the history from European settler colonialism, through the Monroe Doctrine, the first cold war, and the three revolutions.
Ch. 2: Slavery, race and capital in the sixteenth century / Gerald Horne - This Is Hell! - Air Date 7-21-20
Gerald Horne discusses the relationship between racism and expansionist foreign policies
Ch. 3: Settler Colonialism Is Behind Climate Denial - Novara Media - Air Date 1-5-20
Australia is on fire. So why do so many of its politicians seem intent on denying the cause?
Ch. 4: Pearls for empire / Molly A. Warsh - This Is Hell! - Air Date 9-20-21
Historian Molly A. Warsh on her book "American Baroque: Pearls and the Nature of Empire, 1492-1700" from UNC Press.
Ch. 5: Rewriting resistance: how Black rebellion shapes world events - People's Republic - Air Date 8-20-20
This week, we continue our commemoration of Black August with Dr. Gerald Horne, professor of history and author of over 40 books, including The Counter-Revolution of 1776.
Ch. 6: Ilan Pappé: Viewing Israel-Palestine Through the Lens of Settler-Colonialism - The East is a Podcast - Air Date 5-13-20
A 2017 lecture by Ilan Pappé titled "The Value of Viewing Israel-Palestine Through the Lens of Settler-Colonialism" hosted by the WRMEA.
Ch. 7: Crimes of Apartheid - In The Thick - Air Date 5-14-21
Maria is joined by guest co-host and ITT All-star Jamilah King to discuss the continued violence and attacks against Palestinians by Israeli settlers and forces in Gaza. We hear from Gaza-based journalist Hana Salah about what she is seeing on the ground.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Rick Perlstein: ‘I was drafted into the project of settler colonialism as a child’ - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 8-13-21
Marc talks with Rick Perlstein about growing up Jewish in Milwaukee, the process of unlearning Zionist indoctrination, and how the United States' support of an Israeli ethno-state foments continued violence.
Ch. 9: Gerald Horne: Slavery, White Supremacy, & The Roots Of Settler Colonialism - Last Born In The Wilderness - Air Date 5-25-18
Did racism and white supremacy arise as a result of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade in the 17th century, or did these concepts exist prior to the mass enslavement of Africans and the genocide of the indigenous peoples on what is now called America?
Ch. 10: So Far from God, So Close to the United States w/ Alexander Aviña - American Prestige - Air Date 9-9-21
The boys speak with Alexander Aviña, an assistant professor of history at Arizona State University, about the history of Mexico and U.S.-Mexican Relations from the 1810 Mexican War of Independence to the "drug war" of today.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: No velvet glove - Nick From California
Ch. 12: Followup on conspiracy theory hot take - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on how conspiracy theorists are like timeshare sales people
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 10/8/2022
Today, we take a look at the recent elections in Italy, Brazil and Sweden where far-right parties are either taking power or looking to maintain it as well as the parallels to our own politics including moderate conservatives helping to legitimize the far right while delegitimizing elections.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Fascist Brothers of Italy Party takes power in Italy - The Mehdi Hassan Show - Air Date 10-2-22
Why the American right wing is racing to embrace Italy's next prime minister.
Ch. 2: Italian Fascism w/ David Broder - Jacobin Show - Air Date 9-30-22
Our own European editor David Broder explains what Giorgia Meloni and the Brothers of Italy's victory means for Italy.
Ch. 3: Fascist Brothers of Italy Party takes power in Italy Part 2 - The Mehdi Hassan Show - Air Date 10-2-22
Why the American right wing is racing to embrace Italy's next prime minister.
Ch. 4: Fascism scores another victory with Italian election - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 9-26-22
Conservatives in the US have been courting the extreme right on and off all along
Ch. 5: The Stakes Are High - In The Thick - Air Date 10-4-22
"The candidates and their vision for Brazil’s future could not be more different, but the trends underpinning this election are an echo of global experiences,” reports Roberta S. Braga for the ISPI.
Ch. 6: Noam Chomsky & Vijay Prashad: A Lula Victory in Brazil Could Help Save the Planet - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-30-22
Noam Chomsky joins us from Brazil with Vijay Prashad just back from Brazil to discuss Sunday’s Brazilian election between Brazil’s far right president Jair Bolsonaro and former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Ch. 7: Brazil Votes For Democracy While SCOTUS Does Not - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 9-4-22
Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman discuss the ramifications of the Brazilian election for president, as Bolsonaro loses by 5 points and is priming the country to reject the second round election later this month.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Rise of the Swedish far right w/ David Broder - Jacobin Show - Air Date 9-30-22
Jonas Pontusson joins us to unpack the strong electoral showing of the Swedish far right.
Ch. 9: Fascism scores another victory with Italian election - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 9-26-22
A history lesson on the rise and fall of fascism in Europe and what it says about the path we're all on today.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the big problem with small misunderstandings
TAKE ACTION!
MIDTERMS MINUTE 2022 - Installment #2:
Today’s focus is on toss-up Senate races in GA, NV, PA, and WI, and Senate races (precariously) leaning Democrat or Republican: GET FULL DETAILS AND ACTION LINKS
Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo from 2014. Far-right Italian politician (and newly elected Prime Minister) Giorgia Meloni stands in front of a backdrop with the Italian tricolor flame, a symbol of the neo-fascist political party in Italy. She is a white woman with straight blond hair. She is wearing a leather jacket and smiling with her arms crossed.
Credit: “Giorgia Melone 2014” by Jose Antonio, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC Attribution 4.0 International | Changes: Black vignette
Air Date 10/5/2022
Today, we take a look at the life and legacy of President Ronald Reagan, the last transformational U.S. president who's regime we are still living in. Between his neoliberal economics, anti-government ideology and white supremacist appeal to authoritarians, he did more to shape the last 40 years of the politics of the country and conservative movement than anyone else.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: 40 years later, is this the end of Reaganomics? - Make Me Smart - Air Date 12-14-21
It’s been just over 40 years since newly elected President Ronald Reagan declared, “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to the problem, government is the problem.”
Ch. 2: The Democracy We Think We Live In - On the Media - Air Date 8-9-19
Adam Serwer, staff writer at The Atlantic, on the catastrophic, deadly idea that "only white people are fit for self-government."
Ch. 3: General Motors Proves Trickle Down Theory Only Works If You Shower With Gold Water - The Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-3-18
Reagan didn't invent trickle down economics and the original metaphor was even more demeaning.
Ch. 4: The Lasting Impact of Reagan's Firing of Air Traffic Controllers (1/2) - The Real News Network - Air Date 8-4-14
Prof. Joseph McCartin and former PATCO spokesperson Elliot Simons discuss the anniversary of the firing and Ronald Reagan's betrayal
Ch. 5: When American Presidents Go to Trial - On the Media - Air Date 9-9-22
Rick Perlstein, a journalist and author of The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan, explains the continuing impact of Gerald Ford's decision to pardon Richard Nixon for his crimes.
Ch. 6: Ronald Reagan “Terrifying Words - ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’” - Professor Buzzkill History Podcast - Air Date 5-13-21
We scrutinize Reagan's famous quote "the nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’”
Ch. 7: How Ronald Reagan's Regime Led To The Jan 6th Capitol Riot - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-17-21
The Capitol insurrection on January 6th was a long time coming. Back in 1980, Ronald Reagan's campaign was laying the groundwork for what would become Donald Trump's platform.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: America’s Right Turn with Rick Perlstein - Why Is This Happening? - Air Date 9-1-20
How did America’s modern conservative movement come to power? Historian and author Rick Perlstein’s prolific work has traced the arc of modern electoral politics, and specifically has laid out how modern conservatism arose.
Ch. 9: Why the "Reagan Regime" Endures - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 3-7-22
Presidencies are rarely transformational, and neither Biden nor Trump have lived up to their supporters’ dreams. So what does it take to really change our politics? Host Kai Wright is joined by political theorist Corey Robin to confront that question.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on my first debate about Reagan
TAKE ACTION!
MIDTERMS MINUTE 2022 - Installment #1:
Today’s focus is on toss-up House races in California, New York, and Ohio, and OPEN or NEW seats that are leaning Democrat or Republican: GET FULL DETAILS AND ACTION LINKS
Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A large portrait of former American President Ronald Reagan in a dark suit and red tie is framed on a wall in a dim, museum-like room. His smiling face is softly lit with a spotlight.
Credit: “President Ronald Re[a]gan” by LunchboxLarry, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped
Air Date 9/30/2022
Today, we take a look at the attention-grabbing stunt of transporting asylum seekers from Texas to Martha's Vineyard and other politically-liberal destinations and the White supremacist inspirations for this policy.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: DeSantis, Fox News, and the Martha's Vineyard 'Stunt' - On the Media - Air Date 9-23-22
Philip Bump [@pbump], national correspondent The Washington Post, on the manipulative plan for 48 Venuzulean migrants sent to Martha’s Vineyard.
Ch. 2: DeSantis' kidnapping 'stunt' - The BradCast - Air Date 9-19-22
New documents show that the asylum-seekers were lured onto the flights with false promises, providing hard documentary evidence that DeSantis' obscene political stunt may have violated the law.
Ch. 3: The GOP's Martha's Vineyard Stunt Backfired And Then They Just Lied About It – SOME MORE NEWS - Air Date 9-28-22
This week, we're taking a look at the cruelty and shamelessness of when Ron DeSantis human trafficked a bunch of migrants to Martha's Vineyard. This did not go how the GOP thought it would, so they spent the last few weeks lying and pretending it did.
Ch. 4: Latest Border Updates, Martha's Vineyard Lib Owning - REDIRECT Immigration Law and Perspectives - Air Date 9-17-22
Taylor Levy talks about the situation on the border as one of the most knowledgable attorneys when it comes to what is actually happening on the U.S./Mexico border.
Ch. 5: Reverse Freedom Rides Flying Migrants North, Florida Gov. Steals Page from Segregationists Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-20-22
Professor Mwalim Peters, recounts the little-known story of the Reverse Freedom Rides and says the strategy to humiliate liberals is "basically identical to what's happening now in Martha's Vineyard".
Ch. 6: Immigration Defining Us and Them - Now & Then - Air Date 9-27-22
Heather and Joanne discuss the politics and prejudices surrounding the two 1790s Naturalization Laws, the Immigration Act of 1924, the 1965 Hart-Celler Act, and the current Republican rhetoric about migrants at the Southern border.
Ch. 7: Reverse Freedom Rides Flying Migrants North, Florida Gov. Steals Page from Segregationists Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-20-22
Professor Mwalim Peters, recounts the little-known story of the Reverse Freedom Rides and says the strategy to humiliate liberals is "basically identical to what's happening now in Martha's Vineyard".
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Immigration Defining Us and Them Part 2 - Now & Then - Air Date 9-27-22
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on how laws are used to manipulate our sense of justice to support injustice
TAKE ACTION!
National Immigrant Justice Center (specific call for donations to help those being trafficked)
National Immigration Law Center
Immigration Equality
Chicago: City of Chicago "Donation and Volunteer Support for New Arrivals from Texas"
New York: South Bronx Mutual Aid (Seeking lawyers, mental health professionals, etc. for migrants)
Washington, DC: Sanctuary DMV's "Texas Migrant Solidarity Donation and Volunteer Links"
Inside The Local Mutual Aid Effort Supporting The Migrants Texas Bused To D.C. (DCist, May 2022)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The words “The Cruelty is the Point” are overlayed on a black and white image of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ face in a black vignette.
Credit: “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis” by Matt Johnson, Flickr | License CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Black and white, black vignette, text overlay
Original Air Date: 9-8-22
Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin. We discuss:
-
Dystopian longtermism
-
Why the Man-O-Sphere won’t get you a girlfriend
-
Cultural commodification
Join our Discord Server
References:
Salon - Understanding "long-termism": Why this suddenly influential philosophy is so toxic
Psychology Today - The Rise of Lonely, Single Men
In Defense of Witches: The Legacy of the Witch Hunts and Why Women Are Still on Trial
Affiliate Links:
Book
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Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 9/24/2022
Today, we take a look at the decades-long scheme to funnel conservative activist judges into the judiciary to support Republican policy goals and the resulting legal bulwark defending Trump against prosecution and supporting his future election efforts.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: About half the world has prosecuted a former leader, so why doesn’t the U.S.? - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 9-4-22
About half the world has prosecuted a former leader, so why doesn’t the U.S.?
Ch. 2: FBI Seizes Mike Lindell’s Phone at Hardee’s, DOJ Issues 40 Trump Subpoenas: A Closer Look - Late Night with Seth Meyers - Air Date 9-14-22
Seth takes a closer look at the FBI seizing the phones of two Trump aides and issuing 40 subpoenas as the Justice Department intensifies its various investigations of Trump and his allies, including MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.
Ch. 3: Trump's Remaking Of Judiciary Appears To Pay Off In Mar-A-Lago Case - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 9-6-22
You may not have heard of Judge Aileen Cannon at the start of her lifetime appointment. But Trump's court pick just ruled in favor of a special master in the Mar-a-Lago probe.
Ch. 4: The Law v Lawless Edition - Amicus - Air Date 9-10-22
A single Trump-appointed judge’s attempt to stick a fork in the Justice Department’s criminal investigation into potential mishandling of classified materials is part of a systemic story about American justice.
Ch. 5: Leonard Leo, The Most Powerful Person In America You’ve Never Heard Of - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-22-22
When you see the news about a 10-year-old forced to flee her state to terminate a pregnancy from her rapist, think about Leonard Leo as the man who brought that state of affairs about. He is the guy pulling the strings in the background.
Ch. 6: Elie Mystal on the Four Investigations into Trump & Why Progressives Should Push to Expand the Court - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-7-22
A federal judge on Monday agreed with Donald Trump’s lawyers to appoint an independent arbiter known as a special master to review top-secret documents seized during an FBI raid on his Mar-a-Lago estate.
Ch. 7: The Scheme Speech 1: The Powell Report - Senator Sheldon Whitehouse - Air Date 5-27-21
Sen. Whitehouse delivers his first speech on court capture
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Right-Wing Dark Money Gets $1.6 Billion Donation From One Donor - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-22-22
“It was a very unusual transaction, the likes of which I have not seen in my years of covering money in politics,” says New York Times reporter Ken Vogel.
Ch. 9: Lock Him Up? - On The Media - Air Date 9-9-22
James D. Long [@prof_jameslong], associate professor of political science at the University of Washington, on the consequences of modern democracies across the globe prosecuting — or choosing not to prosecute — their former leaders
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on defeating authoritarianism with action, not news following
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 9/21/2022
Today, we take a look at the history and legacy of British imperialism and slavery through the lens of the divergent views on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the growing movement of former colonies to achieve full independence.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why Must Everyone Mourn The Queen’s Passing? | Between The Scenes - The Daily Show - Air Date 9-17-22
You can't expect people to show respect for something that never respected them. #BetweenTheScenes on the mixed reaction to the Queen’s death.
Ch. 2: "Racism Is as British as a Cup of Tea": Kehinde Andrews Says Many Black Brits Don't Mourn the Queen - Democracy Now - Air Date 9-19-22
Kehinde Andrews describes the brutal legacy of the British slave trade and the British Empire, which makes the monarchy a symbol of white supremacy that should not be mourned, but rather abolished.
Ch. 3: The royal family: Slavery, colonialism and race - Sky News - Air Date 6-23-22
In the Caribbean, some people are calling for the Queen to be removed as head of state, and for the royal family to pay reparations for their role in slavery.
Ch. 4: Julius Malema Tells Africans Why They Shouldn't Mourn Queen Elizabeth II - African Diaspora News Channel - Air Date 9-14-22
Wongel Zelalem reports on Julius Malema telling Africans to not mourn Queen Elizabeth II.
Ch. 5: Jeff Bezos DRAGGED On Twitter For Criticising Uju Anya's Queen Elizabeth Tweet - Roland Martin Unfiltered - Air Date 9-11-22
Breaking down the legacy of British colonialism through the lens of controversy over online reactions
Ch. 6: Slavery, Colonisation and the Crown - TRT World
In 2022, Britain celebrated 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s rule with street parties and festivities. But many critics say that the British monarchy should not be celebrated because of its legacy of slavery, looting and colonialism.
Ch. 7: Who needs the monarchy? - It's Been a Minute - Air Date 8-16-22
Guest host Elise Hu talks to Dr. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, lawyer, activist and author of This Is Why I Resist about this new era for the British royals, the power they hold and the potential opportunities for the new monarch.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Dismantle the Commonwealth Queen Elizabeth's Death Prompts Reckoning with Colonial Past in Africa - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-12-22
"There's a degree of psychosis that you can go to another people's land, colonize them, and then expect them to honor you at the same time," says Kenyan American author Mukoma Wa Ngugi. We also speak with Harvard historian Caroline Elkins.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: An old postage stamp depicts a 3-mast schooner ship on the water and an airplane above it with a young Queen Elizabeth II to the right wearing a crown and a crown symbol over her head. The text at the edges reads “JAMAICA” “West Indies” “2d Postal Centenary, 1860-1960”.
Credit: “Jamaica Postal Centenary” by Bill Smith, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped and added pieces of image to top and bottom of stamp.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 9/17/2022
Today, we take a look at the way terrible patterns of the past like colonialism, racism, propaganda, feudalism, and abuse of corporate monopoly power are recreating and re-entrenching themselves in the digital world
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Rise Of Digital Oligarchy w/ Jillian York - The Majority Report - Air Date 8-4-22
Emma hosts Jillian York, Director of International Freedom of Expression at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, to discuss her recent book Silicon Values: The Future of Free Speech Under Surveillance Capitalism.
Ch. 2: How Social Media Profits Off Your Anger - Wisecrack - Air Date 8-26-22
Does the internet run on rage? If you’ve spent any time online, you know that anger is to the internet as cake is to a birthday party. But why have the interwebs become a place of such division and rage? It’s complicated, but we’ll explain
Ch. 3: Using AI to Say the Word - This Machine Kills - Air Date 9-2-22
We discuss a new startup doing the rounds called Sanas that uses AI “accent translation” to make "non-white" call center workers speak English with a white American accent. This is some real retro throwback tech solutionism
Ch. 4: Addressing the TikTok Threat - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 9-8-22
This week on Your Undivided Attention, we bring you a bonus episode about TikTok. Co-hosts Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin explore the nature of the TikTok threat, and how we might address it.
Ch. 5: Edward Ongweso Jr: Peter Thiel & The Post-Capitalism of Tech's Far Right - The Arts of Travel - Air Date 6-27-21
We conclude our conversation with Vice's Edward Ongweso Jr. by looking at Peter Thiel's role in bankrolling Uber as the 'Tip of the Spear' for rolling back labor laws, workers' rights and Unions.
Ch. 6: Break Up Monopolies: Zephyr Teachout - Future Hindsight - Air Date 8-11-22
Zephyr Teachout is Senior Counsel for Economic Justice for the New York AG and law professor at Fordham University. We revisit our conversation with her about her book, Break 'Em Up: Recovering Our Freedom from Big Ag, Big Tech, and Big Money.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: The Digital Self, Web3 and reclaiming your online identity - Future Tense - Air Date 7-23-22
How is our sense of identity changing as our online and offline experiences increasingly merge? What grounds a person’s online persona (or personas) to the physical world? And is such a tie important?
Ch. 8: Refusing the Everyday Fascism of Artificial Intelligence (ft. Dan McQuillan) - This Machine Kills - Air Date 8-25-22
We are joined by Dan McQuillan to discuss his great new book Resisting AI. “With analytical and moral clarity, McQuillan makes the case for recognizing the radical politics of AI and meeting its goose step march head-on.”
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on how to fix the internet for yourself
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 9/14/2022
Today, we take a look at the history and hysteria behind debt and debt forgiveness while Biden is canceling student debt and opponents of the idea are reacting in the most predictable way possible because they misunderstand the relationship between debt and morality.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Cancel It All: Debt Collective's Astra Taylor on Biden Plan & Need for Full Student Debt Relief - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-25-22
We speak to Astra Taylor, writer, filmmaker, and co-director of the Debt Collective, a union for debtors and one of the original advocates for a debt jubilee that would cancel all student debt.
Ch. 2: Freedom Dreams: Black Women and the Student Debt Crisis - The Intercept - Air Date 8-22-22
The Intercept’s new documentary, “Freedom Dreams: Black Women and the Student Debt Crisis,” profiles Black women educators and activists struggling under the weight of tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, in student loan debt.
Ch. 3: Hidden History of Student Debt - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-25-22
Many woke up to find news that $10k of their student debt would be forgiven, Thom Hartmann and Jefferson Smith break down what this means and what happens next.
Ch. 4: Bidens Big Student Debt Announcement: PITOTWIU for the Indebted Masses - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 8-28-22
Max breaks down the politics, the details, and biggest misses of the Biden student debt relief plan and why it’s in danger of being PITOTWIU
Ch. 5: Republican Veteran Concerned By Negative Military Recruitment Amidst Student Loan Forgiveness - The Majority Report - Air Date 8-29-22
Florida Representative Michael Waltz believes the military recruiting crisis will worsen with President Biden’s student loan forgiveness. He also believes it is unfair to those who have not incurred debt.
Ch. 6: Forgiving (and Unforgiving) Debts - Now & Then - Air Date 9-6-22
Heather and Joanne discuss the history of debtors’ prisons in early America, the rise of bankruptcy laws after the Civil War, and the Cold War origins of federal student loans.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Bidens Big Student Debt Announcement: PITOTWIU for the Indebted Masses Part 2 - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 8-28-22
Ch. 10: Forgiving (and Unforgiving) Debts Part 2 - Now & Then - Air Date 9-6-22
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on morality and money
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A dark gray, 3D image of the word "DEBT" sits in a white void, a connected chain and open shackle with an open padlock lie in front of it.
Credit: "3D Shackled Debt" by Chris Potter, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Enlarged with more white background
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 9/9/2022
Today, we take a look at platforms, goods, and business models in the modern landscape of the digital marketplace. We start by questioning the morality of engaging in given platforms that cause harm - cryptocurrencies' role in crime and Facebook's role in destabilizing society, for instance - and then examine virtual products and virtual talents, the movement demanding the right to repair, and the coming world of digital art produced by artificial intelligence.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Digital Life Is a Moral Mess - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 8-22-22
Then, Shirin Ghaffary, senior reporter at Recode and co-host of the podcast Land of The Giants, shares the story of Facebook, and why it has been so hard of them to respond to the damage their technology has created.
Ch. 2: Digital rapper FN Meka and the new era of digital Blackface - There Are No Girls on the Internet - Air Date 8-30-22
"AI rapper" FN Meka isn't human - he's a digital creation of a company. But that didn't stop him from getting a record deal! He briefly became the first digital rapper to sign a deal with a major recording company.
Ch. 3: The Right to Repair with Aaron Perzanowski - Factually! with Adam Conover - Air Date 5-10-22
Do we really own the devices we buy? ‘The Right to Repair’ author Aaron Perzanowki joins Adam to explain how companies are using their power to control the products we buy from them, even after they’ve left the store, and prevent us from repairing them.
Ch. 4: The Streaming TV Bloodbath - What Next - Air Date 8-28-22
Shows are disappearing. Staff are getting axed. Is It greed, or necessary for the networks' survival?
Ch. 5: CAN THEY DO THAT? | PlayStation to Remove "Owned" Movies - Hoeg Law - Air Date 7-7-22
Buying digital content has never been easier. Between Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo and more, your favorite game, song, or movie is just a click (and charge) away.
Ch. 6: Rethinking ownership in the digital age | Siân Lindley - TEDxEastEnd - Air Date 2-20-15
When George Orwell wrote 1984, there was nothing simpler than the idea of owning a paperback book. The more the digital world he foreshadowed becomes real, the more complex the idea of ownership becomes. Do you own your digital books? Your photographs?
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: The AI that creates any picture you want, explained - Vox - Air Date 6-1-22
How programmers turned the internet into a paintbrush. DALL-E 2, Midjourney, Imagen, explained.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on how the world was lost and the Dream Machine
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 9/6/2022
Today, we take a look at the precarious state of our immigration and asylum system, the legacy of neoliberalism and imperialism in South and Central America, the inhumanity practiced by both of our political parties (though not equally), and the ever-present possibility that things could get worse.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Biden to End Trump-Era "Remain in Mexico" Border Policy; Immigrants Face Ongoing Trauma, Separation - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-10-22
We speak to attorney and activist Efrén Olivares with the Southern Poverty Law Center's Immigrant Justice Project about the impact of this policy, as well as ongoing efforts to reunite families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border
Ch. 2: The Lasting Impacts of Family Separation - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-18-22
Caitlin Dickerson whose latest investigative piece “The Secret History of Family Separation,” chronicles the full scope of the policy, its legacy, and how similar, future iterations may be adopted.
Ch. 3: Political Pawns: Immigrant Activists Decry Texas Gov. Abbott for Busing Asylum Seekers to NYC - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-11-22
“What we’re seeing happening right now is Governor Abbott using asylum seekers as political pawns to merely help increase his polling numbers down in Texas,” says Murad Awawdeh, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition
Ch. 4: Capital's migration policy: Daniel Melo Part 1 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 2-28-22
Immigration lawyer Daniel Melo on his article "The Capitalist Imperative Driving Cruel and Bipartisan US Migration Policies" for Black Agenda Report.
Ch. 5: Azadeh Shahshahani on Central America Plan, Jon Lloyd on Facebook Disinformation - CounterSpin - Air Date 8-19-22
Azadeh Shahshahani is legal and advocacy director at Project South. She joins us to raise some questions about the US government’s claim that this time, they’re really bringing stability and security to northern Central America.
Ch. 6: The Democrats Long War on Immigrants - Intercepted - Air Date 2-17-21
The activist and writer Harsha Walia joins Intercepted to discuss the Democratic Party’s fundamental role in shaping the long arc of U.S. border policy
Ch. 7: Capital's migration policy: Daniel Melo Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 2-28-22
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The Democrats Long War on Immigrants Part 2 - Intercepted - Air Date 2-17-21
The activist and writer Harsha Walia joins Intercepted to discuss the Democratic Party’s fundamental role in shaping the long arc of U.S. border policy
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the amorality of economics
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A sign with a red background and white lettering is taped to a piece of cardboard and lies on the concrete ground; it reads “Seeking Asylum is a Human Right”.
Credit: “Advocates disrupt transfer of asylum seekers from Villawood” by Kate Ausburn, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date 8/21/2021
Today we take a look at the history of bipartisanship and appeasement in the US dating back to before the Civil War and tracking it all the way up to the current negotiations over the infrastructure bill.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Unnatural Endurance of Bipartisanship Part 1 - The Politics of Everything - Air Date 3-4-21
Joe Biden ran for president promising to “revive” the spirit of bipartisanship, put an end to factional battles, and bring Americans together after an era of painful division.
Ch. 2: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Elizabeth Warren - The New Yorker: Politics and More - Air Date 10-19-20
Biden often speaks about bipartisanship as a cherished value that he would restore to Washington, but Ocasio-Cortez is dubious.
Ch. 3: The Unnatural Endurance of Bipartisanship Part 2 - The Politics of Everything - Air Date 3-4-21
Ch. 4: Exhaustion of Bipartisanship - In The Thick - Air Date 6-25-21
Maria and Julio discuss remarks from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the 38th annual NALEO Conference, and they get into the vice president’s visit to El Paso and the US-Mexico border.
Ch. 5: Behind the Infrastructure of the Infrastructure Bill & The Real American Oligarchy - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 7-23-21
Sam and Emma host Ari Rabin-Havt, the former Legislative Director and Chief Policy Advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders, to discuss the prospects of the Senate bipartisan infrastructure bill.
Ch. 6: Manchin Capitol Riots Made Me MORE Bipartisan - The Young Turks - Air Date 4-9-21
In a recent interview, Senator Joe Manchin claimed that the Capitol Riots changed him, and made him double down on bipartisanship.
Ch. 7: Why Appeasement Won't Work This Time Around - On the Media - Air Date 1-8-21
White southerners called it “redemption.” To Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, founder and executive director of the African American Policy Forum, it was a catastrophe of appeasement and an object lesson in the politics of reconciliation.
Ch. 8: Keri Leigh Merritt on the New Lost Cause - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-15-21
Historians are shaking their heads as media talk about January 6 as "unprecedented"; while shocking and dispiriting, it has layers and layers of precedent that need to be learned and engaged, if we are ever to actually have a racial reckoning.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Frances Lee on why bipartisanship is irrational - Vox Conversations - Air Date 1-21-19
For most of American history, American politics has been under one-party rule. For decades, that party was the Republican Party. Then, for decades more, it was the Democratic Party.
Ch. 10: What a More Responsible Republican Party Would Look Like - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 3-2-21
This is the modern G.O.P.: a post-policy party obsessed with symbolic fights and curiously uninterested in the actual work of governing. But does it have to be that way?
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the merits of taking liars at face value
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Air Date 8/31/2022
Today, as we wait to see if Trump will ever be indicted for any of his many, many, many crimes, we take a look at the long and illustrious history of powerful people avoiding prosecution in the United States.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Welcome to the golden age of white collar crime (with Michael Hobbes) - Pitchfork Economics - Air Date 3-10-20
HuffPost reporter and fellow Seattleite Michael Hobbes join Zach in the studio for a deep dive into his most recent article about white-collar crime.
Ch. 2: Flint Residents Outraged as Charges Dropped in Fatal Water Scandal That Poisoned Majority-Black City - Democracy Now - Air Date 5-30-22
Eight years after the deadly Flint water crisis began, the state’s Supreme Court has thrown out charges against former Governor Rick Snyder and eight other former officials for their complicity in the public health emergency.
Ch. 3: Obama Requests Immunity for War Criminal George W. Bush - The Majority Report - Air Date 8-22-13
Obama's DOJ has requested that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and Paul Wolfowitz be granted immunity in a case that is alleging that they violated international law with the Iraq War...
Ch. 4: Obama on Investigating Bush Crimes: "Need to Look Forward" - This Week - Air Date 1-11-09
Barack Obama on This Week, January 11, 2009
Ch. 5: How George H.W. Bush's Pardons for Iran-Contra Conspirators Set the Stage for Trump's Impunity - Democracy Now - Air Date 12-4-18
In 1992, when Bush Sr. was president, he pardoned several Iran-Contra defendants, including Caspar Weinberger, Robert McFarlane, and Elliott Abrams. We speak with Greg Grandin.
Ch. 6: Pardon Me - Reveal - Air Date 7-6-19
We tell the untold story of a pardon system that is completely broken and a pardon attorney’s office that is being ignored by the White House.
Ch. 7: Bryan Stevenson on the racial terrorism of lynching - Cape Up - Air Date 4-24-18
Bryan Stevenson wants us to confront our country’s racial terrorism and then say, ‘Never again’
Ch. 8: Justice Department Weighs Whether Or Not To Prosecute Trump - MSNBC - Air Date 8-29-22
New York Times Justice Department Reporter Katie Benner and former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman discuss how the inquiry into Trump’s handling of classified documents poses an unparalleled test for DOJ
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Restoring the Brotherhood of Union: Confederate Pardon and Amnesty Records, 1865-1877 - US National Archives - Air Date 5-21-15
Archives specialist John Deeben provides a brief legislative history of amnesty activity during and after the Civil War.
Ch. 10: The power of presidential pardons - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 12-25-20
Pardons are among the most powerful tools a president has. While pardons can be politically motivated, drawing criticism, they can also change lives.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the nature of pardons, accountability and hurt feelings
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The word “Accountability” is in all caps in white, cracked marblized text above a long rectangle of a computer “loading” bar. The white lines in the loading bar are being drawn in by a hand holding a marker and only fill the bar half-way. Two caution symbols fill in the rest of the bar.
Credit: “Handwriting Text Accountability Loading. Concept meaning Forecasting the future event” by Jernej Furman, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Enlarged, addition of yellow and black caution symbols and “sleeve” to the arm of the hand.
Air Date 8/27/2022
Today, we take a look at the tensions between China and Taiwan, the tensions between China and the U.S. vis-a-vis Taiwan, the tensions between Russia, Europe and the U.S. vis-a-vis China and Taiwan and the tension between these small-minded struggles for global power and the dangers posed to the human race by nuclear weapons.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why China and the US are at odds over Taiwan Start Here - Al Jazeera - Air Date 11-8-21
Taiwan is caught in the middle of a tug-of-war between China and the US. What’s it all about? And where could it end up? #AJStartHere with Sandra Gathmann explains.
Ch. 2: Pelosi in Taiwan - Today, Explained - Air Date 8-2-22
China didn’t want Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan. Neither did the White House. Politico’s Alex Ward explains why she went anyway.
Ch. 3: U.S.-China Tensions Rise as Pelosi Vows "Ironclad" Support for Taiwan During Controversial Trip - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-3-22
The Quincy Institute's Michael Swaine and Taiwanese American journalist Brian Hioe join to discuss Pelosi's visit to Taiwan and the growing tensions between China and the US.
Ch. 4: Pelosi in Taiwan Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 8-2-22
China didn’t want Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan. Neither did the White House. Politico’s Alex Ward explains why she went anyway.
Ch. 5: George Beebe of the Quincy Institute on the Russia-Ukraine war - The BradCast - Air Date 8-2-22
George Beebe on the impact of the tensions between the U.S. and China on Russia and the war in Ukraine.
Ch. 6: Fallout From Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan Visit - The Majority Report - Air Date 8-4-22
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi reacts to the aftermath of her visit to Taiwan, saying a big fuss was made. The Majority Report crew discusses how the United States is escalating conflict with China.
Ch. 7: U.S.-China Tensions Rise as Pelosi Vows "Ironclad" Support for Taiwan During Controversial Trip Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-3-22
The Quincy Institute's Michael Swaine and Taiwanese American journalist Brian Hioe join to discuss Pelosi's visit to Taiwan and the growing tensions between China and the US.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Hong Kong's Rewritten Histories - On the Media - Air Date 7-6-22
This fall, students in Hong Kong will learn a new version of history — one that erases the fact the region was ever a British colony. Guest Louisa Lim, author of the new book Indelible City: Dispossession and Defiance in Hong Kong,
Ch. 9: Warnings Grow over Nuclear Annihilation as Tensions Escalate Between U.S., Russia & China - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-4-22
The U.N. warned this week that humanity is "one miscalculation away from nuclear annihilation" as tensions escalate globally. We speak with Ira Helfand and Zia Mian.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Original Air Date: 7-8-22 Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin.
We discuss: - Collections of Guns - Identity and Consumerism - Educating Worker Drones - The Amanda Principle Revisited - George Carlin vs Bill Maher
VoicedMails: We define what we wear - Zach the Theologian
Passion is exploited by capital - Heather
References: The Strange Afterlife of George Carlin
George Carlin's American Dream - HBO
BecomLeave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 8/20/2022
Today, we take a look at the history of NATO and its role in the world after the fall of the Soviet Union which has come back into focus due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, sparking previously neutral countries to request NATO membership, all while an eye to a future causes speculation on how NATO should respond to the growing geopolitical influence of China. You got all that?
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Nato and China: A new rivalry? Part 1 - The Real Story - Air Date 10-22-21
This week in an interview with a British newspaper the Secretary General of Nato repeated his desire to widen its mandate to include China. His comments coincide with reports that Beijing has tested a hypersonic missile.
Ch. 2: The History of NATO Expansion w/ Joshua Shifrinson - American Prestige - Air Date 3-18-22
Danny and Derek speak with Joshua R. Itzkowitz Shifrinson, associate professor of international relations at Boston University, about the history of NATO expansion from 1989 until 2008.
Ch. 3: German Peace Activist Warns Finland Joining NATO Could Be Step Toward Nuclear War with Russia - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-13-22
Finland's president and prime minister say they plan to end decades of neutrality and join NATO. Sweden is also expected to seek NATO membership. The Kremlin says Russia sees the expansion of NATO on its borders as a threat.
Ch. 4: How Nato can protect Ukraine, with Anders Fogh Rasmussen - World Review from the New Statesman - Air Date 6-20-22
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine heading towards its fifth month, Europe correspondent Ido Vock speaks to the former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
Ch. 5: Anatol Lieven on NATO Expansion & What a Ukraine Peace Settlement Could Look Like - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-30-22
The United States announced at a NATO summit in Madrid plans to build a permanent military base in Poland, as it formally invited Sweden and Finland to join the military alliance after they applied for membership.
Ch. 6: NATO and China: A new rivalry? Part 2 - The Real Story - Air Date 10-22-21
This week in an interview with a British newspaper the Secretary General of Nato repeated his desire to widen its mandate to include China. His comments coincide with reports that Beijing has tested a hypersonic missile.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Why is China supporting Russia on NATO? - The Real Story - Air Date 2-18-22
This month President Putin of Russia was the star guest at the opening of the Winter Olympics in Beijing. But his trip to China was not just about showing support for the host country.
Ch. 8: Finland and Sweden have entered the chat - Today, Explained - Air Date 5-23-22
Their admission to NATO would further isolate Russia, leaving it the only Arctic country outside the alliance.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the systemic reasons that NATO still exists and how we should replace it
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/16/2022
Today, we take a look at the strategies underway to systematically dismantle democracy in the United States including installing Big-Lie™ believers in elected and poll-working positions, preventing state-level Supreme Courts from holding GOP-dominated state legislators to the state constitutions, and wiping out tens of thousands of career civil servants from the federal government to be replaced by right-wing extremists.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Republicans Caught Planning MASSIVE Voter Fraud - David Pakman Show - Air Date 6-2-22
A mindblowing new report from Politico
Ch. 2: Republican plans to use political operatives as poll workers alarm voting rights activists - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 6-1-22
Now, reporting by POLITICO details GOP efforts on the local level to challenge and potentially overturn elections. Rick Hasen, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine and the author of "Cheap Speech" joins William Brangham to discuss.
Ch. 3: Inside Trump's Stealth Purge Plan with the Congressman Leading the Fight Against It - Beyond Politics - Air Date 7-28-22
Trump’s top allies are prepping a plan to purge the federal government. They want to remove thousands of key decision-makers and replace them with MAGA loyalists, all through an Executive Order called "Schedule F."
Ch. 4: 2024 Republican Hopefuls Support Trump Allies' Plan To Purge Government Workers - Ring of Fire - Air Date 8-4-22
Many of the possible 2024 Republican contenders have told Axios that they support the plan being put together by Trump's allies to purge career government workers and replace them with their own loyalists.
Ch. 5: Fake Electors, Real Crimes and Much More - The Bradcast - Air Date 7-26-22
Explaining the plan to elect 2020 election deniers into positions of power to influence the 2024 election.
Ch. 6: Dark Money Is Fueling Election Deniers In Secretary Of State Races - The Ring of Fire - Air Date 8-6-22
Across the country, dark money is pouring into Secretary of State races to promote election-denying candidates.
Ch. 7: Judicial Coup SCOTUS Gerrymandering Case May Let GOP State Legislatures Control Federal Elections - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-6-22
Carolyn Shapiro says a ruling in favor of North Carolina Republicans would be "extremely problematic from the perspective of democracy."
Ch. 8: The Supreme Court Case That Could Upend U.S. Elections - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 7-5-22
"I always counsel against assuming that any one court decision is going to dramatically change the landscape. But this case is different," says Marc Elias on the Supreme Court taking up a case on state legislatures' authority over elections.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Fake Electors, Real Crimes and Much More Part 2 - The Bradcast - Air Date 7-26-22
Previously undisclosed emails between top associates and aides of Donald Trump expose how they coordinated their plot to present 'fake' electors in seven states to steal the 2020 election.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Power is the ability to act - Pat from Chicago
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on building movement power
Become a Poll/Election Worker:
How to Be A Poll Worker Where you Live (US Election Assistance Commission)
WorkElections.org (Fair Elections Center)
Defeat MAGA Secretaries of State in Midterms:
MoveOn "US v. MAGA" Campaign
Help People Get Voter IDs:
VoteRiders
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A voter crouches by a folding table, his head is obscured by the white voter privacy box decorated with an American flag on each side. Other tables and privacy boxes can be seen in the large building foyer. Glass entrance doors can be seen in the distance.
Credit: “Election Day 2020” by Phil Roeder, Flickr | License: CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped
Original Air Date 8/10/2021
Today we take a look at the mechanisms by which the legacy of White Supremacy is harmful to the health and wellbeing of individuals and society as a whole.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why Is Our Economy So … White (with Heather McGhee) - How To Citizen with Baratunde - Air Date 4-8-21
This week, author Heather McGhee breaks down the driving force of American economic exclusion via the swimming pool. Baratunde asks Heather about all she has learned traveling across the country to write her book, The Sum of Us.
Ch. 2: The Role 'Nice White Parents' Play in School Segregation - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-9-20
Chana Joffe-Walt, producer for This American Life and host of the new podcast Nice White Parents, and Dr. Rachel Lissy, senior Program Officer at Ramapo for Children, talk about investigating the relationship between white parents and segregation
Ch. 3: The NFL's Race-Norming Problem Is All Over Medicine - What Next - Air Date 6-7-21
The NFL recently announced it would stop using “race norming” when assessing who would receive a share of their recent $1 billing settlement for former players. The practice assumes Black players started with lower cognitive function.
Ch. 4: One Bad Algorithm Advocates Say Facial Recognition Reveals Systemic Racism in AI Technology - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-26-20
Researchers say facial recognition software is up to 100 times more likely to misidentify people of color than white people. This week, Boston voted to end its use in the city.
Ch. 5: People Like Us, Education - Hidden Brain - Air Date 6-3-19
Generations of Americans have struggled against segregation. Most of us believe in the ideal of a colorblind society. But what happens when that ideal come up against research that finds colorblindness sometimes leads to worse outcomes?
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 6: Can We Finally End School Segregation? - The New Yorker Radio Hour - Air Date 5-21-21
By many accounts, American schools are as segregated today as they were in the nineteen-sixties, in the years after Brown v. Board of Education. WNYC’s podcast “The United States of Anxiety” chronicled the efforts of one small school district.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 7: Patriotism and the culture wars - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on the nature of airing dirty laundry
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Color photograph of a corner of an old public pool that has been filled in. Where there was once water is now green grass. The railing of a metal ladder is still intact, but a weed grows around its base. Blue square tiles still edge the concrete corner.
Photo Credit: "The Memorial Pool in Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD, by artist Joyce J. Scott" by Graham Coreil-Allen (Pool/Park History) | License | Changes: Slightly cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/10/2022
Today, we take a look at the origins of the European colonial land-grab, the need for the #Landback movement, and the benefits to society and the environment in the context of the climate crisis to return stewardship of the land to native peoples.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why It’s Time To Give Native Americans Their Land Back - AJ+ - Air Date 10-9-20
For some reason, Oct. 12th is still Columbus Day in a lot of the United States. Fortunately, more and more cities and states are adopting that day as Indigenous Peoples Day
Ch. 2: Canada, it's time for Land Back - The Breach - Air Date 6-2-21
Since its inception, Canada has been stealing Indigenous lands — by the barrel of a gun, by starvation tactics & by tearing children from their families.
Ch. 3: Mark Charles: An Indigenous Liberation Theology - A People's Theology - Air Date 7-7-21
Mason chats with Mark Charles about his book, Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. We chat all about the Doctrine of Discovery, Mark's theology of land and water, and much more.
Ch. 4: Can Indigenous People Lead the Fight Against Climate Change? - Above the Noise - Air Date 4-20-22
Indigenous communities across the globe are experts at managing and protecting land. Is it time the U.S. finally returned STOLEN parklands back to them?
Ch. 5: LandBack: The Indigenous Liberation Movement - Andrewism - Air Date 1-6-21
LandBack isn’t about deporting white people. It’s a path to a better future.
Ch. 6: What We Can Learn About #LandBack From These Native American Comedies - PBS Origins - Air Date 6-13-22
Native American representation in film and TV used to be confined to Westerns and storylines of defeat. Today, a new wave of Native American comedies, written and created by Native peoples, are taking back their narratives.
Bonus: Landback cold open - Reservation Dogs S1 E3 Uncle Brownie - Air Date 8-16-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Meet the native Hawaiians fighting U.S. occupation - AJ+ - Air Date 3-3-17
In 1893, armed U.S. naval forces helped American sugar plantation owners illegally overthrow Hawaii’s constitutional monarchy. 100 years later, the U.S. apologized and admitted in a resolution that Native Hawaiians had never relinquished their sovereignty
Ch. 8: Why Native Americans are buying back land that was stolen from them - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 10-16-21
From 1877 to 1934, under a range of laws and reneged-upon treaties, the U.S. government appropriated tens of millions of acres of Native American land. In recent years there has been a growing movement known as “land back” to reclaim their lands.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Definition of power and organizing - Pat from Chicago
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on why the left doesn't fight hard enough for political power
TAKE ACTION / EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Yellowhead Institute (@Yellowhead_): "Land Back - A Yellowhead Institute Red Paper" (Includes tools and resources. Canadian-based, but broadly applicable.)
NDN Collective (@ndncollective): LandBack.org (U.S.-based)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A red "Land Back" flag waves outside the front of a courthouse. An American flag flies above it against a blue sky at the top of the courthouse.
Credit: "A Land Back flag flies under the US Flag outside Aitkin County Courthouse in Aitkin, Minnesota" by Lorie Shaull | License CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, increased contrast, decreased brightness
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 8/5/2022
Today, we take a look at the politics of energy and climate in a world addicted to fossil fuels but full of people striving to push us past the tipping point toward a clean energy future
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Biden Fist Bumps A Pariah - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 7-19-22
Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman discuss the hypocrisy of President Joe Biden's visit to Saudi Arabia, and how the Saudis are trying to buy their legitimacy through sports.
Ch. 2: This is a Big (Climate) Deal: What's in the Inflation Reduction Act Part 1 - A Matter of Degrees - Air Date 8-3-22
This episode features a live conversation co-hosted by Evergreen Action, featuring Senator Ed Markey, Representative Pramila Jayapal, and Reverend Lennox Yearwood, Jr.
Ch. 3: With Congress Unwilling to Act, Pressure Grows on Biden to Declare National Climate Emergency - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-21-22
We speak with Jean Su, energy justice director and senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, who co-wrote a report detailing how the president can use emergency powers to address the climate crisis.
Ch. 4: Did Joe Manchin just save the planet? - Today, Explained - Air Date 8-3-22
Probably not, but he did finally compromise on the Inflation Reduction Act (née Build Back Better), which could be the most significant climate spending bill in US history. Vox’s Li Zhou and Rebecca Leber explain.
Ch. 5: This is a Big (Climate) Deal: What's in the Inflation Reduction Act Part 2 - A Matter of Degrees - Air Date 8-3-22
Ch. 6: Vivek Shandas on Climate Disruption & Heat Waves, Jamie Kalven on Laquan McDonald Coverup - Counterspin - Air Date 7-29-22
There’s a way to tell the story that connects to policy and planning, but that centers human beings. We talked about that during last year’s heat wave with Portland State University professor Vivek Shandas.
Ch. 7: What If The Fed Bought Out The Oil Industry - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 7-18-22
Progressive economist, Robert Pollin, gives us his take on the causes and remedies of the current inflationary spiral, and what both the Fed and the Biden Administration can do about it.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Dirty World - Gaslit Nation with Andrea Chalupa and Sarah Kendzior - Air Date 7-19-22
This week we take on shady internal affairs (the enormous number of people in the Trump crime cult circle who died violent or mysterious deaths) and burning external affairs (the horrors of climate change and Joe Manchin’s role in destroying the planet).
Ch. 9: 12 Ways Biden Is Fighting Climate Change That You Haven't Heard - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 7-26-22
Progressives care about climate change and we care about the environment. So it is great to know that with Democratic leadership action is being taken to move us forward in the effort to protect ourselves from the consequences of global warming.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Response to neurodivergence episode - Bill from St. Petersburg, FL
Ch. 11: Neurodiversity - Larry
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the range of normal
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Among a crowd of protestors, a man holds up a sign that reads “DECLARE CLIMATE EMERGENCY” in hand-painted black letters on a red background.
Credit: “United Climate Rally - Melbourne” by Matt Hrkac, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0) | Changes: Cropped, slight increase in brightness, contrast and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/2/2022
Today, we take a look at what neurodiversity is and why it should be seen as a strength and benefit to society when accommodated properly rather than a problem to be solved or, worse, ignored.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What Exactly is Neurodiversity? - How to ADHD - Air Date 1-18-22
The neurodiversity movement has been around for some time, but what exactly is it? In this video, we talk about what the neurodiversity movement is and how it's linked to the autistic community.
Ch. 2: Adriana White - Autism and Neurodiversity: Different Does Not Mean Broken - TEDx Talks - Air Date 11-11-21
In this talk, Adriana discusses the idea of neurodiversity. Many people are labeled incorrectly because their brains are wired differently. Adriana offers awareness and an alternative way to see people as unique and valuable.
Ch. 3: Giftedness is Not Achievement with Aurora Remember Holtzman - ADHD Essentials - Air Date 12-11-21
Today, we’re talking to Aurora Remember Holtzman. Aurora is a school psychologist, neurodivergence coach, and host of the Embracing Intensity podcast. And her focus is giftedness and twice exceptionality.
Ch. 4: Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming World - Neurodiversity Podcast - Air Date 8-10-21
Emily Kircher-Morris and Joel Schwartz talk about what it would take to create a neurodiversity-affirming world where old stereotypes and perceptions are shed.
Ch. 5: Elaine Halligan: Neurodiversity is a superpower, not a problem - TEDx Talks - Air Date 11-25-19
We have to break the stigma around mental health and children. Most of the times the signals are quite subtle and can be often overlooked by parents, so many children may be suffering behind closed doors.
Ch. 6: The Utility (or Futility) of Labels - The Neurodiversity Podcast - Air Date 7-7-22
The reality of working within a system in flux. The meaning or usefulness of the term “gifted.” The utility (or futility) of labels. The confusion of overlapping diagnoses.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Neurodivergence and Queerness with Leela Sinha - Embracing Intensity - Air Date 5-23-22
Today’s episode is a recording of our talk with Leela Sinha on the intersection of neurodivergence and gender. This is definitely not an “inside-the-box” topic.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the hyper-focus ability of ADHD
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The neurodiversity awareness symbol - an infinity symbol (a horizontal elongated number 8) in a rainbow of overlapping colors - is against a white background.
Image Credit: “Neurodiversity Symbol” by MissLunaRose12, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC by-SA 4.0 | Changes: White background added
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date 6/9/2021
Today we take a look at the motivations behind legislation being introduced in statehouses around the country to ban the teaching of Critical Race Theory, criminalize the right to protest and limit the right to vote. Now if only there were some theory we could look to to understand the complicated interconnectedness of these subtly racist ideas...
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The War Over Teaching America's Racist History in Schools - The Daily Show with Trevor Noah - Air Date 5-5-21
Most students in America are only taught about a handful of important Black Americans in history class. Here’s a look at why schools should teach students about race and why certain parents are opposed to that shift.
Ch. 2: Critical Race Theory - Past Present - Air Date 5-25-21
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the current controversy over critical race theory.
Ch. 3: Elly Page on Anti-Protest Bills - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-23-21
If the Chauvin verdict is testament to the power of protest, so too are the vigorous efforts to squelch that power. Plus: Right-wing legislators target trans kids at the state level.
Ch. 4: Not Ready For That Conversation - On The Media - Air Date 4-23-21
Tami Abdollah [@latams], national correspondent for USA Today, on how Republican-controlled legislatures across the country have been introducing bills to criminalize protests — or as they put it, to stop the rioting.
Ch. 5: GOP States Are Pushing for Stricter Penalties for Protesters - The Takeaway - Air Date 4-27-21
The Takeaway spoke with Nora Benavidez, the director of U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America, and Elly Page, senior legal advisor at the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law, working with the U.S. Protest Law Tracker.
Ch. 6: Weaponizing Trump's Big Lie: Ari Berman on GOP's War on Democracy & Voting Rights - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-10-21
Extreme voting restrictions have advanced in several Republican-led states across the U.S., including in Florida. Mother Jones reporter Ari Berman says these efforts are an extension of former President Trump’s “big lie” about voter fraud.
Ch. 7: Is the GOP Insanity Being Driven By Trump or 40 Years of Madness? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-4-21
This “Trump grip” narrative is nonsense and it needs to stop —the Republican Party has made it crystal clear with their voter suppression efforts that they no longer believe in democracy. They are doing this because they want to.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Walk Out: Texas Democrats Block Passage of Voter Suppression Bill by Leaving Capitol Ahead of Vote - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-1-21
Trey Martinez Fischer says the legislation would have “a tremendous impact” on ballot access in the state. “Just like every bad policy, Hispanics, Latinos and Asian Americans will be disproportionately impacted," "the time for a national response is now."
Ch. 9: How Corporate Media Protects Violent Cops - Carlos Maza - Air Date 6-4-20
Police departments across America have declared war on unarmed protesters. They get away with it thanks to a corporate media ecosystem that helps shield cops from criticism and discredit the people protesting police brutality.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Lesson #3 The Value Proposition
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Iconography of a person speaking into a bullhorn with an arm up and other people icons listening to represent "protesting" with a red circle with a line through it over the image.
Credit: "No protesting" by David Pursehouse | Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, enhanced contrast, saturation and brightness
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 7/26/2022
Today, we take a look at recent Supreme Court rulings aside from overturning abortion rights and how all signals are that they are going full steam ahead on a conservative authoritarian deconstruction of the past 100 years of progress
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: A Supreme Court Term Like No Other - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 7-9-22
Dahlia Lithwick hosts Amicus’ annual term-ending breakfast table conversation, featuring Slate’s own Mark Joseph Stern, Professor Katherine Franke and Professor Nikolas Bowie. They dig into the biggest decisions of the term
Ch. 2: Judicial Coup: SCOTUS Gerrymandering Case May Let GOP State Legislatures Control Federal Elections - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-6-22
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Thursday it will hear oral arguments in a case experts warn could be one of the greatest threats to U.S. democracy since the deadly January 6 insurrection at the Capitol. In October, the court will hear Moore v. Harper.
Ch. 3: Just how bad is the Supreme Court's EPA decision - Strict Scrutiny - Air Date 6-30-22
Kate and Leah break down the "free-wheeling, free association analysis" of the Supreme Court's opinion in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency. Basically, it's bad! And not just because of the impending climate apocalypse!
Ch. 4: The Supreme Court Needs an Upgrade - What Next - Air Date 7-6-22
The Supreme Court treated its most recent term like the opening salvo in a conservative revolution, approving prayer in schools, establishing a constitutional right to conceal and carry a firearm, and eliminating the constitutional right to abortion.
Ch. 5: The Outrage Continues - In The Thick - Air Date 7-19-22
Julio is joined by Errin Haines, editor at large for The 19th, and Elie Mystal, justice correspondent and columnist for The Nation. They discuss the Supreme Court and the impact of their decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: SCOTUS Religious Extremists Rapidly Eroding Separation Of Church And State In USA - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-1-22
Writer Mark Joseph Stern joins the MR crew to talk about the recent SCOTUS opinions and rulings on Carson v Makin and Kennedy v Bremerton which continue to blur the lines between church and state.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the political philosophy that increases suffering
Bonus clip: Because of Texas abortion law, her wanted pregnancy became a medical nightmare - NPR - Air Date 7-26-22
New, untested abortion bans have made doctors unsure about treating some pregnancy complications, which has led to life-threatening delays and trapped families in a limbo of grief and helplessness.
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Global Food Prices Are at A Record High - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-22-22
We speak with Ukrainian-American Anna Nagurney, Chair in Integrative Studies at the Isenberg School of Management at The University of Massachusetts - Amherst about the latest on Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian food exports.
Ch. 2: Why War in Ukraine is Causing Apocalyptic Famine - RealLifeLore - Air Date 6-30-22
Explaining why the geopolitical destabilization of the war in Ukraine may be part of Russia's plan and what actions the world can take to reduce the famine
Ch. 3: The Famine Is Coming: War in Ukraine & Climate Crisis Contribute to Food Insecurity in Somalia - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-23-22
Joining us from Mogadishu, Somalia, Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, says poorer countries in Africa aren't able to financially compete with richer countries to afford basic staples like wheat.
Ch. 4: For Bread: On capitalism's global food crisis - Prolekult - Air Date 7-2-22
An overview of the fundamental factors driving the global food crisis. The piece looks at the way fertilizer has shaped agriculture, the composition of agricultural capital, and the environmental crisis' impact on agriculture globally.
Ch. 5: Food Shortage or Economic Crisis Experts Say Poverty & Capitalism Are Real Drivers of Global Hunger - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-23-22
We speak with food systems experts Sofía Monsalve Suárez and Rachel Bezner Kerr about how to prevent a looming global food shortage.
Ch. 6: Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli: The future of the food ecosystem -- and the power of your plate - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 5-9-22
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli lays out what it would take to build a more equitable, sustainable food system that nourishes all people and asks us to widen our perspectives before eating our next meal.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Are Food Shortages Coming to the United States? - David Pakman Show - Air Date 4-20-22
Are food shortages really coming to the United States, as some are claiming?
Ch. 8: Why War in Ukraine is Causing Apocalyptic Famine Part 2 - RealLifeLore - Air Date 6-30-22
Explaining the slow-moving famine already underway before the start of the war in Ukraine
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Requesting a Culture Wars episode - Phil from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on our coverage of the culture wars
Referenced:
#1479 Torturing Children and Families in the Name of Protecting Them (Trans Rights)
#1498 Pride and Prejudice
#1470 Distorting History and Banning Books is a Power Play of Exclusion
#1453 The Tea Party Too (School Board Backlash and the Dark Money Behind It)
#1501 Navigating Post-Roe America
#1374 Tell Stories, Not Myths - Columbus and the Centrality of Colonialism
#1431 Stealing Native Children and Their Future
#1492 The Great Replacements (Conspiracy vs Reality)
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photograph of a cluster of golden wheat grains on a white surface. A small, colorful figurine of a globe rests on top of the grains.
Credit: "Globe and wheat. Global wheat shortage." by Jernej Furman, Flickr | License: CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 4/16/2020
Today, Amanda and I discuss a few of the aspects of life during a pandemic that's causing mental fog and affecting our work.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
MEMBERSHIP (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: We all make mistakes but we’re making a lot more of them right now
Ch. 2: The Burnout Generation
Ch. 3: Survival Mode
Ch. 4: Hidden Mental Health Toll of Coronavirus with Alisa Kriegel - WhoWhatWhy - Air Date 3-22-20
The COVID-19 pandemic is going to have a huge toll on mental health, what can we do to mitigate the damage?
Ch. 5: Soft Launch of my secret project
Ch. 6: Showing the ShowSharer™
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 7/13/2022
Today, we take a look at how the Supreme Court stripped abortion rights for half the country, what life will look like for those seeking abortions and what we can do both personally and politically to fight back.
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Transcript
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Join our Discord community!
Nominate us for the Podcast Awards by July 31st!
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Aimee Arrambide of Avow Texas with Abortion Resources - Burn It All Down - Air Date 6-29-22
Jessica Luther talks with Aimee Arrambide who provides information and abortion resources related to the overturning of Roe V. Wade.
Ch. 2: Looking for an abortion online? Listen to this first. - There Are No Girls on the Internet - Air Date 6-28-22
Computer scientist and social media expert Dr. Jen Golbeck has been running a popular TikTok series educating people on how to be more secure while navigating abortion online.
Ch. 3: The Day 'Roe' Died - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 6-24-22
For the first time in this country's history, an unelected majority of Supreme Court justices have taken away a fundamental constitutional right.
Ch. 4: When Pregnancy becomes Crime - This Is Hell! - Air Date 7-5-22
Writer and philosophy scholar at Cornell University, Kate Manne talks about her Substack article "Criminalizing Pregnant People: A Brief Retrospective."
Ch. 5: “A Devastating Ruling”: Law Prof. Michele Goodwin & SCOTUS Attorney Kitty Kolbert on Overturning Roe - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-4-22
We speak with two leading legal scholars. Kathryn "Kitty" Kolbert is co-founder of the Center for Reproductive Rights
Ch. 6: Just Doing The Job They Were Put On The Court To Do - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 6-25-22
Roe v Wade has been swept away and Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Mary Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California, Davis.
Ch. 7: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez: Pres. Biden Should Forcefully Support Ending The Filibuster & Expanding SCOTUS - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert - Air Date 6-29-22
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez lays out the case for what Democrats need to do in response to the Dobbs decision
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: How The Supreme Court Killed Roe v. Wade - LegalEagle - Air Date 6-29-22
This is a sea change at the Supreme Court
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the importance of state judicial elections
TAKE ACTION!
Start Paying Attention to State Judicial Elections:
Ballotpedia: ALL State Judicial Elections 2022 (scroll down for state links & maps)
Quick Links: Texas (18 appellate | 6 supreme); Florida (28 appellate | 5 supreme); Ohio (28 appellate | 3 supreme); Lousiana (22 appellate | 1 supreme); Tennesee (24 appellate | 5 supreme) ...and more.
Your State-by-State Guide to the 2022 Supreme Court Elections (via Bolts Magazine)
Share BOTL's Twitter Thread on this Subject
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
State Judge Elections Are About to Become Decisive for Abortion Rights (via Slate - July 6, 2022)
We Need to Reclaim State Courts From Big Money and Hateful Agendas (via TRUTHOUT - May 2019)
The Politics of Judicial Elections, 2019–20 (via Brennan Center - Jan. 25, 2022)
Gerrymandering or Creating New Courts (Dec 2021)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A black and white photo showing a large crowd of people protesting in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on the day Roe v. Wade was overturned, amidst ominous dark clouds in the sky.
Credit: "2022.06.24 Roe v Wade Overturned - SCOTUS, Washington, DC USA 175 143207" by Ted Eytan, Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped
Original Air Date: 6-6-22 Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin. We discuss: - The Dawn of Everything - Capitalism Culture - Hit and Run Work Ethic - Necropolitics - W.E.B. DuBois on Colonialism - Sacrifices of Cultural Assumptions
References: The Dawn of Everything (Affiliate Link!)
Capitalism Culture
Daycare late fees no deterrent, study finds
Prosecutor: Driver In Hit-And-Run Death Left For Job Interview
What Is Necropolitics? The Political Calculation of Life and Death
We Are Not This Map
When W. E. B. Du Bois Was Un-American
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 7/4/2022
Today, for this milestone episode, I attempted to squeeze in as many clever and interesting ideas as I could and ended up writing a starter guide to understand the United States. Plus, there are jingles!
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Political Structures of Our Country
Tracking the political eras that proceeded our current situation and looking at what may come next.
Jingle 1: Strawman
Ch. 2: Progressives and Progress
Looking at a progressive perspective of the last 20 years and the process of progress itself
Jingle 2: Defer to Authority
Ch. 3: Understanding Race, Gender, Privilege and Power
Understanding why our understanding of the world is often insufficiently complicated
Jingle 3: Just Asking Questions
Ch. 4: Progressives in Politics
Tracing the fissures on the political left from Bush to Biden
Jingle 4: Manipulating Data
Ch. 5: Republican Transformation
Tracing conservatism from mid-century Republicans to 21st-century insurrectionists
Jingle 5: Appeal to Emotion
Ch. 6: Foreign/Power
Looking at various forms of power and how they play out on the international stage
Jingle 6: Passive Voice
Ch. 7: The Progress Trap
The progress traps of new technology and why we're not defending against them
Jingle 7: Clickbait
Ch. 8: Structural Thinking and the Alternative
What happens when an individualist thinker is faced with problems that only structural thinking can handle?
Jingle 8: Conspiracy Theories
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Conclusion
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Jingles: Concept and Some Lyrics by Jay Tomlinson, Music and Most Lyrics by Jonathan Mann
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 6/19/2021
Today we take a look at the politics of obstruction in service to big donors' interests while sacrificing the ability to run a functioning democracy in the process.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: West Virginia's Robyn Kincaid on the maddening Joe Manchin - The BradCast - Air Date 6-9-21
Robyn Kincaid explains the mysteries of Manchin, the history of his family's political dynasty in the state, and key factors that may be at work in Manchin's inexplicable obstruction of Biden and the Democrats' agenda.
Ch. 2: How Kyrsten Sinema Sold Out w/ Aída Chávez - Start Making Sense - Air Date 3-31-21
The political transformation of Kyrsten Sinema, the new senator from Arizona: She’s one of the two most conservative Democrats in the Senate—but Aida Chavez explains that she started out to the left of the Party.
Ch. 3: Filibuster Helps Manchin Hide In Plain Sight w/ David Sirota - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-12-21
Breaking down the conflict-averse nature of the Democratic Party.
Ch. 4: Breaking Down President Biden's $6 Trillion 2022 Budget - The Takeaway - Air Date 5-28-21
The president's budget attempts to incorporate plans on infrastructure, housing, and healthcare, and is likely to receive conservative backlash for raising the federal deficit.
Ch. 5: What Does Joe Manchin Want? John Nichols on Filibuster Reform - Start Making Sense - Air Date 6-9-21
Congressional action could block voter law changes—but that requires filibuster reform, and Joe Manchin says he won’t vote for filibuster reform. What does Joe Manchin want? John Nichols comments.
Ch. 6: Joe Manchin Gets Candid With Billionaire Donors in Leaked Audio - Deconstructed - Air Date 6-16-21
Sen. Joe Manchin reveals his thoughts on the filibuster in a leaked Zoom call with fundraisers.
Ch. 7: Does America Have a Chance At Democracy? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-12-21
When a political party is more obsessed with identity than issues - America is in trouble. Can America function as a multi-racial, ethnic, religious democracy?
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: How Kyrsten Sinema Sold Out w/ Aída Chávez Part 2 - Start Making Sense - Air Date 3-31-21
The political transformation of Kyrsten Sinema, the new senator from Arizona: She’s one of the two most conservative Democrats in the Senate—but Aida Chavez explains that she started out to the left of the Party.
Ch. 9: Filibuster Helps Manchin Hide In Plain Sight w/ David Sirota Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-12-21
Explaining Manchin's love of being the center of attention and those who love to use him as a shield against criticism
BONUS
Ch. 10: Curation Lesson #4
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on Bo Burnham's "Inside"
TAKE ACTION!
Pressure Manchin & Sinema via No Excuses PAC | TW: NoExcuses_PAC
Pressure Manchin via West Virginia Can’t Wait |TW: @WVCantWait
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Abolish The Filibuster | Song A Day #4542 - Jonathan Mann
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Composite image. Photo of Sen. Kristen Sinema (D-AZ) on the left and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) on the right. More than half of their images are overlaid with red, the rest with blue. A vector image of the U.S. Capitol is in the foreground, a rope is coiled around the dome being pulled at each end out of view.
Credit: Composite image designed by Amanda Hoffman
Image 1: "Kyrsten Sinema" by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped with overlays
Image 2: "FAA REAUTHORIZATION LEGISLATION" by Senate Democrats, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped with overlays
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Original Air Date 7/5/2019
Today we take an unflinching look at Mitch McConnell and what a bad, bad man he is for basically all of the reasons.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Money Money Money Part 1 - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Tom Dreisbach - Air Date 6-6-19
Mitch fully embraces the 'evil' of raising money in politics, and truly believes money is free speech.
Ch. 2: Voting Machine Lobbyists Pay Mitch McConnell - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 6-13-19
Lobbyists for both major voting machine companies have started contributing to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's re-election campaign as McConnell is blocking election security bills.
Ch. 3: McConnell Admits Defeat with Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola, and Ana Kasparian - The Young Turks - Air Date 3-8-19
McConnell, a longtime opponent of campaign finance reform who battled the late Sen. McCain over the issue, made clear in December that the House proposal would never see floor time in the Senate.
Ch. 4: Money Money Money Part 2 - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Tom Dreisbach - Air Date 6-6-19
McCain and Mitch fought each other over money in politics for years. Mitch wasn't ever going to lose, McCain saw the corruption and tried to call it out.
Ch. 5: Mitch Is the Biggest Monster In Politics - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 3-8-19
Mitch has been packing the courts, it is monopolization of our judiciary by far right extremists / conservatives.
Ch. 6: McConnell Makes Obstruction Pledge with Cenk Uygur, Jayar Jackson, and John Iadarola - The Young Turks - Air Date 4-24-19
McConnell sees what the progressives are doing, and is dedicated to stopping them at all costs.
Ch. 7: Darth Vader Has Arrived - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Tom Dreisbach - Air Date 6-13-19
Mitch fought endlessly to ensure corporate money in politics. Citizens United and Mitch McConnell completely overturned democracy and legalized corruption.
Ch. 8: Is Mitch McConnell the Most Evil Politician in US History with Alex Pareene - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 4-5-19
Mitch is manipulating our judicial system - Trumps court appointments are pushing terrorism on the people. Mitch is the most productive and destructive GOP in modern history.
Ch. 9: Mitch McConnell Gets Cornered By Question with Cenk Uygur, Ira Madison and John Iadarola - The Young Turks - Air Date 5-29-19
Mitch blocked Merrick Garland under Obama, and now will indiscriminately fill any SCOTUS opening.
Ch. 10: Not A Happy Choice - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Eric Mennel - Air Date 6-20-19
Mitch rose to fame during the Obama administration, for refusing to work with Obama on anything, which paved the way for Trump
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Christians thrive on oppression - (Another) Heather
Ch. 12: The Christian Right's Persecution Boner - Ani from Florida
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on why it’s safe to say that Mitch McConnell is an extortionist
TAKE ACTION! (Cut for time)
SEGMENT: Support the Fight to Oust McConnell in 2020 - Best of the Left Activism
Support End Citizens United
Support Indivisible Kentucky
Support the Ditch Mitch Fund
Support Steven Cox
Support Amy McGrath (if she announces)
Support Matt Jones (if he announces)
Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Banjo - Grey River
- Heather - Migration
- Lord Weasel - Molerider
- Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
- Inessential - Bayou Birds
- Vibrant Canopy - Origami
- Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
- Waterbourne - Algea Fields
- Surly Bonds - Aeronaut
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 6/25/2022
Today we take a look at some of the takeaways from the hearings investigating the January 6th insurrection. Most notably: they knew, they knew, they knew, they knew from the very beginning that their fraud claims were nonsense and they pushed ahead anyway.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Jan. 6 Insurrection Understanding The Big Picture Part 1 - Fresh Air - Air Date 6-9-22
New York Times Congressional reporter Luke Broadwater says the effort to overturn the 2020 election results was a "sprawling and diffuse" one that involved local governments as well as White House insiders.
Ch. 2: January 6th Goes Primetime Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 6-10-22
Brad is joined by guest co-host Dr. Leah Payne. They begin by discussing the first primetime hearing of the J6 Select Committee. They then focus on Tucker Carlson's response to hearings.
Ch. 3: Special coverage of House J6 Hearing, Day 3 Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 6-16-22
HEATHER DIGBY offers important insights into today's hearing
Ch. 4: The Jan. 6 Insurrection Understanding The Big Picture Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 6-9-22
Ch. 5: January 6th Goes Primetime Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 6-10-22
Ch. 6: Special coverage of House J6 Hearing, Day 3 Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 6-16-22
Ch. 7: Jan. 6 Hearings Point Finger at Donald Trump. But Federal Prosecutors Haven't Gone That Far. - The Intercept - Air Date 6-15-22
Investigative reporter Trevor Aaronson is joined by Margot Williams, research editor for The Intercept, and Michael Loadenthal, founder and executive director of the Prosecution Project.
Ch. 8: Generals Warn America's Democracy Is in Danger From the Inside - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-23-22
These retired Generals fought to defend Democracy abroad, now they are warning that America's Democracy needs to be defended from threats inside the country.
Ch. 9: Guess Which Republican Congressmembers Sought Pardons After Trying to Help Trump Subvert Vote - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-24-22
Six Republican members of Congress who supported Donald Trump's lies sought broad presidential pardons for their involvement in the campaign to discredit the election results
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Top Arizona Republican Testifies He Rejected Trump Plot to Overturn Vote, Then Faced Violent Threats - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-22-22
Republican Speaker of the Arizona House "Rusty" Bowers described how he was pushed by Trump, John Eastman and Rudy Giuliani to call the Arizona Legislature back into session to investigate claimed illegal votes.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on turning anger into election action
TAKE ACTION:
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Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
Air Date 6/22/2022
Today we take a look at the complicated evolution of Pride Month in an era of much greater LGBTQ acceptance and the simultaneous resurgence of anti-LGBTQ energy that, in many ways, mirrors the arguments of 40 years ago.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Rainbow capitalism raises questions about corporate commitments and Pride Month's purpose - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 6-30-21
Throughout the month of June, LGBTQ communities in the U.S. have been celebrating Pride in cities and states around the country. And corporate America has made itself a part of that, too, by increasingly tapping into Pride Month
Ch. 2: Anti-trans legislation - It's Been a Minute - Air Date 4-29-22
Ari discusses how this wave of law-making differs from so-called "moral panics" of past decades — and why that matters — with historian Jules Gill-Peterson, of Johns Hopkins University.
Ch. 3: Is Pride Too Commercialized? - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-15-22
Today, Pride Month gatherings are more likely to be described as parades than marches. And with rainbow flags adorning the storefronts of big corporations, it might be easy to think the struggle is over.
Ch. 4: Disney vs. Itself vs. The Right - Recode Media - Air Date 4-13-22
Within the past few months, Disney CEO Bob Chapek managed to piss off his shareholders, the LGBT community, and right-wing conservatives. Today we talk about how he did it, why it happened, and what’s next.
Ch. 5: Don't Rainbow-Wash On My Parade - What A Day - Air Date 6-2-22
June is Pride Month, the unfortunate time when many corporations claim they support LGBTQ+ people, but also support politicians who actively work against LGBTQ+ rights. It’s not a new phenomenon – even before June, for example, activists called out Disney
Ch. 6: Florida to Michigan to Missouri Hear Speeches of Gay Legislators & Allies Fighting Anti-LGBTQ Bills - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-25-22
Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law is part of a nationwide push by Republicans to score political points by attacking gay and transgender students.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Chris Southcote-Want: It’ll all come out in the rainbow wash - TEDx Talks - Air Date 11-18-21
The impact of rainbow washing and why creating inclusive and equitable cultures is the responsibility of us all.
Ch. 8: State Farm Gives Up on LGBTQ Rights - Charlotte's Web Thoughts - Air Date 5-24-22
You may have been doom-scrolling yesterday and caught the latest hysteria of anti-LGBTQ extremists in the conservative movement.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the lessons we must relearn generation after generation
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 6/17/2022
Today we take a look at many intertwining realizations that are beginning to permeate society which include but are not limited to the dead-end mentality of infinite growth, the uselessness of growth past a certain point for wellbeing, and the deepening alienation being felt in response to consumerism in place of community.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Capitalism is the Planet’s Cancer: Operate Before it’s too Late George Monbiot - Double Down News - Air Date 1-30-20
“Infinite growth on a finite planet is a recipe for catastrophe”
Ch. 2: Degrowth: why some economists think abandoning growth is the only way to save the planet Part 1 - The Conversation Weekly - Air Date 10-28-21
Some economists have long argued that to really save ourselves from the climate crisis, we need a fundamental overhaul of the way our economies work.
Ch. 3: Degrowth: liberation from growthism - The Taxcast - Air Date 9-23-21
Naomi Fowler explores degrowth and how we liberate ourselves from ‘growthism’ with economic anthropologist Jason Hickel.
Ch. 4: Our Struggles are Your Struggles: Stories of Indigenous Resistance & Regeneration - Upstream - Air Date 3-21-22
Standing Rock was just one in a long line of battles that Indigenous peoples have been fighting against the twin forces of colonialism and capitalism since first contact.
Ch. 5: Eco-Socialist Degrowth? w/ Paul Murphy - Rupture Radio - Air Date 5-2-22
Capitalist growth is destroying our life support systems.
Ch. 6: Jason Hickel on how degrowth will save the world (part two) - Politics Theory Other - Air Date 12-19-21
We talked about why the notion of decoupling growth from intensive resource use is ultimately unconvincing.
Ch. 7: Infinite Growth on a Finite Planet? (Tim Jackson Interview) - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 9-19-21
Tim Jackson joins David to discuss consumption, growth, macroeconomics, the modern economy, and more.
Ch. 8: Degrowth: why some economists think abandoning growth is the only way to save the planet Part 2 - The Conversation Weekly - Air Date 10-28-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: How We End Consumerism - Our Changing Climate - Air Date 6-4-21
How we end consumerism, explained.
Ch. 10: Jason Hickel on International Development and Post-capitalism (In Conversation) - Upstream - Air Date 5-28-20
We spoke with him about international capitalism during the pandemic and how to fundamentally move to a post-capitalist world
Ch. 11: Post Growth - Life after Capitalism (Podcast with Prof. Tim Jackson - CUSP) - Circular Metabolism Podcast - Air Date 4-28-21
We continue our quest by looking into post-growth.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the climate legislation currently in negotiations and how to win a Rivian EV
TAKE ACTION!
LAST CHANCE FOR BOLD CLIMATE LEGISLATION: Demand the Full $555 Billion in Climate Investments in the Budget Reconciliation Package and get it passed ASAP!
- Call 202-318-1885 (the #Call4Climate number) to automatically contact both of your senators, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
- What to say: CCAN’s email form also includes a call script.
- Learn more about what’s in the current reconciliation bill, what we need to fight for during negotiations, and download state-by-state fact sheets on how the bill would benefit the state you live in.
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Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: An illustration of a green Earth, with a small plant sprout growing out of it. Green arrows encircle the earth against a pale green abstract background.
Credit: Nature-Earth-Sustainability | License
Air Date 6/15/2022
Today we take a look at the many reasons why we are experiencing a housing crisis in the US and beyond but it mostly comes down to treating housing as a commodity to be profited from rather than a basic human need or, if you're feeling radical, a basic human right.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Housing Market - If You Don't Know, Now You Know - The Daily Show - Air Date 12-8-21
Why has it become so hard to buy a home in America? If you don’t know, now you know.
Ch. 2: How Foreign Companies Are Raising Housing Prices - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-27-21
Should corporations be allowed to buy houses and raise the housing price in your neighborhood?
Ch. 3: John and Ana React to Bonkers Housing Story - The Damage Report - Air Date 3-12-22
The housing market has reached frightening heights which has people looking elsewhere for home buying.
Ch. 4: How Socialists Solved The Housing Crisis - The Gravel Institute - Air Date 1-29-21
Zohran Mamdani, New York State assemblyman, talks about how Austrian socialists in the 1920s and ‘30s pioneered an approach that offered better, cheaper, and safer homes for everyone.
Ch. 5: Is the Housing Bubble About to Burst Featuring Prof. Richard Wolff - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-1-22
What happens when the housing bubble bursts? It is easy to see when it has happened but spotting a collapse ahead of time is difficult.
Ch. 6: Eviction Rates Are Rising - The Takeaway - Air Date 5-13-22
Discussing the need for tenants to have a right to counsel in eviction proceedings
Ch. 7: Why Dems Have Abandoned Public Housing - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-9-22
The Democratic Party has no plan to address the homeless crisis the United States is facing today. One way to fix it would be to provide public housing to people.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Does Vienna Have the World's Best Council Housing? Swimming Pools, Private TV Channels & More - Channel 4 Documentaries - Air Date 8-8-19
George Clarke visits a council estate in Vienna and is shocked by what he finds.
Ch. 9: Short-term rental housing is hurting Ouray residents - Rocky Mountain PBS - Air Date 7-19-21
Increasing housing prices, rent, construction costs, and short-term rental (STR) properties have created an environment that fewer and fewer people are able to thrive in.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on supporting affordable housing through the Build Back Better bill
TAKE ACTION!
Demand Targeted Affordable Housing Investments Stay in Any Reconciliation Package!
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Call your Senators and Reps at 202-224-3121 and use the NLIHC Call Script (and email them)
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Follow @NLIHC
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Resurrected budget package no slam dunk as negotiations heat up (June 6th via RollCall)
Affordable housing in the US is increasingly scarce, making renters ask: Where do we go? (March 14th via The Conversation)
Housing Investments in Build Back Better Would Address Pressing Unmet Needs (Feb. 10th via Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)
A growing share of Americans say affordable housing is a major problem where they live (Jan. 18th via Pew Research Center)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: An illustration of a simple green house with a "$" symbol incorporated into it. The vertical line of the symbol is also the shape of the chimney and the front door. Small dollar signs flow out of the chimney, getting smaller as they go up.
Credit: Household | License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 6/11/2022
Today we take a look at the reasons why Democrats lost rural America and why it's important to make gains outside urban centers through working-class coalitions and a focus on the policy failures of unchecked Republicanism.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How can Democrats win back rural America? (with Bill Hogseth) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 1-26-21
Democrats used to win elections in rural areas, but that seems like a distant memory now. This week, Zach is joined by Bill Hogseth, a political organizer from rural Wisconsin, to talk about the difference between making promises and delivering change
Ch. 2: Can Democrats Win in Rural America? - Deconstructed - Air Date 6-4-22
Maine state Sen. Chloe Maxmin tackles one of the most pressing problems confronting the modern Democratic Party: how to reverse its decades-long backslide in rural support. Maxmin and her co-author and campaign manager Canyon Woodward join Ryan Grim
Ch. 3: How Democrats Lost Rural America w/ Anthony Flaccavento Part 1 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-24-22
Anthony Flaccavento, Virginia-based farmer, author, and co-founder of the Rural-Urban Bridge Initiative, joins the Jacobin Show to discuss rural America—and why the Democrats lose so consistently in rural elections.
Ch. 4: Joe Shepherd of United Rural Democrats - The Rick Smith Show - Air Date 5-9-22
By working people. For working people. Welcome to The Rick Smith Show.
Ch. 5: How Democrats Lost Rural America w/ Anthony Flaccavento Part 2 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-24-22
Anthony Flaccavento, Virginia-based farmer, author, and co-founder of the Rural-Urban Bridge Initiative, joins the Jacobin Show to discuss rural America—and why the Democrats lose so consistently in rural elections.
Ch. 6: David Pepper On Why We Need to Focus on State Capitols to Save Democracy - The Tennessee Holler Podcast - Air Date 2-9-22
Former OHIO Democratic party chair David Pepper On Why We Need to Focus on State Capitols to Save Democracy, and why we all need to do our part to lift it up.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Corporate Democrats Have a Vested Interest in Not Listening to Workers – RAI with Thomas Frank - The Real News - Air Date 9-5-17
On Reality Asserts Itself, Thomas Frank, author of “What’s the Matter with Kansas” and “Listen, Liberal”, tells host Paul Jay that the Democratic Party serves the professional class and the top 10% and no longer cares about the poor or working class.
Ch. 8: The New Democrats w/ Lily Geismer - The Dig - Air Date 6-5-22
Dan’s second episode with historian Lily Geismer, who he interviewed in 2019 about Don’t Blame Us: Suburban Liberals and the Transformation of the Democratic Party. This interview is on Left Behind: The Democrats’ Failed Attempt to Solve Inequality
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the ignoring the middle class and poor open the door to right-wing populism of the worst sort
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of a blue, dented, and rusted mailbox on a spike leaning against an old wooden fence. Its flag is down, indicating no mail. Thick, golden tall grass grows behind it against a blue sky.
Credit: "Rural America" by Kris Notaro, Flickr | License CC by 2.0 | Changes: Cropped, slight increase in brightness and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 6/8/2022
Today we take a look at progressive victories in primary elections around the country and explain why moderates are not much more than allies of conservatism.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: David Sirota: Progressives Win Key Primary Races Despite Millions Spent to Back Corporate Democrats - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-18-22
“What you’ve seen is a surprising backlash at the voter level to all of the money that flooded in,” says investigative journalist David Sirota of The Lever. “It’s been a pretty good night for progressive candidates, despite all that money.”
Ch. 2: Howie Klein of 'Down With Tyranny' on midterm primaries - The Bradcast - Air Date 5-27-22
Howie Klein delivers lively analysis on primary victories (and losses) for progressive Democrats so far in the 2022 midterm election cycle, and a preview of important races coming up in seven states in the Super Tuesday primary on June 7.
Ch. 3: Voting, Primaries and Redistricting in the South Part 1 - The Takeaway - Air Date 5-28-22
We take a look at the latest primary election results from this past week. We’re joined by Maya King, politics reporter for The New York Times, and Stephen Fowler, state and local politics reporter for Georgia Public Radio.
Ch. 4: Monday Morning Politics: Midterm Concerns and Foreign Policy - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 5-24-22
Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief, talks about the latest in national politics, including recent polling on midterm issues and President Biden's statement on Taiwan.
Ch. 5: Voting, Primaries and Redistricting in the South Part 2 - The Takeaway - Air Date 5-28-22
We take a look at the latest primary election results from this past week. We’re joined by Maya King, politics reporter for The New York Times, and Stephen Fowler, state and local politics reporter for Georgia Public Radio.
Ch. 6: How "Moderates" Serve The Right - Second Thought - Air Date 12-17-21
This week we're talking about everyone's favorite grillpilled neighbor - the American "centrist" or "moderate". As much as they like to see themselves as enlightened arbiters of progress, centrists are little more than spoilers for actual progress.
Ch. 7: Progressive's Path To Victory Is Clear...If They Decide To Follow It - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-29-22
What progressives should be focusing on in the 2022 midterm elections is clear. It's economics. That's what people are worried about the most and that is what they should run on. Whether they focus on that or not is a different story.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Nina Turner: Democrats Must Decide If They Are “Party of the Corporatists or Party of the People” - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-18-22
Turner says the corporate wing of the Democratic Party seeks to consolidate the existing leadership’s power while shutting down champions of progressive policies like Medicare for All.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Should Justice Sotomayor retire this year? - Woody from Washington DC
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the extreme measures needed to stabilize our political system
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
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Original Air Date: 5-16-22
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Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin. We discuss:
-
The power of Indigenous stories
-
Elite panic
-
Panic at the dinner table
-
Quantification and who counts
-
Stoking civil war
-
Fear is the heart of love
References:
Reddit, Ask a Historian
Southern Living: Why Is It Rude to Eat with Your Elbows on the Table?
Beware Prophecies of Civil War
I will Follow You Into the Dark - Death Cab for Cutie
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 6/4/2022
Today we take a look at some of the obvious steps we need to take to reduce gun violence in the United States, debunk some of the favored propaganda supporting unfettered gun ownership and explore the origins of how Gun Culture™ was invented by corporations as the frontier era need for guns began to vanish pushing them to convert guns from tools that were needed but not loved into items that were loved though no longer needed.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Igor Volsky on Ending Gun Violence - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-27-22
We revisit some conversations about gun violence and gun culture this week on the show. In March of last year we spoke with Igor Volsky, executive director of Guns Down America
Ch. 2: NRA's "Good Guy With A Gun" Theory Failed In Real Time In Uvalde - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-27-22
In addition to the police response being an unfathomable failure, it is also proof that the ‘good guy with a gun’ theory doesn't work.
Ch. 3: Jordan Klepper Debunks The "Good Guy with a Gun" Argument - The Daily Show - Air Date 12-11-15
Jordan Klepper sets out to determine the likelihood of another gun owner stopping an active shooter.
Ch. 4: The Second Amendment Isn't About Killing Politicians or Overthrowing Democracy - The Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-31-22
The far-right wants you to think the Second Amendment is about average Americans taking up arms against a tyrannical government. But none of that is true... The real history of the second amendment is far more interesting and unsettling.
Ch. 5: Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger speaking to Charlayne Hunter-Gault - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 12-16-1991
Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger speaking to Charlayne Hunter-Gault, PBS News Hours, 12/16/1991
Ch. 6: How the Gun Industry Used Marketing to Change a Culture - Letters and Politics - Air Date 8-7-19
Today, we are in conversation with Pamela Haag about American gun culture and its influence on policy and gun market. Guest: Pamela Haag is an award-winning nonfiction writer, essayist, cultural commentator, and historian.
Ch. 7: Mass Shootings: American Exceptionalism of the Worst Kind - Breaking the Sound Barrier by Amy Goodman - Air Date 5-26-22
“Together we rise,” reads the motto on a wall of the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The school serves about 600 students in the second thru fourth grades. Over ninety percent are Latinx.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Rightwing Media's Increasingly Goofy, Hyper-Militarized Non-Solutions to Mass Shootings - Citations Needed - Air Date 5-27-22
In this public News Brief, we discuss the phoned-in, cynical response by Republicans to mass shooting and how they've devolved into a dark, meta self-parody.
Ch. 9: A History of the 2nd Amendment, Gun Control, & the Rise of the NRA - Letters and Politics - Air Date 5-25-22
Guest: Robert J. Spitzer is Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Political Science Department at the State University of New York, College at Cortland. He is the author of 15 books including Guns across America: Reconciling Gun Rules and Rights.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the bonus episode in which we explain the cultural foundations of capitalism, guns and beyond
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE: Description: A pencil sketch of a larger-than-life hand gun on the shoulders of a weary man, in the image of Jesus carrying the cross. He stands in a pool of red blood.
Credit: “Gun Culture” by Christopher Dombres, Flickr | Public Domain | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 6/1/2022
Today we take a look at the current conspiracy theory known as "The Great Replacement" which posits that a cabal of elites is conspiring to eradicate Whiteness as a culture and as a people in Europe, North America and other countries colonized by White Europeans. We also look at the history of the cabal of elites that conspired to eradicate Native peoples and culture from colonized lands in a pattern of genocide and dispossession.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Boarding Schools from Hell: Indian Residential Schools in America - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 5-17-22
Imagine for a moment a breaking news story that more than 500 bodies of white children were found buried in unmarked graves at some of the most prestigious boarding schools in New England…That we discovered a federal plot to steal children
Ch. 2: The “Great Replacement” Conspiracy Theory - Past Present - Air Date 5-24-22
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory.
Ch. 3: Nick Estes: Indian Boarding Schools Were Part of "Horrific Genocidal Process" by the U.S. - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-13-22
Nick Estes says the institutions were part of a “genocidal process” of “dispossession and theft of Indigenous people’s lands and resources.”
Ch. 4: No Lone Wolves - What Next | Daily News and Analysis - Air Date 5-18-22
A shooting Saturday at a supermarket in a predominantly-Black neighborhood in Buffalo left at least 10 people dead and three more injured. The suspected shooter left a manifesto riddled with racist ideology
Ch. 5: Haaland's Boarding School Report - Let's Talk Native with John Kane - Air Date 5-12-22
Discussing native residential schools as textbook genocide and the new, insufficient report on them.
Ch. 6: ‘Why Are We Feeding Illegal Babies?’: The Right's Response To The Formula Shortage - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-13-22
What’s the right-wing answer to the complicated governing issue of the nationwide baby formula shortage? Just stop feeding migrant babies.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Confronting The Raw Truth About The White Supremacist Terrorist Attack on The Black Community in Buffalo - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 5-18-22
Tim Wise counsels that we must remain persistent in the anti-racism struggle and not surrender to exhaustion or otherwise be worn down by repetition.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on those who see themselves in a demographic war for White superiority
Bonus clip: John Gibson: “Make more babies” because in "[t]wenty-five years ... the majority of the population is Hispanic" - Fox News via Media Matters - Air Date 5-12-06
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: An historic photograph from 1922 North West Territories, Canada of four Indigenous children in front of a schoolhouse holding paper letters and wearing Western formal dress - including dresses, suits, and top hats. All have serious and sad expressions.
Credit: "Children at Fort Simpson Indian Residential School holding letters that spell 'Goodbye'" by Libraries and Archives Canada, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
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Air Date 5/27/2022
Today we take a look at the disruptions to society that can unfold in times of economic distress such as high inflation, price gouging, wage stagnation and income inequality as well as some policy ideas for turning things around.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Will America's Capitalists Pull Us Into War & Fascism? Featuring Richard Wolff - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-18-22
"Germany's capitalists drove it into WW1" Warns Richard Wolff. Could America's capitalist lead us into fascism? "Learn from history"
Ch. 2: You Are Being Lied to About Inflation - Robert Reich - Air Date 2-28-22
The underlying problem is not inflation. It’s corporate power. The entire American economy is concentrated into the hands of a few greedy, corporate giants with the power to raise prices.
Ch. 3: Prices Soar as Corporate Profiteers & Speculators Drive Inflation; It Hurts the Developing World - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-13-22
Jayati Ghosh, who says prices of essentials are soaring much higher than can be explained by oil prices and supply shortages alone, because of what she calls "feverish speculation" in financial markets and corporate profiteering.
Ch. 4: Prof. Richard Wolff Do Workers Have It Too Good Nowadays - The Zero Hour w RJ Eskow - Air Date 5-14-22
Professor Wolff joins to discuss the situation for workers in the US today.
Ch. 5: Omar Ocampo of Inequality.org on corporate billionaire greed Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 5-11-22
OMAR OCAMPO of the Institute for Policy Studies Program on Inequality and the Common Good explains how it happened, and what actions can and must be taken to reverse this obscene trend.
Ch. 6: David Dayen on the Baby Formula Shortage & Monopolies in the Age of Corporate Power - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-17-22
An overhaul to the system where the government subsidizes only a few formula brands can help combat the monopolization that has caused this crisis, says David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect.
Ch. 7: Omar Ocampo of Inequality.org on corporate billionaire greed Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 5-11-22
Ch. 8: How Biden’s budget proposal takes on corporate power (with Niko Lusiani) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 5-10-22
The Biden Administration’s 2023 budget proposal includes a Billionaire Minimum Income Tax and a rewrite of stock buyback practices. Will these changes actually take effect? Niko Lusiani is the Director of Corporate Power at the Roosevelt Institute.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Elon Musk’s Billionaire Games - The Daily Show with Trevor Noah - Air Date 5-7-22
Trevor’s no finance expert, but the details of Elon Musk’s Twitter buy seem a little weird.
Ch. 10: Prof. Richard Wolff Do Workers Have It Too Good Nowadays Part 2 - The Zero Hour w RJ Eskow - Air Date 5-14-22
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the culture of distrust of the poor
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date: 4-26-22 Today, I am talking with Amanda, Deon and Erin. We discuss: - Libertarians proving themselves wrong - All we ever do is tell stories - The benefits of forgetting some stories - The stories society tells hide the form of community that we prefer
References: Seder DEBATES Ayn Rand Institute Libertarian Yaron Brook - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-8-21
Very Intelligent Libertarian Caller Tries To Justify Slavery - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-10-21
Excerpt from interview, MARK FERRARI interview (Behind The Scenes) - The Making of Monkey Island
Forgetting, not memory, moves us forward - Future Tense - Air Date 3-27-22
A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster by Rebecca Solnit
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Original Air Date 5/8/2021
Today we take a look at the culture that Disney has helped create and how they did it, using cuteness as a weapon to push ideas from racist stereotypes and segregation to the masterful use of hollow nods toward progressivism while reinforcing the ethics of individualism in order to give systemic injustice a pass.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Racial Politics of Disney Animals Part 1 - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 8-28-15
Scholar, writer, and activist Walidah Imarisha is someone who’s been thinking hard about what stories Disney tells and why. She teaches a class on race and Disney films at Portland State University.
Ch. 2: 40 Acres and a Movie - Still Processing - Air Date 4-8-21
Disney owns a piece of every living person’s childhood. Now it owns Marvel Studios, too. Jenna and Wesley look at depictions of racist tropes and stereotypes in Disney’s ever-expanding catalog. The company has made recent attempts to atone for its past.
Ch. 3: The Racial Politics of Disney Animals Part 2 - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 8-28-15
Ch. 4: Woke Disney - Lindsay Ellis - Air Date 9-30-21
Nodding to progressive ideas while just proping up capitalism is just marketing.
Ch. 5: Disneyfication of American History - American Hysteria - Air Date 1-25-21
Disney has been presenting a fairytale reality within a reality since the 1920s, a far cuter reality that mimics our reality until reality is no longer reality at all. Make sense?
Ch. 6: How Disney Ruined Culture - Wisecrack - Air Date 11-9-20
It's no surprise that Disney has an absolute stranglehold on the culture we consume today. But the joys of the Magic Kingdom aside, what if it's actually kind of really bad for art? We'll explain in this Wisecrack Edition: How Disney Ruined Culture.
Ch. 7: The (Not So) Wonderful World of Disney - It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders - Air Date 2-16-18
Sam talks to filmmaker and activist Abigail Disney, daughter of Roy E. Disney, about her views on inequality in the U.S., corporate greed and why, despite her last name, she's become one of the more vocal and prominent critics of The Walt Disney empire.
Ch. 8: DED Talks: Why Walt Disney is Nothing Like You Think He Was - Cracked - Air Date 1-19-15
Disney tell's his story
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Disneyfication Of Cuteness - American Hysteria - Air Date 1-25-21
Disney has been presenting a fairytale reality within a reality since the 1920s, a far cuter reality that mimics our reality until reality is no longer reality at all. Make sense?
Ch. 10: Copyright: Why We Can't Have Nice Things - Wisecrack - Air Date 4-23-21
This video, like everything else in the world, is copyrighted. But what does that really mean? Copyright laws started out as a way to protect creators from having their hard work stolen, but it's turned into something else entirely.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Ableism in the show - Alyson from Colorado
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on Woke Disney and Ableist language
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Original Air Date 4/14/2021
Today we take a look at the one element of our government that, above all others, has contributed to the absolute disfunction of our democracy. The filibuster was never intended by the founders, always anti-democratic, often used for racist ends and is now being abused at a rate never before seen.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Filibuster - Last Week Tonight - Air Date 9-9-19
John Oliver explains why filibusters exist, why they shouldn't, and why it's stupid to drink coffee like a cat.
Ch. 2: End the Filibuster: Calls Grow to Retire Relic of Slavery & Jim Crow to Make Senate More Democratic - Democracy Now! Air Date 1-25-21 New
President Joe Biden has promised swift action on the pandemic, the economic crisis and more, but much of his agenda hinges on whether he can get enough support in the Senate.
Ch. 3: Count How Many Lies Mitch McConnell Spews In This 1 Minute Clip - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-24-21
Mitch McConnell is on a warpath, and he's getting all his favorite lies lined up.
Ch. 4: Will Democrats Finally Kill the Filibuster Once and for All - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 1-21-21
Adam Jentleson, who served as a former senior aide to Sen. Harry Reid, joins Mehdi Hasan to explain the history of the filibuster and how, according to Jentleson, it helps conservatives override the nation's democratic system.
Ch. 5: Is Filibuster Reform Mitch McConnell's 'Kryptonite?' - Zerlina. - Air Date 3-16-21
Rep. John Yarmuth explains to Zerlina Maxwell why the rule is so important to the Senate Minority Leader, and why McConnell is “scared to death” about the possibility that Democrats will abolish it.
Ch. 6: What Is Manchin's Real Agenda w/ David Sirota - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-11-21
David Sirota explains the motivations and unseen pressures playing on Joe Manchin as he continuously pivots his position on the filibuster.
Ch. 7: Activism: Support No Excuses PAC and W.V. Cant Wait - Best of the Left - 4-14-21
Ch. 8: Now Is the Time to End the Filibuster - Breaking the Sound Barrier by Amy Goodman - Air Date 3-18-21
Amy Goodman gives a commentary explaining the need to end the filibuster.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: 'What Are We Waiting For?': Why Filibuster Reform Should Happen Sooner Than Later - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 3-19-21
Adam Jentleson, talks about why it's a good idea for Senate Democrats to reform the filibuster and pass popular legislation
Ch. 10: Reid Calls for Filibuster Reform to End Gridlock - Nevada Senator Harry Reid - Air Date 11-22-13
On the Senate floor, Senator Reid laid out why we need to reform the rules to ensure qualified presidential nominees get up-or-down votes.
Ch. 11: What Is Manchin's Real Agenda w/ David Sirota Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-11-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: Wading into the discussion on the child tax credit - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on racism and population
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Inside the West Virginian Movement to Push Joe Manchin to the Left (The New Republic)
Progressive PAC kick-starts search for challengers to Manchin, Sinema (Politico)
Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Cartoon version of Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell holding a chart that says "Republican Filibusters." The horizontal bar graph below the title shows an X axis starting with "88th term 1963-64" and ending with "110th term 2007-2008." The bar values range from 3 at the beginning of the time-line to "153 Projected for end of term" at the end.
Credits: "Mitch McConnell, Filibuster King" by DonkeyHotey, Flickr | License | Changes: Increased white background to make vertical image square, smudged existing shadow to extend farther, dark blue border added
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 5/14/2022
Today we take a look at the options and actions still available after the Supreme Court overturns Roe for those seeking abortions and Reproductive Justice more widely. Plus, an obligatory explanation of how we got to now.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Learning from Pre-Roe to Navigate Post-Roe - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 5-5-22
Law professor and podcast host Melissa Murray, journalist and bestselling author Jessica Bruder, and Slate’s news director Susan Matthews—host of the upcoming Season 7 of Slow Burn focusing on the road to Roe v Wade
Ch. 2: Producer Sebastian on the anti-abortion right in the United States - This is Hell! - Air Date 5-5-22
Sebastian gets on his soapbox and lectures about the history of abortion rights and the anti-abortion right in the United States.
Ch. 3: Activists leap to action as expected Supreme Court attack on abortion rights comes to bear - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 5-3-22
Looking at the intertwining fights for reproductive and voting rights.
Ch. 4: Why this former anti-abortion activist regrets the movement he helped build - CNN Amanpour - Air Date 5-4-22
Frank Schaeffer once produced propaganda films that helped launch the Christian right. Now he feels regret for what he calls an 'anti-family' movement.
Ch. 5: Lindsey Shares Her Abortion Story - Serious Inquiries Only - Air Date 5-5-22
Our own Dr. Lindsey Osterman has had an abortion, does not regret it, and wants to tell us why this basic healthcare right matters not just for those in extreme circumstances.
Ch. 6: Amy Littlefield on the fight for Abortion Rights - Start Making Sense - Air Date 5-12-22
Progressive faith communities are learning how to support reproductive justice
Ch. 7: Resisting attacks on abortion rights in the US with Emma Norton - Red Flag Radio - Air Date 5-9-22
Roz talks to socialist activist Emma Norton about the history of abortion rights, the limitations of looking to the Democrats to protect the right to choose, and the struggles that are needed to win.
Ch. 8: Roe v Wade Can't Be Saved By Your Vote Featuring David Daley - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-9-22
David Daley writing for the Boston Globe writes the thought-provoking article "Your Vote Won't Help Restore Abortion Rights"
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: The Turnaway Study What The Research Says About Abortion - Short Wave - Air Date 5-9-22
We turned to Dr. Diana Greene Foster, the lead researcher on the interdisciplinary team behind The Turnaway Study. For over a decade, she and her fellow researchers followed just under a thousand women who sought an abortion across 21 states.
Ch. 9: Lindsey Shares Her Abortion Story Part 2 - Serious Inquiries Only - Air Date 5-5-22
Dr. Lindsey Osterman discusses the idea of being made to carry a pregnancy to term before offering the baby for adoption.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on how to make sure your efforts to support abortion access are well spent
Get Involved/Support/Volunteer for Abortion Funds & Learn State Laws:
Twitter thread - Getting Involved with Local Abortion Funds (Read on Thread Reader)
Find your local Practical Support Organization
Abortion Access in Your State: A Quiz (with resources) (Lilith.org)
Check out the hashtag #FundAbortionBuildPower
Abortion Pills Stand to be Next Battleground in a Post-Roe America (NY Times)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The words "WHAT NOW?" in white are overlayed on a faded image of the U.S. Supreme Court. Below the words, is a faded portion of the top of Justice Alito's leaked draft majority opinion indicating Roe v. Wade will be struck down.
Credit: Composite design by Amanda Hoffman using images in the public domain.
Air Date 5/10/2022
Today we take a look at the impacts of media ownership on society including legacy newspapers and social media platforms owned by billionaires and the consolidation of our news and entertainment corporations through mega mergers.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Who Rules America: The Power of The Media | Propaganda - ENDEVR Documentary - Air Date 1-3-21
Who Rules America? takes a comprehensive look into the governing system of the United States of America and reveals the behind-the-scene powers that rule the nation.
Ch. 2: Billionaires Control The Media - and Its Destroying Democracy - Novara Media - Air Date 11-20-19
Billionaires control the media, and it's undermining our democracy. The broadcast media amplify the right-wing print media meaning the political agenda is always set by, you guessed it, billionaires.
Ch. 3: How The Washington Post's New Owner Aided the CIA, Blocked WikiLeaks & Decimated Book Industry - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-7-13
The Washington Post announced on Monday the paper had been sold to Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos for $250 million. Bezos, one of the world’s wealthiest men, now controls one of the most powerful newspapers in the country.
Ch. 4: Elon Musk, Twitter, and the History of Media Oligarchs - Past Present - Air Date 5-2-22
Niki referred to this Los Angeles Times article about the limits of Elon Musk’s “free speech absolutism.” Natalia referenced this New York Times article about billionaire investors in the press.
Ch. 5: Adam Conover's Statement to the FTC and DOJ on Harmful Media Mergers - Adam Conover - Air Date 4-28-22
I spoke before FTC Chair Lina Khan and Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Jonathan Kanter this week about how corporate mergers are devastating working conditions, access to diverse voices, and artistic freedom in media.
Ch. 6: A Future Of Equitable Speech Terrifies Those Like Elon Musk Says Giridharadas - The ReidOut - Air Date 4-25-22
Elon Musk reaching a deal to buy Twitter for $44 billion is discussed by Anand Giridharadas. "This future in which there would actually be more abundant and equitable speech terrifies the crap out of people like Elon Musk,” Giridharadas tells Joy Reid.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: How William Randolph Hearst Made The Media - KERA's Think - Air Date 9-27-21
He was one of the wealthiest men in America – and his media empire granted him unprecedented influence. Stephen Ives joins host Krys Boyd to tell the story of William Randolph Hearst and the template he created for the media business.
Ch. 8: Is Free Speech Online Just a Myth? - What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - Air Date 5-8-22
A conversation with one of the smartest First Amendment lawyers in the country.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the propaganda of building faulty assumptions into questions
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The front page of a newspaper is held up by a reader. The newspaper is called “The Media” and the large text headline is a quotation that reads “We Own This, Too" above black and white photos of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Rupert Murdoch.
Credit: Composite design by Amanda Hoffman. Images include: “newspaper, world is changing”; "Jeff Bezos" by NASA Robotics Competition, Flickr (Public Domain); "Elon Musk" by Tesla Owners Club Belgium, Flickr (CC BY 2.0); "Rupert Murdoch" by Eva Rinaldi, Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0) | Changes: Cropped and black and white
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 5/7/2022
Today we take a look at the jockeying for position that is happening among GOP politicians, both incumbents and hopefuls, in this murky Trump/post-Trump political era in which the path to victory for Republicans is to support Trump unquestioningly while also keeping an eye on the long game for which one should attempt to out-Trump Trump to gain the support of his cultish masses.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Local Republicans compromising voting systems in pursuit of Trump's Big Lie - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 4-29-22
GOP politicians who formerly rejected QAnon and Trumpism are now joining the choir in pursuit of power
Ch. 2: Will Trump help Ohio's Vance Advance (w/ Tom LoBianco and Kyle Kondik) - Skullduggery - Air Date 4-25-22
Next month starts a wave of primaries in Ohio, Georgia, and Pennsylvania that will provide the strongest clues yet on just how much of a hold on Republican voters that Trump still has.
Ch. 3: Greg Abbott's Border Shutdown Backfires Spectacularly - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-16-22
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has effectively shut down the US/Mexico border in his state. He did this in the name of stopping the flow of drugs and migrants into the US, but really it was a theatrical stunt to appeal to the far-right.
Ch. 4: The Trump Variants Part 1 - Some More News - Air Date 11-9-21
Here's a video about Ron DeSantis, Marjorie Taylor Green, and Matt Gaetz and how they all want to be the next Donald Trump.
Ch. 5: The Fight Between Florida and Disney - The Takeaway - Air Date 4-25-22
We speak with Carlos Ball, law professor at Rutgers University, and Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, about how what’s happening with Disney connects to other recent examples of corporations weighing in on LGBTQ issues.
Ch. 6: The Trump Variants Part 2 - Some More News - Air Date 11-9-21
How fascism starts and what happens to the masses when the authoritarian leader goes away.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: David Frum: It's Not DeSantis v Disney, it's DeSantis v Trump - The Bulwark Podcast - Air Date 4-27-22
DeSantis' anti-gay agenda is all about winning over the conservative entertainment wing
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: The down side of fulfilling jobs - VoicedMail from Discord Community Member
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on creating workplaces that are conducive to human needs
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE: Description: Against a black background, an illustration of Donald Trump’s head, and one hand pointing straight ahead, hovers over the shape of the United States filled in with the American flag. Three large, illustrated coronavirus molecules float out in front of Trump, each one encompassing the image of a Republican politician. Smallest to largest: J.D. Vance (Senate nominee in Ohio), Marjorie Taylor Green (Congressperson in Georgia), and Ron DeSanits (Governor of Florida).
Credit: Composite design by Amanda Hoffman. Image layers used include: “Trump and U.S. Image”, Images of politicians all by Gage Skidmore, Flickr and Wikimedia Commons: “J.D. Vance”, “Marjorie Taylor Greene", "Ron DeSanits” | Changes: Cropped and orange filter added
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 5/4/2022
Today we take a look at the tectonic shifts in the geopolitics happening under our feet; the long, slow decline of the US empire and the neoliberal order, the role of the war in Ukraine in hastening the end of globalization, and the rise of both China in the east and of the oceans around us all.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Ukraine and an Empire's Decline - Economic Update - Air Date 4-16-22
Wolff talks with host and journalist Chris Hedges about Ukraine and the end of the US empire.
Ch. 2: A World to Win Imperialism and the Energy Crisis w/ David Wearing - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 4-1-22
Grace chats to David Wearing, post-doctoral researcher at SOAS and author of AngloArabia: Why Gulf Wealth Matters to Britain.
Ch. 3: Is the war in Ukraine ushering in a new world order? - Inside Story Al Jazeera English - Air Date 3-27-22
The new war in Europe has been described as a turning point in human history. It's been more than a month since Russia invaded Ukraine - causing death and destruction across much of the country.
Ch. 4: “Russia & China, Together at Last”: Historian Al McCoy Predicts Ukraine War to Birth New World Order - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-21-22
President Biden reportedly warned Chinese President Xi Jinping via video call Friday that China would face “consequences” if it provided material support to Russia amid the war in Ukraine.
Ch. 5: U.S. vs. China vs. Climate Change: Alfred McCoy, plus Kristina Wong on Mutual Aid - Start Making Sense - Air Date 12-8-21
Alfred McCoy argues that American global hegemony will end around 2030 replaced by China as world leader but Chinese hegemony will last only for about 20 years and that by 2050, climate change will have brought environmental catastrophe to both countries.
Ch. 6: Climate Catastrophe, the Fall of America, and a New World Order - WhoWhatWhy - Air Date 1-14-22
A bleak but fascinating look across five continents and seven centuries points to climate and political destruction ahead.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Oil & Disorder ft. Helen Thompson - Bungcast - Air Date 3-29-22
Helen Thompson, podcaster and professor of political economy at Cambridge and author of Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century, joins us to talk about the geopolitics of oil, stretching from the 1956 Suez Crisis to the Fracking Revolution of today.
Ch. 8: Alexander Cooley and Daniel Nexon on the End of American Hegemony - Democracy Paradox - Air Date 7-13-20
Alexander Cooley and Daniel Nexon are the authors of Exit from Hegemony: The Unraveling of the American Global Order. We had a 90-minute conversation on some important topics for the study of international relations.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Pyramid scheme sticker club - Alan from Connecticut
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on how people find math so hard that many pyramid schemes likely get started by accident
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 4/29/2022
Today we take a look at the rising wave of successful unionization efforts and the corporate tactics being leveled against them, including the propaganda that surrounds the culture of labor.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: From Amazon to Starbucks, workers are rising up—and progressives need to support them at all costs Part 1 - The Real News - Air Date 4-8-22
Around the country, workers are rising up, demanding more, and winning important victories, even though the deck is stacked against them. The question is: Where will the reinforcements come from?
Ch. 2: Apple Store employee explains why he's fighting to unionize - ABC News - Air Date 4-26-22
Genius Bar technician Derrick Bowles explains why he and his coworkers are making the move to unionize their Apple Store
Ch. 3: “We Just Unionized Amazon”: How Two Best Friends Beat the Retail Giant’s Union-Busting Campaign - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-4-22
We speak with the two best friends who led a drive to organize workers at Amazon's warehouse in Staten Island, New York, and made history Friday after a majority voted to form the first Amazon union in the U.S.
Ch. 4: Unions And Strikes Are Good - Some More News - Air Date 3-30-22
Hi. In today’s episode, Cody, who is still on strike against the News Lord, discusses the importance of Unions, Co-Ops, and the future of work.
Ch. 5: Why Work Won't Love You Back - On The Media - Air Date 4-22-22
In 2021, a record-breaking number of workers quit their jobs, leading to the phenomenon deemed the "Great Resignation." To understand how that happened, it helps to unpack how work has shifted over the past several decades
Ch. 6: From Amazon to Starbucks, workers are rising up—and progressives need to support them at all costs Part 2 - The Real News - Air Date 4-8-22
Around the country, workers are rising up, demanding more, and winning important victories, even though the deck is stacked against them.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: The Holiday You May Have Missed - On The Media - Air Date 4-20-22
International Workers' Day is celebrated with rallies and protests all over the world on May 1, but it's not a big deal in the United States. Back in 2018, Brooke spoke with Donna Haverty-Stacke of Hunter College, CUNY about the American origin of May Day
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on the intrinsic human needs that, when fulfilled, give meaning to any work
TAKE ACTION!
Call your members of Congress today and demand the $94 million increase in funds to The National Labor Relations Board: US Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Find Your Senator and Representative
Learn about the NLRB
House Lawmakers Demand More Labor Board Funds As Workplace Organizing Spreads (Huffington Post)
Lawmakers Urge NLRB Budget Boost Amid 'Dramatic Increase' in Unionization (Common Dreams)
The Labor Board Is Withering Away, And That's Bad News For The Labor Movement (Huffington Post)
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Bernie Sanders Wants Democrats to Make Unions Their Biggest Message (Vanity Fair)
Sanders pressures Biden on Amazon unions: ‘The time for talk is over’ (Politico)
Starbucks May Soon Face Legal Consequences for Union Busting (Truthout)
The Revolt of the College-Educated Working Class (NY Times)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Amazon Labor Union logo - a black outline of an open box with three fists coming out of the top - against Amazon corporate orange. A heart encircles the logo and is surrounded by black.
Credit: Amazon Labor Union logo (artist not found upon search). Additional heart border design by Amanda Hoffman.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
From critically acclaimed podcast studios Pineapple Street and Wondery comes a new 8-part series called Will Be Wild that shines a light on the human stories left out of the headlines. It goes deep into the lives of people who took part in that day, people who saw it coming, and people who fear that January 6th was just the beginning of something, not the end.
Follow Will Be Wild wherever you get your podcasts, or you can listen early on Amazon Music or early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery Plus in Apple Podcasts or the Wondery app.
Listen Here: wondery.fm/BotL_WillBeWild
Air Date 4/23/2022
Today we take a look at how we got to the form of toothless liberalism we are living with today and begin to reimagine what a more muscular state apparatus could do in the face of the climate crisis.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Liberalism Revolution & The End Of History w/ Luke Savage & Rana Abdelhamid - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-7-22
Emma hosts Luke Savage, staff writer at Jacobin Magazine, to discuss his new book The Dead Center: Reflections On Liberalism And Democracy After the End Of History.
Ch. 2: Nationalizing Oil It's About Saving the World - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 4-11-22
Squeals of “socialism!” aside, we know how to do this and have done it before, repeatedly - This time it’s not just about saving our banks or fighting a war. This time, it’s about saving the world.
Ch. 3: What Happened to Our Politics After the End of History with Luke Savage Part 1 - Citations Needed - Air Date 4-13-22
Luke Savage on his collection of essays about the abandoned hopes of the Obama era, the rise of Trumpism and the inability—or unwillingness—of Liberalism to offer a moral and more just vision for the world.
Ch. 4: Should We NATIONALIZE the Oil Industry w/ Matt Bruenig & Johanna Bozuwa Part 1 - Bad Faith - Air Date 3-21-22
Matt Bruenig, returning to the podcast, is the founder of the People's Policy Project think tank. Johanna Bozuwa, Executive Director at the Climate and Community Project, has written a detailed paper on how we can actually "nationalize this."
Ch. 5: What Happened to Our Politics After the End of History with Luke Savage Part 2 - Citations Needed - Air Date 4-13-22
Ch. 6: Climate Incrementalism is the New Denial w/ Kate Aronoff - Bad Faith - Air Date 5-15-21
Tired of defeatist, nihilistic conversations about climate change? Same. That's why this week, we invited climate journalist and author of Overheated: How Capitalism Broke the Planet, Kate Aronoff.
Ch. 7: Should We NATIONALIZE the Oil Industry w/ Matt Bruenig & Johanna Bozuwa Part 2 - Bad Faith - Air Date 3-21-22
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The Liberalism Revolution & The End Of History w/ Luke Savage & Rana Abdelhamid Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-7-22
Emma hosts Luke Savage, staff writer at Jacobin Magazine, to discuss his new book The Dead Center: Reflections On Liberalism And Democracy After the End Of History.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Thoughts on doing psychology right - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on talking about psychology done wrongly... wrongly
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 4/20/2022
Today we take a look at the bizarre halo effect that seems to surround Elon Musk and then thoroughly puncture it by just explaining a few things about him and his companies.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Myth Of The "Self-Made" Billionaire - Second Thought - Air Date 9-10-21
It’s no secret that Americans love to hear about billionaires. You’ll find them everywhere. They’re on the news [Bezos space launch], have their own TV shows, movies, and even make their way to elected office.
Ch. 2: Is Elon Musk a Fraud - Deconstructed - Air Date 5-14-20
Over the weekend, Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter to voice his frustrations about the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown in Alameda County, California. The billionaire entrepreneur threatened that he would take his auto factory to another state
Ch. 3: Tesla SUED Over Racial Discrimination In The Workplace - The Young Turks - Air Date 2-12-22
Elon Musk and Tesla are coming under fire as the state of California is suing the company for allegedly running a “racially segregated” workplace. Black workers are reportedly concentrated in certain parts of the factory and are constantly berated
Ch. 4: Elon Musk Is Not Your Friend - Some More News - Air Date 5-10-21
Hi. Elon Musk will not save us. Sorry.
Ch. 5: Elon Musk’s Childlike Libertarian Fantasy That Government Is The Biggest Corporation - The Majority Report - Air Date 12-9-21
Billionaire memelord Elon Musk has dropped yet another batcrap Libertarian rant for his adoring fans, this time regarding the bloodthirsty government and how he hates the pesky electric vehicle subsidies that he would (and already does) benefit from.
Ch. 6: Elon Trolls the SEC - What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - Air Date 4-8-22
With 9.1% ownership of Twitter—and a board seat—Elon Musk is the new master of Twitter's future. Why did the wealthiest man in the world just take over the world's most influential platform?
Ch. 7: Elon, Segregationist & Culture War in Colorado w/ Chase Woodruff - Left Reckoning - Air Date 2-23-22
The real reason Elon Musk fleed California: incredible racism and animal cruelty charges. Also, how he's giving marching orders to Texas cops.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Elon Musk Isn’t Saving Humanity w/ Manu Saadia - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 3-25-21
Paris Marx is joined by Manu Saadia to discuss the roots of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos’ visions for space, and why they serve the billionaires’ need for control, not the betterment of humanity.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Back on the path - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on foundational ideas that help explain politics
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 4/16/2022
Today we take a look at the coming wave of attacks on abortion and the foundational concept of privacy more broadly that are making their way to the Supreme Court for likely rubber-stamping by at least 5 of the deeply conservative current justices. Undermining the established precedent of privacy that abortion rests on can, and likely will, have ramifications far beyond reproductive rights.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Conservatives on Supreme Court Prepare to Gut Roe v. Wade as State Abortion Bans Multiply - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-24-22
“Abortion rights don’t fall within that framework of constitutional rights that the Supreme Court feels that it has an obligation to uphold,” says Imani Gandy, senior editor of law and policy for Rewire News Group.
Ch. 2: The GOP Is Now Coming For Birth Control - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 3-21-22
The more Republicans come out against the Supreme Court’s Griswold v. Connecticut ruling on contraception access, the more the public should be worried that they will lose the legal right to birth control.
Ch. 3: Fundamental Rights Doublespeak Part 1 - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 4-9-22
History proves that “unenumerated” does not equal “invented” rights. Joined by David Gans, director of the Human Rights, Civil Rights, and Citizenship Program at the Constitutional Accountability Center.
Ch. 4: Law Professor Michele Goodwin Condemns Wave of "Unprecedented & Unfathomable" Anti-Abortion Laws - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-8-22
Michele Goodwin speaks on about the links between current conflicts between state and federal law and their historic precedents, such as Brown v. Board of Education and the Fugitive Slave Acts.
Ch. 5: Legal journalist Mark Joseph Stern on SCOTUS, corruption, gerrymandering - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-30-22
MARK JOSEPH STERN, legal journalist from Slate, explains the latest news out of the US Supreme Court, beginning with the Senate confirmation hearings last week for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Joe Biden's nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Ch. 6: Fundamental Rights Doublespeak Part 2 - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 4-9-22
History proves that “unenumerated” does not equal “invented” rights. Joined by David Gans, director of the Human Rights, Civil Rights, and Citizenship Program at the Constitutional Accountability Center.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: GOP Forced To Amend Bill That Would Have Legalized Child Marriage In Tennessee - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 4-6-22
“The very party that claims to be very concerned with protecting children—that’s accusing their enemies of being literal pedophiles—wrote a bill that apparently would have allowed children to get married,” says Chris Hayes.
Ch. 8: The Latest Battles over Marriage - Past Present - Air Date 4-12-22
In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss recent developments in the politics of sex and marriage.
Ch. 9: Fundamental Rights Doublespeak Part 3 - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 4-9-22
History proves that “unenumerated” does not equal “invented” rights. Joined by David Gans, director of the Human Rights, Civil Rights, and Citizenship Program at the Constitutional Accountability Center.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the upcoming milestone for the show
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 4/13/2022
Today we take a look at the mainstreaming of crypto and NFTs by celebrity endorsements, why they're terrible by nearly any metric and why they are emblematic of our broken culture.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Line Goes Up – The Problem With NFTs - Folding Ideas - Air Date 1-21-22
If someone pitches you on a "great" Web3 project, ask them if it requires buying or selling crypto to do what they say it does.
Ch. 2: NFTS and Celebrities: A Match Made in Hell? - Wisecrack - Air Date 4-4-22
How did NFTs become the new Coca-Cola? NFTs are everywhere, nowhere more so than on the lips of celebrities. But why are celebrities getting into the world of crypto? And what can the rise of celebrities endorsing NFTs tell us about our society?
Ch. 3: Celebrities Love Cryptocurrencies - and it's lame (Feat. Ben McKenzie and Jacob Silverman) - Crypto Critics' Corner - Air Date 2-16-22
Bennett and Cas are joined by Ben McKenzie and Jacob Silverman who discuss the ideas behind their upcoming book about cryptocurrency, their issues with celebrity shilling of speculative assets, and how it really feels like corporate greed
Ch. 4: Why Scams Are Inherent To Cryptocurrency - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 3-27-22
Explaining the systemic reasons why the features of crypto are so amenable to scams
Ch. 5: Can Our Climate Survive Bitcoin? - Reveal - Air Date 3-25-22
Bitcoin’s demand for electricity is so great that it’s giving new life to the dirtiest type of power plants: ones that burn coal. In Hardin, Montana, the coal-fired power plant was on the verge of shutting down until bitcoin came to town.
Ch. 6: Line Goes Up Creator Breaks Down The Problem with NFTs and Cryptocurrency - The Damage Report - Air Date 3-6-22
Crypto specialist, Dan Olson, shares his takes on NFTs and explains pieces from his insanely popular video, "Line Goes Up – The Problem With NFTs." John Iadarola and Dan Olson break it down on The Damage Report.
Ch. 7: The Crypto Grift Descends on Ukraine - Scam Economy - Air Date 3-17-22
Matt Binder breaks down how grifting cryptocurrency founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and hustlers are trying to pump their money-making schemes for a profit and generate good PR for the crypto industry under the guise of charity for Ukraine.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on how people, myself included, get scammed
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 3-15-22 Today, I am talking with Erin (not from Philly), Deon and Erin from Philly. We discuss: - Whether or not to capitalize the B in black - What it means when the B is capitalized - How all of this relates to the rapid expansion of identity labels - Why the solution to segregation and stereotypes is more segregation - And why we think it's worth spending time talking about things like this CONNECT ON DISCORD How to Use Discord: A Beginner’s Guide Join our Discord community References: Case Sensitive - The Drift Magazine 'Whistling Vivaldi' And Beating Stereotypes - Talk of the Nation - Air Date 4-12-10 Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 4/6/2022
Today we take a look at the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, what her confirmation would mean for representation on the court and what the hearing tells us about the state of our politics.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: By Any Measure, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is Qualified - David Pakman Show - Air Date 3-24-22
By any objective measure, Joe Biden's Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, is eminently qualified to be a Supreme Court Justice
Ch. 2: Anita Hill on the Supreme Court’s Future Part 1 - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 3-12-22
The upcoming confirmation, and what it means for the court’s future—and for America’s future.
Ch. 3: Legal journalist Mark Joseph Stern on SCOTUS, corruption, gerrymandering - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-30-22
MARK JOSEPH STERN, legal journalist from Slate, explains the latest news out of the US Supreme Court, beginning with the Senate confirmation hearings last week for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Joe Biden's nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Ch. 4: Ketanji Brown Jackson Hearing, Day Three—Celebrating Joy Amid the Nonsense - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 3-23-22
Jessica Mason Pieklo and Imani Gandy are following the lead of Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and celebrating joy in this historic nomination.
Ch. 5: You Are My Harbinger of Hope Sen. Cory Booker Defends Ketanji Brown Jackson Amid GOP Attacks - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-24-22
Speaking with legal analysts Imani Gandy and Dahlia Lithwick about Republican embrace of disinformation.
Ch. 6: Anita Hill on the Supreme Court’s Future Part 2 - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 3-12-22
The upcoming confirmation, and what it means for the court’s future—and for America’s future.
Ch. 7: ITT Sound Off: Saving the Supreme Court - In The Thick - Air Date 3-25-22
Elie Mystal writes in The Nation: “It was emotionally affecting to watch Jackson, a ridiculously accomplished Black woman, be forced to dance to the tune of these mediocre white senators who were trying to reduce her to a caricature.”
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: You Are My Harbinger of Hope Sen. Cory Booker Defends Ketanji Brown Jackson Amid GOP Attacks Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-24-22
Cory Booker speaks out about the hope he feels about Ketanji Brown Jackson joining the Supreme Court
Ch. 9: What It Means to See Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson This Close to the Supreme Court - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 3-26-22
Black listeners call in to talk about what it meant to see the judge up there, and react to more of Sen. Booker's words and Judge Brown Jackson's tearful reaction.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Response to Maria on puberty blockers - Sophia from Texas
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on motivated reasoning, wild guesses and edge cases
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 4/2/2022
Today we take a look at the current iteration of the cynical culture wars being waged by conservative Republicans against LGBTQ kids for political gain. The current wave of anti-trans and anti-gay legislation sprouting across the country is not about protecting kids and is absolutely nothing new.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Andy Greenberg - Longform - Air Date 12-11-19
Andy Greenberg is a senior writer for Wired. His new book is Sandworm. “I kind of knew I was never going to get access to Sandworm, which is the title of the book - so it was all about drawing a picture around this invisible monster.”
Ch. 2: How America’s gas got hacked - Today, Explained - Air Date 5-12-21
The largest-known ransomware attack on American energy infrastructure is driving up gas prices and creating shortages. Wired's Lily Hay Newman says Colonial Pipeline might be a turning point for cybersecurity.
Ch. 3: Is Russia at War with the West? Part 1 - The Inquiry - Air Date 11-21-18
There are currently a number of serious allegations made in the West against Russia. They include the attempted murder of the former spy Sergei Skripal on British soil; interference in the 2016 US election; the hacking of the American electricity grid.
Ch. 4: How prepared is the U.S. to fend off cyber warfare? Better at offense than defense, author says - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 8-6-18
Sanger joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the threats and realities, how the U.S. wages cyber warfare, and how prepared the U.S. is to stop attacks.
Ch. 5: Is Russia at War with the West? Part 2 - The Inquiry - Air Date 11-21-18
Ch. 6: Russia Perfected Its Cyberwarfare In Ukraine — America Could Pay The Price - Think | NBC News - Air Date 11-23-19
Russia has been practicing cyberwar in a real-life test lab — Ukraine. Andy Greenberg, author of 'Sandworm', recounts how Russia went from repeatedly shutting down Ukraine's infrastructure to unleashing worms that caused billions of dollars in damage.
Ch. 7: Is World War III Already Here? - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 1-3-22
Warfare has changed so fundamentally, that we're currently in a war we don't even recognize. It's the war that Russia, China, and other hostile foreign actors are fighting against us — weaponizing social media to undermine our faith in each other
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The Hackers Who Took Down the Colonial Pipeline - What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future - Air Date 5-21-21
Last week, a hacker group called DarkSide shut down the Colonial Pipeline, which supplies 45 percent of the fuel consumed on the East Coast. Gas prices skyrocketed, people started hoarding gas, and DarkSide walked away with over $4 million in Bitcoin.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Puberty blockers experimental? - Maria in Pennsylvania
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the deception and logical fallacies at the heart of critiques of gender affirming care
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 3/29/2022 Today we take a look at the current iteration of the cynical culture wars being waged by conservative Republicans against LGBTQ kids for political gain. The current wave of anti-trans and anti-gay legislation sprouting across the country is not about protecting kids and is absolutely nothing new.
Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Protecting Women and Children Is a Shield for Transphobia - At Liberty - Air Date 3-17-22
This weaponization of white womanhood and femininity has deep roots in this country’s history, and is prompting unprecedented consequences for the trans community. Nikita Shepard joins to discuss the history and what we can do about it.
Ch. 2: Andy Marra on Trans Youth Rights - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-4-22
Texas state leadership is staking a position on that, but humans everywhere are pushing back, and we talk about that with Andy Marra.
Ch. 3: The Anti-Trans Agenda (w/ Gillian Branstetter) - Know Your Enemy - Air Date 3-20-22
Matt and Sam talk to Gillian Branstetter, press secretary for the National Women’s Law Center, about the spate of anti-trans laws sweeping the country.
Ch. 4: Chase Strangio on the GOPs Push in Florida, Texas, Idaho to Eradicate Trans Youth & Trans Lives - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-9-22
We speak with Chase Strangio of the ACLU about recent anti-LGBTQ legislation in Florida, Texas, and Idaho, and pending bills in other states.
Ch. 5: Protecting Women and Children Is a Shield for Transphobia Part 2 - At Liberty - Air Date 3-17-22
Ch. 6: Don't Say Gay - Today, Explained - Air Date 3-17-22
The furor over Florida’s latest culture-war legislation has Disney, among the state’s largest employers, turning red.
Ch. 7: Behind the Transphobic Hate Campaigns (and Steven Crowder) on College Campuses in Texas (w/ Steven Monacelli) Part 1 - DOOMED - Air Date 3-23-22
Journalist Steven Monacelli joins to discuss how he actually debated Steven Crowder earlier in the day on a college campus in Texas. Why was Crowder there? Because trans people are playing sports.
Ch. 8: Protecting Women and Children Is a Shield for Transphobia Part 3 - At Liberty - Air Date 3-17-22
Ch. 9: Behind the Transphobic Hate Campaigns (and Steven Crowder) on College Campuses in Texas (w/ Steven Monacelli) Part 2 - DOOMED - Air Date 3-23-22
Ch. 10: Andy Marra on Trans Youth Rights Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-4-22
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 11: Protecting Women and Children Is a Shield for Transphobia Part 4 - At Liberty - Air Date 3-17-22
Ch. 12: The Anti-Trans Agenda (w/ Gillian Branstetter) Part 2 - Know Your Enemy - Air Date 3-20-22
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 13: Dynamics of our political parties - Craig from Ohio
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on the divides within American political parties
TAKE ACTION!
Contact your Senators to pass the Equality Act via passtheequalityact.com/act
Join Lambda Legal's #DontEraseUs campaign to fight anti-LGBTQ+ curriculum (especially if you’re a student or teacher).
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Read BOTL’s activism segment on the Equality Act from last March (2021) for more context
Lambda Legal Transgender Rights Toolkit (Lambda Legal)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
Image Description: A white protest sign is held in the air with the words “YOU WILL NOT ERASE OUR KIDS” drawn on it. The word “NOT” is underlined and colored in red. Each letter in the word “KIDS” is colored in with red, blue, yellow, and orange, respectively. A small blue sticker in the top right corner says “I [heart sign] My Trans Child”.
Credit: “2018.10.22 We Won't Be Erased - Rally for Trans Rights, Washington, DC USA 06817” by Ted Eytan, Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 License | Changes: Cropped, slightly increased brightness, contrast, and saturation
Air Date 3/24/2022
Today we take a look at the desperate state of refugees fleeing war, strife and climate disruption as well as the response of governments around the world that espouse liberal platitudes of humanitarianism while hardening their borders against those seeking refuge.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Fortress Europe: Who gets to come in? - The Real Story - Air Date 11-9-21
The European Union is at loggerheads with Belarus over the arrival of thousands of migrants. It alleges that President Lukashenko has created a deliberate crisis by facilitating the migrants' travel into Belarus and onwards to the country's borders
Ch. 2: War in Ukraine - Humane Ukrainians & A Major Refugee Crisis - The Daily Show - Air Date 3-4-22
As Russia's war on Ukraine continues, compassionate Ukrainians come to the aid of Russian soldiers, and Trevor weighs in on the implications of how European countries are welcoming refugees.
Ch. 3: Afghanistan in Freefall: Deadly U.S. Sanctions Blamed for Shocking Humanitarian Crisis - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-14-22
As Afghanistan faces a dire humanitarian crisis, we look at how more Afghans may die from U.S. sanctions than at the hands of the Taliban. The U.S.'s attempts to block support for the new de facto government have prevented vital funding from flowing
Ch. 4: Resettlement Support and Legislative Challenges Facing Afghan Refugees - The Takeaway - Air Date 2-18-22
It’s been more than six months since the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Since the withdrawal, more than 76,000 Afghans have resettled across the U.S. We check in on resettlement efforts, the challenges facing Afghan refugees, and more
Ch. 5: Fortress Europe - Declarations: The Human Rights Podcast - Air Date 2-2-22
In this week’s episode, host Maryam Tanwir and panelist Yasmin Homer discuss the role of technology in the securitization of European borders with MEP Patrick Breyer and researcher Ainhoa Ruiz.
Ch. 6: Border walls and the climate crisis w/ Nick Buxton - This Is Hell! - Air Date 11-3-21
The Transnational Institute's Nick Buxton on the report "Global Climate Wall"
Ch. 7: Ilhan Omar on Ending War, Global Refugees, Russia Sanctions & Why More Saudi Oil Is Not the Answer - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-8-22
As the U.S. considers a ban on importing Russian oil as part of sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine, senior advisers to President Biden are reportedly planning to visit Saudi Arabia to secure more oil to make up the shortfall.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Border walls and the climate crisis w/ Nick Buxton Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 11-3-21
Discussing the connection between climate policy and the entities who stand to profit the most by fortifying against climate refugees
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on small-government conservatives' authoritarian tendencies
TAKE ACTION!
New way to help defeat fossil fuel allied politicians, no matter their party: Jane Fonda PAC
Help Refugees Around the World:
Global Empowerment Mission
International Rescue Committee
Refugees International
Anera (Middle East focus)
UN Refugee Agency
Doctors Without Borders
House Refugees in Your Home:
Room for Refugees (US, UK, Canada)
Refugees at Home (UK only)
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
8 Ways to Solve the World's Refugee Crisis (Amnesty International)
The Great Climate Migration Has Begun (NYTimes, 2020)
Climate Change Refugees - the world's forgotten victims (World Economic Forum)
#AfricansinUkraine (Twitter hashtag)
Climate Change and Disaster Displacement (UNHCR)
Refugee Environmental Protection Fund (UNHCR)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 3/19/2022 Today we take a look at the details of the planned coup that had its culmination in the form of a violent insurrection at the US Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021 as well as the ongoing efforts to undermine and dismantle the structures of our election system.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content)
Discord Explained
Join our Discord community!
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: January 6th Planning Was WAY More Detailed Than We Thought - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-5-22
In some ways, the attack on the Capitol looked haphazard but the answer is far scarier. There was much more planning by the group involved.
Ch. 2: Columnist Will Bunch: Trump Came Much Closer to Pulling Off a January 6 Coup Than People Realize - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-5-22
National columnist Will Bunch says there is growing evidence that links Trump and his inner circle to the Capitol attack.
Ch. 3: Pence lawyer at center of Trump pressure tactic spends hours with January 6th Committee - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 2-2-22
Michael Schmidt, Washington correspondent for the New York Times; David Wilson.
Ch. 4: Reform the Insurrection Act: Former Pentagon Adviser Says Trump Almost Used It to Subvert Election - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-6-22
Former Pentagon adviser Ryan Goodman says former President Trump could have used the Insurrection Act to hold onto power onJanuary 6, 2021.
Ch. 5: Fake Trump electors, Trump White House official receive January 6th Committee subpoenas - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-29-22
Rep. Pete Aguilar, member of the January 6th Committee
Ch. 6: Former FL county election chief Ion Sancho on MAGA threats to election officials - The BradCast - Air Date 3-15-22
It took decades to build our system of non-partisan, professional election administration, but the entire system is now under persistent attack by Trump's MAGA Mob.
Ch. 7: Trump flouting of Presidential Records Act leaves National Archives scrambling - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 2-7-22
Michael Schmidt, Washington correspondent for the New York Times
Ch. 8: Trump Facing CRIMINAL Charges Per Trump Riot Committee - David Pakman Show - Air Date 3-3-22
The January 6 Trump riot committee has released a list of possible criminal charges committed by former President Donald Trump.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Trump flouting of Presidential Records Act leaves National Archives scrambling Part 2 - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 2-7-22
Ch. 10: Former FL county election chief Ion Sancho on MAGA threats to election officials Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 3-15-22
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Thoughts on the Ukraine context episode - Alan from Connecticut
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on our new Discord community server and how to join
TAKE ACTION!
Become a Poll Worker or Election Official: WorkElections.org
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Expert fears partisan actors may replace election workers who quit over threats (PBS News Hour)
1 in 5 local election officials say they're likely to quit before 2024 (NPR)
Researchers warn that Christian nationalists are becoming more radical and are targeting voting (Washington Post)
One in five U.S. election workers may quit amid threats, politics (Reuters)
Local election officials are exhausted, under threat and thinking about quitting (Politico)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Black and white photo from a rally. A hand holds up a sign that says "Remember Jan. 6th, Senators. Protect Our Democracy Now".
Credit: "January 6th Vigil for Democracy" by Becker1999, Wikimedia Commons | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 3/16/2022
Today we take a look at the dynamics of mis- and disinformation as well as the history of those, primarily Russia, who are actively using it as a weapon of information warfare against the US, The West, and democracies around the world.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Are you Disinformed or Misinformed? - Harvard Data Science Review Podcast - Air Date 6-17-21
Harvard Data Science Review digs into the world of disinformation and misinformation, and the difference between them.
Ch. 2: Moving beyond news deserts and misinformation - Democracy Works - Air Date 2-14-22
Victor Pickard is the C. Edwin Baker Professor of Media Policy and Political Economy at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Democracy Without Journalism?
Ch. 3: Why "Cheap Speech" Threatens Democracy - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 3-5-22
Dahlia talks to Rick Hasen about his new book Cheap Speech: How Disinformation Poisons Our Politics–and How to Cure It.
Ch. 4: The Firehose of Falsehood Effect - The Propwatch Project - Air Date 4-4-21
Dr. Christopher Paul, senior social scientist of the Pardee RAND Graduate School, discusses his seminal work on the "Firehose of Falsehood" propaganda model.
Ch. 5: The long history of Russian disinformation targeting the U.S. - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-22-18
From Pizzagate to George Soros conspiracies, “fake news” has become a noxious presence in public discourse, especially since the 2016 presidential election.
Ch. 6: Post-Truth: Lee C. McIntyre - Future Hindsight - Air Date 5-14-20
Authoritarians use post-truth to corrupt our faith in the truth. The end goal is not to make citizens believe lies, but to make them so cynical and uncertain, they think they can never know the truth.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Inside Estonia's approach in combating Russian disinformation - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 1-15-22
Russian disinformation is rife in countries formerly ruled from Moscow. Some ex-Soviet states have tried to suppress it altogether by banning Russian television stations and even limiting the use of the Russian language on their own domestic channels.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Seeking power from the right and left - Alex from Maryland Old
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on avoiding the nihilism strategy of the Underpants Gnomes
TAKE ACTION!
Media Literacy Now - Advocate for U.S. Media Literacy Bills at State Level (See Existing Media Literacy Bills and Laws)
Tools to Fight Disinformation:
FactCheck.Org
List: Tools That Fight Disinformation Online (RAND.org)
InVID - Browser plug in to help identify and verify shared videos and images
Hamilton 2.0 Dashboard - War in Ukraine (Disinformation tracker)
Orgs Fighting Disinformation:
Project Origin
Content Authenticity Initiative
Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity
News Literacy Project
Alliance for Securing Democracy
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Short Docuseries: Operation InfeKtion (New York Times)
Book: “The Misinformation Age: How False Beliefs Spread” by Calin O’Connor and James Owen Weatherall
Video Series: Crash Course Media Literacy
Training: First Draft News - Training
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: In graphic form, the word "TRUTH" is angled and textured in red. A magnifying glass hovers over most of the letter "U" and the word "LIES" can be seen repeated in rows through the circular glass.
Credit: Original design on Pixabay / Changes: angled, text color, background color / Final by Amanda Hoffman
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Original Air Date: 2-8-22 Today, I am talking with Amanda, Erin and Deon. We discuss: - Tragic Optimism - Don't Look Up - Simulacra and Simulation - That Funny Feeling References: The Opposite of Toxic Positivity An Introduction to Baudrillard Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 3/11/2022
Today we take a look at the intertwining oil interests that underlie many of the decisions about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and how others are responding to it. It is a tangled mess that the US, Europe and other nations are currently attempting to extract themselves from but it will be a long process.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
Bombas.com/Best Shop for 20% off!
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why Gas Costs So Much: Trump, Saudi Arabia & Putin Exposed! - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 3-9-22
Gas prices are going up, but it's not Biden's fault. Thom exposes Trump, Saudi Arabia and Putin's connection to raise gas prices.
Ch. 2: Russian Invasion Shows Risks of Addiction to Fossil Fuels; Will Biden Fund Shift to Renewables - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-9-22
We speak to energy and climate investigative reporter Antonia Juhasz, author of "The Tyranny of Oil: The World's Most Powerful Industry," about growing calls for a green energy revolution amid the climate crisis and rising prices for fossil fuels.
Ch. 3: Russian oil and gas; Republican election fraud and insurrection Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 3-8-22
As the horrors of Russia's war on Ukraine continue, we continue focusing on efforts to counter it. Shell Oil apologizes for getting caught secretly buying cheap Russian oil.
Ch. 4: Joe Biden Can End High US Gas Prices By Nationalizing The Oil Industry - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-9-22
The MR crew discusses how increasing oil production domestically is being talked about as a solution, but no one is talking about the importance of nationalizing energy.
Ch. 5: Russian oil and gas; Republican election fraud and insurrection Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 3-8-22
Ch. 6: Banning Russian oil - Today, Explained - Air Date 3-8-22
Gas prices hit a record high in the United States today. Then the White House put an embargo on Russian oil. The Atlantic's Robinson Meyer explains.
Ch. 7: Withdrawing from Afghanistan and the Impact of Global Corruption with Sarah Chayes - Why is This Happening - Air Date 8-17-21
The prolific author has said that kleptocratic actions are an “existential threat facing our generation.”
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Peak Oil- It's a Crude, Crude World. - Unf*cking The Republic (UNFTR) - Air Date 2-5-22
We tie in good ol’ Milton Friedman again to discuss how trading this ubiquitous fuel went from commodity to casino.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the rising demand for clean energy action in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine
TAKE ACTION!
Find Your Local:
350.org Chapters
Extinction Rebellion Chapters
Sunrise Movement Chapters
Mothers Out Front (not just for mothers) Chapters
League of Conservation Voters Affiliates
Local Politics:
Find Your State Legislators and Write and Call Them
Find out if your local legislators and candidates have taken the “No Fossil Fuel Money” Pledge
Learn how to get your local candidates/legislators to sign the “No Fossil Fuel Money” pledge
National Politics:
Find out Which Members of Congress are Taking Oil and Gas Money via Open Secrets
League of Conservation Voter Environment Scorecard
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Climate Hawks Join the Debate on Ukraine (New York Times)
Newsletter: Heat Pumps for Peace and Freedom (Bill McKibben on Substack)
Editorial: What’s better than a ban on Russian oil imports? Ending our dependence on fossil fuels (LA Times)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Close up of a white sign that says "War Sized Climate Action Now!" in black, military-style text. To the right, a silhouette of the Iwo Jima memorial shows soldiers raising a wind turbine (instead of a flag).
Credit: "CleanEnergyMarch-5-1470274" by Mark Dixon, Flickr | CC by 2.0 License | Changes: Cropped, slight increase in brightness and contrast
Original Air Date 3/10/2021
Today we take a look at the current goings-on around the world regarding our foreign policy under the new but not-so-new-feeling leadership of Joe Biden. We check in on Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and a couple of assorted arms sales to authoritarian leaders who support our foreign policy.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Biden Administration Should Strike a Deal with Iran - World Class - Air Date 2-18-21
Abbas Milani — an expert on U.S.-Iran relations — discusses the Iranian economy, the future of Iran’s leadership, and what a potential nuclear deal could mean for the U.S.
Ch. 2: Biden "Illegally" Bombs Iranian-Backed Militias in Syria, Jeopardizing Nuclear Talks with Tehran - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-1-21
The Biden administration is facing intense criticism from U.S. progressives after carrying out airstrikes on eastern Syria said to be targeting Iranian-backed militia groups.
Ch. 3: Biden's First Act Of War Hits 3 Countries - Empire Files - Air Date 3-3-21
Biden's Feb. 26 strike in Syria was a crime, and risks major war with three countries. Abby Martin explains.
Ch. 4: Whither the Antiwar Left - Empire Has No Clothes - Air Date 2-25-21
This week on Empire Has No Clothes, Kelley, Dan, and I discussed the war in Afghanistan and why it's lost. We also talked with journalist James Carden about the state of the antiwar left and whether Joe Biden might do some good on foreign policy.
Ch. 5: What's Next For The War In Afghanistan - NPR Fresh Air - Air Date 3-4-21
America's 19-year war in Afghanistan may soon be coming to an end. The Trump administration negotiated a deal with the Taliban, in which the U.S. agreed to withdraw all its troops by May 1. But the Afghan government was not included in those talks.
Ch. 6: Can Joe Biden Save Yemen - Empire Has No Clothes - Air Date 2-11-21
This week on Empire Has No Clothes, Kelley, Dan, and I discussed Joe Biden's announcement that he would withdraw all American support for the war in Yemen.
Ch. 7: Did Jen Psaki Just Confirm That Biden's Afraid of MBS - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 3-4-21
Joe Biden once vowed to hold Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Now, it looks like he's letting him off the hook. Emma Vigeland and the Majority Report crew discuss this.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The future of the US-Saudi relationship (ft. Sen. Chris Murphy) - Worldly - Air Date 3-4-21
Zack, Jenn, and Alex debate whether the US should continue to treat Saudi Arabia as a close partner given its atrocious human rights abuses and the declining US dependence on Middle Eastern oil.
Ch. 9: Biden Sells Missiles to Fascists + US Base Destroys Ancient Coral Reef - Empire Files - Air Date 2-19-21
Abby Martin covers Biden's first arms deals to major human rights abusers Chile & Egypt; another US military base in Okinawa, opposed by a majority of residents, threatens unique biodiversity; militia puts US at crossroads of a new Iraq war
Ch. 10: Can Biden remake Trump's Middle East - The Bunker - Air Date 11-25-20
From Israel to Iran, Donald Trump thought he could reset the Middle East. His fixation on the region defined the last four years of US foreign policy. But what will Biden’s presidency mean for America and the Middle East?
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Introduction to our caste system - Roy from Washington State
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on Biden attempting to talk about Afghanistan and China
BONUS CLIPS:
CNN Official interview Joe Biden on Afghanistan 'Making progress' - CNN - Air Date 11-28-10
What Biden Said About Uyghurs - CNN Presidential Town Hall
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 3/4/2022
Today we take a look at the history of Ukraine as a Soviet state, war-torn state, famished state, westernizing state, energy-exploring state, annexed state, and invaded state. We also look at the role of the west and NATO as well as Putin's history and possible motivations.
Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The real and imagined history of Ukraine - Today Explained - Air Date 2-25-22
Vladimir Putin says Ukraine isn’t a country. He’s wrong.
Ch. 2: Timothy Snyder ─ Ukraine and Russia in a Fracturing Europe - Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs - Air Date 5-3-16
Timothy Snyder is the Bird White Housum Professor of History at Yale University, specializing in the history of central and eastern Europe.
Ch. 3: From spy to president: The rise of Vladimir Putin - Vox - Air Date 3-23-17
Putin’s intent on pushing back against the Western world order... and it appears to be working.
Ch. 4: What Russia And Putin Actually Want With Ukraine - AJ+ - Air Date 2-17-22
Troops are being deployed, harsh words have been said, and there is potential for an all-out war.
Ch. 5: Journalist Andrew Cockburn & Historian Timothy Snyder on Ukraine, Russia, NATO Expansion & Sanctions - Democracy Now - Air Date 3-1-22
Snyder says the focus on NATO ignores the agency of leaders in Ukraine and elsewhere who have the right to seek their own arrangements.
Ch. 6: Is the West to Blame for Russia's Invasion? (no) - TLDR News - Air Date 2-27-22
Some have suggested that the West is the blame for Russia's invasion into Ukraine, we'll explain that argument and why it's fundamentally wrong.
Ch. 7: Why Russia is Invading Ukraine - RealLifeLore - Air Date 2-26-22
Explaining the oil interests in Ukraine that may be a motivating factor to Russia.
Ch. 8: America, Russia, and Ukraine's Far-Right - The Gravel Institute - Air Date 2-18-22
This video is about American funding for the Azov Battalion. It explicitly condemns Russian propaganda that Ukraine is a "neo-Nazi country."
Ch. 9: Putin's Bogus Claim To "Denazify" Ukraine - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 2-25-22
Steven Pifer, the former ambassador to Ukraine under Bill Clinton, and Jason Stanley, author of “How Fascism Works,” join Mehdi Hasan to discuss the Russian propaganda narrative.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: A Young Country With An Old History - WorldAffairs - Air Date 1-31-22
Historians Katherine Younger and Emily Channell-Justice tell Ray Suarez the story of modern Ukraine, and why embracing Western values has made Ukraine a threat to Vladimir Putin.
Ch. 11: Ukraine: Questions for the Anti-War Movement - Empire Files - Air Date 2-27-22
An analysis of Putin's anti-communist speech
Ch. 12: The Crimean War, Putin, and the War Over Reality - The Muckrake Podcast - Air Date 3-1-22
Jared Yates Sexton traces how the New World Order conspiracy theory led to this mess.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on why you should probably listen to all that again
TAKE ACTION!
Ways to Help Ukrainians, Protest War, Etc. (Please always do your own research before giving):
CODEPINK Global Day of Action, Sunday, March 6th: "Stop the War in Ukraine. Russian Troops Out. No to NATO expansion." (CODEPINK)
Support Ukraine's Independent Media Organizations and Journalists (Campaign endorsed by The Kyiv Independent)
Here’s How You Can Help LGBTQ+ and Black Ukrainian Refugees (Self)
25 Meaningful Ways You Can Help Ukraine (GlobalCitizen)
Linkt.ree of Resources/Ways to Help Ukrainians Curated by the nonprofit @RazomforUkraine (Razom for Ukraine)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A blue and yellow Ukrainian flag is waved in the air in front of a cloudy sky above a protest to show solidarity with Ukrainians.
Credit: Amanda Hoffman, February 2022
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Air Date 3/2/2022
Today we take a look at the not-so-slow transformation of Republicans from a Bush/McCain/Romney party to a Trump/DeSantis/Putin party complete with cultish devotion and a dependence on a near-total dismissal of truth replaced by propaganda.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Trump Victim Act Follows Authoritarian Playbook Drawing In Fanatical Supporters - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-8-22
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, professor of history at NYU and author of "Strongmen," talks about right-wing assault on democracy in the United States and familiar patterns between the Trump movement and other authoritarian movements around the world an in history.
Ch. 2: Legitimate Political Discourse - Political Gabfest - Air Date 2-10-22
The GOP embrace of Jan. 6 rioters
Ch. 3: The NYT’s Jeremy Peters on How the GOP Went Batshit Crazy - The Al Franken Podcast - Air Date 2-27-22
Explaining the seeming anomaly of Trump in the line of Republican presidential nominees
Ch. 4: Republicans in complete disarray - The Bradcast w/ Brad Friedman - Air Date 2-7-22
Trump's Republican National Committee labeled the violent, deadly Capitol Insurrection 'legitimate political discourse, and censured conservative Rep. Liz Cheney and Rep. Adam Kinzinger for participating in the bipartisan House Jan. 6 Select Committee.
Ch. 5: Rick Scott: The Man With The Plan? - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 2-23-22
What does the Republican Party really stand for — besides attacking liberals? One Republican senator is giving a masterclass in his plan to save America. David Jolly joins to discuss.
Ch. 6: How Vladimir Putin won Republicans' approval - Vox - Air Date 1-13-17
He's an authoritarian strongman, and he's never been more popular with GOP voters.
Ch. 7: Wagner: Some Republicans Are Uniting Against Biden And Siding With Putin - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-23-22
Alex Wagner: “The shocking thing is when these Republicans look at Russia—its repression and flouting of democratic norms and restriction of essential freedom—when they look at all that they may not see a cautionary tale, but an aspirational one.”
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: How Jan 6th Changed Extremism - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-5-22
Brandy Zadrozny talks about the landscape of extremism since January 6th and her new investigation that finds some militia and white supremacist groups have shifted tactics, going from protesting to putting energy into local politics and school boards.
Ch. 9: The America We Deserve - In The Thick - Air Date 2-8-22
They get into the latest on the January 6th insurrection, and the connection between voter suppression and anti-Black racism.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on sheep-dogging, coalition governments and power dynamics
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 2/26/2022
Today we take a look at the slow but important progress that's been made in the last ten years of efforts toward sensible gun control and accountability for gun manufacturers as well as the activists pushing the issue.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Path to the Sandy Hook Settlement - What Next - Air Date 2-22-22
A deft legal strategy led to the largest payout by a gun manufacturer in a mass shooting case. Guest: @NicoleHockley is co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise Foundation.
Ch. 2: Sandy Hook families achieve major victory over gun maker - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 2-16-21
Tonight's guests are Joshua Koskoff, attorney representing Sandy Hook families.
Ch. 3: 45K People Died from Gun Violence on Your Watch Parkland Survivors Demand More Action from Biden - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-16-22
Survivors and families of the victims of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida, have launched a new online tool called the “Shock Market” to track the occurrence of U.S. gun violence.
Ch. 4: A New Kind of Gun Control Part 1 - What Next - Air Date 2-3-22
San Jose is trying to pioneer a fresh way to address gun violence. Will it survive all the lawsuits? Guest: Sam Liccardo, mayor of San Jose, California.
Ch. 5: Exploring why gun violence has soared during the pandemic, and how to combat it - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 4-19-21
Gun violence in America has remained high throughout the pandemic. By some early estimates, 2020 is one of the worst years for homicides in recent times. Amna Nawaz speaks to The Trace's Champe Barton about efforts to change gun laws.
Ch. 6: A New Kind of Gun Control Part 2 - What Next - Air Date 2-3-22
Ch. 7: Stop Gun Violence: A Valentine's Day Plea from the Heart - Breaking the Sound Barrier - Air Date 2-17-22
Valentine’s Day is when we’re supposed to give heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and flowers to those we love. For Manuel “Manny” Oliver, Valentine’s Day is something different.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Woman Accidentally Fires Purse Gun at Basketball Game - David Pakman Show - Air Date 11-6-21
A woman "accidentally" fires her gun, which was in her purse, during a basketball game
Ch. 9: Brian Lehrer Close Reading Adams Blueprint to End Gun Violence - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 2-17-22
Mayor Adams's new public safety agenda, guests Anthonine Pierre, leader of Communities United for Police Reform, Richard Aborn, president of the Citizens Crime Commission of NYC and Elise White, deputy research director at the Center for Court Innovation
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the news from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A woman walks during the March on Washington for Gun Control in 2013 holding a sign that says "Sandy Hook Chooses LOVE". A red 'no' symbol is over the silhouette of a semi-automatic rifle. Next to this, are two, gray child's hand prints with a red heart between them.
Credit: "March on Washington for Gun Control 032" by Slowking4, Wikimedia Commons | Creative Commons License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 2/22/2022
Today we take a look at the new right-wing protest tactic sweeping the world, truck convoy siege tactics in capital cities. Their causes are nonsensical, their tactics harmful but cracking down on them too harshly may boomerang on progressive protests down the road.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Canadian Truckers Inch Closer to U.S. Border in Protest of COVID Restrictions - The Daily Show - Air Date 2-11-22
Canada’s anti-vax protest comes to a new head as truckers block off a major bridge connecting Canada and the U.S.
Ch. 2: Canada Afflicted With Right-Wing American Covid Conspiracy Chaos - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 2-10-22
Timothy Snyder, author of "On Tyranny," looks at how the U.S. has become a bad actor in the global community as its antigovernment right-wing, inflamed by Fox News and social media, is triggering political and economic disruption by fringe extremists.
Ch. 3: Tucker Uses Convoy To Cosplay As Working-Class Ally - The Rational National - Air Date 2-8-22
Fox News host Tucker Carlson used the Canadian 'Freedom Convoy' to cosplay as a working-class ally.
Ch. 4: Trucker protests energize Canada’s far-right movement - The World - Air Date 2-4-22
Actions have energized a small but growing far-right movement in Canada. And similar protests have popped up in Europe, where people are trying to convene in a convoy in Brussels to protest against pandemic restrictions
Ch. 5: What the truck is happening in Canada? - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-15-22
A convoy of truckers angry over Covid-19 mandates is disrupting life in Canada’s capital city. Their movement is gaining traction in cities around the globe.
Ch. 6: Vaccine protests in Canada - World Review from the New Statesman - Air Date 2-3-22
Thousands have joined the so-called “Freedom Convoy” in Canada, which has spiraled from truckers’ frustrations over Covid-19 vaccine mandates into calls to overthrow the government.
Ch. 7: Canadian 'Freedom Convoy' Part 2: Border Blockades & Political Ramifications - It Could Happen Here - Air Date 2-15-22
As the Convoy occupation expanded beyond choking a single major city, the blocking of supply lines and border crossings raised more questions regarding how the government's reaction might affect political movements in the future.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: What the truck is happening in Canada? Part 2 - Today, Explained - Air Date 2-15-22
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on a successful vacation and the weak allure of the internet
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Original Air Date 2/16/2021
Today we take a look at the competing histories fighting for dominance in the minds of Americans; the mythologized and romanticized history as represented by the "patriotic" framing of history from the 1776 Commission report and the much more fact-based approach that doesn't skirt the issue of race from the 1619 Project.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The 400 Year Legacy with Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ibram X. Kendi - Why Is This Happening with Chris Hayes - Air Date 12-6-19
Nikole Hannah-Jones, the architect behind "The 1619 Project," and Ibram X. Kendi, author of “How To Be an Antiracist,” joined Chris Hayes to examine the 400 year legacy of slavery in America.
Ch. 2: With Hours Left in Office, Trump White House Tries to Rewrite U.S. History - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 1-19-21
Prof. Eddie Glaude Jr. joins Mehdi Hasan to explain why the Trump administration's 1776 Report is an attempt to stoke a culture war via historical nonsense.
Ch. 3: Eric Foner on The 1619 Project - Start Making Sense - Air Date 11-21-19
Historian Eric Foner talks about The New York Times’ “1619 Project,” which argues that the legacy of slavery is central to all of the American past and present—including the White House today.
Ch. 4: The 1776 Report - Past Present - Air Date 1-26-21
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss ·The 1776 Report· issued by the outgoing Trump administration.
Ch. 5: The Original Sin of 1619 - In The Thick - Air Date 8-20-19
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones led a team of black journalists, writers and poets to create The 1619 Project, a deep and thoughtful look into the 400th anniversary of the beginning of slavery in this country. But a lot of the response has been predictable
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 6: Midnight in the Garden of American Heroes - Know Your Enemy - Air Date 2-11-21
Matt and Sam explain West Coast Straussianism, the school of thought behind one of the last acts of the Trump administration: its publication of the "1776 Report," the Right's shabby response to the 1619 Project and blueprint for the American Founding
Ch. 7: Adolph Reed Critiques The 1619 Project - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 5-14-20
Adolph Reed talks about the 1619 project through the lens of anti-essentialism.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Proper attribution for vaccines - Dr. Gay
Ch. 9: Financial health of the show? - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on framing vaccine manufacturers properly
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
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Original Air Date 2/5/2021
Today we take a look at the role that social media plays in the radicalization of discontented communities and engage in the debate over content moderation and de-platforming of individuals.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why everyone hates Big Tech, with The Verge's Nilay Patel - The Weeds - Air Date 7-19-19
Verge editor-in-chief and Vergecast host Nilay Patel joins Matt in this special crossover episode to explain what Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which allows platforms to circumnavigate liability for user content, really means.
Ch. 2: Let’s Break Up Facebook, Google, Amazon - Newsbroke - Air Date 1-30-21
Trump has been removed from the nation’s capital and the nation’s social media feeds. And while it was fun to watch him and other far-right accounts “getting owned” by Twitter, Facebook, Google and other platforms, it does pose an important question
Ch. 3: Solving the Facebook Problem at Home and Abroad - On The Media - Air Date 5-22-19
When former Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes penned a New York Times op-ed calling for the breakup of the platform, he was lauded by anti-corporate politicians and the press. Then came a series of hard questions
Ch. 4: Zephyr Teachout on "Break 'Em Up" - Off-Kilter - Air Date 8-4-20
Rebecca talks to Zephyr Teachout about her new book "Break 'Em Up: Recovering our Freedom from Big Tech, Big Ag, and Big Money" and why we need an antitrust movement for our time.
Ch. 5: ADL International Leadership Award Presented to Sacha Baron Cohen - Anti-Defamation League - Air Date 11-21-19
Sacha Baron Cohen is the well-deserved recipient of ADL’s International Leadership Award, which goes to exceptional individuals who combine professional success with a profound personal commitment to community involvement and to crossing borders
Ch. 6: Joan Donovan on how platforms enabled the capital hill riot Part 1 - Big Tech - Air Date 1-21-21
Joan Donovan studies social movements and their use of media and technology to spread their message.
Ch. 7: Peter Kafka and Kevin Roose on big tech's power and responsibility - Vox Conversations - Air Date 1-18-21
Recode’s Peter Kafka speaks with New York Times’s Tech columnist Kevin Roose about big tech’s power and responsibility - and whether it is going to have accountability.
Ch. 8: Insurrection on Capitol Hill Heightens Focus on Social Media Radicalization - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 1-13-21
Former Facebook Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos joins Mehdi Hasan to explain how Facebook is tackling radicalization on its platform, and where the company is still falling short.
Ch. 9: Joan Donovan on how platforms enabled the capital hill riot Part 2 - Big Tech - Air Date 1-21-21
Joan Donovan studies social movements and their use of media and technology to spread their message.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Your Nation's Attention for the Price of a Used Car - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-6-20
Today’s extremists don’t need highly produced videos like ISIS. They don’t need deep pockets like Russia. With the right message, a fringe organization can reach the majority of a nation’s Facebook users for the price of a used car.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on Social Media Externalities
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 2/12/2022
Today we take a look at the recent uptick in banning and removing educational subjects and books from school curricula as well as specifically who is being harmed and who is being privileged by these decisions.
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Transcript
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Right-Wingers Banning Books While Complaining About Cancel Culture - David Pakman Show - Air Date 2-2-22
Despite claiming that the left wants to stifle "free speech," Republicans are increasingly banning books, including from school libraries
Ch. 2: Is Big Money Behind Book Banning Frenzy? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 2-8-22
What's behind the right-wing book-ban frenzy? Is it big money with a long-term plan? We do know it's not a "grassroots" or spontaneous.
Ch. 3: The Movement to Erase Black History and Culture Part 1 - At Liberty - Air Date 2-3-22
We believe that the first amendment is fundamental because it should stop this kind of erasure in its tracks. That’s why we’re meeting this surge of censorship with new litigation and fierce advocacy. Joined by Emerson Sykes, Senior Staff Attorney w/ ACLU
Ch. 4: Critical Race Theory and The Obstruction of Black Education with Dr. Ivory Toldson Part 1 - Black History Year - Air Date 11-29-21
Education has always mattered to Black people. Our enslaved ancestors risked their lives to learn what white oppressors withheld. Because those oppressors understood the important role knowledge of ones history and oneself plays in Black liberation.
Ch. 5: The Movement to Erase Black History and Culture Part 2 - At Liberty - Air Date 2-3-22
Ch. 6: Critical Race Theory and The Obstruction of Black Education with Dr. Ivory Toldson Part 2 - Black History Year - Air Date 11-29-21
Ch. 7: Bans & Schools Book Panics - Now & Then - Air Date 2-8-22
Book bans are back. What’s causing this resurgence? What have similar acts of censorship meant throughout American history? And how should concerned citizens respond?
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Bans & Schools Book Panics Part 2 - Now & Then - Air Date 2-8-22
Ch. 9: The Movement to Erase Black History and Culture Part 3 - At Liberty - Air Date 2-3-22
Ch. 10: Critical Race Theory and The Obstruction of Black Education with Dr. Ivory Toldson Part 3 - Black History Year - Air Date 11-29-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: A message to Nick and Quai on anger and what to do with it - Alyson from Boulder, CO
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on perhaps only thinking I have let go of my anger
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of the graphic novel book “Maus I” laying on top of the graphic novel book “Maus II”. The covers show anthropomorphized mice under a white circle with a black swastika and a graphic depiction of a Hitler-ized mouse with whiskers in its center.
Credit: “Maus I and II” by Bill Smith, Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/byzantiumbooks/51845556207/in/photolist-2n2epPd-2mZq2A8-2n1Mj1g-XYhG-2TmUhq-55feBS-avJJH3-Tjp4gY-SBWLR9-SBWLHd-TExp9E-8WwJM
| License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Changes: cropped and tilted left
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 2/9/2022
Today we take a look at the simmering geopolitical crisis in Ukraine as Russia amasses military forces along the border. In particular, we hear from those who do not predict the imminent outbreak of war and analyze the various motives at play.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Understanding Ukraine: The Problems Today and Some Historical Context - vlogbrothers - Air Date 3-4-14
In which John discusses the crisis in Ukraine, and how the influence of Russia and Europe have shaped Ukrainian politics for centuries. REMINDER: Educational videos are allowed to be more than four minutes long.
Ch. 2: Can the U.S. and Russia agree on Ukraine? Here’s the latest on the negotiations - PBSNewsHour - Air Date 1-28-22
On the Ukraine crisis, there was a sharp juxtaposition Friday as the Pentagon warned that Russian troops could invade at any time, while Ukraine’s president accused the West of sowing panic.
Ch. 3: “It’s Not About Security”: Belgian Peace Activist Says NATO Has Outlived Its Purpose - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-1-22
To speak about the key role NATO is playing in the Ukraine crisis, we speak with Ludo De Brabander, spokesperson of the peace organization Vrede vzw in Belgium, where NATO is headquartered.
Ch. 4: Sanctions Sanctions Everywhere w/ Yar Batmanghelidj - American Prestige - Air Date 2-4-22
Danny and Derek speak about the attempted coup in Guinea-Bissau, North Korea's missile test, Ukraine, the U.S. operation that killed an Isis leader in Syria, and recent reports about Iran's nuclear breakout capability.
Ch. 5: Russian Historian: We Need Both the U.S. & Russia to Deescalate Crisis over Ukraine - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-3-22
Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin continuing to deny accusations of a planned invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration ordered the deployment of 3,000 additional troops to Eastern Europe on Wednesday to supposedly protect Ukraine.
Ch. 6: Ukraine w/ Volodymyr Ishchenko - The Dig - Air Date 1-28-22
An in-depth interview on the historical and political-economic context of the Ukraine crisis with Ukrainian sociologist Volodymyr Ishchenko.
Ch. 7: Ukrainians Doubt a Russian Invasion Is Imminent as U.S. Peace Groups Urge Biden to Halt Escalation - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-1-22
The United States and Russia sparred on Monday over the crisis in Ukraine at the United Nations Security Council. Meanwhile, U.S. senators are preparing to unveil a bill that would target Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian banks and other entities
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Explaining the US-Russia Saber-Rattling - Jacobin Radio w/ Suzi Weissman - Air Date 2-1-22
Hillel Ticktin also joins to continue the discussion about the escalating tensions on the Russian/Ukrainian border. Ticktin argues that the long downturn and economic stagnation are the backdrop to understanding both Russia and the US in this crisis.
Ch. 9: Putin's Terrorism and What to Do About It - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 2-1-22
We dig deep into this complex conflict, examining the humanitarian toll it takes on Ukraine, Putin’s ambitions for other regions of the world and the American exploitation of the conflict for partisan purposes.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Value of curation regarding the recent Israel/Palestine episode - Craig from Ohio
Ch. 11: Maybe Neil Postman is actually the devil - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on Russia plans besides war and their new agreement with China
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 1-13-22 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - Don't trust engineers - We were all assholes - Is Deon parenting wrongly? - It only takes two hours of talking - Words Matter: Nouning people into groups
References: Words Matter by Sally McConnell-Ginet
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 2/4/2022
Today we take a look at several vignettes of recent victories against conservative governments implementing exploitative, neoliberal policies that inspired the people to fight back. We will hear from the recent elections in Chile and Honduras, the massive farmer protests in India and the protest movement against deregulation or petroleum prices in Kazakhstan. Activists, take note.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Chile Votes for Socialism over Fascism (w Guillaume Long) - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-21-21
Socialist Gabriel Boric takes the majority of the vote in Chile, changing the politics of the country. Socialism won over fascism. Now we wonder what will the imperialist countries do about a socialist country in South America?
Ch. 2: Two Interviews on Chile - Behind the News - Air Date 12-28-21
Doug speaks with Antonia Mardones Marshall on the recent presidential election and its winner, Gabriel Boric. Plus: Antonia Atria, in an interview from October 2020, on that country's constitutional referendum.
Ch. 3: A Moment of Hope Xiomara Castros Likely Win in Honduras Ends Years of Right-Wing Rule After Coup - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-30-21
“It’s brought hope to the entire country,” says Faridd Sierra. Years of corruption and conservative law-making “showed the Honduras people just how cruel the [National] Party was and … they voted in response,” adds Suyapa Portillo.
Ch. 4: India's huge farmer protests, explained - Vox - Air Date 12-30-20
Thousands of India’s farmers have set up camp in Delhi.
Ch. 5: Debriefing the Indian Farmers' Victory with Navyug Gill Part 1 - The Anti-Empire Project - Air Date 11-29-21
I'm joined by Navyug Gill from William Paterson University to talk about the historic victory of the Indian Farmers who, after demonstrating for a whole year at the cost of 750 lives, succeeded in forcing the repeal of three farming reform laws.
Ch. 6: Kazakhstan's Oyan protest movement w/ Paolo Sorbello - This is Hell! - Air Date 1-20-22
Journalist Paolo Sorbello on his article "‘Our activism won't stop': The Oyan movement recounts the January protests in Kazakhstan" for Global Voices, and in a Moment of Truth, Jeff Dorchen tangles with all-pervasive networks.
Ch. 7: Has Socialism Broken The Chains of Neoliberalism? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-21-21
In these days of dark news from the rise of militarism to a new wave of Covid, there are green shoots: neoliberalism is finally being replaced by social democracy around the world & in America.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Debriefing the Indian Farmers' Victory with Navyug Gill Part 2 - The Anti-Empire Project - Air Date 11-29-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Humanize but don't fall asleep at the wheel - Zelda from Minnesota
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on getting focused on effective politics
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Three elderly Indian men with white beards, wearing turbans (pagri) and a jacket, vest, and sweater (respectively), sit on wall. Each man has one fist raised in the air. The man in the middle holds a long bamboo staff with his other hand.
Credit: "Three protestors at the 2020-2021 Indian Farmers' Protest" by Ravan Khosa, Wikimedia Commons | License | Changes: Cropped to square
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 1/31/2022
Today we take a look at the new buzz around the "metaverse" and why it is not only fairly dystopian in and of itself but also seems to require that the real world be a dystopia in order for the concept to fully succeed.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Neil Postman Technopoly - C-Span Book TV - Air Date 7-10-92
Neil Postman, author of Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology published by Alfred A. Knopf Publishers, spoke on the theme of his book which noted the dependence of Americans on technological advances for their own security.
Ch. 2: Enter the metaverse! - Today in Focus - Air Date 11-3-21
Mark Zuckerberg changed Facebook’s name to Meta last week – and launched a vision for his company that he claims will transform the way we interact with the internet and each other. So what exactly is the metaverse?
Ch. 3: Prof. Wolff: New Metaverse, Same Old Capitalist BS - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 12-3-21
Ch. 4: Why the Metaverse Must Be Stopped w/ Brian Merchant Part 1 - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 11-4-21
Brian Merchant discusses Mark Zuckerberg’s big plans for the metaverse, everything that’s wrong with it, the concept’s scifi origins, and why Silicon Valley is desperate to make it happen.
Ch. 5: Why Metaverse Real Estate Is Selling For Millions - Cheddar Explains - Air Date 10-29-21
How much real money would you pay for a virtual plot of land? Developing technology is introducing everyone in the real world to new, virtual worlds, like Decentraland.
Ch. 6: Why Chris Hayes thinks we're all famous now - Vox Conversations - Air Date 11-15-21
They discuss his recent essay in the New Yorker about fame and the internet, why we seek attention from strangers online, and how some German philosophers might offer guidance for our predicament.
Ch. 7: Why the Metaverse Must Be Stopped w/ Brian Merchant Part 2 - Tech Won't Save Us - Air Date 11-4-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Why You Should Be Worried About Facebook's Metaverse - Vice News - Air 12-7-21
On December 6, Facebook was sued for its role in facilitating the genocide of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. The Facebook Papers revealed how the company chased profits - often at the expense of safety.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: I don't want to tier people but I think I do - Nick From California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the humanizing impact of examining people structurally
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 1/26/2021
Today we take a look at our long history of ignoring domestic, right-wing terrorism from the Oklahoma City bombing through to the predictable actions of militia groups in 2020 and beyond.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Tracing the roots of the America's biggest domestic terror attack - PBS News Hour - Air Date 2-17-20
The 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing was the largest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. A new documentary on the PBS series American Experience takes a fresh look at the events and motivations that led to the attack by Timothy McVeigh
Ch. 2: The Dangers of White Supremacy - It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders - Air Date 10-2-20
Sam talks with Kathleen Belew, assistant professor of history at the University of Chicago, about what we get wrong when we talk about the white power movement.
Ch. 3: Former DHS Analyst Daryl Johnson on How He Was Silenced for Warning of Far-Right Militants - Democracy Now - Air Date 9-9-12
While working as a senior analyst in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2009, Daryl Johnson authored a report warning about the increasing dangers of violent right-wing extremism in the United States, sparking a political firestorm in the process
Ch. 4: How the Oklahoma City Bombing Changed the U.S. - AJ+ - Air Date 2-26-19
In the almost 25 years since explosives killed 168 adults and children, what has the United States learned from the Oklahoma City bombing? And what can it tell us about the future of far-right extremism in the U.S.?
Ch. 5: Most Violence is Right Wing. Period. Stop Lying - David Pakman Show - Air Date 8-22-19
Most violence is right wing, and it's important not to be distracted from that undeniable reality.
Ch. 6: Opinion | Far-right militias and domestic terrorism in America: 'This threat got ahead of us' - Washington Post - Air Date 9-29-20
The government must wake up to the threat of domestic terrorism before it's too late, says former Homeland Security counterterrorism analyst Daryl Johnson.
Ch. 7: What’s Fueling Far-Right Hate in America? - AJ+ - Air Date 2-19-19
The number of far-right extremist groups prone to violence is increasing in the U.S. It's a threat the government was warned about a decade ago. But what's fueling the rise of hate, and what's the nation doing to combat it?
Ch. 8: Fmr. DHS Sec. Jeh Johnson: 'Principal Terrorist Threat Is Far-Right Violent Extremism' - MSNBC - Air Date 1-20-21
Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson discusses what the Biden administration's national security team will have to undertake.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Former DHS Analyst Trump Administration Not Taking White Nationalist Threat Seriously Enough - Democracy Now - Air Date 4-30-19
To talk about the rise of white supremacist violence and the Trump administration’s response, we speak to Daryl Johnson, a former senior analyst in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Ch. 10: DHS Was Tracking White Supremacist Terrorists, but Nobody Wanted to Listen - The Real News - Air Date 9-20-19
No one listened when the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI sounded the alarm about the rise of white supremacist and far-right domestic terrorism, says former DHS intelligence analyst Daryl Johnson and Greg Huffman of Facing South.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: We made it! (But not all of us) - Nick from California
Ch. 12: The cause and result of moral panic - Paul from Vermont
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on moral panic and the shifting eras of white supremacist violence
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Composite design by Amanda Hoffman. Original images: "Proud Boy - Jan 6th" Elvert Barnes on Flickr, License | "Before the Siege" by Elvert Barnes on Flickr, License | "Tree of Life building at sunset" by David Fulmer on Flickr, Lincese | "Charleston Church" (Mother Emmanuel) by Zack Carlson on Flickr, Public Domain | "20th Anniversary - Oklahoma City Bombing" by US Army Corps of Engineers - Tulsa, License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 1/10/2021
Today, in our 15th-anniversary episode, we take a look at the years and years of warning signs we have been highlighting since 2006 that collectively predict the armed insurrection against the government as the natural endpoint for a radicalized, conspiratorial, White/Christian-supremacist, permanently-minoritarian political movement that has lost its ability to win power by legitimate means.
Transcript
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: American Fascists, Chris Hedges - Ring of Fire - Air Date 2-12-07
Chris Hedges explains the decades-old prediction of the rise of Christian fascism
Ch. 2: Ginsberg and O'Connor death threats - Rachel Maddow - Air Date 2006
Ginsberg and O'Connor deal with detailed death threats as part of the effort to take over the judiciary
Ch. 3: O'Connor Decries Republican Attacks on Courts - NPR Morning Edition - Air Date: 3-10-2006
Sandra Day O'Connor warns of creeping dictatorial tendencies referencing efforts to control the courts
Ch. 4: Avoid these ends by avoiding these beginnings - The Young Turks - Air Date 3-22-2006
Cenk Uygur highlights the need to prevent dictatorship by avoiding the first steps that can lead to it
Ch. 5: Tim Wise on How Donald Trump Legitimizes Racist Ideas - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 01-07-16
Tim Wise explains what drives Trump supporters and the burgeoning Trumpism movement
Ch. 6: Sasha Abramsky on what Trump supporters really think - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 3-2-16
Sasha Abramsky speaks with Trump supporters, many of whom ask him his ethnicity before being willing to speak with him
Ch. 7: Thirty Black People Booted From Trump Rally - @theyoungturks - Air Date 03-02-16
Secret Service agent choke-slams a journalist at a Trump rally. What will Trump do if he actually wins?
Ch. 8: CNN's morally bankrupt hiring of former Trump campaign staffer - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 7-1-16
CNN profits from the Trump campaign to the detriment of the country
Ch. 9: Trump Victory Inspires Acts Of Hate Against Minorities - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 11-11-16
Post-election rash of hate-crimes spike after Trump victory.
Ch. 10: You Will Not Believe This Insane Antisemitic Email - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 11-14-16
David Pakman shares an email he recieved and vandilism he witnessed in the wake of Trump's victory
Ch. 11: A White Nationalist Will Be Advising Trump's Administration - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 11-14-16
Steve Bannon tapped to join the Trump administration
Ch. 12: How to fight our enemies, the blacks and jews - A real-life White supremacist podcast - Air Date 11-10-16
Clips from an unabashedly White-nationalist podcast in the wake of Trump's election win
Ch. 13: It can't happen here - Ideas from the CBC - Air Date 1-17-17
A look at the long history of racial grivance that fuels fascist tendencies in the US
Ch. 14: The Attorney General Defied Trump's Muslim Ban. He Did One Thing He Knows How to Do He Fired Her - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 01-31-17
Trump issues an executive order effectively banning Muslims from several countries
Ch. 15: Christiane Amanpour on the state of the media in a post fact-world - The Investigators with Diana Swain, CBC - Air Date 11-25-16
Trump's treatment of the media is precisely in line with the strategies of dictators around the world
Ch. 16: Antifa: A Look at the Antifascist Movement Confronting White Supremacists in the Streets - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 08-16-17
Trump doubles down when criticized for his comments in the wake of the Charlottesville White supremacists rally
Ch. 17: Donald Trump Puts Our Democracy and Our Lives in Serious Danger - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 01-13-18
Not a single president has met more than one of the four qualities identified by political scientists as warning signs of an authoritarian or fascist leader. Trump meets them all. Is this how our Democracy dies?
Ch. 18: Scott Crow on understanding conspiracy narratives required for fascist thinking - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 2-19-18
Scott Crow explains why the rise of progressive-left movements are always countered by a rise in right-wing conspiracy theories and why fascism downright requires conspiracies to survive.
Ch. 19: Steve Schmidt President Donald Trump Is 'Stoking And Inciting' Worst Among Us - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 10-29-18
Donald Trump is "stoking and inciting - for the purposes of political power - the worst amongst us to take action in his name," says Steve Schmidt.
Ch. 20: Violent Extremism in the U.S. - NowThis World - Air Date 11-4-18
White supremacist and other right-wing violence are currently the deadliest active domestic extremist movements in the U.S., according to data from several civil rights groups that track hate crimes and extremist violence.
Ch. 21: Corruption of Department of Justice Sets Off Alarm Bells - Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 2-12-20
Rachel discusses the crisis in the justice department and the authoritarian actions of Trump.
Ch. 22: Trump Attacks Anti-Fascists But Is Silent on Boogaloo & Far-Right Groups Engaged in Deadly Violence - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-23-20
President Trump claims without evidence that anti-fascists are inciting riots at protests against police brutality, but has downplayed groups like the “boogaloo” movement, which are using the protests as cover to carry out violence, even murder.
Ch. 23: Marjorie Cohn on Portland Secret Police - CounterSpin - Air Date 7-24-20
While we wait to see if corporate media can decide which optic is an optic too far, we talk about the legal, constitutional elements of the fight for our right to protest, including against the forces that are sent to police the protesting. Marjorie Kohn.
Ch. 24: Trump Caravans and the Threat of Sectarian Violence - The Muckrake Podcast - Air Date 9-1-20
Right Wing vigilantism turns to roving bands of MAGA supporters driving into cities and doling out violence.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 25: Final comments to wrap up this anniversary episode
Air Date 1/15/2022
Today we take a look at tradeoffs that are becoming ever more evident between the advancement of mass communication and social media technologies and the ways in which those advancements contribute to the degradation of social cohesion.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Re-musing Ourselves - On the Media - Air Date 3-3-06
The late media critic Neil Postman argued in his seminal book "Amusing Ourselves to Death," that as TV prevailed over the printed word, it impaired our ability to make sense of a world of information. Jay Rosen writes the blog, PressThink.
Ch. 2: Neil Postman Technopoly - C-Span Book TV - Air Date 7-10-92
Neil Postman, author of Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology published by Alfred A. Knopf Publishers, spoke on the theme of his book which noted the dependence of Americans on technological advances for their own security.
Ch. 3: Prescient Predictions 1984; Brave New World; and Network Part 1 - Future Tense - Air Date 7-7-19
The dystopian best-seller 1984 was published exactly seventy years ago. Its influence has been profound. But does it really speak to today’s politico-cultural environment? Scott Stephens believes Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is a closer match.
Ch. 4: The Trouble With Reality - On The Media - Air Date 5-17-17
This is a conversation between Brooke Gladstone, author of "The Trouble with Reality: A Rumination on Moral Panic in Our Time," and WNYC morning show host Brian Lehrer.
Ch. 5: Prescient Predictions 1984; Brave New World; and Network Part 2 - Future Tense - Air Date 7-7-19
Ch. 6: Neil Postman on Cyberspace - The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour - Air Date 7-25-95
Charlene Hunter-Gault interviews media theorist and cultural critic Neil Postman on PBS' The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour in 1995. Postman discusses new media and the "Faustian bargain" of technological change in the context of the "Information Superhighway."
Ch. 7: Alexa, What's Amazon Doing Inside My Home? - Land of the Giants - Air Date 7-30-19
What’s the downside to letting Alexa run your entire home? And why is Amazon making a microwave oven powered by Alexa?
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on Faustian Bargains
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 12-21-21
Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss:
-
Empathy and the In-Group/Out-Group dichotomy
-
Santa's new side hustles
-
Races vs Racialized Groups
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Representation: Who is allowed to do what to, or take what from, whom?
References:
YouTube burnout is real. Creators are struggling to cope
‘I am not gonna die on the internet for you!’: how game streaming went from dream job to a burnout nightmare
Words Matter: Meaning and Power bySally McConnell-Ginet
NFB pulls Michelle Latimer's documentary Inconvenient Indian from Sundance festival
The Jews Are Tired: The Royal Court, Rare Earth Mettle, and Why Enough is Enough
No, Jewish characters do not need to be played by Jewish actors
Pok Pok Changed Portland. But Its Era Was Over Before the Pandemic Toppled the Thai Food Empire.
How To Negotiate Away From Cultural Appropriation With A Powerful Apology
The Battle Over Kooks Burritos Led to Death Threats and International Outrage. We Invited Portland Chefs to Weigh In.
Lionel Shriver's full speech: 'I hope the concept of cultural appropriation is a passing fad'
Writing the Other writing class
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 1/9/2022
Today we take a look at a few of the recent failures and challenges facing the Democratic Party in the face of an oncoming wave of anti-democratic forces bent on establishing an entrenched, minority-rule government through aggressive gerrymandering and voter suppression.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why Is The GOP So Anti-Science Part 1 - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 10-14-21
Science historian Naomi Oreskes joins Mehdi to examine the Republican party’s anti-science trend.
Ch. 2: Noam Chomsky Corporate Patents & Rising Anti-Science Rhetoric Will Prolong Pandemic - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-30-21
Noam Chomsky, the world-renowned political dissident, linguist and author, just turned 93 years old. Chomsky spoke to Democracy Now! prior to the discovery of the Omicron coronavirus variant, but he predicted new variants would emerge.
Ch. 3: Why Is The GOP So Anti-Science Part 2 - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 10-14-21
Ch. 4: Alpha Male Anti Vaxxers Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 1-1-22
Brad and Dan kick off this New Year's Day roundup with a look at the false binary anti-vaxxers use to criticize the COVID vaccine and put forth a bad argument as to why they shouldn't get it.
Ch. 5: Bill Gates and monopoly medicine Alexander Zaitchik Part 1 - This is Hell! - Air Date 4-15-21
Journalist Alexander Zaitchik on his article "How Bill Gates Impeded Global Access to Covid Vaccines" for The New Republic, and in a Moment of Truth Jeff Dorchen foils another dictatorship before it can start.
Ch. 6: Alpha Male Anti Vaxxers Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 1-1-22
Ch. 7: Bill Gates and monopoly medicine Alexander Zaitchik Part 2 - This is Hell! - Air Date 4-15-21
Ch. 8: Mass Formation Psychosis is New Viral Delusional Right-Wing Meme - David Pakman Show - Air Date 1-3-22
Dr. Robert Malone appears on the Joe Rogan Podcast and uses the term "mass formation psychosis," which instantly becomes the meme of the month for the American right-wing.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Viral Lies - Reveal - Air Date 1-1-22
Reporter and guest host Ike Sriskandarajah looks into one reason people aren’t getting the COVID-19 vaccine: conspiracy theories. The World Health Organization calls it “an infodemic,” where dangerous medical misinformation sows chaos and mistrust.
Ch. 10: A Vaccine for the World U.S. Scientists Develop Low-Cost Shot to Inoculate Global South - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-3-22
As COVID cases skyrocket, we speak to Dr. Peter Hotez at Texas Children’s Hospital about the Omicron surge, as well as his groundbreaking work developing an affordable patent-free coronavirus vaccine.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Distinctions without ascribing meaning - Abdul from Charleston, NC
Ch. 12: Continuing to value people with opinions that have no value - Quai from North Carolina
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on the difference between goals and tactics to explain why libertarians are so often wrong
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 1/5/2022
Today we take a look at a few of the recent failures and challenges facing the Democratic Party in the face of an oncoming wave of anti-democratic forces bent on establishing an entrenched, minority-rule government through aggressive gerrymandering and voter suppression.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Julie Hollar on Moving Democrats to the Right - CounterSpin - Air Date 11-13-20
Blaming the left has been the practice of elite Democrats and their media abettors for decades.
Ch. 2: “Unacceptable”: Rep. Jamaal Bowman Slams Manchin After Senator Says No to Build Back Better Plan - Democracy Now! - 12-20-21
President Biden’s signature $1.75 trillion Build Back Better package appears to be dead after Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced on Fox News this Sunday he would not support the plan to expand the social safety net
Ch. 3: Nancy Pelosi DEFENDS Stock Trading In Congress - The Young Turks - Air Date 12-6-21
Congress has been noticeably inconsistent when it comes to enforcing the STOCK Act, a law that is supposed to stop insider trading and conflicts of interest for Congress members and high-ranking staffers.
Ch. 4: Remembering the legacy of Sen. Harry Reid - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 12-28-21
Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada has died at the age of 82. Faiz Shakir, a senior adviser to Sen. Reid joins Chris Hayes to discuss his legacy.
Ch. 5: Dems control the House by only 3 seats. Here’s how redistricting efforts could affect that - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-24-21
Political lines are changing, as states across the country redraw their congressional maps — a process with huge implications for the balance of power in Washington, especially heading into 2022 elections. Lisa Desjardins explores.
Ch. 6: What Can Biden Do For Voting Rights - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 7-14-21
Ari Berman recaps President Biden's major speech on voting rights which comes at the same time as some GOP-controlled legislatures have pushed ahead new state laws restricting ballot access.
Ch. 7: 'These are no ordinary times' Warnock calls for action to stem erosion of democracy - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 12-14-21
Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock talks with Rachel Maddow about the need for Democrats to take it upon themselves to prevent the continued dismantling of democracy in the United States before there is too much damage to repair.
Ch. 8: Activism: Demand Democrats Pass Voting Rights and Election Protection Legislation
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Remembering the legacy of Sen. Harry Reid Part 2 - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 12-28-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Thanks for making me coherent - Nick from California New
Ch. 11: To essentialize or not - Scott from Canada
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on why essentializing race or sexual attraction is not good or even correct
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
-
Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
-
Image Credit:
- Description: Poster on the side of an electric box which reads “SENATORS! MAKE GOOD TROUBLE. DEFEND DEMOCRACY. GET IT DONE! #GetItDone #GoodTrouble #JohnLewis” and a graphic rendering of the late U.S. Representative and Civil Rights Leader John Lewis.
- Credit: “Good Trouble on Capitol Hill” by Mike Licht, Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/notionscapital/51396502460/in/photolist-2kEB8fi-fTRP7-2miJvy9 | License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode | Changes: Cropped, increased brightness and increased contrast
Original Air Date 3/6/2021
Today we take a look at the origins of race and the building of a caste system in the US based largely on the lessons from Isabel Wilkerson, author of "Caste: The Origins of our Discontent"
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: John Biewen: The lie that invented racism - TED - Air Date 11-1-20
To understand and eradicate racist thinking, start at the beginning. That's what journalist and documentarian John Biewen did, leading to a trove of surprising and thought-provoking information on the "origins" of race.
Ch. 2: Made in America (Seeing White, Part 3) - Scene on Radio - Air Date 3-16-17
Chattel slavery in the US, with its distinctive · and strikingly cruel · laws and structures, took shape over many decades in colonial America. The innovations that built American slavery are inseparable from the construction of Whiteness as we know it.
Ch. 3: The Invention of Race - Throughline - Air Date 11-19-20
During a time when race-based science and the eugenics movement were becoming mainstream, anthropologist Franz Boas actively sought to prove that race was a social construct, not a biological fact.
Ch. 4: Caste in America with Isabel Wilkerson - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-11-20
Does the United States have a caste system? In her research on the Jim Crow South, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist/author Isabel Wilkerson found that the word ·racism· fell far short in capturing the depth and totality of oppression people existed under
Ch. 5: It's More Than Racism Isabel Wilkerson Explains America's 'Caste' System - Fresh Air - Air Date 8-4-20
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson says racism is an insufficient term for the systemic oppression of Black people in America. Instead, she prefers to refer to America as having a "caste" system.
Ch. 6: “Theodore W. Allen -- Theses on ‘The Invention of the White Race’ and Lessons from Three Crises” - Jeffrey B. Perry - Air Date 12-18-14
This brief video presents three of Theodore W. Allen’s theses related to the invention of the “white race” and his important analysis of the white supremacy’s role in beating back struggles from below in three great crises in U.S. history.
Ch. 7: Isabel Wilkerson wants to change how we understand race in America - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 8-24-20
A new way of thinking about race and class with Isabel Wilkerson.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The Invention of Race Part 2 - Throughline - Air Date 11-19-20
During a time when race-based science and the eugenics movement were becoming mainstream, anthropologist Franz Boas actively sought to prove that race was a social construct, not a biological fact.
Ch. 9: It's More Than Racism Isabel Wilkerson Explains America's 'Caste' System Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 8-4-20
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson says racism is an insufficient term for the systemic oppression of Black people in America. Instead, she prefers to refer to America as having a "caste" system.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Thoughts on the bonus material - Kim from Montana
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Black chalkboard background with the word "CASTE" written in white
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 12/15/2020
Today we take a look at the current state of hyper-partisanship and its origins. The system seems broken because it is broken and it was never designed to work this way in the first place. And what about that bygone era of bipartisanship? It's likely that was a fluke and the result of one-party dominance in the New Deal era, it is not the norm throughout history.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Changes in American Political Parties Part 1 - Professor Buzzkill History Podcast - Air Date 7-2-20
We explain why the Democratic and Republican political parties have the same names, but totally different attitudes and policies over the decades.
Ch. 2: Frances Lee on why bipartisanship is irrational Part 1 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 12-3-20
This is a conversation about that question, about how the system we have incentivizes a politics of confrontation we don’t seem to want and makes steady, stable governance a thing of the past. Princeton political scientist Frances Lee.
Ch. 3: Trump, Evangelicals, Fascism, Torture, Propaganda Q + A Part 1 - FrameLab Podcast - Air Date 3-17-18
Dr. Lakoff and Gil Duran answer listener questions. Topics include: Trump Evangelicals; Conservatism's #1 Rule; Fascism; Capitalism vs. Socialism; the American Idea; Biconceptualism; How the Government Frames Issues Like Torture, and more.
Ch. 4: Changes in American Political Parties Part 2 - Professor Buzzkill History Podcast - Air Date 7-2-20
We explain why the Democratic and Republican political parties have the same names, but totally different attitudes and policies over the decades.
Ch. 5: Trump, Evangelicals, Fascism, Torture, Propaganda Q + A Part 2 - FrameLab Podcast - Air Date 3-17-18
Dr. Lakoff and Gil Duran answer listener questions. Topics include: Trump Evangelicals; Conservatism's #1 Rule; Fascism; Capitalism vs. Socialism; the American Idea; Biconceptualism; How the Government Frames Issues Like Torture, and more.
Ch. 6: Frances Lee on why bipartisanship is irrational Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 12-3-20
This is a conversation about that question, about how the system we have incentivizes a politics of confrontation we don’t seem to want and makes steady, stable governance a thing of the past. Princeton political scientist Frances Lee.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Frances Lee on why bipartisanship is irrational Part 3 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 12-3-20
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Sharing in misery - Zeke from Steamboat Springs, CO
Ch. 11: Another Dave from Olympia shares the wealth - Eric from Portland
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on where your money to the show goes
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Original Air Date 1/5/2021
Today we take a look at the often-overlooked decade of Reconstruction in the wake of the Civil War. After hundreds of years of slavery, Reconstruction was a brief moment of relative democracy and equality before the white power structure reasserted itself and instated the policies that would be known as "Jim Crow Laws" which would last another 80 years.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Second Revolution Part 1 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 2-19-20
After the Civil War, a surprising coalition tried to remake the United States into a real multiracial democracy for the first time. Reconstruction, as the effort was called, brought dramatic change to America. For a while.
Ch. 2: The Power of Frederick Douglass and the 2nd American Revolution w/ David Blight - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 9-29-20
Sam hosts Pulitzer Prize-winning Yale Historian David Blight to discuss his recent biography of Frederick Douglass, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom, and how the Reconstruction era lives on in our contemporary politics.
Ch. 3: The Second Revolution Part 2 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 2-19-20
After the Civil War, a surprising coalition tried to remake the United States into a real multiracial democracy for the first time. Reconstruction, as the effort was called, brought dramatic change to America. For a while.
Ch. 4: Slavery, Race, and the Confederate Army - Professor Buzzkill History Podcast - Air Date 8-14-18
Professor Colin Woodward joins us to discuss the importance of slavery in the minds of Confederate soldiers, as well as its effects on military policy and decision making. He tells us about the Rebels’ persistent belief in the need to defend slavery
Ch. 5: The Second Revolution Part 3 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 2-19-20
After the Civil War, a surprising coalition tried to remake the United States into a real multiracial democracy for the first time. Reconstruction, as the effort was called, brought dramatic change to America. For a while.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 6: The Second Revolution Part 4 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 2-19-20
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 7: Experiment with Refer-o-Matic - Nick From California New
Ch. 8: Power and defining the marginalized - Pat from Chicago
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the epic Refer-o-Matic program and why we should be messaging to rural America
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
"Statue of 'Robert Smalls, U.S. Congressman' -- The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) Washington (DC) October 2016" by Ron Cogswell, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 12/22/2021
Today we take a look at some of the history of labor struggles in America and the current wave of strikes that is giving renewed energy to the labor union movement and the struggle for better working conditions for all.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Lessons from the Luddites - On the Media - Air Date 12-10-21
Gavin Mueller [@gavinmuellerphd], assistant professor of New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, on what modern lessons can be learned from the Luddite workers of 19th century England.
Ch. 2: Victory at Starbucks, Struggle at Kellogg's Part 1 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 12-13-21
Suzi talks with John Logan about the unionization victory at Starbucks in Buffalo, and the continuing Kellogg Co. strike.
Ch. 3: Strike Wave Workers Flex Their Muscle in Tight Labor Market Part 1 - Intercepted - Air Date 11-10-21
We hear from Kaiser Permanente workers, and then Labor Notes’ Jonah Furman joins The Intercept’s Washington Editor Nausicaa Renner to discuss this year’s strike wave.
Ch. 4: Labor Unions From Pullman to Kelloggs. Labors long, hard road. - Unf*cking The Republic (UNFTR) - Air Date 12-18-21
The episode includes a blow-by-blow analysis of a recent interview with the CEO of Kellogg's to translate Wall Street speak for “how to fuck workers and influence inflation.”
Ch. 5: Victory at Starbucks, Struggle at Kellogg's Part 2 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 12-13-21
Suzi talks with John Logan about the unionization victory at Starbucks in Buffalo, and the continuing Kellogg Co. strike.
Ch. 6: Class Struggles in the US Today - Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff - Air Date 12-2-21
The "labor shortage" isn't, "Build Back Better" does not begin to approach what Europe already has.
Ch. 7: Can Child Labor Solve Labor Shortage The GOP Thinks So... - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-2-21
Republican-controlled legislatures in several states have come up with a novel way to stem the effects of an ongoing labor shortage: loosen child labor laws governing the number of hours and times that teenagers are allowed to work.
Ch. 8: Strike Wave Workers Flex Their Muscle in Tight Labor Market Part 2 - Intercepted - Air Date 11-10-21
We hear from Kaiser Permanente workers, and then Labor Notes’ Jonah Furman joins The Intercept’s Washington Editor Nausicaa Renner to discuss this year’s strike wave.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Lessons from the Luddites Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 12-10-21
Gavin Mueller [@gavinmuellerphd], assistant professor of New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, on what modern lessons can be learned from the Luddite workers of 19th century England.
Ch. 10: Labor Unions From Pullman to Kelloggs. Labors long, hard road. Part 2 - Unf*cking The Republic (UNFTR) - Air Date 12-18-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Fear that Democrats will lose the House - Alan from Connecticut
Ch. 12: Thoughts on multiple tiers of humans - Nick From California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on how progressive thinking embraces equality while conservative thinking often requires division
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 12-7-21
Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss:
-
Old and new usages of "White"
-
A little-known version of class mobility in Spanish colonial America
-
The Great Resignation
References:
That's Mighty White of You!
Buying Whiteness
Loving Your Job Is a Capitalist Trap - The Atlantic
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 12/18/2021
Today we take a look at the roadmap to authoritarianism we are currently following including the detailed and multifaceted roadmap to a coup that was practiced leading up to January 6, 2021 and is being refined in preparation for the 2024 election.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How To Dismantle A Democracy - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 8-3-21
If you’re curious about why Tucker Carlson is doing his show from Budapest, Hungary all week, so is Mehdi. Especially given that country’s recent history of doing away with democracy and rise of autocracy.
Ch. 2: Will There Be Accountability for Treason On Jan 6th? - The Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 12-14-21
The January 6th Conspiracy is clearer to everyone even Congress. Trump initiated a coup attempt, Donald Trump and many others committed treason.
Ch. 3: Mark Meadows Held in Contempt of Congress as Jan. 6 Probe Expands. How Long Can Trump Hold Out? - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-15-21
The U.S. House voted to recommend the Department of Justice charge former President Trump's former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows with criminal contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack.
Ch. 4: American Democracy Is Under Attack - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 12-10-21
President Biden hosted a WH summit on protecting democracies against rising autocracies when the U.S. is itself on the list of ‘backsliding democracies.’ Jason Stanley joins Mehdi to talk about it.
Ch. 5: There is No "Nice" or "Kind" Way to Warn the American People About the Rising Fascist Tide and Disaster - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 12-8-21
Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a professor of history and Italian studies at New York University and an expert on fascism and authoritarianism.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 6: New Doc Spells Out Trump's Failed Scheme to Steal the 2020 Election - The Bradcast - Air Date 12-13-21
A new "smoking gun" document spells out the road map for the broad criminal conspiracy launched by Donald Trump and his minions to steal the 2020 election from the American people.
Ch. 7: The Illiberal Upstarts Trying to Reinvent the American Right - The Politics of Everything - Air Date 12-8-21
Today’s youth are overwhelmingly left-wing. So who are the young conservatives? On Episode 40 of The Politics of Everything, hosts Laura Marsh and Alex Pareene talk to Sam Adler-Bell, a writer and the host of the podcast Know Your Enemy.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Conservatives are self-appointed arbiters of human nature - Abdul from South Carolina
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the nature of social audio vs other internet communication
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 12/15/2021
Today we take a look at the cracks and fissures appearing ever more quickly in the neoliberal order that was already widely criticized before the pandemic stripped it bare, exposing all of the inherent inequality and inhumanity baked right into the system.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How Economic Jargon and Cliches Make Cruel, Anti-Poor Policies Sound Sterile and Science-y (Part I) - Citations Needed - Air Date 12-1-21
Where we examine most popular cliches, jargon, etc that economists, economic reports, and pundits use to sanitize, obscure and provide a little science-ism to what is little more than power-flattering cruel, racist, austerity ideology.
Ch. 2: American Capitalism In 4 Different Ages w Jonathan Levy Part 1 - The Majority Report w Sam Seder - Air Date 12-8-21
Sam and Emma host Jonathan Levy, professor of History at the University of Chicago, to discuss his recent book Ages of American Capitalism: A History of the United States.
Ch. 3: Noam Chomsky Part 1 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 11-20-21
Noam Chomsky to discuss a whole raft of issues, including the climate crisis, the military budget, healthcare, challenging the corporate structure, reforming both the tax system and our elections, and how the Democrats have abandoned the working class
Ch. 4: How Economic Jargon and Cliches Make Cruel, Anti-Poor Policies Sound Sterile and Science-y (Part II) - Citations Needed - Air Date 12-1-21
Ch. 5: Noam Chomsky Part 2 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 11-20-21
Ch. 6: Reagan on Employee Ownership
Ch. 7: Ecology, Co-ops, and Profit - Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff - Air Date 12-8-21
Prof. Wolff interviews Prof. Melissa Scanlan on her new book showing how coops are a better bet than traditional capitalist corporations to solve current ecological crises.
Ch. 8: American Capitalism In 4 Different Ages w Jonathan Levy Part 2 - The Majority Report w Sam Seder - Air Date 12-8-21
Sam and Emma host Jonathan Levy, professor of History at the University of Chicago, to discuss his recent book Ages of American Capitalism: A History of the United States.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Liberal Hypocrisy is Fueling American Inequality. Heres How - NYT Opinion - The New York Times - Air Date 11-9-21
Many blue states are actually doing worse in some areas than red states. It is in blue states where affordable housing is often hardest to find, there are some of the most acute disparities in education funding and economic inequality.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Personal disability experience - Jade from Upstate New York
Ch. 11: Thoughts on human nature and systems - Quai from North Carolina
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the nature of laws and morality
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 12/12/2021
Today we take a look at the many structures of American government that tilt to favor minority rule and conservatism which, in our case, is one and the same. Some structures like the Senate and the filibuster were intentionally designed to give extra weight to the minority while others like gerrymandering and the influence of large-dollar political donors were, well, I suppose they were designed for about the same reason but just in a different way.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Lawrence Lessig on Unrepresentative Democracy - Network for Responsible Public Policy - Air Date 10-1-21
Lawrence Lessig gives a talk on Unrepresentative Democracy
Ch. 2: Why Wyoming Has More Power Than California in the Senate - AJ+ - Air Date 10-14-20
The United States Senate is one of the least democratic institutions in the Federal Government. It shuts out millions of Americans and dilutes the votes of most of the country. And yet every law has to go through the Senate, and so do most federal judges.
Ch. 3: Perpetual Minority Rule with David Faris - Battleground with Amanda Litman and Faiz Shakir - Air Date 6-10-21
Political scientist David Faris joins Amanda and Faiz to discuss how Republicans are using extreme gerrymandering, combined with their structural advantages in the Senate and electoral college, to subvert democracy.
Ch. 4: Biden's DOJ is SUING Texas For Their Brazenly Discriminatory Gerrymandering - The Humanist Report - Air Date 12-7-21
The Humanist Report (THR) is a progressive political podcast that discusses and analyzes current news events and pressing political issues. Our analyses are guided by humanism and political progressivism.
Ch. 5: Andrew Perez on the Filibuster - CounterSpin - Air Date 6-18-21
The filibuster is the crucial backdrop to any conversation about the Biden agenda, though media don't always bring that point home.
Ch. 6: A To-Do List for Senate Democrats - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 7-17-21
Dahlia Lithwick tackles one of the major challenges of this moment: how to fix American democracy. Dahlia is joined by the Nation’s Elie Mystal and former chief of staff for Sen. Harry Reid and author of Kill Switch, Adam Jentleson.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Chauncey DeVega On Why Democracy Might Not Survive - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 12-7-21
Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman welcome politics writer for Salon Chauncey DeVega on the show to discuss a wide range of topics including the media's coverage of Biden, the Democrats' poor messaging, and what is happening to our democracy.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on public policy, human nature and Cold War talking points
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 12/8/2021
Today we take a look at the state of disability rights and reexamine what we thought we knew about what it means to be disabled in a society that is not built to accommodate various physical and mental disabilities. Is one inherently disabled by their condition or do they become disabled when they bump up against unnecessary barriers in society?
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Rebecca Vallas on Disability Rights - The Ongoing Struggle - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 8-7-21
Rebecca Vallas is a Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation
Ch. 2: The ongoing fight for disability economic justice, over thirty years after the ADA Part 1 - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 9-10-21
Rebecca talks with four of the disabled women leaders who've been making history on the front-lines of the ongoing fight for disability economic justice: Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Judy Heumann, Rebecca Cokley, and Mia Ives-Rublee.
Ch. 3: Disability Justice (w Lateef McLeod) Part 1 - Srsly Wrong - Air Date 11-23-21
This week Lateef Mcleod joins the Wrong Boys to discuss the principles of Disability Justice, why accessibility is important for everyone, and how capitalism systematically reduces people to our labor power, denying our wholeness as human beings.
Ch. 4: The ongoing fight for disability economic justice, over thirty years after the ADA Part 2 - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 9-10-21
Ch. 5: The Capitalist War Being Waged on Disabled People w Ellen Clifford - Downstream - Air Date 11-22-21
Ellen speaks about her book, The War on Disabled People: Capitalism, Welfare and the Making of Human Catastrophe, discussing the social model of disability, the history of the Disabled People’s Movement, and consequences of austerity policies.
Ch. 6: The ongoing fight for disability economic justice, over thirty years after the ADA Part 3 - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 9-10-21
Ch. 7: Disability Justice (w Lateef McLeod) Part 2 - Srsly Wrong - Air Date 11-23-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Disability Justice (w Lateef McLeod) Part 3 - Srsly Wrong - Air Date 11-23-21
Ch. 9: Why Are All The Baddies Disabled w/ Amanda Leduc - DownStream - Air Date 11-25-21
Ash Sarkar is joined by disability rights advocate Amanda Leduc, author of Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space, to discuss how depictions of disability have impacted the lives of disabled people and why Bruce Wayne isn't a hero.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Human nature - David from Los Angeles
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the Christian moralizing of economics and poverty
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of an empty accessible parking space with an accessibility symbol (person in wheelchair) painted in yellow on the ground in the space. The words "Is this the only time you put yourself in my place?" are painted underneath.
Credit: Origin unknown, but earliest reference found is from 2014 on Twitter from the accounts @bengilchrist and @IsNoPrincess.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Become a member for full bonus episodes! Original Air Date: 11-17-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - Breaking phone addiction - A comprehension quiz for our past two bonus episodes - Cartoon uteruses - Male supremacy, incels and violence - The socialization of attraction References: Interview with a bizarro conservative on The Ezra Klein Show Women's Clinic Logo Male Supremacist Terrorism as a Rising Threat by Alex DiBranco Does anyone have the right to sex? By Amia Srinivasan Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 12/2/2021
Today we take a look at the state of White Supremacy in the US through the lens of three recent trials; Kyle Rittenhouse's acquittal for his role in the deaths of two and injury of one in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the conviction of the three men who murdered Ahmaud Arbery during what they claimed was a citizen's arrest, and a civil suit filed against White Supremacists for their role in the death and injuries during the Charlottesville Unite the Right rally and counter-protest.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: White Violence on Steroids - In The Thick - Air Date 11-16-21
Julio is joined by Elie Mystal, justice correspondent at The Nation, and Michael Harriot, senior writer at The Root, to talk about white supremacy and anti-Black racism in the criminal justice system.
Ch. 2: Kyle Rittenhouse and the “self-defense” defense - Today, Explained - Air Date 11-22-21
Legal scholar Eric Ruben explains how “self-defense” can apply to shooting unarmed people in public.
Ch. 3: Kyle Rittenhouse, Ahmaud Arbery, and the Future of Right-Wing Vigilantism Part 1 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 11-24-21
We discuss the details of these two cases, how they differ, and the questions they raise about the normalization of violence in the U.S.
Ch. 4: “Why Are Ahmaud Arbery’s Killers So Scared?” - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-24-21
We speak with Nicole Lewis, Senior editor of Jurisprudence at Slate. She says claims of self-defense from armed white people serve as a “racist dog whistle”
Ch. 5: Kyle Rittenhouse, Ahmaud Arbery, and the Future of Right-Wing Vigilantism Part 2 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 11-24-21
Ch. 6: Accountability For Arbery Killing Overcomes Local Politics - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 11-24-21
Tonight's guest is Gwen Keyes Fleming, former DeKalb County, Georgia district attorney.
Ch. 7: Dahlia Lithwick on Charlottesville, Rittenhouse & Arbery Murder Case - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-18-21
A civil trial seeks to hold white supremacists accountable for organizing the deadly “Unite the Right” rally there in 2017 and conspiring to commit racially motivated violence
Ch. 8: Can You Bankrupt White Supremacy? - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-24-21
A federal jury has ordered a group of white supremacists to pay over $26 million in damages for their role in organizing the deadly 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Here’s The Thing About Rittenhouse, Confederate Statues And Journalism... - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 11-25-21
Kyle Rittenhouse is being welcomed by a society that was partly created using racialized terrorism.
Ch. 10: Self-Defense After Rittenhouse, Calls to Drop Murder Charges Against Black Teen Chrystul Kizer - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-29-21
Human rights advocates are calling for charges to be dropped in the case of Chrystul Kizer, who faces homicide and other charges for killing her white sex trafficker in 2018
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Surviving to turn the tide - Eric from Portland
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the status of our government responsiveness to public sentiment
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Black text on a white sign held during a protest says "The system isn't broken it was built this way". Protestors wearing masks walk in the background.
Credit: "21-4-17 Black Unity" by David Geitgey Sierralupe, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, increased contrast and brightness
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date 12/09/2020
Today we take a look in real-time at the construction of the world's newest Lost Cause narrative, the failed re-election of Donald Trump. This is not our country's first experience with Lost Causes and it's not, contrary to popular opinion, even our second connection to a Lost Cause narrative because we didn't invent the first one, we borrowed it from somewhere else and I will tell that story today.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Jay's Opening Comments
Ch. 2: Reading Harry Potter In Scots
Ch. 3: Jay’s comments: the history of a Lost Cause
Ch. 4: Sir Walter Scott, The Old South and The Lost Cause - Who Put The Klan Into Klu Klux Klan?
In this documentary, archaeologist and historian Neil Oliver examines racism in the Deep South and the Scots who first occupied it who influenced where we are today.
Ch. 5: How Southern socialites rewrote Civil War history - Vox - Air Date 10-25-17
The United Daughters of the Confederacy altered the South's memory of the Civil War.
Ch. 6: How the 'Lost Cause' narrative became American history - Washington Post - Air Date 3-5-20
How the 'Lost Cause' narrative became American history - Washington Post - Air Date 3-5-20
Ch. 7: Monumental Lies - Reveal - Air Date 12-8-18
Myths of the Civil War and slavery are being kept alive at Confederate monuments, where visitors hear stories of “benevolent slave owners” and enslaved people “contented with their lot.” We team up with The Investigative Fund
Ch. 8: Kevin Levin Exposes the Lie and Whitewashed History of So-Called "Black Confederate Soldiers" and the American Civil War - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 10-18-20
Kevin Levin Exposes the Lie and Whitewashed History of So-Called "Black Confederate Soldiers" and the American Civil War - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 10-18-20
Ch. 9: MAGA, the New Confederate Lost Cause Part 1 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 11-16-20
White supremacist myths turn defeated leaders into heroic victors. Will Donald Trump now get the same transfiguration as Robert E. Lee? If history is our guide then there’s reason to worry about the answer to that question.
Ch. 10: MAGA, the New Confederate Lost Cause Part 2 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 11-16-20
White supremacist myths turn defeated leaders into heroic victors. Will Donald Trump now get the same transfiguration as Robert E. Lee? If history is our guidethen there’s reason to worry about the answer to that question.
MEMBERS BONUS CLIPS
Ch. 11: MAGA, the New Confederate Lost Cause Part 3 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 11-16-20
White supremacist myths turn defeated leaders into heroic victors. Will Donald Trump now get the same transfiguration as Robert E. Lee? If history is our guide then there’s reason to worry about the answer to that question.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Jay’s comments: the last few connections
Ch. 13: Final comments on our ongoing campaigns
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 11/24/2021
Today we take a look at the state of the ever-increasingly authoritarian Republican Party as they hack the media by being too terrible to hold to account, hack the democratic process through gerrymandering and endlessly rebrand because in their core they stand for nothing.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Lauren Boebert Condemned For ‘Cruel, False And Bigoted’ Politics By Colorado TV Anchor - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-19-21
A Denver journalist is taking on the incredibly low standards the media has set for GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), focusing on the “the cruel, false, and bigoted things she says for attention and fundraising.”
Ch. 2: General Stanley McChrystal Sees Parallels Between Jan. 6 and Nazi Germany - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 10-13-21
As the world grapples with the humanitarian fallout in Afghanistan, former four-star U.S. General Stanley McChrystal is watching it unfold knowing all too well what's on the line.
Ch. 3: The Unmistakable Drumbeat of Authoritarianism - The BradCast - Air Date 11-16-21
The drumbeat of rising authoritarianism in the U.S. is getting ever louder. Republican-controlled state legislatures employ extreme partisan gerrymandering in Ohio and Georgia, robbing minority voters of representation and positioning the GOP to take over
Ch. 4: The GOP's "Rightwing Populism" Rebrand (Part II) - Messaging Wars in 'White America' - Citations Needed - Air Date 11-10-21
“The elites are out to get you and your hard-earned pay.” “We’re spending too much on protecting foreign nations and not enough defending our own borders against immigrant invaders.” “China is taking your job and will soon take over your phone.”
Ch. 5: Bannon Puts Out The Signal For Potential Violence - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 11-16-21
Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton & Nick Hauselman discuss Steven Bennon turning himself in to the FBI briefly before holding a press conference to threaten Democratic leadership.
Ch. 6: What Rising Tide Of Gosar Level Threats Says About Health Of Democracy - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 11-17-21
“We should be concerned about what it means in terms of the safety of members of Congress and the nature of the modern Republican Party. But what it means for the very health of our American democracy,” says Chris Hayes in the wake of Rep. Gosar’s censure
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: “Red Flags Everywhere:” Why Did the FBI Dismiss Jan. 6 Warnings? - Amanpour and Company - Air Date 11-10-21
"Presidents are not kings, and the plaintiff is not president." These were the words of a U.S. Federal judge rejecting former President Donald Trump's request to withhold records about the January 6th insurrection.
Ch. 8: Sen. Kennedy's "Comrade" Stunt Proves Republicans Are HUGE Liars - The Rational National - Air Date 11-19-21
Republican Senator John Kennedy made a complete fool of himself while attempting to hammer Saule Omarova, Joe Biden's pick to head the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which regulates banks.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Aging and Conservatism - Quai from North Carolina
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on toughness philosophy vs the ever-raising baseline
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 11/20/2021
Today we take a look at the state of international climate negotiations and the intersection of capitalism and colonialism in the role of indigenous peoples around the world in stewarding the lands in a climate-friendly way.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Promises to Help the Climate Keep Breaking Part 1 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 11-15-21
We talk to journalist Elizabeth Kolbert about this history the COP
Ch. 2: Is COP26 Set To End in Failure? Part 1 - TyskySour - Air Date 11-12-21
Negotiations in Glasgow are going down to the wire, yet few believe world leaders will get us anywhere near limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. Is COP26 heading for failure? We speak to Simon Lewis. With Michael Walker and Aaron Bastani.
Ch. 3: Promises to Help the Climate Keep Breaking Part 2 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 11-15-21
Coming off of COP26, we talk to journalist David Wallace-Wells about the real cost of the climate crisis and who is paying the price.
Ch. 4: COP26 Closes Out What Comes Next - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 11-15-21
Negotiations at COP26 have been formalized into the Glasgow Climate Pact and already faces criticism. Julian Brave NoiseCat, climate activist, writer and fellow at New America and the Type Media Center, discusses disappointment in the agreement.
Ch. 5: Is COP26 Set To End in Failure? Part 2 - TyskySour - Air Date 11-12-21
Ch. 6: Young Activists At U.N. Climate Summit 'We Are Not Drowning. We Are Fighting' - Consider This from NPR - Air Date 11-12-21
Thousands of youth activists from all over the world gathered in Scotland this week for the COP26 UN climate summit. They say climate change is already transforming their countries and that their generation has the most to lose.
Ch. 7: Promises to Help the Climate Keep Breaking Part 3 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 11-15-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Is COP26 Set To End in Failure? Part 3 - TyskySour - Air Date 11-12-21
Ch. 9: Border walls and the climate crisis Nick Buxton - This is Hell! - Air Date 11-3-21
The Transnational Institute's Nick Buxton on the report "Global Climate Wall" and in a Moment of Truth, Jeff Dorchen judges a costume contest.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments with an update on shifting conservative baseline syndrome
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: At night, a white light projection on a stone monument in Glasgow, Scotland (UK) reads “Reject False Solutions”.
Credit: “COP26 light projection in Glasgow by Backbone and friends” by Backbone Campaign, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Hear the full show by becoming a member!
Original Air Date: 11-2-21
Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss:
-
Te deths of the Red Scare™
-
Why some Christians think that empathy is a sin
-
Why those Christians are wrong about empathy being a sin
-
Why those Christians are probably just narcissists
-
Why we can all empathize with those Christians war on empathy (sort of)
References:
Strange Sound with Joseph Perry
UR-FASCISM By Umberto Eco
Umberto Eco: A Practical List for Identifying Fascists
Have you heard the one about empathy being a sin? - BaptistNews.com
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Original Air Date 11/10/2020
Today we take a look at the long and shifting history of the myth of democracy in America. We've never had it since the beginning but the reasons have shifted, ebbed and flowed over time. Now, in the midst of an attempted slow-motion coup, we look back at this most central American myth.
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Transcript
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: "Let the People Pick the President" The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-30-20
Two of the last three presidents — George W. Bush and Donald Trump — came to office after losing the popular vote. "The Framers who met at the Constitutional Convention really had no idea what they were doing when they established how to pick a president"
Ch. 2: The Second Revolution - Scene On Radio - Air Date 2-19-20
After the Civil War, a surprising coalition tried to remake the United States into a real multiracial democracy for the first time. Reconstruction, as the effort was called, brought dramatic change to America. For a while.
Ch. 3: Democracy: Past, Present... and Future? - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 6-26-19
Don't remember the past? Does that mean you're condemned to repeat it? What does our country's past tell us about our present— and how can it help us imagine a better future? This week, two leading thinkers on the tricky challenges of democracy.
Ch. 4: More Democracy - Scene on Radio - Air Date 6-10-20
What will it take to make the United States a more fully-functioning democracy, and how can we, as citizens, bring about that change? By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika.
Ch. 5: Our democracy no longer represents the people. Here's how we fix it - TEDx - Air Date 10-20-15
Harvard Professor Lawrence Lessig makes the case that our democracy has become corrupt with money, leading to inequality that means only 0.02% of the United States population actually determines who's in power.
Ch. 6: The Right's Long History of Ignoring the Will of the People - On the Media - Air Date 11-6-20
Rick Perlstein, historian of American conservatism and author, most recently, of Reaganland: America's Right Turn 1976-1980, has tracked this anti-majoritarian current in the American right for centuries.
Ch. 7: The Republicans' War on Voting Rights, Protesting and Democracy - Some More News - Air Date 10-22-18
In this week's episode of Some More News, we do a deep dive on the Republicans' attacks on our voting rights, our right to protest and, well, Democracy. Which is bad and not good.
Ch. 8: Schooled for Democracy - Scene on Radio - Air Date 5-13-20
In most American schools, children hear about democracy, but don’t get to practice it. What would a more engaged brand of civics education look like?
Ch. 9: The Crises of American Democracy & What to Do About Them w/ Suzanne Mettler - The Majority Report - Air Date 9-22-20
Sam hosts Cornell Professor of American Institutions Suzanne Mettler to discuss her latest book, Four Threats: The Recurring Crises of American Democracy and what we can learn from history to understand American democracy's vulnerabilities.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Changing the caucus party - Erin from Philly
Ch. 11: What happens if they somehow steal the election? - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on action being the only antidote to anxiety
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 11/12/2021
Today we take a look at the current state of homelessness in America and the best solution we currently know of to tackle the problem. Surprisingly simple, the best way to end homelessness is to give people homes.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Homelessness - Last Week Tonight - Air Date 11-1-21
With homelessness increasing nationwide, John Oliver takes a look at the way we discuss the unhoused, what policy failures are making the problem worse, and how we can help.
Ch. 2: Should America Outlaw Homelessness - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-8-21
Homelessness is an epidemic in America “Housing First” is a the solution that has been embraced by countries around the world. Time to repudiate the failed Reaganomics experiment and take homelessness seriously again here in America.
Ch. 3: Housing First - 99% Invisible - Air Date 12-8-20
In the 1980's, a psychologist named Sam Tsemberis was working with mentally ill homeless people on the streets of New York. Sometimes, when he thought it was necessary to keep someone safe, Sam would have people committed to a psychiatric hospital.
Ch. 4: EXPOSED: These Rich Wall Street Billionaires Profit Off The Extreme Poverty They Caused! - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-15-21
We’re seeing massive homelessness in cities across America because a handful of Wall Street billionaires want to make a killing - Will America remove housing from their clutches?
Ch. 5: How Finland Ended Homelessness - Second Thought - Air Date 9-3-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 6: The Criminalization of Poverty - Justice In America - Air Date 1-23-19
On this episode, we explore the countless ways the criminal justice system criminalizes poverty—and homelessness in particular. From what is considered criminal to how it is punished, people that are poor or in America are punished more.
Ch. 7: Input from the unhoused may be crucial solution to homelessness in San Francisco - PBSNewsHour - Air Date 7-6-21
Correction: The introduction to this story stated that 35,000 people are without a place to live in San Francisco. In fact, that figure refers to the greater San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose, Oakland and surrounding counties.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on the panicked flail of those who used to be ahead of the curve but have now been left behind
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 11/9/2021
Today we take a look at the Facebook business model that is driving hate, lies, violence, extremism, and the breakdown of democracy around the world as well as some of the regulatory ideas geared toward reigning it in and mitigating the damage.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Facebook Papers Docs Reveal Tech Giants Complicity in Hate, Lies & Violence Around the World Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-26-21
UCLA professor Ramesh Srinivasan, who says the papers confirm what many critics have warned about for years. “This new form of digital capitalism that I believe Facebook is trailblazing is one that is playing with our intimate emotions on every level."
Ch. 2: Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen in Conversation Part 1 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-18-21
Tristan and Aza go behind the headlines with Frances herself. We go deeper into the problems she exposed, discuss potential solutions, and explore her motivations — along with why she fundamentally believes change is possible.
Ch. 3: Hate and Lies On Facebook: They're Even Worse In India Part 1 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 10-27-21
We've been hearing about revelations from the leaked 'Facebook Papers.' What has the social media giant has been doing, and what they haven't been doing, around the world? Guest: Sheera Frenkel, New York Times technology reporter.
Ch. 4: Zuckerberg's Metaverse - TyskySour - Air Date 10-29-21
Facebook is now Meta, and Mark Zuckerberg says our future is in the Metaverse. Is virtual reality the future of the internet, or Zuckerberg’s latest gimmick? With Michael Walker and Aaron Bastani.
Ch. 5: The Facebook Papers Docs Reveal Tech Giants Complicity in Hate, Lies & Violence Around the World Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-26-21
Ch. 6: Hate and Lies On Facebook: They're Even Worse In India Part 2 - Brian Lehrer A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 10-27-21
Ch. 7: Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen in Conversation Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-18-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen in Conversation Part 3 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-18-21
Ch. 9: The Science Fiction Origins of the Metaverse - On the Media - Air Date 11-5-21
Why the tech moguls love science fiction so much, the perils of reading these "world-building" novels too literally, and how new forms of the genre today are already making the Metaverse look obsolete.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on Facebooks treatment of nonprofits and the actions you can take to call for regulation
TAKE ACTION!
Take part in The Facebook Logout, Nov. 10th-13th via Kairos & coalition - Read the demands
Call on DOJ, SEC, and FTC to Open Criminal Investigations into Facebook Execs via American Economic Liberties Project & MoveOn.org
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A cardboard cutout of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg wearing a black shirt that says "FACEBOOK" and holding a flag (referencing his infamous July 4th video where he rode a hydrofoil on a lake while holding a giant American flag). The flag is dark blue with white text that says "I know we harm kids, but i don't care." with a Facebook icon. A roadway with cars and a building with scaffolding can be seen in the background.
Credit: "Zuckerberg_Sum_Of_Us_2" by SumOfUs, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, enhanced brightness, contrast and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Original Air Date: 10-21-21
Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss:
-
Why "Blacks Rule"
-
Hostile Architecture vs human needs
-
The Amanda Principle as relates to Paul Ryan
-
How the Right Wing Convinces Itself That Liberals are Evil
-
That Conservatives are dying to own the libs and still blaming liberals
-
The benefits of playing with kids
References:
"Blacks Rule" and "Left is Best"
Hostile Architecture is making more and more people uncomfortable
Tom Morello: ‘Paul Ryan Is the Embodiment of the Machine Our Music Rages Against’
How the Right Wing Convinces Itself That Liberals Are Evil
Opinion: Conservatives are dying to own the libs.
Neuroscientist: "First Hour of The Morning is CRUCIAL" | Andrew Huberman
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
oOriginal Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 11/6/2021
Today we take a look at the raucous school board meetings where parents have been expressing their displeasure with protecting one another from a deadly pandemic or making children aware of the existence of systemic racism in America. Just as with the Tea Party, the Dark Money behind the movement didn't light the fire but is very adept at fanning the flames.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: School board brawl - Today, Explained - Air Date 11-2-21
It's Election Day in the USA. This time around, the nasty political fights and insurrections are going local. NPR's Anya Kamenetz explains.
Ch. 2: School Board Members Face Violent Threats - Zerlina. - Air Date 10-6-21
Angry parents have been flooding local school board meetings to protest critical race theory, school diversity initiatives, and mask mandates. Dr. Uché Blackstock and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Maya Wiley join Zerlina to discuss the latest threats.
Ch. 3: Why Are School Board Officials Getting Death Threats? - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 10-19-21
School boards are the latest frontier in the culture wars, as incensed community members and right-wing activists protest mask mandates and anti-racist curricula.
Ch. 4: How Right-Wing Groups Are Catalyzing Culture War Battles In Schools - All In w/ Chris Hayes - Air Date 10-18-21
“These things that were considered non-partisan, just the administration of schools are now being charged and really put under a magnifying glass in a way that is intended to extract maximum political benefit,” says Judd Legum
Ch. 5: Weaponized School Boards Manipulated To Elect GOP Governor (w/ Judd Legum) - The Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-19-21
Judd Legum explains how Virginia school boards are being weaponized to elect a republican governor.
Ch. 6: QAnon: Coming to a School Board Near You with Mike Rothschild - Battleground with Amanda Litman and Faiz Shakir - Air Date 9-16-21
America’s lack of media literacy and historical affinity for conspiracy theories have allowed QAnon to move from the dark corners of the web to violence at the US Capitol.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: GOP’s Critical Race Theory Crusade Is The New Tea Party Movement - Zerlina. - Air Date 6-28-21
The GOP’s tea party had success in the 2010 midterms with its low-key racist rhetoric. But now, conservatives have pivoted to more overt racism with their grandstanding on critical race theory. MSNBC columnist Hayes Brown breaks it down.
Ch. 8: QAnon: Coming to a School Board Near You with Mike Rothschild Part 2 - Battleground with Amanda Litman and Faiz Shakir - Air Date 9-16-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Complicated feelings on policing - Maureen from Boston
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the nature of the debate over the present and future of policing
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 11/3/2021
Today we take a look at the current wave of strikes and labor movements through the lens of pandemic economics and the history of businesses abuse of the worker.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Striketober: Labor Militancy Grows, U.S. Workers Walk Off the Job & IATSE Members Get Tentative Deal - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-20-21
Jacobin writer Alex Press says the averted strike is part of a “broader moment” of labor militancy across the United States, including workers at Amazon, Kellogg’s and elsewhere. “Workers are willing to fight back,” she says.
Ch. 2: Take Your Job and Shove It Part 1 - In The Thick - Air Date 10-26-21
Maria and Julio are joined by Luis Feliz Leon, writer and educator with Labor Notes, and Lauren Kaori Gurley, labor reporter for Vice Magazine’s Motherboard to talk about the labor strikes happening across the country.
Ch. 3: A Look at the Worker Shortage in the Food Service Industry - The Takeaway - Air Date 10-28-21
The Takeaway also looks at how Covid exposed the systemic inequalities in the restaurant industry with Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage and Director of the Food Labor Research Center at University of California, Berkeley.
Ch. 4: Take Your Job and Shove It Part 2 - In The Thick - Air Date 10-26-21
Maria and Julio are joined by Luis Feliz Leon, writer and educator with Labor Notes, and Lauren Kaori Gurley, labor reporter for Vice Magazine’s Motherboard to talk about the labor strikes happening across the country.
Ch. 5: Nice work week, if you can get it - Planet Money - Air Date 10-27-21
The 40 hour work week has been the standard for 80 years. What will it take to lower that?
Ch. 6: Right-to-work is bad for workers (with Shane Larson) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 9-24-21
Shane Larson from CWA joins Goldy to explain why right-to-work laws are so harmful, how they came to be, and why it’s so important to pass the PRO Act to fight for workers’ rights.
Ch. 7: "Worked to Death": IATSE Film Crew on "Rust" Walked Off Set to Protest Conditions Before Shooting - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-26-21
We speak with Dutch Merrick, prop master and armorer for over 25 years. Despite safety protocol and expertise, he says, Hollywood crews are getting “worked to death” with 80- to 100-hour workweeks, which he suggests played into the accidental shooting.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Economic History: The Black Plague — The Great Economic Leveler - Strange World of Econ - Air Date 5-26-17
While undeniably gruesome and tragic, the black plague had a silver lining: the unprecedented lost of life made labour scarce, while infrastructure and other capital were left relatively unharmed.
Ch. 9: Nice work week, if you can get it Part 2 - Planet Money - Air Date 10-27-21
Origins of the 40 hour work week.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Please clarify various stats on law enforcement and incarceration - Bud from Boise New
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the details behind the stats of criminal injustice and incarceration plus why flat-earthers haven't trekked to the edge and looked over
TAKE ACTION
5 Ways to Support Workers on Strike (Teen Vogue)
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Photo of men holding blue and white protest signs in the air that say "UAW On Strike". The photo is from a recent strike by John Deere workers.
Credit: "20211020-OSEC-LSC-1195" by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Flickr | Public Domain
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 10/21/2020
Today we take a look at some of the many zany foreign misadventures the United States has had over the past 100 years. And by "zany misadventures" I mean the naked pursuit of capitalism at any cost, the support of military coups and other undemocratic overthrows of foreign governments and wars for oil and resources in an unabashed attempt to keep America wealthy and the rest of the world less so - all while maintaining an anti-imperial, pro-democracy, pro-freedom, live-and-let-live poker face.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The bipartisan empire machine that runs the United States - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 9-26-18
Trump lies all the time but he's also continuing one of the great lies of America
Ch. 2: Empire Unhinged with Aslı Bâli & Aziz Rana - The Dig - Air Date 6-11-20
Dan interviews returning guests Aslı Bâli and Aziz Rana on the long history behind the crisis of American imperial legitimation that has become so manifest amid the pandemic.
Ch. 3: American Empire Part 1 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20
“America” and “empire.” Do those words go together? If so, what kind of imperialism does the U.S. practice, and how has American empire changed over time? By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika.
Ch. 4: Ghosts of Mossadegh: The Iran Cables, U.S. Empire, and the Arc of History - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 11-20-19
The Intercept’s investigative series The Iran Cables offers historical insight into Iran’s operations in neighboring Iraq, which are informed by the bloody history of the Iran-Iraq War, the U.S. invasion, and subsequent occupation of Iraq
Ch. 5: 2020 Hindsight on Iraq - Open Source with Christopher Lydon - Air Date 1-9-20
America's "original sin" in the Middle East: the CIA's (and Britain's) coup d'etat in Iran in 1953.
Ch. 6: American Empire Part 2 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20
Ch. 7: Voting Is Not Enough - 2 WEEKS LEFT, GET OUT THE VOTE - Best of the Left
Ch. 8: American Empire Part 3 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20
Ch. 9: The Always Stumbling US Empire - Citations Needed - Air Date 10-25-17
"Stumbling", "sliding", "drawn into" war––the media frequently assumes the US is bumbling its way around the world. The idea that the United States operates in “good faith” is taken for granted for most of the American press.
Ch. 10: The Other 9/11: Part One - Making Contact - Air Date 9-3-13
Before 2001, there was another 9/11. In 1973, a military coup backed by the United States, overthrew the Chilean government and ushered in seventeen years of brutal dictatorship. In the first of a two part series; we hear stories of the Chilean 9/11.
Ch. 11: Empire Unhinged with Aslı Bâli & Aziz Rana Part 2 - The Dig - Air Date 6-11-20
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: Domestic focus is about setting a good example - Chris from San Diego
Ch. 13: Thoughts on right-wing vs left-wing anarchism - Alex
Ch. 14: Fighting for legitimacy - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 15: Final comments on the dangers and paranoia that come with illegitimate power
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 10/27/2021
Today we take a look at some of the ways that 25 years of Fox News has reshaped our media and political landscape. Crucially, understanding Fox isn't just about their influence on their conservative viewers but how they manage to hack the political conversation for the rest of us.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The War On Fox Is Over - The Young Turks - Air Date 12-22-13
Archive clip from A parody of itself (Media) - Best of the Left - Archives - Air Date 2-17-14
Ch. 2: Losing Relatives to Fox News - You're Wrong About - Air Date 12-7-20
Mike tells Sarah what makes older Americans more vulnerable to misinformation — and who is delivering it to them.
Ch. 3: Kevin Drum on how Fox 'News' broke America - The Bradcast - Air Date 9-17-21
Data journalist and longtime Mother Jones columnist KEVIN DRUM explains his exhaustive analysis of the madness of this political moment, and how and why we arrived at it. The Right has seemingly gone mad due to the spread of conspiracy theories.
Ch. 4: You're watching Fox News. You just don't know it. - Vox - Air Date 5-24-19
Fox News was created to push right-wing nonsense to the mainstream, and now there’s no escape.
Ch. 5: Conspiracy Network OAN 90% Funded by AT&T - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 10-7-21
Right wing conspiracy network OAN turns out to be 90% funded by AT&T
Ch. 6: How Fox News Made Every Moment of the Last 25 Years Worse - The New Abnormal - Air Date 10-7-21
Yes, it’s been 25 years since Fox News came on the air—25 years of “refracting the absolute most absurd and destructive and deadly disinformation and misinformation from the right wing fever swamps,” Carusone tells co-hosts Molly and Jesse.
Ch. 7: What 25 Years Of Fox News Poison Has Done To America - All In - Air Date 10-8-21
Chris Hayes marks 25 years of dangerous lies from Fox News: “There is a direct pipeline from what appears on Fox News to the absolute worst manifestations, worst behavior, worst elements of our politics and society.”
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Former Fox News Reporter Tells All - David Pakman Show - Air Date 2-05-13
Archive clip from Ridiculing Fox isn't just fun, it's important (Media) - Best of the Left - Archives - Air Date 2-28-13
Ch. 9: The biggest difference between Trump and Nixon is Fox News - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 11-8-19
Nicole Hemmer, the brilliant historian of conservative media, joins to discuss how Fox News and the larger conservative media-verse protects Trump but also lures him into disaster.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the multi-decade victim mentality of conservatives about the media
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A slightly distorted Fox News logo sits askew at the center of a hypnotic spiral.
Credits: “Fox News” by Johnny Silvercloud, Flickr | License | Changes: Added hypnotic swirl background, cropped, faded edges || Hypnosis Spiral via Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 10/23/2021
Today we take a look at a few of the ways that enormous corporate and personal and family wealth is being hidden around the world, most prominently in the United States.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Pandora Papers Reveal a Shadow Economy - On the Media - Air Date 10-8-21
Gerard Ryle [@RyleGerard], director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, on how the Pandora Papers unmask hidden owners of offshore companies. Plus, what the papers might mean for the future of cooperative journalism.
Ch. 2: Pandora Papers, Explained Part 1 - Fresh Air - Air Date 10-14-21
We talk with 'Washington Post' reporter Greg Miller about what the some 12 million documents of the Pandora Papers tell us about these hidden assets.
Ch. 3: We set up an offshore company in a tax haven - Planet Money - Air Date 10-6-21
The Pandora Papers released this week reveal how many world leaders allegedly hold wealth through the use of shell companies. We listen back to when we set up our very own Planet Money shell companies.
Ch. 4: Pandora Papers, Explained Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 10-14-21
Ch. 5: What Would a Global Corporate Minimum Tax Mean for the US and Abroad - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-12-21
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has called for a global corporate minimum tax. Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group and GZero Media, talks about how that would affect the US economy, and looks abroad to who it would help, and who it would hurt.
Ch. 6: On dynastic wealth in America w Chuck Collins Part 1 - This is Hell! - Air Date 10-12-21
Chuck Collins on the IPS report "Silver spoon oligarchs: How America’s 50 Largest Inherited-Wealth Dynasties Accelerate Inequality."
Ch. 7: Exposed! Who Isn't In The Pandora Papers (w Chuck Collins) - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-6-21
The Pandora Papers have revealed how the super-wealthy shaft the rest of us. but why aren't billionaires from US in the papers? Chuck Collins joins Thom to reveal the secrets of the super rich.
Ch. 8: On dynastic wealth in America w Chuck Collins Part 2 - This is Hell! - Air Date 10-12-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Why philanthropy isn't the answer (with Anand Giridharadas) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-5-21
On this episode, originally recorded and released in October 2019, Anand joins Nick and Goldy to explain how do-gooding can perpetuate inequality.
Ch. 10: On dynastic wealth in America w Chuck Collins Part 3 - This is Hell! - Air Date 10-12-21
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments giving a mental health update
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The words "Tax the Rich" are written in black and red marker on a manila folder. A protester, whose hands can be seen on each side of the folder, holds up the folder to the camera.
Credit: "Tax the rich at Occupy Wall Street" by Timothy Krause, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, increased contrast and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Original Air Date: 10-3-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - Collective trauma for various groups and individuals in the wake of 9/11 - Collective trauma that is leading to vaccine hesitancy in groups not prioritized by our health system References: Collective trauma and going to war: From Ancient Greece and Rome to September 11 I’m a Black Doctor. My Mom Still Won’t Get Vaccinated. Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 10/20/2021
Today we take a look at the flip side of the so-called "Missing White Woman Syndrome" and highlight the structural legacies of colonialism that have put indigenous communities in North America at the greatest at risk of murder and rape among all demographics in the US and Canada.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Search: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women | Fault Lines - Al Jazerra English - Air Date 5-8-19
Indigenous women in the United States experience some of the highest rates of violence and murder in the country, according to federal data. Tribes and advocates attribute this to a confluence of factors - institutional racism, a lack of resources.
Ch. 2: How prejudice affects official search for missing Indigenous women other women of color - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 9-27-21
While Gabby Petito's death has captured national attention, tens of thousands of people are reported missing or murdered every year in the U.S. Native women are murdered at rates 10 times the national average.
Ch. 3: Gabby Petito, ‘Missing White Woman Syndrome,’ And Misogynistic Violence - GBH News - Air Date 9-23-21
As the disappearance and later confirmed murder of Gabby Petito has grabbed headlines, many observers have pointed to the thousands of other cases – many of them women of color – that have never garnered national attention.
Ch. 4: MMIW Day 2021 - Let's Talk Native with John Kane - Air Date 5-5-21
May 5th has been designated as MMIW Day since 2017 but 2021 is ushering in "MMIW National Week of Action!"
Ch. 5: Canada's missing and murdered Indigenous women - AJ+ - Air Date 10-16-18
AJ+'s Dena Takruri visits Winnipeg, Manitoba, where more Indigenous women and girls have gone missing or been murdered than anywhere else in the country.
Ch. 6: MMIWG2S+: No more red hand prints! - The Red Nation Podcast - Air Date 5-10-21
Guests Jennifer Marley (@JenMarley1680) and Cheyenne Antonio join RPH co-hosts Elena Ortiz (@spiritofpopay) and Melanie Yazzie (@melanie_yazzie) to discuss efforts to end MMIWG2+ from a left Indigenous feminist perspective.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Understanding How the Laws Encourage Violence | History of MMIW - Nonviolence International New York - Air Date 4-22-21
5500 Indigenous women and girls go missing or murdered every year. We need to change the laws that govern the Indigenous Tribes because they make it easier for people to attack indigenous people.
Ch. 8: The Red Nation Slams Cooptation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day Amid Global Colonial Resource Extraction - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-11-21
We continue our look at Indigenous Peoples’ Day with Jennifer Marley, a citizen of San Ildefonso Pueblo and a member of the grassroots Indigenous liberation organization The Red Nation.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: r/Antiwork: Unemployment for all, not just the rich! - Anonymous
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the impacts of pandemics on labor through the centuries
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A young, Native American woman looks toward the camera. She has a red paint hand print over her mouth. She wears a gray beanie, burgundy jacket and her dark hair is in braids.
"A participant in the Greater Than Fear Rally & March in Rochester Minnesota. The rally & march were held in response to President Trump's Rally at the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester." by Lorie Shaull, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 10/16/2021
Today we take a look at some of the structures of "copaganda," from misreported stats and coverups to propagandistic opinion articles and police procedurals that flood the pop culture landscape.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Alec Karakatsanis on "Crime Surge" Copaganda - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-1-21
We hear from Alec Karakatsanis, executive director of Civil Rights Corps, and author of the book Usual Cruelty: The Complicity of Lawyers in the Criminal Injustice System.
Ch. 2: US Police Killings Undercounted by More than Half, According to New Study - Serious Inquiries Only - Air Date 10-7-21
Today we break down a new study that shows police killings were undercounted by MORE THAN HALF. This confirms what many of us have suspected about the "official data" on police violence, and it's only the tip of the iceberg.
Ch. 3: Downstream: Is Line of Duty 'Copaganda'? Part 1 - Novara Media - Air Date 5-5-21
From Paul Blart: Mall Cop to A Touch of Frost, ‘copaganda’ has our pop culture bang to rights. What impact does the ubiquity of police dramas on our screens have on the real criminal justice system?
Ch. 4: “Becoming Abolitionists”: Derecka Purnell on Why Police Reform Is Not Enough to Protect Black Lives - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-8-21
Derecka Purnell draws from her experience as a human rights lawyer in her new book, “Becoming Abolitionists: Police, Protests, and the Pursuit of Freedom,” to argue that police reform is an inadequate compromise to calls for abolition.
Ch. 5: The Summer of Anti-BLM Backlash and How Concepts of Crime Were Shaped By the Propertied Class - Citations Needed - Air Date 8-4-21
Democrats and Democratic Party-aligned media have allied with conservatives and right-wing media are rehashing the same tired responses: more police, longer sentences, and tougher laws. Guests Alec Karakatsanis and sociologist Tamara K. Nopper.
Ch. 6: Downstream: Is Line of Duty 'Copaganda'? Part 2 - Novara Media - Air Date 5-5-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: US Police Killings Undercounted by More than Half, According to New Study Part 2 - Serious Inquiries Only - Air Date 10-7-21
Ch. 8: What the Hell Happened to Police and Criminal Justice Reform - WhoWhatWhy - Air Date 10-8-21
The dean of UC Berkeley’s Law School looks at how the courts have prioritized criminal control over civil rights for suspects and defendants.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Thank you for the quality of the show and to all medical workers - V from Central New York
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the comparison between police work and conspiracy cults
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 10/13/2020
Today we take a look at the myths of Columbus and American Exceptionalism™ that we cling to and turn our gaze to some of the less-understood but more accurate and important aspects of our collective history
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Can You Handle The Truth? - Native Opinion Podcast an American Indian Perspective - Air Date 10-20-19
This is a heavy episode of our show. Discussions include Blood quantum and its use in Tribal Enrollment, American·s false love affair with President Abraham Lincoln and Christopher Columbus.
Ch. 2: Why the US celebrates Columbus Day - Vox - Air Date 10-8-20
For centuries, the destruction and disease he ushered into the Americas have been set aside, allowing the myth of a pioneering sailor who discovered America and proved the world was round to embed itself in US culture.
Ch. 3: Columbus In His Own Words - Let's Talk Native TV - Air Date 10-12-19
On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on a small island in the Caribbean... these are his words.
Ch. 4: In Search of a Better American Myth - Progressive Faith Sermons, Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 10-11-20
A civilization’s shared myths account for why things are the way they are. They can bolster loyalty to a religion or a nation, and they can excuse class and race privilege.
Ch. 5: Jon Schwarz on social silence, hidden history, and why Trump is our most honest president - The Katie Halper Show - Air Date 11-22-18
Jon Schwarz on social silence and hidden history.
Ch. 6: Voting Is Not Enough: Fight Voter Suppression & Help Restore Native Voting Rights - Best of the Left Activism
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 7: City Upon A Hill: A History Of American Exceptionalism - BackStory - Air Date 1-22-16
Tracing the origin and misappropriation of the idea of America as a "City upon a hill."
Ch. 8: The American Exceptionalism Mythology - Loud & Clear - Air Date 7-5-19
Exploring the origins and falsity of the idea of "American Exceptionalism™"
Ch. 9: Columbus redux! - Let's Talk Native - Air Date 7-17-19
The irony of telling dissatisfied progressives of color to "Go back where they came from" is that America is only so full of white people because they left their old countries rather than staying and trying to improve them.
Ch. 10: Why The Right Is So Dishonest About American History - Cracked (Some More News) - Air Date 11-21-17
Happy almost-Thanksgiving. What could be better than football and turkey? Well, there·s genocide and stuff, but we don·t want to ruin your holidays. We·ll leave that to the disingenuous folks who would like to pretend that there is nothing wrong.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: In response to Craig from OH about the progressive myth - Dave from Olympia, WA
Ch. 12: Conservative blindspot on climate - Craig from Ohio
Ch. 13: Is 'kids in cages' really a conservative blindspot? - Larry from Minnesota
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on the blindspots from the right and left including the family separation policy, foreign policy and the climate emergency
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
"Christopher Columbus Statue Torn Down at Minnesota State Capitol" by Tony Webster, Flickr | License | Modifications: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 10/9/2021
Today we take a look at structures and specifics of settler colonialism from around the world including the US, Caribbean, Australia, Israel and Mexico
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: History of US imperialism in Latin America: From settler colonialism to Pink Tide - Moderate Rebels - Air Date 12-12-20
Ben Norton was invited to give this talk on US imperialism in Latin America, for the Workers' Party of Ireland. He discusses the history from European settler colonialism, through the Monroe Doctrine, the first cold war, and the three revolutions.
Ch. 2: Slavery, race and capital in the sixteenth century / Gerald Horne - This Is Hell! - Air Date 7-21-20
Gerald Horne discusses the relationship between racism and expansionist foreign policies
Ch. 3: Settler Colonialism Is Behind Climate Denial - Novara Media - Air Date 1-5-20
Australia is on fire. So why do so many of its politicians seem intent on denying the cause?
Ch. 4: Pearls for empire / Molly A. Warsh - This Is Hell! - Air Date 9-20-21
Historian Molly A. Warsh on her book "American Baroque: Pearls and the Nature of Empire, 1492-1700" from UNC Press.
Ch. 5: Rewriting resistance: how Black rebellion shapes world events - People's Republic - Air Date 8-20-20
This week, we continue our commemoration of Black August with Dr. Gerald Horne, professor of history and author of over 40 books, including The Counter-Revolution of 1776.
Ch. 6: Ilan Pappé: Viewing Israel-Palestine Through the Lens of Settler-Colonialism - The East is a Podcast - Air Date 5-13-20
A 2017 lecture by Ilan Pappé titled "The Value of Viewing Israel-Palestine Through the Lens of Settler-Colonialism" hosted by the WRMEA.
Ch. 7: Crimes of Apartheid - In The Thick - Air Date 5-14-21
Maria is joined by guest co-host and ITT All-star Jamilah King to discuss the continued violence and attacks against Palestinians by Israeli settlers and forces in Gaza. We hear from Gaza-based journalist Hana Salah about what she is seeing on the ground.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Rick Perlstein: ‘I was drafted into the project of settler colonialism as a child’ - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 8-13-21
Marc talks with Rick Perlstein about growing up Jewish in Milwaukee, the process of unlearning Zionist indoctrination, and how the United States' support of an Israeli ethno-state foments continued violence.
Ch. 9: Gerald Horne: Slavery, White Supremacy, & The Roots Of Settler Colonialism - Last Born In The Wilderness - Air Date 5-25-18
Did racism and white supremacy arise as a result of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade in the 17th century, or did these concepts exist prior to the mass enslavement of Africans and the genocide of the indigenous peoples on what is now called America?
Ch. 10: So Far from God, So Close to the United States w/ Alexander Aviña - American Prestige - Air Date 9-9-21
The boys speak with Alexander Aviña, an assistant professor of history at Arizona State University, about the history of Mexico and U.S.-Mexican Relations from the 1810 Mexican War of Independence to the "drug war" of today.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: No velvet glove - Nick From California
Ch. 12: Followup on conspiracy theory hot take - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on how conspiracy theorists are like timeshare sales people
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 10/6/2021
Today we take a look at what precipitated Occupy Wall Street and the legacy it left behind as we can see it now from 10 years after the encampment at Zuccotti Park in the heart of the financial district in NYC.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Occupy Wall Street Analysis and Legacy Part 1 - Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff - Air Date 9-16-21
This program is devoted to Occupy Wall Street (OWS) on its 10th anniversary. Prof. Wolff discusses OWS as a historic turning point, as legacy for the US left, and his personal experience.
Ch. 2: Occupy at 10 with Astra Taylor Part 1 - The Dig - Air date 9-25-21
It’s Occupy Wall Street’s tenth anniversary. Dan interviews Astra Taylor.
Ch. 3: The Legacy of Occupy Wall Street, with Ruth Milkman and Nastaran Mohit Part 1 - Belabored - Air Date 9-24-21
We discuss Occupy's ramifications for organizing and class consciousness with Ruth Milkman, labor scholar at City University of New York's School of Labor and Urban Studies and Nastaran Mohit, Organizing Director of NewsGuild of New York.
Ch. 4: Occupy Wall Street Analysis and Legacy Part 2 - Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff - Air Date 9-16-21
Ch. 5: Occupy at 10 with Astra Taylor Part 2 - The Dig - Air date 9-25-21
Ch. 6: The Legacy of Occupy Wall Street, with Ruth Milkman and Nastaran Mohit Part 2 - Belabored - Air Date 9-24-21
Ch. 7: Keith Olbermann reads first collective statement of Occupy Wall Street - Countdown
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Will Occupy Wall Street Affect 2012 Election: Glenn Greenwald Interview - David Pakman Show - Air Date 11-14-11
Glenn Greenwald in 2011 gives analysis of the political dynamics that led to Occupy
Ch. 9: Prophetic article calling for the occupation - Majority Report - Air Date 10-25-11
Speaking with Christopher Ketcham about his article calling for destain for bankers and discussing the progressive movement of the 1880s
Ch. 10: Occupy at 10 with Astra Taylor Part 3 - The Dig - Air date 9-25-21
The legacy of Occupy live on, even in Joe Biden
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: A response for Alyson from Boulder - Scott from Canada
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the ideological splits on the left dating back to Occupy Wall Street
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Occupy Wall St. protesters in New York march down the street holding a large white sign that says "OCCUPY" in black letters. Other protesters behind them hold smaller protest signs of cardboard and poster board and wave flags.
Credit: "Occupy_12_17_DSC_0334" by Michael Fleshman, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date: 9-15-21
Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss:
-
Top-Down and Bottom-Up processing that leads to biased interpretation of information
-
Dying of individualism and federalism failures amid COVID
-
The legacy of Vietnamese refugees following the Vietnam War
-
What happens when attraction is stronger than any code of ethics or social pressure
References:
Google/Apple exposure notification API saved thousands of lives, but apps largely flopped in US
Marion Days
Spanish bishop quits church after falling in love with writer of Satanic erotica
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts!
Air Date 9/29/2021
Today we take a look at the so-called "crisis" on the border involving Haitians attempting to cross into the United States. Some say it's a crisis the US is dealing with, others say it's inappropriate to call human beings a crisis. We humbly suggest that these human beings, not the US, are EXPERIENCING a crisis and the US is exacerbating it. And Biden, by following Trump’s policies, is creating a political crisis for himself.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Border Crisis: Thousands Of Haitians Flown to Haiti Against Their Will - Consider This - Air Date 9-23-21
Thousands of Haitan migrants who were camping out under a bridge in a Texas border town seeking to cross the Rio Grande and find refuge in the US are now being forced back to their home country.
Ch. 2: Psaki Disingenuous When Grilled About Horseback Border Patrol Agents Whipping Haitian Migrants - The Majority Report - Air Date 9-21-21
Psaki cites title 42, a Trump administration rule program allowing the government to expel refugees under the cover of preventing Covid-19 from spreading in the US. The MR crew discusses how disingenuous it is of the Biden Administration
Ch. 3: Not a Humane System - In The Thick - Air Date 9-24-21
Maria and Julio dive deep into the violent border enforcement we witnessed in Del Rio, Texas where thousands of Haitian refugees were being held and turned away. They discuss the horrifying images of Border Patrol agents attacking Haitian iimmigrants.
Ch. 4: Coronavirus-fuelled racism adds to Haitians' plight in Chile - Al Jazeera English - Air Date 5-7-20
Haitians in Chile - the largest migrant community in Latin America - are underpaid and often live in dire conditions.
Ch. 5: What Does Haiti Actually Need? Part 1 - What Next - Air Date 8-25-21
The compounding crises in Haiti aren’t a product of bad luck. They are the result of hundreds of years of international interference and poorly-designed aid programs.
Ch. 6: Haiti Needs a New Narrative - On the Media - Air Date 8-4-21
In the wake of the assassination of Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse on July 7th, international media rushed to cover Haiti’s latest political crisis—painting a familiar picture of a nation in turmoil, Haitians in need.
Ch. 7: What Does Haiti Actually Need? Part 2 - What Next - Air Date 8-25-21
The compounding crises in Haiti aren’t a product of bad luck. They are the result of hundreds of years of international interference and poorly-designed aid programs.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Haiti and International Aid - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 8-23-21
After a 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked Haiti’s southwestern region, many of us were left wondering -- what does it mean to best support Haiti through disaster? And if the global community has donated so much humanitarian aid, why does it keep happening?
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on viral images from the border and why truth is at a structural disadvantage
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 9/25/2021
Today we take a look at the continuing efforts of Trump and his supporters to subvert and ultimately destroy democracy through conspiracy theories, gerrymandering and harassment campaigns
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Trump Sends Delusional Letter Demanding He Be Declared Georgia Winner - David Pakman Show - Air Date 9-20-21
Donald Trump sends a delusional letter to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger requesting Trump be declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election in the state
Ch. 2: The American Prospects' Harold Meyerson on lessons from the GOP's failed CA Recall - The BradCast - Air Date 9-25-21
Analysis of the CA recall as a giant waste of time and money
Ch. 3: Agents of White Supremacy - In The Thick - Air Date 9-17-21
Nathalie Baptiste writes about the flaws of California’s recall election process in this piece for Mother Jones.
Ch. 4: Republican war on elections makes casualties of civilian stewards of democracy - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 9-17-21
Tonight's guests are Charles Stewart III, professor of political science at M.I.T.; and Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the School of Public Health at Brown University.
Ch. 5: Can Americans Believe In Democracy After This Redistricting Cycle w/ David Daley - The Majority Report - Air Date 9-12-21
Sam Seder discusses gerrymandering with David Daley.
Ch. 6: Donald Trump is Not Going Away No Matter How Much You Wish He Would - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 9-20-21
Mary Trump explains why so many Americans are still in deep denial about Donald Trump’s enduring power and his ability to cause destruction and other harm to American society and the world.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Redistricting Battle Heats Up Across the U.S. - The Takeaway - Air Date 9-21-21
Ari Berman, senior reporter at Mother Jones, joined The Takeaway to talk redistricting and gerrymandering around the country, as well as the districts and states to watch in the coming months.
Ch. 8: How Will the Ongoing Trump Coup End - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-5-21
Trump's slow coup is setting off a nuclear bomb at the heart of our Republic, but the scariest part no one knows if Democracy will survive?
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Safe, legal, and rare bullshit - Alyson from Boulder, CO
Ch. 10: 9/11 and inevitable slide/leap into wars - Maureen from Boston
Ch. 11: The war prayer - Maureen from Boston
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on how to avoid conspiratorial thinking
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A group of middle-aged and older men stand under a hand-written protest sign that says "Stop the Steal", some wearing camouflage, some wearing masks, all wearing varying baseball caps. Location: Minnesota State Capitol.
Credit: "Stop the Steal" by Chad Davis, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 9/21/2021
Today we take a look at the parallel legacies of 9/11 including the war on terror and military spending, the casual acceptance of Islamophobia, the adoption of ever-wilder conspiracy theories, and the acceleration of the political divide in America culminating, so far, in the January 6th Insurrection.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: 9/11: A Story in Three Parts. - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 9-10-21
We were tempted to let the 20th anniversary of 9/11 pass given it will be oversaturated with remembrances and armchair punditry as well as the usual tragedy porn imagery.
Ch. 2: Endless militarization has bled US society dry - The Real News Podcast - Air Date 9-14-21
It’s been 20 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Since then, the US has channeled an unfathomable amount of its resources into the military-industrial complex.
Ch. 3: “Islamophobia and the Politics of Empire”: Deepa Kumar on How Racism Fueled U.S. Wars Post-9/11 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-14-21
According to the Costs of War Project, the wars launched by the United States following 9/11 have killed an estimated 929,000 people in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and elsewhere.
Ch. 4: 20 Years Later: How 9/11 Changed Being Muslim in America - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-10-21
Rowaida Abdelaziz, national reporter for HuffPost where she focuses on immigration, Islamophobia, and social justice issues, joins to discuss how being Muslim in the United States changed after the September 11th attacks.
Ch. 5: 20 Years Since 9/11, 20 Years of Conspiracy Theories - Doomed - Air Date 9-10-21
Matt looks at the conspiracies, hoaxes, and urban legends that surround the day and the Bush administration.
Ch. 6: The road from 9/11 to Donald Trump - Vox Conversations - Air Date 9-12-21
Sean Illing talks with national security reporter Spencer Ackerman, author of the new book Reign of Terror. They discuss the staggering changes to our country in the 20 years since 9/11
Ch. 7: America, 20 years after 9/11 - World Review from the New Statesman - Air Date 9-10-21
Jeremy Cliffeand Sarah Manavis are joined by New Yorker columnist and author Evan Osnos to discuss his new book, Wildland: The Making of America’s Fury and how America has changed since the attacks on New York and Washington.
Ch. 8: The Direct Line From 9/11 to January 6th - WhoWhatWhy - Air Date 9-10-21
Award-winning journalist Spencer Ackerman examines how 9/11 opened the door to America’s worst historical impulses and led directly to Donald Trump and January 6th.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Rescue 9/11 w/ Jim Lobe and Laila Ujayli - American Prestige - Air Date 9-11-21
The boys interview Laila Ujayli, associate editor at Inkstick Media, about growing up as a young Muslim in post-9/11 America.
Ch. 10: Congressmember Barbara Lee, the Lone Vote for Peace After the September 11th Attacks - Breaking the Sound Barrier by Amy Goodman - Air Date 9-9-21
Congressmember Lee courageously voted no against the AUMF twenty years ago.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on Brian Williams and the campaigns we can win vs the campaigns worth winning
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The camera looks up at a young Muslim woman, wearing a black hoodie with the hood up over her black head covering, as she stands outside a glass entryway looking out into the distance. An American flag is wrapped around her shoulders.
Credit: "Protest against Donald Trump's Muslim ban" by Fibonacci Blue | License | Changes: Cropped and very slight increase in contrast, brightness and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 9/18/2021
Today we take a look at the new Texas abortion restrictions and the response from the Supreme Court along with lots of contextualizing commentary taking us back to the Fugitive Slave Act and all the way through to the strain of patriarchal White terrorism that is at the core of the current conservative movement.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Marjorie Cohn on Texas Abortion Law, Kimberly Inez McGuire on Abortion Realities Part 1 - CounterSpin - Air Date 9-10-21
We’ll talk with Marjorie Cohn, professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, former president of the National Lawyers Guild and author of, among other titles, Drones and Targeted Killing: Legal, Moral and Geopolitical Issues.
Ch. 2: Abortion, Surveillance, and Vigilantism: An American Story Part 1: Fugitive Slave Act - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 9-3-21
SB 8 is unconstitutional and good to go in Texas (and probably a bunch of other states too).
Ch. 3: Marjorie Cohn on Texas Abortion Law, Kimberly Inez McGuire on Abortion Realities Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air Date 9-10-21
Ch. 4: Abortion, Surveillance, and Vigilantism: An American Story Part 2: Distain for the life of the pregnant - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 9-3-21
Ch. 5: Texas Abortion Providers Grapple with New Reality Under Restrictive Law Part 1 - The Takeaway - Air Date 9-3-21
The most restrictive ever abortion rights laws in the U.S. went into effect in the Lone Star state. Called SB8, it bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before most people even know they’re pregnant.
Ch. 6: Abortion, Surveillance, and Vigilantism: An American Story Part 3: Political Bias of the Court - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 9-3-21
Ch. 7: What Democrats Can Do To Fight the TX Handmaid's Tale (w Elie Mystal) - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-7-21
Texas Republicans are creating a real life Handmaid's Tale, does Elie Mystal know how to fight it? Elie Mystal is the justice correspondent for The Nation and author of the forthcoming book, Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution.
Ch. 8: Abortion, Surveillance, and Vigilantism: An American Story Part 4: Failure of the Left and Press - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 9-3-21
Ch. 9: FURY - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 9-7-21
This week’s episode is devoted to the Texas state attack on reproductive rights and civil rights and its ramifications – not just for Texans, but for all Americans.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Abortion, Surveillance, and Vigilantism: An American Story Part 5: Context of the 80s & 90s - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 9-3-21
Ch. 11: Texas Abortion Providers Grapple with New Reality Under Restrictive Law Part 2 - The Takeaway - Air Date 9-3-21
The Jane Collective was a group that operated out of Chicago and performed thousands of abortions between 1969 and 1973. Guest Laura Kaplan, author of a book about the collective, The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: Theory of change; a sub-theory - Scott from Canada
Ch. 13: Paying congress less is a bad idea - Nick From California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on the virtues of militaristic messaging
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Image Credit: “The Burden is Undue”
by Lorie Shaull, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, slightly enhanced contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 10/09/2020
Today we take a look at the future of abortion rights and the broader reproductive justice movement in the face of a conservative super-majority on the Supreme Court
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How The GOP Ended Up Hating Abortion - AJ+ - Air Date 8-4-19
Republicans and their base used to be more supportive of abortion rights than Democrats. Now, they’re pushing for abortion restrictions with an aim to overturn Roe v. Wade. Why did the GOP turn its back on abortion rights?
Ch. 2: Body of Law Beyond Roe - On the Media - Air Date 12-13-19
Activist and scholar Loretta Ross explains the tenets of reproductive justice and how they expand the frame beyond Roe and abortion; Reva Siegel of Yale Law School describes the framework of ProChoiceLife.
Ch. 3: Everyone Loves Someone Who Had an Abortion - National Network of Abortion Funds - Air Date 4-16-20
Access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, largely depends on where you live and how much money you have. Abortion funds are taking the hassle and harassment out of healthcare by helping people all across our network access and fund abortions.
Ch. 4: 'It is time to have a national law to protect the right of a woman’s choice': Warren - ABC News - Air Date 2-7-20
Candidates weigh in on current abortion laws and President Donald Trump's campaign promise to shift the Supreme Court to the right.
Ch. 5: What Happens When You Restrict Abortion? - AJ+ - Air Date 10-8-19
Restricting abortion access doesn’t have the same impact on everyone. It adversely affects people of color and low-income residents more. But why and how? We traveled to the place with the largest percentage of Black residents in the U.S. to find out.
Ch. 6: The Shadows of a Revolution - Capitalism Hits Home with Dr. Harriet Fraad and Julianna Forlano - Air Date 5-31-20
Lost abortion rights and no paid maternity or family leaves keep women from advancing at work as they take time to care for children. Abortion and family leaves are sites of the revolutionary struggle for America's personal and family life.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 7: "One Person, One Vote" is our saddest and scariest myth - Lance
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on the zombie talking point of us living in a republic rather than a democracy
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
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Original Air Date: 9-1-21
Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss:
-
How dynastic billionaires are destroying democracy
-
The mass psychosis induced by discussing mass psychosis
Reference:
You Can Have Billionaires or You Can Have Democracy
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 9/11/2021
Today we dig through the archives to give deeper context to the current wave of right-wing extremists threatening violence against the government, our election system, mask and vaccine COVID measures and anyone not agreeing with their conspiratorial worldview.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Killing By Numbers: The history of April 19th and 20th - On The Media - Air Date 8-24-10
From Hitler’s birth to the killings at Waco, Columbine and Oklahoma City, each event echoes or evokes the anniversary of the last.
Ch. 2: Gun marches - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 4-24-10
Reporting from 2010 on the anti-government, armed rallies in and around Washington, DC
Ch. 3: The Michigan Kidnapping Plot And Whats Fueling Right Wing Extremism - Consider This - Air Date 10-9-20
The FBI announced Thursday that it had thwarted a plan by far-right militia members to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and charged six men in relation to the plot. The plot began as talk on social media sites.
Ch. 4: Proud Boys & Far-Right Groups Tied to Jan. 6 Attack Reporters & Others at Anti-Mask, Anti-Vax Rally - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-23-21
As COVID-19 cases surge in the United States, anti-mask and anti-vaccine protests are continuing nationwide, with some turning violent. In a shocking story out of California, at least one person was stabbed and two journalists were attacked.
Ch. 5: MAGA Republican Threatens Bloodshed If Elections Stay Rigged - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 9-1-21
Radical Republican Congressman Madison Cawthorn threatens "bloodshed" if elections remain "rigged"
Ch. 6: As GOP stays at war against elections, elections officials suffer threats, harassment - Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 9-8-21
A rundown of recent right-wing would-be Capitol Bombers.
Ch. 7: Spencer Ackerman on How the U.S. War on Terror Fueled and Excused Right-Wing Extremism at Home - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-6-21
In an extended conversation with Spencer Ackerman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning national security reporter, he examines the connection he sees between the rise of right-wing extremism in the United States and the so-called war on terror.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: How The FBI Got Inside The Hutaree Militia - All Things Considered - Air Date 4-24-10
Ch. 9: The Truth Behind The Alleged Michigan Kidnapping Case - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 7-22-21
According to the FBI, a group of men in Michigan hatched a plan to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year. But a Buzzfeed News investigative report has revealed new details—particularly the role that FBI informants played in it.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: The downsides of term limits - Jonathan from NY
Ch. 11: Term Limits, congressional pay and corruption - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on term limits and congressional pay
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: The U.S. Capitol building dome is outlined by a wooden gallows and a noose, which was erected on January 6th on the lawn of the Capitol by right-wing insurrectionists on January 6th, 2021.
Credit: "Gallows V" by Tyler Merbler, Flickr | License | Changes: Slightly cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 9/8/2021
Today we take a look at the legacy of red-lining, the building and subsequent destruction of Black communities and the health and environmental impacts of segregation. The concept of “Structural Racism” is often a metaphor, not something physical that you can touch, but that is not the case when it comes to environmental racism.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Environmental Racism: A Hidden Threat with Dr. Dorceta Taylor - Black History Year - Air Date 4-19-21
We're making a deadly mistake if we don't talk about environmental justice when we discuss racism and Black liberation.
Ch. 2: Redlining & Climate Change: A Deadly Combination - News Beat - Air Date 4-27-21
Although the Fair Housing Act of 1968 banned redlining and housing discrimination in general, three out of four redlined communities rated "hazardous" 80 years ago are struggling economically today.
Ch. 3: Monuments to Racism - Environmental Injustice on This Week in Social Justice - News Beat - Air Date 4-8-21
Guests: Catherine Flowers founder of the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice and Amy Stelly, a designer and board member of the Urban Conservancy.
Ch. 4: Environmental Racism is Real Part 1 - Tamarindo Podcast - Air Date 6-16-21
We talk to Environmental justice lawyer Claire Woods about how black and brown communities face the brunt of many environmental justice issues, the connection to racism, and what we can do to help.
Ch. 5: Biden Promises To Grapple With Environmental Racism - Short Wave - Air Date 2-4-21
NPR climate reporter Rebecca Hersher talks about the history of environmental racism in the United States, and what Biden's administration can do to avoid the mistakes of the past.
Ch. 6: Environmental Racism is Real Part 2 - Tamarindo Podcast - Air Date 6-16-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Environmental Racism: A Hidden Threat with Dr. Dorceta Taylor Part 2 - Black History Year - Air Date 4-19-21
Ch. 8: Monuments to Racism Part 2 - Environmental Injustice on This Week in Social Justice - News Beat - Air Date 4-8-21
Summary + reading from The Sum of Us on pollution in segregated cities
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Post-Civil War Reconstruction and the occupation of Afghanistan - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on how structural racism becomes personal racism and comparing Reconstruction with the occupation of Afghanistan
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: An official, rectangular metal sign bolted to a telephone poll displays the image of a cropped city map with a red outlined area. Below, the sign reads "Portland's Historic Redline District." Smaller text below reads "In Portland's past, 'redlining' practices created exclusionary zones for 'Negroes and Orientals' by real estate, banking and insurance companies. Agents could lose their licenses for crossing this color barrier. Now, urban gentrification displaces low-income families, as the remaining affordable housing stock in this area disappears."
Credit: "Redlining" by radcliffe dacanay, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 9/4/2021
Today we take a look at the slow motion disaster that is the worldwide refugee crisis. We start with the recent focus on Afghan refugees fleeing their country in the wake of America's 20-year war before expanding the view to American and European policies toward asylum-seekers from around the world.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Advocates Call on Biden Admin to Move Faster on Resettling Afghan Refugees - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-18-21
President Joe Biden has allocated $500 million in new funds for relocating Afghan refugees following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. The U.S. had already vowed to help evacuate over 80,000 Afghan civilians
Ch. 2: “This Is What America Looks Like”: Ilhan Omar on Her Refugee Journey from Mogadishu to Minneapolis - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-5-21
We speak with Minnesota Congressmember Ilhan Omar about her memoir “This Is What America Looks Like,” the Biden administration’s recent airstrikes in her birth country of Somalia and why the U.S. must remain a country of refuge for people fleeing war
Ch. 3: ‘Desperation And Frustration’: Rep. Omar Reacts To The Biden Refugee Cap - All In - Air Date 4-19-21
“It’s with desperation and frustration that we are speaking out against the Biden administration in their backtracking on this. We do applaud them for changing course, and we just want to make sure they follow through with clear communication.”
Ch. 4: Why seeking asylum in America is so difficult - Vox - Air Date 7-12-18
America has led the world in refugee resettlement for 15 years, but asylum cases have pushed political tempers to a tipping point.
Ch. 5: Green Thinking: Climate and Refugees - Arts & Ideas - 6-15-21
What role do museums and heritage organisations have to play in the climate emergency? How do we stop cultural and historical landmarks from falling into the sea, or is it time to learn to say goodbye?
Ch. 6: This is the worlds deadliest border - Vox - Air Date 5-14-15
Nearly 2,000 migrants have perished in the Mediterranean so far this year. Vox's Dara Lind explains why.
Ch. 7: Death toll surges as migrants try to reach Europe - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 11-27-20
There’s been a surge in the numbers of people drowning in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean as migrants from Africa try to reach Europe. Activist groups are blaming European Union policies for their deaths.
Ch. 8: Understanding the Refugee Crisis in Europe Syria and around the World - vlogbrothers - Air Date 9-18-15
In which John Green discusses the Syrian refugee crisis and the growing number of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Eritrea crossing the sea with the help of smugglers to seek refuge in European Union nations.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Red State Refugees - The Documentary Podcast - Air Date 8-25-20
President Trump has dramatically reduced the numbers of refugees arriving in the United States, vowing to protect native-born Americans’ interests. But there’s a catch - some of the nation’s reddest communities may not survive without them.
Ch. 10: The Cycles of Trauma for Vietnamese Americans - In The Thick - Air Date 7-23-19
More than forty years after the Vietnam war, Vietnamese refugees are being deported under Trump's immigration policies.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: New listener - Mike from Texas
Ch. 12: Misplaced focus on Manchin - Dan from Greenville, SC
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on theories of change whether you want them or not
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 9/11/2020
Today we take a look at the easily predictable, yet growing, eviction crisis in America that is entirely thanks to a political and economic system that is structurally incapable of functioning for the benefit of people over profit.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Ali Velshi Explains The Looming Eviction Crisis - MSNBC - Air Date 7-21-20
Ali Velshi breaks down why millions of Americans could be forced out of their homes
Ch. 2: The Evictions Cliff Part 1, The Cost of Housing - Off Kilter - Air Date 7-18-20
Dan Threet of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and Jay Willis, senior contributor for The Appeal.
Ch. 3: There Is An Eviction Crisis, How Can We Fight Back? - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 7-11-20
There Is An Eviction Crisis, How Can We Fight Back?
Ch. 4: Heartbreaking CNN Segment Highlights Eviction Crisis - The Rational National - Air Date 9-3-20
CNN puts a face to the eviction crisis that could hit 30-40 million Americans by the end of 2020.
Ch. 5: The Evictions Cliff Part 2, Cancel Rent and Consider Housing a Human Right - Off Kilter - Air Date 7-18-20
Tara Raghuveer, director of the campaign for a Homes Guarantee and founding director of KC Tenants.
Ch. 6: Voting Is Not Enough: Help Unhoused, Poor and Low-Income Voters Access the Ballot - Best of the Left
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 7: Elizabeth Warren Talks Pending Eviction Crisis in America - NowThis - Air Date 7-25-20
‘This coming eviction crisis is a racial justice crisis’ — Sen. Elizabeth Warren explains why the looming eviction crisis could be devastating for communities of color.
Ch. 8: Can Trump Really ‘Stop Evictions?’ - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-2-20
A Trump administration order could allow many renters to avoid eviction through Dec. 31
Ch. 9: There Is No Ethical Capitalism - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 9-4-20
Understanding the amorality of capitalism through a structural lens
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Thoughts on the frames through which we see the world - Naomi from Canada
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the dominant culture, national myths and the dominance of whiteness
TAKE ACTION!
Join The Poor People's Campaign's "We Must Do M.O.R.E." Effort
"We Must Do M.O.R.E" Digital Toolkit
Watch the "We Must Do M.O.R.E." Moral Monday Mass Assembly on 9/14 at 7pm ET on Facebook
National Low Income Housing Coalition: National Federal Eviction Moratorium & Toolkit
Nonprofit VOTES: Voting information pertaining to unhoused people
National Coalition for the Homeless
"You Don't Need A Home to Vote" Manual
Get involved in the "You Don't Need a Home to Vote" Project
National Housing Law Project Resources for People Facing Eviction During the Pandemic
National Homelessness Law Center 2020 Election Guide
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
How the COVID-19 housing crisis could affect voter participation (Fast Company)
Evictions Across US Raise Concerns About Voting Process (Voice of America)
How The Eviction Crisis Could Compound Voter Suppression Come November (Huffington Post)
Housing advocate on what to do if you’re being evicted: ‘You have rights’ (CNBC)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
"IMG_0344" from Chicago Right to Recovery Caravan Rally by Ervin Lopez on Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, increased contrast, brightness and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/28/2021
Today we take a look at our departure from Afghanistan, how the decisions were made to leave in this fashion and what we should go going forward to prevent similar foreign escapades in the future
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Afghans Try to Flee U.S.-Caused Crisis Part 1 - The Intercept - Air Date 8-18-21
The Taliban have taken over Afghanistan, forcing the U.S.-backed Afghan government out. The Intercept Vanessa Gezari, who also reported from Afghanistan for years after the U.S. war began, breaks down the historical trajectory that led to this moment.
Ch. 2: Phyllis Bennis on Afghanistan Withdrawal - CounterSpin - Air Date 8-20-21
We’ll prepare ourselves with insights on Afghanistan from Phyllis Bennis, director of the New Internationalism Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, and from Matthew Hoh, senior fellow with the Center for International Policy.
Ch. 3: Monday Morning Politics Afghanistan, Public Health Mandates, And More - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 8-23-21
Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief, talks about the latest in national politics, including the Afghanistan withdrawal and the infrastructure and budget bills in the House.
Ch. 4: Afghans Try to Flee U.S.-Caused Crisis Part 2 - The Intercept - Air Date 8-18-21
Ch. 5: America's Failed Mission In Afghanistan Intentions & Mistakes - Fresh Air - Air Date 8-19-21
The stunning collapse of the government of Afghanistan following President Biden's decision to remove U.S. troops from the country has led to chaotic scenes in Afghanistan, including at the airport in Kabul. Guest: New Yorker' staff writer Steve Coll.
Ch. 6: When We Leave Afghanistan Tomorrow and Forever. - Unf*cking The Republic - Air Date 8-21-21
Today’s episode explores our national amnesia, examines the Vietnam comparison, talks about what happens when our occupations end and questions the continuation of a wartime military budget.
Ch. 7: Medea Benjamin Afghan War Is Cash Cow for Pentagon. Biden Must End Delusional China Rivalry - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-25-21
We look at the situation in Afghanistan, and pressure on Biden to stay longer, with CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin, who for years has called for an end to the longest war in U.S. history.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: America's Failed Mission In Afghanistan Intentions & Mistakes Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 8-19-21
Ch. 9: "Mayhem": Chaotic Scenes at Kabul Airport as Suicide Bombs Kill 110+ Afghans & U.S. Troops - Democracy Now - Air Date 8-27-21
The death toll from twin suicide bomb attack outside the airport has topped 110 people, including 13 U.S. troops.
Ch. 10: Forever Wars Not Ending, Just Rebranding w/ Jacob Silverman - The Majority Report w Sam Seder - Air Date 8-16-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Term limits, revolving door and inexperience - Bud from Boise
Ch. 12: Individual, collective, ceremony and thanks - Jeff from the Mountains of California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on the ups and downs of term limits and the benefits of a ceremony mindset
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/25/2021
Today we take a look at the history of the war in Afghanistan. First of all, do you think that it's been going on for 20 years? Think again, it's been a lot longer than that. From British Empire Building to Cold War gamesmanship, Afghanistan has been a center of conflict since long before American citizens bothered to take notice.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Afghans Try to Flee U.S.-Caused Crisis - The Intercept - Air Date 8-18-21
The Taliban have taken over Afghanistan, forcing the U.S.-backed Afghan government out. The Intercept Vanessa Gezari, who also reported from Afghanistan for years after the U.S. war began, breaks down the historical trajectory that led to this moment.
Ch. 2: Matthew Hoh on Afghanistan Withdrawal - CounterSpin - Air Date 8-20-21
We’ll prepare ourselves with insights on Afghanistan from Phyllis Bennis, director of the New Internationalism Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, and from Matthew Hoh, senior fellow with the Center for International Policy.
Ch. 3: The Afghan Pentagon Papers & An Illicit History Of The War - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 12-14-19
Michael Brooks breaks down the history of the modern military establishment.
Ch. 4: War presidents - Rachel Maddow Show
Ch. 5: The Afghanistan Papers Docs Show How Bush, Obama, Trump Lied About Brutality & Corruption of War - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-19-21
We speak with Washington Post investigative reporter Craig Whitlock, author of the new book “The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War,” which reveals how multiple U.S. presidents deceived the public about progress in the war.
Ch. 6: The Pentagon Papers Of Our Time with Craig Whitlock - On the Media - Air Date 12-20-19
Bob Garfield talks with Craig Whitlock about the Afghanistan Papers and the comparison to the Pentagon Papers.
Ch. 7: Spencer Ackerman Todays Crisis in Kabul Is Direct Result of Decades of U.S. War & Destabilization - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-20-21
As thousands of Afghans try to flee Afghanistan after the Taliban seized control, we look at the roots of the longest U.S. war in history and spend the hour with Pulitzer Prize-winning national security reporter Spencer Ackerman.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: 30,000 speech - The Daily Show
President Obama channels George W. Bush in his speech announcing the deployment of an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan.
Ch. 9: The Afghanistan Papers with Steven Miles - News Beat with Rashed Mian and Christopher Twarowski - Air Date 12-23-19
We speak with Washington Post investigative reporter Craig Whitlock, author of the new book “The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War,” which reveals how multiple U.S. presidents deceived the public about progress in the war.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: No bipartisanship for now - Rich from Oregon
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on questioning a theory of change before supporting an idea
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/21/2021
Today we take a look at the history of bipartisanship and appeasement in the US dating back to before the Civil War and tracking it all the way up to the current negotiations over the infrastructure bill.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Unnatural Endurance of Bipartisanship Part 1 - The Politics of Everything - Air Date 3-4-21
Joe Biden ran for president promising to “revive” the spirit of bipartisanship, put an end to factional battles, and bring Americans together after an era of painful division.
Ch. 2: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Elizabeth Warren - The New Yorker: Politics and More - Air Date 10-19-20
Biden often speaks about bipartisanship as a cherished value that he would restore to Washington, but Ocasio-Cortez is dubious.
Ch. 3: The Unnatural Endurance of Bipartisanship Part 2 - The Politics of Everything - Air Date 3-4-21
Ch. 4: Exhaustion of Bipartisanship - In The Thick - Air Date 6-25-21
Maria and Julio discuss remarks from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the 38th annual NALEO Conference, and they get into the vice president’s visit to El Paso and the US-Mexico border.
Ch. 5: Behind the Infrastructure of the Infrastructure Bill & The Real American Oligarchy - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 7-23-21
Sam and Emma host Ari Rabin-Havt, the former Legislative Director and Chief Policy Advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders, to discuss the prospects of the Senate bipartisan infrastructure bill.
Ch. 6: Manchin Capitol Riots Made Me MORE Bipartisan - The Young Turks - Air Date 4-9-21
In a recent interview, Senator Joe Manchin claimed that the Capitol Riots changed him, and made him double down on bipartisanship.
Ch. 7: Why Appeasement Won't Work This Time Around - On the Media - Air Date 1-8-21
White southerners called it “redemption.” To Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, founder and executive director of the African American Policy Forum, it was a catastrophe of appeasement and an object lesson in the politics of reconciliation.
Ch. 8: Keri Leigh Merritt on the New Lost Cause - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-15-21
Historians are shaking their heads as media talk about January 6 as "unprecedented"; while shocking and dispiriting, it has layers and layers of precedent that need to be learned and engaged, if we are ever to actually have a racial reckoning.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Frances Lee on why bipartisanship is irrational - Vox Conversations - Air Date 1-21-19
For most of American history, American politics has been under one-party rule. For decades, that party was the Republican Party. Then, for decades more, it was the Democratic Party.
Ch. 10: What a More Responsible Republican Party Would Look Like - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 3-2-21
This is the modern G.O.P.: a post-policy party obsessed with symbolic fights and curiously uninterested in the actual work of governing. But does it have to be that way?
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the merits of taking liars at face value
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/18/2021
Today we take a look at history of white people deciding to get their way through violence and the tradition of having the government look the other way
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The KKK: History and Myth - Professor Buzzkill History Podcast - Air Date 8-24-17
Practically nothing in the history of the United States has suffered from myth-making and misunderstanding as much as the history of race relations and racist violence. The history Ku Klux Klan is no exception. This is ironic.
Ch. 2: Remembering a White Supremacist Coup - Reveal - Air Date 10-23-20
On the eve of a contentious election, Reveal looks back to the nearly forgotten election of 1898 in Wilmington, North Carolina. A coup d’etat gave birth to much of the structural racism that still plagues our nation today.
Ch. 3: Voices: Children ‘stripped of innocence’ - Cape Up - Air Date 4-11-19
A member of the Little Rock Nine and a survivor of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing both lost the illusion of safety in their young lives.
Ch. 4: Armed and Dangerous - On the Media - Air Date 9-24-20
Armed right-wingers are stoking violence in cities across the country. On this week’s On the Media, a look at the origins of the American militia movement. Plus, as things heat up, Facebook is fanning the flames.
Ch. 5: The Evolution of All-American Terrorism - Reveal - Air Date 6-27-20
The Trump years have seen an increase in domestic terrorist attacks linked by hateful ideologies that thrive online. Reveal teams up with Type Investigations to track each case and determine what the government has done to fight them.
Ch. 6: Radical Caucasian Extremism - News Beat - Air Date 1-9-21
This hugely important episode highlighted the threat posed by such extremists, even as many in the media and government engaged in Islamophobic rhetoric about Muslim Americans.
Ch. 7: "Nobody actually accounts for this violence": How the FBI fails to track white supremacist terrorism - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-5-19
Former FBI agent Mike German says "Unfortunately their policies have actually masked how they use their domestic terrorism resources to make it harder for the Congress to understand how many of those resources are going toward white supremacist violence,"
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Tucker Carlson Doubles Down on White Supremacist 'Great Replacement' Theory - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 4-13-21
The Atlantic's Adam Serwer and Mehdi discuss Carlson's history of promulgating racist rhetoric on prime time television and its real-life consequences.
Ch. 9: Southern Shame Culture & How to Fight Racism w/Jemar Tisby - The Holy Post - Air Date 1-20-21
Jemar Tisby (The Color of Compromise) rejoins Phil to discuss his new book, How to Fight Racism. Actual, real steps to be part of the solution, not part of the problem!
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Response on remix climate episode - Alan from Connecticut
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the arguments against individual climate action
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Black and white photo taken during "Bloody Sunday" in Selma, AL on March 7th 1965. A young John Lewis has fallen on the grass, lifting one hand, while a police officer stands over him wielding a billy club.
Credit: "12 - Civil Rights Movement" (low resolution). Original from the Library of Congress (via U.S. Embassy The Hague on Flickr) | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/13/2021
Today we dig through the archives to give context to the news of the 2021 IPCC report ringing the alarm bells for the climate crisis
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The IPCC's new report - @greennewsreport - Air Date 4-3-14
Ch. 2: Green News Report w/ Brad Friedman & Desi Doyen - Air Date 8-10-21
New U.N. climate report described as 'code red for humanity'; California's Dixie Fire now the largest in the U.S. and in state history; PLUS: Apocalyptic scenes from wildfires around the world demonstrate climate change is already here...
Ch. 3: Global Water Shortages Pose Threat of Terror & War - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date 02-16-14
Ch. 4: The World's On Fire and There's Money in the Flames - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 8-10-21
Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman dive into a troubling UN climate report and discuss how capitalism prevents humanity from saving itself while undermining democracy.
Ch. 5: Why humans are so bad at thinking about climate change - Vox - Air Date 4-19-17
The biggest problem for the climate change fight isn’t technology – it’s human psychology.
Ch. 6: Report confirms the effect of climate change happening today, spurs action - @greennewsreport - Air Date 5-6-14
Ch. 7: When Republicans believed in climate change - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 04-22-14
Ch. 8: Geoff Mann: Transforming and Democratizing Institutions to Address Climate Change - Economics & Beyond with Rob Johnson - Air Date 8-9-21
Geoff Mann, professor of geography at Simon Fraser University and co-author of the book, Climate Leviathan, discusses the authoritarian dangers ahead, as the world tried to cope with climate change.
Ch. 9: Climate crisis and jobs with Naomi Klein - What Comes After What Comes Next - Air Date 6-11-20
Naomi has spent two decades documenting the transformations that take place under the cover of disaster. She has also written extensively about how tackling the climate crisis can both create jobs and make the economy much fairer and more equitable.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Extreme Heat in the News, Naming Heat Waves, Thermal Equity and more with Dr. Ladd Keith - America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast - Air Date 7-5-21
Doug talks extreme heat with Dr. Ladd Keith, Assistant Professor in Planning and Chair of Sustainable Built Environments at the University of Arizona. Ladd and Doug discuss the media coverage of the recent pacific NW heat wave.
Ch. 11: Putting the Freeze on Global Warming - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-25-14
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the benefits of taking pride in work and country
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Fire engulfs trees in a forest at night. Smoke billows in the dark sky above the flaming, skeletal black trees.
Credit: "The Rim Fire in the Stanislaus National Forest near in California began on Aug. 17, 2013 and is under investigation. The fire has consumed approximately 149, 780 acres and is 15% contained. U.S. Forest Service photo." by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/10/2021
Today we take a look at the mechanisms by which the legacy of White Supremacy is harmful to the health and wellbeing of individuals and society as a whole.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why Is Our Economy So … White (with Heather McGhee) - How To Citizen with Baratunde - Air Date 4-8-21
This week, author Heather McGhee breaks down the driving force of American economic exclusion via the swimming pool. Baratunde asks Heather about all she has learned traveling across the country to write her book, The Sum of Us.
Ch. 2: The Role 'Nice White Parents' Play in School Segregation - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-9-20
Chana Joffe-Walt, producer for This American Life and host of the new podcast Nice White Parents, and Dr. Rachel Lissy, senior Program Officer at Ramapo for Children, talk about investigating the relationship between white parents and segregation
Ch. 3: The NFL's Race-Norming Problem Is All Over Medicine - What Next - Air Date 6-7-21
The NFL recently announced it would stop using “race norming” when assessing who would receive a share of their recent $1 billing settlement for former players. The practice assumes Black players started with lower cognitive function.
Ch. 4: One Bad Algorithm Advocates Say Facial Recognition Reveals Systemic Racism in AI Technology - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-26-20
Researchers say facial recognition software is up to 100 times more likely to misidentify people of color than white people. This week, Boston voted to end its use in the city.
Ch. 5: People Like Us, Education - Hidden Brain - Air Date 6-3-19
Generations of Americans have struggled against segregation. Most of us believe in the ideal of a colorblind society. But what happens when that ideal come up against research that finds colorblindness sometimes leads to worse outcomes?
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 6: Can We Finally End School Segregation? - The New Yorker Radio Hour - Air Date 5-21-21
By many accounts, American schools are as segregated today as they were in the nineteen-sixties, in the years after Brown v. Board of Education. WNYC’s podcast “The United States of Anxiety” chronicled the efforts of one small school district.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 7: Patriotism and the culture wars - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on the nature of airing dirty laundry
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Color photograph of a corner of an old public pool that has been filled in. Where there was once water is now green grass. The railing of a metal ladder is still intact, but a weed grows around its base. Blue square tiles still edge the concrete corner.
Photo Credit: "The Memorial Pool in Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD, by artist Joyce J. Scott" by Graham Coreil-Allen (Pool/Park History) | License | Changes: Slightly cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 9/13/2019
Today we take a look at the history and the process of the building of an American empire that currently spans the globe but allows as few people of color to vote as possible.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Daniel Immerwahr: Empire State of Mind Part 1 - On the Media - Air Date 8-22-19
The history of US imperialism — and why the familiar US map hides the true story of our country. With Northwestern University historian Daniel Immerwahr, author of How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States.
Ch. 2: Doctrine of Christian Discovery - Let’s Talk Native - Air Date 3-18-19
I learned that most educators know nothing about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. How can you teach about colonization, slavery, the American genocide, Westward expansion or imperialism without teaching the origins of it all?
Ch. 3: Harvest of Empire Part 1 - Making Contact - Air Date 6-25-19
It's not just jobs and prosperity that draw immigrants to the United States. Many Latin American’s were brought here, or forced to come by dangerous or deadly conditions. And the US often had a role in creating those crises.
Ch. 4: Empire of Borders: The Expansion of the US Border Around the World w: Todd Miller - The Majority Report - Air Date 8-27-19
Journalist Todd Miller (@memomiller) joins Sam to discuss his new book, "Empire of Borders: The Expansion of the U.S. Border Around the World."
Ch. 5: Harvest of Empire Part 2 - Making Contact - Air Date 6-25-19
It's not just jobs and prosperity that draw immigrants to the United States. Many Latin American’s were brought here, or forced to come by dangerous or deadly conditions. And the US often had a role in creating those crises.
Ch. 6: Daniel Immerwahr: Empire State of Mind Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 8-22-19
The history of US imperialism — and why the familiar US map hides the true story of our country. With Northwestern University historian Daniel Immerwahr, author of How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States.
Ch. 7: Blood, lies and the American empire - This is hell - Air Date 5-13-19
Black Agenda Report's Danny Haiphong traces a 300 year history of fake news in America. Danny is author of the book American Exceptionalism and American Innocence: A People's History of Fake News—From the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Gun responsibility vs naked evil - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on this weeks topics poll
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 7/10/2020
Today we take a look at the origins and legacy of Manifest Destiny, the historical term most closely tied to our most toxic version of nostalgia: the one longing for America's golden age of genocide
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Transcript
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Intro contemplating conservative thinking applied to genocide
Ch. 2: Confederacy Inc. Donald Trump, Racist Police, and the Whitewashing of History Part 1 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 7-1-20
Native American historian Nick Estes explains the crimes against Indigenous people committed by the four presidents whose faces are carved into Mount Rushmore.
Ch. 3: The Interest of the White Man demands their extinction - @BackStory - Air Date: 01-19-18
Ed talks with historian Benjamin Madley about the devastating impact of the Gold Rush on California’s native tribes – and how both government officials and everyday citizens justified enslaving and killing native peoples.
Ch. 4: Doctrine of Christian Discovery Part 1 - Let’s Talk Native - Air Date 3-18-19
I learned that most educators know nothing about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. How can you teach about colonization, slavery, the American genocide, Westward expansion or imperialism without teaching the origins of it all?
Ch. 5: Confederacy Inc. Donald Trump, Racist Police, and the Whitewashing of History Part 2 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 7-1-20
Native American historian Nick Estes explains the crimes against Indigenous people committed by the four presidents whose faces are carved into Mount Rushmore.
Ch. 6: Doctrine of Christian Discovery Part 2 - Let’s Talk Native - Air Date 3-18-19
I learned that most educators know nothing about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. How can you teach about colonization, slavery, the American genocide, Westward expansion or imperialism without teaching the origins of it all?
Ch. 7: Paul Frymer on the building of an American empire - The Dig from @jacobinmag - Air Date 1-30-18
We are living on land from which indigenous people, over hundreds of years, have been violently removed. Almost everyone knows this — yet it’s rarely mentioned in stories that Americans tell themselves about who we are as a country and how we got here.
Ch. 8: Confederacy Inc. Donald Trump, Racist Police, and the Whitewashing of History Part 3 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 7-1-20
Native American historian Nick Estes explains the crimes against Indigenous people committed by the four presidents whose faces are carved into Mount Rushmore.
Ch. 9: Understanding the origins of scalp hunting and "redskins" - Empire Files - Air Date 11-25-15
Abby Martin interviews Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, renowned indigenous scholar and activist, about her most recent book "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States."
Ch. 10: Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz on digging deeper to understand America's past - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 6-16-16
We call up brilliant scholar Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz to dig into her work, An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the pain caused by the breaking of your shell of understanding
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Thannoid - Bodytonic
- Waltz for Zacaria - Cholate
- Quaver - Codebreaker
- Lahaina - Cloud Harbor
- One Little Triumph - Piano Mover
- Cloud Line - K4
- Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard
- Astrisx - Bodytonic
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 8/1/2021
Today we take a look at the anti-government protests in Cuba in the context of decades of anti-communist propaganda in the US and our punishing embargo intended to destabilize Cuba to the point of governmental collapse.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: We Just Want the Basics - Rare Protests in Cuba Amid Deep Economic Crisis, Ongoing U.S. Blockade - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-14-21
We go to Havana, Cuba, to look at what is behind protests that brought thousands of people into the streets of Havana and other cities in rare anti-government protests denouncing the island’s economic crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ch. 2: Cuba Isn't Suffering Under Communism, It's The USA's Economic Stranglehold - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-15-21
The restrictions put in place by Trump Admin rollback of Obama admin's policies toward Cuba have created significant restrictions that are in the way of providing aid. Emma's suggestion is simple: Circumvent those restrictions immediately.
Ch. 3: The Protests in Cuba Part 1 - Past Present - Air Date 7-20-21
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the mass protests in Cuba.
Ch. 4: What is McCarthyism And how did it happen - TED-ED - Air Date 3-14-17
In the 1950s, part of a campaign to expose suspected Communists, thousands of individuals were aggressively investigated and questioned by government panels. Named after its most notorious practitioner, the phenomenon known as McCarthyism destroyed lives.
Ch. 5: A New Red Scare Is Coming - Second Thought - Air Date 7-9-21
If you thought McCarthyism was gone...well, no such luck. In this episode, we'll discuss the US' newest wave of reactionary, anti-communist rhetoric and legislation.
Ch. 6: The Protests in Cuba Part 2 - Past Present - Air Date 7-20-21
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the mass protests in Cuba.
Ch. 7: Tired of Waiting Cuban Americans Say Biden Broke Promise to Lift Cuba Sanctions & Thaw Relations - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-27-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Investigating Democracy - Now & Then - Air Date 6-8-21
On the second episode of Now & Then, “Investigating Democracy,” Heather Cox Richardson and Joanne Freeman discuss the history of congressional commissions. We discuss the 1954 back-and-forth between Senator Joseph McCarthy and the Army.
Ch. 9: We Just Want the Basics - Rare Protests in Cuba Amid Deep Economic Crisis, Ongoing U.S. Blockade Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-14-21
We go to Havana, Cuba, to look at what is behind protests that brought thousands of people into the streets of Havana and other cities in rare anti-government protests denouncing the island’s economic crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Abortion terminology - William in Charlottesville, Virginia
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the terms we use to explain our support of abortion rights
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 7/28/2021
Today we take a look at the legacy of residential schools for native children in the US and Canada. We hear some of the voices of victims, from those looking to establish truth and reconciliation and some thoughts on what it would really take to get a full accounting of this genocide and its impact through generations.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Boarding School Healing - Native American Rights Fund - Air Date 1-25-17
The Native American Rights Fund is pursuing strategies to support the healing of boarding school survivors; Native American children, families, and communities; and tribal nations.
Ch. 2: Stealing Children to Steal the Land - Intercepted - Air Date 6-16-21
The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation uncovered a mass grave of 215 children on the grounds of a former residential school in British Columbia, Canada. Naomi Klein discusses the relationship between stolen children and stolen land.
Ch. 3: How the US stole thousands of Native American children - Vox - Air Date 10-14-19
The long and brutal history of the US trying to “kill the Indian and save the man”.
Ch. 4: What We Inherit - Code Switch - Air Date 6-5-18
On this episode, the story of one family's struggle to end a toxic cycle of inter-generational trauma from forced assimilation. Getting back to their Native Alaskan cultural traditions is key.
Ch. 5: Sec. Haaland on healing from the indoctrination, dehumanization at Indian boarding schools - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 7-16-21
Like Canada, America has a painful history of creating boarding schools to assimilate Native American children, leading to trauma, abuse and death. For more than 150 years Indigenous children were taken from their families and forced into boarding schools
Ch. 6: No Apologies, Land Back - The Red Nation Podcast - Air Date 7-5-21
Red Power Hour is back! The Red Nation podcast host Nick Estes (@nickwestes) joins RPH co-hosts Elena Ortiz (@spiritofpopay) and Melanie Yazzie to discuss justice for boarding and residential schools.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: The Legacy of Residential Schools (feat. Keith Burich) - Let's Talk Native with John Kane - Air Date 6-10-21
The recent discovery of 215 bodies at the Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia, Canada surprised everyone except Native people. For several decades survivors of these genocidal institutions have told stories of the abuse, neglect and violence
Ch. 8: Unapologetically Indigenous w/ Sarah Pierce and Amy Sazue - Future Hindsight - Air Date 2-25-21
Championing Indigenous students to be successful in school systems starts with school curriculums – telling the accurate history of the United States – and leadership that represents the Indigenous Americans they serve.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition and patriotism
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 7/24/2021
Today we take a look at the messaging wars over abortion and reproductive justice more broadly as well as the politics of supporting full abortion rights and the likely restrictions coming at the hands of the Supreme Court.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Changing the Way We Talk About Abortion Part 1 - Ordinary Equality - Air Date 4-7-21
How do we dismantle the anti-choice movement? We’re talking through what needs to change on our side, and how we can unify our message towards the anti-abortion crowd. Strap in, folks-- it’s the grand finale.
Ch. 2: Controlling Women With Roe v. Wade at Risk, Authors Say Move Past Court to Save Reproductive Rights - Democracy Now! - Air Date 7-13-21
The Supreme Court is set to review a MS law banning abortion after 15 weeks that intends to challenge Roe v. Wade, raising concern for advocates about how reproductive rights can be preserved without the landmark ruling. Kathryn Kolbert and Julie Kay.
Ch. 3: Changing the Way We Talk About Abortion Part 2 - Ordinary Equality - Air Date 4-7-21
Ch. 4: Does Roe v. Wade Stand A Chance Part 1 - Whats Next - Air Date 5-26-21
The fight over abortion access is far from settled.
Ch. 5: Preston Mitchum on Roe and Reproductive Justice - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-21-21
We’ll talk about the Supreme Court’s potential overturning of Roe v. Wade with Preston Mitchum, director of policy at URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, and adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center.
Ch. 6: Changing the Way We Talk About Abortion Part 3 - Ordinary Equality - Air Date 4-7-21
Ch. 7: Does Roe v. Wade Stand A Chance Part 2 - Whats Next - Air Date 5-26-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: This City Wants Your Racist Uncle to Enforce Their Abortion Ban - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 6-10-21
Lubbock, Texas, passed a “sanctuary city for the unborn” ordinance, a so-called heartbeat ban that would ban abortion at around six weeks. The ban would allow anyone to sue to enforce the ban—and not just anyone in Lubbock or Texas, anyone in the country.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Consequences of Everyday Racism - Alan from Connecticut
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the Podcast Awards
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Activists of varying ages standing on the side of a road hold up a red canvas banner that says "Abortion on Demand and Without Apology" in bold black letters.
"Abortion on Demand and Without Apology" by Debra Sweet, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, enhanced saturation and contrast, extended the road for formatting purposes
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 2/4/2020
Today we take a look at the past, present and future of behavior modification from worms to pigeons to prisoners, and finally, internet users.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: A History of Persuasion with Larry Stern - The Stakes with Kai Wright and Amanda Aronczyk - Air Date 8-8-19
Kai and Amanda talk with several experts about how humans are persuaded and the modern psychology of persuasion.
Ch. 2: Team Human with Douglas Rushkoff Part 1 - You Are Not So Smart - Air Date 1-13-19
Douglas Rushkoff explains why we should revolt against the algorithms so we can get back to our essential human messiness.
Ch. 3: Yuval Noah Harari and Tristan Harris - Wired Magazine - Air Date 12-3-18
Discussing the unsettling fact that humans have far less agency over their thoughts and actions as we desperately want to believe
Ch. 4: Team Human with Douglas Rushkoff Part 2 - You Are Not So Smart - Air Date 1-13-19
Douglas Rushkoff explains why we should revolt against the algorithms so we can get back to our essential human messiness.
Ch. 5: A History of Persuasion with Ian Leslie and Tristan Harris - The Stakes with Jai Wright and Amanda Aronczyk - Air Date 8-13-19
Kai and Amanda talk with several experts about how humans are persuaded and the modern psychology of persuasion.
Ch. 6: Team Human with Douglas Rushkoff Part 3 - You Are Not So Smart - Air Date 1-13-19
Douglas Rushkoff explains why we should revolt against the algorithms so we can get back to our essential human messiness.
Ch. 7: Buying Attention - Hidden Brain - Air Date 1-1-18
In the internet age, viral stories and fake news have grown more powerful - algorithms give us exactly what pushes our buttons, and gave Trump his power.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Iowa caucus - Alan from Connecticut
Ch. 9: The positive uses of anger - Chris from San Diego
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on my neoliberal nightmare of a day
Limerick of the day from @Limerick_News
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Astrisx - Bodytonic
- Swapping Tubes - Studio J
- Wingspan - Bayou Birds
- Thannoid - Bodytonic
- Entrap - Darby
- PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
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Air Date: 7-2-21
Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss:
- Why the right wing, and many others, fetishize native tribes in the US
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References:
VOA News: Going 'Native': Why Are Americans Hijacking Cherokee Identity?
https://www.voanews.com/usa/going-native-why-are-americans-hijacking-cherokee-identity
HuffPost: Why White Americans Love To Claim Native Ancestry
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/opinion-warren-cherokee-dna_n_5bc63a69e4b0a8f17ee6ba9a
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 7/13/2021
Today we take a look at the costs of the Olympic Games including financial, ethical, moral and social. Private profits come at the hands of public investment, disruption of communities, curtailing of rights and, this year, extensive health risks.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How The Olympics Became So Expensive For Host Cities - CNBC - Air Date 6-21-21
Cities incurring overrun costs when hosting the Olympics is not just unique to just Rio; according to the Council on Foreign Relations, since 1960, every Olympics saw high overrun costs. As overrun costs become a growing concern, several cities withdrew
Ch. 2: The 2020* Olympics - Today, Explained - Air Date 5-18-21
*Are being held this summer in Tokyo. And it’s a mess.
Ch. 3: Lotteryism, Part II - A Most Dangerous Game, How Sports Are Used to Fleece Public Trusts - Citations Needed - Air Date 12-20-17
It's a scam to extract resources from local governments in hopes they can "win" corporate cash, headquarters, facilities, and, of course, the promise of "jobs". Cities around the world debase themselves to compete for the "honor" of hosting the Olmpics.
Ch. 4: The 2021 Olympics is a Moral Hazard w/ Jules Boykoff - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 6-28-21
Jules Boykoff, Pacific University professor of politics and government, former US Olympian and author of NOlympians: Inside the Fight Against Capitalist Mega-Sports in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Beyond, discusses the Olympics industrial complex.
Ch. 5: Sha'Carri Richardson's Suspension for Marijuana Defies Common Sense - Time's Top Stories - Air Date 7-2-21
In a development that shocked and saddened fans of track and field, and the Olympics, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced Friday morning that Richardson had accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for cannabis.
Ch. 6: Sha'Carri Richardson left off relay team, won't compete in Olympics - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 7-6-21
Runner Sha'Carri Richardson was not named to the U.S. relay team and will officially not compete in the Tokyo Olympics following her positive test result for marijuana.
Ch. 7: Olympic Athletes Not Allowed To Protest - TYT Sports - Air Date 4-30-21
Athletes are being warned about protesting at the 2021 Olympics. Rick Strom breaks it down.
Ch. 8: Anne Orchier of NOlympics LA on Tokyo 2020 Olympic Opposition - Burn It All Down - Air Date 7-8-21
Lindsay Gibbs interviews Anne Orchier of NOlympics LA about opposition to the Toyko 2020 Olympics from on-the-ground organizers in Japan, which is largely led by unhoused people and those who will be displaced by the games.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Olympic racism is being exposed - By Any Means Necessary - Air Date 7-6-21
The racist and transphobic history behind disqualification of Olympic women runners due to “naturally high testosterone” levels, as Nambian sprinters Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi are kept from competing in the Tokyo Olympics.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Names - Alyson from Boulder, CO
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on why we all, including Sha'Carri Richardson, are victims of White Supremacy
Bonus: The Racist Origins of Marijuana Prohibition - Business Insider - Air Date 3-1-18
How did marijuana become illegal in the first place? As it turns out, it has some roots in racist rhetoric pushed by politicians and the media in the 1930s, when it first became illegal.
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 8/12/2020
Today we take a look at Restorative Justice as an antidote to a wide range of injustices we face, from mass incarceration to having a toddler throw a cheerio at your forehead and much of what lies in between.
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Transcript
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Abolishing Prisons with Mariame Kaba Part 1 - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 4-9-19
Prison abolitionist Mariame Kaba wants us to explore some truly radical notions. Hear her dismantle what she calls the current "criminal punishment system" and instead employ the ideology of restorative justice.
Ch. 2: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 1 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20
Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice.
Ch. 3: Abolishing Prisons with Mariame Kaba Part 2 - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 4-9-19
Prison abolitionist Mariame Kaba wants us to explore some truly radical notions. Hear her dismantle what she calls the current "criminal punishment system" and instead employ the ideology of restorative justice.
Ch. 4: Repairing Justice. An Alternative to Prison with Danielle Sered Part 1 - On the Media with Bob Garfield - Air Date 7-31-19
Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered
Ch. 5: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20
Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice.
Ch. 6: Repairing Justice. An Alternative to Prison with Danielle Sered Part 2 - On the Media with Bob Garfield - Air Date 7-31-19
Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered
Ch. 7: Mass Incarceration, Violence & the Radical Possibilities of Restorative Justice with Danielle Sered - Democracy Now - Air Date 3-14-19
Danielle discusses the alternative options to a violent prison system with community interactions over punishment.
Ch. 8: Restorative Justice with Sonya Shah - Justice In America with Josie Duffy Rice and Clint Smith - Air Date 3-13-19
When people feel responsible and connected it really changes their lives. Restorative justice works in schools. Our system is a goliath, but we are a million sparks to break it down.
Ch. 9: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 3 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20
Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice.
Ch. 10: Repairing Justice. An Alternative to Prison with Danielle Sered Part 3 - On the Media with Bob Garfield - Air Date 7-31-19
Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered
Ch. 11: Restorative Justice with Danielle Sered - Justice In America with Josie Duffy Rice and Clint Smith - Air Date 3-13-19
What does restorative justice look like? Community-driven repair, making sure the victims and perpetrators work together, rather than punishing both parties.
Ch. 12: Repairing Justice. An Alternative to Prison with Danielle Sered Part 4 - On the Media with Bob Garfield - Air Date 7-31-19
Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered
Ch. 13: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 4 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20
Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 14: Even the clip out of context gave enough context - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 15: Final comments on the one thing I know about all of your friends
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Air Date 7/6/2021
Today we take a look at the talking points and policy pushes that have kept wages in America artificially low for decades. The circumstances today are almost entirely new with unprecedented, COVID-related upheaval shocking the economy and labor market but the tactics used the demean workers and undermine their rights are as old as the hills.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Michael Hiltzik on No One Wants to Work! Part 1 - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-14-21
Data doesn’t support a connection between unemployment benefits and difficulty in hiring is beside the point. That work “ethic” equals the willingness to work in whatever conditions at whatever wage is an unchallenged with Michael Hiltzik.
Ch. 2: The Labor Shortage Ruse How Capital Invents Staffing Crises to Bust Unions and Depress Wages - Citations Needed - Air Date 4-28-21
Industry lobbying groups constantly whine about "labor shortages," knowing the media will mindlessly repeat these claims without any skepticism as to why they're reporting the exact same "labor shortages" each year for 40 years. Guest CEPR's Kevin Cashman
Ch. 3: Why Do We Work So Damn Much - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-29-21
This is a conversation with James Suzman about the past, present and future of humanity’s relationship to work and to want.
Ch. 4: Michael Hiltzik on No One Wants to Work! Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-14-21
Data doesn’t support a connection between unemployment benefits and difficulty in hiring is beside the point. That work “ethic” equals the willingness to work in whatever conditions at whatever wage is an unchallenged with Michael Hiltzik.
Ch. 5: How U.S. policy was designed to suppress wages (with Larry Mishel and Josh Bivens) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 6-1-21
Larry Mishel and Josh Bivens, explain how their work reveals that massive upward redistribution of income our nation has suffered these past four decades can largely be attributed to policies intentionally designed to suppress wages of American workers.
Ch. 6: Jaisal Noor on Worker Co-Ops, Duncan Meisel on Fossil Fuel Greenwashing - CounterSpin - Air Date 6-11-21
An important part of a counter-narrative is provided by worker co-operatives: the way they treat workers, and productivity, and the balance of worker health and company success, in a pandemic and every day. Today we speak with Jaisal Noor.
Ch. 7: Insurgent Working Class and Organization - Economic Updates with Richard D. Wolff - Air Date 6-17-21
Wolff is joined by Professor Manny Ness to discuss worker insurgencies and political organizations in the global South today.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The Labor Shortage Ruse How Capital Invents Staffing Crises to Bust Unions and Depress Wages Part 2 - Citations Needed - Air Date 4-28-21
Ch. 9: How U.S. policy was designed to suppress wages (with Larry Mishel and Josh Bivens) Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 6-1-21
Ch. 10: Why Do We Work So Damn Much Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-29-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Blog renaissance - Dave from Olympia, WA
Ch. 12: On the etiquette of difficult names - Bud from Boise
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on the etiquette of difficult names
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE: Description: Close up photograph of a tip jar on a counter. A handwritten sign taped to the jar says "Tips are how we make a living wage! xoxo".
Credit: "Tips are how we make a living wage" by Tony Webster, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped and enhanced brightness and contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date: 6-17-21
Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss:
-
Exploitation of the poor carefully explained away
-
Increasing wealth of the ungodly wealthy raucously celebrated
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 6/29/2021
Today we take a look at racism on a more personal level than usual with a focus on individual lived experiences that still speak to the systemic nature racism more broadly.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What kind of Asian are you? - Helpmefindyourparents - Air Date 5-23-13
In this video, What Kind of Asian are you? Scott plays a friendly jogger who is very interested in guessing the heritage of Stella.
Ch. 2: USA Still Leaving Afghanistan, Still Shooting Unarmed People w/ Christopher Rivas - Even More News - Air Date 4-16-21
In today's episode, we're discussing forever wars, never-ending police violence, and vaccines. Wow, you guys, it's a lot.
Ch. 3: The Struggles Of Being An Asian American - Refinery29 - Air Date 5-31-18
In honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, we wanted to close out this time with a discussion on what it means to grow up Asian American. We speak with several women who share their experiences and wisdom gained from it.
Ch. 4: That Sad History That Led to Ma’Khia Bryant’s Death & Why We Blame Her - sonyareneetaylor (Instagram) - Air Date 4-22-21
Police murder is so constant and consuming forcing us to find ways to mitigate the trauma response in our own bodies. one unfortunate way we do that is to pretend there is something the person could have done that would have kept them from being killed.
Ch. 5: 'Where We Come From': By Any Other Name - Code Switch - Air Date 6-26-21
Anyone with a name that isn't super common in the United States will tell you that the simple act of introducing yourself can lead to a whole interrogation: Where are you from? What does your name mean? Help me pronounce it using words I understand!
Ch. 6: Is Racism Making People Sick - Glad You Asked - Air Date 4-3-21
After the events of 2020, we are no strangers to stress and anxiety. But for Black and brown Americans, that stress was nothing new. Racial health gaps have always existed within the medical system.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: People Like Us - Hidden Brain - Air Date 6-3-19
Generations of Americans have struggled against segregation. Most of us believe in the ideal of a colorblind society. But what happens when that ideal come up against research that finds colorblindness sometimes leads to worse outcomes?
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on removing the hyphen from hyphenated Americans
Article: Drop the Hyphen in Asian American - Conscious Style Guide
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 6/26/2021
Today we take a look at the mainstreaming of Pride in recent decades and what that is doing to the liberatory origins of the Pride movement. Corporatization and "pink washing" highlight the wide-but-shallow support for LGBTQ liberation while debate over inclusion of LGBTQ police marching in uniform highlight the remaining oppressions that are still ignored by large swaths of the more mainstream-friendly LGBTQ community.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Full Notes and Transcript (https://www.bestoftheleft.com/1426)
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Are Corporations Taking Advantage of Pride - Hysteria - Air Date 6-17-21
Tien Tran and Shaniqua McClendon stop by to discuss cause marketing and why pride is feeling more pink washed than year’s past. Finally, why Batman is actually the worst boyfriend...in Sanity Corner.
Ch. 2: Pride - PFLAG National What Makes Pride - Air Date 6-1-21
Viewers get to know two BIPOC Pride organizations and their organizers: Jay Walker, Co-Founder of Reclaim Pride Coalition, and Taylor Alxndr, Executive Director of Southern Fried Queer Pride.
Ch. 3: The History of LGBTQ+ Pride Part 1 - Past Present - Air Date 6-15-21
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the history of LGBTQ+ Pride.
Ch. 4: Kink, Cops And Corporations At Pride - It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders - Air Date 6-4-21
When Pride comes around every June, the same arguments start up again— should there be kink, cops and corporations at Pride? And who is Pride for? Sam talks to writer and author Roxane Gay.
Ch. 5: The History of LGBTQ+ Pride Part 2 - Past Present - Air Date 6-15-21
Ch. 6: The Status of Laws and Policies Targeting the Transgender Community - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-1-21
Across the country, state legislators have introduced bills that target members of the transgender community.
Ch. 7: Chasten Buttigieg Blasts Hypocrisy Of RNC Chair, Stresses The Equality Act - MSNBC - Air Date 6-9-21
Chasten Buttigieg blasts the RNC chairwoman for claiming her party is supportive of LGBTQ Americans
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Progress on voting rights, filibuster, SCOTUS upholds Obamacare - The BradCast - Air Date 6-17-21
The Republicans' stolen-and-packed Supreme Court approved discrimination against same-sex couples by a Philadelphia foster care group, but LGBTQ advocacy groups say the very narrow ruling could have been much worse.
Ch. 9: Pride 2021 has set a record in anti-trans bills in America - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 6-6-21
Ivette Feliciano spoke with Chase Strangio, Deputy Director for Transgender Justice for the ACLU LGBT & HIV Project, about this record setting year in state legislation aimed at the transgender community.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: American Rescue Plan, Equality Payment - Rich
Ch. 11: Curation - Amy
Ch. 12: Corporatocracy - Christian
Ch. 13: Pumping up Twitter - Alan from Connecticut
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on @WhoWroteBetter on Twitter (https://twitter.com/WhoWroteBetter)
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 6/23/2021
Today we take a look at the purposeful effort to erase the history of anti-Black terrorism in America and the renewed efforts expose our true history in order to learn from it and create the opportunity for healing.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The massacre of Tulsa's "Black Wall Street" - Vox - Air Date 2-27-19
100 years ago, a white mob destroyed an American neighborhood called “Black Wall Street,” murdering an estimated 300 people in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Ch. 2: Joseph Torres on Media & Tulsa Massacre - CounterSpin - Air Date 6-4-21
Janine Jackson interviewed Free Press’s Joseph Torres about media and the Tulsa Massacre for the June 4, 2021, episode of CounterSpin.
Ch. 3: Blood on Black Wall Street - Excavating the Past - Into America - Air Date 6-3-21
100 years ago this week, a white mob burned down Tulsa's Greenwood District, a bustling business district. For decades, the government refused to acknowledge the Tulsa Race Massacre ever happened.
Ch. 4: The Tulsa massacre, 100 years later - Today, Explained - Air Date 6-1-21
It was one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history, but for a long time very few Americans learned what happened to the Black residents of the Greenwood district in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Ch. 5: Clint Smith on Juneteenth Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-18-21
As President Biden signs legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday to mark the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation we speak to the writer Clint Smith
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 6: Michael Harriot, Senior Writer for TheRoot.com, the Nation's Largest Black Online Newspaper - The Al Franken Podcast - Air Date 6-20-21
Al talks to Michael Harriot, Senior writer at The Root online newspaper
Ch. 7: The Legacies of Slavery Hidden in Plain Sight w/ Clint Smith - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-14-21
Sam and Emma host author Clint Smith, staff writer at the Atlantic, to discuss his new book, How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America on how the legacy of slavery has been passed down and obscured through generations
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: University athletics - Alyson from Boulder, CO
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on Deadline for Democracy marches and Harriet Tubman's lifespan
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Historic, black and white photograph of the aftermath of the Greenwood Massacre (Tulsa, OK). A man in overalls and a hat walks through rubble, his face in silhouette. All around him is destruction, downed power lines, and the remnants of building facades.
Credit: "Greenwood Massacre", Flickr | License | Changes: cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 6/19/2021
Today we take a look at the politics of obstruction in service to big donors' interests while sacrificing the ability to run a functioning democracy in the process.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: West Virginia's Robyn Kincaid on the maddening Joe Manchin - The BradCast - Air Date 6-9-21
Robyn Kincaid explains the mysteries of Manchin, the history of his family's political dynasty in the state, and key factors that may be at work in Manchin's inexplicable obstruction of Biden and the Democrats' agenda.
Ch. 2: How Kyrsten Sinema Sold Out w/ Aída Chávez - Start Making Sense - Air Date 3-31-21
The political transformation of Kyrsten Sinema, the new senator from Arizona: She’s one of the two most conservative Democrats in the Senate—but Aida Chavez explains that she started out to the left of the Party.
Ch. 3: Filibuster Helps Manchin Hide In Plain Sight w/ David Sirota - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-12-21
Breaking down the conflict-averse nature of the Democratic Party.
Ch. 4: Breaking Down President Biden's $6 Trillion 2022 Budget - The Takeaway - Air Date 5-28-21
The president's budget attempts to incorporate plans on infrastructure, housing, and healthcare, and is likely to receive conservative backlash for raising the federal deficit.
Ch. 5: What Does Joe Manchin Want? John Nichols on Filibuster Reform - Start Making Sense - Air Date 6-9-21
Congressional action could block voter law changes—but that requires filibuster reform, and Joe Manchin says he won’t vote for filibuster reform. What does Joe Manchin want? John Nichols comments.
Ch. 6: Joe Manchin Gets Candid With Billionaire Donors in Leaked Audio - Deconstructed - Air Date 6-16-21
Sen. Joe Manchin reveals his thoughts on the filibuster in a leaked Zoom call with fundraisers.
Ch. 7: Does America Have a Chance At Democracy? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-12-21
When a political party is more obsessed with identity than issues - America is in trouble. Can America function as a multi-racial, ethnic, religious democracy?
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: How Kyrsten Sinema Sold Out w/ Aída Chávez Part 2 - Start Making Sense - Air Date 3-31-21
The political transformation of Kyrsten Sinema, the new senator from Arizona: She’s one of the two most conservative Democrats in the Senate—but Aida Chavez explains that she started out to the left of the Party.
Ch. 9: Filibuster Helps Manchin Hide In Plain Sight w/ David Sirota Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 6-12-21
Explaining Manchin's love of being the center of attention and those who love to use him as a shield against criticism
BONUS
Ch. 10: Curation Lesson #4
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on Bo Burnham's "Inside"
TAKE ACTION!
June 21st in D.C. & Virtual: Poor People's Campaign: March to Demand a 3rd Reconstruction | TW: @UniteThePoor
Pressure Manchin & Sinema via No Excuses PAC | TW: NoExcuses_PAC
Pressure Manchin via West Virginia Can’t Wait |TW: @WVCantWait
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Abolish The Filibuster | Song A Day #4542 - Jonathan Mann
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Composite image. Photo of Sen. Kristen Sinema (D-AZ) on the left and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) on the right. More than half of their images are overlaid with red, the rest with blue. A vector image of the U.S. Capitol is in the foreground, a rope is coiled around the dome being pulled at each end out of view.
Credit: Composite image designed by Amanda Hoffman
Image 1: "Kyrsten Sinema" by Gage Skidmore, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped with overlays
Image 2: "FAA REAUTHORIZATION LEGISLATION" by Senate Democrats, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped with overlays
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Do you feel valued by your health insurance company? Because they are definitely working to extract as much value out of you as they can.
Air Date: 6-4-21 Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - The native residential schools
-
Broken health insurance exchanges
-
Health insurance company meddling
-
Health insurance companies using surveillance capitalism
-
Feeble efforts to resist commodification
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 6/12/2021
Today we take a look at the politics of sports including racism, sexism, capitalism, media and mental health. So, pretty much just like regular politics but with the one group of rich people who society broadly thinks don't have a right to be heard.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Uneven Playing Field with Howard Bryant - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 1-21-20
Professional sports are never more than an inch away from the deepest core of what's happening in America. They are an amazing crucible of politics and culture that manage to reflect the issues we are working through as a country.
Ch. 2: The 'Ungrateful Athlete': Anti-Black, Anti-Labor Currents in Sports Media - Citations Needed - Air Date 5-19-21
On this episode, we parse the racist, anti-labor characterization of athletes in media, how they are both scary threatening men and tiny children who shouldn't be paid and breakdown how this topic has cultural implications to other labor struggles.
Ch. 3: Absurdly Racist NFL Scandal EXPOSED In New Pledge - The Damage Report - Air Date 6-3-21
The NFL pledged to halt the use of “race-norming”. John Iadarola and Dr. Rashad Richey break it down on The Damage Report.
Ch. 4: Jackie MacMullan Tells Kyrie Irving That NBA Players Are Team Property - TYT Sports - Air Date 1-15-21
Jackie MacMullan made an inexcusable comment to Kyrie Irving. Rick Strom breaks it down.
Ch. 5: Why College Athletes Don't Get Paid - Vice News - Air Date 12-29-19
College sports have become a multi-billion dollar industry, but the NCAA's regulations prohibit amateur athletes from profiting off their abilities to go pro. But a new lawsuit could completely uped the NCAA and the college athletic business model.
Ch. 6: Hope Solo Wants Soccer Justice - Edge of Sports - Air Date 5-24-21
This week we speak to legendary goalkeeper Hope Solo about her 20 year career in USA Soccer and what she would do if she was in charge of the Federation. We get into issues concerning equal pay and the pushback.
Ch. 7: Naomi Osaka, Athletes, and Mental Health - Past Present - Air Date 6-8-21
In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the controversy over tennis champion Naomi Osaka’s decision not to participate in post-match press conferences.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Sole By The Pound: Sonny Vaccaro on NCAA Sham Amateurism - Edge of Sports - Air Date 11-30-16
Today we speak to the most influential person in basketball who never laced up sneakers or coached on a sideline: former Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro – the guy who connected sneaker money to so-called amateur hoops.
Ch. 9: Megan Rapinoe - The Old Man and the Three with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter - Air Date 11-25-20
As a soccer superstar, Megan Rapinoe is beloved and admired worldwide. But as her millions of fans know, it's not just because of what she does on the pitch. A well known activist, she has been outspoken and a leading voice on several topics
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Critical Race Theory and objective facts - Christian from Arkansas
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the future continued breakdown of shared realities
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Cropped photo of four, African American, San Francisco 49ers football players kneeling on the side lines before a game during the national anthem, two with hands over their hearts. Other people of various races stand around them, one woman looks over at the kneeling players.
Credit: "San Francisco 49ers National Anthem Kneeling" by Keith Allison | Wikimedia Commons | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 6/9/2021
Today we take a look at the motivations behind legislation being introduced in statehouses around the country to ban the teaching of Critical Race Theory, criminalize the right to protest and limit the right to vote. Now if only there were some theory we could look to to understand the complicated interconnectedness of these subtly racist ideas...
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The War Over Teaching America's Racist History in Schools - The Daily Show with Trevor Noah - Air Date 5-5-21
Most students in America are only taught about a handful of important Black Americans in history class. Here’s a look at why schools should teach students about race and why certain parents are opposed to that shift.
Ch. 2: Critical Race Theory - Past Present - Air Date 5-25-21
In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the current controversy over critical race theory.
Ch. 3: Elly Page on Anti-Protest Bills - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-23-21
If the Chauvin verdict is testament to the power of protest, so too are the vigorous efforts to squelch that power. Plus: Right-wing legislators target trans kids at the state level.
Ch. 4: Not Ready For That Conversation - On The Media - Air Date 4-23-21
Tami Abdollah [@latams], national correspondent for USA Today, on how Republican-controlled legislatures across the country have been introducing bills to criminalize protests — or as they put it, to stop the rioting.
Ch. 5: GOP States Are Pushing for Stricter Penalties for Protesters - The Takeaway - Air Date 4-27-21
The Takeaway spoke with Nora Benavidez, the director of U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America, and Elly Page, senior legal advisor at the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law, working with the U.S. Protest Law Tracker.
Ch. 6: Weaponizing Trump's Big Lie: Ari Berman on GOP's War on Democracy & Voting Rights - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-10-21
Extreme voting restrictions have advanced in several Republican-led states across the U.S., including in Florida. Mother Jones reporter Ari Berman says these efforts are an extension of former President Trump’s “big lie” about voter fraud.
Ch. 7: Is the GOP Insanity Being Driven By Trump or 40 Years of Madness? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 6-4-21
This “Trump grip” narrative is nonsense and it needs to stop —the Republican Party has made it crystal clear with their voter suppression efforts that they no longer believe in democracy. They are doing this because they want to.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Walk Out: Texas Democrats Block Passage of Voter Suppression Bill by Leaving Capitol Ahead of Vote - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-1-21
Trey Martinez Fischer says the legislation would have “a tremendous impact” on ballot access in the state. “Just like every bad policy, Hispanics, Latinos and Asian Americans will be disproportionately impacted," "the time for a national response is now."
Ch. 9: How Corporate Media Protects Violent Cops - Carlos Maza - Air Date 6-4-20
Police departments across America have declared war on unarmed protesters. They get away with it thanks to a corporate media ecosystem that helps shield cops from criticism and discredit the people protesting police brutality.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Lesson #3 The Value Proposition
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Iconography of a person speaking into a bullhorn with an arm up and other people icons listening to represent "protesting" with a red circle with a line through it over the image.
Credit: "No protesting" by David Pursehouse | Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, enhanced contrast, saturation and brightness
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 6/6/2021
Today we take a look at the tensions building between the US and China with an emphasis on understanding the context in which China has grown from a Cold War afterthought into a force capable of challenging American hegemony.
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Transcript
LISTEN TO UNF*CKING THE REPUBLIC!
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Graham Allison: Is war between China and the US inevitable - TEDTalks - Air Date 11-20-18
Taking lessons from a historical pattern called "Thucydides's Trap," political scientist Graham Allison shows why a rising China and a dominant United States could be headed towards a violent collision no one wants.
Ch. 2: The world's great powers - Worldly - Air Date 2-18-21
Zack, Jenn, and Alex break down one of the DC foreign policy world’s hottest new catchphrases: “great power competition.” It’s the idea that international politics in the 21st century will be dominated by a struggle for influence between the US & China.
Ch. 3: The Century of Humiliation w/ Carl Zha - The East is a Podcast - Air Date 6-12-20
Carl Zha is the host of the Silk and Steel podcast.
Ch. 4: Why Is China Investing Billions in Africa - NowThis World - Air Date 12-16-18
China has invested billions of dollars into the continent of Africa to build massive infrastructure projects in African countries.
Ch. 5: China's trillion dollar plan to dominate global trade - Vox - Air Date 4-5-18
It's about more than just economics.
Ch. 6: Vijay Prashad Warns Biden Is Doubling Down on Trumps Anti-China Cold War Policy - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-16-21
Beijing has accused the U.S. of perpetuating a Cold War mentality as President Joe Biden and senior administration officials shore up alliances in the Pacific region to counter China’s growing influence
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Industrial Policy: How the Green New Deal's Architects Would Do IP - ChinaTalk - Air Date 5-13-21
Saikat and Zack take us inside the creation of the Green New Deal, lay out how bold leadership can change a nation's economic trajectory, lament Democrats' lukewarm appetite for industrial policy, and offer up their vision for a American developmental
Ch. 8: What the West Can and Cannot Learn from China - Economics & Beyond with Rob Johnson - Air Date 2-8-21
Rodney Jones, a long-time Asia analyst, colleague of Rob Johnson's, and currently Principal of Wigram Capital Advisors in New Zealand, discusses how China and other Pacific Rim countries succeeded in containing the Covid-19 pandemic
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Don't forget all the work that goes into the show - Nick From California
Ch. 10: #1358 and explaining the systems of power - Quai from North Carolina
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the Center for Humane Technology as a response to Surveillance Capitalism
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: A Chinese flag waves just above an American flag in front of a background of trees.
Image Credit: "American and Chinese flags" by futureatlas.com | Flickr
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 6/1/2021
Today we take a look at the world of surveillance capitalism and the current age of techno-optimism that is just the newest iteration of the age-old effort to consolidate power and wealth by undermining individual freedom and democratic self governance.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Surveillance Capitalism: Shoshana Zuboff Part 1 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 7-16-20
Shoshana Zuboff discusses a world in which technology users are neither customers, employees, nor products. Instead, the raw material for new procedures of manufacturing and sales that define an entirely new economic order: a surveillance economy.
Ch. 2: Sharon Weinberger: Inside the massive (and unregulated) world of surveillance tech - TEDTalks - Air Date 12-1-20
From microscopic "smart dust" tracking devices to DNA-tracing tech and advanced facial recognition software, journalist Sharon Weinberger leads a hair-raising tour through the global, unregulated bazaar of privatized mass surveillance.
Ch. 3: Surveillance Capitalism: Shoshana Zuboff Part 2 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 7-16-20
Shoshana Zuboff discusses a world in which technology users are neither customers, employees, nor products. Instead, the raw material for new procedures of manufacturing and sales that define an entirely new economic order: a surveillance economy.
Ch. 4: Alexa, What's Amazon Doing Inside My Home? - Land of the Giants - Air Date 7-30-19
What’s the downside to letting Alexa run your entire home? And why is Amazon making a microwave oven powered by Alexa?
Ch. 5: Surveillance Capitalism: Shoshana Zuboff Part 3 - Future Hindsight - Air Date 7-16-20
Shoshana Zuboff discusses a world in which technology users are neither customers, employees, nor products. Instead, the raw material for new procedures of manufacturing and sales that define an entirely new economic order: a surveillance economy.
Ch. 6: That Time Disney Built a Creepy Government - Wisecrack - Air Date 1-15-21
Disney World is beloved all over the globe for the pure escapism it offers. But the story behind this fantasy world is a lot weirder, and a whole lot less magical than it might seem.
Ch. 7: Uh-Oh, Nevada Wants To Let Corporations Form Their Own Governments - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert - Air Date 3-4-21
In Stephen's unfortunate new segment "Uh-Oh," he takes a look at the dangers posed by a Nevada bill that would allow big tech companies to build and govern their own cities without state oversight. What could go wrong?
Ch. 8: What data and digitalisation could mean for your democratic future with Shoshana Zuboff - OECD - Air Date 12-19-20
What does the digital acceleration in this pandemic mean for our future? Shoshana Zuboff spoke with Anthony Gooch.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Steve Durbin — Identity Is Weaponized - ISF Podcast - Air Date 3-29-21
ISF CEO Steve Durbin and producer Tavia Gilbert discuss the ISF’s latest report, Threat Horizon 2023: Security at a Tipping Point. Today, we dig deeper into the report’s second threat: Identity is weaponised.
Ch. 10: Rana Foroohar: The Surveillance Economy - New Economic Thinking - Air Date 8-22-20
Financial Times columnist Rana Foroohar talks to Rob Johnson about how the pandemic opens the door to more surveillance technology from Silicon Valley, but also to a growing consensus on reigning in Wall Street excess.
BONUS:
Ch. 11: Curation Lesson #2: Alternative option explained
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: Mere aggregation - Diana
Ch. 13: Use It or Lose It copyrights - Jonathan from Florida
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments to say thanks
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Close-up of a single human eye with the faded pattern impression of a microchip around the edges.
Credit: Spying eye | Pixabay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 7/2/2019
Today we take a look at the ways in which Christians are being rallied to see themselves as the true victimized minority in America, a key component to stoking right-wing nationalism
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Rise of the Christian Taliban - The Intercept with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-20-18
Mehdi Hasan is here to warn you about a growing threat to the laws and values of the United States from a group of religious extremists and fanatics.
Ch. 2: Reverse Discrimination Isn't A Thing - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 4-11-19
The religious right claims reverse discrimination in that they are being unfairly required to exist in the same world as trans people
Ch. 3: Is Mike Pence Christian? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 4-15-19
Mike Pence argues that to be a Christian one must discriminate against gay people, prevent women from getting abortions or birth control, support tearing refugee children from their parents and prevent the working poor from having access to healthcare.
Ch. 4: Mike Pence Whines Over How Hard It Is To Be Christian - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 5-18-19
Mike Pence insists that it's the Christians who are being discriminated against.
Ch. 5: Educating and Engaging with Lyra McKee - This Way Out - Air Date 4-29-19
Lyra McKee (full TEDx talk) shares her experiences transforming lives with conversations in religious spaces
Ch. 6: Master Plan to Dismantle LGBTQ Rights - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 4-25-19
What are the LGBTQ cases heading to the Supreme Court? It's 2019 and people can be fired for not adhering to heteronormative gender ideas. Corporate, Christian, Conservative resistance is damaging and disgusting.
Ch. 7: House Passes the Equality Act - This Way Out - Air Date 5-20-19
The House passes the Equality Act in an effort to stop LGBTQ discrimination and ensuring their freedoms. GOP is pushing back with the fallacious idea that white Christians are being discriminated against.
Ch. 8: Demand the Senate Pass the Equality Act & Protect Trans Health Rights - Best of the Left Activism
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.
Ch. 9: Speaker Ryan Firing Chaplain is True Attack on Religious Liberty with Dr. Reverend Barber and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-1-18
Republicans are always claiming that everything progressives do is an attack on religious liberty, even sometimes just existing by some people is seen as an attack on "religious freedom'... in the meantime, Republican speaker Paul Ryan fires a religious leader fires a Chaplain over politics?
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: From depression to anxiety - Corey from New Jersey
Ch. 11: Prisoners dilemma and the presidential election - Heather
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the overthinking many do during primary elections
TAKE ACTION!
Tell the Senate to Pass the Equality Act
Protect Trans Health: Comment on Trump’s Discriminatory Rule
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
7 maps show the mess LGBT laws are in the USA (USA Today)
The Senate should stand up for all Americans and pass the Equality Act (Rep. Patrick Maloney in The Hill)
A History of Federal Non-Discrimination Legislation (93rd - 114th Congress) (Human Rights Campaign)
Why Trump Is Rolling Back LGBTQ Health-Care Protections (The Atlantic)
The Trump Administration Will Allow Health Workers To Refuse Abortion And Sex Reassignment Services (Buzzfeed)
Black Trans Women Are Being Murdered in the Streets. Now the Trump Administration Wants to Turn Us Away From Shelters and Health Care. (ACLU)
Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Entrap - Darby
- Quaver - Codebreaker
- Astrisx - Bodytonic
- Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard
- Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
- Gusty Hollow - Migration
- Minutes - Pacha Faro
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 5/25/2021
Today we take a look through a wide-angle lens at the current flareup of the conflict in Israel and Palestine including a discussion of disparate power dynamics, lived experience in Palestine, the creation story of Hamas, understanding the definition of apartheid and recognizing how the reactions in American politics and media are shifting.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Michael Brooks takes a question on Israel - The Mill Series - Air Date 3-9-20
The Mill Series hosted Michael Brooks at Lafayette College on Thurs Feb 27, 2020.
Ch. 2: Life and Death in Occupied Palestine - Deconstructed - Air Date 5-21-21
On May 7, Israeli police raided the Al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem during the evening prayer. Hamas responded a few days later by launching rockets from Gaza into Israel. Israel retaliated with its own strikes, and the violence escalated.
Ch. 3: Blowback: How Israel Helped Create Hamas - The Intercept - Air Date 2-20-18
Did you also know that Hamas — which is an Arabic acronym for “Islamic Resistance Movement” — would probably not exist today were it not for the Jewish state?
Ch. 4: Is Israel Guilty Of Apartheid Against Palestinians - AJ+ - Air Date 5-14-21
Although it’s most famously associated with the white supremacist regime that used to rule South Africa, apartheid is actually a crime with specific conditions. In this explainer, we look at what those conditions are and whether they truly apply to Israel
Ch. 5: Focus on Palestine feat. Mohammad Alsaafin - Chapo Trap House - Air Date 5-20-21
Felix is joined by journalist for AJ+ Mohammad Alsaafin for a wide ranging discussion on Palestinian resistance and the future of Zionism and the Palestinian cause.
Ch. 6: Heather Digby Parton on why the reaction to Israel is different this time - Ring of Fire Radio - Air Date 5-21-21
Heather Digby Parton will be here to run down the biggest stories of the week.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Debunking Israel's Human Shield Defense in Gaza Massacre - Empire Files - Air Date 5-19-21
Abby Martin gives 5 points that evaporate Israel's assertion that the civilians it kills in Gaza were "human shields."
Ch. 8: The U.S. Media Has A Palestine Problem - AJ+ - Air Date 5-22-21
Israeli occupation of Palestine tends to be a touchy subject for news media, so much so that they break journalistic standards and writing etiquette just to avoid implicating one party another
BONUS
Ch. 9: Curation Lesson #1: Definitions
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments playing a logical deduction guessing game in celebration of Towel Day
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard (https://theobard.bandcamp.com/track/this-fickle-world)
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 5/22/2021
Today we take a look at the global struggle to acquire and distribute sufficient doses of vaccine in an effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not going as well as one might hope.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Pandemic Immunoprivilege - In The Thick - Air Date 4-27-21
Ranna Ayyub writes for Time Magazine about the COVID-19 crisis in India and the Prime Minister’s failure to lead during this second wave.
Ch. 2: We're Torn Apart: Inside India's Worsening COVID Nightmare - The Mother Jones Podcast - Air Date 5-12-21
Dean Baker, a senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, joined host Jamilah King on the podcast to talk about the impact this decision could have on bringing the pandemic to an end.
Ch. 3: Filipino Activist Walden Bello Global Vaccine Disparity Shows Irrationality of Global Capitalism - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-5-21
The international disparity in vaccine access between rich and low-income countries highlights “the irrationality of global capitalism,” says acclaimed Filipino scholar and activist Walden Bello.
Ch. 4: Media Ramps Up Vaccine Patent Propaganda Production - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 5-8-21
Refuting the hollow arguments made by the likes of Bloomberg News against waiving the vaccine patents.
Ch. 5: #VaxLive is a PR Scam So Those Causing Vaccine Inequity Can Pose as Saviors of Global Poor - Citations Needed - Air Date 4-30-21
We breakdown the anti-TRIPS waiver corporate and ideological forces behind the seemingly good-hearted #VaxLive concert on May 8th.
Ch. 6: Covid Vaccines - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 5-3-21
John Oliver explains why some people don’t want to get the Covid-19 vaccine and how they might be reassured.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: James Love on Bill Gates & Vaccine Politics - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-7-21
How we navigate that has to do with media’s elevation of “experts” like Bill Gates raise serious questions about why we allow billionaires to set policy on something as important as public health. We talk about that with James Love.
Ch. 8: #VaxLive is a PR Scam So Those Causing Vaccine Inequity Can Pose as Saviors of Global Poor Part 2 - Citations Needed - Air Date 4-30-21
Ch. 9: Pandemic Immunoprivilege Part 2 - In The Thick - Air Date 4-27-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Disney IP and copyright law - Nick From California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on our recent bonus episode about surveillance capitalism
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date 5/18/2021
Today we take a look at the potential of the end of American involvement in the war in Afghanistan as well as some of our recent actions related to Yemen and Syria as well as our relationship with Saudi Arabia.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Will Biden End the U.S. "Forever War" in Afghanistan? - Breaking the Sound Barrier by Amy Goodman - Air Date 4-15-21
President Biden announced a complete troop withdrawal from what he called the “forever war” in Afghanistan, by September 11th. “Only the Afghans have the right and responsibility to lead their country,” Biden said from the White House.
Ch. 2: America is finally leaving Afghanistan - Worldly - Air Date 4-15-21
Zack, Jenn, and Alex talk about President Joe Biden’s announcement that all remaining US troops will withdraw from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021 — the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that launched the war.
Ch. 3: Let's End the War in Yemen - Deconstructed - Air Date 2-12-21
In his first significant foreign policy announcement since taking office, President Biden broke with both former presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama and declared an end to U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen.
Ch. 4: A Crisis Made in America Yemen on Brink of Famine After U.S. Cuts Aid While Fueling War - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-17-20
The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is deepening amid the pandemic and cuts to international aid from the United States and its allies, leaving millions of Yemenis facing famine after years of a brutal U.S.-backed, Saudi-led bombing campaign
Ch. 5: Biden Bombs Syria - Empire Has No Clothes - Air Date 3-17-21
This week on Empire Has No Clothes, Kelley, Dan, and Matt discussed Joe Biden's decision to bomb Syria and what it means for his foreign policy going forward. We also talked with David Sterman of New America about what it means to have an endless war.
Ch. 6: The Art of Fake-Ending Wars - Citations Needed - Air Date 4-14-21
In this episode, we discuss the United States' history of fake-ending wars, who these pronouncements are meant to please, why troops levels are often impossible to know, and why so many of our so-called "wars" are not really wars at all, but occupations
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: Joe Biden's War Powers - Intercepted - Air Date 4-28-21
If you went back and looked at every foreign policy decision Joe Biden made — every single one — would you be any closer to understanding him?
Ch. 8: Samantha Nutt: The real harm of the global arms trade - TEDTalks - Air Date 6-23-16
In some parts of the world, it's easier to get an automatic rifle than a glass of clean drinking water. Is this just the way it is? Samantha Nutt, doctor and founder of the international humanitarian organization War Child, explores the global arms trade
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Disney, racism and capitalism - Sasha
Ch. 10: Recommending "Somebody" podcast for example of DARVO - Pat from Chicago
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on DARVO from the police in the Somebody podcast
Bonus clip: Somebody
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
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Air Date 7/20/2020
Systems maintain themselves through the efforts of many moving parts that need not understand their roles in maintaining the system as a whole, only their specialized task. Today, I use a case study incident to show how the system of racism defends itself against attack. Many separate parts, none of which understand how their individual actions connect to the larger system, work in complicated yet predictable ways to carry out this defense of racism much like the many specialized antibodies of an immune system work together to isolate and eradicate threats to the host.
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Transcript
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Introduction to the story of a story
Ch. 2: Yascha Mounk on antiracism in America - The Good Fight - Air Date 7-10-20
Ch. 3: Jay explains the fraught nature of interracial relationships
Ch. 4: Introducing the Education Council Meeting incident - The Good Fight - Air Date 7-10-20
Ch. 5: Edward Irizarry speaks about the privilege and racial dynamics of the council
Ch. 6: Explaining DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender
Ch. 7: Robin Brochi responds to Edward
Ch. 8: Tom demands to know what’s racist about holding a brown baby
Ch. 9: Additional input from other council members
Ch. 10: The story of the story
Ch. 11: Recap and wrap up
Original meeting video: CEC D2 Working Business Meeting June 29, 2020
16:55 - Edward Irizarry Speech
22:50 - Robin Brochi's Apology
26:25 - Tom Wrocklage asks what about his actions were racist
39:20 - Beginning of segment that is ultimately clipped out of context
Tom's I-have-a-black-friend video: My friend from my living room on the June 11th CECD2 meeting
Tucker Carlson on 'White Fragility'
Tucker Carlson segment mentioning CEC Meeting incident
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Theme - The Good Fight podcast
- Opener - American Moon Bicycle
- Waltz and Fury - Macrame
- Rafter - Speakeasy
- When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent
- Thannoid - Bodytonic
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date: 5-11-21
Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: #NotAllEngineers Hoping to remake the culture with the power of government is optimistic Corporate virtue signaling while upholding the status quo injustice Gender and fish are bullshit Who put the T into LGBTQ? Addendum: just don’t make me think.
References: On Tyranny - Timothy Snyder
Red Bull, Elon Musk, and Matt Gaetz - The Bulwark
Brooke speaks with Lulu Miller about her new book, "Why Fish Don't Exist"
Billy Bragg - Not Everything That Counts Can Be Counted
Commentary: I love Disney World, but wokeness is ruining the experience
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes!
Air Date 5/8/2021
Today we take a look at the culture that Disney has helped create and how they did it, using cuteness as a weapon to push ideas from racist stereotypes and segregation to the masterful use of hollow nods toward progressivism while reinforcing the ethics of individualism in order to give systemic injustice a pass.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Racial Politics of Disney Animals Part 1 - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 8-28-15
Scholar, writer, and activist Walidah Imarisha is someone who’s been thinking hard about what stories Disney tells and why. She teaches a class on race and Disney films at Portland State University.
Ch. 2: 40 Acres and a Movie - Still Processing - Air Date 4-8-21
Disney owns a piece of every living person’s childhood. Now it owns Marvel Studios, too. Jenna and Wesley look at depictions of racist tropes and stereotypes in Disney’s ever-expanding catalog. The company has made recent attempts to atone for its past.
Ch. 3: The Racial Politics of Disney Animals Part 2 - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 8-28-15
Ch. 4: Woke Disney - Lindsay Ellis - Air Date 9-30-21
Nodding to progressive ideas while just proping up capitalism is just marketing.
Ch. 5: Disneyfication of American History - American Hysteria - Air Date 1-25-21
Disney has been presenting a fairytale reality within a reality since the 1920s, a far cuter reality that mimics our reality until reality is no longer reality at all. Make sense?
Ch. 6: How Disney Ruined Culture - Wisecrack - Air Date 11-9-20
It's no surprise that Disney has an absolute stranglehold on the culture we consume today. But the joys of the Magic Kingdom aside, what if it's actually kind of really bad for art? We'll explain in this Wisecrack Edition: How Disney Ruined Culture.
Ch. 7: The (Not So) Wonderful World of Disney - It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders - Air Date 2-16-18
Sam talks to filmmaker and activist Abigail Disney, daughter of Roy E. Disney, about her views on inequality in the U.S., corporate greed and why, despite her last name, she's become one of the more vocal and prominent critics of The Walt Disney empire.
Ch. 8: DED Talks: Why Walt Disney is Nothing Like You Think He Was - Cracked - Air Date 1-19-15
Disney tell's his story
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Disneyfication Of Cuteness - American Hysteria - Air Date 1-25-21
Disney has been presenting a fairytale reality within a reality since the 1920s, a far cuter reality that mimics our reality until reality is no longer reality at all. Make sense?
Ch. 10: Copyright: Why We Can't Have Nice Things - Wisecrack - Air Date 4-23-21
This video, like everything else in the world, is copyrighted. But what does that really mean? Copyright laws started out as a way to protect creators from having their hard work stolen, but it's turned into something else entirely.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Ableism in the show - Alyson from Colorado
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on Woke Disney and Ableist language
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date 5/5/2021
Today we take a look briefly at the trial of Derek Chauvin itself before moving on to various responses, a wide-angle lens on some of the forces at play in policing and the work still to be done.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Chauvin Found Guilty on All Counts - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-21-21
Introducing the guilty verdict of Derek Chauvin
Ch. 2: Chauvin Guilty - Criminal (In)justice - Air Date 4-22-21
A Minneapolis jury has found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all three counts in the murder of George Floyd. What does it mean for criminal justice reform?
Ch. 3: Black Visions Collective: We Need to Abolish the Police & End Militarized Occupations of Our Cites - Democracy Now! - Air Date 4-21-21
We go to Minneapolis to speak with Kandace Montgomery, co-executive director of Black Visions Collective, about their response to the guilty verdict for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.
Ch. 4: Chauvin's Conviction Wasn't An End But A Beginning - The Majority Report w Sam Seder - Air Date 4-25-21
Staff writer for The New Republic, Osita Nwanevu, joins the show to share his thoughts on the conviction of Derek Chauvin. Sam Seder and the Majority Report crew discuss this.
Ch. 5: What have we learned - Dr. Roger Ray Part 1 - Progressive Faith Sermons - Air Date 4-25-21
While we want to show respect and support for public servants generally, such respect must also be met, especially now, with a willingness to question authority and to challenge the racism and classism that is so deeply embedded in policing.
Ch. 6: Live Event Announcement
Join Jay and Roger Ray in a live discussion on
Ch. 7: Why Cops Don't Change - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 4-19-21
A retired NYPD detective says the force’s stubborn, insular culture was built to last. And Elie Mystal explains a 1989 Supreme Court ruling that made killing “reasonable.”
Ch. 8: What have we learned - Dr. Roger Ray Part 2 - Progressive Faith Sermons - Air Date 4-25-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Why Cops Don't Change Part 2 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 4-19-21
Ch. 10: The Work That Remains in the Wake of Guilty Verdict for Derek Chauvin - The Takeaway - Air Date 4-28-21
The guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin came as a relief to many nationwide, but the number of people killed by police since his trial began underscores the broader issues that remain.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: A rant for Patrons - Andy from New Orleans
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the business of progressive media
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date 8/22/2020
Today we take a look at the long history and motivations for voter suppression, explain why it tends to help one party over the other and why vote-by-mail is the best solution to the majority of our voting problems.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Jay explains that voter suppression is like pointillism in that it can only be understood by taking a wide enough view
Ch. 2: Why Do We Still Wait in Line to Vote? Part 1 - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-18-17
Ch. 3: The pointillism of voter suppression (continued)
Ch. 4: Victoria Bassetti of the Brennan Center on the myth of widespread voter fraud - @DecodeDC - Air Date 10-20-16
Ch. 5: @AriBerman: Kris Kobach Is Helping Trump Lay Groundwork for Nationwide Voter Suppression Effort - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 07-05-17
Ch. 6: Voter ID Suppressed 200,000 Wisconsin Votes; Trump Won by 22,748 - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-11-17
Ch. 7: Carol Anderson on the Realities of Voter Suppression - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-12-18
Ch. 8: Why Do We Still Wait in Line to Vote? Part 2 - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-18-17
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments
TAKE ACTION!
Know Your Voting Rights & Make a Plan (ACLU)
Let People Vote - State-by-State Rules & Options (ACLU)
Volunteer for a 2020 Voter Protection Team (FairFight)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
"December 10 March for Voting Rights" by Michael Fleshman |Changes: cropped | License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
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Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 4/24/2021
Today we take a look at the major infrastructure investment plan proposed by the Biden administration, progressive perspectives arguing to make it better and the need to democratize the institutions that constitute our infrastructure.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
REGISTER FOR OUR LIVE EVENT! Join Jay! & Dr. Roger Ray on May 10th @ 8pm ET for a Progressive Colloquy!
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The American Prospect's David Dayen on Biden's new American Jobs Plan - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-31-21
Financial journalist and Exec Editor of The American Prospect, DAVID DAYEN, on Biden's infrastructure and public investment bill, how it will be funded, how it addresses economic inequality and the US social welfare infrastructure, what to expect next.
Ch. 2: An Infrastructure Plan That Includes Unions, Climate and Economic Balance - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-1-21
Megan Cassella, Politico reporter covering Biden administration economic policy, talks about the big infrastructure proposal from President Biden.
Ch. 3: Is America big enough to Go Big again? - Jim Hightower's Radio Lowdown - Air Date 4-13-21
It’s time for America to go back to the future – a future of true greatness created by a people united to build a strong nation for the Common Good.
Ch. 4: Infrastructure, mobilization, survival w/ Laleh Khalili - This Is Hell! - Air Date 4-14-21
Political scientist Laleh Khalili on her article "Apocalyptic Infrastructures" for Noēma Magazine.
Ch. 5: Infrastructure, Jobs, and More - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-5-21
Catherine Rampell, syndicated opinion columnist at The Washington Post, political/economic commentator at CNN and special correspondent at PBS NewsHour, runs through the latest in national politics and news.
Ch. 6: Ernesto Falcon on Internet for All, Alexander Kaufman on Future-Proofed Housing Codes - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-19-21
We’ll hear about the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act (AAIA) from Ernesto Falcon, senior legislative counsel at Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Ch. 7: Live Event Announcement
Ch. 8: Workers Successfully Take Over their Workplaces - Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff - Air Date 4-15-21
On this week's show, Prof. Wolff discusses how the US home rental market is failing over 20% of all renters, and the basic flaws in Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure proposal.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: The American Prospect's David Dayen on Biden's new American Jobs Plan Part 2 - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-31-21
Financial journalist and Exec Editor of The American Prospect, DAVID DAYEN, on Biden's infrastructure and public investment bill, how it will be funded, how it addresses economic inequality and the US social welfare infrastructure, what to expect next.
Ch. 10: Infrastructure, mobilization, survival w/ Laleh Khalili Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 4-14-21
Political scientist Laleh Khalili on her article "Apocalyptic Infrastructures" for Noēma Magazine.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Further thoughts on public welfare programs - Craig from Ohio
Ch. 12: More thoughts U.S. complicity - Jonathan from New York
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on the new propaganda paradigm leading the charge at Fox News
Bonus clip: THE QUESTION MARK - THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART - Air Date 9-13-06
Bonus clip: Tucker Carlson Jeopardy - The Daily Social Distancing Show - Air Date 2-15-21
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
Description: Worker in a hard hat installing fiber optiic internet cable lines from a giant spool into a concrete hole in the ground.
Credit: "SRNL Fiber Optic Cable Installation" by Savannah River Site, Flickr | License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date 4/21/2021
Today we take a look at the insurrection and police violence through the lens of White Supremacy and the rise of the likes of Tucker Carlson who has become the leading spokesman for laundering White Supremacist talking points through a marginally respectable facade.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
REGISTER FOR OUR LIVE EVENT! Join Jay! & Dr. Roger Ray on May 10th @ 8pm ET for a Progressive Colloquy!
MEMBERSHIP, Gift Memberships and Donations! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)
MERCHANDISE!
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Jan. 6 would have been a massacre if police had reacted like it were a BLM protest - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 4-14-21
"It is very hard not to see some fundamental contradictions in how our country, the state, wields force against its citizens," says Chris Hayes, comparing police responses in Black Lives Matter protests and the Capitol riot.
Ch. 2: Black, White, and Blue - Progressive Faith Sermons - Air Date 4-18-21
While many are uncomfortable with calling for defunding the police, there is no way around the need for massive reform of our nation’s police force (and military) to root out the systemic racism that makes encounters between white police and black citizen
Ch. 3: Tucker Carlson - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 3-15-21
Tucker Carlson is admired by white nationalists, elected officials, and maybe some of your relatives or coworkers. Given that he has the ear of so many Americans, John Oliver explains where Tucker came from and what his rhetorical tactics are
Ch. 4: Where Are the Good Apples Among America's Police? - The Daily Show with Trevor Noah - Air Date 4-16-21
Trevor reflects on the ever-present occurrence of deadly police violence against Black people in the U.S. and the seeming lack of cops willing to rise up and take a stand against it.
Ch. 5: Did Tucker Carlson Order Insurrection - The Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 3-26-21
The last broadcaster to suggested something like this against the United States government, was Axis Sally. Worse it was all based on a lie that you might believe about the second amendment.
Ch. 6: Hard-Right Republicans Form Caucus To Protect Anglo-Saxon Political Traditions - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 4-16-21
According to reports, a group of House Republicans including Georgia's Marjorie Taylor Green and Arizona's Paul Gosar are forming an "America First Caucus" to protect "Anglo-Saxon political traditions."
Ch. 7: Tucker Carlson Doubles Down on White Supremacist 'Great Replacement' Theory - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 4-13-21
The Atlantic's Adam Serwer and Mehdi discuss Carlson's history of promulgating racist rhetoric on prime time television and its real-life consequences.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Arrest The Police - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 4-16-21
Jared and Nick have a frank discussion on policing in America in the wake of the Adam Toledo shooting in Chicago. Plus, they dissect what it is the Republicans are embracing considering the usual tropes don't seem to hold as much weight anymore.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments
TAKE ACTION!
If you pay for cable, you are supporting Fox News:
UnFoxMyCableBox via Media Matters
Tell Congress: I Won't Pay for Hate via Free Press
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
If you have cable, you are subsidizing Fox News. It might be time to cut the cord. Here's how (Daily Kos)
‘Fox News cheats’: Twitter explains how you pay Fox even if you don’t watch it—and how you can stop (Front Page Live)
Fox News Foes Face Uphill Fight to Get Cable Network Dropped (Bloomberg)
Tweet from Sleeping Giants on Carlson's lack of advertisers (Sleeping Giants)
Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: An artist's rendering of Fox New's host Tucker Carlson, with knitted brows, wearing a Klu Klux Klan robe and hood and pointing straight ahead. The background is a Confederate flag.
Credit: "Tukkker" by Paul Lee, Flickr | Public Domain
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 4/17/2021
Today we take a look at the surge of anti-trans legislation coming from Republican-controlled state legislatures. Being concerned that suppressing voter turnout by targeting Black and Brown voters may not be enough to keep them in power, they are resorting to targeting another vulnerable population in the next of their infinite series of attempts to create a wedge issue by pitting people's lives and wellbeing against the prejudices of their constituents.
We also examine the harm being inflicted on trans people, the trans-exclusionary Radical Feminists who have partnered with conservative coalitions to limit trans rights and briefly explore the world of sex-segregated athletics.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Problem with the Focus on the Family - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 4-9-21
We talk Sophie Bjork-James' book, the Divine Institution, to demonstrate how Evangelicals use the nuclear family in order to both attack members of the LGBTQ+ community and detract away from systemic issues related to race and other Public Health issues.
Ch. 2: Debunking Myths About Trans People Part 1 - The Majority Report w Sam Seder - Air Date 4-10-21
Caller clarifies misinformation of data regarding trans identified youth vs youth referred to gender clinics.
Ch. 3: Trans Day of Visibility Activists Chase Strangio & Raquel Willis Demand Action on Anti-Trans Laws - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-31-21
“We are truly witnessing an escalation of attacks on trans people unlike anything I’ve ever seen in government,” says Chase Strangio. We also speak with journalist and activist Raquel Willis, who says higher visibility for trans people is not enough.
Ch. 4: As Anti-Trans Bills Advance, Trans Journalists Weigh In On 'Privilege' Of Reporting - Consider This from NPR - Air Date 4-9-21
Dr. Joshua Safer, the executive director at Mount Sinai's Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, explains why gender-affirming therapies — such as puberty blockers or hormone treatment — are safe and healthy for trans youth.
Ch. 5: Debunking Myths About Trans People Part 2 - The Majority Report w Sam Seder - Air Date 4-10-21
Ch. 6: A National Wave of Anti-Trans Bills Part 1 - What Next | Daily News and Analysis - Air Date 3-3-21
The coordinated flood of legislation isn’t new. But now, it’s targeting kids.
Ch. 7: Activism: Tell the Senate to Pass the #EqualityAct to Protect LGBTQ+ Rights, and More - Best of the Left - Air Date 4-17-21
Ch. 8: The "radical feminists" working against trans rights - Post Reports - Air Date 2-26-20
Samantha Schmidt on a strain of feminism that rejects the existence of transgender identity.
Ch. 9: A National Wave of Anti-Trans Bills Part 2 - What Next | Daily News and Analysis - Air Date 3-3-21
Ch. 10: Hudson Taylor: How Rethinking Sex-Segregation in Sports is the Key to Equality - TEDx Talks - Air Date 10-27-16
Hudson Taylor's talk offers the following thesis: If we are to end homophobia and trans-phobia in the world of sports (and in the world at large), we must end sexism and gender stereotyping in sports first.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 11: As Anti-Trans Bills Advance, Trans Journalists Weigh In On 'Privilege' Of Reporting Part 2 - Consider This from NPR - Air Date 4-9-21
Misconceptions about trans people can be shaped by who tells their stories. Three trans journalists weigh in on how that should be done: Imara Jones - creator of TransLash Media, Kate Sosin - reporter at The 19th, Orion Rummler reporter at Axios.
Ch. 12: The Problem with the Focus on the Family Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 4-9-21
We talk Sophie Bjork-James' book, the Divine Institution, to demonstrate how Evangelicals use the nuclear family in order to both attack members of the LGBTQ+ community and detract away from systemic issues related to race and other Public Health issues.
Ch. 13: Archie Crowley: Language around gender and identity evolves (and always has) - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 3-31-21
Sociolinguist Archie Crowley deconstructs three common myths around language, demonstrating how it's a fluid system that naturally evolves in the direction of inclusion.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on the messy nature of reality
TAKE ACTION
PasstheEqualityAct.com: Lobby Day April 21st & #EqualityTime Phone Banking
Learn about end-the-filibuster pressure campaigns in BOTL Episode #1411
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
What You Need To Know About the Equality Act (Center for American Progress)
Why the Equality Act Is So Important (Rolling Stone)
Beautiful, sacred and powerful: Inside the roller coaster fight for trans kids in Arkansas (Reckon South)
The Roots of Anti-Trans Violence - Report (Transgender Law Center)
This record-breaking year for anti-transgender legislation would affect minors the most (CNN)
New poll shows Americans overwhelmingly oppose anti-transgender laws (PBS)
Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Protest sign that says "TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS" with two Trans Pride flags on either side of the word "ARE."
Credit: "Trans Rights are Human Rights" by Marc Nozell, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, blurred edges to wide image
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
TAKE ACTION
PasstheEqualityAct.com: Lobby Day April 21st & #EqualityTime Phone Banking
Learn about end-the-filibuster pressure campaigns in BOTL Episode #1411
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
What You Need To Know About the Equality Act (Center for American Progress)
Why the Equality Act Is So Important (Rolling Stone)
Beautiful, sacred and powerful: Inside the roller coaster fight for trans kids in Arkansas (Reckon South)
The Roots of Anti-Trans Violence - Report (Transgender Law Center)
This record-breaking year for anti-transgender legislation would affect minors the most (CNN)
New poll shows Americans overwhelmingly oppose anti-transgender laws (PBS)
Posted April 16, 2021; Written by Best of the Left Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman
Hear the segment in the context of Best of the Left Edition #1412: Trans People as Disposable Chess Pieces in a Despicable Political Game
Air Date 4/14/2021
Today we take a look at the one element of our government that, above all others, has contributed to the absolute disfunction of our democracy. The filibuster was never intended by the founders, always anti-democratic, often used for racist ends and is now being abused at a rate never before seen.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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EPISODE SPONSORS: BOMBAS.COM/BEST
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Filibuster - Last Week Tonight - Air Date 9-9-19
John Oliver explains why filibusters exist, why they shouldn't, and why it's stupid to drink coffee like a cat.
Ch. 2: End the Filibuster: Calls Grow to Retire Relic of Slavery & Jim Crow to Make Senate More Democratic - Democracy Now! Air Date 1-25-21 New
President Joe Biden has promised swift action on the pandemic, the economic crisis and more, but much of his agenda hinges on whether he can get enough support in the Senate.
Ch. 3: Count How Many Lies Mitch McConnell Spews In This 1 Minute Clip - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-24-21
Mitch McConnell is on a warpath, and he's getting all his favorite lies lined up. Sam Seder and the Majority Report crew discuss this.
Ch. 4: Will Democrats Finally Kill the Filibuster Once and for All - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 1-21-21
Adam Jentleson, who served as a former senior aide to Sen. Harry Reid, joins Mehdi Hasan to explain the history of the filibuster and how, according to Jentleson, it helps conservatives override the nation's democratic system.
Ch. 5: Is Filibuster Reform Mitch McConnell's 'Kryptonite?' - Zerlina. - Air Date 3-16-21
Rep. John Yarmuth thinks so. He explains to Zerlina Maxwell why the rule is so important to the Senate Minority Leader, and why McConnell is “scared to death” about the possibility that Democrats will abolish it.
Ch. 6: What Is Manchin's Real Agenda w/ David Sirota - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-11-21
David Sirota explains the motivations and unseen pressures playing on Joe Manchin as he continuously pivots his position on the filibuster.
Ch. 7: Activism: Support No Excuses PAC and W.V. Cant Wait - Best of the Left - 4-14-21
Ch. 8: Now Is the Time to End the Filibuster - Breaking the Sound Barrier by Amy Goodman - Air Date 3-18-21
Amy Goodman gives a commentary explaining the need to end the filibuster.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: 'What Are We Waiting For?': Why Filibuster Reform Should Happen Sooner Than Later - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 3-19-21
Adam Jentleson, former deputy chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, talks with Rachel Maddow about why it's a good idea for Senate Democrats to reform the filibuster and pass popular legislation
Ch. 10: Reid Calls for Filibuster Reform to End Gridlock - Nevada Senator Harry Reid - Air Date 11-22-13
On the Senate floor, Senator Reid laid out why we need to reform the rules to ensure qualified presidential nominees get up-or-down votes.
Ch. 11: What Is Manchin's Real Agenda w/ David Sirota Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 4-11-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: Wading into the discussion on the child tax credit - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on racism and population
TAKE ACTION!
No Excuses PAC
WV Can't Wait
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Parliamentarian Rules Democrats Can Officially Bypass the Filibuster (Truthout)
Inside the West Virginian Movement to Push Joe Manchin to the Left (The New Republic)
Progressive PAC kick-starts search for challengers to Manchin, Sinema (Politico)
Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Cartoon version of Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell holding a chart that says "Republican Filibusters." The horizontal bar graph below the title shows an X axis starting with "88th term 1963-64" and ending with "110th term 2007-2008." The bar values range from 3 at the beginning of the time-line to "153 Projected for end of term" at the end.
Credits: "Mitch McConnell, Filibuster King" by DonkeyHotey, Flickr | License | Changes: Increased white background to make vertical image square, smudged existing shadow to extend farther, dark blue border added
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 4/10/2021
Today we take a look at the need for a modern assessment of the corporate monopolies who dominate our online and offline experiences, including seeing the negative consequences of monopolies through a racial justice lens.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
MEMBERSHIP, Gift Memberships and Donations! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)
MERCHANDISE!
REFER-O-MATIC! Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy!
CHECK OUT OUR BOOKSHOP!
EPISODE SPONSORS: Unf*cking the Republic Podcast
Want to advertise/sponsor the show? Details -> advertisecast.com/BestoftheLeft
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Big Tech and a Decade of Antitrust with Cory Doctorow Part 1 - Exponential View with Azeem Azhar - Air Date 1-6-21
Cory Doctorow, award-winning author, technologist, and founder, joins Azeem Azhar to explore the power of big tech monopolies and how a future wave of antitrust lawsuits could unleash innovation across the sector.
Ch. 2: Google and the use and abuse of economic modeling - Follow The Money - Air Date 2-16-21
In this week's episode we unpack what the code is, what it does, why it's necessary and what happens next with Director of the Australia Institute's Centre for Responsible Technology, Peter Lewis.
Ch. 3: Big Tech and a Decade of Antitrust with Cory Doctorow Part 2 - Exponential View with Azeem Azhar - Air Date 1-6-21
Ch. 4: The Facebook News Blackout and the News Media Bargaining Code - Follow The Money - Air Date 2-23-21
In this week's episode we unpack what the code is, what it does, why it's necessary and what happens next with Director of the Australia Institute's Centre for Responsible Technology, Peter Lewis.
Ch. 5: Reimagining Anti-Monopoly Activism Through Racial Justice -- feat. Liberation in a Generation's Jeremie Greer Part 1 - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 3-26-21
Rebecca talks to Jeremie Greer--one of Liberation in a Generation's co-founders and co-exec directors--about centering grassroots leaders of color in the anti-monopoly movement, and reimagining the antitrust movement’s work through a racial justice lens.
Ch. 6: Big Tech and a Decade of Antitrust with Cory Doctorow Part 3 - Exponential View with Azeem Azhar - Air Date 1-6-21
Ch. 7: Reimagining Anti-Monopoly Activism Through Racial Justice -- feat. Liberation in a Generation's Jeremie Greer Part 2 - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 3-26-21
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: Google and the use and abuse of economic modeling Part 2 - Follow The Money - Air Date 2-16-21
Ch. 9: Anti-Monopoly Activism with Liberation in a Generation - Economic Security Project - Air Date 3-29-21
In Anti-Monopoly Activism: Reclaiming Power through Racial Justice, Jeremie Greer and Solana Rice (co-founders and co-executive directors of Liberation in a Generation) argue for organizers of color to be embedded—and centered—in the anti-monopoly fight.
Ch. 10: Reimagining Anti-Monopoly Activism Through Racial Justice -- feat. Liberation in a Generation's Jeremie Greer Part 3 - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 3-26-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Child tax credits don't cause population booms - Erin from Philadelphia
Ch. 12: Biden and China - Jonathan from New York
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on child welfare programs, birth rates and uncomfortably honest political talk
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date: 4-8-21 BECOME A MEMBER TO HEAR THE FULL VERSION Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - The great shames of the nation - A comparison between Korean-language and English-language coverage of the Atlanta shootings - When it comes to catalyzing a will to change, seeing is believing (and motivating) - The GOP culture wars are about to go scorched-earth because they have nothing else References: Rolling Stone: Atlanta Spa Shootings: What Korean-Language Media Told Us That the Mainstream Media Didn’t WaPo: 'Reclaiming the Public Narrative': A fundraising proposal from the American Culture Project Heather Cox Richardson hbomberguy: WOKE BRANDS Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes!
Air Date 6/17/2020
Today we take a look at the uprising sparked by the killing of George Floyd in the context of a world in which that event was just the last straw in an innumerable series of straws.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: A Decade Of Watching Black People Die - Code Switch - Air Date 5-31-20
The last few weeks have been filled with devastating news — stories about the police killing black people. At this point, these calamities feel familiar — so familiar, in fact, that their details have begun to echo each other.
Ch. 2: Tamika Mallory Nationwide Uprising Against State Violence Shows People Have Reached Breaking Point - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-4-20
Tamika Mallory: “At this point, we’re looking at a nation and a world that has decided that what we saw happen on camera … is no longer acceptable... people have taken to the streets to demand change."
Ch. 3: Trevor Speaks Out About the Murder of George Floyd - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-1-20
Trevor discusses the murders of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, the Minneapolis protests, and how racial injustice and police brutality continue to impact black Americans.
Ch. 4: Why The 2020 Anti-Racism Uprisings Feel Different - News Beat - Air Date 6-5-20
A veteran of the 1967 Newark Rebellion discusses George Floyd’s death, the culture of police brutality, and whether today's movement can produce change.
Ch. 5: Structural robbery, mass resistance with William C. Anderson - This Is Hell! - Air Date 6-4-20
Writer William C. Anderson on the real theft in capitalist society and the uprisings against it, and his article "Forget 'Looting.' Capitalism Is the Real Robbery" for Truthout.
Ch. 6: Uprisings Against Police Killings of Black People - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 6-3-20
After a week of protests, the nationwide (and now worldwide) uprising against racism and police killings of Black people in response to the murder of George Floyd continues to grow.
Ch. 7: The thin blue line between looting and standard economics - The Bugle - Air Date 6-6-20
Andy, Hari and Tom react to the protests in the USA.
Ch. 8: "Get Your Knee Off Our Necks" At Memorial for George Floyd, Mourners Condemn 400 Years of Racism - Democracy now - Air Date 6-5-20
We hear the voices of Floyd’s brother Philonise and Reverend Al Sharpton, who urged those gathered “to stand up in George’s name and say, 'Get your knee off our necks!'”
Ch. 9: Protests Sweep Across the Globe - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-9-20
Americans take to the streets in historic numbers to protest police brutality, the demand for books about racism skyrockets, and meaningful police reform catches on.
Ch. 10: This Is Not a Game - In The Thick - Air Date 6-12-20
Maria and Julio get into how race and activism show up in sports - historically and in the current Black Lives Matter movement - with Howard Bryant, a senior writer for ESPN and correspondent for NPR’s Weekend Edition.
Ch. 11: NFL's Roger Goodell We Were Wrong, #BlackLivesMatter - The Young Turks - Air Date 6-5-20
NFL's commissioner has released a statement saying they were wrong to stop protests.
Ch. 12: Amanpour Knows an Uprising When She Sees One - Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 6-9-20
CNN International anchor Christiane Amanpour has seen a lot of unrest around the globe. She says we have to see the George Floyd protests for what they are. An uprising.
Ch. 13: The Racial Justice Uprising in the U.S. is Taking Hold Overseas - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-8-20
Many foreign leaders have condemned the killing of George Floyd, but demonstrators outside of the U.S. are also attempting to call attention to racial injustice within their own borders.
Ch. 14: Protest, Pain & Hope with Karen Attiah - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 6-4-20
Washington Post Global Opinions editor Karen Attiah discusses the ongoing protests sparked by police brutality, legacies of racial violence in America, and the language we use to speak about inequality.
Ch. 15: Roundtable On Police Killings & Global Resistance - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 6-5-20
We look at the international response to the police killing of George Floyd. Countries are now being forced to face their own racism and the inter-relationship between racism and imperialism.
Ch. 16: #DefendBlackLives: Join the #SixNineteen (#Juneteenth) Rallies 6/19-21 Virtually, Locally or in DC via @Mvmnt4BlkLives
Ch. 17: Voices of the uprising - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 6-5-20
Highlighting the voices of protesters
TAKE ACTION
Join The Movement for Black Lives' SixNineteen mobilization: 6/19 (Juneteenth) through 6/21
Visit SixNineteen.com to find events near you, participate virtually, join the D.C. action, or register your own event
Text DEFEND to 90975 to get updates on #SixNineteen and future actions
Follow @Mvmnt4BlkLives and use #DefendBlackLives , #SixNineteen , #BlackLivesMatter ,& #DefundthePolice on Twitter
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
#SIXNINETEEN: Movement For Black Lives Calls For Juneteenth Actions (Essence)
An American Uprising (The New Yorker)
Black Lives Matter Chapters
What Exactly Does It Mean to Defund the Police? (The Cut, NY Magazine)
America, This is Your Chance (NY Times Op-Ed, Michelle Alexander)
Police Erupt in Violence Nationwide (Slate)
Freedom to Thrive: Reimagining Safety & Security in Our Communities (Popular Democracy)
Resources for White People to Learn and Talk About Race and Racism (Fractured Atlas)
A Letter to White People Engaged in Conversations Around the Phrase “Defund The Police” (Medium)
Louisville police release the Breonna Taylor incident report. It's virtually blank (Louisville Courier Journal)
This Is How Hard It Is to Invest in Black Neighborhoods (Bloomberg CityLabs)
Researched and Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
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Air Date 4/03/2021
Today we take a look at the need for reform to our gun laws through the lens of the recent mass shootings. Support for various reform measures reaches as high as 90% approval in the US, making it one of the most stark examples of our broken, unresponsive, undemocratic government.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How The Covid Pandemic Changed Mass Shootings And Gun Violence In America - NBC News NOW - Air Date 3-26-21
NBC News' Jacob Ward takes a look at the impact the coronavirus pandemic had on mass shootings and gun violence to see how those trends might change now that states begin to lift Covid-19 restrictions.
Ch. 2: Now's Not The Time To Fix America's Gun Problem, Says GOP In Familiar Refrain - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert - Air Date 3-23-21
As gun violence flares up once again in this country, Republicans are quick to change the subject while gun apologists roll out their standard response to calls for reform: now is not the time.
Ch. 3: The gun solution we're not talking about - Vox - Air Date 9-11-19
Universal background checks won't fix America's gun crisis. But there's something else that might.
Ch. 4: How Manchin & A Broken Senate Squandered U.S. Will Fair or Gun Reform After Sandy Hook - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 3-24-21
Rachel Maddow looks back on how Joe Manchin, with Pat Toomey, in the wake of the Sandy Hook gun massacre, supplanted President Obama's call for universal background checks
Ch. 5: Guttenberg After Another Mass Shooting: "This Is Not About The Second Amendment" - Deadline - Air Date 3-23-21
Gun safety advocate Fred Guttenberg, who lost his daughter Jamie in the Parkland school shooting, expresses his frustration with the lack of gun safety legislation, and calls to end the hold the NRA has on Republicans.
Ch. 6: Igor Volsky on Ending Gun Violence - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-26-21
This week on CounterSpin: If you look, you can find reminders that the Second Amendment was forged, distressingly, with the aim of preserving “slave patrol” militias in the South. And that courts consistently interpreted it as meaning a “collective” right
Ch. 7: Can You Look At The Carnage Of Gun Violence? - The Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 3-24-21
Could you look at the mangled bodies of Americans murdered by gun violence without demanding that guns stop being so available?
Ch. 8: Ban Assault Weapons Now - Breaking the Sound Barrier by Amy Goodman - Air Date 3-25-21
The massacres in Boulder, Colorado, with ten killed, and in metro Atlanta, with eight killed, are just two more instances of senseless gun violence enabled by the NRA.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: A Look Back at Colorado's History of Mass Shootings - The Takeaway - Air Date 3-26-21
A Look Back at Colorado's History of Mass Shootings This week, a gunman in Boulder, Colorado killed ten people while they were shopping in a local grocery store.
Ch. 10: Why Do People Kill? Lt Joe Kenda Explains The "Killer Triggers" - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 3-23-21
Lt. Joe Kenda (ret.) was a detective with the Colorado Springs Police Department for twenty years. During that time, he solved 356 of the 387 murder cases he investigated.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Maintaining beliefs and cognitive dissonance - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the cognitive biases related to aquiring new information
TAKE ACTION!
March for Our Lives:
MFOL Aid and Alliance - A resource sharing program that will distribute nearly $500k to support anti-violence work led by BIPOC youth organizations and activists on the ground. Directly supporting communities most impacted by gun violence and decentering whiteness in the movement.
MFOL Policy Demands for Biden-Harris Administration
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Violence Against Women Act Runs Into GOP Objections on Guns and Trans Rights (Mother Jones)
$5 Billion For Violence Prevention Is Tucked Into Biden Infrastructure Plan (NPR)
Can New Gun Violence Research Find a Path Around the Political Stalemate? (NY Times)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Young woman holds a sign at a rally that has the crossed-out words "Thoughts and Prayers." Underneath, it says "REFORM."
Credit: "March for Our Lives, NYC" by mathiaswasik, Flickr | License | Changes: cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 3/31/2021
Today we take a look at the history of anti-Asian hate in America dating back to the very first racially discriminatory immigration law, the ramifications of our imperial exploits in the Philippines, the pattern of lynchings, the myth of the "model minority" and the role of White Supremacy to keep everyone in their roles and White people ignorant of it all.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Missing History of Asian America Part 1 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 3-22-21
Helen Zia, author of Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People and other books about the Asian American community. She tells the story of that era’s scapegoating of Asian Americans, and draws a line all the way back to the 18th century.
Ch. 2: The Attacks In Atlanta May Activate Asian Americans Politically - FiveThirtyEight Politics - Air Date 3-22-21
The crew speaks with professors Jane Junn and Karthick Ramakrishnan about the context of the Atlanta attacks and how Asian-American political participation has evolved in recent decades.
Ch. 3: A History of Hate - In The Thick - Air Date 3-23-21
Maria and Julio unpack the root causes that led to this tragedy with Sung Yeon Choimorrow, ED of the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, and Kristine Villaneuva, a journalist and project editor at Resolve Philly’s “Equally Informed” initiative.
Ch. 4: The Missing History of Asian America Part 2 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 3-22-21
Helen Zia, author of Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People and other books about the Asian American community. She tells the story of that era’s scapegoating of Asian Americans, and draws a line all the way back to the 18th century.
Ch. 5: Viet Thanh Nguyen on Roots of Anti-Asian Hate from U.S. Colonialism to Anti-China Political Rhetoric - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-22-21
Anti-Asian hate in the United States is “not anything new,” says Viet Thanh Nguyen, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Vietnamese American writer. “The history of anti-Asian violence in this country goes back to as long as we’ve had Asian immigrants in this country
Ch. 6: Talking About the Atlanta Shooting, Purity Culture, & Anti-Asian American Violence - Worst Year Ever - Air Date 3-24-21
Talking About the Atlanta Shooting, Purity Culture, & Anti-Asian American Violence.
Ch. 7: Take Action to #StopAsianHate & Protect APPI Communities via @StopAAPIHate
Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/activism.
Ch. 8: Reacting to the Atlanta Shootings - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 3-28-21
Imani and Jess talk about the increasing violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, the importance of allyship in its wake, and how racist stereotypes against the AAPI community are also fueling new anti-choice legislation
Ch. 9: A History of Pandemic Xenophobia & Racism - Social Distance - Air Date 3-24-21
Jim and Maeve speak with Alexandre White, a sociologist and medical historian at Johns Hopkins University. He shares his views on how a legacy of prejudice tied to disease should lead us to reexamine how we respond when outbreaks occur.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: The Missing History of Asian America Part 3 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 3-22-21
Arun Venugopal, senior reporter in WNYC’s Race and Justice Unit, shares his reporting on the community in New York City, which has emerged as an epicenter of day to day reports of harassment and violence.
Ch. 11: Talking About the Atlanta Shooting, Purity Culture, & Anti-Asian American Violence Part 2 - Worst Year Ever - Air Date 3-24-21
Talking About the Atlanta Shooting, Purity Culture, & Anti-Asian American Violence
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: Preferring guaranteed jobs and universal social safety net - Craig from Ohio
Ch. 13: Further thoughts on the child tax credit - Rich
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on White Ignorance and White Supremacy
TAKE ACTION
Stop AAPI Hate Calls to Action:
Report an incident of hate
Donate to 40 local U.S. AAPI organizations via Movement Hub
Ask your elected officials what they are doing to combat anti-Asian hate
Advocate for expanded civil rights protections safeguarding Asian Americans and others
Support Ethnic Studies in your local school districts and educational institutions
Support local Asian-owned businesses
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
How to stop the dangerous rise in hatred targeted at Asian Americans (USA Today)
Asian Americans Have Been Attacked, Spat On, and Cursed Out. Activists in the Bay Area Are Bracing for More. (Slate)
A Tense Lunar New Year for the Bay Area After Attacks on Asian-Americans (NY Times)
Hundreds of volunteers are escorting elderly Asian Americans to keep them safe (The Hill)
The history of fetishizing Asian women (Vox)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Three women at a rally against anti-Asian racism. An Asian woman in the middle holds a hand-written cardboard sign that says "We are not the virus. Hate is." Another sign to the right says "Stop Asian Hate."
Credit: "Stop Asian Hate Rally @ Art Gallery" by GoToVan, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, increased brightness &. contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date 3/28/2021
Today we take a look at the progress being made on the effort to reform and defund the police in America as well as the reignited campaign to make society safe for women in the wake of the Sarah Everard murder in the UK.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Austin’s Plan To Defund The Police - In The Loop - Air Date 2-22-21
Another Grim Milestone & Austin’s Plan To Defund The Police
Ch. 2: House Democrats pass sweeping elections bill and major legislation on overhauling police - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 3-4-21
House Democrats passed a landmark bill Wednesday that would expand voting rights and another key piece of legislation on police reform through the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act -- something Democrats have been pushing for since the death of Floyd.
Ch. 3: Can the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act Create a National Standard for Police Need To Know - MTV Impact - Air Date 3-4-21
The House passed the sweeping George Floyd Justice in Policing Act this week. But as long as partisan politics remains the status quo, lawmakers will continue to fail Black Americans. MTV News correspondent Dometi Pongo explains.
Ch. 4: Fight to Pass the George Floyd Act, BREATHE Act, & Take LOCAL Action! - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 5: Republicans Vote Against Protecting Women - The Rational National - Air Date 3-18-21
172 members of the house Republican caucus voted against the renewal of the VAWA.
Ch. 6: The Problem With the Violence Against Women Act; - Ring of Fire Radio - Air Date 3-26-21
This week on Ring of Fire, Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University and Abigail Higgins, a journalist covering inequality health and gender join us to discuss their piece in The Nation.
Ch. 7: Sarah Everard vigil Telegraph columnists explain why they're going - The Telegraph - Air Date 3-12-21
Despite the High Court rejecting a challenge against the police’s ban of Sarah Everard's vigil, Telegraph Columnists Bryony Gordon and Claire Cohen said they will still attend.
Ch. 8: Sarah Everard & Violence Against Women - TyskySour - Air Date 3-12-21
The disappearance and death of Sarah Everard has shone a spotlight on the epidemic of violence against women in Britain, and has provoked an outpouring from women on social media sharing their own experience of harassment, threats and violence
Ch. 9: Why women feel unsafe on Britain's streets - Channel 4 News - Air Date 3-11-21
"We are tired of having to pre-empt possible violence. Of having to risk assess every ordinary action every day, every hour of our lives".
Ch. 10: Sarah Everard's vigil aggressively broken up by London police - CNN UK - Air Date 3-14-21
The British government is calling for an investigation after police aggressively broke up a vigil being held for Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old woman whose alleged murder while walking home in South London has reignited a national debate in Britain
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 11: The Economics of Abolition - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 12-24-20
“Defund the police” became a rallying cry in the summer of 2020 as demonstrators flooded streets across the United States to demand an end to police brutality in the wake of the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd at the hands of the police.
Ch. 12: Into Defunding the LAPD - Into America - Air Date 6-11-20
‘Defund the police’ has become a familiar rallying call at protests across the country. It’s a push to reduce the size of police department budgets, in order to reallocate resources to other parts of the community. And a few cities leaders are listening.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 13: Taking kids from parents and the racism of anti-immigration - Bud from Boise
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on how to report the truth while lying to the high heavens
TAKE ACTION!
Fight to improve & pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
Fight to pass the BREATHE Act (Movement for Black Lives) (BOTL segment from last summer)
Join a local organization or chapter fighting police brutality: some suggestions
Explore the ACLU's FIGHTING POLICE ABUSE: A COMMUNITY ACTION MANUAL
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
George Floyd Justice in Policing Act Explained (Note: Headline updated) (Vox)
Now is the time to revolutionize policing (BREATHE Act) (Vox)
Movement for Black Lives opposes George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (PBS)
Why Police Brutality Is a Public Health Issue (Self)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Memorial for Sarah Everard in the U.K. Photo of a tree in a park with flowers and candles at the base and a sign tied to the trunk that reads "#ReclaimTheseStreets!". A woman with a face mask is bending over to add flowers to the memorial.
Credit: "Vigil for Sarah Everard in Sheffield" by Tim Dennell, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped and increased contrast and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date: 3-26-21
Sign up for a membership to hear the full show!
Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss: - Traumatizing Nick from CA's child - The unfounded universal expertise of engineers - The toxicity and profitability of nostalgia - How the threat of cannibalism disproves slippery slope arguments - Our national return to the normalcy of mass casualty events - Why lefties are getting guns too - The psychology of feeling like our country generally opposes gun reform - Our violent culture - The culture wars - Surviving the future
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes!
Air Date 3/23/2021
Today we take a look at the American Rescue Plan and discuss what it does, where it falls short and whether it could signal the end of an era.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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EPISODE SPONSORS: Unf*cking the Republic
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Biden's 'American Rescue Plan' May Ultimately Be Seen as the End of the Reagan Era Part 1 - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-11-21
President Biden today signed his American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion COVID rescue and relief package that history may someday regard as the long-overdue end of the four-decade old Reagan Era. Zero Republicans in the House or Senate voted for it.
Ch. 2: In Rejection of Austerity, Democrats Push Forward Landmark $1.9 Trillion Relief Package - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-10-21
We speak with economist Stephanie Kelton, author of "The Deficit Myth," about how the bill could help cut child poverty in half and provide a historic economic boost to the poorest people in the United States.
Ch. 3: End of Conservative Era? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 3-15-21
Are we leaving Reagan and Nixon behind for a new FDR era? Is America waking up to the horrors of Reagan and Nixon?
Ch. 4: Biden's 'American Rescue Plan' May Ultimately Be Seen as the End of the Reagan Era Part 2 - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-11-21
President Biden today signed his American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion COVID rescue and relief package that history may someday regard as the long-overdue end of the four-decade old Reagan Era. Zero Republicans in the House or Senate voted for it.
Ch. 5: Help Is On the Way - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 3-12-21
To break down the major income-boosting elements in the ARP Act, and a look at what families can expect to receive in economic relief— Seth Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and a former advisor to President Obama for tax policy.
Ch. 6: The End of Trickle-Down Economics Joe Stiglitz on the "Transformational" $1.9T American Rescue Plan - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-12-21
Biden has signed the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, Democrats are hailing as the largest anti-poverty bill in a generation. “This is transformational,” says economist Joseph Stiglitz. “It says, 'We are actually going to live up to our aspirations"
Ch. 7: What's In Biden's Relief Bill - The Majority Report w Sam Seder - Air Date 3-13-21
Highlighting the change in political philosophy that this relief bill demonstrates as well as understanding the 'stickiness' of good policy that helps people
Ch. 8: Prof. Richard Wolff Imagining a Real American Rescue - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 3-11-21
Prof. Richard Wolff explains that this relief bill is not a giant giveaway, it's a small downpayment on returning what is owed to the poor and working classes for the upward redistribution of wealth over the past 50 years
Ch. 9: Stimulate This Beyotch - Unf*cking the Republic - Air Date 3-19-21
An analysis of the outcome of the relief bill and what it says about our country's ability to govern itself thoughtfully. And alsop swearing.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: No, the relief bill won't cause inflation (with Austan Goolsbee) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 3-9-21
Moderate Democrats and Republicans alike repeated one common criticism—that infusing so much money into the economy would cause inflation. Austan Goolsbee, past Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, explains why those fears are misplaced.
Ch. 11: Prof. Richard Wolff Imagining a Real American Rescue Part 2 - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 3-11-21
Prof. Richard Wolff explains concierge doctors and the privatization of everything.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: Universal earned income benefits - Scott
Ch. 13: No Payments to Families with Children - Rich
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on child welfare programs and perverse incentives
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
The goal is "Improved Medicare for All" and we must keep pushing for it, but if you need help right now, you should know...
NY Times: "The American Rescue Plan [...] would increase government subsidies to health insurers for covering recently laid-off workers and those who purchase their own coverage."
NY Times: "The first step of the federal upgrade should be ready by April 1: Healthcare.gov, where people sign up for insurance in 36 states, will start showing prices that reflect the new policy."
Need Health Insurance? A Guide to New Options Under the Stimulus. (NY Times)
Obamacare’s About to Get a Lot More Affordable. These Maps Show How. (NY Times)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Image Description: In foreground, a gravestone with the words "R.I.P. Reaganism" and in the background, part of a stimulus check from the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Credit: Composite design & text by Amanda Hoffman. Grave image (Pixabay), Stimulus check image (Pixabay)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 3/19/2021
Today we take a look at the decades-old problems with our immigration system, what changes are being made under the new administration, and some of the underlying causes for the massive disfunction we have in addressing the issue.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Biden Eyes Sweeping Immigration Reform Legislation - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 2-18-21
Deputy White House Communications Director Pili Tobar joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss the Biden administration's immigration reform agenda, and how the president plans to get the votes necessary to pass the most comprehensive immigration reform bill in years
Ch. 2: Biden Can't Make Trump's Immigration Cruelty Vanish Overnight - The Mother Jones Podcast - Air Date 2-24-21
Overflowing ICE detention centers. Families separated at the border. A multi-billion-dollar border wall. Over the course of his four-year presidency, Donald Trump used executive power to wage war on the United States’ immigration system
Ch. 3: The First 100: Joy Olson - Only in America with Ali Noorani - Air Date 1-27-21
Among President Biden's immigration actions is a $4 billion four-year plan to address root causes of migration in Central America. But when lawmakers talk about addressing migration's “root causes,” what do they really mean?
Ch. 4: Despite Immigration Pledges, Biden Admin Detains Thousands of Unaccompanied Migrant Children - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-11-21
The Biden administration is struggling to address the flow of migrant children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border without their parents, many fleeing extreme violence, poverty and natural disasters in their home countries
Ch. 5: Biden's Immigration Agenda Tested at the Border - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 3-9-21
With the number of unaccompanied migrant kids in U.S. custody tripling in recent weeks, Florida Immigration Coalition Spokesperson Melissa Taveras joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss the implications for Biden's immigration policy.
Ch. 6: Shut Down Detention Centers: Join the #FirstTen to #CommunitiesNotCages Week of Action, March 22-26 via @DetentionWatch - Best of the Left Activism
Join Detention Watch Network's #FirstTen to #CommunitiesNotCages Week of Action - March 22nd-26th
Ch. 7: The business of immigrant labor w/ Ruth Milkman - This Is Hell! - Air Date 3-10-21
Sociologist Ruth Milkman on the dynamics of immigration law and low-wage work, and her new book "Immigrant Labor and the New Precariat" for Polity Books.
Ch. 8: The Democrats' Long War on Immigrants - Intercepted - Air Date 2-17-21
As Joe Biden took the oath of office this January, Guatemalan security forces at the Honduran border thwarted thousands of U.S.-bound migrants. Decades-long American imperialism has facilitated displacement throughout the region
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: The Democrats' Long War on Immigrants Part 2 - The Intercept - Air Date 2-17-21
Ch. 10: Separating Children: Laura Briggs - Future Hindsight - Air Date 2-18-21
Laura Briggs is the author of Taking Children: A History of American Terror. We discuss the history of child separation for political ends, ranging from the enslaved and Native children, to the children of the poor and Central American refugees.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Biden needs media training but isn't aggressively evil - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the mental drain of media BS and the need for small victories
TAKE ACTION:
Join Detention Watch Network's #FirstTen to #CommunitiesNotCages Week of Action - March 22nd-26th
Follow @DetentionWatch
Support anti-detention state legislation in Maryland, New Mexico, & Washington
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE:
‘Like an Experimental Concentration Camp’: Whistleblower Complaint Alleges Mass Hysterectomies at ICE Detention Center (Law & Crime)
“A SILENT PANDEMIC”: Nurse at ICE Facility Blows the Whistle on Coronavirus Dangers (The Intercept)
COVID-19 Outbreak Reported at Otero County Prison Facility (US News & World Report)
New Report Documents Systemic Abuse at a New Mexico Immigrant Detention Center (Innovation Law Lab)
Thousands of immigrants suffer in solitary confinement in U.S. detention centers (NBC News)
Op-Ed: Why abuse and neglect of immigrants proliferate in ICE detention (LA Times)
A Cage is Still a Cage: President Biden Must End U.S. Detention of Children and Families (TIME)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Image Description: Close up of a protest sign that reads "Immigration is inevitable. Cruelty is optional.' in hand-written, multi-colored lettering. A smaller sign is held in the background that says "END DETENTION."
Credit: "Protesting ICE and Deportation Raids Chicago Illinois 7-13-19_1836" by Charles Edward Miller, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped and increased contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
TAKE ACTION:
Join Detention Watch Network's #FirstTen to #CommunitiesNotCages Week of Action - March 22nd-26th
Follow @DetentionWatch
Support anti-detention state legislation in Maryland, New Mexico, & Washington
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE:
‘Like an Experimental Concentration Camp’: Whistleblower Complaint Alleges Mass Hysterectomies at ICE Detention Center (Law & Crime)
“A SILENT PANDEMIC”: Nurse at ICE Facility Blows the Whistle on Coronavirus Dangers (The Intercept)
COVID-19 Outbreak Reported at Otero County Prison Facility (US News & World Report)
New Report Documents Systemic Abuse at a New Mexico Immigrant Detention Center (Innovation Law Lab)
Thousands of immigrants suffer in solitary confinement in U.S. detention centers (NBC News)
Op-Ed: Why abuse and neglect of immigrants proliferate in ICE detention (LA Times)
A Cage is Still a Cage: President Biden Must End U.S. Detention of Children and Families (TIME)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
Air Date 7/30/2019
Today we take a look at the ongoing debate about socialism between socialists and non-socialists alike, including discussion of tactical strategies on where to set our goals and how to get from here to there
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
MEMBERSHIP (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: John Nichols on Bernie and Socialism - Start Making Sense - Air Date 6-19-19
Bernie Sanders gave an important speech on socialism last week, and our John Nichols spoke with him about it -- beforehand.
Ch. 2: Astra Taylor on Socialism, Democracy and Liberalism - Jacobin Radio The Dig with Daniel Denvir - Air Date 7-5-19
Socialism has grown a lot because of demonization. The Left has a war to lose - left policies are the direction of progress and the world is leaning that way - but without proper education and fighting it will take a lot longer.
Ch. 3: Democratic Socialists and President Bernie with Meagan Day - This Is Hell with Chuck Mertz - Air Date 3-13-19
In the long run, democratic socialism wants to end capitalism - to empower working people. It's not just New Deal liberals - its pushing further. Massive momentum is on the Democratic Socialist side and collective action will win.
Ch. 4: David Harvey On The Limits of Social Democracy and of the Welfare State - The Real News - Air Date 7-8-19
The main alternative to neoliberalism is the proposed renewal of social democracy, such as in the form of Bernie Sanders' proposals. But to move forward we need to discuss the limits of a welfare state that ultimately does not change class relations
Ch. 5: Why Bernie Talks About the New Deal with Seth Ackerman - Jacobin Radio - The Vast Majority with Micah Uetricht - Air Date 6-25-19
Was the New Deal socialist? Yes and no. Bernie is pointing to the central model of most democratic socialist-style governments - he points to the good policies of democratic socialism instead of strict definitions.
Ch. 6: Democratic Socialism and How We Can Get There with Richard Wolff - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 6-15-19
Bernie's solutions, while admirable and helpful, are merely reforms of a fundamentally broken and contradictory system. Reforms set us up for inevitable roll-back by the powerful as we've seen since FDR.
Ch. 7: Bhaskar Sunkara on the possibilities of socialism in America - This is Hell - Air Date 5-21-19
Bhaskar Sunkara explores a path to socialism in America - as capitalism collapses and pulls politics towards the right, the promise of a worker-driven, democratic society built on equality and justice can be won by a broad, working-class movement
Ch. 8: Bernie Sanders Speech Connects Democratic Socialism with the New Deal - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 6-22-19
Bernie is calling out the massive power disparities in the US and what policies we can work towards - an Economic Bill of Rights.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Fighting climate change means fighting capitalism - Jesse from Boston
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the connection between political debates and parenting advice
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Over the Fence - Delray
- Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
- PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
- The Rampart - Castle Danger
- Wingspan - Bayou Birds
- Stale Case - Darby
- Turning - Lathe
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
Lorie Shaull , Flickr | License
(Modifications: Cropped)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 3/12/2021
Today we take a look at the multiple tactics being implemented in an attempt to undermine the entire concept of democracy because adhering to the will of the majority and allowing for unfettered protests is currently working to the distinct disadvantage of the Republican Party. Most people see the right to vote and to protest as foundational to a functioning democracy, others see them as impediments to their divine right to rule.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Guest Sarah Repucci of Freedom House on 'democracy under siege' Part 1 - The Bradcast w Brad Friedman - Air Date 3-8-21
Sarah Repucci explains the factors that have helped drive the grim decline in freedoms and democracy in the U.S. and other areas of the world in recent years, which countries are most at risk and why the United States has dropped in the rankings.
Ch. 2: Republicans Launch 253 Voter Suppression Bills - David Pakman Show - Air Date 3-2-21
Republicans launch 253 voter suppression bills across the country, realizing they didn't suppress enough votes in the 2020 election.
Ch. 3: The coming anti-protest laws w/ Alleen Brown + Akela Lacy Part 1 - This is Hell! - Air Date 2-12-21
Journalists Alleen Brown and Akela Lacy on their report "State Legislatures Make “Unprecedented” Push on Anti-Protest Bills" for The Intercept, and in a Moment of Truth, Jeff Dorchen empathizes with savages and samurai.
Ch. 4: RED ALERT: Anti-Protest Bills Popping Up Everywhere - David Pakman Show - Air Date 8-19-20
Anti-protest bills of all kinds are popping up in numerous states across the United States.
Ch. 5: The coming anti-protest laws w/ Alleen Brown + Akela Lacy Part 2 - This is Hell! - Air Date 2-12-21
Ch. 6: Ari Berman on the Attack on Voting Rights - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-12-21
Do elite media think that whether or not the US, in 2021, under pressure from racists, goes back on the whole “one person one vote” thing is a legitimate topic for debate?
Ch. 7: A New Form of Jim Crow: Ari Berman on the GOP's Anti-Democratic Assault on Voting Rights - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-2-21
Across the U.S., Republican lawmakers have introduced more than 250 bills in 43 states aimed at restricting voting access. Ari Berman, author and reporter for Mother Jones, says Republicans are “breaking democracy” with their push to restrict voting.
Ch. 8: The Architect of The For The People Act (H.R. 1) Part 1 - Another Way, by Lawrence Lessig - Air Date 1-28-21
Larry Lessig speaks with Representative John Sarbanes, the architect of the For The People Act (H.R. 1). The two dive into the provisions of this critically important piece of legislation to fix our democracy and what to expect in the months ahead.
Ch. 9: Fight GOP Voter Suppression Laws - Best of the Left Activism
Stand up against efforts to suppress the vote and subvert our democracy!
Ch. 10: Democracy Strikes Back 'For the People' v. For the GOP Fraudsters Part 1 - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-4-21
Democracy strikes back against the anti-democracy GOP, because every democracy story these days includes Republican fraud or attempted voter suppression. House Democrats passed H.R.1 -- the 'For the People Act' -- with zero Republican votes.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 11: Guest Sarah Repucci of Freedom House on 'democracy under siege' Part 2 - The Bradcast w Brad Friedman - Air Date 3-8-21
Sarah Repucci explains the factors that have helped drive the grim decline in freedoms and democracy in the U.S. and other areas of the world in recent years, which countries are most at risk and why the United States has dropped in the rankings.
Ch. 12: The Architect of The For The People Act (H.R. 1) Part 2 - Another Way, by Lawrence Lessig - Air Date 1-28-21
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 13: Critiquing charitable giving - Maureen from Boston
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on the deep humanity of patronizing patriotism
TAKE ACTION!
Learn about H.R. 1 & H.R. 4
Common Cause H.R. 1 Campaign - Text & Phonebank & Resources
Demand Elimination of the Filibuster
Follow Your State Legislature & Contact State Reps, Senators and Governor
Support Opponents of Suppressionists in Public Office
Vote Riders - Help Fight Suppression & Help Voters Get IDs They Need
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
For the People Act Is Needed to Stop New GOP Voter Suppression Bills (Teen Vogue)
Annotated Guide to the For the People Act of 2021 (Brennan Center for Justice)
How to Restore and Strengthen the Voting Rights Act (Brennan Center for Justice)
Blue States Suppress the Vote, Too (The New Republic)
Republicans Are Taking Their Voter Suppression Efforts to New Extremes (Mother Jones)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Circular protest sign held in the air by a pair of hands with the words "Voting is a Human Right. Stand for Freedom. Join the Fight!"
Credits: "December 10 march for voting rights" (2011) by Michael Fleshman (Flickr) | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 3/9/2021
Today we take a look at the current goings on around the world regarding our foreign policy under the new but not-so-new-feeling leadership of Joe Biden. We check in on Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and a couple of assorted arms sales to authoritarian leaders who support our foreign policy.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Biden Administration Should Strike a Deal with Iran - World Class - Air Date 2-18-21
Abbas Milani — an expert on U.S.-Iran relations — discusses the Iranian economy, the future of Iran’s leadership, and what a potential nuclear deal could mean for the U.S.
Ch. 2: Biden "Illegally" Bombs Iranian-Backed Militias in Syria, Jeopardizing Nuclear Talks with Tehran - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-1-21
The Biden administration is facing intense criticism from U.S. progressives after carrying out airstrikes on eastern Syria said to be targeting Iranian-backed militia groups.
Ch. 3: Biden's First Act Of War Hits 3 Countries - Empire Files - Air Date 3-3-21
Biden's Feb. 26 strike in Syria was a crime, and risks major war with three countries. Abby Martin explains.
Ch. 4: Whither the Antiwar Left - Empire Has No Clothes - Air Date 2-25-21
This week on Empire Has No Clothes, Kelley, Dan, and I discussed the war in Afghanistan and why it's lost. We also talked with journalist James Carden about the state of the antiwar left and whether Joe Biden might do some good on foreign policy.
Ch. 5: What's Next For The War In Afghanistan - NPR Fresh Air - Air Date 3-4-21
America's 19-year war in Afghanistan may soon be coming to an end. The Trump administration negotiated a deal with the Taliban, in which the U.S. agreed to withdraw all its troops by May 1. But the Afghan government was not included in those talks.
Ch. 6: Can Joe Biden Save Yemen - Empire Has No Clothes - Air Date 2-11-21
This week on Empire Has No Clothes, Kelley, Dan, and I discussed Joe Biden's announcement that he would withdraw all American support for the war in Yemen.
Ch. 7: Did Jen Psaki Just Confirm That Biden's Afraid of MBS - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 3-4-21
Joe Biden once vowed to hold Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Now, it looks like he's letting him off the hook. Emma Vigeland and the Majority Report crew discuss this.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The future of the US-Saudi relationship (ft. Sen. Chris Murphy) - Worldly - Air Date 3-4-21
Zack, Jenn, and Alex debate whether the US should continue to treat Saudi Arabia as a close partner given its atrocious human rights abuses and the declining US dependence on Middle Eastern oil.
Ch. 9: Biden Sells Missiles to Fascists + US Base Destroys Ancient Coral Reef - Empire Files - Air Date 2-19-21
Abby Martin covers Biden's first arms deals to major human rights abusers Chile & Egypt; another US military base in Okinawa, opposed by majority of residents, threatens unique biodiversity; militia puts US at crossroads of a new Iraq war
Ch. 10: Can Biden remake Trump's Middle East - The Bunker - Air Date 11-25-20
From Israel to Iran, Donald Trump thought he could reset the Middle East. His fixation on the region defined the last four years of US foreign policy. But what will Biden’s presidency mean for America and the Middle East?
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Introduction to our caste system - Roy from Washington State
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on Biden attempting to talk about Afghanistan and China
BONUS CLIPS:
CNN Official interview Joe Biden on Afghanistan 'Making progress' - CNN - Air Date 11-28-10
What Biden Said About Uyghurs - CNN Presidential Town Hall
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Image Description: Close up photo of the words "War is Peace" on the page of the book "1984".
Credit: "War is Peace" by Mark Hillary | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
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Air Date 3/6/2021
Today we take a look at the origins of race and the building of a caste system in the US based largely on the lessons from Isabel Wilkerson, author of "Caste: The Origins of our Discontent"
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: John Biewen: The lie that invented racism - TED - Air Date 11-1-20
To understand and eradicate racist thinking, start at the beginning. That's what journalist and documentarian John Biewen did, leading to a trove of surprising and thought-provoking information on the "origins" of race.
Ch. 2: Made in America (Seeing White, Part 3) - Scene on Radio - Air Date 3-16-17
Chattel slavery in the US, with its distinctive · and strikingly cruel · laws and structures, took shape over many decades in colonial America. The innovations that built American slavery are inseparable from the construction of Whiteness as we know it.
Ch. 3: The Invention of Race - Throughline - Air Date 11-19-20
During a time when race-based science and the eugenics movement were becoming mainstream, anthropologist Franz Boas actively sought to prove that race was a social construct, not a biological fact.
Ch. 4: Caste in America with Isabel Wilkerson - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-11-20
Does the United States have a caste system? In her research on the Jim Crow South, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist/author Isabel Wilkerson found that the word ·racism· fell far short in capturing the depth and totality of oppression people existed under
Ch. 5: It's More Than Racism Isabel Wilkerson Explains America's 'Caste' System - Fresh Air - Air Date 8-4-20
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson says racism is an insufficient term for the systemic oppression of Black people in America. Instead, she prefers to refer to America as having a "caste" system.
Ch. 6: “Theodore W. Allen -- Theses on ‘The Invention of the White Race’ and Lessons from Three Crises” - Jeffrey B. Perry - Air Date 12-18-14
This brief video presents three of Theodore W. Allen’s theses related to the invention of the “white race” and his important analysis of the white supremacy’s role in beating back struggles from below in three great crises in U.S. history.
Ch. 7: Isabel Wilkerson wants to change how we understand race in America - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 8-24-20
A new way of thinking about race and class with Isabel Wilkerson.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 8: The Invention of Race Part 2 - Throughline - Air Date 11-19-20
During a time when race-based science and the eugenics movement were becoming mainstream, anthropologist Franz Boas actively sought to prove that race was a social construct, not a biological fact.
Ch. 9: It's More Than Racism Isabel Wilkerson Explains America's 'Caste' System Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 8-4-20
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson says racism is an insufficient term for the systemic oppression of Black people in America. Instead, she prefers to refer to America as having a "caste" system.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Thoughts on the bonus material - Kim from Montana
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments
TAKE ACTION!
Fight for $15 in the Senate: 202-224-3121 (voice) or 202-224-3091 (tty)
Fight for H.R. 1 - For the People Act in the Senate: 202-224-3121 (voice) or 202-224-3091 (tty)
Fight for George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in the Senate: 202-224-3121 (voice) or 202-224-3091 (tty)
Fight to pass the BREATHE Act (read our activism segment): Email members of Congress and more
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Description: Black chalkboard background with the word "CASTE" written in white
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date 6/21/2019
Today we take a look at the ways that Native Peoples are represented in white society and pop culture, how some are working to take back their own narratives and some insight into the profound effects, both positive and negative, of how peoples are represented.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Opinion polls about offense and the Redskins football team - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 5-27-16
The Washington Post conducts a flawed survey resulting in a misleading conclusion that most native peoples don't consider Redskins to be an offensive term
Ch. 2: The toxic mix of racist representation and misogynistic disregard for women - Let's Talk Native... with John Kane - Air Date 2-14-19
Racist representation of native peoples in sports and culture supports the anti-native sentiment that drives the MMIWG epidemic
Ch. 3: A Native perspective for museums - Native America Calling - Air Date 4-9-19
Native peoples have had their stories told form them by white people for centuries, working in museums and cultural centers create the opportunities to tell their own stories
Ch. 4: Spirit Animal Native Appropriation - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 5-18-17
W Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu step in a pile of native cultural appropriation and then slowly, messily wade their way out of it
Ch. 5: Hawaiian Indigeneity and the theft of Aloha with W. Gerry Ebalaroza - Breakdances With Wolves - Air Date 8-21-18
Discussing cultural appropriation in many forms including the legal trademarking of one of the terms most central to native Hawaiian culture, Aloha
Ch. 6: 'Reel' Indians and the invention of Hollywood Indian English - Backstory - Air Date 11-22-14
A history lesson on the Hollywood creation of all of the stereotypes we reflexively think of when we think about how native peoples speak
Ch. 7: On Native American Loss and Triumph - On the Media - Air Date 10-5-18
David Treuer discusses the means by which Indians have been fighting for social and political change for centuries.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Changed my mind in favor of impeachment - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the Canadian TV show “First Contact” and what it teaches us about how people do and don’t change their mind
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
NativeAppropriations.com
Native American imagery is all around us, while the people are often forgotten (National Geographic)
The Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Epidemic Is Inseparable From Native Appropriation(Bustle)
‘It’s called a genocide’: Gavin Newsom apologizes to California’s Native Americans (San Francisco Chronicle)
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Turning to You - Landsman Duets
- Vibrant Canopy - Origami
- Homegrown - The Pine Barrens
- Wingspan - Bayou Birds
- Interlude - The Nocturne
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more
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Air Date 2/27/2021
Today we take a look at the climate-fueled disaster in Texas from almost every angle; from the strictly scientific to the purely political and all of the disaster capitalism in between.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why on Earth are Winters Getting Worse if the Planet is Getting Warmer - Weathered - Air Date 2-1-21
Weathered is a show hosted by meteorologist Maiya May and produced by Balance Media that helps explain the most common natural disasters, what causes them, how they’re changing, and what we can do to prepare.
Ch. 2: Power Outages Becomes Propaganda Nexus - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 2-17-21
Many Republicans, including Tucker Carlson, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and others, falsely claim that the Texas power outages are a direct result of Texas being too reliant on "unreliable" wind power
Ch. 3: Chris Hayes To Ted Cruz: Governance Is Not Just ‘Performative Trolling’ - All In - Air Date 2-18-21
There are a million things that a senator can do in the middle of a disaster, none of which interests a politician like Ted Cruz, who sees himself as basically Rush Limbaugh with a Senate office
Ch. 4: Failed State Texas Power Grid Collapse Impacts Millions. Black & Brown Communities Are Worst Hit - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-18-21
Millions of people in Texas were plunged into freezing cold and darkness as a major winter storm overwhelmed the state's power grid. More than 12 million Texans face water disruptions and have been ordered to boil tap water for safe consumption
Ch. 5: Fossil Fuel Shock Doctrine: Naomi Klein on Deadly Deregulation & Why Texas Needs the Green New Deal - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-22-21
Naomi Klein, senior correspondent at The Intercept and a professor at Rutgers University, says Republicans’ reaction is “because of panic” over their own culpability.
Ch. 6: Adapting and Moving in a Warming World, with Beth Gibbons and Dr. Jola Ajibade - Warm Regards - Air Date 2-8-21
This episode of Warm Regards focuses on two more facets of decision making based on data about how the climate is changing.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: How to Prepare for Climate Change Part 1 - Strange Days with Fernand Amandi - Air Date 2-5-21
Ch. 8: How to Prepare for Climate Change Part 2 - Strange Days with Fernand Amandi - Air Date 2-5-21
Ready for the coming impact of climate change? Fear not as CBS Sunday science expert David Pogue tells #StrangeDaysPodcast how to get ready + Frank Schaeffer warns how radicalized evangelical Christians threaten Biden’s agenda & democracy.
Ch. 9: Tara Houska and Ruth Breech on Divesting from Toxic Capitalism - For The Wild - Air Date 8-21-19
Climate disaster is unfolding before our eyes every day, and yet banks have poured $1.9 trillion into maintaining and expanding the fossil fuel industry since the Paris Agreement was adopted.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: The divide is more religious than political - V from Central New York
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on cancel culture
Article: Right-wing media helped usher in the age of “cancel culture,” but now pretend it's an invention of the left
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 6/28/2019
Today we take a look at the ways that extreme inequality and many of the worst instincts and repercussions of capitalism are being upheld and perpetuated by our culture of philanthropy. It turns out that what we see as the rich giving back is really more of a purchase on their part, a purchase of our acceptance of inequality and the right of the wealthy to rule.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Gilded Rage - Future Perfect - Air Date 5-21-19
To put our new age of extreme inequality in perspective, we look back at Andrew Carnegie, who gave America a huge number of libraries so they’d forgive him for his brutal steel mills. We ask: Is the same thing happening in 2019?
Ch. 2: Anand Giridharadas: Winners take all Part 1 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 9-27-18
Anand Giridharadas, author of Winners Take All, on the win-win business- and plutocrat-friendly philanthropy of today’s nouveau riche.
Ch. 3: Rob Reich: Is big philanthropy destroying democracy? - Tiny Spark - Air Date 11-7-18
Stanford professor Rob Reich’s new book Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better investigates how charity can undermine democratic values and explores the ways federal policies help to facilitate greater inequality.
Ch. 4: Could billionaires solve global poverty? - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-25-19
Time editor at large, Anand Giridharadas, discusses whether billionaires can put an end to global poverty if they had the will to do so, and talks about his recent book, Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World
Ch. 5: Rob Reich on whether philanthropy is bad for democracy - Rationally Speaking - Air Date 11-12-18
This episode features political scientist Rob Reich, author of "Just Giving: Why Philanthropy is Failing Democracy, and How it Can Do Better". Does it deserve to be tax-deductible? And do philanthropists have too much power in society?
Ch. 6: Anand Giridharadas: Winners take all Part 2 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 9-27-18
Anand Giridharadas, author of Winners Take All, on the win-win business- and plutocrat-friendly philanthropy of today’s nouveau riche.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 7: Inequality is the #1 issue - James from Sacramento, CA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on covering inequality and presenting a bonus clip on two manifestations of racism
BONUS CLIP: Myths of the ruling class with Anand Giridharadas - Why is this happening? - Air Date 10-8-18
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Gullwing Sailor - Migration
- Felt Lining - The Cabinetmaker
- Slow Lane Lover - Barstool
- Gondola Blue - Towboat
- The Back Lot - Sunday at Slims
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date 2/20/2021
Today we take a look at the fight to create and maintain workable and humane economic and social floors, beneath which people are not allowed to fall. The fetishization of market forces embraced by decades of neoliberals and weaponized by authoritarians have left millions desperate for basic standards. To draw the connection, we look at the protests by Indian farmers against proposed deregulation and the fight for $15 in the US.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Your four talking points for $15-an-Hour minimum wage - Working Life Podcast - Air Date 2-17-21
Right before our eyes, in these very days and at this time of crisis, you can see so clearly this bankrupt system, defended and promoted by greedy CEOs and spineless politicians, but a system people are trying to rebel against and take down.
Ch. 2: Inside the Raise the Wage Act, with EPI's David Cooper Part 1 - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 1-30-21
Rebecca sits down with the Economic Policy Institute's David Cooper for a deep dive into Democrats' Raise the Wage Act, which would raise the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2025.
Ch. 3: What’s the deal with the CBO report? Part 1 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 2-12-21
The big news in the minimum wage world this week is the new CBO report—which, among many benefits, also found that a $15 federal minimum wage would cost jobs, increase the deficit, and raise prices. Goldy and Paul explain how CBO arrived at their numbers.
Ch. 4: Inside the Raise the Wage Act, with EPI's David Cooper Part 2 - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 1-30-21
Rebecca sits down with the Economic Policy Institute's David Cooper for a deep dive into Democrats' Raise the Wage Act, which would raise the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2025.
Ch. 5: Modi’s “Arrogance of Power” and the Indian Farmers’ Protests with Rana Ayyub - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-16-21
This week, journalist and Washington Post columnist, Rana Ayyub, joins to discuss the protest movement and how Modi·s reaction to it fits his pattern of illiberalism and nationalism that marches India away from democracy.
Ch. 6: Indian Farmers Lead Historic Strike & Protests Against Narendra Modi, Neoliberalism & Inequality - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-3-20
P. Sainath, an Indian journalist and the founder of People’s Archive of Rural India, or PARI, who describes why working-class Indians are standing up against “absolutely vicious” new rules that were rammed through Parliament, and show no sign of stopping.
Ch. 7: All walls must fall w/Harsha Walia - The Red Nation Podcast - Air Date 2-15-21
Harsha Walia discusses her new book, Border and Rule: Global Migration, Capitalism, and the Rise of Racist Nationalism, the Indian farmers' movement, and how she became an organizer.
Ch. 8: Prof. Richard Wolff: India's Historic General Strike - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 12-4-2020
Professor Richard Wolff joins RJ Eskow to discuss the historic strike taking place in India and possible influence on other countries.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: What’s the deal with the CBO report? Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 2-12-21
The big news in the minimum wage world this week is the new CBO report—which, among many benefits, also found that a $15 federal minimum wage would cost jobs, increase the deficit, and raise prices. Goldy and Paul explain how CBO arrived at their numbers.
Ch. 10: Amazon Workers Organize! - Working Life Podcast - Air Date 2-10-21
Thousands of workers are trying to get a union at Amazon's huge warehouse in Bessemer Alabama. The ballots have just been mailed and we get an update on the organizing campaign from a good friend of the show Dave Mertz
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the results of our disinformation headline contest
TAKE ACTION!
Call Your Senators to Pass a $15 Federal Minimum Wage: 888-639-5155
Stay engaged with @fightfor15 & #fightfor15 on Twitter
Tell Sen. Joe Manchin how you feel, too!
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
The Fight for a $15 Minimum Wage Is Our Selma (Time, Op-Ed)
Sanders confident of raising minimum wage as part of $1.9tn Covid package (The Guardian)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Image Description: Image of a young Black woman holding sign that says "Fighting for $15" next to an image of a young Indian man holding a sign that says "If you ate today, thank a farmer".
Composite Design by Amanda Hoffman. Images include: “FightFor15-1330695 - #Fightfor15 Protest in Pittsburgh, PA - April 2015” by Mark Dixon, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped and rotated and “052 Indian Farmers Protest” by Felton Davis, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, enhanced brightness and contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 2/16/2021
Today we take a look at the competing histories fighting for dominance in the minds of Americans; the mythologized and romanticized history as represented by the "patriotic" framing of history from the 1776 Commission report and the much more fact-based approach that doesn't skirt the issue of race from the 1619 Project.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The 400 Year Legacy with Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ibram X. Kendi - Why Is This Happening with Chris Hayes - Air Date 12-6-19
Nikole Hannah-Jones, the architect behind "The 1619 Project," and Ibram X. Kendi, author of “How To Be an Antiracist,” joined Chris Hayes to examine the 400 year legacy of slavery in America.
Ch. 2: With Hours Left in Office, Trump White House Tries to Rewrite U.S. History - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 1-19-21
Prof. Eddie Glaude Jr. joins Mehdi Hasan to explain why the Trump administration's 1776 Report is an attempt to stoke a culture war via historical nonsense.
Ch. 3: Eric Foner on The 1619 Project - Start Making Sense - Air Date 11-21-19
Historian Eric Foner talks about The New York Times’ “1619 Project,” which argues that the legacy of slavery is central to all of the American past and present—including the White House today.
Ch. 4: The 1776 Report - Past Present - Air Date 1-26-21
In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss ·The 1776 Report· issued by the outgoing Trump administration.
Ch. 5: The Original Sin of 1619 - In The Thick - Air Date 8-20-19
Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones led a team of black journalists, writers and poets to create The 1619 Project, a deep and thoughtful look into the 400th anniversary of the beginning of slavery in this country. But a lot of the response has been predictable
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 6: Midnight in the Garden of American Heroes - Know Your Enemy - Air Date 2-11-21
Matt and Sam explain West Coast Straussianism, the school of thought behind one of the last acts of the Trump administration: its publication of the "1776 Report," the Right's shabby response to the 1619 Project and blueprint for the American Founding
Ch. 7: Adolph Reed Critiques The 1619 Project - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 5-14-20
Adolph Reed talks about the 1619 project through the lens of anti-essentialism.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Proper attribution for vaccines - Dr. Gay
Ch. 9: Financial health of the show? - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on framing vaccine manufacturers properly
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 2/13/2021
Today we take a look at the fallout from the January 6th insurrection, the case for impeachment and/or punishment for every single person involved and discussions for why this process is so important to the stability of the country.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: AOC shares harrowing personal story from January 6th attack - The BradCast - Air Date 2-2-21
AOC relates her experience in the capitol and explains why the enablers of the insurrection total lack of remorse is a problem.
Ch. 2: We Can't Just "Move On": AOC & Rashida Tlaib Demand Accountability for Deadly Capitol Attack - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-5-21
We air excerpts from speeches by Democratic Congressmembers Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. "Some are already demanding that we move on or, worse, attempting to minimize, discredit or belittle the accounts of survivors"
Ch. 3: Rep. Cori Bush Denounces White Supremacist Violence from the Capitol Insurrection to Ferguson - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-8-21
With former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial set to begin in the Senate this week, we feature the speech Democratic Congressmember Cori Bush of Missouri made Thursday on the floor of the House of Representatives to demand accountability for the
Ch. 4: Dem House Managers submit pre-Impeachment Trial briefs - The BradCast - Air Date 2-2-21
House Democrats submit their pre-trial filings, detailing a graphic, detailed, painstakingly-documented argument for Trump's conviction for inciting the insurrection. Trump's lawyers filed a largely limp legal brief in response, filled with false claims.
Ch. 5: New Audio From The Insurrection And What It Could Mean For Impeachment - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 2-11-21
Elie Honig, CNN legal analyst and host of the CAFE daily impeachment podcast Third Degree, talks about the ongoing Senate impeachment trial of former president Donald Trump.
Ch. 6: Prosecute the Insurrectionists—All of Them: Elie Mystal on Storming the Capitol - Start Making Sense - Air Date 2-3-21
Eight hundred people stormed the Capitol building on January 6, but fewer than 200 have been charged with crimes. Why so few? Elie Mystal, The Nation's Justice correspondent, says every one of the 800 committed crimes that day and should be prosecuted.
Ch. 7: Life After Fascism: A Brief History - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 1-21-21
Timothy Snyder, professor of history at Yale University and a permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna, offers historical context for the attack on our democracy.
Ch. 8: The “Healing” Con: How Warm and Fuzzy Appeals for "Unity" Are Used to Protect Power - Citations Needed - Air Date 1-20-21
Healing, On its face these concepts sound fine enough: after all, who doesn't like peace? Unity sounds great! But in the majority of political contexts, these warm and fuzzy buzzwords rush past the work of justice and reparations.
Ch. 9: GOP Senators Want to "Move On" from Trump's Second Impeachment Trial - Late Night with Seth Meyers - Air Date 2-8-21
Seth takes a closer look at former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial being a chance to hold Trump accountable for his crimes and to shine a national spotlight on the decay of the GOP and our democratic institutions.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene - Past Present - Air Date 2-9-21
In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the controversial tenure of freshman Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Ch. 11: Incitement - What Trump Can Teach Us About Con Law - Air Date 1-30-21
With the trial looming, we look at whether Trump has a good argument against the charge he incited a riot on Capitol Hill, and whether or not it's constitutional to impeach someone after they leave office.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on a new game I just invented
Game Headlines:
Biden to Begin Allowing Asylum Seekers Waiting in Mexico to Enter U.S.
Biden to Rescind Medicaid Work Requirements
Biden administration launches review aimed at closing Guantanamo prison
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Composite by Amanda Hoffman. Image Includes: "Donald Trump" by Gage Skidmore on Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped/blurred with red overlay and "Hats" by Tyler Merbler on Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped with red overlay
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 2/10/2021
Today we take a look at the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in the US and around the world. Between White and Black in the US, Israeli and Palestinian in Israel and the Global North and Global South broadly, the legacies of colonialism and racism predictably play themselves out.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Elisabeth Rosenthal on Troubled Vaccine Rollout - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-15-21
Many could and did predict that the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine would be marred by the Trump administration being the Trump administration, and the hollowing out of public health infrastructure.
Ch. 2: The Perils of Pandemic Doomsaying (and Other Covid Messaging Mix-Ups) - On the Media - Air Date 1-29-21
Zeynep Tufecki [@zeynep], associate professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, explains why public health officials send mixed messages on everything from masks to variants.
Ch. 3: Racial Disparities Already Taking Shape In Covid Vaccination Rates - MSNBC - Air Date 2-6-21
Rachel Maddow looks at how even though people of color suffer disproportionately more from Covid-19, vaccination statistics are already showing disproportionately fewer people of color being inoculated
Ch. 4: A Pastor's Plight to Address Vaccine Skepticism in Black Communities - On the Media - Air Date 12-4-20
The Rev. Paul Abernathy on his work addressing vaccine skepticism in Black communities, starting by earning trust and recruiting vaccine trial volunteers in predominantly Black neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.
Ch. 5: "Medical Apartheid" - Israeli Vaccine Drive Excludes Millions of Palestinians in Occupied Territories - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-5-21
"Israel actually is violating international law because it is denying its responsibility as an occupying power," says Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, member of the Palestinian Parliament "Israelis are getting the vaccines, and Palestinians are getting nothing."
Ch. 6: Vaccine Apartheid: US Media's Uncritical Adoption of Racist "Intellectual Property" Dogma Part 1 - Citations Needed - Air Date 1-27-21
As COVID-19 raged and pharmaceutical companies raced to develop a vaccine, Western media routinely asserted the premise that vaccine 'intellectual property' is a zero-sum possession that's been 'stolen' by malicious foreign actors & blackmarket criminals.
Ch. 7: Who Owns the COVID-19 Vaccines? - On the Media - Air Date 1-29-21
Dean Baker [@DeanBaker13], senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, on why intellectual property may be getting in the way of vaccine distribution.
Ch. 8: Vaccine Apartheid: US Media's Uncritical Adoption of Racist "Intellectual Property" Dogma Part 2 - Citations Needed - Air Date 1-27-21
As COVID-19 raged and pharmaceutical companies raced to develop a vaccine, Western media routinely asserted the premise that vaccine 'intellectual property' is a zero-sum possession that's been 'stolen' by malicious foreign actors & blackmarket criminals.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Vaccine Priorities: Politics and Ethics. Gregg Gonsalves on Covid-19 - Start Making Sense - Air Date 12-30-20
Vaccine priorities: political and ethical questions about who comes first, after health care workers. Gregg Gonsalves considers the arguments.
Ch. 10: "A Moral Catastrophe": Africa CDC Head Says Lack of Vaccines for the Continent Will Imperil World - Democracy Now! - Air Date 2-5-21
40+ African countries have been hit by second wave, and just six have received relatively small vaccine shipments. John Nkengasong, director of the Africa CDC and Prevention, says the world faces "a moral catastrophe" without vaccine equity.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Thoughts on "moral panic" - Christina
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on corporations resisting reasonable regulation to avoid setting precedents
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 2/5/2021
Today we take a look at the role that social media plays in the radicalization of discontented communities and engage in the debate over content moderation and de-platforming of individuals.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Why everyone hates Big Tech, with The Verge's Nilay Patel - The Weeds - Air Date 7-19-19
Verge editor-in-chief and Vergecast host Nilay Patel joins Matt in this special crossover episode to explain what Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which allows platforms to circumnavigate liability for user content, really means.
Ch. 2: Let’s Break Up Facebook, Google, Amazon - Newsbroke - Air Date 1-30-21
Trump has been removed from the nation’s capital and the nation’s social media feeds. And while it was fun to watch him and other far-right accounts “getting owned” by Twitter, Facebook, Google and other platforms, it does pose an important question
Ch. 3: Solving the Facebook Problem at Home and Abroad - On The Media - Air Date 5-22-19
When former Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes penned a New York Times op-ed calling for the breakup of the platform, he was lauded by anti-corporate politicians and the press. Then came a series of hard questions
Ch. 4: Zephyr Teachout on "Break 'Em Up" - Off-Kilter - Air Date 8-4-20
Rebecca talks to Zephyr Teachout about her new book "Break 'Em Up: Recovering our Freedom from Big Tech, Big Ag, and Big Money" and why we need an antitrust movement for our time.
Ch. 5: ADL International Leadership Award Presented to Sacha Baron Cohen - Anti-Defamation League - Air Date 11-21-19
Sacha Baron Cohen is the well-deserved recipient of ADL’s International Leadership Award, which goes to exceptional individuals who combine professional success with a profound personal commitment to community involvement and to crossing borders
Ch. 6: Joan Donovan on how platforms enabled the capital hill riot Part 1 - Big Tech - Air Date 1-21-21
Joan Donovan studies social movements and their use of media and technology to spread their message.
Ch. 7: Peter Kafka and Kevin Roose on big tech's power and responsibility - Vox Conversations - Air Date 1-18-21
Recode’s Peter Kafka speaks with New York Times’s Tech columnist Kevin Roose about big tech’s power and responsibility - and whether it is going to have accountability.
Ch. 8: Insurrection on Capitol Hill Heightens Focus on Social Media Radicalization - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 1-13-21
Former Facebook Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos joins Mehdi Hasan to explain how Facebook is tackling radicalization on its platform, and where the company is still falling short.
Ch. 9: Joan Donovan on how platforms enabled the capital hill riot Part 2 - Big Tech - Air Date 1-21-21
Joan Donovan studies social movements and their use of media and technology to spread their message.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: Your Nation's Attention for the Price of a Used Car - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 10-6-20
Today’s extremists don’t need highly produced videos like ISIS. They don’t need deep pockets like Russia. With the right message, a fringe organization can reach the majority of a nation’s Facebook users for the price of a used car.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on Social Media Externalities
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 11/12/2019
Today we take a look at some of the ways that conservative policies, willed into existence almost exclusively by white people, measurably hurt people and shorten life expectancies, including those who most fervently support the self-destructive policies.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How Racial Resentment Is Killing White Working Class Americans | Opinions | NowThis - Air Date 5-4-19
‘People are voting for these policies that are shortening their own life spans.’ — Author of 'Dying of Whiteness' Jonathan Metzl argues that the politics of racial resentment is killing Americans in the heartland.
Ch. 2: Slavery and the Lack of Universal Healthcare - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 8-20-19
Jeneen Interlandi, New York Times editorial board member and staff writer for the New York Times Magazine, talks about the intersection of race and lack of universal healthcare in America.
Ch. 3: An Incredible Con - Slate Presents: The Queen - Air Date 5-20-19
For presidential candidate Ronald Reagan, Linda Taylor epitomized the brokenness of the federal bureaucracy and the broader trend of poor people getting rich off the public dime.
Ch. 4: Dying of Whiteness with Jonathan Metzl - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 3-26-19
Jonathan Metzl writes that the policies promising to Make America Great Again, policies rooted in centering and maintaining the power of whiteness, are shortening the lives of the white Americans who vote for them.
Ch. 5: Greater than Fear - Brave New Words - Air Date 9-6-19
In 2018, progressives in Minnesota won across races, defining what it means to be “Minnesotan” through an aspirational narrative of multi-racial populism.
Ch. 6: Dying of Whiteness A Conversation with Scholar Jonathan Metzl - Speak Out with Tim Wise - Air Date 4-2-19
Tim speaks with Dr. Jonathan Metzl, a professor of sociology and psychiatry at Vanderbilt University, and the author of the new book, Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment is Killing America’s Heartland.
Ch. 7: People seeking asylum - Brave New Words - Air Date 9-6-19
Over the last few years, facing a conservative and openly xenophobic administration, human rights advocates mounted and won four campaigns challenging offshore detention of people seeking asylum.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: What was I thinking back then, gosh what am I thinking now? - Alan from Connecticut
Ch. 9: Pre-recorded bullshit ads - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on learning to be wrong and the sad future of podcasting
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Derailed - The Depot
- Astrisx - Bodytonic
- Quaver - Codebreaker
- These Times - The Pine Barrens
- The Summit - K2
- Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 1/31/2021
Today we take a look back at the year 2011 in our annual 10-years-past retrospective to see what we may learn. 2010 was an enormous year of news which included the death of Osama Bin Laden, the manufactured budget crisis in Wisconsin, the shooting of Gabby Giffords, Occupy Wall Street, the birth of Trump's Birtherism and much more.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Dumb new congress - Rachel Maddow - Air Date 1-6-11
Ch. 2: Single-Payer Plan - Bernie Sanders
Ch. 3: An insiders account of the GOP official strategy - Citizen Radio
Ch. 4: Crisis in the Dairyland - For Richer and Poorer (Economics - Wisconsin, Public Unions) - The Daily Show - Air Date 3-3-11
Ch. 5: The survival of the Democratic party in Wisconsin - Rachel Maddow - Air Date 2-17-11
Ch. 6: Scott Walker's Koch Bro. Prank Call - The Young Turks - Air Date 2-23-11
Ch. 7: Evil People Have Plans - Lee Camp
Ch. 8: Obama's Wrong-Headed Libyan War - The Progressive
Ch. 9: ACLU: Obama Continues Bush Abuses - The Young Turks - Air Date 7-9-11
Ch. 10: Drones not always precise in real world - CounterSpin
Ch. 11: A Triumph of Nonviolence in Egypt! - The Progressive
Ch. 12: Social Media Allowing Revolutions (Egypt result) - The Young Turks
Ch. 13: Osama Bin Laden Dead... What Happens Now? - The David Pakman Show
Ch. 14: Activist McKibben: Tar Sands pipeline is climate game over - Countdown
Ch. 15: Supporting the EPA and the Koch Bros accidentally fund accurate climate research - Green News Report - Air Date 10-25-11
Ch. 16: Fox News makes you less informed - The Majority Report
Ch. 17: The HuffPo buyout and the future of journalism - On the Media
Ch. 18: Giffords Shooting 911 Tapes Police Audio First word of Tucson, Arizona shooting, attack on Gabrielle Giffords
Ch. 19: FLASHBACK: Right-Wing Media Downplays Threats Toward Democrats - Media Matters Minute
Ch. 20: Sarah Palin, Sharron Angle, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck_ Are You Happy Now_ - The Progressive
Ch. 21: Oslo Norway Shooter Right Winger...Who's Telling You the Truth? - David Pakman - Air Date 7-26-11
Ch. 22: Congress' Budget-Cutting Immorality - Jim Hightower
Ch. 23: Armadebtdon 2011: National Bullshit Ceiling - The Daily Show - Air Date 7-18-11
Ch. 24: Legalized Corruption of Government Exposed by Abramoff - Young Turks - Air Date 11-7-11
Ch. 25: Good news for the big guys - Rachel Maddow - Air Date 4-1-11
Ch. 26: Keith Olbermann reads first collective statement of Occupy Wall Street - Countdown
Ch. 27: We stand as one - Joseph Arthur
Ch. 28: What the Occupy Wall St movement wants - Planet Money
Ch. 29: Occupy my Heart - Ben and Fritz
Ch. 30: Cenk Announces Wolf-PAC.com at Occupy Wall Street
Ch. 31: Fox News Falsehood: Half of Americans Don't Pay Any Taxes - Media Matters Minute - Air Date 7-18-11
Ch. 32: Trump 2012 - Media Matters
Ch. 33: Donald Trump Polls 2012 Presidential Candidate Or Clown_ - The Young Turks - Air Date 4-13-11
Ch. 34: The Trump Inc. Podcast Made a Time Capsule - Trump Inc. - Air Date 1-19-21
Ch. 35: Final comments
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 1/26/2021
Today we take a look at our long history of ignoring domestic, right-wing terrorism from the Oklahoma City bombing through to the predictable actions of militia groups in 2020 and beyond.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Tracing the roots of the America's biggest domestic terror attack - PBS News Hour - Air Date 2-17-20
The 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing was the largest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. A new documentary on the PBS series American Experience takes a fresh look at the events and motivations that led to the attack by Timothy McVeigh
Ch. 2: The Dangers of White Supremacy - It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders - Air Date 10-2-20
Sam talks with Kathleen Belew, assistant professor of history at the University of Chicago, about what we get wrong when we talk about the white power movement.
Ch. 3: Former DHS Analyst Daryl Johnson on How He Was Silenced for Warning of Far-Right Militants - Democracy Now - Air Date 9-9-12
While working as a senior analyst in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2009, Daryl Johnson authored a report warning about the increasing dangers of violent right-wing extremism in the United States, sparking a political firestorm in the process
Ch. 4: How the Oklahoma City Bombing Changed the U.S. - AJ+ - Air Date 2-26-19
In the almost 25 years since explosives killed 168 adults and children, what has the United States learned from the Oklahoma City bombing? And what can it tell us about the future of far-right extremism in the U.S.?
Ch. 5: Most Violence is Right Wing. Period. Stop Lying - David Pakman Show - Air Date 8-22-19
Most violence is right wing, and it's important not to be distracted from that undeniable reality.
Ch. 6: Opinion | Far-right militias and domestic terrorism in America: 'This threat got ahead of us' - Washington Post - Air Date 9-29-20
The government must wake up to the threat of domestic terrorism before it's too late, says former Homeland Security counterterrorism analyst Daryl Johnson.
Ch. 7: What’s Fueling Far-Right Hate in America? - AJ+ - Air Date 2-19-19
The number of far-right extremist groups prone to violence is increasing in the U.S. It's a threat the government was warned about a decade ago. But what's fueling the rise of hate, and what's the nation doing to combat it?
Ch. 8: Fmr. DHS Sec. Jeh Johnson: 'Principal Terrorist Threat Is Far-Right Violent Extremism' - MSNBC - Air Date 1-20-21
Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson discusses what the Biden administration's national security team will have to undertake.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Former DHS Analyst Trump Administration Not Taking White Nationalist Threat Seriously Enough - Democracy Now - Air Date 4-30-19
To talk about the rise of white supremacist violence and the Trump administration’s response, we speak to Daryl Johnson, a former senior analyst in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Ch. 10: DHS Was Tracking White Supremacist Terrorists, but Nobody Wanted to Listen - The Real News - Air Date 9-20-19
No one listened when the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI sounded the alarm about the rise of white supremacist and far-right domestic terrorism, says former DHS intelligence analyst Daryl Johnson and Greg Huffman of Facing South.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: We made it! (But not all of us) - Nick from California
Ch. 12: The cause and result of moral panic - Paul from Vermont
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on moral panic and the shifting eras of white supremacist violence
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
Composite design by Amanda Hoffman. Original images: "Proud Boy - Jan 6th" Elvert Barnes on Flickr, License | "Before the Siege" by Elvert Barnes on Flickr, License | "Tree of Life building at sunset" by David Fulmer on Flickr, Lincese | "Charleston Church" (Mother Emmanuel) by Zack Carlson on Flickr, Public Domain | "20th Anniversary - Oklahoma City Bombing" by US Army Corps of Engineers - Tulsa, License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 4/2/2019
Today we take a look at the so-called "Algorithms of Oppression." Not that they're made to be that way on purpose but that it is a natural outcome of a profit-based system that incentivizes people to post the most click-baity content while the system learns the viewer's weaknesses to ruthlessly feed them whatever will keep them engaged.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Social Media Propagates Hate - Brian Lehrer - Air Date 3-21-19
YouTube will keep playing until you stop it, and it pushes extremes regardless of ideology. It is ruthlessly optimized to keep humans engaged, and YouTube can't possibly police their own content.
Ch. 2: Algorithms of Oppression with Dr. Safiya Noble - Delete Your Account - Air Date 4-11-18
Dylan Roof was radicalized through Google - searching one thing gives you further items down the rabbit hole - not the opposing viewpoint. What's worse, is big tech has no accountability for their actions.
Ch. 3: The Algorithm with Adam Conover - Point of Inquiry - Air Date 1-10-19
We are all falling for the YouTube slot machine of instant gratification
Ch. 4: Fighting White Supremacy on Social Media - Brian Lehrer - Air Date 3-19-19
Are tech companies trying to crack down on hate speech? Those articles are super profitable for social media, and it creates a sensation, so they're not incentivized to change.
Ch. 5: Yuval Noah Harari on Hacking Humanity - Ideas from CBC Radio - Air Date 9-5-18
Yuval Harari joins to discuss the human animal and our irrelevance in the digital age. At least when we were being exploited we were still needed.
Ch. 6: Is the Press Finally Learning How to Cover White Supremacy? - On the Media - Air Date 3-22-19
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google are still light years away from developing an enforceable code of ethics for dealing with hate groups but Bob and Joan Donovan discuss why she believes that stymieing the spread of hate online is possible.
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Facebook is finally banning white supremacy that goes by other names (TechCrunch)
Google’s algorithms are keeping us in a political bubble, study finds (MarketWatch)
How to Escape Your Political Bubble for a Clearer View (The New York Times, 2017)
Echo chambers are dangerous – we must try to break free of our online bubbles (The Guardian, 2017)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Inessential - Bayou Birds
- Heather - Migration
- Gondola Blue - Towboat
- Astrisx - Bodytonic
- Solemn Application - Wax Museum
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 1/19/2021
Today we take a look at the historical roots and modern manifestations of how white supremacy has turned the GOP base into Frankenstein's monster which cannot be controlled and has finally turned on its creator
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: “American Abyss” Fascism Historian Tim Snyder on Trump’s Coup Attempt, Impeachment & What’s Next Part 3 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-13-21
As the House votes to impeach President Trump, the FBI warns there could be a repeat of the violent insurrection he encouraged on January 6, with Trump loyalists planning to hold armed protests nationwide ahead of Joe Biden·s inauguration.
Ch. 2: ACLU Responds to Events at the U.S. Capitol Part 2 - At Liberty - Air Date 1-8-21
We wanted to come together to respond to the moment: focusing on moving forward with electoral integrity and a deeper commitment to racial justice. Today you’ll hear experts from the ACLU in conversation: Monica Hopkins, Jeffrey Robinson, and Dale Ho.
Ch. 3: Confederate Offspring - Strange Days with Fernand Amandi - Air Date 1-14-21
Jared Yates Sexton & Tim Wise
Ch. 4: AOC Shares 'Close Encounter', Rips Apart GOP 'Cowards' During Livestream - The Rational National - Air Date 1-13-21
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shared her 'close encounter' during the Capitol riots, and ripped apart Republican 'cowards' during an IG Live.
Ch. 5: We've Had Insurrections Before Part 2 - It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders - Air Date 1-12-21
Sam revisits this history with Jamelle Bouie, columnist at The New York Times. They explore why the path toward political unity in our time might actually be through division.
Ch. 6: The January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol - Past Present - Air Date 1-12-21
In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Ch. 7: Debunking the Pro-Trump Economic Anxiety Myth - The Choice - Air Date 1-14-21
The Atlantic’s Adam Serwer joins Mehdi Hasan to explain why the Capitol insurrectionists are part of the tradition of painting Trump's supporters as poor and uneducated when they are anything but.
Ch. 8: Why Republicans Must Rebuke Trump's Big Lie - All In - Air Date 1-14-21
“If people like Jim Jordan really want to help, they can go on Fox News and tell people there was no election fraud, that this was a free and fair vote. And their side lost,” says Chris Hayes.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Trump impeached again; Guest Former diplomat, Rep. Tom Perriello of Open Society US Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 1-13-21
TOM PERRIELLO, now Executive Director of the Open Society Foundation-U.S., explains how the country might be able to carve a path forward to reconciliation and healing after Trump leaves office.
Ch. 10: The Trump Riot Insurrection is NOT Only About Economic Oppression - David Pakman Show - Air Date 1-12-21
Donald Trump riotous insurrection is not merely about economic oppression and class, as some have argued over the last week.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: The importance of the work of this show - V from Central New York
Ch. 12: Flying the flag on January 20 - Bud from Boise
Ch. 13: Sharing the show - Rainer from Cuba
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments introducing FDR's Second Inaugural Speech
Ch. 15: Second Inaugural Address of Franklin D. Roosevelt
My Fellow Americans Book
My Fellow Americans Podcast
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 1/16/2021
Today we take a look at the underlying fears and motivations for the insurrection that go beyond the Big Lie™ of a stolen election to the bedrock of white supremacy that has driven white riots for more than 100 years.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: ACLU Responds to Events at the U.S. Capitol - At Liberty - Air Date 1-8-21
We wanted to come together to respond to the moment: focusing on moving forward with electoral integrity and a deeper commitment to racial justice. Today you’ll hear experts from the ACLU in conversation: Monica Hopkins, Jeffrey Robinson, and Dale Ho.
Ch. 2: Dorothee Benz on January 6 Insurrection - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-8-21
We talk about coverage of the January 6 attack on the Capitol with political scientist Dorothee Benz.
Ch. 3: We've Had Insurrections Before - It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders - Air Date 1-12-21
Sam revisits this history with Jamelle Bouie, columnist at The New York Times. They explore why the path toward political unity in our time might actually be through division.
Ch. 4: “American Abyss” Fascism Historian Tim Snyder on Trump’s Coup Attempt, Impeachment & What’s Next Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-13-21
As the House votes to impeach President Trump, the FBI warns there could be a repeat of the violent insurrection he encouraged on January 6, with Trump loyalists planning to hold armed protests nationwide ahead of Joe Biden·s inauguration.
Ch. 5: Governor Schwarzenegger's Message Following this Week's Attack on the Capitol
"This is my message to my fellow Americans and my friends around the world after January 6, 2021."
Ch. 6: “American Abyss” Fascism Historian Tim Snyder on Trump’s Coup Attempt, Impeachment & What’s Next Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-13-21
As the House votes to impeach President Trump, the FBI warns there could be a repeat of the violent insurrection he encouraged on January 6, with Trump loyalists planning to hold armed protests nationwide ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration.
Ch. 7: Trump impeached again; Guest Former diplomat, Rep. Tom Perriello of Open Society US - The BradCast - Air Date 1-13-21
Donald Trump made history yet again on Wednesday by becoming the first President to be impeached twice. Ten Republicans joined Democrats in the U.S. House to charge the soon-to-be-former President with "Incitement of Insurrection".
Ch. 8: Constitutional Lawyer Trump Is a Clear & Present Danger, a Senate Impeachment Trial Is Needed Now - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-14-21
Constitutional attorney John Bonifaz says the House “did its duty” and that the Senate must move to take up impeachment proceedings. “Those who did not vote to convict last time are responsible, in part, for allowing this president to stay in office..."
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Fear-anger and the capital - Alan from Connecticut
Ch. 11: Conversing respectfully and the ammo shortage - Beth from Seattle
Ch. 12: The joys of sharing - Jon from Omaha, NE
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on anger, conspiratorial thinking and secret artwork
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Black Lives Matter: Make it Good Again - Song for Change
- As America Bleeds - Jason Zucker
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
"BEFORE THE SIEGE" by Elvert Barnes on Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, Black Vignette, Increased contrast & saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 1/10/2021
Today, in our 15th-anniversary episode, we take a look at the the years and years of warning signs we having been highlighting since 2006 that collectively predict the armed insurrection against the government as the natural end point for a radicalized, conspiratorial, White/Christian-supremacist, permanently-minoritarian political movement that has lost its ability to win power by legitimate means.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: American Fascists, Chris Hedges - Ring of Fire - Air Date 2-12-07
Chris Hedges explains the decades-old prediction of the rise of Christian fascism
Ch. 2: Ginsberg and O'Connor death threats - Rachel Maddow - Air Date 2006
Ginsberg and O'Connor deal with detailed death threats as part of the effort to take over the judiciary
Ch. 3: O'Connor Decries Republican Attacks on Courts - NPR Morning Edition - Air Date: 3-10-2006
Sandra Day O'Connor warns of creeping dictatorial tendencies referencing efforts to control the courts
Ch. 4: Avoid these ends by avoiding these beginnings - The Young Turks - Air Date 3-22-2006
Cenk Uygur highlights the need to prevent dictatorship by avoiding the first steps that can lead to it
Ch. 5: Tim Wise on How Donald Trump Legitimizes Racist Ideas - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 01-07-16
Tim Wise explains what drives Trump supporters and the burgeoning Trumpism movement
Ch. 6: Sasha Abramsky on what Trump supporters really think - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 3-2-16
Sasha Abramsky speaks with Trump supporters, many of whom ask him his ethnicity before being willing to speak with him
Ch. 7: Thirty Black People Booted From Trump Rally - @theyoungturks - Air Date 03-02-16
Secret Service agent choke-slams a journalist at a Trump rally. What will Trump do if he actually wins?
Ch. 8: CNN's morally bankrupt hiring of former Trump campaign staffer - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 7-1-16
CNN profits from the Trump campaign to the detriment of the country
Ch. 9: Trump Victory Inspires Acts Of Hate Against Minorities - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 11-11-16
Post-election rash of hate-crimes spike after Trump victory.
Ch. 10: You Will Not Believe This Insane Antisemitic Email - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 11-14-16
David Pakman shares an email he recieved and vandilism he witnessed in the wake of Trump's victory
Ch. 11: A White Nationalist Will Be Advising Trump's Administration Air Date 11-14-16
Steve Bannon tapped to join the Trump administration
Ch. 12: How to fight our enemies, the blacks and jews - A real-life White supremacist podcast - Air Date 11-10-16
Clips from an unabashedly White-nationalist podcast in the wake of Trump's election win
Ch. 13: It can't happen here - Ideas from the CBC - Air Date 1-17-17
A look at the long history of racial grivance that fuels fascist tendencies in the US
Ch. 14: The Attorney General Defied Trump's Muslim Ban. He Did One Thing He Knows How to Do He Fired Her - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 01-31-17
Trump issues an executive order effectively banning Muslims from several countries
Ch. 15: Christiane Amanpour on the state of the media in a post fact-world - The Investigators with Diana Swain, CBC - Air Date 11-25-16
Trump's treatment of the media is precisely in line with the strategies of dictators around the world
Ch. 16: Antifa: A Look at the Antifascist Movement Confronting White Supremacists in the Streets - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 08-16-17
Trump doubles down when criticized for his comments in the wake of the Charlottesville White supremacists rally
Ch. 17: Donald Trump Puts Our Democracy and Our Lives in Serious Danger - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 01-13-18
Not a single president has met more than one of the four qualities identified by political scientists as warning signs of an authoritarian or fascist leader. Trump meets them all. Is this how our Democracy dies?
Ch. 18: Scott Crow on understanding conspiracy narratives required for fascist thinking - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 2-19-18
Scott Crow explains why the rise of progressive-left movements are always countered by a rise in right-wing conspiracy theories and why fascism downright requires conspiracies to survive.
Ch. 19: Steve Schmidt President Donald Trump Is 'Stoking And Inciting' Worst Among Us - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 10-29-18
Donald Trump is "stoking and inciting - for the purposes of political power - the worst amongst us to take action in his name," says Steve Schmidt.
Ch. 20: Violent Extremism in the U.S. - NowThis World - Air Date 11-4-18
White supremacist and other right-wing violence are currently the deadliest active domestic extremist movements in the U.S., according to data from several civil rights groups that track hate crimes and extremist violence.
Ch. 21: Corruption of Department of Justice Sets Off Alarm Bells - Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 2-12-20
Rachel discusses the crisis in the justice department and the authoritarian actions of Trump.
Ch. 22: Trump Attacks Anti-Fascists But Is Silent on Boogaloo & Far-Right Groups Engaged in Deadly Violence - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-23-20
President Trump claims without evidence that anti-fascists are inciting riots at protests against police brutality, but has downplayed groups like the “boogaloo” movement, which are using the protests as cover to carry out violence, even murder.
Ch. 23: Marjorie Cohn on Portland Secret Police - CounterSpin - Air Date 7-24-20
While we wait to see if corporate media can decide which optic is an optic too far, we talk about the legal, constitutional elements of the fight for our right to protest, including against the forces that are sent to police the protesting. Marjorie Kohn.
Ch. 24: Trump Caravans and the Threat of Sectarian Violence - The Muckrake Podcast - Air Date 9-1-20
Right Wing vigilantism turns to roving bands of MAGA supporters driving into cities and doling out violence.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 25: Final comments to wrap up this anniversary episode
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
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Air Date 1/5/2021
Today we take a look at the often-overlooked decade of Reconstruction in the wake of the Civil War. After hundreds of years of slavery, Reconstruction was a brief moment of relative democracy and equality before the white power structure reasserted itself and instated the policies that would be known as "Jim Crow Laws" which would last another 80 years.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Second Revolution Part 1 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 2-19-20
After the Civil War, a surprising coalition tried to remake the United States into a real multiracial democracy for the first time. Reconstruction, as the effort was called, brought dramatic change to America. For a while.
Ch. 2: The Power of Frederick Douglass and the 2nd American Revolution w/ David Blight - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 9-29-20
Sam hosts Pulitzer Prize-winning Yale Historian David Blight to discuss his recent biography of Frederick Douglass, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom, and how the Reconstruction era lives on in our contemporary politics.
Ch. 3: The Second Revolution Part 2 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 2-19-20
After the Civil War, a surprising coalition tried to remake the United States into a real multiracial democracy for the first time. Reconstruction, as the effort was called, brought dramatic change to America. For a while.
Ch. 4: Slavery, Race, and the Confederate Army - Professor Buzzkill History Podcast - Air Date 8-14-18
Professor Colin Woodward joins us to discuss the importance of slavery in the minds of Confederate soldiers, as well as its effects on military policy and decision making. He tells us about the Rebels’ persistent belief in the need to defend slavery
Ch. 5: The Second Revolution Part 3 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 2-19-20
After the Civil War, a surprising coalition tried to remake the United States into a real multiracial democracy for the first time. Reconstruction, as the effort was called, brought dramatic change to America. For a while.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 6: The Second Revolution Part 4 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 2-19-20
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 7: Experiment with Refer-o-Matic - Nick From California New
Ch. 8: Power and defining the marginalized - Pat from Chicago
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the epic Refer-o-Matic program and why we should be messaging to rural America
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
"Statue of 'Robert Smalls, U.S. Congressman' -- The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) Washington (DC) October 2016" by Ron Cogswell, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date 6/29/2020
Today we take a look deeper at the concept of "I can't breathe," going beyond the literal utterances by victims of police brutality and COVID-19 sufferers to the metaphorical epidemic of exhaustion, burnout, depression and disaffection in the US and around the world.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Black Lives Matter Protests, "Outside Agitators," and the Coronavirus - DOOMED with Matt Binder - Air Date 5-30-20
Matt Binder discusses the Black Lives Matter protests, the police killing of George Floyd, the media's narrative on the protests, riots, and looting, the "outside agitator" trope, and the looming cloud of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ch. 2: Structural robbery, mass resistance with William C. Anderson Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 6-4-20
Writer William C. Anderson on the real theft in capitalist society and the uprisings against it, and his article "Forget 'Looting.' Capitalism Is the Real Robbery" for Truthout.
Ch. 3: George Floyd, you, me… us - Jim Hightower - Air Date 6-9-20
There’s a growing understanding that we really are “all in this together,” so we’ve got to stand up for George Floyd, each other… and the America we want.
Ch. 4: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 1 - Tysky Sour, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20
Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it.
Ch. 5: America, Racism & Patterns of Change (with Heather Cox Richardson)- Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date - 6-11-20
Boston College History Professor Heather Cox Richardson joins Preet to discuss the evolution of the Republican Party, the utility of historical parallels in this time of protest, and the policies that might help heal our nation.
Ch. 6: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 2 - Tysky, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20
Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it.
Ch. 7: Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor on how racism & racial terrorism fueled nationwide anger - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-1-20
“These are not just repeats of past events,” says scholar Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. “These are the consequences of the failures of this government and the political establishment … to resolve these crises.”
Ch. 8: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 3 - Tysky, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20
Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it.
Ch. 9: The Uprising and Its Leadership: What Does it Look Like in This Moment? - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-10-20
The Uprising and Its Leadership: What Does it Look Like in This Moment? How can leadership lead a social movement to victory?
Ch. 10: Cornel West: Nationwide uprisings herald "America's moment of reckoning" - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-1-20
Professor Cornel West calls the U.S. a “predatory capitalist civilization obsessed with money, money, money.” He also makes connections between U.S. violence abroad and at home.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on how we all push ourselves until we can't breathe
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Thannoid - Bodytonic
- Hickory Shed - Onesuch Village
- Coronea - Marisala
- Cloud Line - K4
- Decompression - Rayling
- Jackbird - Feathers
- Cat's Eye - Marble Run
- Rafter - Speakeasy
- Lord Weasel - Molerider
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 2/20/2020
Today we take a look at the relationship between fear, anger and how to deal with the structural forces of harm in our society. To help us, we examine two of the greatest thinkers of the past 65 years, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mister Rogers, and go beyond the nonviolence of King and interrogate Mr. Roger's insistence on liking everyone just the way they are.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: W. Kamau Bell on coming face to face with white supremacists - Finding Fred - Air Date 11-26-19
Empathy can be found when you understand what circumstances people came from
Ch. 2: Author Christian Picciolini on how white nationalists recruit and radicalize online - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-18-19
Reformed neo-Nazi and author Christian Picciolini explains how white nationalists target vulnerable online communities
Ch. 3: The dubious luxury of anger - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 6-24-17
Understanding the fear that underlies anger.
Ch. 4: Help the Helpers: Evil cannot withstand forgiveness - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19
On being your best self. On the least of these. On the virtues of a cup of tea.
Ch. 5: Help the Helpers: But forgiveness can be complicated - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19
You can't be nice to everyone because being nice to certain people is inherently cruel to others.
Ch. 6: Anger and forgiveness as a survival strategy - In The Thick - Air Date 10-4-19
Discussing the conviction and sentencing of Amber Guyger, the Dallas police officer who shot and killed her black neighbor, Botham Shem Jean
Ch. 7: Forgiveness in the #MeToo era - Interfaith Voices - Air Date 6-24-18
Many faith traditions emphasize the importance of forgiveness. But in the context of the #MeToo movement, can forgiveness silence women who have been abused?
Ch. 8: Why Do Black People Always Have to Forgive? - The Real News - Air Date 10-4-19
As Botham Jean’s brother makes headlines for “forgiving” Amber Guyger, Real News hosts Jacqueline Luqman and Lisa Snowden-McCray to discuss what Christian forgiveness in the face of oppression means.
Ch. 9: Why accountability matters for faith-based forgiveness - Interfaith Voices - Air Date 7-13-18
Serene Jones says deep forgiveness is actually part of a larger process of seeking justice and accountability.
Ch. 10: The art and science of apologies and forgiveness Commentary - Best of the Left - Air Date 3-23-19
Final comments on strength, power, fragility, apologies, forgiveness and the legacy of the Confederacy
Ch. 11: Help the Helpers: Grace - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19
Grace is to focus on the humanity of others than to see them as monsters.
Ch. 12: Help the Helpers: The fear and hurt that gets in the way - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19
The difficulty of focusing on helping the needy rather than punishing the dangerous
Ch. 13: Van Jones: Why Casting “Bigots” Out Doesn’t Move America Forward - Big Think - Air Date 12-6-17
There is a limit to empathy, you cannot tolerate the intolerant for too long—but having empathy for those who interpret change as scary, and understanding why they think that way, maybe the only inroad to untying this great mess.
Ch. 14: The birth of the Black Power Movement - King in the Wilderness (HBO) - Air Date 4-2-18
The story of King's reaction to the rise of the Black Power movement and the roles of anger, fear and sickness
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 15: Final comments on the various sicknesses infecting our society
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 11/20/2019
Today we take a look at several topics that, at first glance, may seem to be unrelated but that I think are all tied together with a thread that runs through all of them and points the way toward The Great Transition we are currently in the middle of.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How NeoLiberalism Happened with George Monbiot Part 1 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-8-19
Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism.
Ch. 2: Too Hot For School with Jane McAlevey - On the Media - Air Date 9-20-19
The climate protests and collective action of today mirror the same crises and protests of the FDR era.
Ch. 3: How NeoLiberalism Happened with George Monbiot Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-8-19
Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism.
Ch. 4: How whiteness distorts our democracy, with Eddie Glaude Jr. - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 4-4-19
Glaude is the chair of Princeton University’s department of African American studies, the president of the American Academy of Religion, and the author of the powerful book Democracy in Black.
Ch. 5: How NeoLiberalism Happened with Binyamin Appelbaum - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-8-19
Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism.
Ch. 6: We Are Trapped In The Moral Logic Of Neoliberalism with Adam Kotsko Part 1 - This Is Hell - Air Date 10-2-18
Chuck and Adam discuss neoliberal policy, culture and systems that keep us in massive inequality and divided from each other.
Ch. 7: David Kotz: The Rise and Fall of Neoliberal Capitalism - Union for Radical Political Economics - Air Date 6-19-16
Talk on how Neoliberalism will come to an end
Ch. 8: We Are Trapped In The Moral Logic Of Neoliberalism with Adam Kotsko Part 2 - This Is Hell - Air Date 10-2-18
Chuck and Adam discuss neoliberal policy, culture and systems that keep us in massive inequality and divided from each other.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: SAD Solidarity - Jesse from Boston
Ch. 10: I feel it too - Erin from Philadelphia
Ch. 11: Sunshine policy - Alan from Connecticut
Ch. 12: Take a walk! - Linda from New Jersey
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on emotional vomiting
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Chilvat - Lillehammer
- Open Flames - Aeronaut
- The Envelope - Aeronaut
- Wingspan - Bayou Birds
- Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
- The Wooden Platform - The Bulwark
- Stale Case - Darby
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
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Air Date 12/22/2020
Today we take a look at the origins of the War on Christmas™ and the Christian Persecution Complex™ more broadly but with a particular focus on how that sense of persecution has been funneled and focused into support for Republican politicians.
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Transcript
EPISODE SPONSOR: Physical Attraction Podcast
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Myth of the Christian Nation - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 10-17-19
Dan speaks with author and constitutional lawyer Andrew Seidel. They discuss his new book, "The Founding Myth," and dissect the idea that the USA is a Christian nation.
Ch. 2: The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American (with Andrew Seidel) - The Thinking Atheist - Air Date 5-16-19
Andrew Seidel is author of the new book, The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism is Un-American. He speaks with Seth Andrews and takes listener calls.
Ch. 3: The Myth of the Persecuted Christian and the Inverted Golden Rule Part 1 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 3-10-20
Brad speaks with Paul Djupe to discuss Djupe's findings that those Christians who live in homogenous Christian communities are most likely to believe that Democrats, atheists, and others are trying to take their rights away.
Ch. 4: Conservatives Have Mastered Art of Playing Victim While Committing the Crime - The Benjamin Dixon Show - Air Date 10-25-20
Explaining the Trayvon Martin Effect whereby the victim and perpetrators are reversed to defend the indefensible and perpetuate the power structure.
Ch. 5: The Myth of the Persecuted Christian and the Inverted Golden Rule Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 3-10-20
Brad speaks with Paul Djupe to discuss Djupe's findings that those Christians who live in homogenous Christian communities are most likely to believe that Democrats, atheists, and others are trying to take their rights away.
Ch. 6: The Power Seekers: How Christian Nationalists Look at the White House - Interfaith Voices Podcast - Air Date 6-12-20
Andrew Whitehead, a religion sociologist from Clemson University, talks about Christian nationalism. Why is it so embedded in some people's idea of the United States?
Ch. 7: Bill O'Reilly and John McCain on Immigration and the White Christian Male Power Structure
Classic clip from the golden age of The O'Reilly Factor
Ch. 8: The Man Who Mobilized The Evangelical Vote - AJ+ - Air Date 4-15-18
The religious right is seen as a political force today, but it wasn't always. Paul Weyrich arrived in Washington, DC, in the 1960s, determined to shake things up by winning evangelical voters over to the Republican Party.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: The Myth of the Christian Nation Part 2 - Straight White American Jesus - Air Date 10-17-19
Dan speaks with author and constitutional lawyer Andrew Seidel. They discuss his new book, "The Founding Myth," and dissect the idea that the USA is a Christian nation.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Upped membership pledge and referring friends - Nick from California
Ch. 11: Where's Amanda? - Zach the Theologian
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on health care administration, GA activism and communist Christmas recommendations
TAKE ACTION!
GA SENATE RUNOFF ELECTIONS ON JAN. 5th:
White People: Call White GA Voters with Gaining Ground (SURJ & Southern Crossroads)
5 Ways to Help in the GA Senate Runoffs (BOTL Activism from Nov. 10th)
How to Help with the Georgia Senate Runoff Elections (Comprehensive list from Mashable)
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date 12/18/2020
Today we take a look at the abysmal response to the pandemic in the US, the unavoidable racial overtones inherent in that failed response, the lasting trauma the pandemic has inflicted and why nothing short of systemic change will suffice.
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Transcript
EPISODE SPONSORS: GROUND.NEWS/BEST
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: AOC Calls Out McConnell's B*ST Stimulus Excuse - The Damage Report - Air Date 12-11-20
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls out Mitch McConnell's BS excuse for holding the stimulus package from the American people. John Iadarola and Brett Erlich break it down on The Damage Report.
Ch. 2: Chris Hayes: I'm Enraged Over America's 'Depraved' Covid Indifference - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 12-9-20
Tonight: America's leadership vacuum and the unrest it's breeding across the states. Then, Donald Trump strongarms Republicans to join his last, desperate push to overturn his election loss.
Ch. 3: How the Economic Downturn has Hurt Vulnerable Americans - Politics with Amy Walter - Air Date 12-11-20
In the nine months that the coronavirus pandemic has ravaged the U.S., the most vulnerable Americans have struggled to keep up with monthly expenses. Eight million Americans have fallen into poverty since May and today there are 10 million fewer employed
Ch. 4: Electoral College Votes, Trump STILL Won't Stop - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 12-14-20
The United States continues to be the shame of the world when it comes to rich countries completely failing to deal with the coronavirus pandemic under the guidance of the Donald Trump administration
Ch. 5: Check Your Blindspot - Air Date 12-18-20
Ch. 6: Trump Joins New Election Lawsuit as U.S. Hits Record COVID Deaths: A Closer Look - Late Night with Seth Meyers - Air Date 12-10-20
Seth takes a closer look at President Trump live-tweeting Fox News and trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election while the coronavirus pandemic hits a new grim milestone.
Ch. 7: As COVID Surges Behind Bars in California, Why Is San Quentin Transferring Hundreds of Prisoners? - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-15-20
Prisons across the U.S. are facing their greatest swell in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. Nearly a quarter-million incarcerated people in the U.S. have been infected with COVID-19, according to the Marshall Project.
Ch. 8: Nurse Caring for COVID-19 Patients RIPS Anti-Maskers They’re “Entitled A**holes” - The Humanist Report - Air Date 11-28-20
The Humanist Report (THR) is a progressive political podcast that discusses and analyzes current news events and pressing political issues. Our analyses are guided by humanism and political progressivism.
Ch. 9: Tell It To Me Straight, Doc - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 12-14-20
When Dr. Brittani M. James “rage Tweeted” that she totally gets why her patients are skeptical of the medical system, her thread went viral. She joins Kai to offer insights on the apprehension that many Black Americans are feeling.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 10: What the Ebola Crisis Tells Us About the Coronavirus Pandemic in the Global South w/ Dr. Paul Farmer - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 12-15-20
Sam and Dr. Farmer discuss the history of epidemics in the global south and how the coronavirus pandemic response in America has shown the west's failures to invest in public health and the medical resources necessary to combat a pandemic diseases.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Followup on the structures of right and left-wing populist movements - Lynda from Illinois
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the difference between politics and economics
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Air Date 12/15/2020
Today we take a look at the current state of hyper-partisanship and its origins. The system seems broken because it is broken and it was never designed to work this way in the first place. And what about that bygone era of bipartisanship? It's likely that was a fluke and the result of one-party dominance in the New Deal era, it is not the norm throughout history.
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Transcript
EPISODE SPONSORS: GROUND.NEWS/BEST
Want to advertise/sponsor the show? Details -> advertisecast.com/BestoftheLeft
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Changes in American Political Parties Part 1 - Professor Buzzkill History Podcast - Air Date 7-2-20
We explain why the Democratic and Republican political parties have the same names, but totally different attitudes and policies over the decades.
Ch. 2: Frances Lee on why bipartisanship is irrational Part 1 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 12-3-20
This is a conversation about that question, about how the system we have incentivizes a politics of confrontation we don’t seem to want and makes steady, stable governance a thing of the past. Princeton political scientist Frances Lee.
Ch. 3: Trump, Evangelicals, Fascism, Torture, Propaganda Q + A Part 1 - FrameLab Podcast - Air Date 3-17-18
Dr. Lakoff and Gil Duran answer listener questions. Topics include: Trump Evangelicals; Conservatism's #1 Rule; Fascism; Capitalism vs. Socialism; the American Idea; Biconceptualism; How the Government Frames Issues Like Torture, and more.
Ch. 4: Changes in American Political Parties Part 2 - Professor Buzzkill History Podcast - Air Date 7-2-20
We explain why the Democratic and Republican political parties have the same names, but totally different attitudes and policies over the decades.
Ch. 5: Trump, Evangelicals, Fascism, Torture, Propaganda Q + A Part 2 - FrameLab Podcast - Air Date 3-17-18
Dr. Lakoff and Gil Duran answer listener questions. Topics include: Trump Evangelicals; Conservatism's #1 Rule; Fascism; Capitalism vs. Socialism; the American Idea; Biconceptualism; How the Government Frames Issues Like Torture, and more.
Ch. 6: Frances Lee on why bipartisanship is irrational Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 12-3-20
This is a conversation about that question, about how the system we have incentivizes a politics of confrontation we don’t seem to want and makes steady, stable governance a thing of the past. Princeton political scientist Frances Lee.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 9: Frances Lee on why bipartisanship is irrational Part 3 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 12-3-20
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Sharing in misery - Zeke from Steamboat Springs, CO
Ch. 11: Another Dave from Olympia shares the wealth - Eric from Portland
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on where your money to the show goes
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 12/12/2020
Today we take a look at the prospects for Biden's foreign policy looking forward which seems to be mostly looking backward to an era of American over-confidence and self-ascribed "exceptionalism" that may never have been warranted, the fact of which becomes clearer with every passing year, something people living outside the US have known for decades.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: State-Sanctioned Killers: As Trump Expedites Executions at Home, Biden Builds Team for Wars Abroad part 1 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 12-9-20
As Biden builds his Cabinet, his national security team is looking a lot like a replay of the Obama-Biden militarist coterie. Biden’s nominees include notorious hawks who were central to the genocidal war in Yemen andthe weapons sales to Saudi Arabia.
Ch. 2: What if the U.S. Just Didn’t? Part 1 - What Next - Air Date 12-10-20
America has an opportunity to take a back seat and embrace global collaboration, Peter Beinart discusses.
Ch. 3: Check Your Blindspot - Air Date 12-12-20
The Ground News app features The Blindspot which highlights news stories that just aren’t being covered by one end of the political spectrum or the other so I use The Blindspot to quiz contestants on theirs.
Ch. 4: State-Sanctioned Killers: As Trump Expedites Executions at Home, Biden Builds Team for Wars Abroad part 2 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 12-9-20
As Biden builds his Cabinet, his national security team is looking a lot like a replay of the Obama-Biden militarist coterie. Biden’s nominees include notorious hawks who were central to the genocidal war in Yemen andthe weapons sales to Saudi Arabia.
Ch. 5: Why Biden Can't Go Back to the Foreign Policy Status-Quo w/ Stephen Wertheim - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 12-2-20
Sam hosts Stephen Wertheim deputy director of research and policy at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, to discuss Joe Biden's foreign policy appointees and why the president-elect should resist the Washington establishment.
Ch. 6: What if the U.S. Just Didn’t? Part 2 - What Next - Air Date 12-10-20
America has an opportunity to take a back seat and embrace global collaboration, Peter Beinart discusses.
MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)
Ch. 7: A Trap? Why Assassination of Top Iranian Nuclear Scientist Could Tie Biden’s Hands in Future Talks - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-30-20
Iran’s top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated Friday while driving on a highway outside Tehran. Iran accuses Israel of orchestrating the killing, which is the latest in a string of assassinations targeting Iranian scientists
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Fan of Outlander - Cara
Ch. 9: Jacobite Uprising/Confederacy Episode - Marc from London (Scotland Originally!)
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on why it's ok to watch Outlander
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 12/9/2020
Today we take a look in real-time at the construction of the world's newest Lost Cause narrative, the failed re-election of Donald Trump. This is not our country's first experience with Lost Causes and it's not, contrary to popular opinion, even our second connection to a Lost Cause narrative because we didn't invent the first one, we borrowed it from somewhere else and I will tell that story today.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Jay's Opening Comments
Ch. 2: Reading Harry Potter In Scots
Ch. 3: Jay’s comments: the history of a Lost Cause
Ch. 4: Sir Walter Scott, The Old South and The Lost Cause - Who Put The Klan Into Klu Klux Klan?
In this documentary, archaeologist and historian Neil Oliver examines racism in the Deep South and the Scots who first occupied it who influenced where we are today.
Ch. 5: How Southern socialites rewrote Civil War history - Vox - Air Date 10-25-17
The United Daughters of the Confederacy altered the South's memory of the Civil War.
Ch. 6: How the 'Lost Cause' narrative became American history - Washington Post - Air Date 3-5-20
How the 'Lost Cause' narrative became American history - Washington Post - Air Date 3-5-20
Ch. 7: Monumental Lies - Reveal - Air Date 12-8-18
Myths of the Civil War and slavery are being kept alive at Confederate monuments, where visitors hear stories of “benevolent slave owners” and enslaved people “contented with their lot.” We team up with The Investigative Fund
Ch. 8: Kevin Levin Exposes the Lie and Whitewashed History of So-Called "Black Confederate Soldiers" and the American Civil War - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 10-18-20
Kevin Levin Exposes the Lie and Whitewashed History of So-Called "Black Confederate Soldiers" and the American Civil War - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 10-18-20
Ch. 9: MAGA, the New Confederate Lost Cause Part 1 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 11-16-20
White supremacist myths turn defeated leaders into heroic victors. Will Donald Trump now get the same transfiguration as Robert E. Lee? If history is our guide then there’s reason to worry about the answer to that question.
Ch. 10: MAGA, the New Confederate Lost Cause Part 2 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 11-16-20
White supremacist myths turn defeated leaders into heroic victors. Will Donald Trump now get the same transfiguration as Robert E. Lee? If history is our guide then there’s reason to worry about the answer to that question.
MEMBERS BONUS CLIPS
Ch. 11: MAGA, the New Confederate Lost Cause Part 3 - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 11-16-20
White supremacist myths turn defeated leaders into heroic victors. Will Donald Trump now get the same transfiguration as Robert E. Lee? If history is our guide then there’s reason to worry about the answer to that question.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Jay’s comments: the last few connections
Ch. 13: Final comments on our ongoing campaigns
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Today's short announcement explains the financial hit the show unexpectedly took recently and lays out all of the ways you can help us get through it, one of which will cost you no money at all.
Relevant links discussed:
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Air Date 12/5/2020
Today we take a look at what's behind Trump and his autocratic instincts. The enablers, the supporters and the long lineage of authoritarianism.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The crisis isn’t Trump. It’s the Republican Party - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-11-20
If the past week — and past four years — have proven anything, it’s that we are not as different as we believed. No longer is the question, "Can it happen here?" It’s happening already.
Ch. 2: Is Democracy in Danger? Legal Experts Dahlia Lithwick and Ian Bassin On Trump, Barr and The Abuse of the Criminal Justice System - The Al Franken Podcast - Air Date 2-23-20
Dahlia Lithwick of Slate and Ian Bassin of Protect Democracy discuss Trump's sickening lurch toward autocracy post-impeachment with the cooperation of Bill Barr.
Ch. 3: Trump's Authoritarian Lineage w/ Ruth Ben-Ghiat - The Majority Report - Air Date 11-12-20
Sam speaks with Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat), professor of History and Italian studies at New York University, about her new book "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present."
Ch. 4: Check Your Blindspot 12-4-20
Today's episode of America's favorite political game show!
Ch. 5: From Dictator to Demigod - Power Corrupts - Air Date 8-1-19
We explore the strategic logic of cults of personality with stories that you won’t believe but are all too real.
Ch. 6: Juan González The Media Has It Wrong. Record Latinx Turnout Helped Biden. White Voters Failed Dems Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-5-20
“How come none of the experts are asking why white voters underperformed the Democratic Party?”
Ch. 7: How Trump Hacked the Presidency - Trumpcast - 11-13-20
Why Donald Trump’s violation of norms come with more social or political penalties than legal ones
Ch. 8: The Secret Code of the Proud Boys - Trumpcast - Air Date 10-1-20
Virginia Heffernan talks to historian Nicole Hemmer about the Proud Boys—breaking down their hazing and hyper-masculinity, how to be initiated, conservative cults, and how Trump incites them.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Call to increase existing membership pledges - Josh from Wilmington, DE
Ch. 11: Responding to Rutger Bregman - Linda from Illinois
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on utopian thinking and criticizing ideas and implementation separately
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 12/2/2020
Today we take a look at some of the highlights of how the 2020 election was won, the people doing the work and what's still at stake.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Juan González The Media Has It Wrong. Record Latinx Turnout Helped Biden. White Voters Failed Dems - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-5-20
Juan González says "a false narrative" is taking root that Latinx voters were primarily to blame for the weak Democratic result. "The main story is that people of color, especially Latinos, flocked to the polls in numbers that far exceeded expectations.
Ch. 2: The Myth Of The 'Latino Vote' - Latino USA - Air Date 11-13-20
President Trump won Florida, including nearly half of all Latinx-identifying voters in the state. But across the country in Arizona, grassroots groups led a wave of younger Latinx voters to flip the state blue for President-elect Joe Biden.
Ch. 3: An Election We Could Not Sit Out How Indigenous Voters Helped Defeat Trump & Elect Biden - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-18-20
We speak with Allie Young, a citizen of the Navajo Nation and founder of Protect the Sacred, who organized a horseback trail ride to the polls. She says it was important to her to motivate Indigenous youth to turn out.
Ch. 4: Georgia's Senate Runoffs - It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders - Air Date 11-20-20
Georgia's Senate runoffs have become national races as control of the Senate depends on who wins. Tia Mitchell, Washington correspondent for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, on if Georgia voters are looking at the runoffs the same as rest the country is.
Ch. 5: The Power of Black Women at the Ballot Box - The Takeaway - Air Date 11-9-20
Black women have long been the backbone of the Democratic Party, and this year is no different. Exit polls are showing that more than 90 percent of Black women cast their ballots for the Democratic ticket.
Ch. 6: No Car - No Vote in Georgia Senate Run-off 2021 (w/ Greg Palast) - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 11-23-20
Georgia residents wishing to vote might be out of luck if they don't have a car thanks to Brian Kemp's new rule which amounts to a poll tax, any voter without a car registered in Georgia, could be blocked from voting!
Ch. 7: Sam Breaks Down the HUGE Georgia Runoff Election - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 11-14-20
Laying out the importance of engaging with the Georgia Senate runoff elections.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on memberships and merch
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
"Volunteer registers a new voter at Comic Con, hosted by Emily Pearson and Matt Pizzolo comic Emmie-X", 2018 by Black Mask Studios via Wikipedia | License | Changes: Cropped & increased contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 5/3/2019
Today we take a look at several topics that, at first glance, may seem to be unrelated but that I think are all tied together with a thread that runs through all of them and points the way toward The Great Transition we are currently in the middle of.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Henry Giroux: Trump is the endpoint on cruelty and isolation in American politics - @thisishellradio - Air Date 4-15-17
Cultural critic Henry Giroux examines the slow, steady rise of cruelty in American culture - as the logic of neoliberalism strips our politics of anything besides self-regard, and the right capitalizes on the anger caused by its own policies
Ch. 2: Johann Hari To Treat Depression, Provide Meaningful Work, Housing & a Basic Income, Not Just Drugs - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 02-02-18
An extended conversation with Johann Hari, author of a controversial new book, “Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression—and the Unexpected Solutions.”
Ch. 3: Roots of Extremism with Deeyah Khan - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 3-11-19
Deeyah Khan is a British documentary filmmaker and human rights activist. She’s the creator of two extraordinary films airing on Netflix right now, White Right: Meeting the Enemy and Jihad: A Story of the Others.
Ch. 4: The Cure To Loneliness - Sustainable Human - Air Date 2-3-18
Loneliness is almost baked into the cake as far as a modern society with the kind of social setup and infrastructure and economic system that we have today.
Ch. 5: Gar Alperovitz: Building a Pluralist economy that supports human needs - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 7-26-17
Laura talks with author/activist Gar Alperovitz. From the gloom of today, he sees the principles of a Pluralist Commonwealth emerging.
Ch. 6: Gar Alperovitz on the economic movement already underway - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-24-17
It’s time to build new economic institutions that are democratic but also–critically–give us a new power base as well in the communities around the country.
Ch. 7: Utopias in history and the need to rekindle utopian thinking - History Extra - Air Date 3-16-17
Rutger Bregman discusses some of his ideas that recently caused a global sensation and the role of a historian in the modern world
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Progressives have always had to drag liberals along - V from Central New York
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the need to spread the word about our failing institutions to bolster support for fundamental reform
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Astrisx - Bodytonic
- Quaver - Codebreaker
- Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
- One Little Triumph - Piano Mover
- Donder - Darby
- Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 11/23/2019
Today we take a look at just a few forms the decolonization movement is taking from finance to cartography to the internet and beyond.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Decolonizing Wealth Through Indigenous Leadership - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 7-25-18
Laura speaks to Edgar Villanueva, about being one of the very few indigenous people working in grant-making, and ask what he thinks Native American traditions have to teach philanthropy. His latest book is "Decolonizing Wealth"
Ch. 2: Decolonizing philanthropy - Native America Calling - Air Date 12-13-18
Edgar Villanueva, author of “Decolonizing Wealth,” questions the wisdom of accepting funds from philanthropic endeavors built by corporate giants whose business is in direct conflict with Native sovereignty and sustainability.
Ch. 3: Decolonize the Internet - Tiny Spark - Air Date 3-8-19
The internet is very white male-biased, it's important to find and prop up all other voices.
Ch. 4: Decolonizing Maps - Native America Calling - Air Date 8-28-19
Indigenous Map making is a greatly different experience from what western colonialism forces people to use. Maps can tell a story, and engage with people.
Ch. 5: Decolonization Is For Everyone with Nikki Sanchez - TEDx Talks - Air Date 3-12-19
Nikki Sanchez shares her vision of a world where we listen and care and stop dehumanizing people.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 6: Hoping to save a life - James from Sacramento, CA
Ch. 7: Wealth tax for the children - Chris from San Diego
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 8: Final comments on the tragedy of wealth and the difference between aggregation and curation
Limerick of the day from @Limericking
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Lakal - Speakeasy
- Inessential - Bayou Birds
- Weathervane - CloudCover
- Contrarian - Sketchbook
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
dignidadrebelde | Flickr | License | Changes: Added credit
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 11/20/2020
Today we take a look at the results of the elections beyond the presidency and find that progressive policies did well which should be a lesson to Democrats currently looking to find their bearings and choose a direction.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Finding hope in America’s progressive core - Jim Hightower's Radio Lowdown - Air Date 11-12-20
The hope that resides in these progressive policy positions is the prospect that a truly great American majority might yet be forged – not around some mega-politician – but around our people’s basic values of fairness and justice for all.
Ch. 2: Mike Davis: Biden's Big Mistake - Start Making Sense - Air Date 11-11-20
Mike Davis on the Trump voters: Latinos in south Texas and white workers in the rust belt—and Biden’s big mistake: allowing Trump to claim "the economy" as his issue, instead of connecting jobs to controlling the pandemic.
Ch. 3: Criminal justice reform won big, with guest Daniel Nichanian of The Appeal - The BradCast - Air Date 11-12-20
DANIEL NICHANIAN, Editor of 'The Appeal: Political Report' explains how last week's election delivered victories for advocates of criminal justice reform in local and county races for District Attorney and County Sheriff, as well as ballot initiatives.
Ch. 4: Check Your Blindspot (Sponsored by Ground News) - 11-20-20
America's favorite political game show that uses the Blindspot feature of Ground News to test contestants' political blindspots and media literacy.
Ch. 5: Bree Newsome & Prof. Eddie Glaude The Black Lives Matter Movement Helped the Democrats Defeat Trump - Democracy Now! - Air Date 11-9-20
Eddie Glaude, author and chair of Princeton University's Department of African American Studies. "It makes no sense that we would go back to the politics that produced Trump in the first place." We also speak to artist and antiracist activist Bree Newsome
Ch. 6: Immigration Advocates Have Ideas for the Biden Administration - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 11-10-20
Anu Joshi, vice president of policy at the New York Immigration Coalition, talks about the NYIC's hopes for the Biden administration, and takes calls from immigrant listeners who are ready for the new administration.
Ch. 7: Biden Time: Banking - Planet Money - Air Date 11-13-20
Four things Joe Biden can do as president — even if the Democrats don't control Congress.
Ch. 8: Biden Won. Now He Needs to Save the Planet - The Mother Jones Podcast - Air Date 11-11-20
Jamilah King is joined by Mother Jones· climate and environment reporter Rebecca Leber to discuss what we can expect from an incoming Biden administration that has claimed climate action as central to its governing mandate.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on how Harmony Square can teach you about online manipulation
TAKE ACTION!
Read, sign & share the People's Charter (Working Families Party)
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
At the City Level, Progressives Flex New Power (City Lab)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Biden’s Win, House Losses, and What’s Next for the Left (NY Times)
Progressive Criminal Justice Ballot Initiatives Won Big in the 2020 Election (Center for American Progress)
The $15 Minimum Wage Wasn’t the Only Progressive Ballot Measure That Passed in Conservative States (Mother Jones)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
"sign of the times" by Mitchell Haindfield, Flickr | License | Changes: Filled in lower half of 2nd "E", cropped to square
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 11/17/2020
Today we take a look at the Republican Party and that which is hath wrought. The deeply racist and conspiratorial constituency has been part of the party for decades but it wasn't always the dominant strain. Today it clearly is and in an age of hyper-polarization and with enthusiastic stoking from Trump, that branch of the party is perfectly primed to splinter from shared reality completely in a spectacular, violent way.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: A devastating indictment of the Republican Party - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 10-10-20
The problem, Stuart Stevens believes, is not that the GOP became something it wasn’t; it’s that many of those within it — including him — failed to see what it actually was.
Ch. 2: Is Trumpism the New Conservatism? - The Atlantic - Air Date 7-20-17
Goldwater's conservative movement ended up dominating Republican politics for 50 years. Trump·s takeover of the Republican party looks a lot like Goldwater's, so could an ideological movement resembling Trumpism dominate the next 50 years?
Ch. 3: The crisis isn’t Trump. It’s the Republican Party Part 1 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-12-20
Anne Applebaum, staff writer for the Atlantic, discusses why the GOP ultimately took the path of Sarah Palin and Donald Trump, not John McCain and Mitt Romney and why what separates Never Trumpers from Trump enablers is a steadfast commitment to democracy
Ch. 4: The Good Germans - Gaslit Nation with Andrea Chalupa and Sarah Kendzior - Air Date 9-8-20
The phrase “Good Germans” refers to the Germans living in the Third Reich who enabled Hitler and his Nazi regime yet remained in denial that they were doing so. Or they did know, but they put on a show of respectability. They were “just following orders.”
Ch. 5: Don't You Dare Call It Trumpism - The Professional Left Podcast with Driftglass and Blue Gal - Air Date 11-13-20
We discuss why the beltway wants to call it Trumpism and why we must never do so. And the difference between a coastal D+20 district and a Midwest R+5 district reminds us that all politics is local.
Ch. 6: The crisis isn’t Trump. It’s the Republican Party Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-11-20
If the past week — and past four years — have proven anything, it’s that we are not as different as we believed. No longer is the question, "Can it happen here?" It’s happening already.
Ch. 7: WHOA: 86% of Trumpists Think Biden Didn't Really Win - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 11-13-20
86% of Trumpists believe that Joe Biden didn't really win the election, stealing it from Donald Trump through fraud of some kind.
Ch. 8: Trump Tries A Suplex On The American People - The Muckrake Political Podcast - Air Date 11-13-20
As Donald Trump and his enablers, the Republicans continue this farcical half-serious coup, Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman discuss how the complicated grift that is professional wrestling explains this slow-moving disaster.
Ch. 9: The crisis isn’t Trump. It’s the Republican Party Part 3 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-11-20
If the past week — and past four years — have proven anything, it’s that we are not as different as we believed. No longer is the question, "Can it happen here?" It’s happening already.
Ch. 10: The crisis isn’t Trump. It’s the Republican Party Part 4 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-11-20
If the past week — and past four years — have proven anything, it’s that we are not as different as we believed. No longer is the question, "Can it happen here?" It’s happening already.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: More nuance about legitimacy - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the high likelihood of violence and death between now and Biden's inauguration
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date: 11–13-2020
Direct Download
Transcript
Today we take a look at the slow-motion coup that we've known was coming since 2016. The baseless lawsuits, the absurd claims and the perpetual grift. Always the grift.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Coup Cosplay: Chris Hayes On Trump, GOP Trying To Pretend Biden Didn’t Win - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 11-10-20
Chris Hayes on Trump and the GOP trying to pretend Biden didn’t win: "At a certain point, if you are just trollingly pretending to be engaged in a coup, when do you cross over to actually trying for a coup?".
Ch. 2: Suppressing The Vote Didn't Work For Trump. Will Throwing Out Ballots? - Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 11-9-20
Richard Hasen, professor of law and political science at the University of California, talks about the current Trump campaign challenges to the vote counting -- and why he's not expecting the Biden victory to be overturned in the courthouse.
Ch. 3: Steven Rosenfeld on Vote Counting - CounterSpin - Air Date 11-6-20
Corporate media headlines would have you think it’s still a legitimately tight race for president because they’re holding up Biden’s larger number of votes and delegates alongside Trump’s efforts to huff and puff and blow the House down.
Ch. 4: Check Your Blindspot - Air Date 11-13-20
America's favorite political game show that uses the Blindspot feature of Ground News to test contestants' political blindspots and media literacy.
Ch. 5: Last Grasp, Last Gasp - On the Media - Air Date 11-6-20
With Joe Biden approaching victory, Donald Trump and his political allies flooded the internet with conspiracy theories. This week, we examine the misinformation fueling right-wing demonstrations across the country with Professor John Mark Hansen.
Ch. 6: On November 14th & Beyond, Prepare to Stop a Coup in America via Refuse Fascism & Protect the Results - Activism
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.
Ch. 7: Donald Trump's Plan to Steal the Election from Joe Biden and How We Stop Him - The Benjamin Dixon Show - Air Date 11-11-20
Donald Trump is attempting to overturn the results of the election and install himself into power overriding the will of the American people.
Ch. 8: Mass protests may need to force Trump from office - The Bugle - Air Date 11-4-20
Nato Green explains the particulars of a protest strategy that can force an unpopular government from power
Ch. 9: Trump Has CHECKED OUT as President to Attend to His Full-time Gig as a Grifter! - The Dollemore Daily - Air Date 11-12-20
Jesse discusses Donald Trump's latest scam to soak his supporters for MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, all while he's effectively stopped being President of the United States
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: The progressive spark is beginning to smoke - V from Central New York
Ch. 11: Pay to Play, the velvet rope economy - Alan from Connecticut
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the Velvet Rope Economy
Bonus: The 'Velvet Rope Economy' and the virus - CNN - Air Date 3-14-20
As the virus expands worldwide, while millions are put under duress, the 1% can take advantage of their access to the 'Velvet Rope Economy.'
TAKE ACTION
Protests on Sat., Nov. 14th - RefuseFascism.org
Protests Nov. 14th & Beyond - ProtecttheResults.com
10 Things You Need to Know to Stop a Coup (Waging Nonviolence)
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Now We Have To Fight Trump’s Tin-Pot Coup - And Biden’s Worst Instincts (The Intercept)
This is no conventional coup. Trump is paving the way for a 'virtual Confederacy' (Opinion - The Guardian)
A political scientist explains why the GOP is a threat to American democracy (Vox)
Tantrum and Theater: Trump's Desperation After Election Loss Isn't Yet a Coup (The Intercept)
The Damage of Trump’s Voter-Fraud Allegations Can’t Be Undone (The Atlantic - June 2020)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
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Air Date 11/10/2020
Today we take a look at the long and shifting history of the myth of democracy in America. We've never had it since the beginning but the reasons have shifted, ebbed and flowed over time. Now, in the midst of an attempted slow-motion coup, we look back at this most central American myth.
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Transcript
BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)
EPISODE SPONSORS: GROUND.NEWS/BEST | System Check Podcast
IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: "Let the People Pick the President" The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-30-20
Two of the last three presidents — George W. Bush and Donald Trump — came to office after losing the popular vote. "The Framers who met at the Constitutional Convention really had no idea what they were doing when they established how to pick a president"
Ch. 2: The Second Revolution - Scene On Radio - Air Date 2-19-20
After the Civil War, a surprising coalition tried to remake the United States into a real multiracial democracy for the first time. Reconstruction, as the effort was called, brought dramatic change to America. For a while.
Ch. 3: Democracy: Past, Present... and Future? - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 6-26-19
Don't remember the past? Does that mean you're condemned to repeat it? What does our country's past tell us about our present— and how can it help us imagine a better future? This week, two leading thinkers on the tricky challenges of democracy.
Ch. 4: More Democracy - Scene on Radio - Air Date 6-10-20
What will it take to make the United States a more fully-functioning democracy, and how can we, as citizens, bring about that change? By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika.
Ch. 5: TAKE ACTION! Georgia On Our Minds - Get Involved in Our LAST CHANCE to Flip the Senate - Best of the Left Activism
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.
Ch. 6: Our democracy no longer represents the people. Here's how we fix it - TEDx - Air Date 10-20-15
Harvard Professor Lawrence Lessig makes the case that our democracy has become corrupt with money, leading to inequality that means only 0.02% of the United States population actually determines who's in power.
Ch. 7: The Right's Long History of Ignoring the Will of the People - On the Media - Air Date 11-6-20
Rick Perlstein, historian of American conservatism and author, most recently, of Reaganland: America's Right Turn 1976-1980, has tracked this anti-majoritarian current in the American right for centuries.
Ch. 8: The Republicans' War on Voting Rights, Protesting and Democracy - Some More News - Air Date 10-22-18
In this week's episode of Some More News, we do a deep dive on the Republicans' attacks on our voting rights, our right to protest and, well, Democracy. Which is bad and not good.
Ch. 9: Schooled for Democracy - Scene on Radio - Air Date 5-13-20
In most American schools, children hear about democracy, but don’t get to practice it. What would a more engaged brand of civics education look like?
Ch. 10: The Crises of American Democracy & What to Do About Them w/ Suzanne Mettler - The Majority Report - Air Date 9-22-20
Sam hosts Cornell Professor of American Institutions Suzanne Mettler to discuss her latest book, Four Threats: The Recurring Crises of American Democracy and what we can learn from history to understand American democracy's vulnerabilities.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Changing the caucus party - Erin from Philly
Ch. 12: What happens if they somehow steal the election? - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on action being the only antidote to anxiety
TAKE ACTION
GASenate.com
NewGeorgiaProject.org
BlackVotersMatterFund.org
VoteRiders.org
ACLUGA.org
EDUCATE YOURSELF
'The Rise Of The New South': Black Women Organizers Turn Georgia Bluish (WBUR)
Activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham’s Post-Election Road Map (W)
‘Civic Engagement Doesn’t Have to Be Corny.’ How Georgia Pulled Off Unprecedented Youth Voter Turnout (Time)
#15: If We’re Not Organizing White People, Somebody Else Is (Organizing Upgrade - SURJ)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date 11/6/2020
Today, Amanda and I process the election, explain hyper-polarization, and why Black women are saving the country again.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Transcript
VoicedMail™: Examining and understanding the 2020 election results - Jonathan
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes!
Air Date 11/2/2020
Today we brace for the election, consider what may come after it and prepare for the role we may need to play in the coming weeks.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What if a US presidential candidate refuses to concede after an election? - TED - Air Date 10-26-20
Van Jones explains why concession speech is one of the most important safeguards for democracy, exposes legal loopholes that could enable a candidate to grab power even if they lose the popular vote and the electoral college -- and what citizens can do!
Ch. 2: The American Contest - Law, justice, and the courts: Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 10-24-20
Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Heather Cox Richardson for a big-picture conversation about what that means: minority rule and the court’s role, past and present, in changing visions of democracy.
Ch. 3: What If Trump Doesn’t Accept The Election Results? ft. Joshua Kahn Russell - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 10-22-20
Joshua Kahn Russell joins us to talk about the worst case scenario: what if Trump refuses to accept the election results?
Ch. 4: Timothy Snyder Warns That as Election Day 2020 Approaches America is in The Midst of a Slow-Motion Reichstag Fire Emergency - The Truth Report w. Chauncey DeVega - Air Date 10-18-20
Timothy Snyder warns that the United States is in the midst of a years-long slow-motion Reichstag Fire emergency that Election Day 2020 may not resolve.
Ch. 5: Incredibly powerful video from Sunrise NYC featuring words from Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez - Sunrise Movement
'Let this moment radicalize you’ — AOC inspires in this new ad by the @Sunrise Movement
Ch. 6: Weissmann Thinks We Could See Trump Self-Pardon If He Doesn't Win Reelection - Deadline White House - Air Date 10-9-20
Former FBI general counsel Andrew Weissmann and Washington Post reporter David Fahrenthold discuss new reports that reveal more on Trump’s financial situation and how they could turn into bigger legal problems for him if he becomes private citizen again.
Ch. 7: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst - Strange Days with Fernand Amandi - Air Date 10-12-20
Frank Figliuzzi and Leonard Pitts Jr.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Busting myths above and below the 49th - Orrett from Vancouver, BC
Ch. 11: Blindspots on the left - Mike from Toronto
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on you not being more radical than Angela Davis and a new frame for coalition governments in the US
TAKE ACTION!
GOTV:
Swing Left | Field Team 6 | Sunrise Movement | Vote Save America | Indivisible's Windivisible Campaign
TALK TO FRIENDS/FAMILY ABOUT VOTING:
How to Talk about Voting With Friends Who Don't Vote (HeadCount)
How I Convinced My Dad Not to Vote for Trump (The Cut)
Convince leftist friends to use their vote as a tool: Use Jay's final comments from episode #1365 (Transcript). (This listener tweeted it out)
PROTECT THE RESULTS:
6 Steps to Save the Vote (RepresentUs)
Protect the Results (Coalition)
#CountOnUs: How to Defeat Trump and Defend the Election (Sunrise Movement)
10 Things You Need to Know to Stop A Coup (Waging Nonviolence)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Air Date 2/25/2020
Today we take a look at a post-acquittal, power-mad Trump taking advantage of his thoroughly-confirmed ability to do whatever he wants without repercussion and the work Bill Barr is doing to completely subvert the Justice Department in favor of using it as a tool to favor the President's friends and harm his enemies.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Corruption of Department of Justice Sets Off Alarm Bells - Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 2-12-20
Rachel discusses the crisis in the justice department and the authoritarian actions of Trump.
Ch. 2: Trump Tears Democracy To Messes: Is It Too Late? - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 2-13-20
Thom discusses Trump and Barr dismantling justice and democracy.
Ch. 3: The Fragility of American Justice with Dahlia Lithwick - On The Media - Air Date 2-14-20
On The Media explores the ways that American justice is cracking under pressure of the Trump administration.
Ch. 4: Calls for Bill Barr's resignation have grown impossible to ignore - Bradcast with Brad Friedman - Air Date 2-18-20
Brad discusses Trump's power madness after impeachment.
Ch. 5: Justice And Trump with Quinta Jurecic - Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 2-19-20
Brian talks with Quinta Jurecic about the crisis in the justice department under Trump and Barr.
Ch. 6: Trump Hush Money Case - Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 2-18-20
Rachel Maddow discusses the corruption of Trump and Bill Barr
Ch. 7: Pardonpalooza with Anne Milgram - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 2-20-20
Preet and Anne Milgram discuss Trump's pardoning spree.
Ch. 8: Has Trump Taken Down Our Democratic Republic? - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 2-15-20
Fascism has taken down democratic Republics multiple times in the past, will this happen to the United States under Trump?
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Solidarity with one, solidarity with all - Eammon from Orange County, California
Ch. 10: How America can avoid hypocrisy on Israel - Erin from Philadelphia
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on solidarity with threatened communities and strategies to avoid hypocrisy
Bonus: Rep. Peter King's (R-NY) IRA Ties - The Daily Show
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- The Summit - K2
- Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
- Great Great Lengths - The Balloonist
- Around Plastic Card Tables - Desert Orchard
- Decompression - Rayling
- O Holy Still - Vacant Distillery
- Jackbird - Feathers
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 10/27/2020
Today we take a look at some idea for rebuilding our economy and our society in a way that will help everyone recover from the pandemic and make us more ready for the next emergency we face.
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Transcript
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EPISODE SPONSORS: GROUND.NEWS/BEST
IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: What it would take to end child poverty in America - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 8-20-20
Lee and I discuss the psychological impact that poverty has on kids, why investing in children is one of the best investments a society can make, what other countries do right on this front that we can learn from, what it would take to end child poverty.
Ch. 2: Care work is more valuable than ever (with Kate Bahn) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-11-20
Jessyn and Nick tackle the value of care work, the impossibility of finding affordable child care, and the importance of feminist economics with economist Kate Bahn.
Ch. 3: The Tragic Cost of American Child Poverty w: Jeff Madrick - The Majority Report w: Sam Seder - Air Date 10-7-20
Economist and author Jeff Madrick joins Sam to discuss his latest book, Invisible Americans: The Tragic Cost of Child Poverty and how coronavirus austerity will further strip the US welfare system. What people should understand about child poverty.
Ch. 4: How Democrats Risk Repeating the Mistakes of the Financial Crisis in the Era of Covid-19 - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 9-17-20
US economy was spiraling out of control in 2008 and 2009, economist James Galbraith predicted that an insufficiently large stimulus would lead to a prolonged recession; he was right, Today he has a set of economic prescriptions for COVID-19 crisis relief
Ch. 5: Check Your Blindspot 10-27-20
America's favorite political game show that uses the Blindspot feature of Ground News to test contestants' political blindspots and media literacy.
Ch. 6: Voting Is Not Enough: FINAL PUSH! GOTV & DONATE STRATEGICALLY! - Best of the Left Activism
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 7: It’s time to stop relying on crisis legislation (with Lindsay Owens) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 8-4-20
Economist Lindsay Owens proposes an alternative plan: a standing, off-the-shelf program to stabilize the economy in the event of an economic emergency.
Ch. 8: Rev. William Barber Millions Are Struggling. So Why Do the Debates Ignore Poverty? - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-8-20
Rev. William Barber says the 2020 election debates have steadfastly ignored the subject of poverty, even though it affected almost half the United States population before the COVID-19 pandemic and millions more people are struggling since then.
Ch. 9: Homelessness on the Rise Amid Coronavirus Pandemic - The Takeaway - Air Date 10-1-20
According to the Eviction Lab, in 17 cities that they tracked, there have been more than 53,000 evictions since the pandemic began.
Ch. 10: You can’t starve your way out of a recession (with Kitty Richards) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 8-14-20
Paul talks to Groundwork Collaborative strategic advisor Kitty Richards about how states can act now to invest in their residents, bolster their economies, and push back against skyrocketing inequality.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Be aware and prepared but not panicked - Erin from Philly
Ch. 12: American power - Aaron from New Zealand
Ch. 13: Are there episodes on explaining socialism? - Alfredo from Frankfort, KY
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on the completely separate issues of political and economic systems
TAKE ACTION!
GOTV: Swing Left | Field Team 6 | Vote Save America | Indivisible
Swing Left Immediate Impact Fund & Super States (White House, Senate & State Level)
DCCC Frontline Fund (Protect Vulnerable House Dems)
DCCC Red to Blue (Flip More Red House Seats)
EveryDistrict (Flip state legislatures)
Democratic Governors Association (Support Incumbents & Flip Red Governorships)
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
The Battleground States Biden and Trump Need to Win 270 (The NY Times)
How Biden — or Trump — could win 270 electoral votes (Vox)
Stop giving your money to presidential campaigns, donate to local races instead (Business Insider)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Research: Deon Clark, Erin Clayton
Transcripts: Ben, Dan & Ken
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date 7/5/2019
Today we take an unflinching look at Mitch McConnell and what a bad, bad man he is for basically all of the reasons.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Money Money Money Part 1 - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Tom Dreisbach - Air Date 6-6-19
Mitch fully embraces the 'evil' of raising money in politics, and truly believes money is free speech.
Ch. 2: Voting Machine Lobbyists Pay Mitch McConnell - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 6-13-19
Lobbyists for both major voting machine companies have started contributing to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's re-election campaign as McConnell is blocking election security bills.
Ch. 3: McConnell Admits Defeat with Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola, and Ana Kasparian - The Young Turks - Air Date 3-8-19
McConnell, a longtime opponent of campaign finance reform who battled the late Sen. McCain over the issue, made clear in December that the House proposal would never see floor time in the Senate.
Ch. 4: Money Money Money Part 2 - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Tom Dreisbach - Air Date 6-6-19
McCain and Mitch fought each other over money in politics for years. Mitch wasn't ever going to lose, McCain saw the corruption and tried to call it out.
Ch. 5: Mitch Is the Biggest Monster In Politics - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 3-8-19
Mitch has been packing the courts, it is monopolization of our judiciary by far right extremists / conservatives.
Ch. 6: McConnell Makes Obstruction Pledge with Cenk Uygur, Jayar Jackson, and John Iadarola - The Young Turks - Air Date 4-24-19
McConnell sees what the progressives are doing, and is dedicated to stopping them at all costs.
Ch. 7: Darth Vader Has Arrived - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Tom Dreisbach - Air Date 6-13-19
Mitch fought endlessly to ensure corporate money in politics. Citizens United and Mitch McConnell completely overturned democracy and legalized corruption.
Ch. 8: Is Mitch McConnell the Most Evil Politician in US History with Alex Pareene - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 4-5-19
Mitch is manipulating our judicial system - Trumps court appointments are pushing terrorism on the people. Mitch is the most productive and destructive GOP in modern history.
Ch. 9: Mitch McConnell Gets Cornered By Question with Cenk Uygur, Ira Madison and John Iadarola - The Young Turks - Air Date 5-29-19
Mitch blocked Merrick Garland under Obama, and now will indiscriminately fill any SCOTUS opening.
Ch. 10: Not A Happy Choice - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Eric Mennel - Air Date 6-20-19
Mitch rose to fame during the Obama administration, for refusing to work with Obama on anything, which paved the way for Trump
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Christians thrive on oppression - (Another) Heather
Ch. 12: The Christian Right's Persecution Boner - Ani from Florida
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on why it’s safe to say that Mitch McConnell is an extortionist
TAKE ACTION! (Cut for time)
SEGMENT: Support the Fight to Oust McConnell in 2020 - Best of the Left Activism
Support End Citizens United
Support Indivisible Kentucky
Support the Ditch Mitch Fund
Support Steven Cox
Support Amy McGrath (if she announces)
Support Matt Jones (if he announces)
Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Banjo - Grey River
- Heather - Migration
- Lord Weasel - Molerider
- Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
- Inessential - Bayou Birds
- Vibrant Canopy - Origami
- Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
- Waterbourne - Algea Fields
- Surly Bonds - Aeronaut
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date 10/21/2020
Today we take a look at some of the many zany foreign misadventures the United States has had over the past 100 years. And by "zany misadventures" I mean the naked pursuit of capitalism at any cost, the support of military coups and other undemocratic overthrows of foreign governments and wars for oil and resources in an unabashed attempt to keep America wealthy and the rest of the world less so - all while maintaining an anti-imperial, pro-democracy, pro-freedom, live-and-let-live poker face.
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Transcript
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EPISODE SPONSORS: MACK WELDON | GROUND.NEWS/BEST
IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The bipartisan empire machine that runs the United States - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 9-26-18
Trump lies all the time but he's also continuing one of the great lies of America
Ch. 2: Empire Unhinged with Aslı Bâli & Aziz Rana - The Dig - Air Date 6-11-20
Dan interviews returning guests Aslı Bâli and Aziz Rana on the long history behind the crisis of American imperial legitimation that has become so manifest amid the pandemic.
Ch. 3: American Empire Part 1 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20
“America” and “empire.” Do those words go together? If so, what kind of imperialism does the U.S. practice, and how has American empire changed over time? By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika.
Ch. 4: Ghosts of Mossadegh: The Iran Cables, U.S. Empire, and the Arc of History - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 11-20-19
The Intercept’s investigative series The Iran Cables offers historical insight into Iran’s operations in neighboring Iraq, which are informed by the bloody history of the Iran-Iraq War, the U.S. invasion, and subsequent occupation of Iraq
Ch. 5: 2020 Hindsight on Iraq - Open Source with Christopher Lydon - Air Date 1-9-20
America's "original sin" in the Middle East: the CIA's (and Britain's) coup d'etat in Iran in 1953.
Ch. 6: American Empire Part 2 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20
“America” and “empire.” Do those words go together? If so, what kind of imperialism does the U.S. practice, and how has American empire changed over time? By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika.
Ch. 7: Voting Is Not Enough - 2 WEEKS LEFT, GET OUT THE VOTE - Best of the Left
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 8: American Empire Part 3 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20
“America” and “empire.” Do those words go together? If so, what kind of imperialism does the U.S. practice, and how has American empire changed over time? By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika.
Ch. 9: The Always Stumbling US Empire - Citations Needed - Air Date 10-25-17
"Stumbling", "sliding", "drawn into" war––the media frequently assumes the US is bumbling its way around the world. The idea that the United States operates in “good faith” is taken for granted for most of the American press.
Ch. 10: The Other 9/11: Part One - Making Contact - Air Date 9-3-13
Before 2001, there was another 9/11. In 1973, a military coup backed by the United States, overthrew the Chilean government and ushered in seventeen years of brutal dictatorship. In the first of a two part series; we hear stories of the Chilean 9/11.
Ch. 11: Empire Unhinged with Aslı Bâli & Aziz Rana Part 2 - The Dig - Air Date 6-11-20
Dan interviews returning guests Aslı Bâli and Aziz Rana on the long history behind the crisis of American imperial legitimation that has become so manifest amid the pandemic.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: Domestic focus is about setting a good example - Chris from San Diego
Ch. 13: Thoughts on right-wing vs left-wing anarchism - Alex
Ch. 14: Fighting for legitimacy - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 15: Final comments on the dangers and paranoia that come with illegitimate power
TAKE ACTION!
TheLastWeekends.org
SwingLeft.org/funds
FieldTeam6.org
VoteSaveAmerica.com
Voting problems? Call 866-OUR-VOTE or 866OurVote.org
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
The Billion-Dollar Disinformation Campaign to Reelect the President (The Atlantic)
Behind in the Polls, Republicans See a Silver Lining in Voter Registrations (The New York Times)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Listen Anywhere!
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Air Date 10/16/2020
Today we take a look at the history and origins of the American militia movement right up to the recent plot to kidnap the Governor of Michigan, the likelihood of more violence and the high probability that they will show up at polling places on Election Day.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: FBI Foils Right-Wing Plot to Kidnap Michigan Gov. Months After Trump Urged "Liberation" of State - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-9-20
Just months after President Trump tweeted for his supporters to "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" the FBI has foiled an alleged plot to kidnap and take hostage Democratic Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer.
Ch. 2: Ohio has long history with militias; 2020 saw a surge in activity - WBNS 10TV - Air Date 10-9-20
A group of men plotting to kidnap the governor of Michigan met in Dublin.
Ch. 3: Rise of Violent Militias Prompts National Fears After Foiled Kidnapping Plot - The Takeaway - Air Date 10-12-20
Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, and Daryl Johnson, owner of DT Analytics and former senior analyst at the Department of Homeland Security, discuss the implications for the upcoming election.
Ch. 4: Check Your Blindspot 10-16-20
America's favorite political game show that uses the Blindspot feature of Ground News to test contestants' political blindspots and media literacy.
Ch. 5: Mary McCord on Unlawful Militias - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-9-20
Mary McCord, a law professor at Georgetown University & legal director at the school's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection and an expert on unlawful militias that manage to be part of the political landscape while somehow escaping media.
Ch. 6: Great Replacement Theory - RE-EDUCATION - Air Date 8-16-19
This theory has become mainstream.
Ch. 7: Voting Is Not Enough - Protect the Election Results - Best of the Left Activism
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 8: Protests Put Spotlight on the Relationship Between Armed White Vigilantes, Militia Groups, and Law Enforcement - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-31-20
Armed vigilantes and militia groups are showing up to Black Lives Matter protests across the country.
Ch. 9: Robert Evans Are We In a Second Civil War? - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 10-13-20
Robert Evans explains what we need to do to avoid a second Civil War
Ch. 10: Kathleen Belew Explains the Long History of the White Power Movement and its Global Plans for "Race War" - The Truth Report w. Chauncey DeVega - Air Date 5-26-19
Belew explains white supremacy is a cultural, social and political problem not just the pathology of a small number of people, what "white power" means, and how white supremacist and other right-wing foot soldiers preparing for various forms of "race war"
Ch. 11: Did Trump's "Liberate Michigan" Result in Kidnapped Governor? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-8-20
Donald Trump told his followers to "liberate Michigan". They answered by attempting to kidnap Governor Whitmer.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: In response to Craig's progressive myth and identity politics - Alex
Ch. 13: VOTE on what you know about, VoicedMails™ - Stacy from San Francisco Bay Area
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on the interesting wrinkle of two Trump-haters being involved in the kidnapping plot
Article: 13 men charged in alleged kidnapping plot, many with troubled pasts - Detroit Free Press
TAKE ACTION!
6 Steps to Save the Vote via RepresentUs
Protect the Results via Indivisible, Stand Up America & more
Count On Us via Sunrise Movement
10 Things You Need to Know to Stop a Coup (Waging Nonviolence)
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
The Election That Could Break America (The Atlantic)
Is Trump Planning a Coup d’État? (The Nation)
What Happens If Trump Won't Step Down? (Slate)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
"aIMG_0841" & "cIMG_1169b" & "01IMG_7336" by Becker1999 (Paul and Cathy), Flickr | License | Changes: Composite of 3 different images, cropped, added black background and red design
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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SUPPORT THE SHOW
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Air Date 10/13/2020
Today we take a look at the myths of Columbus and American Exceptionalism™ that we cling to and turn our gaze to some of the less-understood but more accurate and important aspects of our collective history
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Can You Handle The Truth? - Native Opinion Podcast an American Indian Perspective - Air Date 10-20-19
This is a heavy episode of our show. Discussions include Blood quantum and its use in Tribal Enrollment, American·s false love affair with President Abraham Lincoln and Christopher Columbus.
Ch. 2: Why the US celebrates Columbus Day - Vox - Air Date 10-8-20
For centuries, the destruction and disease he ushered into the Americas have been set aside, allowing the myth of a pioneering sailor who discovered America and proved the world was round to embed itself in US culture.
Ch. 3: Columbus In His Own Words - Let's Talk Native TV - Air Date 10-12-19
On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on a small island in the Caribbean... these are his words.
Ch. 4: In Search of a Better American Myth - Progressive Faith Sermons, Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 10-11-20
A civilization’s shared myths account for why things are the way they are. They can bolster loyalty to a religion or a nation, and they can excuse class and race privilege.
Ch. 5: Jon Schwarz on social silence, hidden history, and why Trump is our most honest president - The Katie Halper Show - Air Date 11-22-18
Jon Schwarz on social silence and hidden history.
Ch. 6: City Upon A Hill: A History Of American Exceptionalism - BackStory - Air Date 1-22-16
Tracing the origin and misappropriation of the idea of America as a "City upon a hill."
Ch. 7: The American Exceptionalism Mythology - Loud & Clear - Air Date 7-5-19
Exploring the origins and falsity of the idea of "American Exceptionalism™"
Ch. 8: Columbus redux! - Let's Talk Native - Air Date 7-17-19
The irony of telling dissatisfied progressives of color to "Go back where they came from" is that America is only so full of white people because they left their old countries rather than staying and trying to improve them.
Ch. 9: Why The Right Is So Dishonest About American History - Cracked (Some More News) - Air Date 11-21-17
Happy almost-Thanksgiving. What could be better than football and turkey? Well, there·s genocide and stuff, but we don·t want to ruin your holidays. We·ll leave that to the disingenuous folks who would like to pretend that there is nothing wrong.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: In response to Craig from OH about the progressive myth - Dave from Olympia, WA
Ch. 11: Conservative blindspot on climate - Craig from Ohio
Ch. 12: Is 'kids in cages' really a conservative blindspot? - Larry from Minnesota
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on the blindspots from the right and left including the family separation policy, foreign policy and the climate emergency
TAKE ACTION!
VoteRiders.org
TheLastWeekends.org
Call: 866-OUR-VOTE | Visit 866OurVote.org
ProtecttheVote.net
NativesVote2020.com
Native American Voting Rights Act (2019-2020)
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
The State of Native American Voting Rights (Brennan Center)
Native Vote Infographic (National Congress of American Indians)
The 5 Million Americans that the 2020 Candidates Refuse to Talk About (Vox - First Person)
How the Native American Vote Continues to be Suppressed (American Bar Association)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
"Christopher Columbus Statue Torn Down at Minnesota State Capitol" by Tony Webster, Flickr | License | Modifications: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 10/9/2020
Today we take a look at the future of abortion rights and the broader reproductive justice movement in the face of a conservative super-majority on the Supreme Court
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: How The GOP Ended Up Hating Abortion - AJ+ - Air Date 8-4-19
Republicans and their base used to be more supportive of abortion rights than Democrats. Now, they’re pushing for abortion restrictions with an aim to overturn Roe v. Wade. Why did the GOP turn its back on abortion rights?
Ch. 2: Body of Law Beyond Roe - On the Media - Air Date 12-13-19
Activist and scholar Loretta Ross explains the tenets of reproductive justice and how they expand the frame beyond Roe and abortion; Reva Siegel of Yale Law School describes the framework of ProChoiceLife.
Ch. 3: Check Your Blindspot - Powered by Ground News
America's favorite political gameshow that uses the Blindspot feature of Ground News to test contestants' political blindspots and media literacy.
Ch. 4: Everyone Loves Someone Who Had an Abortion - National Network of Abortion Funds - Air Date 4-16-20
Access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, largely depends on where you live and how much money you have. Abortion funds are taking the hassle and harassment out of healthcare by helping people all across our network access and fund abortions.
Ch. 5: Voting Is Not Enough: Register Voters & Re-Register Purged Voters in Battleground States via @fieldteam_6 - Best of the Left
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 6: 'It is time to have a national law to protect the right of a woman’s choice': Warren - ABC News - Air Date 2-7-20
Candidates weigh in on current abortion laws and President Donald Trump's campaign promise to shift the Supreme Court to the right.
Ch. 7: What Happens When You Restrict Abortion? - AJ+ - Air Date 10-8-19
Restricting abortion access doesn’t have the same impact on everyone. It adversely affects people of color and low-income residents more. But why and how? We traveled to the place with the largest percentage of Black residents in the U.S. to find out.
Ch. 8: The Shadows of a Revolution - Capitalism Hits Home with Dr. Harriet Fraad and Julianna Forlano - Air Date 5-31-20
Lost abortion rights and no paid maternity or family leaves keep women from advancing at work as they take time to care for children. Abortion and family leaves are sites of the revolutionary struggle for America's personal and family life.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: "One Person, One Vote" is our saddest and scariest myth - Lance
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the zombie talking point of us living in a republic rather than a democracy
TAKE ACTION!
Volunteer with FieldTeam6.org/actions
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Right-Wing Group Seeks to Purge Up to 800,000 Voters in Pennsylvania, A Key Battleground State (The Intercept)
Republicans Are Trying to Kick Thousands of Voters Off the Rolls During a Pandemic (Mother Jones)
Block the Vote: Voter Suppression in 2020 (ACLU)
Wisconsin Supreme Court Hears Arguments In Voter Purge, Mail-In Ballot Cases (WPR)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 10/6/2020
Today we take a look at the legacy of RBG from her time before and as Justice of the Supreme Court as well as the fight ahead against the threat of an unbreakable, extreme conservative majority on the court.
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SEE THROUGH MEDIA BIAS WITH GROUND.NEWS/BEST
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: "RBG": Film Director Reflects on Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Lifelong Fight for Gender Equity - What Trump Can Teach Us About Con Law - Air Date 9-25-20
Julie Cohen, co-director of the documentary "RBG," speaks on Ginsburg's early years and leadership in fighting for equal rights for women, including arguing a case before the Supreme Court with nine male justices who were condescending to her.
Ch. 2: Dahlia Lithwick: How to understand RBG's complicated legacy - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-21-20
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a champion of gender equality in the U.S. justice system. Despite Ginsburg's status as a progressive icon late in life, Slate senior editor Dahlia Lithwick says that it's important to understand the full context of her legacy.
Ch. 3: Justice Ginsburg's Replacement Could Change Everything - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-21-20
Ruth Bader Ginsberg has died, and while everybody is focusing on abortion, the Supreme Court, if it falls into hard-core conservative hands, could do massive damage to the entire spectrum of life in America.
Ch. 4: Voting Is Not Enough: Help Flip the Senate via @swingleft - Best of the Left Activism
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 5: How “Extremist” Amy Coney Barrett Could Reshape the Supreme Court & Hand Trump the Election - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-28-20
President Trump nominates conservative federal judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, we look at how an emboldened 6-3 conservative majority could dramatically loosen gun laws, hurt immigrant communities and role on a close presidential election.
Ch. 6: How To Pack The Supreme Court - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 3-22-20
In this Majority Report clip, Brian Fallon on Supreme Court packing.
Ch. 7: Fighting For A Supreme Court Seat Might Seem Rude - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 9-27-20
Thoughts on why the Democrats aren't fighting harder and one major missed opportunity to save the ACA that's already gone by.
Ch. 8: The Supreme Court: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - LastWeekTonight - Air Date 9-27-20
In the wake of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, John Oliver discusses the future of the Supreme Court, why the government doesn't always represent the political leanings of the electorate, and how those issues will impact the next generation of Americans.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: #SaveOurChildren - Tyler from Minneapolis
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the emergency of legitimacy our country is facing
TAKE ACTION!
Volunteer with SwingLeft.org
Donate to the Swing Left Immediate Impact Fund or a Super State
Learn about the Super State Strategy
Tight Races in Other Red States:
AK: Unseat Sullivan. Give to Dr. Al Gross. (tied)
SC: Unseat Graham. Give to Jaime Harrison. (down by 1% points)
MS: Unset Hyde-Smith. Give to Mike Espy. (down by 1% points)
MT: Unseat Daines. Give to Steve Bullock. (down by 1% point)
KS: Open seat. Give to Bollier. (down by 7% points)
Vulnerables Dems:
MI: Help Sen. Gary Peters. (up by 7% points)
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Democrats Will Be Lost Without the Senate (The Nation)
Mitch McConnell has done grave damage to all three branches of government (CNN)
Mitch McConnell is destroying the Senate – and American government (The Guardian)
Mitch McConnell: The Man Who Sold America (Rolling Stone)
McConnell Is on the Losing Side of History — And He Knows It (Politico)
Mitch McConnell Assaulted the Constitution (and Got Away With It) (The Nation)
The Other Way Trump Could Destroy the Next Presidency (The Atlantic)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
"Vote" by Dennis Sparks, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 10/1/2020
Today we take a look at the phenomenon of pro-Trump conspiracy cult: QAnon, what it is and why so many people are getting sucked into it.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: QANON Is Antisemitism Hiding In Dangerous Conspiracy Theory? - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 9-15-20
What would happen if a far-right Nazi cult gained power in the United States, infecting your neighbors, friends, family and even your elected officials. Thom Hartmann exposes QANON.
Ch. 2: Team Human with Douglas Rushkoff - You Are Not So Smart with David McRaney - Air Date 1-13-19
Douglas Rushkoff explains why we should revolt against the algorithms so we can get back to our essential human messiness.
Ch. 3: QAnon is totally true - The Topical, The Onion - Air Date 9-29-20
Turns out, QAnon is totally true and backed up by evidence (if you read between the lines).
Ch. 4: QAnon Makes Human Trafficking Worse feat Michael Hobbes - QAnon Anonymous - Air Date 9-15-20
The 1980's Satanic Panic has many similarities to the 2020 "Save the children" QAnon movement. We explore how these religious freakouts and conspiracy theories harm efforts to combat trafficking.
Ch. 5: Mothers For QAnon w: Annie Kelly - QAnon Anonymous - Air Date 9-23-20
Women tied to the QAnon movement have recently achieved sizable electoral victories. Our UK Correspondent (Doctor) Annie Kelly (PhD) drops by to expand on her recent piece for the New York Times. We examine how the movement has made such inroads online.
Ch. 6: QAnon News - The Last Post - Air Date 9-22-20
Don't care when your child goes to bed? More concerned when they will wake the f--k up? Wil Anderson - the Don ADman of the advertising world - has spotted a synergy in the QAnon hashtag #savethechildren, and taking children's savings: kids toys.
Ch. 7: Reformed Neo-Nazi Explains How People Fall Prey to QAnon Online - MSNBC - Air Date 9-6-20
Shannon Foley-Martinez, a former violent white supremacist now working to extract others from extremist groups, says QAnon attracts people looking for a meaningful connection and a way to navigate a world that feels unsafe.
Ch. 8: In Search Of A Flat Earth - Folding Ideas - Air Date 9-11-20
QAnon supporters, like flat-earthers, are looking for a way to dramatically simplify a terrifyingly complex world.
Members' Bonus Clips:
Ch. 1*: Is QAnon the Future of the Republican Party? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 8-28-20
QAnon is a far-ranging conspiracy theory that alleges, among other things, that a patriotic Trump supporter (or supporters) embedded in the highest levels of the U.S. government has been using internet forums to send coded messages to the American public.
Ch. 9: Conspiracy Theories - Power Corrupts - Air Date 5-1-19
We speak to a diehard believer in the bogus QAnon conspiracy
Ch. 10: The Rise of "Conspirituality" - On the Media - Air Date 9-25-20
In this moment of growth, one community, in particular, has found itself prey to QAnon: the yoga, wellness, and spirituality world, where skepticism about vaccines has intersected with the rapid spread of disinformation online to create a toxic stew known as "conspirituality."
VOICEDMAILS™
Ch. 11: Re: Episode on Post Office and Census - Scott
Ch. 12: Biden vs Howie Hawkins - Lars from Brooklyn
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on why Democracy is built on a foundation of human perception rather than laws. Also, resources to keep you away from conspiratorial and magical thinking
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 9/26/2020
Today we present, instead of what was intended to be a rerun episode, Senator Bernie Sanders' major speech on the threat Donald Trump poses to democracy. Plus, new voice messages and a bonus clip in conversation with one of those messages.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Sen Bernie Sanders Addresses the Nation: Trump's Threat to Our Democracy
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 2: The Progressive Myth - Craig from Ohio
Ch. 3: The Nature of the Internet - Jonathan from Florida
New bonus clips and voices - Jonathan from Florida
Bonus Clip
Ch. 4: Facts Don't Care About Your Feelings, But Decent People Do: The Dangerous Emotional Detachment of the Right - Speak Out with Tim Wise - Air Date 11-27-19
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 9/22/2020
Today we take a look at the rising concern over Facebook as more and more negative impacts of the site become evident to an ever-expanding group of concerned people and, more specifically, we show how it is the fundamental business model of Facebook that is at the heart of its problems.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Early Facebook Investor We Need to Hold Big Tech Accountable For Creating “Toxic Digital Spills” - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-27-19
Early Facebook investor Roger McNamee talks about big tech companies are amplifying hate speech and disinformation. He also talks more about his book, ·Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe.·
Ch. 2: The Covid Conspiracy Boom on Facebook - On the Media - Air Date 8-19-20
Bob speaks to Fadi Quran about the "superspreader" pages that are amassing these page views, the most popular health conspiracies on Facebook, and whether there's any hope that Facebook will address the proliferation of disinformation on its site.
Ch. 3: Beyond the Boycott - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 7-10-20
#StopHateforProfit is an important first step, but we need to go much further.
Ch. 4: The Business Model - The Social Dilemma
Clip from the docudrama "The Social Dilemma" from the Center for Humane Technology (available on Netflix).
Ch. 5: Voting Is Not Enough: Work to Overcome Racist Voter Suppression in Yet Another Election Without the Full Voting Rights Act - Best of the Left Activism
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 6: When Attention Went on Sale - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 4-28-20
Information system that relies on advertising was not born w/ the Internet. But social media platforms have taken it to an entirely new level, becoming a major force in how we make sense of ourselves and the world around us. Columbia Law Professor Tim Wu.
Ch. 7: Power and Politics in Silicon Valley ft. Ramesh Srinivasan - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 11-10-19
Ramesh Srinivasan (@RameshMedia), Bernie Sanders surrogate and Professor at the UCLA Department of Information Studies, joins us to discuss the politics of technology. Why conversations about technology need to be conversations about power.
Ch. 8: Yaël Eisenstat: Dear Facebook, this is how you're breaking democracy - TEDTalks - Air Date 9-8-20
In this bold talk, Yaël Eisenstat explores how social media companies like Facebook incentivize inflammatory content, contributing to a culture of political polarization and mistrust -- and calls on governments to hold these platforms accountable.
VOICEMAILS:
Ch. 10: Mythology - Alan from Connecticut
VOICYMAILS:
Ch. 11: Response to Zach the theologian - Nicole
Ch. 12: Your argument convinced me - Zach the theologian
Ch. 13: White Male Privilege - Heidi
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on the two major changes happening to the show
TAKE ACTION!
Fight Systemic Voter Suppression:
1) Confirm Voter Registration & Talk to Purged Voters:
Vote.org
National Voter Registration Day Toolkit
Call purged voters: Field Team 6 Actions (with Grassroots Democrats HQ)
2) Help People Get Necessary IDs to Vote:
VoteRiders Free Help
3) Increase Black Voter Turnout:
NAACP Black Voices Change Lives
4) Become a Poll Worker:
WorkElections.com
MoreThanaVote.org
React to Ginsburg's Passing with Action:
Volunteer with SwingLeft to Flip the Senate & Target Super States
Donate to Targeted Super States via SwingLeft
Special Elections (Winner sworn-in in November!):
AZ: Unseat McSally. Give to Mark Kelly. (leading by 9% points) (CPR Rating: Leans D)
GA: Unseat Loeffler. Give to Rev. Raphael Warnock. (down by 4% points) (CPR Rating: Lean R)
Tightening Polls Toss Ups:
MT: Unseat Daines. Give to Steve Bullock. (down by 1% point)
GA: Unseat Perdue. Give to Jon Ossoff. (down by 2% points)
IA: Unseat Ernst: Give to Theresa Greenfield. (leading by 3% points)
ME: Unseat Collins. Give to Sara Gideon. (leading by 5-7% points)
NC: Unseat Tillis. Give to Cal Cunningham. (leading by 6% points)
CO: Unseat Gardener. Give to John Hickenlooper. (leading by 7% points)
Close Polls Lean R & Likely R:
AK: Unseat Sullivan. Give to Dr. Al Gross. (tied)
SC: Unseat Graham. Give to Jaime Harrison. (down by 1% points)
TX: Unseat Cornyn. Give to MJ Hegar. (down by 2% points)
KS: Open seat. Give to Bollier. (down by 2% points)
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
7 Years of Gutting Voting Rights (Brennan Center for Justice)
In 2013 the supreme court gutted voting rights – how has it changed the US? (The Guardian)
Here's exactly how Democrats win the Senate (CNN)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 9/18/2020
Today we take a look at some of the dynamics at play for some of the most vulnerable people in America who are doing much of the most essential work under the most precarious circumstances
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Essential and Unprotected Part 1 - FRONTLINE, PBS - Air Date 7-22-20
They've been keeping America fed throughout the pandemic · and they say they·ve had to choose between their health and their jobs.
Ch. 2: COVID-19 Presents Major Economic Burden for Domestic Workers - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-7-20
COVID-19 Presents Major Economic Burden for Domestic Workers In recent months, even as some industries have gradually reopened, many domestic workers are still losing jobs and wages due to the pandemic.
Ch. 3: Essential and Unprotected Part 2 - FRONTLINE, PBS - Air Date 7-22-20
They've been keeping America fed throughout the pandemic · and they say they·ve had to choose between their health and their jobs.
Ch. 4: Unemployment benefits are hard to get. That’s on purpose Part 1 - The Uncertain Hour - Air Date 5-27-20
Millions of Americans who are out of work don·t receive unemployment benefits. That·s by design. Today, we·ll look at the history of the United States· unemployment insurance system
Ch. 5: Why “essential” workers are treated as disposable - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 5-20-20
We call them heroes, we label them ·essential,· and we clap for their brave efforts -- even tho with doctors and nurses, these are the people who are putting their own lives at risk to keep our society functioning day in and out amid the worst crisis
Ch. 6: Voting Is Not Enough: Take Part in National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 22nd via @NatlVoterRegDay @SEIU - Best of the Left Activism
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 7: Unemployment benefits are hard to get. That’s on purpose Part 2 - The Uncertain Hour - Air Date 5-27-20
Millions of Americans who are out of work don·t receive unemployment benefits. That·s by design. Today, we·ll look at the history of the United States· unemployment insurance system
Ch. 8: How Labor Organizing Can Help Women and People of Color Unemployed Due to COVID-19 - The Takeaway - Air Date 5-13-20
How Labor Organizing Can Help Women and People of Color Unemployed Due to COVID-19 The economic crisis has disproportionately hurt women and people of color
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: Moving beyond the myth of the melting pot - Erin from Philadelphia
Ch. 10: Moving beyond the 'empirical' point of view - Chris from Littleton, CO
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the ironic origins of two of America's most cherished cultural pillars
TAKE ACTION
Register to Vote!
Table of voter registration deadlines by state & type (Business Insider)
Visit NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org (@NatlVoterRegDay) for details on the Sept. 22nd day of action / Watch the kick off event
Visit SEIU2020.org to join the union's 2020 election activities
Get the VoteJoe relational voting app: Text APP to 30330
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
How to Vote in the 2020 Election Project (FiveThirtyEight)
Labor union unveils $150M campaign to help defeat Trump (AP)
Barack Obama Stars in Snapchat PSA Aimed at Younger and First-Time Voters (AdWeek)
Pandemic upends traditional voter registration efforts ahead of November election (CBS)
Voter Registrations Are Way, Way Down During The Pandemic (FiveThirtyEight)
What you need to know about voting absentee in Alabama (Al.com)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 9/15/2020
Today we take a look at two of America's oldest institutions which are both under attack, the US Post Office and the Census. The clear through-line of the attacks on both is a classic struggle over power.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: The Long, Slow Chipping Away of the USPS - On the Media - Air Date 8-21-20
According to New Republic staff writer Alex Shephard, when journalists start talking about public sector programs like the postal service, they tend to be sucked into a partisan, ideological narrative.
Ch. 2: A wildcat strike in 1970 solved the last crisis at USPS - The Real News - Air Date 8-24-20
Labor activist Paul Prescod gives context to the fight over the future of the post office.
Ch. 3: "The Damage Has Been Done" Historian Says Trump's Postmaster Has Undermined Faith in 2020 Election - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-24-20
Historian Philip Rubio, who teaches at North Carolina A&T State University and worked as a mail carrier for two decades, says decades of political interference have caused a "manufactured crisis" at the U.S. Postal Service. "The damage has been done,"
Ch. 4: Crisis At The Post Office - Planet Money - Air Date 8-21-20
The fight over the US Postal Service is a lot bigger and goes back a lot further than the appointment of Louis DeJoy. It's a fifty-year-old battle between public service and private enterprise.
Ch. 5: Voting Is Not Enough: Know Your State’s 2020 Voting Rules & Voting Best Practices & Help Others - Best of the Left
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 6: Liz OuYang on Census Sabotage - CounterSpin - Air Date 8-14-20
We’ll talk about the White House’s transparent campaign to sabotage the census with civil rights attorney Liz OuYang.
Ch. 7: Census Suppression & Why It Matters - The Daily Show with Trevor Noah - Air Date 7-15-20
Dulcé Sloan meets voter suppression’s nasty cousin, census suppression, and talks to Dr. Jeanine Abrams McLean, Stacey Abrams’s sister, about the 2020 census and the fight to get Black folks accurately represented via the Fair Count organization.
Ch. 8: Why The Census Matters - Another Way, by Lawrence Lessig - Air Date 1-30-20
Adam Eichen is joined by Beth Huang, executive director of Massachusetts Voter Table. The two discuss how the decennial census works, why it is so important, the difficulties involved in enumeration, and what groups are doing to ensure an accurate count.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 9: White people are tired of living up to the myth - Scott from Arizona
Ch. 10: Voicemail Description – Person from City, State
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the importance of a racial understanding of economic policy and contrasting two foundational myth
TAKE ACTION
Explore and share the "How to Vote in the 2020 Election" Project (FiveThirtyEight)
Remember & Share These Voting Best Practices:
-
Request your absentee ballot ASAP! RIGHT NOW!
-
When you have your ballot, vote ASAP but follow ballot rules to the letter to avoid rejection!
-
If you don't want to mail your ballot, find local ballot drop boxes through your state's Secretary of State website or by calling your local election office. Find my state or local election office
-
Track your ballot online to ensure it was received and accepted! To find the tracker, first find your state or local election office
Voting in person is still an option, but be prepared for people to disobey health rules, and for long lines and reduced polling places. Find your polling place
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
Voter Registration Deadlines (Vote.org)
Voting by mail in a pandemic: A state-by-state scorecard (Brookings)
How to Vote by Mail in All 50 States (Vice)
The Most Important Mail You'll Ever Send: A Ballot (NPR)
In battlegrounds, absentee ballot rejections could triple (AP)
A white person and a Black person vote by mail in the same state. Whose ballot is more likely to be rejected? (NBC News)
If You Can Grocery Shop in Person, You Can Vote in Person (The Atlantic)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Song Title
- Song Title
- Song Title
- Song Title
- Song Title
- Song Title
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 9/11/2020
Today we take a look at the easily predictable, yet growing, eviction crisis in America that is entirely thanks to a political and economic system that is structurally incapable of functioning for the benefit of people over profit.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Ali Velshi Explains The Looming Eviction Crisis - MSNBC - Air Date 7-21-20
Ali Velshi breaks down why millions of Americans could be forced out of their homes
Ch. 2: The Evictions Cliff Part 1, The Cost of Housing - Off Kilter - Air Date 7-18-20
Dan Threet of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and Jay Willis, senior contributor for The Appeal.
Ch. 3: There Is An Eviction Crisis, How Can We Fight Back? - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 7-11-20
There Is An Eviction Crisis, How Can We Fight Back?
Ch. 4: Heartbreaking CNN Segment Highlights Eviction Crisis - The Rational National - Air Date 9-3-20
CNN puts a face to the eviction crisis that could hit 30-40 million Americans by the end of 2020.
Ch. 5: The Evictions Cliff Part 2, Cancel Rent and Consider Housing a Human Right - Off Kilter - Air Date 7-18-20
Tara Raghuveer, director of the campaign for a Homes Guarantee and founding director of KC Tenants.
Ch. 6: Voting Is Not Enough: Help Unhoused, Poor and Low-Income Voters Access the Ballot - Best of the Left
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 7: Elizabeth Warren Talks Pending Eviction Crisis in America - NowThis - Air Date 7-25-20
‘This coming eviction crisis is a racial justice crisis’ — Sen. Elizabeth Warren explains why the looming eviction crisis could be devastating for communities of color.
Ch. 8: Can Trump Really ‘Stop Evictions?’ - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-2-20
A Trump administration order could allow many renters to avoid eviction through Dec. 31
Ch. 9: There Is No Ethical Capitalism - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 9-4-20
Understanding the amorality of capitalism through a structural lens
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Thoughts on the frames through which we see the world - Naomi from Canada
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the dominant culture, national myths and the dominance of whiteness
TAKE ACTION!
Join The Poor People's Campaign's "We Must Do M.O.R.E." Effort
"We Must Do M.O.R.E" Digital Toolkit
Watch the "We Must Do M.O.R.E." Moral Monday Mass Assembly on 9/14 at 7pm ET on Facebook
National Low Income Housing Coalition: National Federal Eviction Moratorium & Toolkit
Nonprofit VOTES: Voting information pertaining to unhoused people
National Coalition for the Homeless
"You Don't Need A Home to Vote" Manual
Get involved in the "You Don't Need a Home to Vote" Project
National Housing Law Project Resources for People Facing Eviction During the Pandemic
National Homelessness Law Center 2020 Election Guide
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
How the COVID-19 housing crisis could affect voter participation (Fast Company)
Evictions Across US Raise Concerns About Voting Process (Voice of America)
How The Eviction Crisis Could Compound Voter Suppression Come November (Huffington Post)
Housing advocate on what to do if you’re being evicted: ‘You have rights’ (CNBC)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
"IMG_0344" from Chicago Right to Recovery Caravan Rally by Ervin Lopez on Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, increased contrast, brightness and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 9/8/2020
Today we take a look at the dynamics of the white nationalist movement, authoritarian psychology, the legacy of Richard Nixon and the uncertainty of a peaceful election.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: White Rage, Trump and Americas Race War with Tim Wise - The Truth Report with Chauncey DeVega - Air Date 8-1-19
Chauncey and Tim Wise discuss the rise of white supremacy and fascism in America.
Ch. 2: Derek Black was groomed to be the new face of white nationalism. Now he's working against it. - Cape Up with Jonathan Capehart - Air Date 7-28-20
Black grew up in a family of white nationalists, with David Duke as his godfather. But he renounced those views in college and recently has been involved in Black Lives Matter protests. "Everyone has a moral choice to decide," he says.
Ch. 3: Trump Caravans and the Threat of Sectarian Violence Part 1 - The Muckrake Podcast - Air Date 9-1-20
Right Wing vigilantism turns to roving bands of MAGA supporters driving into cities and doling out violence.
Ch. 4: Can We Stop Trump From Playing Dictator? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-11-20
The single most consistent defining characteristic of an emerging dictatorship in a country that started as a democracy is that the dictator regularly holds elections and always wins, because he uses the instruments of government to make sure he wins.
Ch. 5: Voting is Not Enough - Get Involved In The Ground Game NOW - Best of the Left
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 6: “Authoritarian Nightmare” John Dean Helped Bring Down Nixon over Watergate. He Says Trump Is Worse - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-27-20
As President Trump is set to accept the Republican Party's formal renomination for president amid ongoing scandals and multiple crises, we speak with John Dean, who served as the White House counsel for President Richard Nixon from 1970 to 1973.
Ch. 7: Trump Caravans and the Threat of Sectarian Violence Part 2 - The Muckrake Podcast - Air Date 9-1-20
Right Wing vigilantism turns to roving bands of MAGA supporters driving into cities and doling out violence.
Ch. 8: Democracy Is On The Ballot - Strange Days with Fernand Amandi - Air Date 8-21-20
Will fascism + white supremacy be the new normal if Joe Biden loses the election? Jason Stanley explains to #StrangeDaysPodcast, How Fascism Works.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the debate between voting emotionally or as a tool toward a theory of change
TAKE ACTION!
GOTV! Grab some friends & get involved with:
Swing Left
Indivisible
Vote Forward
Field Team 6
Move On
Progressive Turn Out Project
Biden-Harris campaign
NAACP's Black Voices Changes Lives
SuperMajority
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
The pandemic is forcing Democrats to ask: How important is door-knocking, anyway? (Vox)
The Shocking Upset That Shows How Democrats Can Crush Trump (Daily Beast)
NAACP Launches An Unprecedented "Black Voices Change Lives" Campaign to Activate Infrequent Black Voters in Critical Battleground States (NAACP)
It’s a lot harder to get out the vote during a pandemic (Marketplace)
Swing Left: The 2020 Super States (Swing Left)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- The Envelope - Aeronaut
- Turning to You - Landsman Duets
- Chilvat - Lillehammer
- Hickory Shed - Onesuch Village
- This fickle world - Theo Bard
- One Dirty Sleeve - Wax Museum
- Vibrant Canopy - Origami
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 9/5/2020
Today we take a look at the protests and counter-protests roiling the nation and recognize the conspiracy-laden fundamentalism of the far-right that is fueling the violence.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Marjorie Cohn on Portland Secret Police - CounterSpin - Air Date 7-24-20
While we wait to see if corporate media can decide which optic is an optic too far, we talk about the legal, constitutional elements of the fight for our right to protest, including against the forces that are sent to police the protesting. Marjorie Kohn.
Ch. 2: Kenosha - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 08-30-20
John Oliver discusses a week that saw the Republican National Convention, a horrific series of shootings in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a strike in professional sports -- three stories that are really one story, about race in America.
Ch. 3: Trump Attacks Anti-Fascists But Is Silent on Boogaloo & Far-Right Groups Engaged in Deadly Violence - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-23-20
President Trump claims without evidence that anti-fascists are inciting riots at protests against police brutality but has downplayed groups like the “boogaloo” movement, which are using the protests as cover to carry out violence, even murder.
Ch. 4: Trump Cheers On Violent Terror - The Young Turks - Air Date 9-1-20
Trump is promoting violence in the United States. Ana Kasparian and Cenk Uygur discuss on The Young Turks.
Ch. 5: Voting is Not Enough: Become a Poll Worker - Best of the Left Activism
Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.
Ch. 6: Trump Caravans and the Threat of Sectarian Violence - The Muckrake Podcast - Air Date 9-1-20
Right-Wing vigilantism turns to roving bands of MAGA supporters driving into cities and doling out violence.
Ch. 7: America's Brutal Police State Expands Its Reach In Portland - The Real News Network - Air Date 7-29-20
The way white moms in Portland are being treated has long been the norm for BIPOC people.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Rewriting the American myth - Erin from Philadelphia
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments asking for your thoughts on our national myths and origin stories or about the stories that other cultures tell themselves
TAKE ACTION!
Become a Poll Worker: WorkElections.com
Spread the word/join the recruitment campaigns:
Power the Polls (@powerthepolls): Help recruit the next generation of poll workers to power the November Election.
The Poll Workers Project (@PollProject): Volunteer to be a poll worker and become part of the movement to help everyone vote this November
The Poll Hero Project (@pollheroproject): Recruiting thousands of college and high school students to be paid poll workers to make the 2020 election a success!
More Than A Vote (@morethanavote): Fighting against voter suppression. Recruiting poll workers in heavily Black districts across the country.
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
States scramble to recruit thousands of poll workers amid pandemic shortage (CNN)
Coronavirus creates election worker shortage ahead of November (Politico)
Wanted: Young People To Work The Polls This November (NPR)
The Poll Workers Project is seeking younger generation to work at the polling precincts (The State News)
NBA star LeBron James' group plans effort to recruit poll workers for November (NBC News)
Poll Worker Shortages and Potential Solutions (Canvass from NCSL)
Florida Hit by Poll Worker Shortage (WFLA)
Want to Help Our Community Vote This Year? Be a Poll Worker (HRC, Advocate)
From 47 Primaries, 4 Warning Signs About the 2020 Vote (NY Times)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Astrisx - Bodytonic
- Copper Halls - Blue Dot Sessions
- Haena - Cloud Harbor
- Entrap - Darby
- Quaver - Codebreaker
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
"March for Justice" Springfield, OR by David Geitgey Sierralupe, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, increased brightness & contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 9/1/2020
Today we take a look at the concerns being weighed in the debate over returning to in-person learning as the beginning of the school year gets underway.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Trump Push To Reopen Schools: The Last Person We Should Trust With Safety Of Kids - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 7-8-20
There are a bunch of problems that have to be solved in order to open schools safely. But the president is incapable of solving them. He just wants them open, so that people can go back to work, and so things can be "normal,” so he can get reelected.
Ch. 2: As COVID Infections Soar, Trump Attacks Dr. Fauci, CDC & Pushes Schools to Reopen at All Costs - Democracy Now - Air Date 7-13-20
As the world and the United States shatter the daily records of COVID-19 infections, President Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos continue to push for public schools to reopen in the fall without a plan to adhere to CDC guidelines.
Ch. 3: D.C. Teachers Fight for Distance Learning in the Pandemic - The Intercept - Air Date 8-3-20
After city officials in Washington D.C. weighed a plan to send teachers back to the classroom as part of a hybrid learning plan, the Washington Teachers Union mobilized a week of actions to push for virtual learning in the fall.
Ch. 4: COVID-19 Will Devastate Schools... And Already Is... - Thom Hartmann Program - 8-4-20
After thinking they had COVID-19 under control, Israel reopened only to find out that schools are the perfect playground for such an insidious virus, schools spread to homes, to businesses, and created new epicenters. In America, it could be worse.
Ch. 5: Kids Positive for Coronavirus After ONE DAY in School - David Pakman Show - Air Date 8-7-20
Kids start testing positive for coronavirus after one day back in school as the entire school year is now in question.
Ch. 6: The Long-Brewing Crisis in Higher Education - On the Media - Air Date 8-28-20
Over the past few weeks, colleges and universities across the United States have re-opened for the fall, despite the public health risks associated with doing so. And the risks have borne out
Ch. 7: American civil society is not equipped to deal with a collective problem like Covid-19 - Jacobin Radio Weekends - Air Date 8-8-20
Ana Kasparian and new co-host Nando Vila dunk on the ludicrous arguments for reopening schools.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Mail-in ballots in Washington don't require a stamp anymore - Kate from Spokane, WA
Ch. 9: The importance of understanding systems protecting themselves - V from Central New York
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on Yascha Mounk’s incredibly ironic article preaching the importance of defending the falsely accused
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Waterbourne - Algea Fields
- Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
- Rapids - Grey River
- Minutes - Pacha Faro
- Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard
- One Little Triumph - Piano Mover
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
"Iowa Teacher Drive for Lives" by Phil Roeder, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped & increased contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 8/25/2020
Today we take a look at the long history and motivations for voter suppression, explain why it tends to help one party over the other and why vote-by-mail is the best solution to the majority of our voting problems.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Jay explains that voter suppression is like pointillism in that it can only be understood by taking a wide enough view
Ch. 2: Why Do We Still Wait in Line to Vote? Part 1 - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-18-17
Ch. 3: The pointillism of voter suppression (continued)
Ch. 4: Victoria Bassetti of the Brennan Center on the myth of widespread voter fraud - @DecodeDC - Air Date 10-20-16
Ch. 5: @AriBerman: Kris Kobach Is Helping Trump Lay Groundwork for Nationwide Voter Suppression Effort - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 07-05-17
Ch. 6: Voter ID Suppressed 200,000 Wisconsin Votes; Trump Won by 22,748 - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-11-17
Ch. 7: Carol Anderson on the Realities of Voter Suppression - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-12-18
Ch. 8: Why Do We Still Wait in Line to Vote? Part 2 - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-18-17
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments
TAKE ACTION!
Know Your Voting Rights & Make a Plan (ACLU)
Let People Vote - State-by-State Rules & Options (ACLU)
Volunteer for a 2020 Voter Protection Team (FairFight)
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
SHOW IMAGE:
"December 10 March for Voting Rights" by Michael Fleshman |Changes: cropped | License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 8/12/2020
Today we take a look at Restorative Justice as an antidote to a wide range of injustices we face, from mass incarceration to having a toddler throw a cheerio at your forehead and much of what lies in between.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Abolishing Prisons with Mariame Kaba Part 1 - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 4-9-19
Prison abolitionist Mariame Kaba wants us to explore some truly radical notions. Hear her dismantle what she calls the current "criminal punishment system" and instead employ the ideology of restorative justice.
Ch. 2: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 1 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20
Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice.
Ch. 3: Abolishing Prisons with Mariame Kaba Part 2 - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 4-9-19
Prison abolitionist Mariame Kaba wants us to explore some truly radical notions. Hear her dismantle what she calls the current "criminal punishment system" and instead employ the ideology of restorative justice.
Ch. 4: Repairing Justice. An Alternative to Prison with Danielle Sered Part 1 - On the Media with Bob Garfield - Air Date 7-31-19
Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered
Ch. 5: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20
Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice.
Ch. 6: Repairing Justice. An Alternative to Prison with Danielle Sered Part 2 - On the Media with Bob Garfield - Air Date 7-31-19
Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered
Ch. 7: Mass Incarceration, Violence & the Radical Possibilities of Restorative Justice with Danielle Sered - Democracy Now - Air Date 3-14-19
Danielle discusses the alternative options to a violent prison system with community interactions over punishment.
Ch. 8: Restorative Justice with Sonya Shah - Justice In America with Josie Duffy Rice and Clint Smith - Air Date 3-13-19
When people feel responsible and connected it really changes their lives. Restorative justice works in schools. Our system is a goliath, but we are a million sparks to break it down.
Ch. 9: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 3 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20
Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice.
Ch. 10: Repairing Justice. An Alternative to Prison with Danielle Sered Part 3 - On the Media with Bob Garfield - Air Date 7-31-19
Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered
Ch. 11: Restorative Justice with Danielle Sered - Justice In America with Josie Duffy Rice and Clint Smith - Air Date 3-13-19
What does restorative justice look like? Community-driven repair, making sure the victims and perpetrators work together, rather than punishing both parties.
Ch. 12: Repairing Justice. An Alternative to Prison with Danielle Sered Part 4 - On the Media with Bob Garfield - Air Date 7-31-19
Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered
Ch. 13: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 4 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20
Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 14: Even the clip out of context gave enough context - Dave from Olympia, WA
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 15: Final comments on the one thing I know about all of your friends
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Santre - K2
- Thannoid - Bodytonic
- Vittoro - Aeronaut
- Long and Low Cloud - The Bulwark
- Weathervane - CloudCover
- Horizon Liner - The Pine Barrens
- Swapping Tubes - Studio J
- On Early Light - Cholate
- Feathersoft - Barstool
- Entrap - Darby
- Hickory Shed - Onesuch Village
- On Our Own Again - The Pine Barrens
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
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Air Date 8/8/2020
Today we take a look at the concept of defunding the police; what it means, what it doesn't and what the goals of the movement are.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Race, Police, & The Pandemic - FRONTLINE - Air Date 6-2-20
Jelani Cobb describes how the relationship between black Americans and the police has become a “barometer” for race relations in the country and that explosive tensions are “overwhelmingly” in response to an issue of police use of force.
Ch. 2: Panel Discussion on Radical Police Reform - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-10-20
Trevor hosts a panel on movements to radically reimagine policing in the U.S. with Patrisse Cullors, Josie Duffy Rice, Sam Sinyangwe, Mychal Denzel Smith and Alex S. Vitale.
Ch. 3: The Racial Justice Uprising in the U.S. is Taking Hold Overseas - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-8-20
Explaining that an overburdened police system that takes on way too much, including much that is outside the realm of their training, is something that no one should want.
Ch. 4: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale - The Bastani Factor, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20
Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it.
Ch. 5: Defunding the Police Is Only the Beginning - The Mother Jones Podcast - Air Date 6-17-20
Josie Duffy Rice joins Jamilah King for a discussion about the recent police killing of Rayshard Brookes in Atlanta, the deep racist and classist structural issues with policing in America, and why defunding the police is only step one.
Ch. 6: Defund Police What It Means & How It Would Really Work - News Beat - Air Date 6-16-20
In the wake of the police slaying of George Floyd in Minneapolis, protesters have not only flooded the streets, but they're actively pushing reforms that go well beyond traditional solutions.
Ch. 7: How to Defund the Police - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 6-11-20
Racism is baked into the U.S. model of policing. More and more people are starting to believe that no amount of "reform" will help; a full tear-down is required. But what does "defunding the police" actually mean?
Ch. 8: Is It Time To Defund the Police? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-11-20
Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss the future of policing and community-oriented systems of public safety in the United States.
Ch. 9: The Politics of "Defund the Police" - Politics with Amy Walter, The Takeaway - Air Date 6-12-20
Congress is reckoning with how to respond to the protests and calls for police accountability. Two national reporters join to discuss the Justice in Policing Act of 2020.
Ch. 10: We Can't Let The Uprising Get Co-opted - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 6-10-20
Notes on the uprising and how we move forward without allowing the forces of neoliberalism to co-opt the movement.
Ch. 11: TAKE ACTION:#DefundthePolice Locally via @IndivisibleTeam & Nationally with The #BREATHEAct via @Mvmnt4BlkLives
Call on Local Officials to #DefundthePolice via Indivisible
Ch. 12: Angela Davis: Abolishing police is not just about dismantling. It’s also about building up. - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-12-2020
Amid a worldwide uprising against police brutality and racism, we discuss the historic moment with legendary scholar and activist Angela Davis.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 13: Taken on a journey - Nick from California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments puncturing the myth of the individuality of whiteness
TAKE ACTION
LOCAL: DEFUND THE POLICE
Call on Local Officials to #DefundthePolice via Indivisible
Indivisible Black Lives Solidarity Action
NATIONAL: PASS THE BREATHE ACT
Learn about and support the BREATHE Act
Spread the word about the BREATHE Act
Sign on as Community Sponsor of the BREATHE Act
ELECTORAL: SUPPORT PROGRESSIVE RACIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES
Upcoming State Primaries
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
The Movement for Black Lives Introduces the BREATHE Act (Colorlines)
What Exactly Does It Mean to Defund the Police? (The Cut, NY Mag,)
What Does It Mean to Invest in Black Communities? (The Nation)
How to Defund the Police (The New Yorker)
How to Make Defunding the Police a Reality (The Nation)
The Cities Taking Up Calls to Defund the Police (Bloomberg)
Defunding the Police Will Actually Make Us Safer (ACLU)
The Black Lives Matter Protests Are Working. Here’s Proof. (HuffPost)
Why We’re Demanding No Cops for Veep (The Nation)
Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
- Tripoli - Pecan Grove
- The Wooden Platform - The Bulwark
- Tar and Spackle - Plaster
- Quaver - Codebreaker
- Begrudge - Darby
- Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
- Sunday Lights - Onesuch Village
- Cloud Line - K4
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
“Justice for George Floyd - We Demand Change Now” by Fibonacci Blue (Flickr) | Changes: Cropped | License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 8/5/2020
Today we take a look at the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis at a moment in time when the lessons he has to teach us are as important as when he first learned them himself during the dawn of the civil rights era.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Honoring C.T. Vivian & Congressman John Lewis - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 7-21-20
Today on Sojourner Truth, we honor the lives and legacies of two icons of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States: C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis.
Ch. 2: #GoodTrouble ft. John Lewis Part 1 - Lift Every Voice - Air Date 1-15-18
Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis & U.S. Senator Cory Booker talk about the struggle for equality and his integral role in helping bring about the end of segregation in the United States.
Ch. 3: CT Vivian What kind of people are you? - Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 7-20-20
Tape of C.T. Vivian, a top lieutenant of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who died on the same day as Lewis, standing up to a sheriff in Selma, Alabama to defend the right to register Black voters.
Ch. 4: Into Remembering John Lewis - Into America - Air Date 7-21-20
Over the years, Lafayette watched Lewis grow into a national figure, from leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and being the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington, to becoming the ‘conscience of Congress.'
Ch. 5: Remembering Rep. John Lewis - Fresh Air - Air Date 7-20-20
Lewis grew up the son of sharecroppers and later became an associate of Martin Luther King Jr. He spoke with Terry Gross in 2009.
Ch. 6: #GoodTrouble ft. John Lewis Part 2 - Lift Every Voice - Air Date 1-15-18
Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis & U.S. Senator Cory Booker talk about the struggle for equality and his integral role in helping bring about the end of segregation in the United States.
Ch. 7: ‘Good Trouble’ A new generation of activists in John Lewis’ indelible legacy - On Point - Air Date 7-20-20
The legacy of John Lewis — the tireless civil rights leader and longtime representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district, who died Friday after a battle with pancreatic cancer — won't die with him.
Ch. 8: John Lewis - The Politicrat - Air Date 7-19-20
Omar Moore speaks about Lewis, his leadership, his days at SNCC, his Congressional leadership, Bloody Sunday in Selma in 1965, the Coting Rights Act, the March on Washington, that Bridge, and what we must do to honor Lewis.
Ch. 9: Remembering John Lewis - On Point - Air Date 7-20-20
We look back on the life of John Lewis, the civil rights icon and congressman who dedicated himself to the fight for racial equality.
Ch. 10: Barack Obama's eulogy at John Lewis's funeral
Mr. Obama praised Mr. Lewis, saying “he as much as anyone in our history brought this country a little bit closer to our highest ideals.”
Ch. 11: #GoodTrouble ft. John Lewis Part 3 - Lift Every Voice - Air Date 1-15-18
Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis & U.S. Senator Cory Booker talk about the struggle for equality and his integral role in helping bring about the end of segregation in the United States.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments on the passing of Michael Brooks and my thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 on the movement for racial justice
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
- Waterbourne - Algea Fields
- Cloud Line - K4
- When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent
- Vengeful - Warmbody
- Seamless - Plaster
- Bitter Roll - Crab Shack
- Arizona Moon - Cholate
- Tripoli - Pecan Grove
- Betty Dear - The Pine Barrens
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 7/20/2020
Systems maintain themselves through the efforts of many moving parts that need not understand their roles in maintaining the system as a whole, only their specialized task. Today, I use a case study incident to show how the system of racism defends itself against attack. Many separate parts, none of which understand how their individual actions connect to the larger system, work in complicated yet predictable ways to carry out this defense of racism much like the many specialized antibodies of an immune system work together to isolate and eradicate threats to the host.
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Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Introduction to the story of a story
Ch. 2: Yascha Mounk on antiracism in America
Ch. 3: Jay explains the fraught nature of interracial relationships
Ch. 4: Introducing the Education Council Meeting incident
Ch. 5: Edward Irizarry speaks about the privilege and racial dynamics of the council
Ch. 6: Explaining DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender
Ch. 7: Robin Brochi responds to Edward
Ch. 8: Tom demands to know what’s racist about holding a brown baby
Ch. 9: Additional input from other council members
Ch. 10: The story of the story
Ch. 11: Recap and wrap up
Original meeting video: CEC D2 Working Business Meeting June 29, 2020
16:55 - Edward Irizarry Speech
22:50 - Robin Brochi's Apology
26:25 - Tom Wrocklage asks what about his actions were racist
39:20 - Beginning of segment that is ultimately clipped out of context
Tom's I-have-a-black-friend video: My friend from my living room on the June 11th CECD2 meeting
Tucker Carlson segment on 'White Fragility'
Tucker Carlson segment mentioning CEC Meeting incident
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Theme - The Good Fight podcast
- Opener - American Moon Bicycle
- Waltz and Fury - Macrame
- Rafter - Speakeasy
- When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent
- Thannoid - Bodytonic
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 7/10/2020
Today we take a look at the origins and legacy of Manifest Destiny, the historical term most closely tied to our most toxic version of nostalgia: the one longing for America's golden age of genocide
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Intro contemplating conservative thinking applied to genocide
Ch. 2: Confederacy Inc. Donald Trump, Racist Police, and the Whitewashing of History Part 1 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 7-1-20
Native American historian Nick Estes explains the crimes against Indigenous people committed by the four presidents whose faces are carved into Mount Rushmore.
Ch. 3: The Interest of the White Man demands their extinction - @BackStory - Air Date: 01-19-18
Ed talks with historian Benjamin Madley about the devastating impact of the Gold Rush on California’s native tribes – and how both government officials and everyday citizens justified enslaving and killing native peoples.
Ch. 4: Doctrine of Christian Discovery Part 1 - Let’s Talk Native - Air Date 3-18-19
I learned that most educators know nothing about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. How can you teach about colonization, slavery, the American genocide, Westward expansion or imperialism without teaching the origins of it all?
Ch. 5: Confederacy Inc. Donald Trump, Racist Police, and the Whitewashing of History Part 2 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 7-1-20
Native American historian Nick Estes explains the crimes against Indigenous people committed by the four presidents whose faces are carved into Mount Rushmore.
Ch. 6: Doctrine of Christian Discovery Part 2 - Let’s Talk Native - Air Date 3-18-19
I learned that most educators know nothing about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. How can you teach about colonization, slavery, the American genocide, Westward expansion or imperialism without teaching the origins of it all?
Ch. 7: Paul Frymer on the building of an American empire - The Dig from @jacobinmag - Air Date 1-30-18
We are living on land from which indigenous people, over hundreds of years, have been violently removed. Almost everyone knows this — yet it’s rarely mentioned in stories that Americans tell themselves about who we are as a country and how we got here.
Ch. 8: Confederacy Inc. Donald Trump, Racist Police, and the Whitewashing of History Part 3 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 7-1-20
Native American historian Nick Estes explains the crimes against Indigenous people committed by the four presidents whose faces are carved into Mount Rushmore.
Ch. 9: Understanding the origins of scalp hunting and "redskins" - Empire Files - Air Date 11-25-15
Abby Martin interviews Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, renowned indigenous scholar and activist, about her most recent book "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States."
Ch. 10: Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz on digging deeper to understand America's past - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 6-16-16
We call up brilliant scholar Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz to dig into her work, An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on the pain caused by the breaking of your shell of understanding
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Thannoid - Bodytonic
- Waltz for Zacaria - Cholate
- Quaver - Codebreaker
- Lahaina - Cloud Harbor
- One Little Triumph - Piano Mover
- Cloud Line - K4
- Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard
- Astrisx - Bodytonic
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 7/6/2020
Today we take a look at the problems with cops that aren't the obvious, racist problems. We're talking about the rules that help protect bad cops from accountability, the police unions that insist on those rules and the lack of state or national policies that would structurally disincentivize the hiring or continued employment of problem officers.
Transcript
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EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Race, Police, & The Pandemic - FRONTLINE - Air Date 6-2-20
Jelani Cobb describes how the relationship between black Americans and the police has become a “barometer” for race relations in the country and that explosive tensions are “overwhelmingly” in response to an issue of police use of force.
Ch. 2: The Man Who Teaches Our Cops To Kill Part 1 - Behind the Bastards - Air Date 6-1-20
Robert is joined by Jack O'Brien to discuss David Grossman, director of the Killology Research Group. More than a hundred police departments, and thousands of police officers, have taken Grossman’s courses over more than twenty years.
Ch. 3: Qualified Immunity and the myth of dangerous traffic stops - Pod Save the People - Air Date 5-26-20
DeRay, Brittany, Sam, and Clint discuss police accountability.
Ch. 4: The Man Who Teaches Our Cops To Kill Part 2 - Behind the Bastards - Air Date 6-1-20
Robert is joined by Jack O'Brien to discuss David Grossman, director of the Killology Research Group. More than a hundred police departments, and thousands of police officers, have taken Grossman’s courses over more than twenty years.
Ch. 5: Police Unions And Police Violence Part 1 - Planet Money - Air Date 6-5-20
We look at the data connecting police unions and police violence.
Ch. 6: Not Just Another Protest - It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders - Air Date 6-5-20
Sam also talks to BuzzFeed News reporter Melissa Segura on her recent reporting about police unions and what they mean for reform.
Ch. 7: Police Unions And Police Violence Part 2 - Planet Money - Air Date 6-5-20
We look at the data connecting police unions and police violence.
Ch. 8: What Science Says About Police (with John Rappaport) - Pod Save the People - Air Date 6-9-20
This week DeRay sits down with John Rappaport, a law professor and research scholar examining criminal procedures in the justice system. They discuss Rappaport's findings regarding police misconduct and the effects of police behavior on communities.
Ch. 9: American Police: 100 years of reform - Throughline - Air Date 6-4-20
Black Americans being victimized and killed by the police is an epidemic. A truth many Americans are acknowledging since the murder of George Floyd, as protests have occurred in all fifty states calling for justice on his behalf.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 10: Final comments on the pain and sadness of being lied to by your country
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Thannoid - Bodytonic
- Watermarks - Crab Shack
- Derailed - The Depot
- Cloud Line - K4
- Festering - Towboat
- Waltz and Fury - Macrame
- LaBranche - Bayou Birds
- Sunday Lights - Onesuch Village
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 6/29/2020
Today we take a look deeper at the concept of "I can't breathe," going beyond the literal utterances by victims of police brutality and COVID-19 sufferers to the metaphorical epidemic of exhaustion, burnout, depression and disaffection in the US and around the world.
Transcript
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Black Lives Matter Protests, "Outside Agitators," and the Coronavirus - DOOMED with Matt Binder - Air Date 5-30-20
Matt Binder discusses the Black Lives Matter protests, the police killing of George Floyd, the media's narrative on the protests, riots, and looting, the "outside agitator" trope, and the looming cloud of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ch. 2: Structural robbery, mass resistance with William C. Anderson Part 2 - This Is Hell! - Air Date 6-4-20
Writer William C. Anderson on the real theft in capitalist society and the uprisings against it, and his article "Forget 'Looting.' Capitalism Is the Real Robbery" for Truthout.
Ch. 3: George Floyd, you, me… us - Jim Hightower - Air Date 6-9-20
There’s a growing understanding that we really are “all in this together,” so we’ve got to stand up for George Floyd, each other… and the America we want.
Ch. 4: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 1 - Tysky Sour, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20
Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it.
Ch. 5: America, Racism & Patterns of Change (with Heather Cox Richardson)- Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date - 6-11-20
Boston College History Professor Heather Cox Richardson joins Preet to discuss the evolution of the Republican Party, the utility of historical parallels in this time of protest, and the policies that might help heal our nation.
Ch. 6: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 2 - Tysky, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20
Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it.
Ch. 7: Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor on how racism & racial terrorism fueled nationwide anger - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-1-20
“These are not just repeats of past events,” says scholar Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. “These are the consequences of the failures of this government and the political establishment … to resolve these crises.”
Ch. 8: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 3 - Tysky, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20
Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it.
Ch. 9: The Uprising and Its Leadership: What Does it Look Like in This Moment? - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-10-20
The Uprising and Its Leadership: What Does it Look Like in This Moment? How can leadership lead a social movement to victory?
Ch. 10: Cornel West: Nationwide uprisings herald "America's moment of reckoning" - Democracy Now! - Air Date 6-1-20
Professor Cornel West calls the U.S. a “predatory capitalist civilization obsessed with money, money, money.” He also makes connections between U.S. violence abroad and at home.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments on how we all push ourselves until we can't breathe
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Thannoid - Bodytonic
- Hickory Shed - Onesuch Village
- Coronea - Marisala
- Cloud Line - K4
- Decompression - Rayling
- Jackbird - Feathers
- Cat's Eye - Marble Run
- Rafter - Speakeasy
- Lord Weasel - Molerider
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 6/22/2020
Today we take a look at the history of racist policing which flows seamlessly into our present racist policing which itself flows into Trump's authoritarian glee at the opportunity to consolidate violent, racist power in response to protests against violent, racist power.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: American Police - Throughline - Air Date 6-4-20
Black Americans being victimized and killed by the police is an epidemic. A truth many Americans are acknowledging since the murder of George Floyd, as protests have occurred in all fifty states calling for justice on his behalf.
Ch. 2: From slavery to George Floyd: The racist history of U.S. policing - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-10-20
Harvard professor Khalil Gibran Muhammad, author of "The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime and the Making of Modern Urban America," walks through the history of policing from the founding of the United States to today.
Ch. 3: The Truth: Police Are Lynching Black Americans! w/ Dr. Jhacova Williams, PhD - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 6-10-20
What if lynching never stopped... and the police took over the job?
Ch. 4: Unmasking The 'Outside Agitator' Part 1 - Code Switch - Air Date 6-10-20
Whenever a protest boils up, it's a safe bet that public officials will quickly blame any violence or disruption on "outside agitators." But what, exactly, does it mean to be an agitator? And can these mysterious outsiders be a force for good?
Ch. 5: "Looting" concerns distract from bureaucratic violence toward Black people - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-6-20
Carol Anderson, a professor of African American Studies at Emory University, discusses the Red Scare of 1919 and the echo of it we're seeing today.
Ch. 6: Unmasking The 'Outside Agitator' Part 2 - Code Switch - Air Date 6-10-20
Whenever a protest boils up, it's a safe bet that public officials will quickly blame any violence or disruption on "outside agitators." But what, exactly, does it mean to be an agitator? And can these mysterious outsiders be a force for good?
Ch. 7: The Man Who Teaches Our Cops To Kill - Behind the Bastards - Air Date 6-1-20
Robert is joined by Jack O'Brien to discuss David Grossman, director of the Killology Research Group. More than a hundred police departments, and thousands of police officers, have taken Grossman’s courses over more than twenty years.
Ch. 8: Protests Sweep Across America and Beyond Part 2 - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-9-20
Police get violent with peaceful protesters.
Ch. 9: Systemic Exhaustion - In The Thick - Air Date 6-10-20
As thousands of protestors fill the streets, Maria and Julio talk about the #BlackLivesMatter movement, performative allyship, and what it means to abolish the police with Karen Attiah and Dr. Christina Greer.
Ch. 10: The Rebellion in Defense of Black Lives Is Rooted in U.S. History, so Too Is Trump’s Authoritarian Rule. - Intercepted - Air Date 6-3-20
With the threat of widespread military deployment in U.S. cities looming, the president is acting as an authoritarian dictator.
Ch. 11: Why Ta-Nehisi Coates is hopeful - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-4-20
There is now, as there always is amidst protests, a loud call for the protesters to follow the principles of nonviolence. And that call, as Ta-Nehisi Coates says, comes from people who neither practice nor heed nonviolence in their own lives.
Ch. 12: Is This Trump’s Reichstag Fire Moment? Part 1 - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-4-20
President Trump has seized on the nationwide protest movement that followed the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer to advance his most authoritarian political instincts. Fascism scholar Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins Mehdi Hasan to d
Ch. 13: The Military Stands Up To Trump - On the Media - Air Date 6-18-20
It began with the President’s notorious bible photo-op, preceded by a military crackdown north of the White House clearing protesters from Lafayette Square. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff later publicly renounced his role in the incident.
Ch. 14: Is This Trump’s Reichstag Fire Moment? Part 2 - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-4-20
President Trump has seized on the nationwide protest movement that followed the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer to advance his most authoritarian political instincts. Fascism scholar Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins Mehdi Hasan to d
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 15: Final comments on how things are going these days
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Line Etching - Marble Run
- On Early Light - Cholate
- Parade Shoes - Arc and Crecent
- Weathervane - CloudCover
- Rapids - Grey River
- Vittoro - Aeronaut
- Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard
- Waterbourne - Algea Fields
- Santre - K2
- Chilvat - Lillehammer
- A Path Unwinding - K4
- Denzel Sprak - CloudCover
- The Summit - K2
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 6/17/2020
Today we take a look at the uprising sparked by the killing of George Floyd in the context of a world in which that event was just the last straw in an innumerable series of straws.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: A Decade Of Watching Black People Die - Code Switch - Air Date 5-31-20
The last few weeks have been filled with devastating news — stories about the police killing black people. At this point, these calamities feel familiar — so familiar, in fact, that their details have begun to echo each other.
Ch. 2: Tamika Mallory Nationwide Uprising Against State Violence Shows People Have Reached Breaking Point - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-4-20
Tamika Mallory: “At this point, we’re looking at a nation and a world that has decided that what we saw happen on camera … is no longer acceptable... people have taken to the streets to demand change."
Ch. 3: Trevor Speaks Out About the Murder of George Floyd - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-1-20
Trevor discusses the murders of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, the Minneapolis protests, and how racial injustice and police brutality continue to impact black Americans.
Ch. 4: Why The 2020 Anti-Racism Uprisings Feel Different - News Beat - Air Date 6-5-20
A veteran of the 1967 Newark Rebellion discusses George Floyd’s death, the culture of police brutality, and whether today's movement can produce change.
Ch. 5: Structural robbery, mass resistance with William C. Anderson - This Is Hell! - Air Date 6-4-20
Writer William C. Anderson on the real theft in capitalist society and the uprisings against it, and his article "Forget 'Looting.' Capitalism Is the Real Robbery" for Truthout.
Ch. 6: Uprisings Against Police Killings of Black People - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 6-3-20
After a week of protests, the nationwide (and now worldwide) uprising against racism and police killings of Black people in response to the murder of George Floyd continues to grow.
Ch. 7: The thin blue line between looting and standard economics - The Bugle - Air Date 6-6-20
Andy, Hari and Tom react to the protests in the USA.
Ch. 8: "Get Your Knee Off Our Necks" At Memorial for George Floyd, Mourners Condemn 400 Years of Racism - Democracy now - Air Date 6-5-20
We hear the voices of Floyd’s brother Philonise and Reverend Al Sharpton, who urged those gathered “to stand up in George’s name and say, 'Get your knee off our necks!'”
Ch. 9: Protests Sweep Across the Globe - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-9-20
Americans take to the streets in historic numbers to protest police brutality, the demand for books about racism skyrockets, and meaningful police reform catches on.
Ch. 10: This Is Not a Game - In The Thick - Air Date 6-12-20
Maria and Julio get into how race and activism show up in sports - historically and in the current Black Lives Matter movement - with Howard Bryant, a senior writer for ESPN and correspondent for NPR’s Weekend Edition.
Ch. 11: NFL's Roger Goodell We Were Wrong, #BlackLivesMatter - The Young Turks - Air Date 6-5-20
NFL's commissioner has released a statement saying they were wrong to stop protests.
Ch. 12: Amanpour Knows an Uprising When She Sees One - Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 6-9-20
CNN International anchor Christiane Amanpour has seen a lot of unrest around the globe. She says we have to see the George Floyd protests for what they are. An uprising.
Ch. 13: The Racial Justice Uprising in the U.S. is Taking Hold Overseas - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-8-20
Many foreign leaders have condemned the killing of George Floyd, but demonstrators outside of the U.S. are also attempting to call attention to racial injustice within their own borders.
Ch. 14: Protest, Pain & Hope with Karen Attiah - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 6-4-20
Washington Post Global Opinions editor Karen Attiah discusses the ongoing protests sparked by police brutality, legacies of racial violence in America, and the language we use to speak about inequality.
Ch. 15: Roundtable On Police Killings & Global Resistance - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 6-5-20
We look at the international response to the police killing of George Floyd. Countries are now being forced to face their own racism and the inter-relationship between racism and imperialism.
Ch. 16: #DefendBlackLives: Join the #SixNineteen (#Juneteenth) Rallies 6/19-21 Virtually, Locally or in DC via @Mvmnt4BlkLives
Ch. 17: Voices of the uprising - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 6-5-20
Highlighting the voices of protesters
TAKE ACTION
Join The Movement for Black Lives' SixNineteen mobilization: 6/19 (Juneteenth) through 6/21
Visit SixNineteen.com to find events near you, participate virtually, join the D.C. action, or register your own event
Text DEFEND to 90975 to get updates on #SixNineteen and future actions
Follow @Mvmnt4BlkLives and use #DefendBlackLives , #SixNineteen , #BlackLivesMatter ,& #DefundthePolice on Twitter
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
#SIXNINETEEN: Movement For Black Lives Calls For Juneteenth Actions (Essence)
An American Uprising (The New Yorker)
Black Lives Matter Chapters
What Exactly Does It Mean to Defund the Police? (The Cut, NY Magazine)
America, This is Your Chance (NY Times Op-Ed, Michelle Alexander)
Police Erupt in Violence Nationwide (Slate)
Freedom to Thrive: Reimagining Safety & Security in Our Communities (Popular Democracy)
Resources for White People to Learn and Talk About Race and Racism (Fractured Atlas)
A Letter to White People Engaged in Conversations Around the Phrase “Defund The Police” (Medium)
Louisville police release the Breonna Taylor incident report. It's virtually blank (Louisville Courier Journal)
This Is How Hard It Is to Invest in Black Neighborhoods (Bloomberg CityLabs)
Researched and Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
- Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
- Astrisx - Bodytonic
- Parade Shoes - Arc and Crecent
- Quaver - Codebreaker
- Derailed - The Depot
- Tripoli - Pecan Grove
- Chilvat - Lillehammer
- LaBranche - Bayou Birds
- Arizona Moon - Cholate
- Around Plastic Card Tables - Desert Orchard
- Minutes - Pacha Faro
- Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
- Turning - Lathe
- Tar and Spackle - Plaster
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 6/10/2020
Today we take a look at the long arc of racism in America as a primer for many of the topics it would be good for you to be acquainted with as we live through yet another convulsive societal awakening regarding racism and police abuse in our country. If you only ever share one episode of this podcast with friends, family or another else, make it this one.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Confederacy - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 10-09-17
Confederate symbols are still celebrated despite the ugly history they symbolize. John Oliver suggests some representations of southern pride that involve less racism and more Stephen Colbert.
Ch. 2: History of Slaveowners Receiving Reparations with DeRay, Sam, Brittany and Clint - Pod Save the People - Air Date 4-23-19
Discussing the New York Times story: When Slaveowners Got Reparations
Ch. 3: 40 Acres and A Mule, Today with Brian Balogh and William Darity - BackStory - Air Date 5-24-19
“40 acres and a mule” promised ex-slave families 40 acres of tillable land on the southeastern coast. However, after many families had settled on the land, the policy was reversed and the area was reinstated to white farmers and former slave owners.
Ch. 4: The history of the raising of Civil War monuments - @offkiltershow - Air Date 8-18-17
Jeremy Slevin speaks with Professor Kirk Savage, an author and expert on civil war monuments, to discuss the troubling history of these monuments.
Ch. 5: As Confederate Monuments Come Down, the Struggle Continues - On the Media - Air Date 5-26-17
Bob talks with Malcolm Suber, an historian and co-founder of the group Take 'Em Down NOLA, about the significance of removing monuments to white supremacy, and the work that still remains to be done.
Ch. 6: Bryan Stevenson wants us to confront racial terrorism and then say, Never again. Part 1 - Cape Up - Air Date 4-24-18
“We can’t go on. We cannot pretend that something really destructive, something really corruptive happened when communities came to celebrate this kind of violence. We have to talk about it. We have to acknowledge the wrongfulness of it.”
Ch. 7: Study On The Impact Of Nazi Propaganda - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date 06-19-15
Cenk Uygur discusses the power of propaganda. A study has been released which looked into the effect of Nazi propaganda on Germany, particularly it's long-term impact.
Ch. 8: Bryan Stevenson wants us to confront racial terrorism and then say, Never again. Part 2 - Cape Up - Air Date 4-24-18
“We can’t go on. We cannot pretend that something really destructive, something really corruptive happened when communities came to celebrate this kind of violence. We have to talk about it. We have to acknowledge the wrongfulness of it.”
Ch. 9: The Great Migration - @DecodeDC - Air Date 5-14-15
Isabel Wilkerson spent 15 years researching and writing her book, “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration.” The book is the story of nearly 6 million African Americans who migrated out of the South.
Ch. 10: A Dream Remembered? How we came to revere MLK - @Making_Contact - Air Date 1-17-17
Gary Younge, author of “The Speech” talks about Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and the story behind it.
Ch. 11: MLK What They Won't Teach In School - News Beat - Air Date 1-8-18
We take an alternative look at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, examining how the civil rights icon was so much more than simply the “I Have a Dream” soundbite.
Ch. 12: Michelle Alexander on The New Jim Crow - Leid Stories - Air Date 8-26-15
Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, discusses in a presentation at the University of Tennessee the policies that produced mass incarceration.
Ch. 13: The True Origins of the War on Drugs - News Beat - Air Date 8-9-17
One trillion dollars. That’s how much the United States has spent in the last 40 years on the war on drugs. Currently, more than 450,000 Americans are imprisoned for drug offenses—up from 40,000 in 1980.
Ch. 14: Racism vs Prejudice - Kat Blaque - Air Date 10-5-14
Ch. 15: Responding to the black-on-black-crime talking point - About Race - Air Date 9-1-15
Ch. 16: A More Beautiful & Terrible History The Whitewashing & Distortion of Rosa Parks and MLK_s Legacies - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 02-06-18
Professor Jeanne Theoharis’s new book is titled “A More Beautiful and Terrible History: The Uses and Misuses of Civil Rights History.” It shows how the legacy of the civil rights movement has been distorted and whitewashed for public consumption.
Ch. 17: When Is the Right Time for Black People to Protest? - The Daily Show - Air Date 9-25-17
Trevor unpacks the backlash that NFL players, Stevie Wonder and ESPN commentator Jemele Hill received after speaking out against racism.
Ch. 18: How whiteness distorts our democracy, with Eddie Glaude Jr. - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 4-4-19
Glaude is the chair of Princeton University’s department of African American studies, the president of the American Academy of Religion, and the author of the powerful book Democracy in Black.
Ch. 19: Why We Riot The language of the unheard - NewsBeat - Air Date 12-18-17
MLK, Jr. once referred to “riots” as the “language of the unheard.” The reasons for such rebellions are myriad: political, social & cultural.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Derailed - The Depot
- The Envelope - Aeronaut
- Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard
- The Cast and Favor - Bayou Birds
- Waltz and Fury - Macrame
- Landon Depot - The Depot
- Inessential - Bayou Birds
- Rafter - Speakeasy
- Midday - Pecan Grove
- Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
- Around Plastic Card Tables - Desert Orchard
- Turning to You - Landsman Duets
- Turning on the Lights - Speakeasy
- Line Etching - Marble Run
- Insatiable Toad - Origami
- The Coil Winds - Vacant Distillery
- Curio - Vacant Distillery
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 6/5/2020
Today we take a look at the growing importance of China on the world stage and the growing instinct of the American Empire to confront it even while the fundamentals of the strength of the empire slip away. All that with the Coronavirus on top just to make things interesting.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Janine Jackson takes a quick look back at press coverage of China - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-22-20
Ch. 2: How Trump And Xi Set The Stage For The Pandemic - Brian Lehrer A Daily Politics Podcast - Air Date 4-10-20
COVID-19 originated in China and exploded across the US. Today, a look at the leaders of those two countries: What have they done right to contain this pandemic, what have they done wrong, and what haven't they done at all?
Ch. 3: Vijay Prashad on China (and Sinophobia) - Behind the News from Jacobin Radio - Air Date 4-24-20
Examining the timeline of China's response to the coronavirus and reporting to the WHO
Ch. 4: Global health expert: The WHO deserves our thanks - Democracy Now - Air Date 4-30-20
WHO adviser Lawrence Gostin says the organization has actually done well in the pandemic, despite a minuscule budget and political interference.
Ch. 5: Coronavirus has pushed US-China relations to their worst point since Mao - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 3-30-20
The US-China relationship will define geopolitics in the 21st century. If we collapse into rivalry, conflict, and politically opportunistic nationalism, the results could be hellish.
Ch. 6: China & US relations w/ Kevin Li, Amanda Yee, & Alex Tom - The Red Nation Podcast - Air Date 5-26-20
A critical look at the US imperialist "pivot" to China in a time of pandemic.
Ch. 7: US Empire Exploits Covid-19 For More War - Empire Files - Air Date 4-7-20
Abby Martin breaks down all the hidden acts of US foreign policy aggression under the cover of the COVID19 pandemic.
Ch. 8: Joe Emersberger on Pandemic Sanctions - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-10-20
The US is imposing devastating economic sanctions on Venezuela and Iran, ensuring that they will have a harder time protecting their citizens from the pandemic. We’ll talk about that with writer Joe Emersberger.
Ch. 9: The Creation of the National Security State & Conflict with China ft. Daniel Bessner - Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 5-7-20
Historical context for the drumbeat for another Cold War
Ch. 10: America The Farewell Tour w: Chris Hedges - Fortress On A Hill - Air Date 4-15-20
Chris Hedges is a columnist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, a New York Times best-selling author.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 11: Final comments
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Algea Trio - Algea Fields
- Rapids - Grey River
- Cloud Line - K4
- Tripoli - Pecan Grove
- Waltz for Zacaria - Cholate
- Derailed - The Depot
- Jackbird - Feathers
- Santre - K2
- Slow Lane Lover - Barstool
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 7/19/2016 Today we take a listen to a few of the reactions from people of color to the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and the police officers in Dallas Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 2: Act 1: Black Father in Letter to His Son "I Thought of You When I Saw the Son of Alton Sterling Weeping" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 07-14-16
Ch. 3: Song 1: Sur Le Fil - Yann Tiersen
Ch. 4: Act 2: Video of and reaction to Philando Castile - Code Switch - Air Date 7-9-16
Ch. 5: Song 2: End of the World - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin
Ch. 6: Act 3: You can't reignite a fire that never stops burning - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 7-8-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Turtle (Bonobo Remix) - Pilote
Ch. 8: Act 4: Tired of being strong, it's time to fix the system - The Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date 7-6-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: North bank upper - Plusplus
Ch. 10: Act 5: The fatal shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile - The Daily Show - Air Date 7-7-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: Rain Begins To Fall (instrumental) - Silence Is Sexy
Ch. 12: Act 6: ‘Black Lives Matter’ Protesters Respond To Dallas Shooting - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-09-16
Ch. 13: Song 6: Silhouette - David Ari Leon
Ch. 14: Act 7: Dallas shooter was banned from black activist groups - @CitizenRadio - Air Date 7-12-16
Ch. 15: Song 7: Untitled - Zoe Keating
Ch. 16: Act 8: Black Surgeon Who Treated Dallas Officers On Race Relations with Law Enforcement - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 07-13-16
Ch. 17: Song 8: A Faraway Home (instrumental) - Silence Is Sexy
Ch. 18: Act 9: Scoop Jackson on the unnecessary, yet understood, killings of people and police - @EdgeofSports - w: Dave Zirin - Air Date 7-13-16
Ch. 19: Song 9: Whatchuwando - Krayzie Bone
Ch. 18: Act 10: Pastor Michael McBride on what white people can do - Politically Re-Active - Air Date 7-13-16
Ch. 19: Song 10: Adventure, Darling - Gillicuddy
Ch. 18: Act 11: People with privilege need to get up and stand shoulder to shoulder - The Read - Air Date 7-13-16
Voicemails
Ch. 19: Response to police killing person during standoff - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 20: Examining the police with an analogy with healthcare - Charlie from Cleveland
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on what white people can do to get involved in the movement for black lives
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
TAKE ACTION
Find Showing Up for Justice actions near you
Sign the We Are Here Movement's Racial Justice Moonshot Petition
EDUCATE YOURSELF
This is What White People Can Do to Support Black Lives Matter (Washington Post)
Tim Wise Website (TimWise.com)
It's Legal to Kill Black People (Hands Up United)
Rewire News - Racism (Rewire.com)
Only White People Can Save Themselves From Racism and White Supremacism (Washington Post)
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date 5/21/2020
Today we take a look at the classic battle between good and... not evil exactly but worse than just 'bad'... 'malicious indifference to suffering in the pursuit of ideology over real-world outcomes' maybe?... as seen through the lens of trying to destroy or save the US Post Office, the battle for basic labor rights and protections and the struggle to define the revolutionary change we are going to experience on the back end of the pandemic for either good or ill.
Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991
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EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy
SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: USPS - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 5-10-20
As the U.S. Postal Service faces financial catastrophe, John Oliver discusses why the service is so important, what brought it to this point, and what we can do to help.
Ch. 2: Far from a loser, the post office is a money-making operation - Jim Hightower - Air Date 4-21-20
Antigovernment ideologues and privatization dogmatists hate the very word “public” and they’ve long sought to demonize the US Postal Service, undercut its popular support, and finally dismantle it.
Ch. 3: Trump Attacks Post Office While Carriers & Clerks Die from COVID-19 - Democracy Now - Air Date 4-29-20
President Trump has lashed out at the U.S. Postal Service as the pandemic brings it to the brink of collapse and more people than ever are relying on the mail.
Ch. 4: Is Postal Banking a Good Idea? - David Pakman Show - Air Date 05-14-18
Audience question: Is postal banking a good idea?
Ch. 5: Should Trump be America’s Postal Potentate? - Jim Hightower - Air Date 5-7-20
The humble Post Office is a community fixture, a civic inheritance, a rural lifeline, and one of the last vestiges of a shared civic culture in America.
Ch. 6: Refocusing May Day On The Revolutionary Struggle For Workers' Rights - The Real News - Air Date 5-5-20
The revolutionary history of May Day is recognized around the world in a way that should inspire workers in the United States to continue their fight.
Ch. 7: Mike Elk on Frontline Worker Rights - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-10-20
Mike Elk discusses essential workers and the power of labor and strikes.
Ch. 8: Food Workers and the Virus - Belabored by Dissent Magazine - Air Date 5-9-20
We talk with Raj Patel, research professor in the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin and the author of Stuffed and Starved.
Ch. 9: Charles Derber Upstairs/Downstairs Economy - Unauthorized Disclosure - Air Date 4-5-20
Charles Derber on whether the pandemic may significantly alter the structure of the economy in the United States.
Ch. 10: Congress Sets Aside $1,200 In Trust For Each American Until They Prove They’re Responsible Enough To Handle It - The Topical - Air Date 4-15-20
It’s a historic stimulus bill that will finally offer some financial relief to those affected by the coronavirus outbreak. But will Americans be able to prove they’re mature enough to spend it responsibly?
Ch. 11: Ricardo Salvador on the Food System & COVID-19 - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-8-20
As for food workers—farm laborers, meatpackers, grocery and restaurant workers—how can they be deemed “essential” and yet treated as expendable?
Ch. 12: Demand Congress Pass The #PeoplesBailout via ThePeoplesBailout.org
Go to The People’s Bailout dot org to easily write and call your members of Congress demanding they take effective, inclusive, equitable and preventative legislative action.
Ch. 13: Coronavirus Capitalism and How to Beat It - The Intercept - Air Date 3-16-20
This video is about the ways the still-unfolding COVID-19 crisis is already remaking our sense of the possible.
Ch. 14: The Georgia Experiment - Social Distance - Air Date 4-30-20
Staff writer and Georgia native Amanda Mull join to talk about the political forces pushing to reopen her home state.
Ch. 15: A New Economy for a post-COVID world - Progressive Faith Sermons - Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 5-3-20
As President Trump and many states’ governors are pushing (largely minority) workers to go back to work in unsafe conditions for less than a living wage in the midst of a pandemic, is the word “revolution” too strong to use or is it not quite enough?
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 16: Final comments on the best-laid intentions
TAKE ACTION!
Write & Call Your Members of Congress & MORE at ThePeoplesBailout.org
Follow @_PeoplesBailout on Twitter
Spread the word with #PeoplesBailout on social media
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE
The Bailout is Working - For the Rich (ProPublica)
Retail workers at Amazon and Whole Foods coordinate sick-out to protest Covid-19 conditions (The Guardian)
For immigrants without legal status, federal coronavirus relief is out of reach (Vox)
Essential workers still lack basic safety protections on the job (Vox)
Millions Of Americans Have Lost Health Insurance As Unemployment Soars (NPR)
Vote safely by mail in November? Not so fast, say Republicans (The Guardian)
Republicans plan to spend at least $20 million to combat voting rights lawsuits in 2020 (Vox)
Want To Jump-Start The Economy? Include A Green New Deal In The Stimulus Package (Forbes)
Elizabeth Warren and Ro Khanna Unveil Essential Workers Bill of Rights (Warren.senate.gov)
Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Ed Markey to introduce a Senate bill to give Americans $2,000 a month until the coronavirus crisis ends (Business Insider)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
- Turning to You - Landsman Duets
- The Spinnet - Castle Danger
- Contrarian - Sketchbook
- Turning - Lathe
- Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
- Haena - Cloud Harbor
- Our Fingers Cold - K2
- Homegrown - The Pine Barrens
- Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
- Vengeful - Warmbody
- Chilvat - Lillehammer
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 5/15/2020
Today, Amanda and I discuss the new film Executive Produced by Michael Moore, Planet of the Humans. We try to hit as many topics as we can but do not claim this is an exhaustive list of problems with the film. In short, the film tries to make a few good points but they are completely drowned in a sea of misinformation potent enough to send climate deniers into a joyous tizzy.
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SHOW NOTES
00:00:00 Ch. 1: Intro and Index
00:06:12 Ch. 2: Planet of the Humans DEBUNKED Part 1: Misrepresenting Solar Science - Now You Know - Air Date 5-8-20
00:11:44 Ch. 3: Planet of the Humans DEBUNKED Part 2: Ignoring New Renewable Solutions to Intermittency - Now You Know - Air Date 5-8-20
00:17:12 Michael Moore, filmmakers respond to criticism of new bombshell environmental film Part 1: No Defense of Their Bad Science - The Hill Rising - Air Date 4-28-20
00:20:10 Ch. 4: Michael Moore, filmmakers respond to criticism of new bombshell environmental film Part 2: All the Good Points the Film Failed to Make - The Hill Rising - Air Date 4-28-20
00:24:03 Ch. 5: Michael Moore, filmmakers respond to criticism of new bombshell environmental film Part 3: Population Control? - The Hill Rising - Air Date 4-28-20
00:28:39 Ch. 6: The Climate Conversation has Been Imploded
00:31:04 Ch. 7: The Reason Population Reduction is Not the Answer to Our Climate Emergency
00:33:01 Ch. 8: The Mechanics of Making a Bad Documentary - Manipulative Editing
00:34:44 Ch. 9: The Mechanics of Making a Bad Documentary - Poor Interview Sourcing
00:36:28 Ch. 10: Poor Interview Sourcing, Misleading Data: The GM Volt Launch
00:39:02 Ch. 11: The Mechanics of Making a Bad Documentary - No Follow-Up Interviews
00:46:12 Ch. 12: The Mechanics of Making a Bad Documentary - Bad Data by Ignoring Innovation
00:47:21 Ch. 13: The Mechanics of Making a Bad Documentary - Artificially Inflating Small Issues to Seem Large
00:48:52 Ch. 14: The Mechanics of Making a Bad Documentary - We’re Just Asking Questions
00:49:30 Ch. 15: The Mechanics of Making a Bad Documentary - Terrible Graphs and Visuals
00:52:55 Ch. 16: The Mechanics of Making a Bad Documentary - Silly Anecdotes
00:54:13 Ch. 17: The Mechanics of Making a Bad Documentary - Assuming Makes an Ass Out of You and Me
00:57:16 Ch. 18: Comparing Mountain-Top Wind Farms to Mountain-Top-Removal Coal Mining is Unconscionable
00:58:39 Ch. 19: The Mechanics of Making a Bad Documentary - Making Arguments in Nonsensical Ways
01:00:58 Ch. 20: White Men Fail to Discuss Reproductive Justice or Environmental Justice in Any Way
01:02:01 Ch. 21: EVs, Green Energy in Michael Moore's Confused New Documentary Planet Of The Humans - Transport Evolved - Air Date 4-29-20
01:04:47 Ch. 22: The Film Leaves Viewers With a Conclusion the Filmmakers Didn’t Intend
01:05:43 Ch. 23: The Film Doesn’t Speak to Anyone Advocating a New Way of Living
01:07:53 Ch. 24: Who is Benefitting and Who is Being Hurt By This Film?
01:12:00 Ch. 25: Planet of the Humans DEBUNKED Part 3: Emboldened Deniers - Now You Know - Air Date 5-8-20
01:14:53 Ch. 26: Right-Wing Media LOVES This Film: The Left 'has attacked' Michael Moore for his 'Planet Human' documentary - Sky News Australia - Air Date 4-27-20
01:17:03 Ch. 27: Debunking the Idea that Anyone Ever Called for the Film to be Banned
01:18:07 Ch. 28: The Damage to the Climate Movement: The Problem With “Planet Of The Humans” Part. 1 ft. Joshua Kahn Russell - Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 5-7-20
01:24:16 Ch. 29: Attempting to Make Good Points About the Neoliberalism at the Heart of the Climate Movement but Completely Botching it
01:28:28 Ch. 30: The Producers Defend the Use of Bad Science by Asserting that Science Doesn’t Matter
01:30:00 Ch. 31: Michael Moore in a live discussion with Extinction Rebellion co-founder Clare Farrell Part 1 - Extinction Rebellion - Air Date 5-5-20
01:32:03 Ch. 32: Science is Foundational to Their Arguments but Also Doesn’t Matter
01:34:14 Ch. 33: Michael Moore in a live discussion with Extinction Rebellion co-founder Clare Farrell Part 2 - Extinction Rebellion - Air Date 5-5-20
01:35:56 Ch. 34: Fostering Conspiratorial Thinking
01:37:50 Ch. 35: Scientists are Religious, Only we Know the Truth: Michael Moore in a live discussion with Extinction Rebellion co-founder Clare Farrell Part 3 - Extinction Rebellion - Air Date 5-5-20
01:40:43 Ch. 36: Naïve, Wishful Thinking is Not a Thesis
01:42:22 Ch. 37: How to Make an Argument that Centers the Need to Reduce Consumption
01:44:50 Ch. 38: Michael Moore Proves His Profound Ignorance: Michael Moore in a live discussion with Extinction Rebellion co-founder Clare Farrell Part 4 - Extinction Rebellion - Air Date 5-5-20
01:45:54 Ch. 39: Explaining Moore’s Deep Ignorance
01:50:32 Ch. 40: The Need to Trust in Experts, Not Buffoons
01:51:14 Ch. 41: Accidental Eugenics Leads Predictably to Deeply Racist Outcomes
01:54:42 Ch. 42: Why Focusing on Over-Population is Not the Solution to Our Climate Emergency
01:57:02 Ch. 43: Sunrise Movement Response to the Film
01:59:08 Ch. 44: Response to the Film by Michael Moore’s Former Fact-Checker
02:01:33 Ch. 45: Extinction Rebellion Response to the Film
02:02:57 Ch. 46: Why We Need to Debunk This Film
Articles for Further Reading (Or Just to Marvel at the Sheer Number of Them)
Planet of the humans: A reheated mess of lazy, old myths, Ketan Joshi
This is where hard work got us (another post about the bad film), Ketan Joshi
The great giving up (and the film that made it worse), Ketan Joshi
6 Reasons Why “Planet of the Humans” is a Disaster of Misinformation, Ben Wehrman
10 Reasons « Planet of the Humans » Gets Everything Wrong on Climate, Benjamin Tincq
Why “Planet of the Humans” is crap, Tom Athanasiou, EcoEquity
Film Review: Forget about PLANET OF THE HUMANS by Jeff Gibbs and Michael Moore by Neal Livingston
Michael Moore produced a film about climate change that’s a gift to Big Oil, Leah Stokes
Planet of the Humans Comes This Close to Actually Getting the Real Problem, Then Goes Full Ecofascism, Brian Kahn, Gizmondo
Inside Clean Energy: 6 Things Michael Moore’s ‘Planet of the Humans’ Gets Wrong, Dan Gearino, Inside Climate News
A Bomb in the Center of the Climate Movement’: Michael Moore Damages Our Most Important Goal, Bill McKibben, Rolling Stone
POTH Traffics in Myths, Errors, and Dangerous Misdirection, John Rogers, Union of Concerned Scientists
Planet of the Humans: Let’s just have a think…, Dave Borlace, Just Have a Think (note: a video response)
Michael Moore’s ‘Planet of the Humans’ Film Trashes Clean Energy, Offers Zero Solutions, Sally Ho, Green Queen
The Important Debate POTH Misses, Kate Aronoff, New Republic
Michael Moores New Film Turns Heroes into Villains and Villains into Heroes, Dr. Michael Mann, Newsweek
The absurdity of releasing Planet of the Humans in April 2020
#POTH: Michael Moore’s (@MMFlint’s) false choice & a lesson in how not to build a movement
How Did Michael Moore Become A Hero to Climate Deniers and the Far Right? (George Monbiot, The Guardian)
Extinction Rebellion Response (Twitter)
Sunrise Movement's Response (Twitter)
George Monbiot's Breakdown of the #PopulationGrowth in Response (Twitter thread)
Joanne Doroshow, Michael Moore's Former Fact Checker, Responds (Facebook)
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 5/7/2020
Today, Amanda and I discuss the dangerous, pervasive epidemic of hope fueled by desperation spreading throughout the country that is leading people to self-destructive thoughts and actions.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Dr. Tony Fauci From One Pandemic to Another: Mark Harrington and Peter Staley - EPIDEMIC with Dr. Celine Gounder and Ronald Klain - Air Date 4-10-20
Dr. Celine Gounder talks to Peter Staley and Mark Harrington, members of Act Up, co-founders of the Treatment Action Group, and dedicated HIV/AIDS activists who know firsthand what it is like to live through a large-scale pandemic.
Ch. 2: The placebo reject
Ch. 3: Waiting For a Game-Changer - On The Media - Air Date 5-6-20
Derek Lowe, the organic chemist behind the science blog In the Pipeline, urges caution. He speaks with Bob about how to report on the so-called "game-changer" drugs, and where he believes reporting on the "race for a cure" falls short.
Ch. 4: Profiteering off of the desperation of those with rare diseases
Ch. 5: Dr. Leana Wen Discusses the Tortuous and High Stakes Path that Dr.'s Fauci and Birx Must Navigate - The Al Franken Podcast - Air Date 4-5-20
Dr. Wen gives her unique insight into the dilemma that Fauci and Birx face in dealing with an inarguably crazy president.
Ch. 6: Strategic lying to save the lives of the irrational and those with whom they come in contact
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Tar and Spackle - Plaster
- The Summit - K2
- Closer - American Moon Bicycle
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
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Air Date 5/3/2020
Today we take a look at the unique, profound dysfunction at the heart of the train wreck that is Trump's response to the Coronavirus. Plus, we explore the death cult that is the group of people still supporting the president.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Memory Hole - On the Media - Air Date 4-18-20
McKay Coppins [@mckaycoppins], staff writer at The Atlantic, on the latest pivots in the Trump administration's ever-evolving "disinformation architecture."
Ch. 2: Is Trump Criminally Responsible for Coronavirus Deaths? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 4-2-20
Mehdi talks with Glenn Kirschner about Trump's inaction and misinformation that is leading to deaths.
Ch. 3: What Trump Knew & When He Knew It NYT on How Trump Ignored COVID-19 Warnings Until It Was Too Late - Democracy Now - Air Date 4-13-20
We look at how President Trump led the country to this point with Eric Lipton, lead author of The New York Times’s explosive new exposé, “He Could Have Seen What Was Coming: Behind Trump’s Failure on the Virus.”
Ch. 4: Warnings To The White House - Frontline - Air Date 4-10-20
Trump and the government's response to the Pandemic are explored.
Ch. 5: Explaining why he can't do that but just did anyway - The Bugle - Air Date 4-18-20
The answer to everything strange in America is slavery.
Ch. 6: Michael Lewis On How Trump’s Handling of Covid-19 Has Proven His Book, The Fifth Risk, Tragically Prophetic. - The Al Franken Podcast - Air Date 4-19-20
In The Fifth Risk, Lewis portrayed Donald Trump as a man totally ignorant of and disinterested in the actually functioning of the federal government.
Ch. 7: Trump Cuts Funds for World Health Org as Oxfam Warns Pandemic Could Push Half a Billion into Poverty - Democracy Now - Air Date 4-15-20
President Donald Trump says he will cut U.S. support for the World Health Organization. Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of The Lancet medical journal, called it a “crime against humanity.”
Ch. 8: Bleach? Nevermind - The Bugle - Air Date 4-25-20
Andy, Nish and Hari attempt to make sense of another week of transatlantic buffoonery.
Ch. 9: Is the Trump Cult a Death Cult? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 3-25-20
The Atlantic’s Adam Serwer joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss the President’s continuing refusal to take the Covid-19 pandemic seriously.
Ch. 10: Jared Yates Sexton reflects on his childhood and life in Trumplandia - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 3-24-20
Jared Yates Sexton reflects on his childhood and life in Trumplandia and the power that Trump’s cult holds over so many white right-wing so-called “Christians.”
Ch. 11: Tim Wise Explains How White Privilege is Making the Pandemic Much Worse - The Truth Report with Chauncey DeVega - Air Date 4-21-20
Tim Wise reflects on how only white men such as Donald Trump and his cabal could still be viewed as competent given their gross and willful negligence in how they chose to (not) respond to the pandemic.
Ch. 12: The Tactics Of The “Re-Open America” Protests ft. Joshua Kahn Russell - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 4-23-20
Joshua Kahn Russell joins us to analyze the reopen America protests.
Ch. 13: Kurt Andersen, Fantasyland, and How Irrational Thought Worsened the Pandemic - Point of Inquiry - Air Date 4-9-20
Kurt Andersen, the author of Fantasyland, explains what happens when the departure from empirical, reality-based thought plays out during a global pandemic.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on my use of The Al Franken Show
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Haena - Cloud Harbor
- Arizona Moon - Cholate
- Decompression - Rayling
- Waterbourne - Algea Fields
- Molly Molly - Barstool
- Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
- 7.1 The Spinnet - Castle Danger
- Tar and Spackle - Plaster
- Denzel Sprak - CloudCover
- Feather on the Crest - Wax Museum
- Interlude - The Nocturne
- Tripoli - Pecan Grove
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 4/29/2020
Today, we discuss clips that highlight two of the most powerful American myths that consistently drive us into calamitous territory: the primacy of market-based solutions and hyper-individualism
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Like a fire with no one to call 'We've left no latent capacity in health care.' - An Arm and a Leg - Air Date 4-22-20
Public safety is built on latent capacity. We pay for people and equipment to stand idle, over-prepared for emergencies. We’ve left no latent capacity in health care.
Ch. 2: A whole new problem with a profit-driven health care system
Ch. 3: Pandemic, Protests and Profits - Reveal - Air Date 4-25-20
Protesters around the country are pushing to loosen stay-at-home orders, even though health experts say that could lead to a spike in coronavirus cases. Some Amazon workers say not enough is being done to protect them.
Ch. 4: A pandemic of individualism
TAKE ACTION!
DemandJustice.org/Best
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Opener - American Moon Bicycle
- Rafter - Speakeasy
- Middle - American Moon Bicycle
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 4/21/2020
Today we take a look at the ways that COVID-19 are impacting the most vulnerable communities the worst and how our legacy of discrimination is being put on full display.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Race and Risk - Coronavirus Fact vs Fiction - Air Date 4-9-20
CNN's Chief Medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks down the various factors and demographics that may make some people and communities more susceptible.
Ch. 2: COVID-19 Is Not An Equalizer, Black People At Higher Risk with Khiara Bridges and Douglas White Part 1 - The Takeaway with Lizzie O'Leary - Air Date 4-6-20
The south, rural America and black Americans are all at higher risk during the pandemic.
Ch. 3: Why Coronavirus Is Hitting The Black Community Hardest - The Daily Social Distancing Show - Air Date 1-8-20
A closer look at how and why the U.S.’s coronavirus outbreak is disproportionately hurting the black community.
Ch. 4: COVID-19 Is Not An Equalizer, Black People At Higher Risk with Khiara Bridges and Douglas White Part 2 - The Takeaway with Lizzie O'Leary - Air Date 4-6-20
The south, rural America and black Americans are all at higher risk during the pandemic.
Ch. 5: Pandemic Racism The Wisconsin Primary, Disenfranchisement, and the Cost of Life Part 1 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 4-8-20
Milwaukee’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Jeanette Kowalik, discusses the Wisconsin Supreme Court's reckless disregard for public safety as they force the state to conduct in-person voting.
Ch. 6: Pandemic Racism The Wisconsin Primary, Disenfranchisement, and the Cost of Life Part 2 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 4-8-20
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi discusses what the data tells us about race and coronavirus in America and draws historical parallels between the Trump administration response and the Mississippi flood of 1927.
Ch. 7: “I will not apologize for my needs” Part 1 - Off-Kilter - Air Date 3-27-20
With the ongoing debate around health care rationing and ventilator shortages amid COVID19, Rebecca talks to Ari Ne’eman, Alice Wong, and Sam Bagenstos about the importance of disability non-discrimination in health care.
Ch. 8: Discounting the disabled and all those with pre-existing conditions - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-3-20
Janine Jackson takes a quick look back at AP‘s coronavirus boilerplate.
Ch. 9: “I will not apologize for my needs” Part 2 - Off-Kilter - Air Date 3-27-20
With the ongoing debate around health care rationing and ventilator shortages amid COVID19, Rebecca talks to Ari Ne’eman, Alice Wong, and Sam Bagenstos about the importance of disability non-discrimination in health care.
Ch. 10: Janine Jackson takes a quick look at scapegoating China - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-27-20
Stoking anti-Chinese sentiment from the top down.
Ch. 11: A Virus Doesn't Discriminate - Coronavirus Fact vs Fiction - Air Date 3-27-20
The coronavirus pandemic has fueled a surge in racism against Asian-Americans around the country.
Ch. 12: Civil Rights and Coronavirus - Epidemic - Air Date 3-27-20
Vanita Gupta discusses the responsibility the media has in reinforcing anti-Chinese xenophobia.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 13: Check your privilege - Alan from Connecticut
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 14: Final comments on who stoicism is for
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Astrisx - Bodytonic
- Wingspan - Bayou Birds
- Long and Low Cloud - The Bulwark
- Santre - K2
- The Rampart - Castle Danger
- Open Flames - Aeronaut
- Contrarian - Sketchbook
- Horizon Liner - The Pine Barrens
- Stale Case - Darby
- Vittoro - Aeronaut
- Homegrown - The Pine Barrens
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Air Date 4/16/2020
Today, Amanda and I discuss a few of the aspects of life during a pandemic that's causing mental fog and affecting our work.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: We all make mistakes but we’re making a lot more of them right now
Ch. 2: The Burnout Generation
Ch. 3: Survival Mode
Ch. 4: Hidden Mental Health Toll of Coronavirus with Alisa Kriegel - WhoWhatWhy - Air Date 3-22-20
The COVID-19 pandemic is going to have a huge toll on mental health, what can we do to mitigate the damage?
Ch. 5: Soft Launch of my secret project
Ch. 6: Showing the ShowSharer™
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 4/12/2020
Today we take a look at the way mass incarceration is coming back to bite the US as jails, prisons and immigrant detention centers are becoming Petri dishes for the coronavirus that will help perpetuate the pandemic as well as non-virus related deaths throughout the population.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Prisons and Jails Are a Coronavirus Time Bomb - Deep Background with Noah Feldman - Air Date 3-24-20
Homer Venters, the former Chief Medical Officer for the NYC Jail system, says that we need to stop the spread of coronavirus in prisons, jails, and detention centers.
Ch. 2: Former ICE Director: Release Immigrants from Detention or COVID-19 Will Spread Like Wildfire Inside - Democracy Now - Air Date 3-23-20
Alarm is growing about the safety of more than 37,000 people held in immigrant detention centers and private jails that contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, where it is nearly impossible to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Ch. 3: Coronavirus Behind Bars: Crisis In New York Part 1 - News Beat - Air Date 4-8-20
Rikers Island now has more than 200 coronavirus cases and recorded its first COVID-19-related death last weekend. Advocates warn that anyone held in the jail is in mortal danger.
Ch. 4: COVID-19 and the border - The Weeds - Air Date 4-7-20
Dara, Jane, and Matt on the intersection between the pandemic and Trump's border crackdown.
Ch. 5: Donate to the National Bail Fund Network & Demand to #FreeThemAll via @bailfundnetwork - Best of the Left Activism
These community bail funds are freeing people by paying bail and bond and are also fighting to abolish the money bail system and pretrial detention.
Ch. 6: No Hierarchy of Humanity Part 1 - Off-Kilter - Air Date 3-20-20
Tom Jawetz and Emily Galvin-Almanza on the steps leaders need to take to reach the nation’s 5,000 prisons, jails, and immigrant detention facilities.
Ch. 7: Dispatches from People Stranded in Place - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 4-3-20
WNYC Investigative Reporter Matt Katz brings us calls from inside immigration detention centers.
Ch. 8: The Emergency in Our Jails - Social Distance - Air Date 4-8-20
Everyone is being ordered to social distance. Except those who are being ordered into places where that’s impossible. Jim and Katherine talk with Conor Friedersdorf about what can be done.
Ch. 9: No Hierarchy of Humanity Part 2 - Off-Kilter - Air Date 3-20-20
Tom Jawetz and Emily Galvin-Almanza on the steps leaders need to take to reach the nation’s 5,000 prisons, jails, and immigrant detention facilities.
Ch. 10: When Epidemics Collide: Coronavirus, Criminal Justice & Poverty Part 2 - News Beat - Air Date 3-24-20
Advocates say marginalized communities are going to suffer the worst from the consequences of a broken economy, neglect, and a decaying social safety net.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 11: Reverse seasonal affective disorder - Arkle
Ch. 12: This too shall pass - Annie from Florida
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 13: Final comments on hidden Negative Visualization and the elephant in the room
Limerick of the day from @Libericks
TAKE ACTION
Donate to The National Bail Fund Network's COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
Find other ways to help and get involved through the hashtag #FreeThemAll
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2020 (Prison Policy Initiative)
Detaining the Poor (Prison Policy Initiative)
Rikers Reports Its First COVID-Related Prisoner Death (NY Mag: Intelligencer)
Andrew Cuomo Has Learned Nothing From the Coronavirus Catastrophe at Rikers (NY Mag: Intelligencer)
Fear Among Immigrant Detainees Spreads As Coronavirus Outbreaks Hit ICE Detention Centers (Buzzfeed News)
Immigrant detainees in Massachusetts are fighting to be released in the pandemic (Vox)
'Terrified of dying': Immigrants beg to be released from immigration detention as coronavirus spreads (USA Today)
Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- The Spinnet - Castle Danger
- Derailed - The Depot
- When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent
- Rapids - Grey River
- Minutes - Pacha Faro
- Waltz and Fury - Macrame
- Gusty Hollow - Migration
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
"Prison is No Place for a Pandemic" by: Micah Bazant (@micahbazant), Artist in Residence @fwdtogether
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 4/8/2020
Today, Amanda and I discuss the extremely counterintuitive practice of Negative Visualization and how it could be one of the most powerful tools to help you feel better about your circumstances and the state of the world during the pandemic crisis.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Discussing the book “A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy” and the practice of Negative Visualization
Ch. 2: Take it like a Stoic coping in the time of coronavirus - Ideas - Air Date 4-3-20
Ch. 3: Discussing how stoicism has impacted us personally
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Middle - American Moon Bicycle
- Closer - American Moon Bicycle
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
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Air Date 4/4/2020
Today we take a look at many of the economic angles of the COVID-19 pandemic including the role of the shock doctrine in the wake of the coronavirus, calls for a socially just economic recovery, calls for the elderly to be turned into Soylent Green and the biggest Reverse Robin Hood bailout of all time.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: “Coronavirus Capitalism” Naomi Klein’s Case for Transformative Change Amid Coronavirus Pandemic - Democracy Now - Air Date 3-19-20
Author, activist and journalist Naomi Klein says the coronavirus crisis, like earlier ones, could be a catalyst to shower aid on the wealthiest interests in society, including those most responsible for our current vulnerabilities.
Ch. 2: Prof. Richard Wolff on Pandemic Economics - The Zero Hour - Air Date 3-20-20
Prof. Richard Wolff explains the failure of capitalism to prepare or respond to the pandemic
Ch. 3: Janine Jackson takes a quick look at recent coverage of the coronavirus and retail workers - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-20-20
Ch. 4: AOC on a Socially Just Pandemic Response - Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 3-31-20
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez talks about the federal relief package which is to include cash payments to everyone, as well as rent and mortgage relief
Ch. 5: An economic crisis like we’ve never seen - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 3-23-20
Annie Lowrey on the coronavirus depression
Ch. 6: Jim Naureckas on COVID-19 - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-20-20
The coronavirus is highlighting existing faults and fissures in US society. Stark evidence of government priorities and their impact is coming fast and furious.
Ch. 7: Is the cure worse than the disease? - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 3-26-20
Are we overreacting to coronavirus? An economist and a bioethicist weigh in.
Ch. 8: The Cyanide for Septuagenarians Movement - The Bugle - Air Date 3-27-20
A look at the growing movement to ritually sacrifice the elderly and otherwise vulnerable
Ch. 9: The Economic Impact of COVID-19 - Deep Background with Noah Feldman - Air Date 3-16-20
Stefanie Stantcheva, Professor of Economics at Harvard, discusses the economic harms of COVID-19.
Ch. 10: Trump Shows How Woefully Unprepared He Is For Coronavirus - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-26-20
Commenting on an article from Matt Stoller on the changing nature of our economy
Ch. 11: Stephanie Kelton MMT, the Crisis, and the Real Economy - The Zero Hour - Air Date 3-28-20
Stephanie Kelton explains the role of Modern Monetary Theory in the governmental response to the pandemic and economic collapse
Ch. 12: Joseph Stiglitz Trump’s “Trickle-Down” Economic Plans Are Not Enough to Meet Coronavirus Challenge - Democracy Now - Air Date 3-19-20
For more on those bailouts and who benefits, we speak with Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize-winning economist, Columbia University professor and chief economist for the Roosevelt Institute.
Ch. 13: US news update! - The Last Post - Air Date 3-23-20
Explaining the brutal nature of American individualism in an age of pandemic
Ch. 14: The End of the Status Quo - Progressive Faith Sermon - Air Date 3-29-20
The virus did not so much create new problems as it poured gasoline on existing problems with health care, the income gap, foreign policy, prison policies, and the environment. We have the opportunity to forge a better world after COVID-19.
Ch. 15: The Reverse Robin Hood Bailout - Intercepted - Air Date 4-1-20
Journalist David Dayen, executive editor of the American Prospect, breaks down the corporate interests and powerful people who stand to gain the most from the looting of taxpayer funds.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 16: Getting depressed in the summer - Craig from Ohio
Ch. 17: Health center update - Alan from Connecticut
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 18: Final comments on the phrases that obscure our reality because you don’t really hate Mondays
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Planting Flags - K4
- The Envelope - Aeronaut
- Inessential - Bayou Birds
- Yarrow and Root - The Bulwark
- Cicle DR Valga - Cicle Kadde
- Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
- Hundred Mile-No Guitar - K2
- A Burst of Light - Delray
- A Path Unwinding - K4
- Cat's Eye - Marble Run
- Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
- Banjo - Grey River
- That Horse Ithica - Sketchbook
- These Times - The Pine Barrens
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +more
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Air Date: 4-1-20
Today, Amanda and I discuss the silent, ever-present taxation that is robbing all of us of our normal levels of mental energy during the pandemic.
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Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 6/11/2019
Today we take a look at Modern Monetary Theory and the neoclassical economics it is looking to replace. It’s very important to understand the logistical and political mechanisms by which money for progressive policy priorities would be appropriated by Congress and the debate over MMT gets to the core of those issues and seeks to change the paradigm we use to think about government spending.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Debunking the Deficit Hysteria with Stephanie Kelton Part 1 - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-6-19
There’s a pattern to the Republicans’ selective concern about increasing the deficit, and it all depends on who holds the power. When you look at the behavior of people in politics, they don’t really care about the national debt as much as they like to ta
Ch. 2: What is Modern Monetary Theory? (with Stephanie Kelton) Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 4-23-19
Is government debt real? Is anything real? Professor Stephanie Kelton gives Nick and Goldy a master class on the hottest idea in economics right now: Modern Monetary Theory.
Ch. 3: Why should we care about deficits? Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 2-20-19
Stony Brook University’s Stephanie Kelton, an influential proponent of Modern Monetary Theory, and Jason Furman, President Barack Obama’s chief economist, discuss whether we should worry about government deficits and if so, when?
Ch. 4: Debunking the Deficit Hysteria with Stephanie Kelton Part 2 - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-6-19
Stephanie Kelton is here to break it all down - the national deficit, the nature of money itself, federal spending, and why it’s time to stop comparing it to a household budget.
Ch. 5: Why should we care about deficits? Part 3 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 2-20-19
Stony Brook University’s Stephanie Kelton, an influential proponent of Modern Monetary Theory, and Jason Furman, President Barack Obama’s chief economist, discuss whether we should worry about government deficits and if so, when?
Ch. 6: How Marxism and Modern Monetary Theory Go Hand-In-Hand - The Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 03-21-18
Prof Richard Wolff warns about the asymmetric politics of increasing and decreasing government spending
Ch. 7: Debunking the Deficit Hysteria with Stephanie Kelton Part 3 - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-6-19
Stephanie Kelton is here to break it all down - the national deficit, the nature of money itself, federal spending, and why it’s time to stop comparing it to a household budget.
Ch. 8: Dealing with the politics of managing Modern Monetary Theory - Planet Money - Airdate 9-26-18
We must take the fingerprints of Congress off the economy in order to manage inflation concerns.
Ch. 9: What is Modern Monetary Theory? (with Stephanie Kelton) Part 6 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 4-23-19
Discussing the conclusions to be drawn from the case for Modern Monetary Theory made by Stephanie Kelton
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 10: Impeachment would be symbolic - Jesse from Boston
Ch. 11: Impeach but keep trump - Alan from Connecticut
Ch. 12: Making the case for impeachment - Todd from Utah
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 12: Final comments summing up my major takeaways from researching MMT that I think we should all keep in mind
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Cases to Rest - Bodytonic
- Tripoli - Pecan Grove
- Lakal - Speakeasy
- The Wooden Platform - The Bulwark
- Long and Low Cloud - The Bulwark
- Denzel Sprak - CloudCover
- Glass Runner - Marble Run
- Pat Dog - Landsman Duets
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE:
John Laurits - JohnLaurits.com
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Air Date 3/26/2020
Today we take a look at the toll the pandemic is taking on mental health and offer a wide range of coping mechanisms to help get everyone through.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Trumps Dumbest Statements on the Pandemic - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 3-18-20
Sam breaks down the failure of the Trump admin.
Ch. 2: A Slight Temporary Relief - Social Distance - Air Date 3-18-20
Lori Gottlieb of "Dear Therapist" talks us through how to stay sane.
Ch. 3: Coping with Coronavirus Life - The Love, Happiness and Success Podcast with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby - Air Date 3-16-20
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby shares some therapeutic practices to get through the pandemic.
Ch. 4: Tips for surviving isolation! (Tinder Update) - The Last Post - Air Date 3-20-20
Tinder in an age of Coronavirus. Dating, Jane Austen style.
Ch. 5: Adam Grant On the frontlines and in peoples' minds - Epidemic - Air Date 3-24-20
Understanding the psychological elements at play during the course of a pandemic
Ch. 6: Dealing with COVID-19 with Buddhist Jack Kornfield - The Tim Ferriss Show - Air Date 3-12-20
Tim and Buddhist Jack Kornfield discuss mentally dealing with the pandemic.
Ch. 7: Cüking - The Bugle - Air Date 3-20-20
Exploring new art forms from home.
Ch. 8: Coping During COVID-19 - Happier with Gretchen Rubin and Liz Craft - Air Date 3-14-20
Gretchen Rubin and Liz Craft discuss coping mechanisms for the pandemic and social distancing.
Ch. 9: How To Preserve Your Mental Health - Coronavirus Daily Briefing - Air Date 3-19-20
Preparing for the pandemic is not just about protecting yourself physically but preparing yourself mentally.
Ch. 10: Tips for surviving isolation! - The Last Post - Air Date 3-20-20
A few tips for what you can do to stave off boredom at home.
Ch. 11: "And the People Stayed Home" by Kitty O'Meara - Common Censored - Air Date 3-16-20
Eleanor shares the viral silver-lining poem of the pandemic.
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 12: The peaceful upside - James from Sacramento, CA
Ch. 13: A trip to the grocery and liquor store - Alan from Connecticut
Ch. 14: Bread & Roses & Roger too - Alan from Connecticut
Ch. 15: Solidarity forever - Eammon from Orange County, California
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 16: Final comments with nothing to add
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- Haena - Cloud Harbor
- Molly Molly - Barstool
- Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
- Scratcher - Darby
- Interlude - The Nocturne
- Glass Runner - Marble Run
- Peacoat - Studio J
- Derailed - The Depot
- Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
- Arizona Moon - Cholate
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
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Air Date 3/20/2020
Today we take a look at the social safety net we need in the face of Coronavirus and the forces preventing us from having it.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Janine Jackson takes a quick look at recent coverage of the coronavirus - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-13-20
Some suddenly realize that we need a real social safety net
Ch. 2: Lack of Paid Sick Leave Makes It Difficult for Many Workers to Comply with CDC Advice to Stay Home - Democracy Now - Air Date 3-12-20
Labor Department data says that one in four workers have no access to paid sick leave, including two-thirds of lowest earners. The U.S. is one of the only wealthy countries that does not require employers to offer its workers paid sick leave.
Ch. 3: Naomi Klein and Jeremy Scahill Discuss Coronavirus - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 3-17-20
Author Naomi Klein and Jeremy Scahill discuss the bipartisan ruling coalition that created and supported a health system where profits are more important than public health
Ch. 4: O Government, Where Art Thou? Medicare For All vs Coronavirus - Rumble with Michael Moore - Air Date 3-15-20
In a modern, functioning, democratic society, how should a public health crisis be handled? And what would America's response to the coronavirus pandemic look like if we had a universal healthcare system such as Medicare For All?
Ch. 5: Society Run By Criminal Rackets Not Great For Public Health - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-15-20
In this Majority Report clip, Kevin McCarthy is sure everything is going to be fine.
Ch. 6: The coronavirus election - The Weeds - Air Date 3-17-20
Ezra Klein and Matt Yglesias discuss Donald Trump’s disastrous coronavirus speech and dueling pandemic response plans from Sanders and Biden.
Ch. 7: “Something Is Wrong in America” Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor & Michael Eric Dyson Debate Sanders v Biden - Democracy Now - Air Date 3-16-20
We play highlights from the debate and get responses from scholars Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor
VOICEMAILS
Ch. 8: Misrepresenting Biden voters - Erin from Philadelphia
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the nature of the cliff that we’re all on the edge of
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Calm - Take a Deep Breath: A compilation of free meditations, stories to go to sleep to, calm music, soundscapes, movements & stretches, meditations for kids, mindfulness tips and resources, and more.
Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- An Opus in Ab - Blue Nocturnal
- Landon Depot - The Depot
- The Basket - The Balloonist
- One Little Triumph - Piano Mover
- Cradle Rock - Nursury
- Donder - Darby
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Support the show via Patreon
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Air Date 3/14/2020
Today, Amanda and I discuss the emotional toll of dealing with a pandemic, some facts about how math works in cases of exponential growth, the unfortunate truth about what we should all be doing right now, the predictable amorality of the health insurance and Pharma companies, the unconscionable propaganda from Trump and his supporters and the aspects of humanity that are revealed when tested.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Our BAD week
Ch. 2: Italy on the Brink? What Would It Take For That To Happen Here? - Coronavirus Daily Briefing - Air Date 3-9-20
Ch. 3: Individualistic advice in a time of need for social cohesion
Ch. 4: Young and unafraid of the pandemic? Good for you. Now stop killing people
Ch. 5: Wendell Potter reminds us that the health insurance companies are going to try to screw us over while looking like heroes - Twitter
Ch. 6: Pandemic Propaganda - On the Media - Air Date 3-13-20
Ch. 7: Don’t be a hoarder
Ch. 8: Quarantined Italians Sing Together Across Empty Streets In Hauntingly Beautiful Video - Huffington Post
Ch. 9: The hand-washing advice the mainstream media doesn’t want you to know
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date 3/10/2020
Today we take a look at Democratic Socialism and how to explain it because socialism and the freedoms it provides are a lot more American than we tend to think.
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SHOW NOTES
Ch. 1: Democratic Socialism Explained with Spencer Cox - Washington State Indivisible Podcast - Air Date 5-16-19
Spencer Cox discusses what democratic socialism means in action.
Ch. 2: Move Over Socialism Democrats Need to Reclaim the Word "Freedom" - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 3-18-19
Among Democrats, there is a big debate about the word Socialism but should Democrats be talking about the word freedom instead?
Ch. 3: Bernie Sanders' Socialism is As American as The Post Office - The Benjamin Dixon Show - Air Date 1-23-20
Ben Dixon breaks down a clip from MSNBC and what they get wrong about democratic socialism.
Ch. 4: Jackson Mississippi's Socialist Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba - Backstory - Air Date 4-26-19
A conversation with the mayor of a southern town looking to make it the most radical in the nation
Ch. 5: Capitalism vs Socialism - Progressive Faith Sermons - Air Date 9-1-19
"Socialism" has become a political scare word used to frighten voters away from progressive programs intended to expand health care coverage, make higher education available to lower-income families, and to raise the minimum wage to a living wage.
Ch. 6: Who’s Really Afraid of Socialism? - Deconstructed - Air Date 2-6-19
To discuss America’s long-held resistance to socialism and its current rise in popularity, Mehdi Hasan is joined by Washington Post columnist Elizabeth Bruenig.
Ch. 7: Astra Taylor on Socialism, Democracy and Liberalism - Jacobin Radio The Dig with Daniel Denvir - Air Date 7-5-19
The world is changing and we need to make the world work for more people. If we do nothing the world will end, but we have so much to gain. A promised land is just beyond the horizon.
Ch. 8: Talking Democratic Socialism with Bhaskar Sunkara - Hear the Bern - Air Date 6-25-19
Bernie Sanders gives a democratic socialist speech and Bhaskar Sunkara helps break it down.
FINAL COMMENTS
Ch. 9: Final comments on the lasting effects of propaganda and the coming revolution
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
- Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr
- PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
- Blue Jay - Feathers
- Astrisx - Bodytonic
- Yarrow and Root - The Bulwark
- These Times - The Pine Barrens
- Tripoli - Pecan Grove
- Contrarian - Sketchbook
- Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
- Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
SHOW IMAGE
"Medicare for All Rally," Molly Adams, Flickr | License | Modifications: Cropped & increased contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Air Date: 12/16/2016 Today we look at the problems with the media, so many problems, and what lessons we should learn in the wake of the election Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The real kinds of bias that still exist in the media - @InDeepRadio w @AngieCoiro - Air Date 6-11-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: The System - Abscondo Ch. 4: Act 2: Money isn't the only bad influence on the media - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 10-1-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Follow The Money - Zounds Ch. 6: Act 3: The media and President-Elect Trump - @LastWeekTonight w: @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 11-13-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Sunrise - Norah Jones Ch. 8: Act 4: Media lessons to learn from the election - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 11-11-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Having a Good Time - Theo Bard Ch. 10: Act 5: Mainstream Media Fighting Trump...Don't Count On It - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-16-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Old News - Rick Estrin & The Nightcats Ch. 12: Act 6: Reporting on the editor of "The platform for the alt-right" - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 11-18-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Let's Call the Whole Thing Off - Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Ch. 14: Act 7: Stopping fake news - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 11-24-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Happy Song Is A Happy Song - Nick Rivera Ch. 16: Act 8: Christiane Amanpour on the state of the media in a post fact-world - The Investigators with Diana Swain, CBC - Air Date 11-25-16
Air Date: 11/11/2017 Today we look at the many ways conservatives across the country are systematically chipping away at the rights of all people who require access to any kind of reproductive health services Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The State Legislator Will See You Now - On The Media - Air Date 8-4-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Farmscrapers - Dad Rocks! Ch. 4: Act 2: Texas fails to address skyrocketing rate of pregnancy-related deaths - Savage Love w: @FakeDanSavage - Air Date 6-6-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Long and Low Cloud - The Bulwark Ch. 6: Act 3: 20-Week Abortion Ban Bill Treats Abortion as an Issue of Criminality, not Health Care - @TheRealNews - Air Date 10-6-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Shift of Currents - Aeronaut Ch. 8: Act 4: Taking aim at reproductive rights in all forms - @offkiltershow - Air Date 10-13-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: The Summit - K2 Ch. 10: Act 5: Keep Birth Control Copay Free #HandsOffMyBC via @Women_EqualityC - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: Homegrown - The Pine Barrens Ch. 12: Act 6: Why you can't have economic justice without reproductive justice - The Breach - Air Date 8-8-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: Bringing a gun into the home makes the owner less safe - Nick from California Ch. 14: The party structures are a fundamental problem - Erica from Massachusetts Ch. 15: What Sanders supporters are really emotional about - Greg from Baldwin Park, California Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on the show’s new sunshine policy and a clarification on the Democrats celebrity crushes Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions & and Free Music Archive) Activism: TAKE ACTION Take multiple actions with the Keep Birth Control Copay Free campaign: Send Trump an invoice for your birth control costs Write to the Department of Health and Human Services to defend free birth control Get the Toolkit to speak up at Town Halls and put pressure on Congress Share infographics to educate on birth control & share the campaign video Join the conversation with #HandsOffMyBC via Women's Equality Center EDUCATE YOURSELF Trump Administration Rolls Back Birth Control Mandate (New York Times) The Economy Can’t Grow Without Birth Control (New York Times Op-Ed) Notre Dame Will No Longer Provide Free Birth Control (The Cut) Trump Be Damned: States Are Fighting to Make Birth Control Over-the-Counter (Finally) (Mother Jones) California Suing Trump Administration Over Rollback Of Birth Control Rule (Huffington Post) A.G. Schneiderman Sues To Protect New Yorkers' Access To Birth Control (NY.gov) Not religious freedom, but the freedom to hate women (The Griffin) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 11/07/2017 Today we look at the systematic deconstruction of the environmental regulatory infrastructure at the hands of anti-environment radicals, otherwise known as the "Climate Denying Dream Team" Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Trump’s ‘Dream Team’ of Climate Change Deniers Threatens the Planet - The Breach - Air Date 8-1-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Long and Low Cloud - The Bulwark Ch. 4: Act 2: War on the EPA - Frontline - Air Date 10-17-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Passionate Ending - Soft and Furious Ch. 6: Act 3: Trump Picks DAPL Lobbyist to Oversee EPA Water Safety in Same Week He Rolls Back Water Safeguards - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 06-29-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Rotisserie Graveyard - Doctor Turtle Ch. 8: Act 4: Science under attack from Trump administration - Got Science? - Air Date: 8-15-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Turning to You - Landsman Duets Ch. 10: Act 5: How Will We Be Remembered? Demand Climate Action in Your Community Nov. 18th via Climate Legacy Time Capsule Project - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 12: Act 6: Trump's PC Police Purging The Term 'Climate Change' - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-08-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: Banning guns wouldn't work - Zach from Atlanta, GA Ch. 14: An unarmed proletariat will always be dominated - Anthony from Salt Lake City, UT Ch. 15: Dems were unfair to Bernie who wasn't a Democrat - Erica from Massachusetts Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments defending my personal friend, Martin O’Malley Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions and Free Music Archive) Activism: TAKE ACTION! Demand Climate Action in Your Community on NOVEMBER 18th with the Climate Legacy Time Capsule Dedication demonstrations at State Houses and City Halls across the U.S. Find a Dedication Day event near you No event near you? Create one and get support! EDUCATE YOURSELF Robert Redford: Scott Pruitt Is 'Hell-Bent' On Dismantling EPA Rules (Time) Scott Pruitt Declares War on Air Pollution Science (The New Republic) Here’s the Expertise Scott Pruitt Is Removing From the EPA’s Advisory Boards (Slate) EPA chief set to meet privately with chemical industry execs (ABC News) GAO to review whether EPA violated anti-propaganda law (The Hill) Another Trump aide seems to be caught up in the Russia probe (Vox) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 11/03/2017 Today we look at the battle at the heart of the rift in the progressive movement over strategies on the proper direction to go from here. As is so often the case, the answer is not one or the other but both Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: "Billion-Dollar Mistake" Democrats Neglect People of Color While Failing to Woo White Trump Voters - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 07-31-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Vibrant Canopy - Art Of Escapism Ch. 4: Act 2: Taking race and gender as seriously as class - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 8-28-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Rotisserie Graveyard - Doctor Turtle Ch. 6: Act 3: Joan Williams on understanding the divide in how different groups are framed - Cape Up - Air Date 10-24-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Vibrant Canopy - Origami Ch. 8: Act 4: Alicia Garza on understanding that you can't support only some identity politics - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 10-5-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut Ch. 10: Act 5: Joan Williams with an economic-focused message that doesn't lose sight of cultural identity - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 7-29-17 Voicemails Ch. 11: Guns, protection and the age of reason - David from Columbus, OH Ch. 12: Calling a business a job-creator is like calling a car an exhaust-creator - Chris from Fairfax Ch. 13: To boycott or not to boycott - Zach from Virginia Beach Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 14: Final comments on what the Clinton/DNC financial ties revelations may mean for how the party works to regain it’s legitimacy Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions and Free Music Archive) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 4/18/2017 Today we look at some of the lesser-known characters in the right-wing oligarchy who now own the White House and Supreme Court Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Inside How the Federalist Society & Koch Brothers Are Pushing for Trump to Reshape Federal Judiciary - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 03-21-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Follow the Money - Vova Zen Ch. 4: Act 2: Robert Mercers bizarre opinions and influences - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 3-22-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: The Oligarch - Ephemerals Ch. 6: Act 3: Dark Data Trump Backers Bankroll Firm Developing Psychological Profiles of Every U.S. Voter - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 03-23-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Take A Look Around {Instrumental) - Limp Bizkit Ch. 8: Act 4: How to protect yourself in the face of diminishing online privacy - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 3-25-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Mind Control - Stephen Marley Ch. 10: Act 5: The Secret Family Behind The Rise Of Brietbart News - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 03-28-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Follow the Money - Zounds Ch. 12: Act 6: Who Bankrolls Breitbart News? - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 03-31-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Oligarchy - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 14: Act 7: Erik Prince rises again - @Intercepted w/ @JeremyScahill - Air Date 4-5-17
Air Date: 10/27/2017 Today we look at some of the recent and no-so-recent political problems plaguing the NFL including the protests against police abuse, institutional racism, sexism, homophobia and their coverup of the traumatic brain injuries suffered by countless players. And we discuss why it all matters Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Take the Knee Athletes Unite in Historic Protest Against Racism & Police Brutality, Defying Trump - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 09-25-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: The Summit - K2 Ch. 4: Act 2: Shaun King explaining Kaepernick's intention from the beginning - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 9-13-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Open Flames - Aeronaut Ch. 6: Act 3: How The Pentagon Paid For NFL's Patriotism - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-26-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Rotisserie Graveyard - Doctor Turtle Ch. 8: Act 4: These protests are just the tip of the iceberg - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 9-28-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: The Envelope - Aeronaut Ch. 10: Act 5: Is It Time to Stop Watching Football? - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 10-09-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle Ch. 12: Act 6: Civil Rights revisionism as a weapon against current justice movements - Intercepted - Air Date 10-4-2016 Ch. 13: Song 6: Forgotten Land (ft. Gurdonark, Joanne Gabriel) - Doxent Zsigmond Ch. 14: Act 7: Lawsuit Time Kaepernick Going To War With NFL Owners - @theyoungturks - Air Date 10-17-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Floating Whist - Aeronaut Ch. 16: Act 8: The NFL protests are not a spectator sport - @EdgeofSports w Dave Zirin - Air Date 10-17-17 Ch. 17: Song 8: daedalus - Kai Engel Ch. 18: Act 9: When Is the Right Time for Black People to Protest? - The Daily Show - Air Date 9-25-17 Voicemails Ch. 19: A liberal pro-gun perspective - Ani from Alabama Ch. 20: Better to not speak of "the other side" - Keith from New Hampshire Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments on why you should understand sports and guns Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions, CC Mixter and Free Music Archive) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 5/15/2015 Today we take a hard look at modern-day civilization and culture and ponder what we could do to make things better Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill 00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: The Death of Culture at the Hands of the Profit Motive - @majorityfm - Air Date: 01-20-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: My Conversation - The Uniques 00:13:04 Ch. 4: Act 2: Visionary Sci Fi for an Age of Acquiescence - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 4-20-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Design - Fiction Company 00:15:58 Ch. 6: Act 3: .@ShawnAchor - The happy secret to better work - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 2-1-12 Ch. 7: Song 3: Everybody Loves a Happy Ending (iTunes Originals Version) - Tears for Fears 00:29:08 Ch. 8: Act 4: A Brief History of Humankind - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 4-30-15 Ch. 9: Song 4: "Going Sane" - Two Cheers 00:40:39 Ch. 10: Act 5: Lacking liberty from slavery to feudalism to capitalism - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 2-1-15
Air Date: 10/20/2017 Today we look at the dangers that (primarily) white men face on multiple points along the power spectrum and how dangerous forms of masculinity lead to the dehumanizing of these men and those they encounter Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Understanding the effect of our culture on gun culture Part 1 - Economic Update w @profwolff - Air Date 10-5-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Inessential - Bayou Birds Ch. 4: Act 2: Listen Up, Creeps: Weinstein Edition - @FullFrontalSamB - Air Date: 10-12-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Streamer - Arc and Crecent Ch. 6: Act 3: Understanding how masculinity and white supremacy lead to a nutty gun culture - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 10-1-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: periculum - Kai Engel Ch. 8: Act 4: Louise Godbold “My Encounter with Harvey Weinstein and What It Tells Us About Trauma” - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 10-12-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Le gris, le bleu, d'une profonde humilité - Monplaisir Ch. 10: Act 5: Understanding the effect of our culture on gun culture Part 2 - Economic Update w @profwolff - Air Date 10-5-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Paper Planes - Durden ft. Airtone (ft. Airtone) Ch. 12: Act 6: Margaret Hoover Calls Out Fellow Conservatives On Sex Crime Hypocrisy - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-12-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Hundred Mile-No Guitar - K2 Ch. 14: Act 7: White males feeling under attack and seeking power - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 10-1-17 Ch. 15: Final comments on the perils of power and powerlessness Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions, CC Mixter and Free Music Archive) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 10/17/2017 Today we look at the philosophy, tricks of the trade and long-term strategy behind the GOP's never-ending quest to grant more tax cuts to corporations and the wealthy while cutting popular programs aimed at aiding the poor Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Idiotic Economist Pushes HORRIBLE Tax Plan That Left Kansas Crippled - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 09-26-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: world of ruin - Damiano Baldoni Ch. 4: Act 2: How Republicans Created Tax Cut Myths - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 10-04-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: peaceOut (ft. KungFu) - airtone Ch. 6: Act 3: Understanding what we can about the proposed tax plan - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 10-6-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Like Music (cdk Mix) (ft. Phasenwandler) - cdk Ch. 8: Act 4: Fox News Calls Out Trump Tax Cut Lies - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-03-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Headlights/Mountain Road - The Contessa Ch. 10: Act 5: Understanding the reality of corporate taxes - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 10-7-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Forgotten Land (ft. Gurdonark, Joanne Gabriel) - Doxent Zsigmond Ch. 12: Act 6: How corporations rigged our tax system against us - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 4-24-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut Ch. 14: Act 7: They plan to raise and then panic about the deficit - @offkiltershow - Air Date 10-6-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Seeking a fundamentally just justice system - Jesse from Seattle Ch. 16: How people get help after emergencies - FEMA employee Ch. 17: Patreon Feedback - Alan from Connecticut Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 18: Final comments on what you’ll find on the Best of the Left social network Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: Fighting tax cuts for the rich and budget cuts needs the same momentum as the healthcare fight! Dive in and fight back with these campaigns: TrumpTaxToolkit.org (Use the Senator-specific toolkits to fight back against tax cuts for the 1%, and more) NotOnePenny.org (Mobilize to demand not one penny in tax cuts for the rich, and more) HandsOff.org (Share how budget cuts impact you personally, and more) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 10/13/2017 Today we look at the usual pattern of political and media theatre that occur after every major shooting incident and some of the facts that explain why we shouldn't continue in this pattern any longer Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The usual pattern of how mass shootings are covered - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 10-6-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Transmutation (ft. Spinningmerkaba) - Kara Square Ch. 4: Act 2: Mass shootings continue but what can we do about it? - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 10-6-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Who We Are (ft. MissJudged and Fireproof Babies) - Hans Atom Ch. 6: Act 3: Gun nuts are aggressively childish - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 10-1-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Planting Flags - K4 Ch. 8: Act 4: The evidence is in, gun control laws reduce gun deaths - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 10-2-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Shift of Currents - Aeronaut Ch. 10: Act 5: "Mental Health Gun Databases" Are Very Racial - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 08-27-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Paper Planes - Durden ft. Airtone (ft. Airtone) - DURDEN Ch. 12: Act 6: Beware carceral gun control laws - The Dig - Air Date 10-6-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Blind Love Dub (ft. Kara Square (mindmapthat)) - Jeris Ch. 14: Act 7: Tell Congress: DON’T GUT OUR GUN LAWS via @Everytown - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: These Times - The Pine Barrens Ch. 16: Act 8: Prayers Cannot Stop Guns - Intercepted - 10-4-2017 Ch. 17: Final comments on why I rarely tackle gun control on this show Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Tell Congress you oppose lifting restrictions on gun silencers and want the measure removed from the SHARE Act. Tell Congress that you oppose the concealed carry reciprocity bill. Take part in the Everytown postcards to Congress campaign and use the letter as a call script. Find an Everytown for Gun Safety action or meeting near you Sing up for Everytown action alerts via text EDUCATE YOURSELF S.446 - Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 (Congress.gov) H.R.38 - Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 (Congress.gov) H.R.3668 - SHARE Act of 2017 (see Sections 1502-1507) (Congress.gov) Everytown for Gun Safety - Concealed Carry Reciprocity (S. 446) Overriding State Public Safety Laws (Everytown.org) Mass Shooting Since Sandy Hook, in One Map (Vox) Gun violence in America, explained in 17 maps and charts (Vox) Republicans want to pass a gun bill that critics say will make mass shootings more deadly (Vox) Why a Congressional Ban on Bump Stocks Is Unlikely (The Atlantic) ‘No Way To Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens (The Onion) NRA says 'nothing could have been done' to prevent Las Vegas shooting (Yahoo) Struggling Gun Industry Looks To Congress To Make Silencers The Next Big Thing (Huffington Post) How I Got Licensed to Carry a Concealed Gun in 32 States by Barely Trying (Mother Jones, 2013) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 11/04/2014 For information on the current effort to reform the electoral college that I discuss at the top of the show, visit: EqualVotes.us Today we take a look at the ways the Republican Party has been working to suppress voter turnout to benefit their electoral chances while claiming to be stopping voter fraud which basically doesn't exist Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Voting Laws Keeping Americans From The Polls - @ajplus - Air Date: 10-27-14 Ch. 3: Song 1: You're The Best (Theme From The Karate Kid) [Originally Performed by Joe Esposito] - You're The Best Ch. 4: Act 2: 'Free' Voter IDs Cost $8 to $25. Freedom! - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-31-14 Ch. 5: Song 2: Repeal the Poll Tax - A Thousand Miles Away Ch. 6: Act 3: In Person Voter Fraud Very Rare And Still Is - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 9-19-14 Ch. 7: Song 3: Mess Is Mine - Dream Your Life Away Ch. 8: Act 4: Voting suppression through the courts - BradCast (@TheBradBlog) - Air Date: 10-29-14 Ch. 9: Song 4: 1901 - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Ch. 10: Act 5: They're not even trying to hide their true motives anymore - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date: 10-25-14 Ch. 11: Song 5: Cheat - The Clash Ch. 12: Act 6: Republican Voter Suppression Since 1980 - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-22-14 Ch. 13: Song 6: There You Go Again - Sunshine to Rain Ch. 14: Act 7: Please Don't Vote - A Message From The Republican Party - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-27-14 Ch. 15: Song 7: Battle Hymn of the Republic - Turkey In the Straw and Other Country Fiddle Hits Ch. 16: Act 8: The Fight — and the Right — to Vote - @billmoyersHQ - Air Date: 10-24-14 Ch. 17: Song 8: I'm Free - 20 Golden Greats Ch. 18: Act 9: Voting Rights Amendment Act via @civilrightsorg - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 19: Song 9: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of Ch. 20: Act 10: Excerpt: LBJ's Voting Rights Speech "The American Promise" - @LBJLibrary - Air Date: 03-15-1965
Air Date: 10/06/2017 Today we look at the inadequacy, the potential, structures and the humanity of the corporate media Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Media Needs to Do Better Covering Trump Now Than During the Campaign (w/Guest Katrina vanden Huevel) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-16-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Poenia - Damiano Baldoni Ch. 4: Act 2: Lara Setrakian: 3 ways to fix a broken news industry - @TEDTalks - Air Date 3-9-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Hundred Mile - K2 Ch. 6: Act 3: Why Trump's Media Vendetta Is Scarier Than Nixon's - The Breach - Air Date 7-11-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Passionate Ending - Soft and Furious Ch. 8: Act 4: The Media Only Treats Politics Two Ways, and They're Both Bad - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-08-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: concatenate - Damiano Baldoni Ch. 10: Act 5: Filmmaker of "All Governments Lie" discussing the failure of corporate media - We Are Here - Air Date 2-18-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Llegare - Dom La Nena Ch. 12: Act 6: Masha Gessen on the "Impulse to Normalize" - On The Media - Air Date 12-2-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Great is the Contessa - The Contessa Ch. 14: Act 7: Chris Hayes on his and the media's tendency to normalize our circumstances - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 8-15-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: It's time to stand up against gun violence - Dallas from Jacksonville, FL Ch. 16: Medicare 4 All Preempted. - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 17: Include Your Kids! - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 18: A unique perspective on the Jones Act - Jonathan from Louisville, KY Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on how why you should be willing to pay for the world you want to see Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 10/03/2017 Today we look at the current and ongoing disaster befalling the US territory of Puerto Rico that all began long, long before the most recent hurricanes laid all of the injustice bare Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Puerto Ricans Call for Aid Amid Catastrophe "We're American Citizens. We Can't Be Left to Die" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 09-26-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Streamer - Arc and Crecent Ch. 4: Act 2: The devastation is being underestimated and the slowness of the response is inexcusable - @GreenNewsReport - Air Date 9-28-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Shift of Currents - Aeronaut Ch. 6: Act 3: Understanding what was devastating Puerto Rico long before this year's hurricanes - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-29-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: The Cast and Favor - Bayou Birds Ch. 8: Act 4: There is not the same level of concern for the lives of people who are not white - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 9-29-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: The Summit - K2 Ch. 10: Act 5: What You AREN'T Being Told About Puerto Rico & The Disaster Unfolding There - @RedactedTonight with @LeeCamp - Air Date: 09-27-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Another Promise Kept - Art Of Escapism Ch. 12: Act 6: Delusion vs reality in Puerto Rico - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 9-29-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Midday - Pecan Grove Ch. 14: Act 7: Tell President Trump and Congress to Provide Hurricane Relief and Recovery Assistance to Puerto Rico via @pricanagenda #UnitedforPuertoRico #UnidosPorPuertoRico - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: periculum - Kai Engel Ch. 16: Act 8: Nelson Denis On The Exploitation and Colonization of Puerto Rico by U.S. - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 09-29-17 Ch. 17: Final comments on colonialism and how it never really changes Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Demand Federal relief for Puerto Rico via National Puerto Rican Agenda's letter campaign Learn more about National Puerto Rican Agenda EDUCATE YOURSELF National Puerto Rican Agenda: New Group Forms to Address Island's Unprecedented Economic Crisis (DemocracyNOW!) Why Is María’s Death Toll in Puerto Rico Being Underreported? (Latino Rebels) Trump to Puerto Rico: your hurricane isn’t a “real catastrophe” like Katrina (Vox) Obama Signs PROMESA Bill, Imposing Control Board on Puerto Rico (DemocracyNOW!) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 09/29/2017 Today we look at the Bernie-Sanders-lead movement to implement the most comprehensive universal health insurance system in the world Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft how Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: America Is Ready For Universal Healthcare - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 09-20-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Turning on the Lights - Speakeasy Ch. 4: Act 2: ANALYSIS: Bernie's Single Payer Healthcare Proposal - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 09-14-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: On Our Own Again - The Pine Barrens Ch. 6: Act 3: Understanding the extraordinary costs of our health care system - Who What Why - Air Date 7-14-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Flattered - Delray Ch. 8: Act 4: Understanding the Canadian health insurance system - The @BernieSanders Show - Air Date 9-17-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard Ch. 10: Act 5: No Is Not Enough Naomi Klein on Bernie's Medicare-for-All Bill & Future of Democratic Party - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 09-18-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Flagger - Cloud Harbor Ch. 12: Act 6: What Can YOU Do To Support the #Medicare4All Movement? - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: Chilvat - Lillehammer Ch. 14: Act 7: Challenging the private health insurance orthodoxy - The Zero Hour w @RJEskow - Air Date 9-16-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Amazon App doesn't help BotL - Alan from Connecticut Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on Amazon, brainstorming ways to join the medicare-for-all movement and teasing our latest members-only show Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION What are the top 3 things you can personally do to contribute to the movement to support #Medicare4All? Call the voicemail line at 202-999-3991 and tell us your ideas to inspire others Read the details of Sen. Sanders’ Medicare for All bill Some other ways to get involved: Our Revolution groups (Sen. Sanders’ action organization) Health Over Profit (nonprofit grassroots org fighting for Medicare for All) Fight4Medicare.com (grassroots #Medicare4All action campaign) Social Security Works (nonprofit defending our social programs) Truth Out “Medicare for All” Series (independent media outlet looking to focus on Medicare for All coverage) MoveOn.org Petition (do NOT let signing this be all you do!) EDUCATE YOURSELF Bernie Sanders's new Medicare-for-all plan, explained (Vox) The Political Genius of Bernie’s ‘Medicare for All’ Bill (The Nation) Bernie’s “Medicare for All” actually is the pragmatic health care solution (Salon) The Loss of Morality in America’s Healthcare Debate (Washington Post) Sanders's Bill Electrifies Growing Single-Payer Movement (truth-out) "Medicare for All": A Uniting Call to Action in the Age of Trump (truth-out) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 09/26/2017 Today we look at the economic and criminal implications of immigration policy Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The economic benefit of immigrants - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 2-28-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: modum - Kai Engel Ch. 4: Act 2: The labor rights that come with more open borders - @theLFshow w: @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 7-4-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Streamer - Arc and Crecent Ch. 6: Act 3: Breaking News Consumer's Handbook Migration Edition (At Home) - On The Media - Air Date 7-28-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Kawruwath Na - Amarasiri Peiris Ch. 8: Act 4: Misinformation used to stoke fear of crime and terrorism - The Breech - Air Date 9-12-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Thread Caramb - Textile Caramb Ch. 10: Act 5: Sanctuary cities and the myth of criminal immigrants - @offkiltershow - Air Date 4-28-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: daemones - Kai Engel Ch. 12: Act 6: Why a border wall wouldn't even put a dent in drug trafficking - The Breach - Air Date 4-25-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: The Wall Song - Pinkerton and the Brinks Ch. 14: Act 7: The role of US immigration policy on creating the problems it claims to work against - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 8-1-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: We avoid talking about the climate connection to animal agriculture - Almera from Berkley, CA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on why progressives don’t talk about the link between climate change and animal agriculture Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 03/07/2017 Today we look at the dangerous myths of individualism and the American Dream™, some of their origins and some of their consequences Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Cultural influences on our perspective of self w/Gish Jen - Think Again - Air Date 3-4-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Different People - No Doubt Ch. 4: Act 2: You are not as free as you think you are w/Raoul Martinez - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-24-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: The system - Abscondo Ch. 6: Act 3: Individualism in the prosperity gospel brand of Christianity - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 1-8-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Southern Baptism - Richard Gilks Ch. 8: Act 4: The cold war propaganda of anti-collectivism w/Gish Jen - Think Again - Air Date 3-4-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Knock Yourself Out - Jon Brion Ch. 10: Act 5: The myths of the autonomous individual and free markets w/Raoul Martinez - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-24-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Drums of Freedom - Theo Bard Ch. 12: Act 6: Training is all that matters - A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain Ch. 13: Song 6: Perpetuum Mobile - Penguin Cafe Orchestra Ch. 14: Act 7: An ignorance of history bolsters acceptance of anti-regulation individualism - You are not so smart - Air Date 2-24-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Making Progress - Freedom's Progress Ch. 16: Act 8: The dangerous myth of the American Dream w/Raoul Martinez - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-24-17
Air Date: 09/19/2017 Today we look not so much at hurricanes and the climate science behind them (though we touch on that as well) but focus more on what we can see more clearly when it’s illuminated by so-called “natural” disasters, the structural inequality and legacies of decision-making that make these disasters worse than they need to be Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Mark Hertsgaard: It's not politics, it's science - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 9-13-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut Ch. 4: Act 2: What is environmental racism and environmental justice? - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 9-7-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Vibrant Canopy - Origami Ch. 6: Act 3: Breaking News Consumer's Handbook: U.S. Storm Edition - On The Media - Air Date 9-1-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Shift of Currents - Aeronaut Ch. 8: Act 4: Disasters call attention to inequalities if we care to notice - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-1-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Le gris, le bleu, d'une profonde humilité - Monplaisir Ch. 10: Act 5: Preventing future floods with data and regulation - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 09-14-2017 Ch. 11: Song 5: Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle Ch. 12: Act 6: The Human Causes of Natural Disasters - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 12-8-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Waltz of the Renegade - Art Of Escapism Ch. 14: Act 7: #ProtectNEPA to #ProtectOurVoice on the Environment via @ProtectNEPA - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: Inessential - Bayou Birds Ch. 16: Act 8: Dr. Michael E. Mann on attribution science and the tactics of inaction and delay - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 9-13-17 Voicemails Ch. 17: How selfishness helps people excuse authoritarian leaders - Annie from Alabama Ch. 18: RT is not Pro-Trump propaganda - Keith from New Hampshire Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on the start of the conversation about The Vietnam War on the BotL Network Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION: Get involved with the NEPA Works campaign to protect your voice! Read about pending legislation that chips away at NEPA, share it, and call Congress (try Stance) to stop it Read and share NEPA success stories from every state Follow NEPA Works on Twitter @ProtectNEPA Use the #ProtectNEPA and #ProtectOurVoice on social media EDUCATE YOURSELF: We will not be silenced. Stand up for a strong NEPA! (Earth Justice) Trump CEQ rolls out plans for swift NEPA reviews (Governors' Wind & Solar Energy Coalition) US people of color still more likely to be exposed to pollution than white people (The Guardian) Christine Todd Whitman: How Not to Run the E.P.A. (New York Times) Boston Communities Unite to Democratize Their Economy (Next City) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 09/15/2017 Today we look at the history and structures of authoritarianism and explore how they relate to at Trump campaign and administration Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: It can't happen here Part 1 - Ideas from the CBC - Air Date 1-17-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Another Promise Kept - Art Of Escapism Ch. 4: Act 2: Evan McMullin - Primary Concerns from @NewRepublic - Air Date 1-4-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Hundred Mile - K2 Ch. 6: Act 3: Opposing conservative policies and authoritarianism - Who. What. Why. - Air Date 2-11-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: On Our Own Again - The Pine Barrens Ch. 8: Act 4: It can't happen here Part 2 - Ideas from the CBC - Air Date 1-17-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Zombie With A Heartbeat - Midnight Maps Ch. 10: Act 5: Historian Timothy Snyder on the prospect of tyranny in America - This is Hell - Air Date 4-29-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Homegrown - The Pine Barrens Ch. 12: Act 6: Why Arpaio's Pardon Could Trigger Constitutional Crisis - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-29-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: The Summit - K2 Ch. 14: Act 7: Full Frontal Is Scared: Masha Gessen Edition - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee - Air Date 1-18-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Weighing the balance of harms regarding free speech - Anthony from Illinois Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments clarifying and then muddling the issue of free speech, hate speech and the argument for reducing harm Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 09/12/2017 Today we look at the combination of racism and cold political calculations that went into the decision to hold 800,000 DACA recipients hostage in order to placate the GOP’s scared white base and create leverage to force through funding for the southern board wall (also to placate the GOP’s scared white base) Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Shining City - Emerson Collective Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: These Are The Faces Of DACA Recipients In Danger Of Deportation - @nowthisnews - Air Date 9-2-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Headlights/Mountain Road - The Contessa Ch. 6: Act 3: The Misleading Rhetoric Around DACA - On The Media - Air Date 9-8-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Great is the Contessa - The Contessa Ch. 8: Act 4: Understanding what DACA does—and doesn’t—mean for recipients - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-8-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Horizon Liner - The Pine Barrons Ch. 10: Act 5: Clarifying immigrant access to social programs - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 8-7-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Vengeful - Warmbody Ch. 12: Act 6: Tell Congress: Dreamers are #HeretoStay. Pass the #DreamAct NOW via @UNITEDWEDREAM - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 14: Act 7: The story of Sheriff Joe Arpaio - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-1-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Planting Flags - K4 Ch. 16: Act 8: Trump Defends Pardoning GROTESQUE Racist Joe Arpaio As Hurricane Harvey Made Landfall - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 09-06-17 Ch. 17: Song 8: Midday - Pecan Grove Ch. 18: Act 9: The DEPLORABLE Reason Trump Ended DACA - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-06-17 Voicemails Ch. 19: Drug Episode Response - Alan from Connecticut Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on the inability for some conservatives to see beyond bad laws Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Take action right now & sign up for updates at WeAreHereToStay.org Find an event near you Call Congress Tweet at Congress Resources (Including Mental Health Emergency Toolkit) You can also call and tweet Congress with DreamActToolkit.org EDUCATE YOURSELF The Dream Act of 2017 (National Immigration Law Center) Black, Undocumented And Fighting To Survive (Huffington Post) How Higher-Education Leaders Are Fighting for DACA (The Atlantic) Relatives of Undocumented Children Caught Up in ICE Dragnet (Mother Jones) The White House Isn’t Sharing Dreamers’ Info With ICE, But Another Threat Looms (Mother Jones) DACA Pits Trump Against His Own Administration (The Atlantic) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 09/08/2017 Today we look at our vapid media landscape and see how it lead, some would say inevitably, to the election of someone like Donald Trump Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The destruction of facts - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 3-14-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Damage - Jimmy Eat World Ch. 4: Act 2: The Weaponization of 'Fake News' - The Breach - Air Date 8-29-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Le mystère de contre jour - David Ari Leon Ch. 6: Act 3: The search for truth-commited journalism falls down at both ends - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 3-31-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Honesty - Billy Joel Ch. 8: Act 4: Koch Donor Network Funds Propaganda Like Breitbart, Films & Pretty Much Everything You Can Think Of - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 06-30-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Laugh So You Don't Cry - Andy Davis Ch. 10: Act 5: The Trouble With Reality Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 5-17-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Zissou Society Blue Star Cadets / Ned's Theme (Take 1) - Mark Mothersbaugh Ch. 12: Act 6: Joshua Green on how Bannon has changed politics for the worse - Primary Concerns from @NewRepublic - Air Date 7-25-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: You're Not In On the Joke (iTunes Session) - Cobra Starship Ch. 14: Act 7: How "The Apprentice" Helped Make Trump President - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 4-13-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Million Dollar Loan - Death Cab For Cutie Ch. 16: Act 8: The Trouble With Reality Part 1 - On the Media - Air Date 5-17-17 Voicemails Ch. 17: The first and second amendments - Issac from Valencia, CA Ch. 18: Oppression never dies, it always transforms itself and resurrects itself - V from Central New York Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on the evolution of systems of oppression Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 09/05/2017 Today we look at just a couple of the major international conflicts Donald Trump is severely under-qualified to navigate Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Andrew Bacevich on the neoconservative-laid groundwork for President Trump - The Dig - Air Date: 08-23-2017 Ch. 3: Song 1: Directions - Josh Rouse Ch. 4: Act 2: Trump About To Surpass Obama's EIGHT YEAR Civilian Death Toll - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-18-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Suffering of the Innocents - Squire Tuck Ch. 6: Act 3: Andrew Bacevich: Trump's Handling of N. Korea, His First National Security Crisis, is Very Troubling - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 08-10-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: One - Apocalyptica Ch. 8: Act 4: Bruce Cumings with a historical perspective on the most irresponsible thing Trump has said - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 8-28-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Fire and Fury - Ian Rivers Ch. 10: Act 5: Middle East expert Juan Cole on why the US is stuck in Afghanistan - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 8-22-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Silent Colonialism - Valentina Ch. 12: Act 6: Phyllis Bennis on the questions we don't ask about what we should do in Afghanistan - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 8-25-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: Hard to believe that Charlottesville is the ACLU's fault - Nick from California Ch. 14: The sexist angle on fighting words and media personalities inciting violence - Katherine from Bloomington, IL Ch. 15: Thoughts on needed restrictions of 2nd amendment - Craig from Ohio Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments introducing a bonus clip from Politically Re-Active Bonus Clip: The problem is the 2nd amendment - Politically Reactive - Air Date 8-24-17 Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 02/27/2015 Today we take a look at not only the destructive forces at work within the drug war but also look deeper at the causes of addiction and drug abuse that could change all of your preconceived notions on the topic and maybe even our society as a whole Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Drug War Alternatives That Work Overcriminalized #2- Substance Abuse - @bravenewfilms - Air Date: 10-9-14 Ch. 3: Song 1: Once There Was a Hushpuppy - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture) Ch. 4: Act 2: Tracking cars movements in real time as part of the DEA drug war - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 2-1-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Don’t Worry, We'll Be Watching You - Making Mirrors Ch. 6: Act 3: DC mayor stands up for voters on legal pot, defies congressional GOP - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 2-26-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Gateway Drug - Dancing In The Streets Ch. 8: Act 4: Challenge everything you know about drugs - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 03-05-14 Ch. 9: Song 4: Big Mistake - Fair Ain't Fair Ch. 10: Act 5: Johann Hari (@johannhari101): Everything We Know About the Drug War & Addiction is Wrong Part 1 - @democracynow - Air Date: 2-4-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Strange Fruit (1939 Single Version) - 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Billie Holiday Ch. 12: Act 6: Poverty drives the demand for opiates - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 11-17-14 Ch. 13: Song 6: Poverty (Single Stereo) - That Did It! - The Duke Recordings, Vol. 3 Ch. 14: Act 7: Johann Hari (@johannhari101): Everything We Know About the Drug War & Addiction is Wrong Part 2 - @democracynow - Air Date: 2-4-15
Air Date: 08/29/2017 Today we look at the systemic problem with advertiser-driven, for-profit media and how billionaires have begun exploiting the system to their own benefit even more Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Corporate corruption of news and the Access of Evil - We Are Here - Air Date 2-18-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Machine - David Ari Leon Ch. 4: Act 2: Sinclair & the Growing Reach of Conservative Media - On the Media - Air Date 5-11-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: The Maelstrom - Jim Guthrie Ch. 6: Act 3: Sponsors underwriting their own puff pieces - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-24-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Hallelujah - Vitamin String Quartet Ch. 8: Act 4: Pro-Trump Network Sinclair Set to Become Nation's Biggest Broadcaster as FCC Weakens Ownership Rules - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 05-09-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Pas Si Simple - Yann Tiersen Ch. 10: Act 5: Media Consolidation is a Huge Problem and Even FDR Foresaw it as One - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 07-11-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Nothing Else Matters - Apocalyptica Ch. 12: Act 6: Craig Aaron on Sinclair Takeover - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 8-11-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: End of the World - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 14: Act 7: Jeremy Scahill on the greatest trick the devil ever pulled - All Governments Lie Ch. 15: Song 7: Dawn Departure, Jefferson County - Black Prairie Ch. 16: Act 8: Gawker and the New Era of Media Censorship - On The Media - Air Date 8-11-17 Voicemails Ch. 17: Just banned fascism in my house - Kevin from Louisiana Ch. 18: Arguing against free speech fundamentalism - Dave from Olympia, WA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on the absurdity of fundamentalism in all its forms Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 08/25/2017 Today we look at the constant struggle between the freedom to speak and the necessary limits placed on that freedom due to the rights of others to not be substantially harmed by that speech Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: WSJ Reports: ACLU Rethinks Defending Hate Groups Protesting with Guns - Wochit News - Air Date 8-17-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: ACLU Will No Longer Defend Hate Groups Protesting With Firearms - MSNBC Ch. 5: Song 2: Confronting the Wolf (Bonus Track) - Jim Guthrie Ch. 6: Act 3: Understanding the line between free speech and hate speech - BackStory - Air Date 8-23-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Freedom of Speech - John Mellencamp Ch. 8: Act 4: I was a prominent neo-Nazi. Ignoring white extremists is a mistake. - Vox - Air Date 4-14-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: N/A Ch. 10: Act 5: Nazis Don't Get Free Speech! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 08-22-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Harm - David Francey Ch. 12: Act 6: Understanding who joins Antifa - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 8-18-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Together we fight alone - Darlings Ch. 14: Act 7: How Do We Define Hate Speech? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 8-21-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Nothing Is Good Enough (Instrumental) - Aimee Mann Ch. 16: Act 8: Antifa: A Look at the Antifascist Movement Confronting White Supremacists in the Streets - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 08-16-17 Ch. 17: Song 8: Enemy At the Gate - The Twinkle Brothers Ch. 18: Act 9: How not to fall for fascist rhetoric - 1943 US War Department Voicemails Ch. 19: Free speech absolutism - Ryan in Minneapolis, MN Ch. 20: Free speech absolutism is bullshit - Zach from Atlanta, GA Ch. 21: Railing against free speech would be a gift to the right - Todd from Delaware, OH Ch. 22: Recommending Chomsky video - Elizabeth from North Carolina Ch. 23: The Constitution is not a suicide pact - Will from Mississippi Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 24: Final comments on free speech, hate speech and the ethics of responding to a violent breach of the social peace treaty Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via our Patreon page! Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 08/22/2017 Today we look at what may be the violent death throes of white supremacy. As Trump and the GOP embolden white supremacists to action and violence, the rest of the country is awoken to the need to deal swiftly and decisively with the relics of our racist past Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Keri Leigh Merritt on the underlying purposes of white supremacy - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 8-18-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Out With the Old - Casa Di Mondo Ch. 4: Act 2: The history of the raising of Civil War monuments - @offkiltershow - Air Date 8-18-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: RACIST MONUMENT SING-A-LONG - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-06-17 Ch. 6: Act 3: American racism during Jim Crow inspired and helped legitimize the Nazis - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-24-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Nazi (Live) - Chumbawamba Ch. 8: Act 4: The homegrown practice of honoring a history of white supremacy - Backstory - Air Date 8-18-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: A Dose of White Supremacy - Neffe Odom Kragh-Muller Ch. 12: Act 5: Descendant of Robert E. Lee Wants to Bring Down the Statues - @RedactedTonight w: @LeeCamp - Air Date 08-19-17 Ch. 13: Song 5: Trapped (Live) - Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Ch. 14: Act 6: The white supremacist standard intimidation strategy - Frangela: The Final Word - Air Date 08-15-2017 Ch. 15: Song 6: Civil War - Guns N' Roses Ch. 16: Act 7: The role of the Republican Party to embolden white supremacists - Code Switch - Air Date 8-16-17 Ch. 17: Song 7: Shame - Ophelia of the Spirits Ch. 18: Act 8: WATCH: Trump And White Supremacist Parrot Same Talking Points - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-18-17 Ch. 19: Song 8: Where Do You Stand? - Willie Nelson Ch. 19: Act 9: A view from the local synagogue - Backstory - Air Date 8-18-17 Ch. 19: Song 9: American Land - Bruce Springsteen Ch. 20: Act 10: Send a Letter: It’s Time to Take Down Confederate Monuments via @splcenter- Best of the Left Activism Ch. 19: Song 10: Activism - Shihan Ch. 21: Act 11: On the need to restrict harmful speech and white identity politics - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 8-17-17 Voicemails Ch. 22: Do we know the motivations for the creation of white supremacy? - Kyle from Portland, WA Ch. 23: Mighty Network feedback! - Alan from Connecticut Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 24: Final comments on continuing a conversation about freedom of speech Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Locate Confederate monuments near you with SPLC’s interactive map Write a letter to the editor demanding the removal of Confederate statues in your community Get involved in the action calling for the removal of Confederate statues in the U.S. Capitol Read the SPLC’s “10 Ways to Fight Hate: A Community Response Guide” to prepare, strengthen and heal your community in the face of hatred. EDUCATE YOURSELF I'm a black Southerner. I had to go abroad to see a statue celebrating black liberation. (Vox) Provocative ‘Free Speech’ Rally In Boston Railroaded By Counterprotesters (Huffington Post) ACLU Will No Longer Defend Hate Groups Protesting With Firearms (Wall Street Journal) The Real Story Behind All Those Confederate Statues (Mother Jones) Nazis Don’t Seem to Understand How Free Speech Works (GQ) Imagine if these people ever faced actual oppression. (Twitter thread by @JuliusGoat) Trump goes off script, and white supremacists cheer (Politico) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft ...
Air Date: 10/21/2014 Today we take a look at a variety of ways that (mostly) men attempt to police the actions and choices of (mostly) women, causing nothing but damage as a result Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The List of Rules for Women - @jsmooth995 - Air Date: 9-2-14 Ch. 3: Song 1: Follow the Rule - Johnny Ace - The Complete Duke Recordings Ch. 4: Act 2: Victimhood Provides Privleges - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 6-13-14 Ch. 5: Song 2: Bad Behavior - Bad Behavior Ch. 6: Act 3: SHE ASKED FOR IT - @lacigreen - Air Date: 09-06-14 Ch. 7: Song 3: Deserve Better - Swings and Roundabouts Ch. 8: Act 4: Shut Your Mouth And Take It, 'Fox & Friends' Advises Women - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-08-14 Ch. 9: Song 4: Good Old Days - Even Worse Ch. 10: Act 5: Radical Religion and Male Privilege - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-22-14 Ch. 11: Song 5: Second Class Citizen - Out of the Ordinary Songs, Vol. 2 Ch. 12: Act 6: Study Explains Why Hobby Lobby Supporters Are Opposed to Birth Control - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-25-14 Ch. 13: Song 6: Me and God and Jesus - Crooked Roads Band Ch. 14: Act 7: The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act via @healthyteen & @nwlc - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of Ch. 16: Act 8: Pondering Gender In 1620 - @radio_dispatch - Air Date: 3-20-14 Activism: The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act Take Action: Sign to support the The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act legislation backed by the National Women’s Law Center and Healthy Teen Network Additional Activism/Resources: Follow #NoTeenShameon Twitter and on Tumblr Submit your story to #NoTeenShame Sources/further reading: "New Mexico Parental-Leave Law Helps Teen Moms Stay in School” via NBC News "Where’s the ’16, Parenting, and OK’ Reality Show?” by Gloria Malone at RH Reality Check "#NoTeenShame: A Social Media Movement Pushes Us To Respect Young Mothers & We’re All For It” via Hello Beautiful Graphic by Repeal Hyde Art Project and available for purchase at RHAP’s Zazzle StoreWritten by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 08/15/2017 Today we look at the origins, underpinnings, and effects of neoliberal economic thinking and policies. #1, it has nothing to do with who Americans think of as “liberals”. #2, both major US political parties are on board with it to varying degrees. #3, it’s pretty much what everyone in the world is pissed off about without necessarily knowing that there’s a name for it. The alternate title for today's episode was “Invest in torches and pitchforks” Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Neoliberalism is focusing on the wrong aspects of the economy and society - Upstream - Air Date 8-29-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: Noam Chomsky on the remaking of the economy - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 5-20-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: inequality - Mark Shine Ch. 6: Act 3: Robert Brenner on the state of the US economy and mainstream politics Part 1 - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 7-31-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Class Warfare - Chris Priest Ch. 8: Act 4: Wall Street thieves find “New Way” to steal from us - Jim @HightowerNews - Air Date 8-11-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Robber Barons - Battlefield Band Ch. 10: Act 5: Robert Brenner on the state of the US economy and mainstream politics Part 2 - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 7-31-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Hang Me Up to Dry - Cold War Kids Ch. 12: Act 6: Expand Your Economic Knowledge with The CORE Project - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 14: Act 7: The Outdated Origins of Neo-Liberalism. It's Time to Move On (w:Guest Kate Raworth) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 05-04-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Explaining the original argument for lowering taxes - Patrick from Dallas, TX Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments announcing the Best of the Left Social Network Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION! Expand your economic knowledge for free with The CORE Project EDUCATE YOURSELF Making economics exciting (Bloomberg) Does economics still work? (BBC World Service) Has the way universities teach economics changed enough? (The Guardian) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Today we take a look at the history of race and white supremacy in America to understand the incredibly loud echoes of the past that continue to reverberate strongly in modern society Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill 00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: The Trick of Whiteness, Historically and Today - @timjacobwise - Air Date: 12-5-14 Ch. 3: Song 1: Time to Go Home - Michael Franti & Spearhead 00:06:56 Ch. 4: Act 2: Black, White and Red All Over - @onthemedia - Air Date: 2-13-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Echo's (from the Past) - Al Huskey 00:12:27 Ch. 6: Act 3: The Story Of The Tulsa Race Riots Will Disgust You - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-01-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Black Wall Street - Touchers 00:18:03 Ch. 8: Act 4: How Some Baltimore Neighborhoods Reflect Segregation's Legacy - @MorningEdition on @NPR - Air Date: 5-6-15 Ch. 9: Song 4: Segregation - Rankin Scroo 00:23:58 Ch. 10: Act 5: LBJ and the racial divide, 50 years later - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 6-18-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Accountability - Sammy R. Hall 00:30:40 Ch. 12: Act 6: Conservative Pundits Say Removal Of Confederate Flag Will Destroy The South - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-26-15 Ch. 13: Song 6: Soul Vibrations Black History / Black Culture : Afro-Nicaraguan Music - Soul Vibrations 00:40:16 Ch. 14: Act 7: Will the South Finally be Deprogrammed - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-24-15 Ch. 15: Song 7: Modern Day Slavery - Waun 00:50:14 Ch. 16: Act 8: Showing Up For Racial Justice @ShowUp4RJ - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard 00:54:06 Ch. 18: Act 9: I'm a redneck and I love America - @TheDixonWhite - Air Date: 04-4-15
Air Date: 08/8/2017 Today we look at the forces causing a great deal and anger and upheaval all around the world, how that anger is being misdirected and what we can do in our own lives to face it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Donate or become a member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Age of Anger: A History of the Present by Pankaj Mishra - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-11-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: When Anger Shows - Editors Ch. 4: Act 2: Fighting at the table: Conflict as successful integration - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 6-29-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: N/A Ch. 6: Act 3: Controversy and Outrage over Muslim Ban was Part of Bannon's Plan (w:guest Joshua Green) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 07-24-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Protest Song - Anti-Flag Ch. 8: Act 4: The Underlying Philosophy of Bannon's War - PBS Frontline - Air Date 5-24-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Legions (War) - Zoe Keating Ch. 10: Act 5: Pankaj Mishra on Globalized Anger: The Enlightenment's Unwanted Child - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 4-18-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Gerudo Valley - OST Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary (2011) Ch. 12: Act 6: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks: How we can face the future without fear, together - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 6-26-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: It's not time to scale back, it's time to scale up - Laura from Alameda, CA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 14: Final comments on when the age of anger meets the age of floods See the full video I produced almost exactly 10 years ago Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 08/4/2017 Today we revisit the old idea that if voting mattered they wouldn’t let you do it and the fact that that is exactly what they’re trying to do. Between allowing the chaos and uncertainty caused by hackable and unverifiable voting machines and systematic voter suppression efforts it seems clear just how much they don’t want people to trust or participate in the system Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Donate or become a member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: @AriBerman: Kris Kobach Is Helping Trump Lay Groundwork for Nationwide Voter Suppression Effort - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 07-05-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Democracy - Leonard Cohen Ch. 4: Act 2: The legal troubles of Trumps voter integrity task force - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 7-11-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: You know my name - The Beatles Ch. 6: Act 3: The Backlash to the "Voter Fraud Panel" Isn't What You Think It Is - On the Media - Air Date 7-14-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: You Don't Scare Me - Josh Pyke Ch. 8: Act 4: Illegal purging of voters in Ohio - @offkiltershow - Air Date 6-2-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: A Tranquilized Polar Bear Rising Through an Autumn Sky - Black Prairie Ch. 10: Act 5: @AriBerman: How the Russians Hacked Our Voting Systems Last November - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 7-12-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: The Game Is Rigged - The Great Malarkey Ch. 12: Act 6: Democrats Are Introducing a Bill to Make Sure Your Vote is Counted (w:guest Mark Pocan) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 06-28-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Cheat - The Clash Ch. 14: Act 7: Four Actions to Fight Trump’s Sham Voter Fraud Commission in Your State - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 16: Act 8: The nexus between voting rights and economics - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-18-17 Voicemails Ch. 17: Donating plasma during late capitalism - David from Detroit, MI Ch. 18: What the dollar stores say about Late Capitalism - David From Albuquerque, NM Ch. 19: A game-changing way of thinking about inequality - Justin from Indiana Ch. 20: Amazon on mobile - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 21: Looking for help investigating the case of a friend killed by police - Jeremy from Spokane, WA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 22: Final comments on dealing with death at the hands of police Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION 1. Find out if your state is complying with Trump’s Voter Commission and to what extent (The Brennan Center for Justice has compiled state responses here) 2. Get involved/volunteer with local chapters of voting rights orgs like Let America Vote, League of Women Voters, Voto Latino, Democracy Awakening/Democracy Spring 3. Contact your state’s Board of Elections office. Quickly find it with this database. Here's a call script that you can adapt for your state. 4. Contact your state’s governor. Quickly find them with this database. EDUCATE YOURSELF Trump's "Voter Fraud" Commission (Brennan Center for Justice) The Bogus Voter-Fraud Commission (New York Times) More than 3,000 Colorado voters have canceled their registrations since Trump election integrity commission request (Denver Post) Trump’s voter commission is now facing at least 7 federal lawsuits (Washington Post) The Gravest Dangers of Trump's Voter Fraud Commission (Time) This anti-voter-fraud program gets it wrong over 99 percent of the time. The GOP wants to take it nationwide. (Washington Post) White House Apparently No Longer Posting Public Comments On Trump’s Voter Fraud Probe (Huffington Post) How Donald Trump has focused his energy to target non-white Americans (Mic.com) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Che...
Air Date: 08/1/2017 Today we look at the state of capitalism, the logical arguments for its inevitable demise and the evidence that the end may more nigh than ever before Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Today's episode is sponsored by Blue Apron. Get your free meals at: www.BlueApron.com/Best Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Caitlin Moran on the need for a revolutionary upgrade to society - Politics & Prose from @Slate Track One Ch. 3: Song 1: Revolution - Grandaddy Ch. 4: Act 2: Casey Gerald: The gospel of doubt - @TEDTalks - Air Date 3-12-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Capitalism Is Tearing Us Apart - sole Ch. 6: Act 3: Wolfgang Streeck: Surviving Post-Capitalism Coping, hoping, doping & shopping Part 1 - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 2-9-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Hit the Wall - GoGoSnapRadio Ch. 8: Act 4: Prof. Richard Wolff on the coming death of capitalism - Upstream - Air Date 12-12-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Break On Through - The Doors Ch. 10: Act 5: Wolfgang Streeck: Surviving Post-Capitalism Coping, hoping, doping & shopping Part 2 - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 2-9-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Elysium - Mendum Ch. 12: Act 6: What’s After Capitalism? Create Our Next Economy via @TheNextSystem - Best of the Left Activism Voicemails Ch. 13: Recommending book about Woodie Guthrie - Josh from Dallas, TX Ch. 14: Thoughts on technology and addiction - Kyle from Portland Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 15: Final comments on Late Capitalism and “Judeo-Christian Values” Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Help find the answer to "What's Next?" with The Next System Project Read Gar Alperovitz "Principles of a Pluralist Commonwealth" Download resources and organize a Next System Project Teach-In in your community Follow @TheNextSystem on Twitter EDUCATE YOURSELF Is Capitalism Dying? (Forbes, 2013) ’Is Capitalism Dying?’ (Marxism, 2013) The Pain You Feel is Capitalism Dying (Joe Brewer, Medium, 2016) Beyond the Minimum Wage Debate: Let's Move Toward a System That Works for All (Democracy at Work) Prof. Richard Wolff debates Fox's Stuart Varney (Democracy at Work) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via our Patreon page! Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 07/28/2017 Today we look at the cause and state of our prison system and hear some suggestions on ways to fundamentally reform it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Amazon: Bookmark your link to support the show when you shop! USA: http://www.bestoftheleft.com/amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/?&camp=212361&linkCode=wsw&tag=besofthelef0c-20&creative=380789 UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/?&camp=212361&linkCode=wsw&tag=besofthelef-21&creative=380789 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: @MayaSchenwar: Why Prison Doesn't Work - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 06-08-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Life In Prison - Mitchell Ch. 4: Act 2: The high cost, terrible results and an alternate solution to prison - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 7-10-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: A Lot of Work to Do - Friendly People Ch. 6: Act 3: What We Can Learn from German Prisons... - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 08-18-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Adventure, Darling - Gillicuddy Ch. 8: Act 4: PRISON Norway vs. United States - @theyoungturks - Air Date 08-31-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Dawn Departure, Jefferson County - Black Prairie Ch. 10: Act 5: @DDayen: The True Cost of the Private Prison Industry - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 08-23-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Profit - The Mammals Ch. 12: Act 6: @Shane_Bauer: Trump administration reverses the Obama order to phase out private federal prisons - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 3-1-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Backwards Blues - Adia Victoria Ch. 14: Act 7: Prisons Phasing Out Visitation For Price-Gouging Video Calls - @theyoungturks - Air Date 05-07-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Fight the Power - Public Enemy Ch. 16: Act 8: Tell Senators to Support the Video Visitation and Inmate Calling in Prisons Act of 2017 via @PrisonPolicy - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - Shihan Ch. 18: Act 9: The Solution Isn't Kindler, Gentler Prison - The F Word w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 12-15-15 Voicemails Ch. 19: Don't argue when someone agrees with you - Alan from Connecticut Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on the conservative view on gender fluidity and the existence of transgender social contagion Bonus Voicemail: Ch. 21: In response to a nuanced discussion of transitioning - Erin from Philadelphia, PA Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Call your Senators to tell them to support the Video Visitation and Inmate Calling in Prisons Act of 2017 Learn about and share facts on video visitation at PrisonPolicy.org/visitation Follow Prison Policy Initiative on Twitter EDUCATE YOURSELF Massachusetts jail following nationwide trend, ending in-person inmate visits, in move critics call cruel (MassLive.com) Video Calls Are Replacing In-Person Visits at Some Prisons (Smithsonian Magazine) Senator Tammy Duckworth introduces the Video Visitation and Inmate Calling in Prisons Act of 2017 (PrisonPolicy.org) Booker Urges FCC Chairman to Reconsider Decision Not to Protect Inmates Against Exorbitant Calling Charges (Booker.senate.gov) Exploitation (PrisonPolicy.org) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 05/26/2015 Today we take a look at the US death penalty from all angles. Cultural norms? We’re an outlier. Protecting the innocent? We kill innocent people. Following the letter of the law? We’re absolutely breaking the 8th amendment to the Constitution. Fiscal responsibility? The death penalty costs about 3 times more than life imprisonment. And don’t forget about the racially biased implementation and the structurally biased trail system of death penalty cases. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill 00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Who are the barbarians? - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 2-1-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Of Mice and Men - End Credits 00:03:26 Ch. 4: Act 2: Shocker!: Scalia's Poster Man for Death Penalty Turns Out to Be Innocent - @majorityfm - Air Date: 09-04-14 Ch. 5: Song 2: Death Penalty - Eight Dayz 00:10:50 Ch. 6: Act 3: Rick Perry Executed Innocent Dad After Prosecutor Hides Exculpatory Evidence - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-24-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Death Penalty - Surrogate 00:14:42 Ch. 8: Act 4: The Penalty - How much are executions costing you? - @One_For_Ten Films - Air Date: 11-11-14 Ch. 9: Song 4: The Secret Agent: The Secret Agent Ending - Cello Octet Conjunto Ibérico & Elias Arizcuren 00:17:11 Ch. 10: Act 5: Death by firing squad - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 3-11-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Guillotine - Wildlife 00:22:36 Ch. 12: Act 6: Is Our Execution Method Cruel and Unusual? - @testtube - Air Date: 6-18-14 Ch. 13: Song 6: La nuit - David Ari Leon 00:25:48 Ch. 14: Act 7: Exoquill: End of life cocktailing never looked so clear - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 3-8-15 Ch. 15: Song 7: My Girl - The Temptations 00:29:38 Ch. 16: Act 8: Oklahoma takes a guess, approves nitrogen gas for killing prisoners - Rachel @maddow - Air Date 4-21-15 Ch. 17: Song 8: First Patient - Philip Glass 00:38:34 Ch. 18: Act 9: Death Penalty for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in Anti-Execution State Brings Complications, Not Closure - @democracynow - Air Date: 5-18-15 Ch. 19: Song 9: 1901 - Phoenix 00:48:29 Ch. 20: Act 10: #HaltAllExecutions with @ncadp & @90millionstrong — Best of the Left Activism Ch. 21: Song 10: Activism - Shihan 00:51:05 Ch. 22: Act 11: George Stinney, 14, Executed In Vile Act Of Injustice, Exonerated 70s Years Late - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-19-14 Activism: #HaltAllExecutions with @ncadp & @90millionstrong Take Action: SIGN: ”Join the 90 Million Strong: Call for Halt to All Executions” from 90 Million Strong, a project of The National Coalition To End the Death Penalty Find more resources on pending executions and educational content: 90MillionStrong.org Additional Activism/Resources: JUNE 6: DC Standing for Peace and Justice w/Mothers in Charge Sources/further reading: States with and without the Death Penalty via DeathPenaltyInfo.org “Lethal Entanglements” via The New Republic “Death penalty foes see Nebraska vote as momentum-builder” "Boston Bomber’s Execution To Be Delayed 18 Years?” via The Inquisitor "Few favor death for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, poll finds: Less than 20% of Mass. residents support execution” via The Boston Globe "Boston Marathon bomber unlikely to be executed – even if jury votes for death” via The Guardian "European boycott of death penalty drugs lowers rate of US executions” via The Guardian Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 07/21/2017 Today we look at the technology that massively influences how we spend our time and hear lots of advice on how we can begin to take back control Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Today’s Episode is sponsored by: Away - First Class Luggage at a Coach Price Visit: www.awaytravel.com/best and use the promo code BEST to save $20 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The Panda is Dancing - @TimeWellSpentio - Air Date 11-28-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: Tim Wu on The Attention Merchants - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 4-29-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: One-Armed Bandit - The Viscounts Ch. 6: Act 3: What If Technology Were Conscious Of Your Time? - @TimeWellSpentio - Air Date 11-22-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: N/A Ch. 8: Act 4: What If Technology Were Designed For Human Values? - @TimeWellSpentio - Air Date 11-22-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Forever On Your Team - Frida Selander Ch. 10: Act 5: Does Technology Actually Make Life Easier, or Just More Hectic? - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-08-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Spider-Man (Live) - Ramones Ch. 12: Act 6: Tristan Harris: How better tech could protect us from distraction - @TEDTalks - Air Date 6-14-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Time Well Spent - Tom Felton Ch. 14: Act 7: Laura Vanderkam - How to gain control of your free time - @TEDTalks - Air Date 2-7-2017 Ch. 15: Song 7: Time In a Bottle - Jim Croce Ch. 16: Act 8: Yuval Noah Harari - Think Again @bigthink - Air Date 2-25-17 Ch. 17: Song 8: We're Simple Minds - Club 8 Ch. 18: Act 9: Someday - The Minimalists - Air Date 3-29-17 Ch. 19: Final comments on my personal slate of apps, settings and strategies to keep my digital life under control Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 07/18/2017 Today we look at the woeful state of the Democratic Party and the strategy to bring them back from the brink Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: All roads lead to Trump unless we make major changes - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 6-15-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: The Perfect Space - The Avett Brothers Ch. 4: Act 2: David Sirota Discusses the Role of Journalism In the Trump Resistance - @TheRealNews - Air Date 6-16-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Failure - Kings of Convenience Ch. 6: Act 3: Bill Curry on how and why the Democratic party lost its way - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-3-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Changes - Langhorne Slim & The Law Ch. 8: Act 4: Naomi Klein on why No is not enough - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 6-28-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Rome Wasn't Built In a Day - Morcheeba Ch. 10: Act 5: Tom Ferguson on why establishment Democrats are vulnerable - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 7-11-17 Voicemails Ch. 11: Reaction to 1119 on Poverty - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 12: Follow-up on de-transitioning article - Rachel from Seattle Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 13: Final comments on how conservatives have come full circle on their understanding of LGBTQ people and ended up right where they started Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 11/25/2013 A look at what we need to remember to appreciate about the labor movement. Is the American Dream possible anymore as we seem to be racing to the bottom? What changes can we make to fight back? Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Is the American Dream a Reality? – David Pakman Show – Air Date: 10-02-13 Ch. 3: Song 1: You Are Dreaming - Our Ill Wills Ch. 4: Act 2: Would You Like A Living Wage With That? | McDonald’s Employee Confronts CEO – Young Turks – Air Date: 10-11-13 Ch. 5: Song 2: Welcome to the Machine - Wish You Were Here (Deluxe Experience Version) [Remastered] Ch. 6: Act 3: A race to the bottom – Real Time With Bill Maher – Air Date: 10-25-13 Ch. 7: Song 3: Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) - Lungs Ch. 8: Act 4: Why are we subsidizing McDonald’s? – Jim Hightower – Air Date: 10-29-13 Ch. 9: Song 4: Do You Believe In Magic? - Do You Believe In Magic Ch. 10: Act 5: Time to do Away with Tipping? – Thom Hartmann – Air Date: 08-16-13 Ch. 11: Song 5: It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine) - Document Ch. 12: Act 6: Kathi Weeks: The American Work Ethic and Hours for What We Will – GRITtv – Air Date: 8-20-13 Ch. 13: Song 6: Work - Uprising (Remastered) Ch. 14: Act 7: Small Business Saturday – UnFuck it Up Project Ch. 15: Song 7: I Didn't Fuck It Up - I Didn't Fck It up Ch. 16: Act 8: Unlike Walmart, Trader Joe’s Profitable with Living Wage – David Pakman Show – Air Date: 08-24-13 Ch. 17: Song 8: Revolution (Human Need Over Profit) - Tha People's Music Ch. 18: Act 9: Is it Vampire Capitalism, or Something Else? – Thom Hartmann – Air Date: 10-17-13 Ch. 19: Song 9: You're a Vampire - Something About a Dragon? Ch. 20: Act 10: Walmart Holding Food Drive for the Poor: Their Own Underpaid Employees – Majority Report – Air Date: 11-19-13
Air Date: 07/11/2017 Today we look at many of our misconceptions of the nature of poverty, the interconnectedness of economics with all aspects of life and some suggestions on how to pursue justice Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Dividing the generations to distract from the class war - CounterSpin @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 1-8-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Class-Warfare - Chris Priest Ch. 4: Act 2: The frames through which we look at low-income aid programs - @offkiltershow - Air Date 6-9-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Call It Even - Scott Simons Ch. 6: Act 3: Does prolonged exposure to poverty have a lasting effect on the brain? - The Inquiry - Air Date 5-25-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Sur Le Fil - Yann Tiersen Ch. 8: Act 4: Everything is economic - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-25-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Poverty (Single (Stereo)) - Bobby "Blue" Bland Ch. 10: Act 5: Rutger Bregman: Poverty isn't a lack of character; it's a lack of cash - @TEDTalks - Air Date 6-13-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Protect & Serve - Stiff Little Fingers Ch. 12: Act 6: Bryan Stevenson: the opposite of poverty is not wealth, the opposite of poverty is justice - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 5-16-17 Ch. 13: Final comments asking the question of the age: What the f**k is wrong with economists? Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Recommended Reading/Sharing: Why do we think poor people are poor because of their own bad choices? (Outclassed, The Guardian) 45 million Americans rely on food stamps. Trump wants to gut the program. (Vox) The Problem Isn’t Food Stamps, It’s Poverty (Editorial Board, New York Times) What Works to Reduce Poverty (Center of Budget and Policy Priorities) Trump’s Budget Cuts Deeply Into Medicaid and Anti-Poverty Efforts (New York Times) Welfare programs shown to reduce poverty in America (The Guardian, 2014) Curated by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 07/07/2017 Today we look at gender dysphoria, transitioning, de-transitioning and the various perspectives on these phenomena Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Norman Spack How I help transgender teens become who they want to be - @TEDTalks - Air Date 4-16-14 Ch. 3: Song 1: Luriana Lurilee - Ben McElroy Ch. 4: Act 2: Julia Serano on Transfeminism, Gender, Biology, and Making Feminist and Queer Movements More Inclusive - Sex Out Loud with Tristan Taormino - Air Date 7-17-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Body Was Made - Ezra Furman Ch. 6: Act 3: The eager child: informed consent and watchful waiting - @TransAdvocate - Air Date 1-9-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Rain Begins To Fall (instrumental) - Silence Is Sexy Ch. 8: Act 4: A look at one person's experience with detransitioning - Love and Radio - Air Date 2-27-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Take Me There instrumental 03-12 - Silence Is Sexy Ch. 10: Act 5: #DearBetsy: Enforce Title IX to Protect Students via @TransEquality - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: Activism - Shihan Ch. 12: Act 6: There is no universal experience of women - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 6-22-17 Ch. 13: Final comments on how to normalize positivity, support and nuance in the discussion of gender dysphoria Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Tell the Dept. of Ed that Title IX must be Federally enforced with #DearBetsy Learn more about the impacts of the Title IX guideline roll backs with National Center for Transgender Equality’s School Action Center EDUCATE YOURSELF The Simple, Self-Evident Truths Of Transgender Kids, Equality And Title IX (Huffington Post) Trump administration rolls back protections for transgender students (Washington Post) The Trump administration is systematically dismantling Title IX (Think Progress) Betsy DeVos Confirmation Hearings Spark Title IX Concerns (Teen Vogue) DeVos says it’s ‘premature’ to commit to following Title IX guidance on campus sexual assault (Think Progress) Parents of Transgender Kids Meet With Education Secretary Betsy DeVos (NBC News) Trump administration withdraws federal protections for transgender students (CNN) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 07/04/2017 Today we take a look at the history and present state of corruption in America, both for the special case of Donald Trump and the system-wide corruption we almost take for granted Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: America's Lost Anti-Corruption History - On the Media - Air Date 3-3-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Corruption - Jah Cure Ch. 4: Act 2: Zephyr Teachout explains the emoluments clause - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-13-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Follow the Rule - Johnny Ace & The Beale Streeters Ch. 6: Act 3: Study Says Buying A Congress Member’s Vote Is Cheaper Than You Think - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date: 05-06-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Corruption - Iggy Pop Ch. 8: Act 4: How the game gets rigged - Ideas - Air Date 4-20-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Les monstres - David Ari Leon Ch. 10: Act 5: Rick Hasen on dealing with Citizen's United - The Bernie Sanders Show - Air Date 5-24-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Strong Animals - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 12: Act 6: NO MORE WAITING Wolf-PAC.com | Election Day Coverage 2016 - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-09-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Nothing Left to Lose - Mat Kearney Ch. 14: Act 7: How to Fix America's Corrupt Political System - Represent.Us - Air Date: 4-19-16 Ch. 16: Act 8: Fight Corruption to Save America via @JusticeDems @WolfPAChq @RepresentDotUs - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 18: Act 9: Zephyr Teachout on the split in our language about corruption - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-13-17 Voicemails Ch. 19: Chastity belts and anti-police violence wallets are how capitalism responds to injustice - Eli from Northern California Ch. 20: Comparing Christian and Islamic terror - Mark from Santa Barbara Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments explaining terrorism and why some extremists do while others do not Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Replace corporate-backed Democrats with Justice Democrats Help pass local Anti-Corruption legislation with Represent.Us Help pass the Free and Fair Elections Constitutional amendment with Wolf-PAC EDUCATE YOURSELF The Logical Path to End Corruption (Wolf-PAC) South Dakota GOP uses 'emergency' rules to repeal anti-corruption law (CNN) What the Single-Payer Loss Reveals About the Role of Corporate Money in California Politics (In These Times) House Bill Would Ax Election Panel, Bar Limits on Money in Politics (Bloomberg BNA) Pro-Trump super PACs have already spent $1 million on Election 2020 (The Center for Public Integrity) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 06/30/2017 Today we take a look at some of the problems with modern policing and how we got to now Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The evolution of law enforcement - Ideas - Air Date 6-15-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Hill Street Blues (Main Theme) - Knightsbridge Ch. 4: Act 2: Positive proposals for police reform - @theLFshow w: @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 3-2-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Hide Your Tears - Daniel Licht Ch. 6: Act 3: Questioning the purpose of police legitimacy - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 4-14-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: The Maelstrom - Jim Guthrie Ch. 8: Act 4: The complications of the Castile case - Code Switch - Air Date 6-21-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Under Pressure - Queen & David Bowie Ch. 10: Act 5: Police Violence Is NOT A Few Bad Apples, It's The ENTIRE Barrel - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-19-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Get Up Stand Up - Bob Marley Ch. 12: Act 6: @PrisonCulture on a holistic view of the problem with policing - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 5-31-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: Where the US got its wealth - Elaina from Winston-Salem, North Carolina Ch. 14: Democratic Leftist - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 15: Dealing with Russia and the debate within the Democratic party - Ryan from Phoenix Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on the individual vs the societal as seen through a new wallet Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Recommended Reading: White People, the Philando Castile Acquittal Should Make You Mad as Hell (Zenobia Jeffries, Yes! Magazine) Philando Castile and the Terror of an Ordinary Day (Elise C. Boddie, New York Times) Rethinking Juneteenth in the Age of Black Lives Matter (Sarah Jaffe, Bill Moyers & Company) The interconnected injustice of Philando, Charleena and Nabra (Preston Mitchum, The Grio) We are losing the battle against police brutality in America (Shaun King, NY Daily News) Warning: Autoplay video of police brutality at the top of this article Curated by Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 06/27/2017 Today we take a look at the enormous amount of damage the latest version of the GOPs vision of health care would inflict on the nation and keep our eye on the ultimate goal of a Medicare-For-All system Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Sen. Ron Wyden on the Secret Republican Health Care Bill - On The Media - Air Date 6-16-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Ask - The Smiths Ch. 4: Act 2: CBO reveals just how bad the senate bill is, confirms that everyone hates it - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 6-26-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: The Oligarch - Ephemerals Ch. 6: Act 3: Bernie Sanders & Elizabeth Warren Republicans Won't Make Healthcare Bill Public Because It's AWFUL - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 06-21-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Dawn Departure, Jefferson County - Black Prairie Ch. 8: Act 4: The death spiral we're creating for Medicaid - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 6-22-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: You're a Disaster - Dragonette Ch. 10: Act 5: How we get from here to a single payer system - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 6-21-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: See you in the light - Michael Franti And Spearhead Ch. 12: Act 6: The AHCA Is Public, and Republicans Are Officially Out To Kill Us All - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 06-23-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Le Moulin - Yann Tiersen Ch. 14: Act 7: Support Grows For Single-Payer Medicare-For-All Plan Instead of Massive Cuts to Healthcare - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 06-23-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Keep On Moving Forward - Emma's Revolution Ch. 16: Act 8: Time for Democratic Party leaders to get going – or go - Jim @HightowerNews - Air Date 6-20-17 Ch. 17: Song 8: Basique - Little People Ch. 18: Act 9: STOP TRUMPCARE via @IndivisibleTeam and TrumpcareToolkit.org - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 19: Song 9: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 20: Act 10: Mitch McConnell's unconscionable health care bill - Primary Concerns from @NewRepublic - Air Date 6-27-17 Ch. 21: Final comments on Bernie Bros and the movement to remove Nancy Pelosi Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Call & tweet at the 15 Senators most likely to vote against Trumpcare with Trumpcare Toolkit Get info and call scripts on Trumpcare from Indivisible Guide's Stop Trumpcare Toolkit Find a Town Hall with TownHallProject.com EDUCATE YOURSELF CBO Analysis Endangers GOP Health-Care Bill (The Atlantic) The Latest: 5th GOP senator opposes debate on health bill (MSN.com) Senate GOP health-care bill's tax cuts would be a big boon for the rich, analysis says (CNBC) The most devastating passage in the CBO’s report on the Senate health bill (Vox) The Senate Health-Care Bill Is Morally Indefensible (The Nation) Republicans Spent the Weekend Lying Their Faces Off About Health Care (The Nation) Police drag away protesters in wheelchairs from Mitch McConnell’s office (Salon) Sean Spicer: America Either Passes GOP Plan or Adopts Single Payer (The Ring of Fire) Opinion: The GOP says its healthcare bill will protect those with preexisting conditions. Um, no it won’t (LA Times) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 06/23/2017 Today we take a look at the state of foreign affairs as Trump trips and stubbles his way through his learning curve Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Another foreign policy built by an administration of lies - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 3-1-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Misinformation - Silvanus Ch. 4: Act 2: Could Trump's White House Bury or Even Destroy the Landmark 2014 Senate Report on CIA Torture? - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 06-05-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Wonderwall - Vitamin String Quartet Ch. 6: Act 3: Pentagon Shocked Trump Told Philippines President Where US Nuclear Subs Are - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-25-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Secrets - OneRepublic Ch. 8: Act 4: President Trump’s Odd Diplomatic Approach - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 06-08-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Blue Girl - A-Set Ch. 10: Act 5: Chomsky: Like Obama, Trump Is Radically Increasing the Danger of Nuclear War - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 04-26-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Game Over - Plusplus Ch. 12: Act 6: Trump Greenlights Bahrain Brutality - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-27-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Sickening - Ken Mickey Ch. 14: Act 7: London Terror: We Need to Talk About Saudi Arabia - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 06-05-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Fearless (Acoustic Version) - For Today Ch. 16: Act 8: Playing the Madman - On The Media - Air Date 4-21-17 Voicemails Ch. 17: Millennial thoughts on Russia - Ariel from Memphis, TN Ch. 18: Millennial thoughts on Russia - Megan from Seattle, WA Ch. 19: Explaining how third parties have traditionally been formed - Will from Georgia Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on why Clinton and Sanders supporters don’t understand each other Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Air Date: 06/20/2017 Today we take a look at the legacy of conservative economics in Kansas, the new federal budget being pushed that would echo the Kansas disaster, deregulation that will cost citizens billions and the intellectual underpinning of modern conservative philosophy that is driving all this Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Conservatism is failing from Topeka to Tulsa to the River Thames - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 6-9-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Dust in the Wind - Kansas Ch. 4: Act 2: A billionaire perspective on Trump's budget - The Other Washington - Air Date 6-1-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Turtle (Bonobo Remix) - Pilote Ch. 6: Act 3: Republicans Repeal Disastrous Tax Cuts - @theyoungturks - Air Date 06-11-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Lesson Learned (feat. John Mayer) - Alicia Keys Ch. 8: Act 4: Roll-Back of Financial Regulations Has Nothing to do with Complexity or Boosting the Economy - @TheRealNews - Air Date 6-13-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Ennio 08-08 - Silence Is Sexy Ch. 10: Act 5: Stop Republicans from Deregulating Wall Street & #DefendCFPB via @RealBankReform - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: This fickle world - Theo Bard Ch. 12: Act 6: Nancy MacLean on the intellectual underpinning of a “mean” Republican Party - Who What Why - Air Date 6-16-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: Russia - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 14: Interested in hearing about the Draft Bernie movement - Ahmed from the Bronx, NY Ch. 15: A rumination on freedom of speech - Dave from Olympia, WA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments in response to Nathan from Vancouver, WA on free speech Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Hold Congress accountable for the "Financial CHOICE Act" (H.R. 10) via Americans for Financial Reform Explore Americans for Financial Reform's website Follow Americans for Financial Reform on Twitter @RealBankReform Engage with the campaign through the hashtags #WrongCHOICEAct and #DefendCFPB EDUCATE YOURSELF Letter to Congress: Oppose H.R. 10 – The Wall Street’s CHOICE Act Would Devastate Financial Regulation (Americans for Financial Reform) What They Want to Hide Tells You Who They Are (Bill Moyers) Trump Administration Says Financial Watchdog Agency Should Be Defanged (New York Times) The Choice Act is Not a Community Banking Bill (American Banker, Op-ed) Bill to Erase Some Dodd-Frank Banking Rules Passes in House (New York Times) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1112 Today we take a high-level look at the Trump/Russia controversy and examine how we should and shouldn’t be reacting to it. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Manchurian candidate or useful idiot? - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 3-1-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Дискотека Авария - Малинки (feat. Ж. Фриске) Ch. 4: Act 2: A theory on how Trump got involved politically with Russia - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-6-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: 007 (From "From Russia With Love") - The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra Ch. 6: Act 3: Chomsky With U.S. History of Overthrowing Govts, Outrage over Russian Hacking Claims is Laughable - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 04-04-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Blue Girl - A-Set Ch. 8: Act 4: James Comey: 'No Doubt' Russia Interfered in 2016 Election, 'No Doubt' Russian Govt. Was Fully Aware - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 06-09-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Nothing Is Good Enough (Instrumental) - Aimee Mann Ch. 10: Act 5: Why Liberals are Falling for Fake News About Russia - On the Media - Air Date 6-2-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: The Love You Save (May Be Your Own) - Joe Tex Ch. 12: Act 6: Legitimate concerns about Russia shouldn't lead to mass hysteria - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 6-3-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: The Bathtub (feat. The Lost Bayou Ramblers) - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 14: Act 7: Is It a Mistake Focusing So Much Attention on Russia? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 03-05-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: People, Turn Around - Delta Spirit Ch. 16: Act 8: Masha Gessen on how the left has fallen into a Russia conspiracy sphere - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-6-17 Ch. 17: Song 8: Hide the Truth - Chronicle Ch. 18: Act 9: Yes, The Russia Scandal Is Actually A Scandal - @theyoungturks - Air Date 05-13-17 Voicemails Ch. 19: Explaining how campaigning on progressive ideas leads to victory - Steven from the People's Caliphate of Birmingham, UK Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments asking for thoughts on the state of the left Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1111 Today we take a look at the ways America is being left behind by the rest of the world in the future of energy production thanks to the climate denialism of the Republican party. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Donald Trump announces our pull-out from Paris agreement - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 6-1-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Alone Too Long - Daryl Hall & John Oates Ch. 4: Act 2: Protesters Take to Streets in NYC, Enraged by Trump's Decision to Withdraw from Paris Climate Deal - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 06-02-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Paris - Dido Ch. 6: Act 3: An official rebuttal to the false claim being made about the satellite temperature data - Quirks and Quarks - Air Date 6-2-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Doing Business - The Rorschach Garden Ch. 8: Act 4: Richard Branson on Trump’s coal plans ‘I can’t think of anything more stupid’ - Cape Up with Jonathan Capehart - Air Date 5-2-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Sunshine Goodtime - Minnutes Ch. 10: Act 5: Paris Agreement - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 06-05-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Backwards Blues - Adia Victoria Ch. 12: Act 6: The world response to the US announcing that we will leave the Paris agreement - @GreenNewsReport - Air Date 6-8-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: Tentatively excited about cap and dividend - Nick from California Ch. 14: In defense of free speech - Nathan from Vancouver, WA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 15: Final comments on conservatives explaining how conservatives think Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1110 Today we take a look at some of the structures of white supremacy and the moment in the sun it is currently enjoying Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Hate Groups Promise Revolt If Trump Abandons White Supremacy - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date: 12-31-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: A Dose of White Supremacy - Neffe Odom Kragh-Muller Ch. 4: Act 2: As Confederate Monuments Come Down, the Struggle Continues - On the Media - Air Date 5-26-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Soft Serve - Soul Coughing Ch. 6: Act 3: Steve Bannon Loves This "Shockingly Racist" Book - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-08-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Your Racist Friend - They Might Be Giants Ch. 8: Act 4: Heidi Beirich on White Supremacist violence - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 6-2-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: We Are Nowhere And It's Now - Bright Eyes Ch. 10: Act 5: Learn How to Effectively Fight & Report Hate in Your Community via @SPLCenter - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 12: Act 6: Something Is Emerging From This Community - On the Media - Air Date 6-2-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: How do we talk to people who's beliefs aren't based on fact? - Marguerite from North Carolina Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 14: Final comments on the toxic garbage dump that is White Supremacy Ch. 15: Bonus Clip: How to Argue - Love and Radio - Air Date 2-11-17 Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Read and share SPLC's "Ten Ways to Fight Hate: A Community Response Guide" #ReportHate crimes to SPLC at splcenter.org/reporthate Stay informed about hate-fueled incidents across the country via SPLC's Hatewatch EDUCATE YOURSELF SPLC Hatewatch: Headlines for 6/7/2017 (SPLC Hatewatch) Defiant Alt-Right “Patriots” Encounter Portland’s Simmering Anger After Train Killings (SPLC Hatewatch) As Hate Crimes Rise, The Trump Administration Blocks Funding to Fight Domestic Extremism (Right Wing Watch) Why Taking Down Confederate Memorials is Only a First Step (The Conversation) Protest in the Era of Donald Trump (Huffington Post) Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1109 Today we look at where the Democratic party went wrong that led them to their current disempowered state and some of the arguments for why moving in a progressive direction is both morally correct and electorally smart Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Thomas Frank on how Democrats lost their Democratic values - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 4-22-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: How's That Workin' for You? - Karen Taylor-Good Ch. 4: Act 2: Brian Beutler and Glenn Greenwald discuss the path forward for Democrats - Primary Concerns from @NewRepublic - Air Date 4-27-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: State Your Case - Tibursky Ch. 6: Act 3: Parker Malloy discusses the place for identity politics in the progressive movement - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 4-20-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Join Forces - Caribbean Pulse Ch. 8: Act 4: The Assault on Bernie Continues: Identity Politics - The @BenjaminPDixon Show - Air Date 4-26-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Tonight The Streets Are Ours - Richard Hawley Ch. 10: Act 5: FDR provides a guide for how the Democratic Party can win - @Jimmy_Dore Show - Air Date 3-31-17 Voicemails Ch. 11: Climate Response - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 12: Response to market-based solutions to climate change - Annie from Alabama Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 13: Final comments on the progressive debate over cap and dividend climate legislation Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1087 Today we look at the mechanics and consequences of systemic lies and propaganda in an age of ignorance and anti-intellectualism Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Carl Sagan saw the Future - Quirks and Quarks - Air Date 1-27-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Can't Hide from the Truth - The Hot 8 Brass Band Ch. 4: Act 2: How to question the information we receive - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-24-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Hide the Truth - Chronicle Ch. 6: Act 3: Former Supreme Court Justice Souter on The Danger of America's 'Pervasive Civic Ignorance' Ch. 7: Song 3: Debate - Rain Over St. Ambrose Ch. 8: Act 4: Words matter: Emotions and statistics - Frontline: The Persuaders - Air Date 11-9-2004 Ch. 9: Song 4: Honesty - Billy Joel Ch. 10: Act 5: How propaganda works - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 1-19-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: A Few Honest Words - Ben Sollee Ch. 12: Act 6: Character Education: The need for a love of truth - Progressive Faith Sermons w: @RevDrRay - Air Date 12-11-16 Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1108 Today we look at some conservatives engaged in the fight against climate change and their best policy proposal to get the job done Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Bob Inglis Changing the dialogue on energy and climate Part 1 - TEDxJacksonville - Air Date 12-10-13 Ch. 3: Song 1: Free Enterprise - Dexter Jones' Circus Orchestra Ch. 4: Act 2: Ted Halstead: A climate solution where all sides can win – @TEDTalks - Air Date 5-17-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Man With a Plan - The Button Men Ch. 6: Act 3: Bob Inglis Changing the dialogue on energy and climate Part 2 - TEDxJacksonville - Air Date 12-10-13 Ch. 7: Song 3: The Compromise - The Format Ch. 8: Act 4: Mitch Hescox on Why We're Not as Divided as You Think: Quiet Cooperation on Climate - Immense Possibilities on NETA Ch. 9: Song 4: Sweet Lullaby - Deep Forest Ch. 10: Act 5: D@W Field Report Climate March - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 5-18-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Adventure, Darling - Gillicuddy Ch. 12: Act 6: Bob Inglis on Why We're Not as Divided as You Think: Quiet Cooperation on Climate - Immense Possibilities on NETA Ch. 13: Final comments on the artificial left/right divide on climate change policy Ch. 14: Bonus Clip: Cap & Dividend Explained - Chesapeake Climate Action Network - Air Date 4-9-09 Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Let’s solve climate change! Engage with your conservative friends… Share this show, or, individual clips from this episode: BOTL #1108 Are they free-market obsessed? Share the organization RepublicEN.org Are they religious/Evangelical? Share the organization Evangelical Environmental Network Are they on board with Carbon Fee & Dividend? Share the Citizens Climate Lobby and get involved too! Find a chapter near you. Get more details and sample social media posts here. EDUCATE YOURSELF An Evangelical Movement Takes on Climate Change (Newsweek, 2016) Conservatives Plan for a Carbon Tax (The New York Times) Citizens Climate Lobby pushes for a carbon tax and dividend (The Guardian, 2013) 7 Reasons Conservatives Should Support Climate Change Solutions (Huffington Post) New economic study shows carbon tax refunded to households would create jobs (Citizens Climate Lobby, 2014) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1107 Today we look again at some of the underlying forces that shape the modern conservative mindset, including an answer (at long last!) to how anyone could think conservative comedy is funny Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Introduction + Deep Story - What Drives Trump Supporters? Sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild on Anger & Mourning of the Right - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 9-28-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Leader - Burning Spear Ch. 4: Act 2: Asking the Right Questions About Health Care - On The Media - Air Date 5-5-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Ben Sollee Ch. 6: Act 3: Understanding conservative humor - Backstory - Air Date 5-19-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: My Drugs Are Red, White, And Blue - The O'Franken Factor Factor: The Very Best Of The O'Franken Factor Ch. 8: Act 4: Diehard Trump Supporter Has a Complete Change of Heart - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 03-23-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Lessons Learned - Matt & Kim Ch. 10: Act 5: Examining diversity and instability in the US - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 5-23-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Between the Wars - Billy Bragg Ch. 12: Act 6: Anand Giridharadas: A letter to all who have lost in this era - TEDTalks - Air Date 8-18-16 Voicemails Ch. 13: In response to Jacobin Radio and the economics of wealth creation - Dave from Olympia, WA Ch. 14: Put your media where your mouth is - Ryan in San Diego, CA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 15: Final comments on how the labels we use distort our perception of politics and policies Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1106 Today we look at the current state of voting rights and the full press efforts being made to expand voter suppression far and wide across the country Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Where we stand on voting rights right now - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 4-12-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: What's Going On - Marvin Gaye Ch. 4: Act 2: Voter ID Suppressed 200,000 Wisconsin Votes; Trump Won by 22,748 - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-11-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Who Benefits? - Mustard Plug Ch. 6: Act 3: The benefits of vote-by-mail - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-18-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Tusk - Errors Ch. 8: Act 4: The origins of Trump's new voter fraud commission - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 5-12-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: I Told You So - Karmin Ch. 10: Act 5: Call Out Voter Suppression with Let America Vote via @Let_AmericaVote - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: Activism - Shihan Ch. 12: Act 6: Donald Trump Orders "Election Integrity" Commission Headed by Architects of Voter Suppression - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 05-12-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: When the threat is real, our perspective on freedom changes - Dave from Olympia, WA Ch. 14: Don't forget that the far left is never given a voice - Zach from Atlanta, GA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 15: Final comments on who is most effected by Voter ID laws Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Get involved with Let America Vote to fight voter suppression EDUCATE YOURSELF The GOP’s Attack on Voting Rights Was the Most Under-Covered Story of 2016 (The Nation) There’s a reason Trump keeps lying about voter fraud (Washington Post, Opinion) ‘The Stakes': Let America Vote Founder Jason Kander on Fighting Voter Suppression (MTV) There Are 868 Fewer Places to Vote in 2016 Because the Supreme Court Gutted the Voting Rights Act (The Nation) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1105 Today we look at the impact Jeff Sessions and the entire Republican government is having on drug policy in America and how we should be addressing destructive drug addiction instead Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Jeff Sessions Pushes New War on Drugs While Killing Obama-Era Police Reform Measures - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 04-11-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Cold Hearts / Closed Minds - Nanci Griffith Ch. 4: Act 2: What Jeff Sessions means for the drug war - Fake the Nation - Air Date 4-20-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: High Demand - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 6: Act 3: Jeff Sessions Demands "Strongest Possible Charges" For Drug Users - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-13-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: War On Drugs - Fifteen Ch. 8: Act 4: Opiate Overdoses Drop in States with Legal Marijuana - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 04-08-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Needle in the Hay - Elliott Smith Ch. 10: Act 5: Drug Addicts Should Be Treated Like Patients, Not Criminals - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-26-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Winning the War On Drugs - Asylum Street Spankers Ch. 12: Act 6: Call Congress to Support the Justice Safety Valve Act of 2017 via @DrugPolicyOrg - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 14: Act 7: A Man Had Two Sons (One Was Addicted to Heroin) - Progressive Faith Sermons w/ @RevDrRay - Air Date 3-6-16 Voicemails Ch. 15: The Democratic Party is there for the taking - Erica from Seattle, WA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on how to take over the Democratic Party Bonus Clip: You Too can Take Over a Political Party! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-15-16 Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Call your Reps and Senators and tell them to support the Justice Safety Valve Act of 2017 Get involved with Drug Policy Alliance and follow them @DrugPolicyOrg EDUCATE YOURSELF Sessions Tells Prosecutors To Seek 'Most Serious' Charges, Stricter Sentences (NPR) Senate Moves Forward with Bipartisan Bill to Rein in Jeff Sessions (Rolling Stone) I prosecuted drug offenders in the ’80s. It was a disaster. Why is Sessions taking us back? (Vox) Drug War Part 2: When the sequel is as bad as the original (The Hill, Opinion) Report: Aide says Nixon's war on drugs targeted blacks, hippies (CNN, 2016) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1104 Today we look at some of the specifics of the health care bill that Republicans passed through the House of Representatives including it’s impact on pre-existing condition coverage, coverage for women and more Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Protests Erupt After House Republicans Pass Healthcare Bill That Could Hike Premiums for Millions - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 05-05-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Screwed - Kid Cudi Ch. 4: Act 2: What would Trumpcare mean for pre-existing conditions - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 5-5-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Just Dropped In - Kenny Rogers Ch. 6: Act 3: American Health Care Act vs. Women - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-09-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: What Are Their Names - David Crosby Ch. 8: Act 4: Republican: "Nobody Dies" Due to Lack of Health Care - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-08-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Live And Let Die - Guns N' Roses Ch. 10: Act 5: Financial consequences of the ACA - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 5-4-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Common Sense - Justin Mcroberts Ch. 12: Act 6: Jimmy Kimmel's Tearful Monologue: The Birth of His Son & the Nightmares That the Uninsured Can Face - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 05-03-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Figure It Out - Plain White T's Ch. 14: Act 7: Use ALL the Resistance Tools to Fight Trumpcare via @IndivisibleGuide & #PaybackProject - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: This fickle world - Theo Bard Ch. 16: Act 8: The peasants are revolting - Progressive Faith Sermons w/ @RevDrRay - Air Date 5-14-17 Ch. 17: Song 8: Common Ground - Our Last Night Ch. 18: Act 9: Let's compare what we get for our health care expenses with other countries - @DCCommonSense w/ Dan Carlin - Air Date 3-15-17 Voicemails Ch. 19: Still unclear if universal health care means slavery for doctors - David from South Carolina Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on why debating if health care is a human right is a distraction Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Use the new "Stop Trumpcare" tools and resources from Indivisible Guide Amplify your local actions against the 217 pro-AHCA Reps with Payback Project Send faxes and letters to Congress quickly via Resistbot, and voicemails via Stance EDUCATE YOURSELF Here are the 217 Representatives that voted for the AHCA and their contact info (Project Payback) If you would die under Trumpcare, you can send your ashes to Congress via Mail Me to the GOP What a Trumpcare nightmare: Just about everyone with health care is going to pay more, get less and face chaos (Salon) The Health Care Bill’s Insults to Women (New York Times) Republicans duck town halls after voting for Trumpcare… (The Guardian) Trumpcare Hits Children's Hospitals Hard (Forbes) Poll: 48 Percent Say House GOP Health Care Bill Is a Bad Idea (NBC News) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1103 Today we look at the Trump administrations proposed tax plan, a progressive alternative for how we should be spending our money and some of the underlying principles of paying taxes Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The DISASTER That Is Donald Trump's Tax Plan - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 04-27-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: You're a Disaster - Dragonette Ch. 4: Act 2: Corporations stashing their profits abroad - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 12-2-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Ennio 08-08 - Silence Is Sexy Ch. 6: Act 3: Vanessa Williamson on Why Americans are proud to pay our taxes - @offkiltershow - Air Date 4-21-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Petit - The Little Prince - David Ari Leon Ch. 8: Act 4: The People's Budget from the Progressive Caucus in Congress - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 5-6-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Political Prisoners - The Undercover Hippy Ch. 10: Act 5: Spread the Word about The People’s Budget via @USProgressives (Congressional Progressive Caucus) - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: Ch. 12: Act 6: Taxes equals freedom - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 4-18-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: Systematic racism through housing during the New Deal - Kevin from Louisiana Ch. 14: Competing liberal values re: free speech - Trent from Salt Lake City, Utah Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 15: Final comments recommending episodes #908 and #987 on racism in housing policy and my thoughts on the current debate over free speech #908 Unfair housing, unfair society #987 The double helix of racial and economic inequality Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Check out The People's Budget at cpcbudget.org and spread the word. Visit the Progressive Caucus website and follow @USProgressives on Twitter for updates. EDUCATE YOURSELF The Democrats are getting ready to govern again (The Week) This new budget points the way forward for Democrats (The Washington Post) The People’s Budget, Not Trump’s Budget, Will Help Working Americans (Common Dreams) The People’s Budget, not Trump’s budget, will help working Americans (Economic Policy Institute) The People's Budget: Progressive Proposal Aims to Un-Rig Failed Economic System (Common Dreams, 2015) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1102 Today we look at the ways we are all adversely effected by the racist structures of our society and examine the ways liberals helped build these systems and continue to fail to serve the needs of people of color Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Dr. Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor on how we're all suffering from racism and capitalism - @Making_Contact - Air Date 1-23-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Doing The Best That We Can - Kids At Risk Ch. 4: Act 2: How liberals built Prison America - @theLFshow w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 12-15-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: I Can't Breathe - Garner Family Ch. 6: Act 3: Donna Murch on For-Profit Punishment and Criminal-Justice Debt - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 8-12-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: At The Seams - Kimya Dawson Ch. 8: Act 4: Support Mama’s Bail Out Day This Mother’s Day via @NationalBailOut #FreeBlackMamas #EndMoneyBail - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 9: Song 4: Activism - Shihan Ch. 10: Act 5: How the Democratic party is failing their most loyal constituency - @thisishellradio - Air Date 4-17-17 Voicemails Ch. 11: Cowspiracy Vs Science Podcast - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 12: Punishing abortion providers punishes women by proxy - Catherine from Bloomington, IL Ch. 13: Competing liberal values re: free speech - Trent from Salt Lake City, Utah Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 14: Final comments on fossil fuels used in industrial agriculture and putting the rosiest lens on the harm anti-choice legislation would do to women Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Support Mama's Bail Out Day this Mother's Day via @NationalBailOut Engage online with the hashtags #FreeBlackMamas and #EndMoneyBail EDUCATE YOURSELF Locked Up for Being Poor (New York Times) Federal judge: Harris Co. bail system unfair to poor, low-level defendants (Houston Chronicle) Black Is the New Black: Number of African-American Women in Prison Is Rising (BET, 2014) Incarcerated Women and Girls (The Sentencing Project) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1101 Today we look at some of the many layers of debate around freedom of speech, the freedom to protest, violent vs non-violent resistance and the fight against fascism Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Protest Rights Under Threat - On The Media - Air Date 2-7-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Free and Equal Speech - Chris Priest Ch. 4: Act 2: A Couple of Yiannopolous Supporters Actually Went to a Rally to Shoot a Liberal Protester! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-28-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Pay Attention - Dilated Peoples Ch. 6: Act 3: The history of violent and non-violent resistance movements - @CitizenRadio - Air Date 3-14-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: All You Fascists - Billy Bragg & Wilco Ch. 8: Act 4: For Antifa, Not All Speech Should Be Free - On The Media - Air Date 2-7-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Antifa - Outrage Ch. 10: Act 5: Liberty and freedom as the Golden Rule - @dccommonsense w: Dan Carlin - Air Date 2-14-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Freedom of Speech - John Mellencamp Ch. 12: Act 6: Arizona's Fascist Attempt To Ban Protests - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-24-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: Science episode was good, is the country more progressive or conservative? - Jennifer from Columbus, OH Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 14: Introduction to mini episode on progressive values of Americans Mini Episode: Ch. 15: Poll Results: America Fundamentally Progressive - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-23-12 Ch. 16: Poll: Americans Progressive On Key Issues - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-4-11 Ch. 17: Polls Prove America is Progressive - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-11-12 Ch. 18: Polls: Americans Are Progressive On Most Issues - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-23-10 Ch. 19: Final comments on how Fox News intentionally misleads without lying Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1100 Today we look at the myriad benefits of earned benefits and why we should be looking to greatly expand our social benefits programs rather than cut them Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Fox News: Starve The Poor, Feed The Rich - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-30-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Let's Eat the Poor - alan ross haynes Ch. 4: Act 2: David Dayen On Social Security Expansion - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 06-20-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Social Security - Tallia Storm Ch. 6: Act 3: Ikea and the family leave we all deserve - Economic Update w @profwolff - Air Date 12-15-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Family Values - Johnossi Ch. 8: Act 4: Economics: How Scandinavia Got it Right - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 11-05-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Turtle (Bonobo Remix) - Pilote Ch. 10: Act 5: Defending Social Security from those who would dismantle it - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 4-15-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Bills - LunchMoney Lewis Ch. 12: Act 6: Call Congress to Demand they Stop the Budget Cuts & Invest in Human Needs via @CoalitiononHN - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - Shihan Ch. 14: Act 7: Taxes, defense and public insurance programs - Economic Update w @profwolff - Air Date 4-24-16 Voicemails Ch. 15: Responses to Alan from Georgia re: Louisiana abortion laws - Dave from Olympia, WA Ch. 16: Framing universal health care as an American value - Annie from Alabama Ch. 17: My first 100 days - Romulo from Miami, FL Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 18: Final comments on Stance, my new favorite way to contact congress Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Tell Congress to pass a spending bill that invests in basic living standards and fundamental human needs via Coalition on Human Needs (@CoalitiononHN) Leave Congress a direct voicemail with Stance Check out stats and data on the National Priorities Project (@natpriorities) and spread the word EDUCATE YOURSELF Federal Budget TipSheet - Social Insurance and Earned Benefits (National Priorities Project) Federal Budget TipSheet - Health Care Spending (National Priorities Project) Trump's Budget Cuts (National Priorities Project Blog) Under Trump, coal communities are stuck between a rock and a hard place (Think Progress) Remember When Donald Trump Promised to Save Social Security? (The Nation) HEAD SMACKER: Trump Plan Slashes Taxes on Companies Already Dodging Taxes (Coalition for Human Needs Blog) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1099 Today we look at the importance of science in our lives and public police and also at the Trump administration’s drive to stop science in it’s tracks Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Science in America - Neil deGrasse Tyson - Air Date 4-19-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: The history of how we know that humans are driving climate change - Science VS - Air Date 3-16-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Put It to the Test - They Might Be Giants Ch. 6: Act 3: How to Convince a Climate Change Sceptic - Quirks and Quarks - Air Date 12-16-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Messages - Xavier Rudd Ch. 8: Act 4: Scientists, politics and protest - Science for the People - Air Date 2-16-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants Ch. 10: Act 5: 314 Action and the movement to elect scientists to office - Who What Why - Air Date 4-22-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Science Fair - Recess Monkey Ch. 12: Act 6: Take Part in Global Divestment Mobilization Week May 5-13 via @GoFossilFree @350 - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 14: Act 7: Trump Signs Government Scientist Gag Order - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-26-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Not all anti-choice people want to punish women who have abortions - Alan from Georgia Ch. 16: Less desire, less suffering - Dale from Minneapolis, MN Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments on how to sustain your activism Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Join or organize Global Divestment Mobilization Actions, May 5-13,2017 Follow @GoFossilFree and @350 on Twitter Engage with the Divestment Mobilization hashtag #FossilFree EDUCATE YOURSELF Why Divestment is Changing the Climate Movement (The Nation, 2013) The rise and rise of the fossil fuel divestment movement (The Guardian, 2015) This is a Timed Test (Slate, Bill McKibben, 2015) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1098 Today we look at the current state of abortion politics here and abroad and explain how the Republicans intend to hurt women and increase the number of abortions worldwide by ignoring science and humanity Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Education and contraception bring abortion rates as low as 1973 - Savage Love w: @FakeDanSavage - Air Date 1-31-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Thanks, Birth Control: The Song - bedsider Ch. 4: Act 2: The Story Behind the Mexico City Policy - On the Media - Air Date 1-27-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Bury the Past - Professional Victims Ch. 6: Act 3: Trump’s Anti-Abortion Order Likely to Increase Abortions - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 02-03-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Mandy Goes to Med School - The Dresden Dolls Ch. 8: Act 4: Where abortion is illegal - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 3-30-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Luriana Lurilee - Ben McElroy Ch. 10: Act 5: Mike Pence Casts Tie-Breaking Vote To Defund Planned Parenthood - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-31-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Beneath the Lies - Abscondo Ch. 12: Act 6: Protect #ReproductiveRights at the State Level via @PPact @ReproRights @AllAboveAll - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Activism - Shihan Ch. 14: Act 7: Beyond Choice to Reproductive Justice - @Making_Contact - Air Date 4-12-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Understanding human interactions - Alan from Connecticut Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on how the Science of "Blue Lies" May Explain Trump's Support Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Get involved with Planned Parenthood Action Fund and follow @PPact Get involved with The Center for Reproductive Rights and follow @ReproRights Get involved with All Above All and follow @AllAboveAll EDUCATE YOURSELF State lawmakers rush to protect funding for Planned Parenthood (PBS Newshour) Minnesota House backs ban on state dollars for abortion (StarTribune) Governor Bullock lets Montana abortion bill become law (Missoulian) Women march outside as abortion bill debated inside (The State Journal-Register) Trump Signs Law Giving States Option To Deny Funding For Planned Parenthood (NPR) Why is Planned Parenthood popular? And if it's defunded, could any other organization fill the gap? (LA Times) Who's Popular and Who Isn't? (NBC News) The EACH Woman Act (Congress.gov) Women's Health Protection Act (Congress.gov) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1097 Today we make the argument that people are naturally good and that society and economists should treat them that way Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: A lesson in Buddhist economics Part 1 - @thisishellradio - Air Date 3-7-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Out With the Old - Casa Di Mondo Ch. 4: Act 2: Thomas Hobbes Was Wrong... Our Core Nature Is Good! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-05-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: One of the Good Ones - Redd Kross Ch. 6: Act 3: A lesson in Buddhist economics Part 2 - @thisishellradio - Air Date 3-7-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Renegades - X Ambassadors Ch. 8: Act 4: Nipun Mehta - Designing For Generosity - TEDxBerkeley - Air Date: 02-26-12 Ch. 9: Song 4: Something Good Can Work - Two Door Cinema Club Ch. 10: Act 5: Lux Narayan: What I learned from 2,000 obituaries - @TEDTalks - Air Date 3-1-17 Voicemails Ch. 11: You're killing me - Anonymous Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 12: Final comments on balancing the bad with a positive vision for the future Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1096 Today we look at some of the lesser-known characters in the right-wing oligarchy who now own the White House and Supreme Court Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Inside How the Federalist Society & Koch Brothers Are Pushing for Trump to Reshape Federal Judiciary - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 03-21-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Follow the Money - Vova Zen Ch. 4: Act 2: Robert Mercers bizarre opinions and influences - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 3-22-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: The Oligarch - Ephemerals Ch. 6: Act 3: Dark Data Trump Backers Bankroll Firm Developing Psychological Profiles of Every U.S. Voter - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 03-23-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Take A Look Around {Instrumental) - Limp Bizkit Ch. 8: Act 4: How to protect yourself in the face of diminishing online privacy - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 3-25-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Mind Control - Stephen Marley Ch. 10: Act 5: The Secret Family Behind The Rise Of Brietbart News - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 03-28-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Follow the Money - Zounds Ch. 12: Act 6: Who Bankrolls Breitbart News? - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 03-31-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Oligarchy - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 14: Act 7: Erik Prince rises again - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 4-5-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Clarifying the right to labor - Dan from Cleveland Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on yet another reason why health care is not slavery Bonus Clip: Free Healthcare = Slavery (Rand Paul) - The Young Turks - Air Date 5-13-2011 Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1095 Today we look at a Trump’s foreign policy so far, question the prevailing narrative and look back at how we got to now Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Trump Bombs Syria: It's Bad, Really Bad - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 04-10-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Handlebars - Flobots Ch. 4: Act 2: Taking the wider angle perspective on America's militarism - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 4-12-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Don't Waste Your Breath - Colour Me Wednesday Ch. 6: Act 3: Questioning the unquestioned media narrative of US military actions - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 4-12-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Fake Empire - The National Ch. 8: Act 4: Stupid and easily manipulatable as Commander in Chief - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 3-25-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Mistake - Hi I'm Case Ch. 10: Act 5: Strike That Killed Dozens of Civilians Is Exactly What Trump Promised - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 03-29-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Forgotten - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 12: Act 6: Fight the War Economy By Growing Local #Peace Economies via @CodePink - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: Song Link here Ch. 14: Act 7: Andrew Bacevich on the Carter doctrine and the birth of our endless Middle East war - Le Show w @TheHarryShearer - Air Date 2-12-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Thank you for disability episode - Tyler from Maine Ch. 16: Asking for clarification on health care policy - David from South Carolina Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments on why government-administered health insurance isn’t slavery Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Visit codepink.org/peaceeconomy to learn more about divesting from war and investing in your community Take action with Next Steps to building a Local Peace Economy Follow Code Pink @codepink or their Peace Economy campaign account @PeaceEcon EDUCATE YOURSELF What does an 'America First' Policy Actually Mean? (The Nation) No Rural-Urban Divide Here: We All Want Good Jobs and Strong Local Economies (YES! Magazine) What a Policy of Real Solidarity with the Syrian People Looks Like (YES! Magazine) Why These Missile Strikes Won't Make Things Better for the Syrian People (YES! Magazine) To Billionaire Doomsday Preppers: Your Wealth Won't Save You (YES! Magazine) Is War Good for the Economy? (Huffington Post Blog, 2013) A State of Perpetual War (Huffington Post Blog, 2010) The US and NATO are Preparing for a Major War with Russia (The Nation, 2016) Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1094 Today we look at a variety of ways to bring the disability rights movement into the mainstream of media, advocacy and the world Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Media coverage of disabilities and the ADA getting better but still lacking - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 7-31-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Nothing Is Good Enough (Instrumental) - Aimee Mann Ch. 4: Act 2: Bringing disability into the mainstream of diversity - Off Kilter (@TalkPoverty) - Air Date: 7-2-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Going Home - Niklas Aman Ch. 6: Act 3: Discrimination in immigration then and now - Backstory - Air Date 2-10-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: The Cave - Piano Tribute Players Ch. 8: Act 4: On Disability and Representation - Black Girls Talking - Air Date 7-20-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Julie-O - Kevin "KO" Olusola Ch. 10: Act 5: Stop HR 620: Tell Congress to #ProtectADA via @NDRNAdvocates - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: La Valse d'Amélie (Version Orchestre) - Yann Tiersen Ch. 12: Act 6: Elise Roy: When we design for disability, we all benefit - @TEDTalks - Air Date 11-12-16 Ch. 23: Final comments Bonus Clip 1: Nick Dupree's Story: A Medicaid Victory - All Things Considered - Air Date 2-12-03 Bonus Clip 2: Nick Dupree Fought To Live 'Like Anyone Else' - All Things Considered - Air Date 2-22-17 Bonus Clip 3: Tribute to Nick Dupree - @dccommonsense w/ Dan Carlin - Air Date 3-15-17 Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Visit the NDRN website to read up on the response to HR 620 and learn what you can do to protect the ADA Call Congress, especially the 14 co-sponsors of HR 620 (7 Republicans, 7 Democrats) Learn more about disability culture and experiences through personal stories via Disability Visibility Project and about the importance of disabled people in public service via #CriptheVote. EDUCATE YOURSELF HR 620: ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 (via Countable.us) Overview of Concerns on HR 620 (via NDRN.org) Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Letter of Opposition for ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017, HR 620 (via NDRN.org) People with Disabilities Battle Trump (via Workers World) Denham bill would fight ADA lawsuit abuse (via Central Valley Business Journal) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1093 Today we look at Trump’s recent moves to dismantle Obama’s environmental legacy, the legal troubles he faces and the bright future that renewable energy is still headed towards Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Trump SHREDDING Obama's Environmental Rules - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-30-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Revolution (Human Need Over Profit) - Tha Truth Ch. 4: Act 2: Rolling back Obama's clean energy policies will be harder than Trump thinks - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 3-29-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Things a Get from Bad to Worse - The Ethiopians Ch. 6: Act 3: Solar Creating Jobs 2X Faster Than Dirty Coal, Trump Wants Coal - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 03-19-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Underneath A Blackened Moon - Keith And Joan Pitzer Ch. 8: Act 4: Trump Has Weakened America By Destroying Environmental Protections - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date: 04-03-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: What Have We Done - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 10: Act 5: Why Trump Will Go Down In History As The Exxon President - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 03-18-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: My Country - Nahko and Medicine for the People Ch. 12: Act 6: Human adaptation at odds with fortress continents - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 3-29-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Something happened - The Dodos Ch. 14: Act 7: To save the climate we need to remake the Democratic party - @thisishellradio - Air Date 3-11-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Do The Right Thing - Beres Hammond Ch. 16: Act 8: Get in the Streets! Join #ScienceMarch on 4-22 & People's #ClimateMarch on 4-29 via @ScienceMarchDC and @Peoples_Climate - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 18: Act 9: Fantastic, amazing, excellent, very good news for renewable energy - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 3-14-17 Ch. 19: Final comments on a couple more resources for the war on coal Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION April 22nd (Earth Day): March for Science Follow: @ScienceMarchDC April 29th (Trump’s 100th Day): People’s Climate March Follow: @Peoples_Climate EDUCATE YOURSELF Activists Announce People's Climate March (Huffington Post) Peoples Climate Movement Releases March Route (Common Dreams) Climate Justice Organizations Call for "People's Climate March" on April 29 (DemocracyNow!) Pussy Hats Making Way For Resistor Beanies In Science March (Huffington Post) This man in a space suit has a message for Earthlings (CNN) Congress’s one PhD-trained scientist will join march on Washington (STAT News) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1092 Today we look at the ways in which both corporate and governmental institutions are looking to gain more and more access to your private data and communications Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Clarifying exactly how much you're getting screwed by internet companies - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 3-25-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: I'm Confused - Handsome Furs Ch. 4: Act 2: You're getting bought and sold by marketers online - The Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date 3-28-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Corporate America - SuperMonkey Ch. 6: Act 3: The racist application of surveillance laws through history - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 2-15-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Privacy - Michael Jackson Ch. 8: Act 4: Section 702 Is In the Spotlight - On The Media - Air Date 3-24-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Private Eyes - Daryl Hall & John Oates Ch. 10: Act 5: FCC Under Trump: Net Neutrality & Internet Freedom Faces New Attack - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 02-14-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Feet to the Fire - the hereafter Ch. 12: Act 6: Prepare to #SavetheInternet…AGAIN via @FreePress and @EFF - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 14: Act 7: Edward Snowden on the Vault 7 leaks - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 3-15-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Thoughts on our complicated health care system - Steve from New York Ch. 16: Inclusion needs to include the disabled - Annie from Alabama Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments on the need for more solidarity with the disabled Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Sign up for updates at FreePress.net and EFF.org Follow FreePress on Twitter @FreePress and Facebook; Follow EFF on Twitter @EFF and Facebook Stay up to date on all the latest proposed legislation related to privacy on Countable.us EDUCATE YOURSELF House Republicans Vote to Destroy FCC's Online Privacy Protections (FreePress.net) Net Neutrality Is Trump’s Next Target, Administration Says (The New York Times) They Attacked Privacy. Net Neutrality is Next. (FreePress.net) Letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai from Keith Ellison and 30 other Senators on Preserving Net Neutrality (Ellison.house.gov) The inventor of the Web predicts ‘a massive outcry’ over online privacy (The Washington Post) Should an FCC Rule Imposing Data Privacy Requirements on Internet Service Providers be Repealed? (Countable.us) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1091 Today we look at the multi-front political battles being waged for the heart of the progressive movement, women’s movement, the Democratic party and the county as a whole Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: A roundup of grassroots resistance groups - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 3-8-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: A Lot of Work to Do - Friendly People Ch. 4: Act 2: Intersectional feminism is looking to tear down the capitalism establishment - Off Kilter (@TalkPoverty) - Air Date 3-8-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Intersectionality - Those American Girls Ch. 6: Act 3: The Democratic party needs to debate it's differences - The Zero Hour w @RJEskow - Air Date 3-4-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Keep On Moving Forward - Emma's Revolution Ch. 8: Act 4: Why we can't abandon the red states - Belabored (@DissentMag) - Air Date 3-24-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Immigrants (We Get the Job Done) - K'naan, Snow Tha Product, Riz MC & Residente Ch. 10: Act 5: A coalition of movements arise under Trump - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 3-15-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Workers of the World Unite! - The Last Internationale Ch. 12: Act 6: Nancy Pelosi Has Super Secret Plan To Keep Losing - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-24-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Master Plan - My Morning Jacket Ch. 14: Act 7: The messaging of inevitability for the progressive movement - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 3-4-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Inevitable - Scissor Sisters Ch. 16: Act 8: Tap Into the Tools for ‘The Resistance’ - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: Time for Action - Secret Affair Ch. 18: Act 9: Women in the age of Trump and what the movement looks like - We the Podcast with Rep. @keithellison - Air Date 3-30-17 Voicemails Ch. 19: We need to push for single payer - Zach from Atlanta, GA Ch. 20: An update on conservatives in my community - V from Central New York Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments on the progressive movement; past, present and future Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Use these websites and apps as part of your Resistance Plan: 5Calls.org Countable.us ResistanceCalendar.org ResistanceManual.org ActionAlliance.co READ: "Your Guide to the Sprawling New Anti-Trump Resistance Movement" (via The Nation) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1090 Today we look at the confirmation of Betsy DeVos to head the Department of education and some of the ideological and historical context that brought us to this point Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Betsy DeVos Confirmation Proves You Can Buy Power - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 02-09-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Oligarchy - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 4: Act 2: The truth about school vouchers for impoverished or disabled children - Off Kilter (@TalkPoverty) - Air Date 2-17-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Teach Me Something - Hot Tip Ch. 6: Act 3: Charter Schools - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 08-22-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: How to save a life - The Fray Ch. 8: Act 4: The history of education policies and their purposes - @Making_Contact - Air Date 3-14-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Dancing Through Life - Christopher Fitzgerald, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Michelle Federer & Norbert Leo Butz Ch. 10: Act 5: Will Reaganomics Put The Final Nail In The Coffin of Public Education? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 11-29-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: The Idiots are taking over - NOFX Ch. 12: Act 6: #SaveOurSchools- Stop Legislation that Kills Public Education & Hurts Poor Children via @Network4pubed - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - Shihan Ch. 14: Act 7: Diane Ravitch on the damage Betsy DeVos can do to the Department of Education - Who What Why - Air Date 1-20-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Improve on the ACA to build toward single payer - Matt from Pueblo, CO Ch. 16: New York Health campaign - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 17: The ACA is a step towards single payer - Evan from Texas Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 18: Final comments on the way to negotiate for a better health care system Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Get involved with Network for Public Education and follow them on Facebook and Twitter Join the conversations about school vouchers online with #SaveOurSchools Call Members of Congress: Countable.us Education Bills ; Members of the Education and the Workforce Committee EDUCATE YOURSELF Read the Summary of HR 610 (Congress.gov) Do Private-School Vouchers Promote Segregation? (The Atlantic) BETSY DEVOS WANTS TO USE AMERICA'S SCHOOLS TO BUILD "GOD'S KINGDOM" (Mother Jones) Jeff Bryan: The Big Lie Behind Trump’s Budget Proposals for Education (DianaRavitch.com) Tensions rise as vouchers pick up traction across Wisconsin (Journal Sentinel - Milwaukee, Wisconsin) Subtracting Schools from Communities (Urban.org) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1089 Today we look at the hearings of Supreme Court Nominee Neil Gorsuch, how we got to here and what his possible placement on the court portends for our future Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The important Gorsuch stories the media is missing - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-17-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: One - Apocalyptica Ch. 4: Act 2: Discussing the judicial coup Republicans are in the midst of - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 3-21-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: La Réalité - Amadou & Mariam Ch. 6: Act 3: Behind Neil Gorsuch's Rhetoric, His Record Suggests Aggressive Judge Wedded to Conservative Agenda - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 03-21-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: The Game Is Rigged - The Great Malarkey Ch. 8: Act 4: Dan Goldberg on some of Neil Gorsuch's worst rulings - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 3-24-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: The Smallest Piece - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 10: Act 5: The corporate takeover of the judicial system - Amicus from @Slate - Air Date 3-18-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: It's Just Not Right - Beatnik Turtle Ch. 12: Act 6: STOP Arch Conservative SCOTUS Pick Neil Gorsuch via @IndivisibleTeam #StopGorsuch - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 14: Act 7: How Democrats Should Fight Trump's Supreme Court Pick - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-21-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Seeking out progressive sci-fi to imagine a better world - Erin from Philadelphia Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on our dystopian pop culture and thoughts on where health care should go from here Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Use Indivisible Guide's fact sheet on Gorsuch and scripts to call Senators Easily Call Your Senators: 5calls.org (or) Countable.us EDUCATE YOURSELF Hobby Lobby and executive power: Gorsuch's key rulings (CNN) Call Your Senators and Demand That They Reject Neil Gorsuch (The Nation) The Democrats Must Filibuster Neil Gorsuch (Slate) Gorsuch: Roe v. Wade is the 'law of the land' (The Atlantic) Supreme Court Nominee Neil Gorsuch Has a Troubling History When Ruling on Disability Rights Cases (ACLU Blog) If We Care About Abortion, Asking Judge Neil Gorsuch His Opinion on Roe v. Wade Is Not Enough (ACLU Blog) Should Your Boss’s Religious Beliefs Dictate Your Health Insurance Coverage? Supreme Court Nominee Judge Gorsuch Thinks So (ACLU Blog) Attorney for "Frozen Trucker": Neil Gorsuch May Have Been Most Hostile Judge I've Ever Encountered (Truth Out) Durbin, Gorsuch spar over Hobby Lobby ruling (The Washington Post) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1088 Today we look at the rollout of Trumpcare including how we got here, the ideological challenges Republicans face in trying to repeal the ACA and the direction we should obviously go Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Bill Krystal's prediction about the future of health care - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 1-11-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Burn My Candle (At Both Ends) [Live] - Shirley Bassey Ch. 4: Act 2: Conservative principles tied into pretzel over health care - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 3-7-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Stuck In The Middle With You - Stealers Wheel Ch. 6: Act 3: What is Trumpcare? - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 3-17-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Shame - Ophelia of the Spirits Ch. 8: Act 4: Healthcare or Wealthcare? 24 Million to Lose Insurance Under GOP Plan While Rich Get Big Tax Breaks - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 03-14-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Hurt - Johnny Cash Ch. 10: Act 5: Republicans backed themselves into a corner on health care - Primary Concerns from @NewRepublic - Air Date 3-9-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Accountability - Sammy R. Hall Ch. 12: Act 6: The continuous coverage provision encourages people to not get health insurance until they're sick - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 3-11-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Sickening - Ken Mickey Ch. 14: Act 7: Budget Expert: Republicans Are Lying When They Say AHCA Won't Hurt Majority of Americans - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 03-16-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Pas Si Simple - Yann Tiersen Ch. 16: Act 8: Luck Health Plan: You'll be okay. Probably. - Luck Plan - Air Date: 11-11-14 Ch. 17: Song 8: A Quai - Yann Tiersen Ch. 18: Act 9: Why we're stuck with the very flawed ACA - @dccommonsense w Dan Carlin - Air Date 3-15-17 Ch. 19: Song 9: Meaningless - The Nighty Nite Ch. 20: Act 10: Join the National Week of Action (April 3-7) to Demand Medicare for All via @H_O_P4E & @PHMglobal #Health4All - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 21: Song 11: Time for Action - Secret Affair Ch. 22: Act 12: Republicans Promise TrumpCare Won't Suck After Phase Three - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-15-17 Ch. 23: Final comments on the real debate going on with health care Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Join the National Week of Action to Demand National Improved Medicare for All: Our Health is NOT for Sale! If you're in DC, volunteer for HOPE's Medicare for All Lobby Day in DC - March 29th EDUCATE YOURSELF Insurance Companies Just Accidentally Made The Case For Medicare For All (Huffington Post) For-Profit Health Care Used To Be Illegal (Health Over Profit for Everyone) Trumpcare vs. Obamacare (The New Yorker) The Conservative Uprising Against the Republican Health-Care Bill (The Atlantic) How the AHCA Leaves the Old, Sick and the Poor Behind (The Atlantic) Affordable Care Act revision would reduce insured numbers by 24 million, CBO projects (The Washington Post) A Running List of People Who Hate Trumpcare (Mother Jones) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1048 Today we look at the ways in which the 13th amendment to the constitution opened the doors to a mere evolution of slavery rather than it’s abolition as our national myth contends Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe - Excerpt: Attica explained Ch. 3: Song 1: Attica State - John Lennon & Yoko Ono Ch. 4: Act 2: 45 Years After Legendary Attica Prison Uprising, New Book Reveals State Role in Deadly Standoff - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 09-09-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Strong Animals - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 6: Act 3: Prison Labor = Modern Day Slavery? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-16-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: High Demand - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 8: Act 4: Rattling the Bars US Prison Labor - @TheRealNews - Air Date 9-5-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Forward - Northbound Ch. 10: Act 5: Noelle Hanrahan on National Prison Strike - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-16-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Prison Abolition (feat. Daman) - Conscious Youth Ch. 12: Act 6: Prisoners Strike To Say 'We're Not Slaves!!' (w/Guest: Maya Schenwar) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 09-21-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Chain Gang (2005 Remastered) - Sam Cooke Ch. 14: Act 7: Important stories of the prison strike are blacked out by media - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-30-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Everyday (Single Version) - Carly Comando Ch. 16: Act 8: Support Prison Strikers by Joining Actions Around the Country - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 18: Act 9: Advocates: The U.S. Still Profits from Slavery Because the 13th Amendment Perpetuates Prison Labor - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 10-03-16 Ch. 19: Final comments on the timely release of the new Ava DuVernay doc, “13th” Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Read the call to action post on ItsGoingDown.org and find an event near you at the bottom of the post. Create your own local action to support the prison strikes and submit it to be posted by emailing info@itsgoingdown.org. EDUCATE YOURSELF Why Prisoners Across the Country Have Gone on Strike (via Mother Jones) "We're Freedom Fighters": The Story of the Nationwide Prison Labor Strike (via truthout) The biggest national prison strike in American history is happening now (via Daily Kos) Meet the inmate who launched a massive prison strike from his jail cell (via Vice) Free Alabama Movement (website of the inmates spearheading the strike in Alabama) IWW Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee (unrecognized union for incarcerated prison workers) Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1087 Today we look at the mechanics and consequences of systemic lies and propaganda in an age of ignorance and anti-intellectualism Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Carl Sagan saw the Future - Quirks and Quarks - Air Date 1-27-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Can't Hide from the Truth - The Hot 8 Brass Band Ch. 4: Act 2: How to question the information we receive - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-24-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Hide the Truth - Chronicle Ch. 6: Act 3: Former Supreme Court Justice Souter on The Danger of America's 'Pervasive Civic Ignorance' Ch. 7: Song 3: Debate - Rain Over St. Ambrose Ch. 8: Act 4: Words matter: Emotions and statistics - Frontline: The Persuaders - Air Date 11-9-2004 Ch. 9: Song 4: Honesty - Billy Joel Ch. 10: Act 5: How propaganda works - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 1-19-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: A Few Honest Words - Ben Sollee Ch. 12: Act 6: Character Education: The need for a love of truth - Progressive Faith Sermons w: @RevDrRay - Air Date 12-11-16 Voicemails Ch. 13: Why not join the Democratic Socialists of America? - Nathan from San Diego, CA Ch. 14: Corporations don't believe in individualism - Brad from Irving, TX Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 15: Final comments on how to combat Trump Fatigue Syndrome Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1086 Today we look at how the Trump campaign and presidency has emboldened those who would spew hatred or commit violence against Jews and others Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The "De-Judification" of the Holocaust?: Trump Avoids Word "Jews" on Holocaust Remembrance Day - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 02-02-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Eyes Wide Open - Gotye Ch. 4: Act 2: PewDiePie In Trouble For Anti-Semitic Comments - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-15-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Remember How We Forgot - Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long Ch. 6: Act 3: Anti-Semitic & Anti-Muslim Violence Rise Under Trump Presidency - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 03-06-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Mad World - Vitamin String Quartet Ch. 8: Act 4: Trump Staffer Tied to Anti-Semitic Holocaust Deniers - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 03-01-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Blue Girl - A-Set Ch. 10: Act 5: Anne Frank Center: Trump's Remarks on Anti-Semitism are Too Little, Too Late - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 02-22-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Beneath the Lies - Abscondo Ch. 12: Act 6: Demand the Trump Administration Take Action to Fight Anti-Semitism via @ADL_National - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 14: Act 7: Sebastian Gorka called an American citizen from the White House to argue over tweets - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 2-23-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Followup on a progressive perspective on immigration - Kiki from Oakland, CA Ch. 16: Launching a new political party based on collectivism - Alexander from Grand Canyon Village, AZ Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments on the meaning of life and starting now Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Share the ADL's 9 step plan for the Trump administration to fight anti-semitism Send the plan to your Representatives and Senators and demand they fight for action EDUCATE YOURSELF President Trump: Time for a Plan of Action to Fight the Surge of Anti-Semitism (ADL.org) Anti-Semitism in the United States (ADL.org) Letter from Senate to DOJ, DHS and FBI (Peters.senate.gov) Homeland Security Finally Vows To Fully Join Investigation Into ‘Hate-Inspired Attacks’ (Huffington Post) After a new wave of anti-Semitic attacks, White House appears skeptical about anti-Semitism (Vox) A Sixth Wave Of Bomb Threats Has Hit Jewish Centers Around The United States (BuzzFeed News) Muslim Fundraiser to Repair Jewish Cemetery Raises $100k (NBC News) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1085 Today we look at the dangerous myths of individualism and the American Dream™, some of their origins and some of their consequences Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Cultural influences on our perspective of self w/Gish Jen - Think Again - Air Date 3-4-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Different People - No Doubt Ch. 4: Act 2: You are not as free as you think you are w/Raoul Martinez - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-24-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: The system - Abscondo Ch. 6: Act 3: Individualism in the prosperity gospel brand of Christianity - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 1-8-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Southern Baptism - Richard Gilks Ch. 8: Act 4: The cold war propaganda of anti-collectivism w/Gish Jen - Think Again - Air Date 3-4-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Knock Yourself Out - Jon Brion Ch. 10: Act 5: The myths of the autonomous individual and free markets w/Raoul Martinez - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-24-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Drums of Freedom - Theo Bard Ch. 12: Act 6: Training is all that matters - A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain Ch. 13: Song 6: Perpetuum Mobile - Penguin Cafe Orchestra Ch. 14: Act 7: An ignorance of history bolsters acceptance of anti-regulation individualism - You are not so smart - Air Date 2-24-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Making Progress - Freedom's Progress Ch. 16: Act 8: The dangerous myth of the American Dream w/Raoul Martinez - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-24-17 Voicemails Ch. 17: Thoughts on ICE agents now going after softer targets - Charlie from Cleveland, OH Ch. 18: Confronting a "racial realist" worldview - Zach from Atlanta, GA Ch. 19: Response to Rich re: Indivisible - Dave from Olympia, WA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments rejecting the Personal Responsibility/Social Good dichotomy Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1084 Today we look at how Trump is currently running his foreign policy programs and where he’s planning to take it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: In First TV Interview, President Trump Says Torture "Absolutely" Works - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 01-26-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Waterboarding USA - Harry Shearer Ch. 4: Act 2: Torture Doesn't Work and Here's the Scientific Evidence - Quirks and Quarks - Air Date 2-2-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Talk to Me - Stevie Nicks Ch. 6: Act 3: Media operates on articles of faith regarding American foreign policy - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-17-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Drone Bomb Me - ANOHNI Ch. 8: Act 4: Rep. Lieu: The White House Lying & Stifling Dissent on Yemen Raid is Step Toward Authoritarianism - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 02-15-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Never Gonna Learn - Jont Ch. 10: Act 5: Trump Takes Zero Responsibility For Yemen Raid Disaster - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-01-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: The Buck Stops Here - Childsplay Ch. 12: Act 6: Wilkerson: Trump's Proposed $54 Billion Increase in the Military Budget Not for National Security - @TheRealNews - Air Date 2-28-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Moneytalks - Vitamin String Quartet Ch. 14: Act 7: Plan a MLK, Jr. “Beyond Vietnam” Speech-Reading Event for April 4th via @VFPNational and National Council of Elders - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: Activism - Shihan Ch. 16: Act 8: Anti-Islam religious zealots retake power in the White House - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 3-1-17 Voicemails Ch. 17: R.I.P Alan Colmes - Rick from Madison, WI Ch. 18: Excited about the Justice Democrats - Sunny from St. Paul, MN Ch. 19: Fragility and the progressive case for immigration - Ken from Raleigh, NC Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on conservative political correctness Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Plan a "Beyond Vietnam" Speech-reading event in your community for April 4th with the Veterans For Peace Toolkit Volunteer with a Veterans For Peace Chapter near you to help plan a "Beyond Vietnam" speech-reading event Read the National Council of Elders call to action for the 50th anniversary of MLK, Jr.'s "Beyond Vietnam speech Read the entire "Beyond Vietnam" speech EDUCATE YOURSELF Donald Trump Goes All In for the Military-Industrial Complex (The Nation) Why Trump's Military Budget Boost Doesn't Add Up (Mother Jones) Trump’s Budget Proposal Is an Attack on the Working Class (The Nation) Trump to Seek $54 Billion Increase in Military Spending (The New York Times) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1083 Today we look at Trump’s new immigration crackdown and several of the reasons why it’s a bad idea Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Posturing On Immigration - On The Media - Air Date 2-23-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Bad Idea - Goose Ch. 4: Act 2: The positive impacts of immigrant communities - Economic Update w @profwolff - Air Date 2-16-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Stop & Frisk (For Treyvon and Alvin) - Vex Davortex Ch. 6: Act 3: Examining the aspects of a broken immigration system - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-24-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Immigrants (We Get the Job Done) - K'naan, Snow Tha Product, Riz MC & Residente Ch. 8: Act 4: Trump's Migration Program Mimics the Cold War Dragnet - The F Word w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 2-23-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Immigrant - Alysha Brilla Ch. 10: Act 5: Nazis Once Published List of Jewish Crimes, Trump Now Pushing to Do the Same for Immigrant Crimes - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 02-02-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Immigrant - Deine Lakaien Ch. 12: Act 6: Refugees Welcome sign hung on Statue of Liberty - The Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date 2-21-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Immigrant - John McCutcheon Ch. 14: Act 7: Protect Immigrants in Your Community- Join #HereToStay Network & #RaidWatch via @UNITEDWEDREAM & @AmericasVoice - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: Activism - Shihan Ch. 16: Act 8: The oscillations in American immigration policy - Backstory - Air Date 2-10-17 Voicemails Ch. 17: A reply to Ken about shame - Felicia from Centralia, MO Ch. 18: In response to the Indivisible Guide strategy - Rich from Sequim, WA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on understanding strategies and tactics Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION 1. Sign up with United We Dream #HereToStay Network to get notified if an immigrant in your community needs help 2. Document and report ICE activity in your community via social media using #RaidWatch 3. Call, write and show up at your Mayor’s office to demand they declare your city a “sanctuary of safety” Resources for immigrants: If you have been approached by ICE officials, call the United We Dream Hotline: 1-844-363-1423 Read your rights and download United We Dream Deportation Defense Cards and browse their "Resources" page Find out where raids are happening (and/or submit them) with Latino Rebel’s MigraMap Find an immigration lawyer via American Immigration Lawyers Association EDUCATE YOURSELF Mexican ‘DREAMer’ nabbed in immigrant crackdown (Reuters) Trump's DHS Executive Orders (DHS.gov) Donald Trump Plans to Bypass the Courts to Deport as Many People as Possible (The Intercept) What Immigration Raids Mean for Students (The Atlantic) Dreamer Says ICE Threatened to Deport Him (The Daily Beast) Trump's Deportation Raids: What We Know and Don't Know (Mother Jones) Law-Abiding but Illegal, and Fearing the New Trump Rules (The New York Times) Trump touts recent immigration raids, calls them a ‘military operation’ (The Washington Post) President Trump is on shaky ground with his new immigration order (The Washington Post) Entrepreneurs Are Being Deported -- And They Might Be at the Center of America's Coming Immigration Fight (Entrepreneur) Dallas County ‘Dreamer’s’ arrest puts scare in immigration-rights community (Texas Star-Telegram) Immigration Agents Took a Woman With a Brain Tumor Out of the Hospital: Report (TIME) Plan To Disrupt Immigration Raids Will Enlist Songs And Prayers (NPR) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review th...
Edition #1082 Today we look at the intersection of the climate and capitalism in the shadow of the most crony capitalist administration in American history Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: What is your investment dollar doing? - Australians for coal - Air Date: 02-28-14 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: Declining Cost of Renewables Will Challenge Trump's Promise to Bring Back Jobs Through Coal - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-25-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: A Farewell To Trends - dustmotes Ch. 6: Act 3: Notes on the fight against fossil capitalism w/ Ashley Dawson - @thisishellradio - Air Date 12-14-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: The sea is rising - Bliss n Eso Ch. 8: Act 4: Michael Metcalfe: A provocative way to finance the fight against climate change - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 4-11-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Whatever It Takes - Lifehouse Ch. 10: Act 5: Germany PROVES We Can END Fossil Fuels - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-29-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Stakes Still High - Sol Ch. 12: Act 6: Divest Yourself and Your Community from Fossil Fuels via @DeFundDAPL - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: Divest! 350Org - Tem Blessed Ch. 14: Act 7: Not everything that's profitable is good - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 2-10-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: What's the progressive answer to immigration? - Kiki from Oakland Ch. 16: In response to Amanda about how to feel better - Rachel from Washington Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments with advice on surviving and thriving during times of oppression Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Use DefundDAPL.org steps and resources to divest your personal finances from banks funding DAPL Use DefundDAPL.org steps and resources to get engaged or take action to divest your community from banks funding DAPL Save the date for the People's Climate March on April 29th, 2017 in Washington, DC, and sister marches around US EDUCATE YOURSELF 2 Cities To Pull More Than $3 Billion From Wells Fargo Over Dakota Access Pipeline (NPR) 7 Things the Defund DAPL Campaign Has Achieved So Far (Including $28 Million in Personal Accounts Moved) (Yes! Magazine) Movie Stars Pulling Their Money Out Of Wells Fargo. Defund DAPL (The Young Turks) 4 Key Impacts of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines (National Geographic) Emails Reveal EPA Chief Scott Pruitt's Dirty Dealings with Oil and Gas Industry (The Intercept) Trump to roll back Obama’s climate, water rules through executive action (The Washington Post) Drilling experts explain why Trump can’t bring back oilfield jobs (Think Progress) Trump signs measure rolling back last-minute Obama coal mining regulation (CNN) New rule protecting waterways from coal mining will be early target of Trump administration (Think Progress) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1081 Today we look at the past failings of the Democratic party over the past several decades that brought us to our current point and then look for ways to turn that ship around Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Van Jones Says Clinton Days Are Over, Centrism Has To Stop - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date: 01-08-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Wake Me Up - Avicil Ch. 4: Act 2: Is unity overrated? w/ @onesarahjones - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 1-28-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: My Conversation - The Uniques Ch. 6: Act 3: Thomas Frank: Listen Liberal and where the Democratic party went wrong - @Jimmy_Dore Show - Air Date 1-20-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Betrayal - Wang Chung Ch. 8: Act 4: There is no anti-capitalist party in the US - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 2-10-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Out With the Old - Casa Di Mondo Ch. 10: Act 5: Keith Ellison: 'We've Got To Reset the Future of the Democratic Party' - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 12-30-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Out With the Old - The Sensational Nightingales Ch. 12: Act 6: Help Elect Keith Ellison as DNC Chair via @DemSpring - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: Out With the Old - Korsairs Ch. 14: Act 7: The Democratic Party Takeover HAS BEGUN - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-24-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: A movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment - Amanda from Asheville, NC Ch. 16: Losing hope from the wave of very dark rhetoric coming from the right - Amanda from Snohomish, WA Ch. 17: The American privilege of voting for Clinton - John from New York Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 18: Final comments on voting with eyes wide open Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Sign up to start a delegation in your area and/or make calls to DNC members in your state. Check out the "How You Can Help" page on KeithforDNC.org for social media actions/media and more. Follow @EllisonCampaign on Twitter and Keith for DNC on Facebook. EDUCATE YOURSELF Keith Ellison for DNC Video on Approach to Voter Turnout (@EllisonCampaign) Keith Ellison Is Everything Republicans Thought Obama Was. Maybe He's Just What Democrats Need. (Mother Jones) Why We Support Keith Ellison for DNC Chair (The Nation) Keith Ellison: How the Democrats Can Win (The Nation) The Democratic Party Needs Keith Ellison (The Huffington Post Blog) College Democrats of America President and Vice-President Endorse Keith Ellison for DNC Chair (Press Release) Onetime Rival Endorses Ellison for DNC Chair (Common Dreams) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1080 Today we look at the state of the corporate-controlled media in the age of Trump, how you can navigate those murky waters and what we can do to make it better Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Diversify your news - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 11-24-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: Spicer vs. the Interns - On the Media - Air Date 1-27-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Totem Ancestor - Kronos Quartet Ch. 6: Act 3: Is Donald Trump good for journalism? - The Inquiry - Air Date 2-13-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: A Waltz for George and Tex - Black Prairie Ch. 8: Act 4: Bernie Sanders Warns About Dangers Of Corporate-Controlled Media - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date: 01-01-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Turn it off - The Moxy Ch. 10: Act 5: Keep Going Back to Substance and the Truth - On the Media - Air Date 1-27-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Freedom (From Braveheart) - Music Themes Group Ch. 12: Act 6: Is 'Biased News' More Destructive Than Fake News? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-23-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: We Stand As One - Joseph Arthur Ch. 14: Act 7: Become a “Media Activist” via @FAIRmediawatch - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: Activism - Shihan Ch. 16: Act 8: Ned Beatty's NETWORK speech-by Paddy Chayefsky Voicemails Ch. 17: Building trust as a foundation - Ryan from Phoenix Ch. 18: Losing hope from the wave of very dark rhetoric coming from the right - Amanda from Snohomish, WA Ch. 19: How to persuade conservatives - Ken from Raleigh, North Carolina Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on the social justice and the fragility of the privileged Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Go to FAIR.org to get Action Alerts and become a “media activist” Check out FAIR’s Media Activism Kit Subscribe to FAIR’s CounterSpin podcast Member of the media? Check out FAIR’s Media Advisories EDUCATE YOURSELF NYT’s False Choice for Democrats: Move to the Right or Divide by Race (FAIR) Jessica Gonzalez on FCC Chair Ajit Pai (FAIR's CounterSpin) Scrutiny for Supreme Court Pick Fails to Focus on Rights of Disabled (FAIR) ACTION ALERT: WaPo’s Post Live Series Is a Love Letter to Corporate Conflicts of Interest (FAIR) Trump’s Inauguration and the Legitimacy Fetish (FAIR) Daily Kos Founder Gleefully Celebrates Coal Miners Losing Health Insurance (FAIR) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1079 Today we look at the plans being cooked up by Trump and the GOP to screw the people and enrich the corporations Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Republicans To Kill Elizabeth Warren's Greatest Accomplishment - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-18-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Rip-Off - Jimmy Cliff Ch. 4: Act 2: David Dayen On Trump's Infrastructure Plan - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 11-25-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Destructive - Sentry. Ch. 6: Act 3: Trump's tax plan and how the world may react - Economic Update w @profwolff - Air Date 12-15-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Screwed - Kid Cudi Ch. 8: Act 4: Trump’s Anti-Regulatory Agenda Will Cost Economy Billions - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date: 12-18-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Monday - Jon Brion Ch. 10: Act 5: Trump DESTROYED Goldman Sachs During Election, Now Will Be Goldman Sachs President - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 12-22-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Bamboozled - Omar and the Howlers Ch. 12: Act 6: Why we need the fiduciary rule that Trump wants to stop - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 2-10-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Working Reward - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 14: Act 7: Tell Your Senators to Support & Protect the #FiduciaryRule via @IndivisibleTeam - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: This fickle world - Theo Bard Ch. 16: Act 8: Extreme Vetting for People, But Not for Banks (w/Guest William Black) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 02-07-17 Voicemails Ch. 17: Long commutes equals unhappiness - Travis in Ft. Worth, TX Ch. 18: Trump supporters with a license for bigotry - V from Central New York Ch. 19: A perspective from the south - Kevin from Louisiana Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on why facts are not enough to win an argument Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Check out the Fiduciary Rule Call Scripts prepared by the Indivisible Guide Team to use when calling your Senators Call your Representatives and Senators to demand they publicly support and protect the Fiduciary Rule: 202-224-3121 (Capitol switchboard number) EDUCATE YOURSELF Fiduciary Rule is Now in Question. What's Next for Investors? (The New York Times) Indivisible Guide Twitter Moment: Call Your Members of Congress on the Fiduciary Rule (Indivisible Guide) Elizabeth Warren's Letter to Acting Secretary of Labor, Edward Hugler, On the Fiduciary Rule (Warren.senate.gov) A hot investing startup wrote an open letter to Donald Trump, and is setting the stage for a battle on Wall Street (Business Insider) Market Recap - Executive Actions Planned for Dodd-Frank and Fiduciary Rule (Personal Capital) "You Might Die Younger" Without the Fiduciary Rule (Personal Capital Blog) Retirement Plans: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, HBO) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1078 Today we lay out the story so far of Trump’s attempt to make good on his campaign promise to ban muslims from entering the country Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Breaking down the fallout of the muslim ban - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 1-30-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Backfire - MuteMath Ch. 4: Act 2: The muslim ban is unnecessary and ineffective - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 1-29-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Land of Confusion - Genesis Ch. 6: Act 3: The Attorney General Defied Trump's Muslim Ban. He Did One Thing He Knows How to Do: He Fired Her - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 01-31-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Richard Nixon - Rod & The MSR Singers Ch. 8: Act 4: Sorry Trumpkins, Obama Didn't 'Ban Muslims' Like Trump Did. RELATED: Obama Also Is Not a Muslim. - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 02-06-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Generator (First Floor) - Freelance Whales Ch. 10: Act 5: Lena Masri on the religious loophole that targets muslims - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 1-30-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Islamophobia - Genocide Ch. 12: Act 6: Media's failures in addressing the muslim ban - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-3-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Fear, Terror, and the Fear of Terror - Infinite Third Ch. 14: Act 7: QUICK EXPLAINER: The FULL 20-Step Vetting Process Already In Place for Refugees To Enter the U.S. - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 02-01-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: get real - the mountain firework company Ch. 16: Act 8: Fight Trump’s Muslim Travel Ban via @theIRC @HIASrefugees and @ACLU - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 18: Act 9: The steps along the path to the muslim ban - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 2-1-17 Voicemails Ch. 19: Debating Trump supporters - Colin from Cleveland, OH Ch. 20: Working toward finding common ground - Jenny Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments on how to start any political discussion Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Call your Representatives and Senators to demand they denounce Trump's ban & thank those who have: 202-224-3121 (Capitol switchboard number) Find out if you are near one of the 29 International Rescue Committee program offices in the US and consider volunteering Explore and donate to the many other organizations supporting refugees and immigrants Find local groups near you committed to fighting the Trump agenda via Indivisible Guide Take part in the HIAS National Day of Jewish Action for Refugees the weekend of February 11th and 12th EDUCATE YOURSELF Letter: National and Local Organizations Support the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and Oppose Legislation that Would Stop the Resettlement of Syrian Refugees (Refugees International) How to Help Immigrant and Muslim Neighbors (BillMoyers.com) 10 Concrete Ways to Take Action Against the Muslim Ban (Huffington Post) Trump's Muslim Ban is Cowardly and Dangerous (The New York Times Editorial Board) Donald Trump's Muslim Ban Makes Us All Less American (Rolling Stone) Is President Trump's Immigration Order a 'Muslim Ban'? (Yes, here's why) (The Atlantic) Trump’s Muslim Ban Is Culmination of War on Terror Mentality but Still Uniquely Shameful (The Intercept) This is the Beginning of Donald Trump's Muslim Ban (The Nation) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1054 Today we dive deeply into the world of conservatives as described in the new book “Strangers in their own Land” by Arlie Russel Hochschild in an attempt to understand how some non-deplorable people in the country could be supporting Donald Trump Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: What Drives Trump Supporters? Sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild on Anger & Mourning of the Right Part 1 - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 9-28-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel Ch. 4: Act 2: The environmentalist tea-partier who dumped toxic waste in public water - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 10-5-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Protect & Serve - Stiff Little Fingers Ch. 6: Act 3: How Our Stone-Age Brain Gets in the Way of Smart Politics Part 1 - @BillMoyersHQ in Conversation - Air Date 4-15-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: I Don't Think About It - Emily Osment Ch. 8: Act 4: What Drives Trump Supporters? Sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild on Anger & Mourning of the Right Part 2 - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 9-28-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Refund - Minor Motion Ch. 10: Act 5: The Deep Story of conservatives and the rise of Trump - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 9-29-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Shame - The Avett Brothers Ch. 12: Act 6: How Our Stone-Age Brain Gets in the Way of Smart Politics Part 2 - @BillMoyersHQ in Conversation - Air Date 4-15-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Vote - Jefferson Coker Ch. 14: Act 7: Where shame is the companion to need - @thisishellradio - Air Date 10-22-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Only a Pawn In Their Game - Bob Dylan Ch. 16: Act 8: The Media That Created Trump - United States of Anxiety - Air Date 10-13-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Shifting to the Right - Greg from North Cackalacky Ch. 18: Shout out to Wade/asking for conservative show suggestion - Quai from North Carolina Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on a conservative show recommended to those interested in hearing the other side Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1077 Today we look briefly at Trump’s cabinet, his communication style, his inaugural speech and the foreboding nature of it all Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Trump's Dark Money Cabinet Is Going To Deconstruct The American Dream! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 11-28-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Free Education (feat. Treez & Young DJ) - Jawaan Larue Ch. 4: Act 2: Trump's Cabinet Poised To Loot The Country - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-28-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Crook - Niel Nasset Ch. 6: Act 3: Masha Gessen on the rules for surviving autocracy - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 11-14-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: All You Fascists - Billy Bragg & Wilco Ch. 8: Act 4: A Taxonomy of Trump Tweets - On the Media - Air Date 1-13-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Misinformation - Silvanus Ch. 10: Act 5: We Need To Talk About That Donald Trump Press Conference - Jay Smooth (@jsmooth995) - Air Date 1-12-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Tobacco Road - Common Market Ch. 12: Act 6: Examining Trump's inauguration speech - The Bugle (@hellobuglers) - Air Date 1-20-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Supervillain - Schaffer The Darklord Ch. 14: Act 7: The mood of the inauguration - @EdgeofSports w Dave Zirin - Air Date 1-25-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Fake - Dhiego Ferraz Ch. 16: Act 8: Trump's team exhibits classic abuser behavior - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 1-23-17 Voicemails Ch. 17: Followup after receiving some advice - Matt from Pittsburg, PA Ch. 18: How Trump is tearing people apart - Evan from Texas Ch. 19: Thoughts on the cis-centeredness of the women's march - Megan from Seattle Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on Mr. Money Mustache and, unrelatedly, the divide within feminism Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1076 Today we listen in on the women’s marches in DC and Baltimore and hear some of the thoughtful critiques of and hopes for the future of the feminist movement Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Women’s March on Washington: Historic Protest Three Times Larger Than Trump’s Inaugural Crowd - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 01-23-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: On the turning away - Pink Floyd Ch. 4: Act 2: Women's Voices Rise in Baltimore and Beyond - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-22-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: What A Beautiful Morning! - Drunken Logic Ch. 6: Act 3: The need for inclusive feminism - Backtalk from @BitchMedia - Air Date 1-26-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Police On My Back - The Clash Ch. 8: Act 4: Voices of the Women's March: Angela Davis, Gloria Steinem, Madonna, Alicia Keys, Janet Mock & More - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 01-23-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Bigger Is Better - Dan Reich & Friends Ch. 10: Act 5: Thoughts On The Women's March That Already Feels Like So Long Ago Because These Are The End Times - Jay Smooth - Air Date 1-26-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Tobacco Road - Common Market Ch. 12: Act 6: The importance of listening to one another and getting different perspectives - @WhoreCast - Air Date 1-25-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Change Your Mind - Sister Hazel Ch. 14: Act 7: Michelle Taylor on the Philly Women's March and the principles of feminism - @TalkPoverty Radio - Air Date 1-27-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Woman's march summary - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 16: Breaking down the discussion on race, class and Trump - Darice from Washington, DC Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments on the Women’s March and how we communicate within the movement Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1075 Today I present the unabridged audiobook of Indivisible: A Practical Guide for Resisting the Trump Agenda licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial- ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Visit indivisibleguide.com for more details The team behind the guide is reachable on Twitter: @IndivisibleTeam, @ezralevin, @angelrafpadilla, @texpat, @Leahgreenb Or email IndivisibleAgainstTrump@gmail.com
Edition #1074 Today we take a look at the conflicts of interest, broken laws and constitutional violations of the new administration Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Craig Holman: Trump Administration Gearing Up to Be "Most Scandal-Ridden in History" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 01-03-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Ethics - Bobby P. Ch. 4: Act 2: Zephyr Teachout on Trump and the emoluments clause - Amicus from @Slate - Air Date 12-24-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Remedy - The Black Crowes Ch. 6: Act 3: SHOCKING: The GOP Doesn't Care That the Office of Govt. Ethics Can't Fully Vet Trump Nominees - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 01-10-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Code of Ethics - Manhattan Transfer Ch. 8: Act 4: Trump Makes Ivanka's Husband Top Adviser - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-10-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: I Fought the Law - The Clash Ch. 10: Act 5: Join or Start a Represent.US chapter near you to Fight Corruption via @Representdotus - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 12: Act 6: What should Trump do to resolve his conflicts of interest? - @DecodeDC - Air Date 1-11-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: The Affordable Care Act saved my life twice - Chris from Boston Ch. 14: Coping with the Trump election - Zach from Atlanta Ch. 15: Explaining socialism vs. communism and tribalism - Mike from Albany, NY Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 15: Final comments on having conversations about race Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Promote the Represent.US campaign to stop South Dakota from gutting the state's Anti-Corruption Act Join or start a Represent.US chapter near you to fight corruption locally EDUCATE YOURSELF South Dakota Declares State of Emergency (via All In with Chris Hayes) Your Day-One Guide to Donald Trump's Conflicts of Interest (via Mother Jones) The Wall Street Washington Complex Invades Trump's Cabinet (via Mother Jones) The many scandals of Donald Trump (via The Atlantic) Trump Could be the Most Corruptible President Ever (via Politico Magazine) Donald Trump's Business Dealings Test a Constitutional Limit (via The New York Times) A Close Look at Donald Trump's Cabinet (via Marie Claire) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1073 Today we take a look at several aspects of Obama’s presidency, what marks he left behind and what he passes on to his successor Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The Human Rights Campaign creates highlight reel of Obama on LGBT issues - @GAY_USAtv - Air Date 1-11-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Halo - Beyoncé Ch. 4: Act 2: Obama's legacy on immigration as the Deporter-in-Chief - Code Switch - Air Date 1-11-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Represent - Weezer Ch. 6: Act 3: Obama Takes Blame For Democrats Losing - @theyoungturks - Air Date 01-10-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Failure - Kings of Convenience Ch. 8: Act 4: Jameel Jaffer on Obama's National Security Legacy & What Lies Ahead with Trump - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 12-28-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Breaking the Law - Emeli Sandé Ch. 10: Act 5: Most Americans Realize Things Are Pretty Good Under Obama - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 12-24-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Don't Let Me Down - Stereophinics Ch. 12: Act 6: Obama's Economic Legacy: Recovery for the Architects of Financial Crisis - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-8-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Nobody's Fault But Mine - Led Zeppelin Ch. 14: Act 7: In Response to Ta-Nehesi Coates' 'My President Was Black' : Obama's Failure During the Housing Crisis - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 01-03-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: If I Ever Lose My Faith in You - Sting Ch. 16: Act 8: If Obama wasn't good enough for these people then no one is - Code Switch - Air Date 1-4-17 Ch. 17: Final comments about finding common cause across all of the intersectional identities across the working class Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1072 Today we take a look at the Democrats failure to present viable economic solutions and offer a new vision for where we should go from here Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Democrats failed to offer a better solution - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 11-26-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Once There Was a Hushpuppy - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 4: Act 2: How progressives need to frame their economic message - @theLFshow w: @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 12-29-14 Ch. 5: Song 2: Unified - Unified Highway Ch. 6: Act 3: AI Will Eliminate 6% of Jobs in Next 5 Years - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 09-18-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Automation - Allan Sherman Ch. 8: Act 4: Paul Street on the folly of throwing away identity politics - @BlkAgendaReport - Air Date 1-16-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Working Class Hero - Green Day Ch. 10: Act 5: Not Trickle Down, But Bottom Up | Anthony Flaccavento - @theLFshow w: @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 12-15-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Trickle Down - Hayseed Dixie Ch. 12: Act 6: What is Economic Democracy? - The Next System Project - Air Date: 3-1-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Le monde de contre jour - David Ari Leon Ch. 14: Act 7: The UK Labor party taking the lead on worker coops - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 5-9-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Capitalism Is Tearing Us Apart - Sole Ch. 16: Act 8: Social Welfare Does Not Kill Business, with President of Iceland Ólafur Grímsson - Big Think - Air Date 11-13-14 Ch. 17: Song 8: Success - Iggy Pop Ch. 18: Act 9: Join or Start a Local Democracy @ Work Action Group via @Democracyatwrk - Best of the Left Activism Voicemails Ch. 19: Why Trump voters are angry - Luis in Texas Ch. 20: The true cost of commuting and how best to get engaged - Anonymous Ch. 21: What should the new economy movement look like? - Natalia from North Hampton, MA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 22: Final comments explaining to conservatives why we should shift to a co-op economy Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Find or Start a Democracy At Work Action Group near you EDUCATE YOURSELF 10 Ways to Challenge Capitalism's Death Grip on Daily Life (via Truthout) Cooperatives: The key to climate action? (via Democracy at Work) Energy cooperatives are booming in Germany (via DW.com) Worlds 8 Richest People Have Same Wealth as Poorest 50% (via The Guardian) This Worker-Owned Cooperative is "Bigger than a Business" (via DCist.com) Workers will get right to buy out bosses under Labour rule (The Independent UK) Corporations Open Cash Spigot for Trump's Inauguration (The New York Times) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1071 Today we take a look at the threats to Muslim Americans and, frankly, Muslims around the world in the age of Trump Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Trump's Muslim Registry Should Remind Us of Japanese Internment Camps - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 12-24-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Kenji - Fort Minor Ch. 4: Act 2: The specter of Korematsu - Amicus from @Slate - Air Date 11-30-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Don't Fence Me In - Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Bregman & Buddy Bregman and His Orchestra Ch. 6: Act 3: Trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn Is Pathologically Fixated On 'Radical Islamic Terror' - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 11-19-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Pity the Nation/First They Came/I Don't Fight for Conquerors - Dave Lippman & Wild Bill Bailout Ch. 8: Act 4: Fight religious and cultural ignorance - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 11-24-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: N/A Ch. 10: Act 5: Why Won’t This President Say Radical Islam? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-17-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Islamophobia - Genocide Ch. 12: Act 6: Learn How to Support Your Muslim American Neighbors via @MuslimAdvocates - Best of the Left Activism Act 6A: Going through the traumatic experience of Trump’s election - #GoodMuslimBadMuslim - Air Date 12-25-16 Ch. 15: Song: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 16: Act 7: Suzanne Barakat: Islamophobia killed my brother. Let's end the hate - @TEDTalks - Air Date 11-7-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: How to reign in people who have started to go too far - Jennifer from Columbus, OH Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 23: Final comments Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Educate yourself and learn how to be a teammate at MuslimAdvocates.org Learn how to report a hate crime in your state via MuslimAdvocates.org “Click Here to End Hate” - Tips to Respond to Anti-Muslim Bigotry Online via Muslim Advocates.org Download a “Hate Has No Business Here” poster EDUCATE YOURSELF Ten Days After: Harassment and Intimidation in the Aftermath of the Election (via The Southern Poverty Law Center) Day 1 in Trump's America (via Twitter) Trump continues to sow confusion over his plan for Muslims entering the country (via The Washington Post) Gingrich's Outrageous Call to Deport All Practicing U.S. Muslims (via The Atlantic) Newt Gingrich Suggests Reforming House Un-American Committee In Wake Of Orlando Shooting (via The Huffington Post) Donald Trump’s Plan for a Muslim Database Draws Comparison to Nazi Germany (via NBC News) At South Carolina Rally, Donald Trump Defiant on Muslim Ban (via NBC News) Japanese American internment is ‘precedent’ for national Muslim registry, prominent Trump backer says (via The Washington Post) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1070 Today we take a look at the plans the GOP has for peoples ability to access and afford their reproductive and health rights Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Ohio on the Pulse - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (@FullFrontalSamB) - Air Date 12-13-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Human of the Year - Regina Spektor Ch. 4: Act 2: The GOP Has No Alternative To Obamacare Because The ACA WAS The Republican Plan! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 12-02-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Bad Idea - Goose Ch. 6: Act 3: Religious-Right Activist: Ohio Legislation Was Meant To Be the 'Arrow In the Heart of Roe V Wade' - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 1-2-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: One Way Street - Ann Peebles Ch. 8: Act 4: The complicated procedures of repealing Obamacare - The Zero Hour w @RJEskow - Air Date 1-7-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Fox In the Henhouse - Leap of Faith: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Ch. 10: Act 5: Texas Now Requires Funeral Services for All Abortions - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 12-1-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: I'm Against It - Groucho Marx Ch. 12: Act 6: Kellyanne Conway: IT'S NOT FAIR That Dems Wont Help Destroy Obamacare - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 01-06-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: I Started Something I Couldn't Finish - The Smiths Ch. 14: Act 7: Fighting for reproductive rights in the age of Trump - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 11-24-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: N/A Ch. 16: Act 8: Save Health Care! Attend an #OurFirstStand Rally on 1.15 via @BernieSanders - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 18: Act 9: Trump Doubles Down On Planned Parenthood Witch Hunt - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date 12-23-16 Voicemails Ch. 19: Responding to episode on 2007 - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 20: Members now get all of their shows in the members feed - Dave from Olympia, WA Ch. 21: It's important to take action - Louis in Texas Ch. 22: Get up, stand up! - Matt from Pittsburg, PA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 23: Final comments on self care and political action Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Save Health Care on Jan. 15th! Find an #OurFirstStand rally near you. Use #OurFirstStand, #ProtectOurCare, #SaveHealthCare, #MakeAmericaSickAgain, #CareNotChaos and #IStandWithPP to join the healthcare conversations online. EDUCATE YOURSELF Not Just Obamacare: Medicaid, Medicare Also on GOP's Chopping Block (The Huffington Post) Republicans’ 4-Step Plan to Repeal the Affordable Care Act (The New York Times) Repealing Obamacare Could Leave 59 Million Americans Uninsured (The Atlantic) Repealing Obamacare Effects Everyone (CNN Money) GOP to Defund Planned Parenthood in Obamacare Repeal (The Hill) 9 Things People Get Wrong About Planned Parenthood (The Cut) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1069 Today we take a look at the mechanics of our national security state that has been mostly installed or maintained over the past two presidencies and what Trump may do with that entrenched power Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Chris Hedges: Trump Will Crush Dissent With Even Greater Violence and Savagery - @TheRealNews - Air Date 11-10-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Murky Water - The Autumn Isles Ch. 4: Act 2: Do NOT Abandon the Constitution, Even for Terrorism - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 09-27-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: The Constitution - Ted Hawkins Ch. 6: Act 3: Christopher Soghoian: Your smartphone is a civil rights issue - @TEDTalks - Air Date 10-31-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Camera One - Josh Joplin Group Ch. 8: Act 4: The future of police and surveillance - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 11-15-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Police, Police - The Showcase Showdown Ch. 10: Act 5: Sue Udry on Civil Liberties–Under Trump - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 11-18-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Never Let You Down - The Verve Pipe Ch. 12: Act 6: Ms. Robot - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (@FullFrontalSamB) - Air Date 12-13-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Get By - Talib Kweli Ch. 14: Act 7: Tell Your Senators: Expose Jeff Sessions' Anti-Civil Rights and Anti-Privacy History via @ACLU - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 16: Act 8: Branko Marcetic Trump Inherits Obama’s National Security State - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 12-6-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Expressing political opinions - Dale from Minneapolis, MN Ch. 18: How minds can be changed for good or ill - Quai from North Carolina Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on changing minds, whose and how Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Call your Senators today and tell them why you oppose Jeff Sessions for Attorney General Read ACLU’s “The Confirmation Sessions” for Jeff Sessions history, issue-by-issue Call Senate Judiciary Committee Members who will question Sessions on January 10th. EDUCATE YOURSELF ACLU's "The Confirmation Sessions" (ACLU) Corporate Accountability Blunders Taint Sessions Record (Public Citizen) Trump and Sessions: Great for the Private Prison Industry, Terrible for Civil Rights (ACLU Blog) Jeff Sessions’ Nomination as Attorney General Alarms Civil Libertarians (Wired) Trump’s attorney general pick could restart the encryption fight (The Verge) Trump's pick for attorney general: 'Good people don't smoke marijuana' (The Washington Post) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1068 Today we take a look back to 2007 in our second annual 10-years-hence retrospective spectacular! Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: First female Speaker of the House - Countdown - Aired on BotL 1-9-07 Ch. 3: Song 1: Color in Your Cheeks - The Mountain Goats Ch. 4: Act 2: First muslim in congress and first female Speaker - The Young Turks - Aired on BotL 1-9-07 Ch. 5: Song 2: Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder Ch. 6: Act 3: Bernie Sanders moves to the Senate - Ring of Fire - Aired on BotL 3-6-07 Ch. 7: Song 3: Common Sense - Justin Mcroberts Ch. 8: Act 4: Special comment on free speech - Countdown - Aired on BotL 1-19-07 Ch. 9: Song 4: The More Things Change - Bon Jovi Ch. 10: Act 5: Making the pitch - The Daily Show - Aired on BotL 1-22-07 Ch. 11: Song 5: Smiley Faces - Gnarls Barkley Ch. 12: Act 6: Radio audience wants to mark the muslims - The Young Turks - Aired on BotL 1-19-07 Ch. 13: Song 6: Nazi (Live) - Chumbawamba Ch. 14: Act 7: Bush's health care proposal - The Al Franken Show - Aired on BotL 2-10-07 Ch. 15: Song 7: We've Gotta Get Out of This Place - The Animals Ch. 16: Act 8: Michael Moore on Sicko, Nixon and the rise of HMOs - Democracy Now - Aired on BotL 8-17-07 Ch. 17: Song 8: Richard Nixon - Rod & The MSR Singers Ch. 18: Act 9: Fighting for health care for kids - Associated Press - Aired on BotL 10-22-07 Ch. 19: Song 9: N/A Ch. 20: Act 10: Minimum wage - Unknown source - Aired on BotL 2-23-07 Ch. 21: Song 10: Minimum Wage - They might be giants Ch. 22: Act 11: Republicans blocking a vote on the minimum wage - Ted Kennedy - Aired on BotL 2-23-07 Ch. 23: Song 11: Minimum Wage - They might be giants Ch. 24: Act 12: Overview of Scooter Libby case - Unknown - Aired on BotL 4-17-07 Ch. 25: Song 12: N/A Ch. 26: Act 13: Interview with Joe Wilson after Libby verdict - Countdown - Aired on BotL 4-17-07 Ch. 27: Song 13: Everybody's Gone To War - Nerina Pallot Ch. 28: Act 14: We need to torture Alberto Gonzales - Colbert Report - Aired on BotL 4-29-07 Ch. 29: Song 14: N/A Ch. 30: Act 15: Saying goodbye to Alberto Gonzales - The Young Turks - Aired on BotL 9-12-07 Ch. 31: Song 15: The Czar of Munster - Seamus Egan Ch. 32: Act 16: McKibben at Step it Up 07 Part 1 - CCAN - Aired on BotL 4-20-07 Ch. 33: Song 16: The Czar of Munster - Seamus Egan Ch. 34: Act 17: McKibben at Step it Up 07 Part 2 - CCAN - Aired on BotL 4-20-07 Ch. 35: Song 17: Living planet - Emma’s Revolution Ch. 36: Act 18: Jerry Falwell dies - Democracy Now - Aired on BotL 6-7-07 Ch. 37: Song 18: N/A Ch. 38: Act 19: Introduction to Obama - The world tonight - Aired on BotL 5-7-07 Ch. 39: Song 19: Dreamtime - Uberzone Ch. 40: Act 20: Hillary votes for war - The Young Turks - Aired on BotL 10-02-07 Voicemails Ch. 41: Call in from Chris the Carpenter and Parker - Cape Cod, MA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 42: Final comments on the time I quit the show and the community kept it going Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1003 Today we take a look at the raging battle for the soul of the new economy. The age of working at the factory for decades before retiring with a pension and gold watch is well behind us but what’s coming next? A world where everyone is completely on their own, scraping together work one gig at a time? Or an economy of worker-owners who are compensated fully for their labor and have a voice in the direction of their companies? Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: How Good is the Sharing Economy at Sharing? - KQED News - Air Date: 2-4-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: The Sharing Song - Jack Johnson Ch. 4: Act 2: Chris Mackin: Creating Economic Democracy - @theLFshow w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 7-22-14 Ch. 5: Song 2: RazorWire-Remastered - Chris Priest Ch. 6: Act 3: Uber isn't nearly as new of an idea as you think - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 3-22-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Capitalism Is Tearing Us Apart - sole Ch. 8: Act 4: Uber Wants to Reorganize the Economy? Workers, too Can Play at that Game - The F Word w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 2-17-15 Ch. 9: Song 4: Working Poor - Horse Feathers Ch. 10: Act 5: David J. Thompson on the superiority of cooperatives - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 8-1-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Cooperation - Jim Valley Ch. 12: Act 6: Nationwide Next System Teach-Ins via @TheNextSystem - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 14: Act 7: Paul Mason - Postcapitalism: A Guide to Our Future - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 3-3-16 TAKE ACTION: Activism Resources: Find a Next System Teach-In near you or register to host one where you live at http://teachins.thenextsystem.org Learn more about the The Next System Project and sign their statement. Follow The Next System Project on Twitter @TheNextSystem for the latest updates and use '#NextSystem' to join the conversation. Further Reading: Not Cool Uber (via Dave Craige on Medium.com) Sharing Economy Isn’t About Sharing - The Dark Reality Behind This Major Workplace Shift (via Alternet) Uber on the Road to Nowhere - Uber Drivers are getting creative in their fight for basic workplace rights (via American Prospect) Latest News/Actions: Seattle Passes Law Letting Uber, Lyft Drivers Unionize (via Reuters) Fed up Uber Drivers Aim to Disrupt Super Bowl 50 - With their Own Mobile App (via Mother Jones) Jakarta Taxi Drivers Protest Against Uber and Grab (via BBC) Hear the segment in context: Episode #1003: http://www.bestoftheleft.com/_1003_capitalism Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1043 Today we look at some of the structures of money in politics and how the tide is beginning to turn Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The Truth About Citizens United - Follow the Money #8 - Represent.Us - Air Date: 1-26-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Addiction - Medina Ch. 4: Act 2: @DerekCressman on Free speech vs paid speech with guest host @AngieCoiro - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 5-31-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Buy My Vote - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 6: Act 3: How To Destroy The Corrupt Political Establishment - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-20-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Welcome To the Machine - Pink Floyd Ch. 8: Act 4: @USRepDavidJolly on The STOP Act Part 1 - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 8-27-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Moneytalks - Vitamin String Quartet Ch. 10: Act 5: Steve Israel on Congressional Fundraising - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 04-04-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Money Grabber (Live @ KEXP) - Fitz and The Tantrums Ch. 12: Act 6: @USRepDavidJolly on The STOP Act Part 2 - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 8-27-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Changes - Langhorne Slim & The Law Ch. 14: Act 7: Rhode Island Demands Money Out Of Politics - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-21-16 Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1067 Today we look back on the decade-long War on Christmas™ to understand how we got to now as well as the uphill battle we Christmas Warriors now have in the face of a Trump presidency Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Progressives War On Xmas and O'Reilly's Response - Young Turks Air Date: 2010 Ch. 3: Song 1: War On Christmas - The Enablers & Friends Ch. 4: Act 2: The War on Christmas: Sam's Big Chance to Further the Cause - Majority Report - Air Date: 11-25-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: The Holidays Are Here (and We're Still at War) - Brett Dennen Ch. 6: Act 3: Genesis of Bill O'Reilly's War On Christmas - Jimmy Dore Show - Air Date 12-6-13 Ch. 7: Song 3: War Medley: Onward Christian Soldiers / I'm On the Battlefield / Keep On the Firing Line - Sanders Family Ch. 8: Act 4: Megyn Kelly: Don't Worry Kids, Jesus and Santa Are White!! - Majority Report - Air Date: 12-13-13 Ch. 9: Song 4: The War On the War On Christmas - Macarone Ch. 10: Act 5: Sarah Palin 'War on Christmas' Book Flops - David Pakman Show - Air Date: 12-06-13 Ch. 11: Song 5: War On Christmas Is Over - Steve Goodie Ch. 12: Act 6: Right Wing's Fake War on Christmas Started Nearly 100 Years Ago - Majority Report - Air Date: 12-19-13 Ch. 13: Song 6: Christians and Pagans - Dar Williams Ch. 14: Act 7: Christians Very Offended By Starbucks Holiday Cups - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-10-15 Ch. 15: Song 7: War on Christmas - Jamie Kilstein and the Agenda Ch. 16: Act 8: War on Christmas Update: Congressional Resolution Phase - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 12-16-15 Ch. 17: Song 8: War On Christmas Day - Tim Di Pasqua & Tom Anderson Ch. 18: Act 9: Fox News: Corey Lewandowski Appears On Hannity & Announces War On Christmas Victory! - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 12-8-16 Ch. 19: Song 9: Tiny Tree Christmas - Guster Ch. 20: Act 10: Right Wing leaders assume Republican gullibility w _Obama_s War on Christmas_ deception - @AllInWithChris Hayes - Air Date 12-8-16 Ch. 21: Song 10: White Wine in the Sun - Tim Minchin Ch. 22: Act 11: Jesus Is a Liberal Democrat - Colbert Report - Air Date: 2010 Ch. 23: Final comments on todays activism and preparing for next years war Closing Music: There's No War On Christmas When Christmas Is In Your Heart - The Mockers Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1066 Today we look at the economics of our society through fresh eyes and make the case for a smarter way to work that taps into the things that really matter Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: A history of happiness - Backstory - Air Date 7-17-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Mirage - Sabrina Carpenter Ch. 4: Act 2: How Does the Commons Work? - @TheNextSystem Project - Air Date 6-21-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: N/A Ch. 6: Act 3: The case for the 32-hour workweek - The Atlantic - Air Date 7-9-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: This Moment (Live @ KEXP) - Led To Sea Ch. 8: Act 4: Courtney E. Martin: The new American Dream - TEDTalks - Air Date: 9-7-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Struggle - Ringside Ch. 10: Act 5: The Pluralist Commonwealth - @TheNextSystem Project- Air Date 9-6-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Common Good - David Andrews Ch. 12: Act 6: Get Community Activism Skills with Citizen Muscle Boot Camp via @storyofstuff - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 14: Act 7: The Economics of Externalities - Progressive Faith Sermons w/ @RevDrRay - Air Date 12-4-16 Voicemails Ch. 15: A few thoughts from a conservative perspective - Bill from Michigan Ch. 16: They're against it because we're in favor of it - Eric from San Francisco Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments in response to todays voicemails Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Register for the free, online Citizen Muscle Boot Camp INSPIRE YOURSELF After the Election: We Keep Pushing Forward (Story of Stuff Project Blog) She Was Just One Person…Until She Joined Up with Her Neighbors to Take on Nestlé (Story of Stuff Project Blog) All Hands on Deck! How We'll Move Forward in 2017 (Story of Stuff Project Blog) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1064 Today we look at the problems with the media, so many problems, and what lessons we should learn in the wake of the election Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The real kinds of bias that still exist in the media - @InDeepRadio w @AngieCoiro - Air Date 6-11-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: The System - Abscondo Ch. 4: Act 2: Money isn't the only bad influence on the media - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 10-1-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Follow The Money - Zounds Ch. 6: Act 3: The media and President-Elect Trump - @LastWeekTonight w: @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 11-13-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Sunrise - Norah Jones Ch. 8: Act 4: Media lessons to learn from the election - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 11-11-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Having a Good Time - Theo Bard Ch. 10: Act 5: Mainstream Media Fighting Trump...Don't Count On It - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-16-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Old News - Rick Estrin & The Nightcats Ch. 12: Act 6: Reporting on the editor of "The platform for the alt-right" - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 11-18-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Let's Call the Whole Thing Off - Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Ch. 14: Act 7: Stopping fake news - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 11-24-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Happy Song Is A Happy Song - Nick Rivera Ch. 16: Act 8: Christiane Amanpour on the state of the media in a post fact-world - The Investigators with Diana Swain, CBC - Air Date 11-25-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Pulling together the threads of the economics of despair - Erin from Philadelphia Ch. 18: How to talk about climate change - Dan from Greenville, SC Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on the biggest free lunch humanity have thought it had Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1064 Today we look at the systematic suppression of voting rights during the election and the hail mary attempt to avert a Trump presidency through the electoral college Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The Myth of Voter Fraud - On The Media - Air Date 10-21-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Fear is a villain - Theo Bard Ch. 4: Act 2: @AriBerman on voter suppression being back in a big way - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 11-11-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Beneath the Lies - Abscondo Ch. 6: Act 3: Republicans Gloat Over Supressing Black Vote - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-11-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Abuse of Power - Lion of Light Ch. 8: Act 4: How Do We Fix Our Broken Voting System? (w/Guest: Mark Crispin Miller) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 11-08-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: The Fix Is In - Ok Go Ch. 10: Act 5: The Big Lie - @FullFrontalSamB - Air Date 12-5-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Won't Get Fooled Again - The Who Ch. 12: Act 6: First Republican "Hamilton Elector" Breaks Ranks Against Trump - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-07-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: The Game Is Rigged - The Great Malarkey Ch. 14: Act 7: Tell the Electoral College to #StopTrump & Vote with the People via @DemocracySpring and directelection.org - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 16: Act 8: Introduction to the Hamilton Electors - Amicus from @Slate - Air Date 12-10-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Resist Trump Letters - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 18: How to get around the fact gap - Andrew from Chicago Ch. 19: Who's got the conservative argument talking points? - Eli from Northern California Ch. 20: Conservative argument on the need for real policies - Ryan from Phoenix Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments on small changes for the member’s feed and a call for conservative appeals for voting rights and against the electoral college Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION RSVP for the Democracy Spring December 19th rally at a state capitol building near you at savedemocracy.org ASAP ONLY! Download everything you need to print and mail letters to the 273 Electoral College members pledged to vote for Trump at directelection.org EDUCATE YOURSELF Here are the people who will cast a formal vote for president next month (Politico) The People Who Pick the President (Politico) Electoral College: Make Hillary Clinton President (Change.org) Meet the Hamilton Electors Hoping for an Electoral College Revolt (The Atlantic) The Electoral Collage was Meant to Stop Men like Trump from Becoming President (The Atlantic) Posted December 13, 2016, written by Best of the Left Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1063 Today we look at some of the underlying issues that undercuts our ability to effectively debate and explore ways to use this knowledge to improve our communication skills Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: How to argue based on the morals of your debating partner Part 1 - You are not so smart - Air Date 11-4-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Debate - Wait Until Dusk Ch. 4: Act 2: Jonathan Haidt: The moral roots of liberals and conservatives - TEDTalks - Air Date 9-18-08 Ch. 5: Song 2: Truth - Vaughan Penn Ch. 6: Act 3: Change my view - You are not so smart - Air Date 10-9-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: The Debate Is Over (If You Want It) - Anti-Flag Ch. 8: Act 4: The importance of emotionally appealing to voters - @BillMoyersHQ in Conversation - Air Date 4-15-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: When Anger Shows - Editors Ch. 10: Act 5: How to argue based on the morals of your debating partner Part 2 - You are not so smart - Air Date 11-4-16 Voicemails Ch. 11: In response to the discussion about college and work - Justin from Indiana Ch. 12: Explaining jokes about Trump's small hands - Colin from Cleveland, OH Ch. 13: College isn't just for work, it's for life - Eric from Paris, France Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 14: Final comments with a call for help creating a political translation dictionary Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1062 Today we look at some of the recent violence waged against protectors and independent journalists at Standing Rock North Dakota and the temporary victory of the permitting denial from the Army Corp of Engineers for the Dakota Access Pipeline Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: RISE With Standing Rock - @theLFshow w: @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 10-10-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: Thanksgiving from an Indian Perspective - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 11-27-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Battle of the Little Bighorn - John Murrin Cornelius Ch. 6: Act 3: Independent media attacked and abused for the crime of journalism at Standing Rock - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 10-28-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Good people - Jack Johnson Ch. 8: Act 4: Michelle Cook on facing human rights violations at Standing Rock - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 10-3-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: N/A Ch. 10: Act 5: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Discusses the State of Standing Rock - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 11-24-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Abuse of power - Cutting Edge Ch. 12: Act 6: The #NoDAPL Fight Is Not Over - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-05-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Fight to Win (feat. Cee Lo Green) - Goodie Mob Ch. 14: Act 7: Financial Disaster Could Dakota Access Pipeline Lose Its Contracts with Oil Companies on Jan. 1 - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 12-05-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Moneytalks - Vitamin String Quartet Ch. 16: Act 8: Call on President Obama to Make Standing Rock a National Monument #NODAPL - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 18: Act 9: HISTORIC Victory At Standing Rock - @theyoungturks - Air Date 12-05-16 Voicemails Ch. 19: Questioning body shaming against Trump - Kyle from Portland Ch. 20: Nerds and bullies help explain the feeling of white oppression - Nathan from San Jose Ch. 21: A 1920's Germany expert chimes in on Trump and authoritarianism - Erica from Massachusetts Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 22: Final comments on body shaming and the connection between nerds and fascists Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Call the White House comments line at 202-456-1111 Get the info to write to the President by visiting the contact page on whitehouse.gov EDUCATE YOURSELF The Historic Victory at Standing Rock (The Atlantic) Standing Rock: Tulsi Gabbard on What the Dakota Pipeline Decision Means (Rolling Stone) FAQ: The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's Litigation on the Dakota Access Pipeline (Earth Justice) President Obama: Declare a "Standing Rock" national monument to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline (Our Revolution) Posted December 6, 2016, written by Best of the Left Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1010 Today we take a look at the way our current low-tax structure ends up redistributing the burden of funding society to those least able to pay for it while widening the already staggeringly-large wealth gap. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: City Stealing From Citizens By Tampering With Traffic Lights - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-18-14 Ch. 3: Song 1: The fix is in - Ok Go Ch. 4: Act 2: Cops Generating Money off Black Communities... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 07-31-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Shakedown - Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band Ch. 6: Act 3: Billionaire Governor Taxes Rich, Increases Minimum Wage, Economy Explodes - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 02-28-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Trickle Down - Hayseed Dixie Ch. 8: Act 4: Republican Governors Seek to Raise Taxes On Middle Class and Poor - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 01-28-15 Ch. 9: Song 4: Class Warfare - Chris Priest Ch. 10: Act 5: Details of how Reaganomics in Kansas has utterly failed - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 4-19-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: That’s all - Clare and the Reasons Ch. 12: Act 6: How To Pay For Tax Cuts For The Rich (If You're A Republican) - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-20-15 Ch. 13: Song 6: Robin Hood - Dick James Ch. 14: Act 7: Don't Think the Poor Pay Enough Taxes? You're Living in a Fantasy World - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 04-25-15 Ch. 15: Song 7: Work to Live - Serious Suicide Ch. 16: Act 8: .@ryangrim on Mississippi's dependence on prisoners for revenue - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 4-19-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: Turtle (Bonobo Remix) - Pilote Ch. 18: Act 9: Why An American In Sweden LOVES Paying His Taxes... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-12-16 Ch. 19: Song 9: Taxman - Nickel Creek Ch. 20: Act 10: The myth of a heavy tax burden in the US - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 4-24-16 Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1061 Today we look at the argument going on about the direction and focus the progressive movement and Democratic party should take in the wake of the election. Identity politics, essential or a destructive distraction? Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Pundits Blame Trump on Those Most Vulnerable to Trump - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 11-25-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Blame Me! Blame Me! - Anberlin Ch. 4: Act 2: Bernie Sanders draws the connection between identity and class - The Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date 11-21-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Together we fight alone - Darlings Ch. 6: Act 3: SURJ on how to open up the discussion about class, race, gender... - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 11-24-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: My Conversation - The Uniques Ch. 8: Act 4: Seeing intersectionality as the important takeaway from the election - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 11-25-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Let's Organize - Organized Konfusion Ch. 10: Act 5: Identity-only politics is not enough - The Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date 11-22-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Oppression - Ben Harper Ch. 12: Act 6: It's time to stand up and fight for everyone who will be hurt by a Trump presidency - Savage Love w: @FakeDanSavage - Air Date 11-15-16 Voicemails Ch. 13: Explaining whiteness - Lee from San Diego Ch. 14: The way we talk about class, work and education - Chris from Littleton, CO Ch. 15: How do we fight against the wall and for religious liberty? - Darice from Washington, DC Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on post-election activism and a brief history of progressive economics in the Democratic party Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1060 Today we look at the comparison between the rise of Hitler and the rise of Trump, not to say that they are the same but to try to learn from the past in order to see farther into our own future and avoid the terrible ends that are possible Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: O'Connor Decries Republican Attacks on Courts - NPR Morning Edition - Air Date: 3-10-2006 Ch. 3: Song 1: Oak - Ben McElroy Ch. 4: Act 2: His rise to power Part 1 - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 11-21-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Nazi (Live) - Chumbawamba Ch. 6: Act 3: How South Africa Could Prepare the U.S. for President Trump - The Daily Show - Air Date 11-16-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Things a Get from Bad to Worse - The Ethiopians Ch. 8: Act 4: His rise to power Part 2 - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 11-21-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: I think your a nazi - Stephen Lynch Ch. 10: Act 5: Comparing the rise of Trump and Hitler - @InDeepRadio w: @AngieCoiro - Air Date 3-26-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Der Fuehrer's Face (From "Nuttsey Land") - Spike Jones & His City Slickers Ch. 12: Act 6: We Can't Wait To See The End Before We Resist The Beginning Of Fascism - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 11-22-16 Voicemails Ch. 13: Explaining hippie-punching - Barbara from San Jose, CA Ch. 14: Membership - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 15: Explaining the Democrats through Thomas Frank's class-divide lens - Dave from Olympia, WA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on when it’s time to panic, NationalPopularVote.com and our ongoing experiment of explaining concepts from the show Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness - TEDTalks - Air Date: 12-23-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Happiness - Pet Shop Boys Ch. 4: Act 2: The World Happiness Report - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 03-23-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) [feat. MGMT & Ratatat] - Kid Cudi Ch. 6: Act 3: Living with Gratitude in an Imperfect World - Progressive Faith Sermons w/ @RevDrRay - Air Date: 11-22-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Happy now? - No Doubt Ch. 8: Act 4: We Are Built To Be Kind - Fig. 1 by University of California - Air Date: 12-2-14 Ch. 9: Song 4: Happy - Sister Hazel Ch. 10: Act 5: Punctuating happiness - Backstory - Air Date 7-17-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Everybody Loves a Happy Ending - Tears for Fears Ch. 12: Act 6: David Steindl-Rast: Want to be happy? Be grateful - TEDTalks - Air Date 11-27-13 Voicemails Ch. 13: Recommending "The Most Good You Can Do" - Nick from Colorado Ch. 14: A few quick thoughts on voting reform - Jeff from Massachusetts Ch. 15: Supporting the minimum wage but worrying about automation - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on finding gratitude in the face of the death of a loved one Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1059 Today we look at the wave of white-supremacist hatred that was unleashed on election day and Trump’s pick of a white nationalist, anti-semite to work in the White House Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Listen to the first episode of Wait Wait Don’t Kill Me here: smarturl.it/sca Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Trump Victory Inspires Acts Of Hate Against Minorities - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 11-11-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Shut It Down - MxPx Ch. 4: Act 2: Feelin' Alt-Right (Act 1, Part 2) - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee - Air Date: 10-31-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: A Dose of White Supremacy - Neffe Odom Kragh-Muller Ch. 6: Act 3: A White Nationalist & Anti-Semite in the Oval Office- Trump Taps Breitbart's Bannon as Top Aide - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 11-14-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Second Class Citizen - Area-7 Ch. 8: Act 4: Racists Emboldened By Trump Victory - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date 11-10-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Love Your Neighbor - Todd Agnew Ch. 10: Act 5: A White Nationalist Will Be Advising Trump's Administration - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 11-14-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: What A Beautiful Morning! - Drunken Logic Ch. 12: Act 6: Former KKK Leader Loves Trump Adviser Who Didn't Want Kids in School with Jews - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 11-15-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Parade - Kimya Dawson Ch. 14: Act 7: "White Supremacist, Anti-Semitic, Islamophobe" Stephen Bannon as Trump's Chief Strategist - @TheRealNews - Air Date 11-15-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Let's Work Together - Canned Heat Ch. 16: Act 8: You Will Not Believe This Insane Antisemitic Email - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 11-14-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: Violent Days - RTZ Ch. 18: Act 9: Get Trained for the Resistance via @ShowUp4RJ - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 19: Song 9: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 20: Act 10: Just Like After Reconstruction, Trump Vote Highlights White Backlash to Recent Racial Progress - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 11-9-16 Voicemails Ch. 21: Standing up for the oppressed - Justin from Indiana Ch. 22: It's not just Trump, it's congress too - Jessica from Las Vegas, NV Ch. 23: Explaining why Democrats lost - Nick from California Ch. 24: Explaining Democrats disdain for working class - Roy in Texas Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 25: Final comments on the false equivalency between pro-Trump and anti-Trump violence Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Find a SURJ chapter near you (or start one) Sign up for SURJ national training conference calls Get resources from SURJ Sign up to volunteer with SURJ Find a SURJ action near you or post your own EDUCATE YOURSELF White People Elected Trump. Now What? Finding Common Ground with Trump Supporters in Buffalo Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1057 Today we look at how the Democratic party has been going wrong for decades in a way that partially explains their electoral loss in 2016 and then use this information as a guide to see where the progressive movement should go from here Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The economics of why Donald Trump won - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 11-10-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Backwards Blues - Adia Victoria Ch. 4: Act 2: Thomas Frank on the Democrats disdain for the working class has led to their downfall - @thisishellradio - Air Date 11-12-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: One Thing Leads to Another - The Fixx Ch. 6: Act 3: Bill Ayers on the inadequacy of our politics to face our challenges - @TheRealNews - Air Date 11-13-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Alright Alright (Here's My Fist Where's the Fight?) - Sahara Hotnights Ch. 8: Act 4: Trump's economic populism and where we Democrats need to go from here - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 11-12-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Revolutions - Cody Long and the Red Beauty Ch. 10: Act 5: Who Should Lead The DNC Now? - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date 11-10-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Go Do - Jónsi Ch. 12: Act 6: Greenwald on "Democrats, Trump, and the Ongoing, Dangerous Refusal to Learn the Lesson of Brexit" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 11-10-16 Voicemails Ch. 13: What ways can you help? - Steven from the UK Ch. 14: How can we bridge the divide in progressive circles? - Anthony from Illinois Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 15: Final comments on healing the progressive movement and a new experiment for voicemails Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1056 Today we reflect on the 2016 election, examine the variety of feelings it has brought fourth and contemplate the next steps ahead of us Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Trump's America- This is What Happens Now - Jay Smooth - Air Date: 11-9-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: S.O.S. - The Suicide Machines Ch. 4: Act 2: 'This was a whitelash' Van Jones' take on the election results - CNN - Air Date 11-08-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: So Terrible It's Terrifying - Earmint Ch. 6: Act 3: Mourn, Resist, Organize - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 11-9-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Call for Help - Clay Schneider Ch. 8: Act 4: Feel your feelings and get to work - Throwing Shade w: @BryanSafi and @gibblertron - Air Date 11-9-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Run Screaming - Stockdale and Shapiro Ch. 10: Act 5: The day after, take care of yourself - @EdgeofSports - w: Dave Zirin - Air Date 11-11-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Fear, Terror, and the Fear of Terror - Infinite Third Ch. 12: Act 6: Anger is an appropriate response - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 11-10-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: When Anger Shows - Editors Ch. 14: Act 7: National Popular Vote - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-13-15 Ch. 15: Song 7: Help - Howie Day Ch. 16: Act 8: Beyond the Electoral College: A State-Based Plan for Electing the President by National Popular Vote - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 11-08-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Kids in fear after the election - Anonymous Ch. 18: Mad as hell and sick to my stomach - Colin from Cleveland, OH Ch. 19: Moving forward with self care - Dave from Olympia, WA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on privilege as a superpower and the campaign for a national popular vote Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1056 Today we look beyond the election to the progressive movement that needs to keep it’s momentum going regardless of who the next president will be Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: When Progressives Fight...We Win! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-15-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: On the Outside - Oingo Boingo Ch. 4: Act 2: Progressives Must Be Ready: Hillary Win Isn't the Victory - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 10-24-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: The Time Is Now - Warren Barfield Ch. 6: Act 3: A Pep Talk For #Progressives From A Man Who Marched With #MLK! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 05-19-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Malcom X (Original single 1974) - Miriam Makeba Ch. 8: Act 4: Bernie Plans To Fight Against Hillary's Corporatist Cabinet Picks - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-28-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Main Title, Game of Thrones - Ramin Djawadi Ch. 10: Act 5: Breaking Through Power... It's Easier Than You Think! (w/Guest: Ralph Nader) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 09-22-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Power to the People - John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band Ch. 12: Act 6: Beyond the election to the movement - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 11-5-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 14: Act 6: Systemic Political Change Requires Participation – Never Stop Fighting - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date: 09-25-16 Voicemails Ch. 15: Terrified of what the election could mean - Eammon from La Habra, California Ch. 16: Don't lose sight of what you can do yourself - Matt from Pittsburg, PA Ch. 17: Starting to gain perspective from the show - Jennifer from Columbus, OH Ch. 18: Race, class and Trump supporters - Mike from Albany, NY Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on political philosophy, Confederates in New York and the difference between understanding and legitimizing Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1055 Today we look at the two biggest issues with the most limited timelines and far-reaching consequences of our era and how they are both at stake in this election Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: VILE: Trump Picks Climate Denier to Lead Environmental Transition - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 09-28-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Despierta - Filthy Friends Ch. 4: Act 2: What Do The Next Supreme Court Picks Really Mean For America? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 07-28-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: No Guns No Guns - Mirah Ch. 6: Act 3: As Earth Reaches Frightening CO2 Milestone, Bill McKibben Calls for War on Climate Change - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 09-30-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next - Manic Street Preachers Ch. 8: Act 4: Trump: I'll Fill the Supreme Court With Antonin Scalias - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 09-14-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Perry Mason - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Ch. 10: Act 5: Shameful Admission: Trump Doesn't Believe Climate Change is Man Made - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 09-29-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Sic of Elephants (Live) - Andrew Bird [featuring Jim James] Ch. 12: Act 6: 350 Action's May Boeve on Young Voters & Climate Movement - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 10-25-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Pressure - Billy Joel Ch. 14: Act 7: Republicans Planning To Block Supreme Court Justices FOREVER - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-28-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Makin' It Great Again! - Andrew St. James Ch. 16: Act 8: The World Is Hotter Than Hell and No One Is Talking About Climate Change - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 10-01-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Some adults think the devil is trying to influence our election - Brad from Irving, TX Ch. 18: The impacts on restricted access to education - Sally from San Francisco Ch. 19: Limbaugh is more thoughtful than liberals let on - Mike from Richmond, VA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments with some questions for our new reasonable conservative caller Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1054 Today we dive deeply into the world of conservatives as described in the new book “Strangers in their own Land” by Arlie Russel Hochschild in an attempt to understand how some non-deplorable people in the country could be supporting Donald Trump Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: What Drives Trump Supporters? Sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild on Anger & Mourning of the Right Part 1 - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 9-28-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel Ch. 4: Act 2: The environmentalist tea-partier who dumped toxic waste in public water - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 10-5-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Protect & Serve - Stiff Little Fingers Ch. 6: Act 3: How Our Stone-Age Brain Gets in the Way of Smart Politics Part 1 - @BillMoyersHQ in Conversation - Air Date 4-15-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: I Don't Think About It - Emily Osment Ch. 8: Act 4: What Drives Trump Supporters? Sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild on Anger & Mourning of the Right Part 2 - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 9-28-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Refund - Minor Motion Ch. 10: Act 5: The Deep Story of conservatives and the rise of Trump - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 9-29-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Shame - The Avett Brothers Ch. 12: Act 6: How Our Stone-Age Brain Gets in the Way of Smart Politics Part 2 - @BillMoyersHQ in Conversation - Air Date 4-15-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Vote - Jefferson Coker Ch. 14: Act 7: Where shame is the companion to need - @thisishellradio - Air Date 10-22-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Only a Pawn In Their Game - Bob Dylan Ch. 16: Act 8: The Media That Created Trump - United States of Anxiety - Air Date 10-13-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Shifting to the Right - Greg from North Cackalacky Ch. 18: Shout out to Wade/asking for conservative show suggestion - Quai from North Carolina Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on a conservative show recommended to those interested in hearing the other side Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1053 Today we look at a range of voter suppression tactics including voter intimidation from history and present-day Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Revisiting the hard fought battles for voting rights and the implications of new laws - @Making_Contact - Air Date 10-19-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Until the Water Goes Down - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 4: Act 2: STUDY: Black People Wait Twice As Long as White People to Vote - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 08-18-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Adventure, Darling - Gillicuddy Ch. 6: Act 3: Surprise! DOJ Catches Another State Disenfranchises Voters! (w/Guest: Ian Millhiser @imillhiser) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 09-10-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: A Theme for Bizarre Behavior - Clifton's Ford Ch. 8: Act 4: A history of voter intimidation - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 10-3-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: That's What's Wrong - Good Old War Ch. 10: Act 5: GET OUT THE VOTE via @NextGenClimate & Report Voter Suppression via @ElectionProtection Ch. 11: Song 5: Time for Action - Secret Affair Ch. 12: Act 6: Victoria Bassetti of the Brennan Center on the myth of widespread voter fraud - @DecodeDC - Air Date 10-20-16 Voicemails Ch. 13: Vote yes for rent stabilization in the bay area - Mike in Mountain View, CA Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 14: Final comments on a couple of the things making me really angry about our broken electoral system Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Volunteer to help get out the vote with NextGen Climate Report voter suppression by calling Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE Ask questions about voter ID laws by calling VoteRider’s national voter ID hotline at 844-338-8743. EDUCATE YOURSELF This Election Is Being Rigged—but Not by Democrats (The Nation) North Carolina Republicans Tried to Disenfranchise a 100-Year-Old African-American Woman (The Nation) Possible Election Day problems worry civil rights advocates (PBS Newshour) ‘The most chaotic election for people of color in 50 years,’ activist predicts (Star Telegram) What we often forget when we talk about voting restrictions: the actual voters (Vox) Indiana officials are trying to block almost 45,000 black citizens from voting (ThinkProgress) Election 2016: Tracking Reports of Voting Problems Across the United States (NBC News) This Is What Actual Voter Suppression Looks Like, And It’s Appalling (Huffington Post) Trans Voters May Face Problems Voting in U.S. Election, Activists Say (NBC News) Posted October 28, 2016. Written by Best of the Left Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1052 Today we look at reproductive rights issues from the states up to the presidential election and the future of the Supreme Court Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Oklahoma May Strip Licenses From Doctors Who Perform Abortions - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-27-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: God Only Knows - Beach Boys Ch. 4: Act 2: Thanks to Republicans, Pregnancy Can Be Deadly For Women In Texas! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-19-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Barefoot and Pregnant - Doyle and Debbie Ch. 6: Act 3: Poland Up to 6 Million Women Protest Proposed Abortion Ban - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 10-5-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Luriana Lurilee - Ben McElroy Ch. 8: Act 4: Total Abortion Ban In Question After Mass Protests - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 10-07-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Right Here, Right Now - Fatboy Slim Ch. 10: Act 5: How is Abortion Portrayed in Film and TV? - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date: 9-10-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Bloodless Freak - Thomas Newman Ch. 12: Act 6: Trump Says Appointing Anti-Choice Judges Will "Automatically" Overturn Roe v. Wade If He's Elected - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 10-20-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Of Thee I Sing: Supreme Court Judges - Casper Roos, Larry Kert & New York Choral Artists Ch. 14: Act 7: Debate 3- The Good, The Bad, The Nasty (Act 1, Part 2) - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (@FullFrontalSamB) - Air Date: 10-24-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Nasty - Janet Jackson Ch. 16: Act 8: @LeahNTorres describes her work as one of the only doctors providing abortions in Utah - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 9-7-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: Proud - Tegan and Sara Ch. 18: Act 9: One of the oldest laws targeting abortion access is finally seeing the fight it deserves - ThinkProgress - Air Date 9-30-16 Ch. 19: Song 9: Radioactive - Vitamin String Quartet Ch. 20: Act 10: Keep the Pressure on Congress to #BeBoldEndHyde via @AllAboveAll - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 21: Song 10: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 22: Act 11: If You Want To End Abortions, You Should Work To End Poverty. - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-07-16 Voicemails Ch. 23: Response to Rape Culture episode - Rebecca from Seattle Ch. 24: What we must understand to understand the policing problem - V from Central New York Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 25: Final comments on the propaganda i witnessed recently and detail in the newest member's bonus show Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION! Get involved with All Above All actions on the state and local level Share All Above All resources on social media with #BeBoldEndHyde EDUCATE YOURSELF What Women Do When They Can't Afford an Abortion (Broadly.vice.com) What are your state's laws when it comes to abortion coverage? (AllAboveAll.org) All Above All's Hyde Amendment Fact Sheet (AllAboveAll.org) Term And Partial Birth Abortions: The Mythical Arch-Nemeses Of The Anti-Choice Movement (HuffingtonPost.com) Tim Kaine Now Backs Lifting the Hyde Amendment Banning Abortion Funding (NBCNews.com) Written by Best of the Left Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1051 Today we look at just a few of the manifestations of rape culture in society with plenty of focus on the need for affirmative consent education Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Pussy-Gate Vile Trump Audio Leaks, Exposes Classless Trump - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 10-11-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: GRAB'm by the PU$$Y - will.i.am ft Apl.de.ap and Liane V Ch. 4: Act 2: Job Fair for Future Women - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (@FullFrontalSamB) - Air Date: 02-23-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Can’t Take No for an Answer - David Nunez Ch. 6: Act 3: #NotAllMen #SometimesAllMen - Trumpcast - Air Date 10-13-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Backwards Blues - Adia Victoria Ch. 8: Act 4: Limbaugh- 'Here Come the Rape Police' After One Whiff Of Lack Of Consent - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 10-13-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Consent - Jack and Dean Ch. 10: Act 5: How rape culture manifests itself - @InDeepRadio w: @AngieCoiro - Air Date 7-2-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: We Are the Kids - WALK THE MOON Ch. 12: Act 6: Trevor calls bullshit on Donald Trump's "locker room talk" defense. - The Daily Show - Air Date 10-10-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Can't You Tell? - Aimee Mann Ch. 14: Act 7: What Exactly Do Rapists Look Like? - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date: 10-17-15 Ch. 15: Song 7: Boys Will Be Boys - Alisha Ch. 16: Act 8: Not in my locker room - @EdgeofSports - w: Dave Zirin - Air Date 10-15-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: Building Steam with a Grain of Salt - DJ Shadow Ch. 18: Act 9: #HikeforHealing to Support The #MonumentQuilt for Survivors of Rape and Abuse via @UpsettingRape (FORCE) - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 19: Song 9: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 20: Act 10: Your vagina is not a car - Clementine Ford at TEDxSouthBankWomen - Air Date: 02-05-14 Voicemails Ch. 21: Two book recommendations of the history of racial oppression - Tyler from Kentucky Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 22: Final comments on the documentary Audrie & Daisy and the need for early education on affirmative consent Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Find a Hike for Healing team near you or start one at https://www.crowdrise.com/hikeforhealing View quilt squares, get information on making a quilt square, sign up to host a workshop and volunteer at https://themonumentquilt.org Check out #WhyWomenDontReport on Twitter EDUCATE YOURSELF Our quilt project shares rape survivors' stories (CNN.com) Trump's Campaign Embraces Rape Culture (ThinkProgress.com) Everyone's talking to their daughters about Donald Trump. They need to talk to their sons. (Mic.com) The Conversation You Must Have With Your Sons (HuffingtonPost.com) 8 Societal Barriers That Make it Hard to Report Sexual Assault (EverydayFeminism.com) Women share stories of sexual assault to show Trump what rape culture looks like (HuffingtonPost.com) Written by Best of the Left Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #988 Today we look at the intersection of the climate crisis with our current economic system including how monopolies, trade deals, market failures and the concept of “externalities” all work together to make climate change worse Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Externalities - by @DavidSuzuki - Resource Based Economy - Air Date: 7-26-13 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: The True Cost Of Fossil Fuels - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-28-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: The Price You Pay - Bruce Springsteen Ch. 6: Act 3: TransCanada Uses NAFTA to sue The US Over Keystone Pipeline! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-08-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Smoke And Mirrors - Giraffe Ch. 8: Act 4: Nevada guts their net metering program, killing the solar industry - @greennewsreport - Air Date 1-12-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Sunshine to Burn (The Long Grass) - The Sand Pebbles Ch. 10: Act 5: Ronald Wright on Progress Traps - The Green Interview - Air Date: 8-1-11 Ch. 11: Song 5: Farmscrapers - Dad Rocks! Ch. 12: Act 6: Is the Military the Future of Renewable Energy? - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 12-04-15 Ch. 13: Song 6: Hands To Myself - Selena Gomez Ch. 14: Act 7: Porter Ranch Massive CA Gas Leak & What It Means - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date 01-12-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Payne's Bay - Beirut Ch. 16: Act 8: Is Aliso Canyon California's BP Blowout? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-08-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: Devil Town - Tony Lucca Ch. 18: Act 9: #LeapYear Manifesto: For New Economic & Energy Systems via @NaomiAKlein — Best of the Left Activism Ch. 19: Act 9A: The Leap Manifesto As Explained By @NaomiAKlein - Huffington Post Canada - Air Date: 9-15-15 Ch. 20: Song 9: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 21: Act 10: Surviving Progress Film (condensed version) Activism: #LeapYear Manifesto: For New Economic & Energy Systems via @NaomiAKlein Take Action: JOIN/Host: #LeapYear Event, Feb-March 2016 via WATCH: "Leap Year 2016 - Hangout with Naomi Klein, Bill McKibben, and more” hosted by This Changes Everything Canadians can SIGN: The Leap Year Manifest Sources/further reading: "Let’s make this a real ‘leap’ year, and go fossil fuel-free” by Naomi Klein Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1050 Today we look at the systems at play that put workers and everyday consumers at a constant disadvantage to their business-running overloads - but it has a hopeful ending! Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: @DavidBurkus: Why you should know how much your coworkers get paid - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 9-20-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want) - Joe Jackson Ch. 4: Act 2: The War on Unions Has Lowered All Our Wages! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 09-01-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Miffed - Tom Rosenthal Ch. 6: Act 3: Foreign factories, coal-town media and the tipped wage - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-2-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: We Stand As One - Joseph Arthur Ch. 8: Act 4: Do Labor Unions Still Matter? - Seeker Daily - Air Date: 2-23-15 Ch. 9: Song 4: Le monde de contre jour - David Ari Leon Ch. 10: Act 5: MILLIONS Of Workers Go On Strike - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-07-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Join Forces - Caribbean Pulse Ch. 12: Act 6: Uber's revolution was mostly about circumventing labor unions - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 9-29-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Same Old Story - Pennywise Ch. 14: Act 7: #BoycottWendys Until They Join the Fair Food Program via @CIW - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: Activism - Shihan Ch. 16: Act 8: On Wealth and Labor - Progressive Faith Sermons w/ @RevDrRay - Air Date 9-4-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Possible effects of the TPP on the corruption industry - Brad from Irving, TX Ch. 18: Shamefully admitting to being a former libertarian - Chris from Colorado Springs Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on libertarianism and the false dichotomy of the social vs. the individual Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION DON'T EAT AT WENDY'S! Learn more about the reasons for the boycott at allianceforfairfood.org Sign the pledge to boycott Wendy's Attend a "Behind the Braids: Wendy's Boycott Tour" event near you Spread the word on social media via #BoycottWendys EDUCATE YOURSELF There is a Nationwide Boycott of Wendy's Underway (via The Nation) Students Declare Nationwide Boycott of Wendy's Over Farmworker Concerns (via The American Prospect) Dear Wendy's: I'm boycotting you, but I'm not the one you should be worried about (via Common Dreams) Written by Best of the Left Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1049 Today we look at the political philosophy of libertarianism and explain why large parts of it make almost no sense when applied to the real world Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Libertarian Calls In to Teach Us All About the Right Kind of Libertarianism - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 07-10-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Blik - deeB Ch. 4: Act 2: Why Are Libertarians Mostly Men??? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 07-13-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Fantasy - Anya Marina Ch. 6: Act 3: Libertarianism Debunked. - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-26-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Risk It - Nahko and Medicine for the People Ch. 8: Act 4: Libertarians Divided Over Driver's Licenses - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 06-02-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Don't Waste Your Breath - Colour Me Wednesday Ch. 10: Act 5: Which Is A Bigger Scam - The Libertarian or Republican Party? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-18-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Everything Is Free - Ben Sollee Ch. 12: Act 6: A History Lesson for Libertertarians - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 08-13-15 Ch. 13: Song 6: Lesson Learned (feat. John Mayer) - Alicia Keys Ch. 14: Act 7: No Progressives Should Vote for Libertarian Gary Johnson - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 10-04-16 Voicemails Ch. 15: Some are in it just to win - Emma from New York City Ch. 16: Inaugural meeting of the D@W Twin Cities Action Group - Paul from Minnesota Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments debunking a couple of logical fallacies from professional libertarians Bonus Clip 1: Libertarian Debate Darryl Perry Defines Libertarianism - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 06-24-16 Bonus Clip 2: Libertarian Debate Sam Seder vs. Dave Smith - Majority Report - Air Date 08-22-15 Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1048 Today we look at the ways in which the 13th amendment to the constitution opened the doors to a mere evolution of slavery rather than it’s abolition as our national myth contends Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe - Excerpt: Attica explained Ch. 3: Song 1: Attica State - John Lennon & Yoko Ono Ch. 4: Act 2: 45 Years After Legendary Attica Prison Uprising, New Book Reveals State Role in Deadly Standoff - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 09-09-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Strong Animals - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 6: Act 3: Prison Labor = Modern Day Slavery? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-16-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: High Demand - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 8: Act 4: Rattling the Bars US Prison Labor - @TheRealNews - Air Date 9-5-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Forward - Northbound Ch. 10: Act 5: Noelle Hanrahan on National Prison Strike - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-16-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Prison Abolition (feat. Daman) - Conscious Youth Ch. 12: Act 6: Prisoners Strike To Say 'We're Not Slaves!!' (w/Guest: Maya Schenwar) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 09-21-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Chain Gang (2005 Remastered) - Sam Cooke Ch. 14: Act 7: Important stories of the prison strike are blacked out by media - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-30-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Everyday (Single Version) - Carly Comando Ch. 16: Act 8: Support Prison Strikers by Joining Actions Around the Country - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 18: Act 9: Advocates: The U.S. Still Profits from Slavery Because the 13th Amendment Perpetuates Prison Labor - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 10-03-16 Ch. 19: Final comments on the timely release of the new Ava DuVernay doc, “13th” Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Read the call to action post on ItsGoingDown.org and find an event near you at the bottom of the post. Create your own local action to support the prison strikes and submit it to be posted by emailing info@itsgoingdown.org. EDUCATE YOURSELF Why Prisoners Across the Country Have Gone on Strike (via Mother Jones) "We're Freedom Fighters": The Story of the Nationwide Prison Labor Strike (via truthout) The biggest national prison strike in American history is happening now (via Daily Kos) Meet the inmate who launched a massive prison strike from his jail cell (via Vice) Free Alabama Movement (website of the inmates spearheading the strike in Alabama) IWW Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee (unrecognized union for incarcerated prison workers) Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1047 Today we look at a few of the ways our two major political parties have worked to entrench their own power with the side effect of ruining the foundations of our democratic system Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Supreme Court vs. the American Voter - Times Op-Doc Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: This is not your grandfather's gerrymandering w/ @davedaley3 - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 8-17-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Segregation - Rankin Scroo Ch. 6: Act 3: How The Debates Were Corrupted By The Democrats AND Republicans - @theyoungturks - Air Date 09-25-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: The 4th Estate - GFE Ch. 8: Act 4: Ratf**ked The True Story Behind the Secret Plan to Steal America's Democracy w/ @davedaley3 - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 08-27-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Prove My Hypothesis - Death Cab For Cutie Ch. 10: Act 5: Two-Party Tyranny Ralph Nader on Exclusion of Third-Party Candidates from First Presidential Debate - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 09-19-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead Ch. 12: Act 6: VoteRiders.org is out to educate voters about their state Voter ID laws - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 9-30-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Hey Ya - Obadiah Parker Ch. 14: Act 7: Register and PREPARE to Vote in Your State via @RocktheVote - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for Action - Secret Affair Ch. 16: Act 8: Explaining the plans the GOP has to maintain power as a minority party w/ @davedaley3 - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 8-17-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Security of the voting process in Oregon - Elise in Portland, OR Ch. 18: Standing up for each other in the metal community - Jason from Iowa Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on the political and mental games we play Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Register to vote at https://www.rockthevote.com Check your registration status with Rock the Vote's "Am I Registered?" tool Check on changes to voter ID requirements in your state at Rock the Vote's "Voter ID Requirements by State" or at VoteRiders.org. EDUCATE YOURSELF Electionary - A Guide to Election Laws “Rigged” - The Documentary (via Fusion TV) Wisconsin is Systemically Failing to Provide the Photo IDs Required to Vote in November (via The Nation) Judge Blocks Election Day Registration at Illinois Polling Places (via The Chicago Tribune) This November, Know Your Voting Rights (via ACLU) Voter Suppression Laws: What’s New Since the 2012 Presidential Election (Interactive Map) (via ACLU) Written by Best of the Left Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1046 Today we look at the designed systems that dictate how and where we work, live and engage with society and think about ways to improve those systems Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Transforming cities, changing the system - @TheNextSystem Project - Air Date: 10-6-15 Ch. 4: Act 2: @JeffSpeckAICP, author of Walkable City: Why Does Suburbia Suck? - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 08-06-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Walking Man - James Taylor Ch. 6: Act 3: John Nichols (@NicholsUprising): The Fight Against a Jobless Economy and a Citizen-less Democracy - Belabored (@DissentMag) - Air Date 5-13-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Send a Message - Nick Driver Ch. 8: Act 4: The social and ecological benefits of sharing the load - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 5-17-15 Ch. 9: Song 4: Who Benefits? - Mustard Plug Ch. 10: Act 5: Gunnar Branson: Moore's Law of Real Estate - TEDxNaperville - Air Date 12-18-12 Voicemails Ch. 11: Keeping tabs on the mainstream media - Paula from Reno, NV Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 12: Final comments on taking vaccine doses of the mainstream media Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1045 Today we look at the systemically racist systems of policing currently in place in our country and the protest movement that continues to rise up against it, including Colin Kaepernick and the growing movement of support around him Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Deadly force in black and white - @Making_Contact - Air Date: 2-17-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Oh, Freedom - Shirley Verrett Ch. 4: Act 2: Recorded proof of racially-targeted policing - The Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date 7-13-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: America - Neil Diamond Ch. 6: Act 3: Racist & Illegal Justice Department Slams Baltimore Police for Targeting Black Residents - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 08-11-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: This Land is Not Our Land - Utah Phillips Ch. 8: Act 4: How media gets it wrong on protests against police violence - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-23-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: House of Cards Main Title Theme - Jeff Beal Ch. 10: Act 5: Dave Zirin breaks down the Colin @Kaepernick7 protest - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 9-14-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: American Land - Bruce Springsteen Ch. 12: Act 6: What we learned about our national anthem from @Kaepernick7 protest - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 9-7-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Rockin' In the Free World - Neil Young Ch. 14: Act 7: Choice words on the anthem protesters and their detractors - @EdgeofSports - w Dave Zirin - Air Date 9-14-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: John Adams theme song - HBO Ch. 16: Act 8: Tell Your Legislators to Sign the “Pledge to Preserve & Protect Our Lives” via @NAACP #StayWokeandVote Ch. 17: Song 8: We Didn't Start the Fire - Billy Joel Ch. 18: Act 9: Can the American Flag Survive Colin @Kaepernick7? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-03-16 Voicemails Ch. 19: Thoughts from working at the Sacred Stone Camp - Nick from Colorado Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on the OTHER pipeline protest going on in Big Bend (Defendbigbend.org) Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Send the NAACP's "Pledge to Preserve and Protect Our Lives to your legislators and candidates Read the "NAACP's Statement on Fatal Shooting of Terence Crutcher During Police Encounter in Tulsa, OK" Get involved with the NAACP's #StayWokeandVote campaign and use the hashtag on Twitter EDUCATE YOURSELF "NAACP releases list of demands in response to Charlotte shooting" (WRAL.com) "If you don't understand Black Lives Matter after Terence Crutcher's death, you never will" (Vox.com) "How two police shootings of black men sent Tulsa and Charlotte in different directions" (LA Times) "Tulsa police chief on fatal shooting of Terence Crutcher: 'There was no gun'" (Tulsaworld.com) "Colin Kaepernick explains why he sat during the national anthem" (NFL.com) "#VeteransforKaepernick: Veterans Stand in Solidarity with Colin Kaepernick" (The Root) Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1044 Today we look at some of the ways our corporate media work to ignore widespread disaffection and real issues in favor of fluff, argument and ineffectual neutrality Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Media ignores widespread disaffection with political system - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 6-3-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Messages - Xavier Rudd Ch. 4: Act 2: Why Don't We Hear About Real Issues On The News? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-17-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: My Conversation - The Uniques Ch. 6: Act 3: Independent Media In Danger, Allegations of YouTube Censorship - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 09-02-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: I Love You Money - Lowell Ch. 8: Act 4: Crisis Engulfs Fox News as Roger Ailes Sexual Harrassment & Spying Scandal Grows - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 08-11-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Abuse of Power - Lion of Light Ch. 10: Act 5: CNN's morally bankrupt hiring of former Trump campaign staffer - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 7-1-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: That’s All - Clare and the Reasons Ch. 12: Act 6: The media and political parties collude to make debates profitable and worthless - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 9-10-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Turtle (Bonobo Remix) - Pilote Ch. 14: Act 7: A Recent History of Political Lies - On The Media - Air Date 7-8-16 Voicemails Ch. 15: Working with Central Americans - Justin from Mitchell, Indiana Ch. 16: The migration story replays itself over and over again - Justin from Mitchell, Indiana Ch. 17: How can a community hold an abuser accountable? - Megan from Baltimore Ch. 18: We have ourselves to blame for the media - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on the degree to which I hate cable news channels Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1043 Today we look at some of the structures of money in politics and how the tide is beginning to turn Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The Truth About Citizens United - Follow the Money #8 - Represent.Us - Air Date: 1-26-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Addiction - Medina Ch. 4: Act 2: @DerekCressman on Free speech vs paid speech with guest host @AngieCoiro - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 5-31-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Buy My Vote - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 6: Act 3: How To Destroy The Corrupt Political Establishment - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-20-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Welcome To the Machine - Pink Floyd Ch. 8: Act 4: @USRepDavidJolly on The STOP Act Part 1 - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 8-27-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Moneytalks - Vitamin String Quartet Ch. 10: Act 5: Steve Israel on Congressional Fundraising - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 04-04-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Money Grabber (Live @ KEXP) - Fitz and The Tantrums Ch. 12: Act 6: @USRepDavidJolly on The STOP Act Part 2 - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 8-27-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Changes - Langhorne Slim & The Law Ch. 14: Act 7: Rhode Island Demands Money Out Of Politics - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-21-16 Voicemails Ch. 15: Standing against racism - Kyle from Portland Ch. 16: What we can do to get better healthier density - Ryan from Phoenix Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments on the hopeful outlook of the future of campaign finance reform Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1042 Today we look in on the convergence of Native American and First Nations tribes in North Dakota to protect the water from the Dakota Access Pipeline Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Will The Lakota Tribe's Black Snake Prophecy Come True? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-19-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: People of the First Light - Russell Patrick Ch. 4: Act 2: Standing Rock #nodapl - Levitate Media Group - Air Date 9-3-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: N/A Ch. 6: Act 3: Canine Expert Decries "Egregious" & "Horrific" Dog Attacks on Native Americans Defending Burial Site - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 09-06-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Cherry Creek Singers - No DAPL song Ch. 8: Act 4: Native Woman Bitten By Dogs DEBUNKS Media Falsehoods - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-08-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Song for Mother Earth - Lakota Ch. 10: Act 5: The regulatory loophole that allows easy permitting for new pipelines - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 9-12-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Shove Your Pipeline - Frank Nawrot Ch. 12: Act 6: Eminent Domain? Iowans Sue to Stop Dakota Access Pipeline, Say It Provides No Public Service - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 09-07-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: As Long As the Grass Grows - Randy Wood Ch. 14: Act 7: Why fossil fuels companies are rushing to build old infrastructure - @GreenNewsReport - Air Date 9-13-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Ode to Nature - Brulé Ch. 16: Act 8: Tell President Obama to Revoke USACE Permits & STOP the Dakota Access Pipeline #NoDAPL via @350 - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 18: Act 9: Water Protectors at Standing Rock React to Obama's Intervention in Dakota Access Pipeline Battle - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 09-12-16 Voicemails Ch. 19: Violence against protesters - Frank Ch. 20: Determining the end of a dogs life - Sunny from St. Paul, MN Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments on how my Climate Ride went and how well I’m recovering Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Tell President Obama to revoke USACE permits by sending him a message. Find actions near you through September 17th and beyond. This map will update, so check back frequently! Sign up to get the latest news and hear about upcoming actions related to #NoDAPL. OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT Contribute to the Sacred Stone Camp legal defense fund Contribute to the Sacred Stone Camp supply fund EDUCATE YOURSELF Learn about the targets of the #NoDAPL movement Moments After Judge Denies DAPL Injunction, Federal Agencies Intervene What You Need to Know About the Dakota Access Pipeline Protest Alabama, Georgia declare state of emergency after pipeline spill Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #991 Today we take a look at the influence of the food giants on what goes into our food supply, who’s allowed to inspect and regulate it, what our kids are taught about what’s healthy, the policies of international trade that lowers food safety standards and even how farmers raise their chickens Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill 00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Why nobody knows what's really going into your food - The Center for Public Integrity (@Publici) - Air Date: 04-13-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: The Prettiest Remix - Jim Guthrie 00:04:10 Ch. 4: Act 2: Sugar and Salt and Fat: Food Giants Have Hooked Us - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-26-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Pour Some Sugar On Me (2012 Re-Recorded Version) - Def Leppard 00:15:10 Ch. 6: Act 3: EXPOSED: Coca-Cola’s Scam To Keep Kids Drinking Soda - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-01-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Diet Coke - Airbäg 00:21:53 Ch. 8: Act 4: Carey Gillam on the conflicts of interest in the coverage of our food supply - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-5-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Johnny Appleseed - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros 00:33:18 Ch. 10: Act 5: Mystery Meat: After WTO Ruling, U.S. Tosses Meat Origin Labeling Law, Leaving Consumers in the Dark - @democracynow - Air Date: 01-07-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: The Cave - Piano Tribute Players 00:37:43 Ch. 12: Act 6: Disaster: TPP Will Destroy US Food Safety - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 11-14-15 Ch. 13: Song 6: Solid Ground - Dougie Maclean 00:41:51 Ch. 14: Act 7: Chickens and the farmers who raise them - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 05-17-15 Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #994 Today we take a look at the narratives and stories that fill and influence our lives, whose stories get told and why and how that effects the way we see the world Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill 00:00:37 Ch. 2: Act 1: Mansplaining: The Science - @Upworthy - Air Date: 03-10-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Words Are Seeds - My Gay Banjo 00:02:35 Ch. 4: Act 2: The Racial Politics of Disney Animals - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 8-28-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song) - Louis Prima, Phil Harris & Bruce Reitherman 00:16:47 Ch. 6: Act 3: Broad Politics in the Obama Administration - @DecodeDC - Air Date 1-28-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Seat at the Table - Crystal Lewis 00:22:53 Ch. 8: Act 4: #OscarsSoWhite: Black Filmmakers Call Out Hollywood Racism, Exclusion as Calls for Boycott Grow - @democracynow - Air Date: 01-25-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Gatekeepers - Sharrie Williams 00:30:54 Ch. 10: Act 5: $pread, For and By Sex Workers - @onthemedia - Air Date: 5-1-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Power of Words - iamuuri 00:40:10 Ch. 12: Act 6: Worst Oscar responses to #OscarsSoWhite - Backtalk from @BitchMedia - Air Date 2-18-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Bedtime Stories - Chris Reed 00:57:01 Ch. 14: Act 7: #OscarsSoWhite; Watch #JusticeForFlint Instead via @UnitedBlackout — Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard 01:00:18 Ch. 16: Act 8: An inclusion crisis in the entertainment industry - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-26-16 Activism: #OscarsSoWhite; Watch #JusticeForFlint Instead via @UnitedBlackout Take Action: #JusticeForFlint from Blackout for Human Rights Additional Activism/Resources: "How to help people hurt by the poisoned water in Flint” via Mashable Sources/further reading: ”Meet April Reign, the Black Woman Behind #OscarsSoWhite" "The 17 Biggest Surprises Of This Year’s Oscar Nominations — #OscarsSoWhiteTheSequel” via Buzzfeed "These 10 Actors, Directors & Executives Can Reverse #OscarsSoWhite” at RevoltTV "Creed Is The Rocky Film 21st-Century America Needs” at The Establishment Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1041 Today we take a look at matters of life, death and the right to choose when to move from one to the other Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The Other Pro-Choice Movement - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-29-14 Ch. 3: Song 1: Machine - David Ari Leon Ch. 4: Act 2: Death With Dignity Advocate Brittany Maynard Dies At 29 - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date: 11-04-14 Ch. 5: Song 2: Chicago - Plusplus Ch. 6: Act 3: How to Die in Oregon - Taking Control - SundanceNOW Doc Club - Air Date 10-30-14 Ch. 7: Song 3: The Smallest Piece - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 8: Act 4: Assisted Suicide - Harriet Scott's Story - Last Right Series - The National - Air Date 11-4-13 Ch. 9: Song 4: The Artifact & Living - Michael Andrews Ch. 10: Act 5: Caller: My Father Committed Suicide after 30 Years of Pain... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-30-14 Ch. 11: Song 5: Dawn Departure, Jefferson County - Black Prairie Ch. 12: Act 6: Doctor Assisted Suicide Is Now Legal In California - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date: 10-11-15 Ch. 13: Song 6: Take Five - Dave Brubeck Ch. 14: Act 7: How to Die in Oregon - Goodbye Roger - SundanceNOW Doc Club - Air Date 10-30-14 Ch. 15: Song 7: End of the World - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 16: Act 8: Tell Your Legislators to Support Medical #AidinDying via @CompandChoices - Best of the Left Acitivsm Ch. 17: Song 8: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 18: Act 9: @BCoombsLee: The Brittany Effect: Transforming the Death with Dignity Movement - TEDxMarin - Air Date 10-5-15 Voicemails Ch. 19: What kind of system do we want to see? - Rick from Scranton, PA Ch. 20: What to do after the election - Andrew In Forth Worth, TX Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments on the last thank yous before Climate Ride and the origin or today’s topic Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Urge your legislators to support medical aid in dying Find and become one of the volunteer advocates and educators near you Download the Compassion and Choices Legislative Guidebook to share with your representative EDUCATE YOURSELF Hear stories from those directly impacted Understanding Medical Aid in Dying (Compassion and Choices) End of Life Care Commonly Used Terms (Compassion and Choices) Medical Aid in Dying is Not Assisted Suicide (Compassion and Choices) Being Mortal: Dr. Atul Gawande on How U.S. Healthcare Fails to Handle the End of Life (Democracy Now!) Brittany Maynard's Legacy: One Year Later (Compassion and Choices) Written by Best of the Left Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1040 Today we take a look at a couple of solutions to homelessness as well as some of the forces at play that effect how and where people live across the country Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Let's End Homeless Hate Laws - Brave New Films: Justice - Air Date: 12-8-14 Ch. 3: Song 1: Homeless (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) - Paul Simon Ch. 4: Act 2: Fiscally Conservative: Free Homes for Homeless SAVE MONEY for Utah - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 11-22-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: To Build a Home - The Cinematic Orchestra Ch. 6: Act 3: Race, Ethnicity, and Urban Land Use Decision-Baltimore Ecosystem Study - @InfinEarthRadio - Air Date 6-2-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Rows of Homes - The Western States Motel Ch. 8: Act 4: .@TaliaBuford on EPA and Environmental Racism - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-5-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Home - Phillip Phillips Ch. 10: Act 5: Matthew Desmond (@just_shelter) - Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City - We the Podcast with Rep. @keithellison - Air Date 8-8-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Back Home - Andy Grammer Ch. 12: Act 6: Right to the City: From Policing to Planning: Putting People in Charge - @theLFshow w: @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 3-8-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Ch. 14: Act 7: Tell Congress to #MakeRoom for Affordable Housing via @MakeRoom - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 16: Act 8: Rep. @keithellison on ensuring safe, affordable housing for all - We the Podcast - Air Date 8-8-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Look into the green party - Chris from Southern Illinois Ch. 18: Let's move on to after the election - Emma from New York City Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on how supporters of the show helped a family in need Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Sign up and send your message to Congress via the Make Room campaign Download the Make Room Take Action Toolkit Encourage your organization to sign the Make Room sign-on letter EDUCATE YOURSELF "Affordable housing advocates push for Baltimore charter amendment, future funding" (Baltimore Sun) "The lack of affordable housing is causing a public health disaster in Oakland" (Fusion.net) "Public health problems in Oakland linked to housing crisis" (San Francisco Chronicle) "Dallas is pushing in the right direction on affordable housing" (Dallas Morning News) "Rep. Ellison Introduces the Common Sense Housing Investment Act" (EllisonHouse.gov) "Sanders Announces Vermont Secures $3 Million for Affordable Housing, Praises First-Ever Funding of National Housing Trust Fund" (Sanders.senate.gov) Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1039 Today we look in detail at the overdue concept of worker owned and operated enterprises and what they can do to help improve the lives of people who work for a living Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Own The Change: Building Workplace Democracy One Worker Cooperative At A Time - The F Word w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 2-9-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: We Demand Change - Tristan James Ch. 4: Act 2: Dispelling some myths about worker coops - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 6-12-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Banking on a Myth - Andrew Bird Ch. 6: Act 3: Defying the Crisis - The Spanish Collective Mondragan - Air Date 1-25-12 Ch. 7: Song 3: Look To The Future - Birthrite Ch. 8: Act 4: Julia Hutchins: How cooperative businesses can answer tough business challenges - TEDxMileHigh - Air Date 12-16-13 Ch. 9: Song 4: Cooperation - Jim Valley Ch. 10: Act 5: The Promise and Limitations of Worker Co-ops -- Gar Alperovitz - Workplace Democracy - Air Date 9-15-14 Ch. 11: Song 5: Interesting Times - Akira the Don Ch. 12: Act 6: The UK Labor party taking the lead on worker coops - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 5-9-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Capitalism Is Tearing Us Apart - sole Ch. 14: Act 7: Join a Local Democracy @ Work Action Group via @Democracyatwrk - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for Action - Secret Affair Ch. 16: Act 8: Some barriers that prevent the creation of worker coops - @theLFshow w: @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 2-23-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Voting in safe states - Steven from Brooklyn Ch. 18: Thoughts on "Safe States" - Darice from Washington, DC Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on the end of our summer fundraiser Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Find or start a Democracy At Work Action Group in your area at http://www.democracyatwork.info/groups Follow Democracy At Work on Twitter at @Democracyatwrk EDUCATE YOURSELF Economic Update Podcast The Next System Project Truth Out Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1038 Today we take a look at a couple of the international trade deals currently in the works, why they’re bad and how to stop them Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Karen @HansenKuhn on the secret negotiations of the TTIP - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 5-6-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: North By North - Faded Paper Figures Ch. 4: Act 2: New Study Confirms #TPP Will Kill #American Jobs! (Guest @WallachLori) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 05-19-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: A Lot of Work to Do - Friendly People Ch. 6: Act 3: Sen. Elizabeth Warren on why we need to stop the TPP - CREDO Action - Air Date 6-7-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Count On Me - Bruno Mars Ch. 8: Act 4: Hillary Clinton Disavows the TPP Now and Forever - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 08-13-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Gone - Jack Johnson Ch. 10: Act 5: What the fight against the TPP can learn from the movement against TTIP - Act Out! (@ActOutonOccupy) - Air Date 5-13-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Protest Song - Anti-Flag Ch. 12: Act 6: Stop Toxic Trade Deals - NationalSierraClub - Air Date 6-27-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Victory - Trampled by Turtles Ch. 14: Act 7: Why Did Clinton Just Tap a Pro-TPP, Pro-KXL, Pro-Fracking Politician to Head Her Transition Team? - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 08-17-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Fake Empire - The National Ch. 16: Act 8: Trans-Pacific Partnership EXPLAINED! - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-04-16 Ch. 17: Final comments on how to fight the TPP during the lame duck session Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1006 Today we take a look at the last several decades of the conservative movement and the Republican Party, where they came from and how we got to where we are Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Let's adopt the GOP's national platform - @JimHightower - Air Date: 4-1-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: The Great Pretender - The Platters Ch. 4: Act 2: No Legitamate Republican President Since Eisenhower... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-20-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Cheat - The Clash Ch. 6: Act 3: The Kochs & the Nazis: Book Reveals Billionaires' Father Built Key Oil Refinery for the Third Reich - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 01-20-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: The John Birch Society - The Chad Mitchell Trio Ch. 8: Act 4: How business made us a Christian Nation™ - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 3-22-15 Ch. 9: Song 4: Show Me What I'm Looking For - Carolina Liar Ch. 10: Act 5: Jelani Cobb on the Democracy of Blame Part 1 - Primary Concerns (@prime_concerns) - Air Date 3-24-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Little Lion Man - Mumford & Sons Ch. 12: Act 6: Today's Republicans Employing Lee Atwater's Dog Whistle Racism - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 02-24-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Racism - Mighty Sparrow Ch. 14: Act 7: Jelani Cobb on the Democracy of Blame Part 2 - Primary Concerns (@prime_concerns) - Air Date 3-24-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Chickens Comin' Home to Roost - Toronzo Cannon Ch. 16: Act 8: Nixon's War on Drugs: Aide Says Motives Were Racist & Anti-Leftist - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 03-27-16 Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1037 Today we take a look at the future of progressivism and how the Bernie Sanders campaign has changed politics for a generation Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The Bernie Sanders revolution is just getting started - Jim @HightowerNews - Air Date 7-28-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Talking About A Revolution - Tracy Chapman Ch. 4: Act 2: Bernie Sanders Has Changed Politics for the Millennials! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 04-29-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Gil Scott-Heron Ch. 6: Act 3: Naomi Klein: There Would Be No Bernie Movement Without #FightFor15, Keystone XL & #BlackLivesMatter - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 06-20-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Revolution (Human Need Over Profit) - Tha Truth Ch. 8: Act 4: Bernie Sanders Has Bright Plans For Future - @theyoungturks - Air Date 07-16-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: One Man Revolution - Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman Ch. 10: Act 5: Why the Bernie revolution will continue - Jim @HightowerNews - Air Date 8-11-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Keep On Moving Forward - Emma's Revolution Ch. 12: Act 6: The Lesser Evil - On The Media - Air Date 8-5-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Forward - Northbound Ch. 14: Act 7: Are We Seeing A Proactive Change In The Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton? - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 07-17-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Revolution - Grandaddy Ch. 16: Act 8: What Direction do Millennials Want to See the U.S. Go? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 04-29-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: Lawless Flawless (Instrumental) - Chris Priest Ch. 18: Act 9: Bernie Sanders: The Warning Shot Of The Impending Revolution - @theyoungturks - Air Date 04-27-16 Voicemails Ch. 19: People with disabilities and the sub-minimum wage - Alyson from Colorado Ch. 20: Minimum wage and automation - Greg from North Carolina Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments on theories of change for after the election Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1036 Today we take a look at happiness and how to increase it personally and politically Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness - TEDTalks - Air Date: 12-23-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Happiness - Pet Shop Boys Ch. 4: Act 2: The World Happiness Report - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 03-23-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) [feat. MGMT & Ratatat] - Kid Cudi Ch. 6: Act 3: Living with Gratitude in an Imperfect World - Progressive Faith Sermons w/ @RevDrRay - Air Date: 11-22-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Happy now? - No Doubt Ch. 8: Act 4: We Are Built To Be Kind - Fig. 1 by University of California - Air Date: 12-2-14 Ch. 9: Song 4: Happy - Sister Hazel Ch. 10: Act 5: Punctuating happiness - Backstory - Air Date 7-17-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Everybody Loves a Happy Ending - Tears for Fears Ch. 12: Act 6: David Steindl-Rast: Want to be happy? Be grateful - TEDTalks - Air Date 11-27-13 Voicemails Ch. 13: Recommending "The Most Good You Can Do" - Nick from Colorado Ch. 14: A few quick thoughts on voting reform - Jeff from Massachusetts Ch. 15: Supporting the minimum wage but worrying about automation - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on finding gratitude in the face of the death of a loved one Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1035 Today we take a look at some of the ways that low wages hurts everyone and why the arguments for keeping them low just don’t hold water Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Chase Bank tries to get some good PR out of a tiny raise for workers - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 7-15-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Minimum Wage - Fenix TX Ch. 4: Act 2: Wendy's Wants to Automate Stores "Because of $15/Hour Minimum Wage Increase" - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-20-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Minimum Wage - The Busboys Ch. 6: Act 3: Burger King Workers in Denmark Make $20 an Hour! - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 01-16-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Minimum Wage - Kevin Sandbloom Ch. 8: Act 4: .@NickHanauer on what's wrong with our upside down economic policies - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 5-13-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Minimum Wage - Romain Virgo Ch. 10: Act 5: McDonald’s To Slightly Increase Wages - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-16-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Minimum Wage - Bob Rivers Ch. 12: Act 6: How Walmart Leeches Off of Government & Creates Customers from Employees - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 03-18-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Minimum Wage - The Closet Monsters Ch. 14: Act 7: Even Conservative David Cameron Gets it, Raise the Minimum Wage! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-23-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Minimum Wage - The Expendables Ch. 16: Act 8: Join the Fight for a Living Wage via @Fightfor15 and @GoodJobsNation - Best of the Left Activism - 8:12:16, 7.35 PM Ch. 17: Song 8: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 18: Act 9: Raise wages, kill jobs? - The Other Washington - Air Date 5-9-16 Ch. 19: Final comments on the zen of collective blame Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION: Sign up with Fight for 15 and sign their petition for a $15 minimum wage Sign up with Good Jobs Nation and co-sign the call for the Model Employer Executive Order GET INVOLVED: The Next System Project Jobs With Justice National Employment Law Project Action EDUCATE YOURSELF: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOqtl53V3JI Read "Fighting for a Living Wage" by Stephanie Luce Minimum Wage Crusaders Are Holding A Convention To Talk About Racism (Washington Post) Bernie Sanders Scores Big Wins with Democratic Platform (MSNBC) Fight for 15 to Hold First Ever Nationwide Convention (Fight for 15) Our voice is being heard in the Fight for $15 (SEIU) Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1034 Today we take a look at the recent judicial wins for voting rights as well as how far we still have to go Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Courts Strike Down Voter Restriction Laws That Target African Americans with "Surgical Precision" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 08-01-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: get real - the mountain firework company Ch. 4: Act 2: Court Throws Out North Carolina's Racist Voting Law As 'A Cure For Problems That Don't Exist!' - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 08-01-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: How Do You Sleep? - Emily DeLoach Ch. 6: Act 3: The role of the media in covering voter suppression laws - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 8-5-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Gobbledigook - Sigur Rós Ch. 8: Act 4: The 'Daily Show' Segment That Helped Change N.C. Voting Rights - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 08-03-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Knock Yourself Out - Jon Brion Ch. 10: Act 5: Election integrity expert responds to the Election Justice USA report on Democratic primaries - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 8-3-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Room For Improvement - The Tracelords Ch. 12: Act 6: Demand @RepGoodlatte Hold #VRA Hearings via @NAACP #RestoretheVRA - Best of the Left Activism - 8:9:16, 3.43 PM Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 14: Act 7: This idea must die: Election Edition - @freakonomics - Air Date 7-27-16 Voicemails Ch. 15: Short and long term electoral strategy - Quai from North Carolina Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on what will be to blame when one party loses the election Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Call Rep Goodlatte - Roanoke, VA office: (540) 857-2672; DC office: (202) 225-5431 Tweet at Rep Goodlatte - @RepGoodlatte Email Rep Goodlatte at talk2bob@mail.house.gov EDUCATE YOURSELF NAACP President Arrested After Staging Voting Rights Sit-in at Lawmakers Office (The Guardian) 'Do Something, or Arrest Us:" NAACP Demands Restoration of Voting Rights (NBC) NAACP National President Cornell William Brooks Arrested After Sit In (NAACP) The Recent Court Rulings Against Voting Restrictions Explained (Vox) What is the Voting Rights Act? Here's Why This Legislations Still Matters, 51 Years Later (Policy.mic) Here's What's Happening in the Battle for Voting Rights (Mother Jones) Voting Rights and Elections (The Brennan Center for Justice) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1033 Today we take a look at the reasons behind why people cling so fervently to their increasingly desperate denials of climate change Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The Climate Deniers Began in 1940 - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 04-14-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Slash and Burn - Blind Corn Liquor Pickers Ch. 4: Act 2: Bill McKibben on Exxon, the Power of Divestment, and Being Targeted by Shadowy Right-Wing Group - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 05-26-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Looking At the Sun - Gramercy Arms Ch. 6: Act 3: .@AriRabinHavt on the climate change lie machine - @InDeepRadio w: @AngieCoiro - Air Date 6-11-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Daylight - Matt & Kim Ch. 8: Act 4: The GOP declares coal as "clean" absent any evidence - @GreenNewsReport - Air Date 7-14-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Port of Call - Beirut Ch. 10: Act 5: Exxon Is Still The Worst Corporation In America - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-24-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Never Again - Enter the Worship Circle Ch. 12: Act 6: Trump perpetuates old, tired myths about renewable energy - @GreenNewsReport - Air Date 8-4-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: I Stand Corrected - Vampire Weekend Ch. 14: Act 7: Per Espen Stoknes (@estoknes): What We Think About When We Try Not to Think About Global Warming - You are not so smart - Air Date 7-28-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: A Beautiful World - Tim Myers Ch. 16: Act 8: #ReZpectOurWater - Best of the Left Activism Voicemails Ch. 17: Vote by mail - Justin from Bend, OR Ch. 18: We need something proactive to do with our time leading up to the election - Sally from San Francisco Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on some further benefits of voting reform Bonus Clip: Howard Dean on the benefits of ranked choice voting - @freakonomics - Air Date 7-27-16 Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Sign the Standing Rock Youth "Stop the Dakota Access Pipeline" Change.org petition and share with #ReZpectOurWater Read the letters and watch the videos from the Standing Rock Youth at ReZpectOurWater.com Follow the Standing Rock Youth on Twitter @ReZpectOurWater If you live on or near the Missouri River, get involved with the Bakken Pipeline Resistance If you're in DC: Lafayette Square Rally for Standing Rock Youth - Saturday August 6th at 1pm If you're in NYC: Union Square Rally for Standing Rock Youth - Sunday August 7th at 3pm EDUCATE YOURSELF UPDATE as of 8/5/16: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe files for temporary blockage of construction of Dakota Access Pipeline (KFYR TV - West Dakota) Standing Rock Sioux Sues Army Corps Over Dakota Access Pipeline Approval (Indian Country) Breaking: Dakota Access Pipeline Approved (Indian Country) Running for Their Lives: 500-Mile You Spiritual Run Against Dakota Access Pipeline (Indian Country) This Week Tonight with John Oliver: North Dakota (HBO's Last Week Tonight) What they are up against: Corps: We're not for or against Bakken pipeline (The Des Moines Register) Op Ed by Terry O'Sullivan, President of Laborer's International Union of North America, "It's Time To Move Ahead with Dakota Access Pipeline" (The State-Journal Register) Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1032 Today we take a look at the highlights and lowlights from both the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Republican National Convention - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 07-25-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Donald Trump "I'm The Dictator" Music Video (The Apprentice 2004) Ch. 4: Act 2: Chaos on Convention Floor Protests, Boos and Chants of "Bernie" Mark Opening of DNC - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 07-26-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Run On - Moby Ch. 6: Act 3: John Nichols The GOP is More United in Disdain for Hillary Clinton Than in Support for Donald Trump - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 07-20-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Last of Our Kind - The Darkness Ch. 8: Act 4: DNC Speakers ROAST Donald Trump - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-29-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Don't Believe a Word - Ivy Ch. 10: Act 5: In a Speech Filled with Fear & Xenophobia Donald Trump Accepts Nomination - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 07-22-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Postcards from Richard Nixon - Elton John Ch. 12: Act 6: Hillary Clinton Accepts Historic Nomination, Says Election is a "Moment of Reckoning" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 07-29-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk Ch. 14: Act 7: Democratic National Convention - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 08-01-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Promontory - Circa Paleo Ch. 16: Act 8: President Obama Implores Nation to Vote for Hillary Clinton "Carry Her the Same Way You Carried Me" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 07-28-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: President - Wyclef Jean Ch. 18: Act 9: Hillary & J.F.K. Are More Alike Than You Think! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 07-29-16 Ch. 19: Song 9: Lyndon Johnson Told the Nation - Tom Paxton Ch. 20: Act 10: John Nichols describes the various aspects of a very interesting DNC - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 7-29-16 Voicemails Ch. 21: The need for community review boards to police the police - Ruben from Oakland Ch. 22: Voting in this election is a binary choice - Ben in Minnesota Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 23: Final comments on a theory of change for voting reform Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #977 Today we look at the fundamental barrier to democracy in the US and the veritable swarm of movements springing up to tear it down Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill 00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Brazil Bans Corporate Money In Politics. - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-19-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Power to the People - John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band 00:08:16 Ch. 4: Act 2: How to Keep Campaign Donations Secret - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-06-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Things a Get from Bad to Worse - The Ethiopians 00:17:03 Ch. 6: Act 3: Corruption is Legal in America - Represent.Us (@RepresentDotUs) - Air Date: 4-30-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: N/A 00:22:47 Ch. 8: Act 4: Represent.Us 2015 Strategy - Represent.Us (@RepresentDotUs) - Air Date: 1-15-15 Ch. 9: Song 4: N/A 00:27:09 Ch. 10: Act 5: CBS Chief Loves Trump, Super-PACs, And Corruption - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-13-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Laughing At You - Head Automatica 00:32:48 Ch. 12: Act 6: Yahoo misses the point about the problems of money in politics - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 9-25-15 Ch. 13: Song 6: Moneytalks - Vitamin String Quartet 00:36:27 Ch. 14: Act 7: Media Ignores...Americans Want Citizens United Overturned! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-08-15 Ch. 15: Song 7: Moneytalks - Vitamin String Quartet 00:41:45 Ch. 16: Act 8: Stamp Money Out Of Politics w/ @BenAndJerrys @StampStampede - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: Time for Action - Secret Affair 00:48:15 Ch. 18: Act 9: Help California FREE Act Fight Money In Politics Now! Sign The Petition - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-04-15 Voicemails 00:54:45 Ch. 19: Framing the abortion debate in terms of bodily integrity - Rachel from Mississippi 00:56:51 Ch. 20: Thoughts on "unskilled" workers - Chris from Fairfax 00:59:34 Ch. 21: Agreeing with the Fight for $15 messaging - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX 01:01:01 Ch. 22: Minimum wages across borders doesn't matter much - David in Cincinnati Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics 01:01:54 Ch. 23: Final comments on the cost of books in Canada and a detailed explainer for election reform groups Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: Stamp Money Out Of Politics w/@BenAndJerrys @StampStampede Take Action: Get your stamps/get involved with: Stamp Stampede Share your marked money with: StampStampede’s social media feeds Follow the #GetMoneyOutthread Sources/further reading: "Here's How Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Wants To Stamp Money Out Of Politics” via Huffington Post "Stamp stampede on your dollar -- for democracy” by Ben & Jerry "Stamp Money Out of Politics – STAMP STAMPEDE” via Democracy Matters Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1031 Today we reminisce about the origins of the Iraq war brought back to the fore by the Chilcot Report coming out of the UK that took seven years and thousands of pages to tell us a lot of things some of us already knew Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Beating the drums of war montage - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 7-6-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Rock'n Me - Steve Miller Band Ch. 4: Act 2: Stephen Zunes on the story we tell ourselves about the Iraq war - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-26-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: People say - Portugal. The Man Ch. 6: Act 3: What you need to know about the Chilcot Report - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 7-6-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: White People for Peace - Against Me! Ch. 8: Act 4: Tariq Ali on Chilcot Iraq Report: Tony Blair is War Criminal for Pushing Us into Illegal War - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 07-06-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Masters of War - Bob Dylan Ch. 10: Act 5: Corbyn: Iraq War a Terrible Decision 'Launched on a False Pretext' - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 07-13-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: WMD - Blow Up Hollywood Ch. 12: Act 6: Finally - PROOF The Bush Administration LIED About Iraq's WMDs - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-09-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Handlebars - Flobots Ch. 14: Act 7: Tariq Ramadan: Iraq War Waged for U.S. Economic Interests Has Destabilized All of Middle East - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 07-06-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Everybody's Gone To War - Nerina Pallot Ch. 16: Act 8: The manipulation of intelligence leading up to the war - Le Show w @TheHarryShearer - Air Date 7-17-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: Trillion Dollar Bargain - Le Show Ch. 18: Act 9: "We Will Prevail": Three Words, Three American Presidents & An Endless War in Iraq - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 04-08-16 Voicemails Ch. 19: Understanding why the Dallas shooter did what he did - V from Central New York Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on the toxicity of getting high on your candidate of choice Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1030 Today we take a look at a few of the ways that our police departments around the country could be reformed as well as some of the reasons why it’s critically important that these reforms be enacted Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Ex-Seattle Police Chief Condemns Systemic Police Racism Dating Back to Slave Patrols - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 07-14-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Enemy At the Gate - The Twinkle Brothers Ch. 4: Act 2: Angie Coiro breaks down the reactions to the violence, mindless deaths of civilians and police - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 7-8-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: That's All - Clare and the Reasons Ch. 6: Act 3: 46 Stops The Driving Life and Death of Philando Castile - Code Switch - Air Date 7-20-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: To Serve And Protect - Queen Ifrica Ch. 8: Act 4: Philadelphia Police Capt. Ray Lewis on solving the root of policing problems - Act Out - Air Date 7-15-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Protect & Serve - Stiff Little Fingers Ch. 10: Act 5: Black Ohio Cop to Prejudiced White Officers: Take the Uniform Off and Put on KKK Hoodie - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 07-14-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Free and Equal Speech - Chris Priest Ch. 12: Act 6: Dallas Police Chief David Brown on his program community policing - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 7-11-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Fight the Power - Public Enemy Ch. 14: Act 7: End the culture of warrior policing via @ACLU - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 16: Act 8: Professor Muhammad on crime, race and policing - Code Switch - Air Date 7-9-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Hearing the frustration of the LGBTQ community - Gabriel from Texas Ch. 18: Hearing the frustration of the black community - Ryan from Pheonix Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments with an update on the summer fundraiser Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Sign the ACLU petition “End the Culture of Warrior Policing." Call and write to your legislators in the House and Senate to make sure they know you support the passage of the total suite of policing reform bills listed above. EDUCATE YOURSELF ACLU Implores Congress Consider Taking Up Law Enforcement Reform Legislation (ACLU) You Can Be Pro Cop and Pro Police Reform (Brennan Center for Justice) Showing Up for Racial Justice - Actions in Your Area (Showing Up for Racial Justice) 10-Point Justice Plan: National Urban League Police Reform and Accountability Recommendations (National Urban League) Guiding Principles on Use of Force (Police Executive Research Forum) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1029 Today we take a listen to a few of the reactions from people of color to the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and the police officers in Dallas Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Black Father in Letter to His Son "I Thought of You When I Saw the Son of Alton Sterling Weeping" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 07-14-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Sur Le Fil - Yann Tiersen Ch. 4: Act 2: Video of and reaction to Philando Castile - Code Switch - Air Date 7-9-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: End of the World - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 6: Act 3: You can't reignite a fire that never stops burning - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 7-8-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Turtle (Bonobo Remix) - Pilote Ch. 8: Act 4: Tired of being strong, it's time to fix the system - The Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date 7-6-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: North bank upper - Plusplus Ch. 10: Act 5: The falal shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile - The Daily Show - Air Date 7-7-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Rain Begins To Fall (instrumental) - Silence Is Sexy Ch. 12: Act 6: ‘Black Lives Matter’ Protesters Respond To Dallas Shooting - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-09-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Silhouette - David Ari Leon Ch. 14: Act 7: Dallas shooter was banned from black activist groups - @CitizenRadio - Air Date 7-12-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Untitled - Zoe Keating Ch. 16: Act 8: Black Surgeon Who Treated Dallas Officers On Race Relations with Law Enforcement - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 07-13-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: A Faraway Home (instrumental) - Silence Is Sexy Ch. 18: Act 9: Scoop Jackson on the unnecessary, yet understood, killings of people and police - @EdgeofSports - w: Dave Zirin - Air Date 7-13-16 Ch. 19: Song 9: Whatchuwando - Krayzie Bone Ch. 18: Act 10: Pastor Michael McBride on what white people can do - Politically Re-Active - Air Date 7-13-16 Ch. 19: Song 10: Adventure, Darling - Gillicuddy Ch. 18: Act 11: People with privilege need to get up and stand shoulder to shoulder - The Read - Air Date 7-13-16 Voicemails Ch. 19: Response to police killing person during standoff - Colin from Cleveland, OH Ch. 20: Examining the police with an analogy with healthcare - Charlie from Cleveland Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments on what white people can do to get involved in the movement for black lives Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Find Showing Up for Justice actions near you Sign the We Are Here Movement's Racial Justice Moonshot Petition EDUCATE YOURSELF This is What White People Can Do to Support Black Lives Matter (Washington Post) Tim Wise Website (TimWise.com) It's Legal to Kill Black People (Hands Up United) Rewire News - Racism (Rewire.com) Only White People Can Save Themselves From Racism and White Supremacism (Washington Post) Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #999 Today we again ring the fascism warning bell as we look at the continuing saga of the Donald Trump presidential campaign. And remember: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good [people] to do nothing” Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Republicans On Board With Trump Target And Kill Families Of Terrorists - @theyoungturks - Air Date 12-17-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Family Values - Johnossi Ch. 4: Act 2: The Ugly Place That Donald Trump Is Leading Us - Moment of Clarity w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 01-20-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Rome Wasn't Built In a Day - Morcheeba Ch. 6: Act 3: .@timjacobwise on How Donald Trump Legitimizes Racist Ideas - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 01-07-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: When Anger Shows - Editors Ch. 8: Act 4: Donald Trump, the New George Wallace? Head of Segregationist's 1968 Bid on GOP Front-Runner's Racism - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 01-15-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: People, Turn Around - Delta Spirit Ch. 10: Act 5: Thirty Black People Booted From Trump Rally - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-02-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next - Manic Street Preachers Ch. 12: Act 6: How and why fascism comes to power - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 3-6-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: All You Fascists - Billy Bragg & Wilco Ch. 14: Act 7: Trump's Response to Violence at His Rallies - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 03-12-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: What happens tomorrow - Duran Duran Ch. 16: Act 8: Cops Swarm Black Man For Getting Punched At Trump Rally - @theyoungturks - Air Date 03-11-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: Out of Control - U2 Ch. 18: Act 9: The Call for a Voting Renaissance and Mass Non-violent Mobilization to Stand Up to Trump via @MoveOn - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 19: Song 9: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 20: Act 10: Sasha Abramsky on what Trump supporters really think - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 3-2-16 Voicemails Ch. 21: Understanding the new movement for socialism - Patrick from Dallas Ch. 22: "Impartiality" stems from privilege - Ruben from San Jose Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 23: Final comments on what it was like to prep for today's episode, plus calling for input for episode #1000 Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION: Read, sign and share MoveOn.org's open letter. Follow @MoveOn on Twitter for the latest updates on the campaign and other actions to stand up to Trump's dangerous rhetoric. Use the hashtags #LoveTrumpsHate and #STOPTRUMP on social media. Donate to the MoveOn.org "Stand Up to Trump" campaign to support their efforts. Sources/further reading: Democrats Sound Alarm Against Trump (via Politico) Liberal Groups to Launch Campaign to Defeat Donald Trump (via USA Today) Hear the segment in context: Episode #999 http://www.bestoftheleft.com/_999_fascism Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1028 Today we take a look at the results of the referendum in Great Britain to exit the European Union Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Brexit - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 06-20-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Play with fire - The Rolling Stones Ch. 4: Act 2: The Origins of Britain's Euro-Skeptic Press - On The Media - Air Date: 7-1-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: I Started Something I Couldn't Finish - The Smiths Ch. 6: Act 3: The #Brexit Vote Is Not A Left - Right Issue! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-24-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: There Is Power In a Union - Billy Bragg Ch. 8: Act 4: Explaining the economics of Brexit Part 1 - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 7-4-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Thatcherites (Bonus Track) - Billy Bragg Ch. 10: Act 5: Making Sense of Brexit Paul Mason on Britain's Growing Economic & Political Crisis - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 06-27-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Rolling Stones Ch. 12: Act 6: Brexit & Trumpism Are The Wrong Answers To The Right Questions... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-28-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Between the Wars - Billy Bragg Ch. 14: Act 7: Explaining the economics of Brexit Part 2 - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 7-4-16 Voicemails Ch. 15: Thoughts on Brexit and the road ahead - Harry from the UK Ch. 16: Thoughts on the school-to-prison pipeline - Jessica from New York Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments on Climate Ride and Netroots Nation Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1027 Today we take a look at the historic reproductive rights ruling from the Supreme Court that just came down in the Whole Women’s Health case as well as just a few of the ways that anti-choice activists are continuing their fight to curtail reproductive justice Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Explaining the Whole Woman's Health SCOTUS ruling - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBPrime) - Air Date 6-28-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Good Day - Jukebox the Ghost Ch. 4: Act 2: Republicans Pushing Fetal Burial Laws - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-17-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Remains - Matt Pond PA Ch. 6: Act 3: .@imillhiser on the history of abortion laws leading up to the Whole Woman's Health ruling - @TalkPoverty Radio - Air Date 7-1-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: The Obvious Child - Paul Simon Ch. 8: Act 4: .@AriRabinHavt on how lies about abortion are born and take on a life of their own - @InDeepRadio w/ @AngieCoiro - Air Date 6-11-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Little lies - Fleetwood Mac Ch. 10: Act 5: Amy Hagstrom Miller (@AmyHM), the plaintiff who won a historic abortion rights case - Amicus from @Slate - Air Date 7-2-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Let it go - The Neighbourhood Ch. 12: Act 6: Chelsea Handler Fighting Abortion Shame By Telling Her Story - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-30-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Privacy - Michael Jackson Ch. 14: Act 7: Celebrate SCOTUS #ReproRights Decision with Renewed Vigilance to Pass Woman's Health Protection Act via #ActforWomen Campaign - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 16: Act 8: Why Alito's dissent is just wrong - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBPrime) - Air Date 6-28-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Thoughts on Omar Mateen and the effects of toxic masculinity - Ruben from Oakland Ch. 18: A progressive pastor on the Orlando shooting - Don from Bentonville, Arkansas Ch. 19: A followup to the discussion of the Orlando shooter being gay - Gabriel from Texas Ch. 20: Thoughts on how gay people are treated in society - Colin from Cleveland, OH Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments on the need to recognize the humanity in those who appear most inhuman Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Learn more about the Act for Women Campaign and the Women's Health Protection Act at http://www.actforwomen.org Download the Act for Women Campaign Tools & Resources Add your name to the Center for Reproductive Rights' message to Congress to pass the Women's Health Protection Act to prohibit states from imposing abortion restrictions Use the hashtag #ActforWomen on social media and tweet at your congressperson to urge them to support the Women's Health Protection Act. Follow the Center for Reproductive Rights on Twitter @ReproRights Find out where and how to watch "TRAPPED," the documentary at http://www.trappeddocumentary.com Written by BOTL Communications director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #986 Today we take a look at the case against extreme wealth inequality and not just from an economic justice perspective. Extreme wealth inequality leads to more social ills and destabilization than you probably ever guessed Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill 00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: This Is The Income Inequality Video CEOs Don’t Want Americans To See - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-03-14 Ch. 3: Song 1: Let's Work Together - Canned Heat 00:17:41 Ch. 4: Act 2: Climate Change and Inequality Are Driving War and Catastrophic Conflicts from Syria to Africa - @democracynow - Air Date: 12-04-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Climate Refugees Main Theme - Michael Mollura 00:21:56 Ch. 6: Act 3: Stoking fears to pit workers against workers, never the rich - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 12-11-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Don't Blame Yourself - Sixpence None the Richer 00:25:42 Ch. 8: Act 4: Paul Krugmanon on Thomas Piketty's book: Capital in the Twenty-First Century - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-18-14 Ch. 9: Song 4: A Change Is Gonna Come - Ben Sollee 00:43:56 Ch. 10: Act 5: Thomas Piketty's 'Capital' in 3 minutes - BBC Newsnight - Air Date: 04-30-14 Ch. 11: Song 5: Adventure, Darling - Gillicuddy 00:47:43 Ch. 12: Act 6: Make #Poverty an #Election2016 Priority w/@VoteToEndHunger - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard 00:50:41 Ch. 14: Act 7: International comparisons of child poverty show who we should look to - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 1-24-16 Voicemails 00:58:09 Ch. 15: Capitalism with the workers in charge - Patrick from Dallas 01:00:42 h. 16: How capitalism should work - Colin from Cleveland, OH Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics 01:02:39 Ch. 17: Final Comments on the case against extreme wealth inequality and endless economic growth Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: Make #Poverty an #Election2016 Priority w/@VoteToEndHunger Take Action: SIGN & SHARE: Pledge to end hunger by 2030 GET INVOLVED with Vote to End Hunger Sources/further reading: "Pathologizing the Poor Reinforces Stigma While Deterring Advocacy and Public Policy” via Truthout ”Hunger is a Significant But Solvable Problem, Both in the United States and Internationally” via Vote to End Hunger ”Presidential Candidate Videos” via Vote to End Hunger Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1026 Today we take a look at the history of racial oppression in America from slavery to Jim Crow to The New Jim Crow Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Michelle Alexander on The New Jim Crow Part 1 - Leid Stories - Air Date 8-26-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Jim Crow - John Mellencamp Ch. 4: Act 2: Racism in the United States: By the Numbers - vlogbrothers - Air Date: 01-02-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Listen - Theo Bard Ch. 6: Act 3: Michelle Alexander on The New Jim Crow Part 2 - Leid Stories - Air Date 8-26-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: War On Drugs - Fifteen Ch. 8: Act 4: Clint Smith III - "History Reconsidered" - All Def Poetry - Air Date: 04-14-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Know Your History (feat. 8 Ball & MJG) - Drumma Boy Ch. 10: Act 5: Michelle Alexander on The New Jim Crow Part 3 - Leid Stories - Air Date 8-26-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Winning the War On Drugs - Asylum Street Spankers Ch. 12: Act 6: Jesse Williams' Powerful BET Awards Speech "We're Done Watching Whiteness Use and Abuse Us" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 6-28-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Strange Fruit (1939 Single Version) - Billie Holiday Ch. 14: Act 7: Racism vs Prejudice - Kat Blaque - Air Date: 10-5-14 Ch. 15: Song 7: Racism - MYSTAFYA Ch. 16: Act 8: "What to the Slave is 4th of July?": James Earl Jones Reads Frederick Douglass’ Historic Speech - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 07-03-15 Voicemails Ch. 17: Arguing guns with conservatives - Colin from Cleveland, OH Ch. 18: Reaction to many progressives in the wake of Pulse shooting - David from New York Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on David’s reaction to commentaries on the Pulse shooting and the launching of this year’s big fundraiser Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1025 Today we take a look at the continued responses to the Orlando massacre encompassing arguments over islamophobia, homophobia and gun control legislation Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: "Let Us Vote": Rep. John Lewis Leads Historic Democratic Sit-in for Gun Control Legislation - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 06-23-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Fuck the NRA - Jamie Kilstein & The Agenda Ch. 4: Act 2: Republican’s “Heart Has Changed" After Orlando Massacre - @theyoungturks - Air Date 06-18-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Dreamtime - Uberzone Ch. 6: Act 3: To Say or Not to Say "Radical Islam" - On the Media - Air Date: 6-17-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Violent Days - RTZ Ch. 8: Act 4: A lack of due process is equally wrong for travel and guns - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 6-19-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Human Rights - Friendlyness and the Human Rights Ch. 10: Act 5: Breaking down the disingenuous arguments on both sides of the terror watchlist debate - @CitizenRadio - Air Date 6-22-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Hey Ya - Vitamin String Quartet Ch. 12: Act 6: Barbara Herr responding to 'thoughts and prayers' after Orlando massacre at LGBTQ club - @GAY_USAtv - Air Date 6-22-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Malignant Flip - Tab and Anitek Ch. 14: Act 7: Democratic Effort to Tie Gun Purchase to Terror Watchlist: A First Step or a Dangerous Precedent? - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 06-23-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for Action - Secret Affair Ch. 16: Act 8: Orlando Shooter’s Lover Comes Forward - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-23-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Can we just talk a moment about gay bars as sanctuaries? - Adreana Langston Ch. 18: Rape is not that complicated - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX Ch. 19: Toxic masculinity meets a trans woman - Erin from Philadelphia Ch. 20: Rape Culture Poetry Response Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments in praise of things being complicated Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1024 Today we take a look primarily at the case of Brock Turner’s triple-felony sexual assault conviction, the pitifully short sentence he received and what all of it says about how our society deals with rape and sexual assault Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Stanford Rapist Barely Punished - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-07-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Benefit Of The Doubt - Amy Annelle Ch. 4: Act 2: As 13M People Read Stanford Victim's Letter, Advocates See "Watershed" Moment in Fight Against Rape - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 06-09-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: I Think I Broke Something - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 6: Act 3: Sheriff: Rape Kits Unnecessary Since Most Rape Accusations Are False - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 03-17-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Sheriff - Oliver Onions Ch. 8: Act 4: RAPIST Brock Turner's PATHETIC Letter To Judge Released - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-10-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Empathy - Chasing Kings Ch. 10: Act 5: The terrible, enabling parents of a rapist - @CitizenRadio - Air Date 6-13-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Flurry - The OO-Ray Ch. 12: Act 6: Meet the Law Professor Leading a Bid to Recall the Judge Who Sentenced Stanford Rapist to 6 Months - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 06-08-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Equal Justice - TTwyce Ch. 14: Act 7: Help Get a Recall of Rape Apologist Judge Aaron Persky on the Ballot in CA via RecallAaronPersky.com - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 16: Act 8: Action (Spoken Word on Disrupting Rape Culture) - Guante - Air Date: 12-7-12 Voicemails Ch. 17: An explanation of toxic masculinity - Glory from Orlando Ch. 18: Recognizing toxic masculinity in my own life - Trent from Salt Lake City, Utah Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on how to maintain your mental health while following politics Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Visit RecallAaronPersky.com to volunteer, donate or sing up for updates to support the effort to get a recall of Persky on the ballot in California. On social media, follow @RecallPersky - the official Twitter account of the campaign - and RT. Use the hashtag #RecallPersky when voicing your support. Sign the Change.org petition that demands Stanford University publicly apologize to the survivor of Turner's sexual assault, offer to pay for her counseling and other supportive services, increase resources for sexual assault prevention on campus, increase counseling resources for all survivors, and administer a national survey about sexual violence occurring in fraternities. Read and share the powerful words the survivor read to her assailant. Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman. Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1023 Today we take a look at the myriad driving factors that can combine to drive a person to commit an act of violence such as the Orlando Massacre as well as a variety of reactions to the shooting Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: This is not the first or last attack on the LGBTQ community but there is progress - Savage Love w/ @FakeDanSavage - Air Date 6-14-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Tolerance - Michael Franti And Spearhead Ch. 4: Act 2: The problematic media coverage of the Orlando shooting - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 6-17-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Make the news - Stephanie Haseman Ch. 6: Act 3: What to label the Orlando shooting and why - @TalkPoverty Radio - Air Date 6-17-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Call it what it is - Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals Ch. 8: Act 4: LGBTQ community not allowing their pain to be turned into demonization of others - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 6-19-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Happiness - Pet Shop Boys Ch. 10: Act 5: Trans and Queer Latinxs Respond to #PulseOrlando Shooting - Familia:TQLM - Air Date: 6-13-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Sopra un aereoplanino di carta - Menion Ch. 12: Act 6: Jorge Gutierrez from the Trans Queer Liberation Movement on the Orlando shooting - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 6-17-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Liberate - Buguinha Dub Ch. 14: Act 7: If what they say about the LGBT community were true then violence would seem justified - @TalkPoverty Radio - Air Date 6-17-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Words Are Seeds - My Gay Banjo Ch. 16: Act 8: Wrongheadedly playing right into the hands of terrorist groups - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 6-19-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: Hello bonjour - Michael Franti And Spearhead Ch. 18: Act 9: The toxic hatred that led to the Orlando shooting - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 6-13-16 Ch. 19: Song 9: Oxygen - Willy Mason Ch. 20: Act 10: When It Comes to Orlando Massacre, Domestic Violence Is the Red Flag We Aren't Talking About - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 06-14-16 Voicemails Ch. 21: Why we shouldn't be violent - Al from Seattle Ch. 22: Classism needs to be considered alongside racism and sexism - Alyson from Colorado Ch. 23: A Trans Latinx listener finding a feeling of power Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 24: Final comments on toxic masculinity and a request for your thoughts on the same Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1022 Today we take a look at the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Muhammad Ali on the Vietnam War-Draft Ch. 3: Song 1: Black Superman (Re-Recorded Version) - Johnny Wakelin Ch. 4: Act 2: John Legend Reads Muhammad Ali's 1966 Antiwar Speech "The Real Enemy of My People is Right Here" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 06-06-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Float Like a Butterfly - Pama International Ch. 6: Act 3: R.I.P. Muhammed Ali - Why Do We 'Sanitize' Our Heroes? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-06-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Muhammad Ali - Big Head Todd & The Monsters Ch. 8: Act 4: "Just Take Me to Jail" Remembering Muhammad Ali's Refusal to Fight in Vietnam - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 06-06-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: I Am the Greatest - Cassius Clay Ch. 10: Act 5: Bob Lipsyte on getting past the hagiographies of Muhammad Ali - @EdgeofSports - w/ Dave Zirin - Air Date 6-10-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Float Like a Butterfly (feat. Rasheed Ali) - 1968 Ch. 12: Act 6: Saying someone transcends race is bullshit - @CitizenRadio - Air Date 6-6-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Cassius Clay - Jon Hardy & The Public Ch. 14: Act 7: "The Greatest" Ishmael Reed on the Untold History of Muhammad Ali - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 06-07-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Doin' the Ali Shuffle - Alvin Cash Ch. 16: Act 8: Remembering the opposition Muhammad Ali faced for speaking out - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 6-10-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: Muhammad Ali - Cory Branan Ch. 18: Act 9: Don’t De-Islamize Muhammad Ali Scholar Says Muslim Faith was Central to His Views on Racism & War - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 06-10-16 Ch. 19: Song 9: Muhammad Ali - Tom Russell Ch. 20: Act 10: Live from Muhammad Ali's funeral - @EdgeofSports - w Dave Zirin - Air Date 6-16-16 Ch. 21: Final comments on my first introduction to Muhammad Ali Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1021 Today we take a look at the assault on the right to reproductive health care from the state houses down to the sidewalks in front of the clinics Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: April's Story: One Woman's Experience of an Abortion at 21 Weeks - Planned Parenthood (@PPact) - Air Date: 09-21-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Heirloom - The Black Atlantic Ch. 4: Act 2: Dawn Porter on Filming the Only Abortion Clinic in Mississippi for the film Trapped - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 4-22-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Mandy Goes to Med School - The Dresden Dolls Ch. 6: Act 3: The he-said-he-said abortion debate in the media - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 6-3-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Lost Woman Song - Ani DiFranco Ch. 8: Act 4: Abortion Laws - @LastWeekTonight w/ @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 02-21-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: December - Frida Hyvönen Ch. 10: Act 5: Wicked Jezebel Feminist! Users Witness Anti-Choice Abuse in Virtual Reality Film "Across the Line" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 01-25-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: What It's Like - Everlast Ch. 12: Act 6: Support the women's health protection act via #ActForWomen - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 14: Act 7: A regretted abortion doesn't legitimize a ban on abortions - Savage Love w/ @FakeDanSavage - Air Date 5-31-16 Voicemails Ch. 15: Anti-LGBT rhetoric leads to anti-LGBT violence - Erin from Philadelphia Ch. 16: A lack of a female president is injurious to the country - Tanya from California Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments on the long term effects of finally having a female president Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Learn more about the Act for Women Campaign and the Women's Health Protection Act at http://www.actforwomen.org Download the Act for Women Campaign Tools & Resources http://www.actforwomen.org/tools-and-resources/ Find out where and how to watch "TRAPPED," the documentary at http://www.trappeddocumentary.com Use the hashtag #ActforWomen on social media and tweet at your congressperson to urge them to support the Women's Health Protection Act. Follow the Center for Reproductive Rights on Twitter @ReproRights Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1020 Today we take a look at the ongoing struggle to secure civil rights equality for trans people in states that are determined to stoke bigotry based on ignorance and fear Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Here's The Truth About The Anti-LGBT "Bathroom Predator" Myth - Media Matters (@MMFA) - Air Date 4-12-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Police On My Back - The Clash Ch. 4: Act 2: Professionals speak on the importance of supporting trans kids - @GAY_USAtv - Air Date 4-13-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Kids - MGMT Ch. 6: Act 3: Chase Strangio on the state and federal governments lawsuits against each other - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 5-13-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: I got your back - Bara Heiða Ch. 8: Act 4: Debunking Five Right-Wing Myths That Fuel Bathroom Bills - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 5-5-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: N/A Ch. 10: Act 5: Chase Strangio on the lies about bathroom bills and the damage they do - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 5-13-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Ashamed - Deer Tick Ch. 12: Act 6: AG Loretta Lynch speech on behalf of the federal government in response to NC bathroom law - @GAY_USAtv - Air Date 5-11-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Directions - Josh Rouse Ch. 14: Act 7: #FlushDescrimination via the National Center for @TransEquality - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 16: Act 8: Sarah McBride on the best trans week ever and the history of bathroom discrimination - @TalkPoverty Radio - Air Date 5-13-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Rick Snyder was trying to privatize the water, not save money - James in Michigan Ch. 18: Bernie opposes Bernie or Bust - Matt from San Diego Ch. 19: Jokes - Alan from Connecticut Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments introducing a bonus clip about how to respond to racist jokes Ch. 21: Bonus Clip: How Do You Handle a Racist Joke? - Decoded MTV News - Air Date: 7-1-15 Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1019 Today we take a look at the ways in which racism and sexism are inextricably linked to matters of economic justice for all, even those who benefit in many ways from those systems of inequality Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: MLK on Democratic Socialism... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 07-21-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Nothing Else Matters - Apocalyptica Ch. 4: Act 2: Michael Kimmel: Why gender equality is good for everyone - men included - TED Talks - Air Date: 9-20-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: I’m free - The Soup Dragons Ch. 6: Act 3: .@HarrietFraad on how rising equality feels like a downfall for middle-aged white men steeped in patriarchy Part 1 - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 11-29-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Changes - Langhorne Slim & The Law Ch. 8: Act 4: Wealth Isn't Colorless or Gender Free: Capital and Intersectionality - @theLFshow w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 1-19-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: La Paix - Amadou & Mariam Ch. 10: Act 5: .@HarrietFraad on how rising equality feels like a downfall for middle-aged white men steeped in patriarchy Part 2 - Economic Update w @profwolff - Air Date 11-29-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: I Was Married - Tegan and Sara Ch. 12: Act 6: Racism is Killing Poor White Americans... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 11-07-15 Ch. 13: Song 6: Harold T. Wilkins, Or How To Wait For A Very Long Time - Fanfarlo Ch. 14: Act 7: .@TimJacobWise on Racism and Affluence - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 10-13-15 Voicemails Ch. 15: Is anyone surprised about Trump's authoritarianism? - Eammon from La Habra, California Ch. 16: Don't be dismissive of claims of death threats - Arkle Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments on my new analogy involving cycling in the windy city Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1018 Today we take a look at the structures of racism in the US, who put them there, the problems they cause and what we might do to dismantle them Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Blinded by the White: The Myth of Meritocracy - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 04-22-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Work Horse - Infantree Ch. 4: Act 2: Gateway to Freedom: Historian Eric Foner on the Hidden History of the Underground Railroad - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 3-11-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Underground Railroad - The Deedle Deedle Dees Ch. 6: Act 3: Study On The Impact Of Nazi Propaganda - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date: 06-19-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Discrimination - Ancel Ch. 8: Act 4: Bryan Stevenson: Slavery never ended, it just evolved - Here and Now - Air Date 6-30-15 Ch. 9: Song 4: The Confrontation - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 10: Act 5: Heidi Beirich on White Supremacy and the Trump campaign - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 3-4-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Racism - MYSTAFYA Ch. 12: Act 6: Historian Eric Foner on the Elections, Reconstruction, and Racism Today - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 4-19-16 Voicemails Ch. 13: Living with little and giving away - Eric from Alabama Ch. 14: Thoughts on the NV Democratic Convention - Kirk in Los Vegas Kirk's Nevada Convention video Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 15: Final comments on what's more important than taking offense Article: "I find this offensive": How "offense" discourse traps us into inaction Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1017 Today we take a look at the sorry state of the 2016 election with two of the most hated people in politics leading the way Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Amy Goodman: How the Media Ruins Elections - AJ+ (@AJPlus) - Air Date 4-26-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Static - Jukebox the Ghost Ch. 4: Act 2: How Clintonism has hurt the Democratic party since the 90's - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 5-27-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: You're a Disaster - Dragonette Ch. 6: Act 3: MSNBC Becomes Laughing Stock After ADMITTING They Plan To Suppress Voting Against Bernie! - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 5-27-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Good people - Jack Johnson Ch. 8: Act 4: Liza Featherstone (@lfeatherz): Why This Socialist Feminist Is Not Voting for Hillary - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 1-13-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Changes - Langhorne Slim & The Law Ch. 10: Act 5: Noam Chomsky: Trump is a 'Devastating Prospect'—Cast Your Vote for the Democrat - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 05-26-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Do the Math - The Nadas Ch. 12: Act 6: Not willing to consign the marginalized to a life under Trump - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBPrime) - Air Date 5-17-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Protect & Serve - Stiff Little Fingers Ch. 14: Act 7: Bruce Shapiro on what Hillary Clinton needs to do differently - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 5-18-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Where Do I Begin? - The Chemical Brothers Ch. 16: Act 8: Hillary Clinton Now Losing To Donald Trump - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-24-16 Voicemails Ch. 17: Reducing advertisements, reducing spending - Rick from Scranton, PA Ch. 18: Establishment Democrats acting despicably - Colin from Cleveland, OH Ch. 19: Does our focus on identity politics perpetuate our economic imperialism? - Anthony from Illinois Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on the interconnection of 'identity politics' and neoliberalism Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1016 Today we take a look at the Trump campaign’s building trend toward fascism and white supremacy based on his actions and those of the people he keeps around him Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: One of the major problems with governing people - Restaurant at the End of the Universe Ch. 3: Song 1: Hitchhikers Guide Theme Song Ch. 4: Act 2: Ignoring the signs of creeping fascism - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 4-1-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Here Comes The Wave (instrumental) - Silence Is Sexy Ch. 6: Act 3: The ONE Trait That Predicts Who Supports Trump - The @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 01-22-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Question Authority - Fran Archer Ch. 8: Act 4: Donald Trump's Top Foreign Adviser, Joseph Schmitz, is a Former Blackwater Executive - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 03-25-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Crusader - Saxon Ch. 10: Act 5: Heidi Beirich from @SPLCenter on White Supremacy and the Trump campaign Part 1 - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 3-4-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: A Dose of White Supremacy - Neffe Odom Kragh-Muller Ch. 12: Act 6: Kathleen Frydl (@kfrydl): Sorry folks, it's fascism - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 3-26-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Call It Even - Scott Simons Ch. 14: Act 7: Democrats Beware: You Don't Want Trump as President! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 05-05-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Consequences - The Robert Cray Band & The Memphis Horns Ch. 16: Act 8: Trump's List of Supreme Court Picks Is an Utter Disaster - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-19-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: Worlds Apart (feat. Kerli) - Seven Lions Ch. 18: Act 9: Trump Ally’s Not So Subtle Threats - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-23-16 Ch. 19: Song 9: All You Fascists - Billy Bragg & Wilco Ch. 20: Act 10: How Not To Normalize Trump - On the Media - Air Date: 5-13-16 Ch. 21: Song 10: Tomorrow Never Knows - Alison Mosshart & Carla Azar Ch. 22: Act 11: Elizabeth Warren has Some Thoughts of Donald Trump - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 05-05-16 Voicemails Ch. 23: Resisting the urge to buy - Eammon from La Habra, California Ch. 24: Remember the landfill - Zach from Atlanta Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 25: Final comments on third-party voting as a prisoner's dilemma game theory problem Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #887 Today we look at the state of poverty in America and some ideas of how to address it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Have you benefited from a government program - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 02-04-14 Ch. 3: Song 1: Eleanor Rigby (Strings Only) - Anthology Box Set Ch. 4: Act 2: Extending Unemployment Benefits is Fiscally Conservative - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-17-14 Ch. 5: Song 2: Working Poor - House With No Home Ch. 6: Act 3: Blessed Are The Poor - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 5-9-14 Ch. 7: Song 3: Kill the Poor - Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables Ch. 8: Act 4: Politician Pushes For Literal Hunger Games - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-20-14 Ch. 9: Song 4: Laughing At You - Popaganda Ch. 10: Act 5: PBS's Weak Challanges On Ryan Economics - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 10-10-14 Ch. 11: Song 5: Let's Eat the Poor - Let's Eat the Poor Ch. 12: Act 6: Govt Will Double Food Stamp Value When Used for Local Fruits & Vegetables - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 11-15-14 Ch. 13: Song 6: Food Glorious Food - Oliver! (Soundtrack) Ch. 14: Act 7: Bernie Sanders' 12 Point Plan to Save the Middle Class - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 12-05-14 Ch. 15: Song 7: Man With a Plan - Man With a Plan - Single Ch. 16: Act 8: @HalfinTen via Coalition On Human Needs (@CoalitiononHN) - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of Ch. 18: Act 9: Linda Tirado - Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America - GoodBooksRadio - Air Date: 10-03-14 Ch. 22: Final comments on a stunning piece of cognitive dissonance Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: @HalfinTen via Coalition On Human Needs (@CoalitiononHN) Take Action! Get involved with Half In Ten Follow Half in Ten on Twitter and on Facebook Participate in #TalkPoverty Sources/further reading: "The Safety Net Is Good Economic Policy” by Sarah Steinberg at the Center For American Progress "Fact of the Week: Safety Net Programs Kept Child Poverty from Skyrocketing during the Great Recession” by Lecia Imbery at the Coalition On Human Needs "One in five millennials lives in poverty, report finds” by Jana Kasperkevic at The Guardian Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1015 Today we take a look at how to escape the hedonic treadmill of consumption in pursuit of happiness and moving toward a future of shared prosperity Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The rise of stuff and the flatline of happiness - Capitalism and the environment with Gus Speth - McGill University - Air Date: 4-22-09 Ch. 3: Song 1: A Change Is Gonna Come - Ben Sollee Ch. 4: Act 2: Finding a good practice of consumption - Juliet Schor from Stanford University - Air Date 2-4-09 Ch. 5: Song 2: Good Food - Legendary Wings Ch. 6: Act 3: Michael Norton: How to buy happiness - TEDTalks - Air Date: 04-24-12 Ch. 7: Song 3: I Will Buy You a New Life - Everclear Ch. 8: Act 4: Culture of work, insatiability and free time - Juliet Schor from Stanford University - Air Date 2-4-09 Ch. 9: Song 4: Cello Song (feat. Jose Gonzalez) - The Books Ch. 10: Act 5: This Is Literally The Most Censored Topic On The Mainstream Media - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 06-09-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: I Need To Wake Up - Melissa Etheridge Ch. 12: Act 6: Institutionalizing 3 Buddist poisions (Ill will, Greed and Delusion) - David Loy from Stanford University - Air Date 2-4-09 Ch. 13: Song 6: Happy - Sister Hazel Ch. 14: Act 7: 7 Tim Jackson: An economic reality check - TEDTalks - Air Date 10-5-10 Voicemails Ch. 15: We need the fire in our bellies on climate catastrophe - Tim from Boulder, CO Ch. 16: The problem with the lack of school psychologists - Sally from San Francisco Ch. 17: Tried veganism as a test and found it surprisingly easy - Patrick from Dallas Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 18: Final comments on turning off the hedonic treadmill and returning to minimalism Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1014 Today we take a look at the issue of animal agriculture minus the animals: the effects of our meat consumption on human rights, human health and climate change Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: An interview with the co-directors of Cowspiracy Part 1 - Rich Roll - Air Date 9-14-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Solid Ground - Dougie Maclean Ch. 4: Act 2: Something You Really Need To Know About The Meat You're Eating - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 2-27-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Happy Meal - The Cardigans Ch. 6: Act 3: An interview with the co-directors of Cowspiracy Part 2 - Rich Roll - Air Date 9-14-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: Land of Confusion - Genesis Ch. 8: Act 4: VEGAN 2015 - The Film - PLANT BASED NEWS - Air Date 12-1-15 Ch. 9: Song 4: Here's to Your Health - River Zydeco Band & Henk Mutsaers Ch. 10: Act 5: Vegan For Human Rights - Mic. the Vegan - Air Date: 3-18-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Human Rights - Brother Mudada Ch. 12: Act 6: What do chickens and our constitutional rights have in common? - Jim Hightower - Air Date: 2-12-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Free and Equal Speech - Chris Priest Ch. 14: Act 7: Fight Anti-Whistleblower Ag-Gag Laws via @ALDF - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 16: Act 8: Richard Oppenlander's pre-Cowspiracy screening presentation to the EU Parliament (Part 2 of 7) - Climate Vegan - Air Date: 12-20-15 Voicemails Ch. 17: Raising taxes lowers the cost of hiring new employees - Jim from Detroit Ch. 18: The Marxist idea of causing pain to spark the revolution - Alex from Montreal Ch. 19: Planning ahead from 2016 to 2020 - Brian from Arizona Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on the dangers of Republican governance and moral culpability vs. mathematical reality Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Write to legislators and governors in states with Ag-Gag laws via Animal Legal Defense Fund's “Take Action to Stop Ag Gag” and demand they be repealed. Other Actions Sign the Last Chance for Animal's Change.org petition to fight Missouri's Ag-Gag Law Sign the Food Integrity Campaign's petition to fight Ag-Gag Laws Sources/Further Reading: No More Exposés in North Carolina (via NYTimes.com) In the Belly of the Beast (via RollingStone.com) (WARNING: THIS IS IMPORTANT, BUT GRAPHIC) Ag-Gag Legislation by State (via ASPCA.org) Undercovered: 'Ag-Gag' Laws - How Big Agra Tries to Muzzle Journalists (via Mediate.com) Big Agriculture Bullies and Lobbies to Keep Americans In the Dark (via Forbes.com) Groups Sue Over North Carolina's Ag Gag Law, Saying it Violates The Constitution (via ThinkProgress.org) Ag Boards Think They Should be Exempt From the Freedom of Information Act (via MFAblog.org) Mercy for Animals Legal Advocacy (via MercyforAnimals.org) Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #966 Today we take a look at the structural systems in place that work to funnel many children, disproportionately children of color, out of the school system and directly into the (in)justice system Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The School to Prison Pipeline - Advancement Project (@adv_project) - Air Date: 7-3-13 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: Spring Valley High - Backtalk from @BitchMedia - Air Date 10-29-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: N/A Ch. 6: Act 3: Stuck In The School-To-Prison Pipeline - @ajplus -Air Date: 5-20-15 Ch. 7: Song 3: N/A Ch. 8: Act 4: Criminalizing the Classroom: Inside the School-to-Prison Pipeline - @democracynow - Air Date: 10-28-15 Ch. 9: Song 4: Hipozebra - Selva de Mar Ch. 10: Act 5: Spring Valley High and the school-to-prison pipeline - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 10-30-15 Ch. 11: Song 5: Rivers - Plusplus Ch. 12: Act 6: School to prison pipeline locks kids into the system early - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBnation) - Air Date: 2-19-15 Ch. 13: Song 6: A Farewell To Trends - dustmotes Ch. 14: Act 7: Policing Schools - Why Are There Cops In Schools? - @ajplus - Air Date: 10-30-15 Ch. 15: Song 7: N/A Ch. 16: Act 8: SafeQualitySchools.org- Ending the #School2Prison Pipeline via @adv_project - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: The Poet - Shihan Ch. 18: Act 9: When School Cops Go Bad: South Carolina Incident Highlights Growing Police Presence in Classrooms - @democracynow - Air Date: 10-28-15 Voicemails Ch. 19: Jefferson fought to end slavery - Simon from San Diego Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 20: Final comments on my untestable hypothesis Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: SafeQualitySchools.org: Ending the #School2Prison Pipeline via @adv_project Take Action: Students, parents, educators, law enforcement, and activists! VISIT The Advancement Project’s SafeQualitySchools.org to get involved. FOLLOW the #School2Prison thread. SHARE the "School to Prison Pipeline by Advancement Project” video CONTRIBUTE your stories: #School2Pipeline Stories Additional Activism/Resources: SIGN to demand #BlackLivesMatter issues be addressed in primary debates: #RaiseTheDebate via Black Lives Matter at ”ColorOfChange Sources/further reading: ”What You Need to Know About #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh” — Infographic via The Advancement Project "Where Are Black Children Safe?" Roxane Gay at The New York Times "America Doesn’t Care About Black Women And Girls” by Ijeoma Oluo at The Establishment "Black Girl Down… and Up” by PrisonCulture "Take cops out of schools: More officers mean more arrests, even for offenses like talking back.” via The Washington Post ”A Short History of Cops Terrorizing Students” via The Nation Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1013 Today we take a look at the dangerous effects of trade agreements like the TPP and TTIP and some ways to fight against them before they’re passed. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Forum on why we must stop the TPP - A Corporate Takeover - Lori Wallach (@WallachLori) Ch. 3: Song 1: So Far So Close - Jahzzar Ch. 4: Act 2: Where inequality comes from - Jim @HightowerNews - Air Date: 2-15-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Who lies - Emma's Revolution Ch. 6: Act 3: How 'Free' Trade Agreements Could Keep Government From Protecting us... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 05-07-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Middle America - Chris Priest Ch. 8: Act 4: The TTIP Leaks: What We Learned - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 05-07-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Which Side Are You On - Natalie Merchant Ch. 10: Act 5: Who is behind Obama's push for TPP? - Jim @HightowerNews - Air Date: 2-17-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: The Silvery Light of a Dream - The Apples in Stereo Ch. 12: Act 6: Forum on why we must stop the TPP - A Corporate Takeover - Kevin Zeese (@KBZeese) Voicemails Ch. 21: Wade's white, straight, cis, male privilege on display - Marti from Madison, WI Ch. 22: A cab driver's perspective on contact work - James from Brisbane, Australia Ch. 22: Sign up to donate, I just did! - Josh from Dallas, TX Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 23: Final comments on how we do what we do and how you can help Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1012 Today we take a look at the origins and sustaining legacies of May Day (International Workers Day) and Mothers Day, another holiday originally begun as a call to recognize the struggles of labor Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: A Living Holiday May Day - Left Out from DemocracyAtWork.info - Air Date 5-1-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Working Reward - The Haymarket Squares Ch. 4: Act 2: Myra Bradwell: America's First Woman Lawyer... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-13-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Welcome to the Black Parade - Vitamin String Quartet Ch. 6: Act 3: International Women's Day - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 03-15-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Boys Will Be Boys - Alisha Ch. 8: Act 4: May Day Sermon Profit vs Environment - Progressive Faith Sermons w: @RevDrRay - Air Date 5-1-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Modern Way - Kaiser Chiefs Ch. 10: Act 5: The origins of Mother's Day - BackStory with the American History Guys - Air Date 5-5-10 Ch. 11: Song 5: Re-Write History - George Dobbs Ch. 12: Act 6: Lucy Parsons: The Anarchist & Intersectional Feminist Who Inspired May Day - @theLFshow w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 4-28-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Working Class Hero - Exit Clov Ch. 14: Act 7: 7 Paid Family Leave - @LastWeekTonight w/ @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 05-10-15 Voicemails Ch. 16: Get out and vote and be sure to vote down-ballot - David from Tennessee Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 17: Final comments on who gets left behind by the Bernie or Bust movement Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1011
Today we take a look at the struggle between those intent on selling doubt about climate science in order to stretch fossil fuel profits as far as they’ll go and those standing up to them in the most direct way possible
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: What they knew and when they knew it - DISOBEDIENCE from 350.org - Air Date 4-30-16
Ch. 3: Song 1: Perpetuum Mobile - Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Ch. 4: Act 2: Good News For Solving Climate Change - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-23-16
Ch. 5: Song 2: Budding Trees - Nahko and Medicine for the People
Ch. 6: Act 3: Brendan DeMelle (@bdemelle) on Exxon’s Climate Cover-Up - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 4-29-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Deception - The Chamber Orchestra of London
Ch. 8: Act 4: .@NaomiOreskes: Climate Change Disinformation Is Like Pro-Tobacco Lobbying - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 03-08-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Head Full of Doubt / Road Full of Promise - The Avett Brothers
Ch. 10: Act 5: Big Oil Is WAY More Evil Than We Thought - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-24-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: Mairzy Doats - The Merry Macs
Ch. 12: Act 6: Break Free 2016 #KEEPITINTHEGROUND via @350 - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: This fickle world - Theo Bard
Ch. 14: Act 7: DISOBEDIENCE - 350.org - Air Date 4-30-16
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Some contracted FedEx drivers like the arrangement - Brian from New Jersey
Ch. 16: Thoughts on independent contractors - Jack from Baltimore
Ch. 17: Raptors and Taxes - Matt from Maryland
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on the exploitation of FedEx contractors and how taxing the rich spurs investment
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
TAKE ACTION:
Find and sign up for a targeted action near you at breakfree2016.org
Learn more about organizing your own action
Get inspired by the latest 350.org film “Disobedience”
Join the conversation online via the hashtags #BreakFree2016 and
Keepitintheground
Follow @350 on Twitter for the latest updates on the action and other news
Donate to support the work of 350.org
Sources/further reading:
4 Reasons Now is our Chance to Break Free from Fossil Fuels (via BreakFree2016.org)
Bill McKibbon: Global Warming's Terrifying New Chemistry (via The Nation)
Inside the Paris Climate Deal (via The New York Times)
President Obama's Climate Action Plan Infographic (via WhiteHouse.gov)
Bill McKibbon: Why We Need to Keep 80% of Fossil Fuels in the Ground (via Yes!)
Fossil Giant BP Sees Fourth-Quarter Profits Sink Nearly 70% (via Smarter Shift)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1010
Today we take a look at the way our current low-tax structure ends up redistributing the burden of funding society to those least able to pay for it while widening the already staggeringly-large wealth gap.
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: City Stealing From Citizens By Tampering With Traffic Lights - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-18-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: The fix is in - Ok Go
Ch. 4: Act 2: Cops Generating Money off Black Communities... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 07-31-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Shakedown - Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
Ch. 6: Act 3: Billionaire Governor Taxes Rich, Increases Minimum Wage, Economy Explodes - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 02-28-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Trickle Down - Hayseed Dixie
Ch. 8: Act 4: Republican Governors Seek to Raise Taxes On Middle Class and Poor - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 01-28-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Class Warfare - Chris Priest
Ch. 10: Act 5: Details of how Reaganomics in Kansas has utterly failed - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 4-19-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: That’s all - Clare and the Reasons
Ch. 12: Act 6: How To Pay For Tax Cuts For The Rich (If You're A Republican) - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-20-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Robin Hood - Dick James
Ch. 14: Act 7: Don't Think the Poor Pay Enough Taxes? You're Living in a Fantasy World - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 04-25-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Work to Live - Serious Suicide
Ch. 16: Act 8: .@ryangrim on Mississippi's dependence on prisoners for revenue - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 4-19-16
Ch. 17: Song 8: Turtle (Bonobo Remix) - Pilote
Ch. 18: Act 9: Why An American In Sweden LOVES Paying His Taxes... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-12-16
Ch. 19: Song 9: Taxman - Nickel Creek
Ch. 20: Act 10: The myth of a heavy tax burden in the US - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 4-24-16
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Voting my conscience in a solidly red state - Doug from Dallas/Fort Worth
Ch. 22: Clinton is better than any Republican - Nick from Florida
Ch. 23: Change doesn't happen during elections, it happens between them - Scott from Oakland
Ch. 24: Stand for our values even if it's worse in the short term - Rick from Scranton, PA
Ch. 25: A voting strategy epiphany - Charlie From Cincinnati
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 26: Final comments on the all-male review of voicemails and the recent update to the technology of the show
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #1009
Today we take a look at the disgustingly undemocratic efforts being waged to minimize the number of people who vote in our elections.
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: This AMAZING Fact Proves Why American Democracy Is Totally Broken - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-06-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Makes No Sense - The rainmakers
Ch. 4: Act 2: Is the Electoral Collage broken? - @DecodeDC - Air Date 11-5-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: N/A
Ch. 6: Act 3: Republicans Are Ready To Steal The 2016 Election – Time To Protect The Vote w/ @AriBerman - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 02-13-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Crucify - Tori Amos
Ch. 8: Act 4: Bernie Sanders Has Been Cheated Out Of Thousands Of Votes - @RedactedTonight w: @LeeCamp - Air Date 4-2-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Proud to Be an American - Side Street Ramblers
Ch. 10: Act 5: Republicans tell the Truth About Voter Suppression! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-07-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: Vote - Jefferson Coker
Ch. 12: Act 6: Millions of New Yorkers Disenfranchised from Primaries Thanks to State's Restrictive Voting Laws - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 04-19-16
Ch. 13: Song 6: We can’t stop - Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox
Ch. 14: Act 7: Demand Modernized Elections and Restore the VRA via @BrennanCenter - Best of the Left Activism - 4:26:16, 11.50 AM
Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
Ch. 16: Act 8: A former Republican final had enough of disenfranchising voters - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 4-7-16
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Concern over violence in bathrooms - Paula from Los Angeles
Ch. 22: Gender-segregated bathrooms are silly - Megan from Baltimore
Ch. 22: The problem of civil rights incrementalism - Erin from Philadelphia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments rebutting a half-reasonable claim that we shouldn't worry about money in politics
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #1008 Today we take a look at the continued fight against the corrupting effects of money in politics including this month’s record-breaking civil disobedience protests at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Congressmen's Warehouse - Big Bad Boris - Air Date: 2-9-16
Ch. 3: Song 1: Buy my vote - The Haymarket Squares
Ch. 4: Act 2: Congressional Fundraising - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 04-04-16
Ch. 5: Song 2: Little Chance - Jahzzar
Ch. 6: Act 3: Cenk Uygur On His Democracy Spring Protest - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-13-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Democracy - Leonard Cohen
Ch. 8: Act 4: The Election-Industrial Complex - On the Media - Air Date 3-18-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Spend - Jeff Caudill
Ch. 10: Act 5: It's not good for America but it's damn good for CBS - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 3-4-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: Eternal Youth Eternal Fun - Fifty Miles From Vancouver
Ch. 12: Act 6: Democracy Spring Cable News Blackout - @theyoungturks - Air Date 04-13-16
Ch. 13: Song 6: I Predict a Riot - Kaiser Chiefs
Ch. 14: Act 7: Alex Lawson (@alaw202) on the long view of the fight against money in politics - @TalkPoverty Radio - Air Date 4-15-16
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Voting third party is about looking to the future - Gabriel from Pittsburg
Ch. 16: Modifying the trolly dilemma - Ryan from Phoenix
Ch. 17: Not voting while hoping for a third or fouth party to emerge - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on what happens to progressives when Republicans are in office
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Edition #1007 Today we take a look at how racism and economics combine to form a self-reinforcing legacy of unfair housing policies and practices that benefit the wealthy and disadvantage the poor Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The Legacy of Lynching - On The Media - Air Date: 2-13-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Re-Write History - George Dobbs
Ch. 4: Act 2: Building the lines that divide Chicago under Mayor Richard J. Daley - Backstory - Air Date 3-25-16
Ch. 5: Song 2: Chicago - Sufjan Stevens
Ch. 6: Act 3: Sarah Schulman on the mechanics of gentrification - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 3-22-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Gentrification - Oddisee
Ch. 8: Act 4: The integration of Oak Park, Chicago - Backstory - Air Date 3-25-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Rockin' the Suburbs - Ben Folds
Ch. 10: Act 5: The Great Corporate Buy-Up: Because of Corporations, Our Cities Are Not Our Own - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 3-8-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: City on a Hill - The Minor Leagues
Ch. 12: Act 6: SCOTUS Upholds the Real Meaning of the Fair Housing Act - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 06-26-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: (Ain't That) Good News - Sam Cooke
Ch. 14: Act 7: Urge Your Legislators to Increase Federal Resources for Affordable Housing via @SenatorCantwell and A.C.T.I.O.N (A Call to Invest in Our Neighborhoods) #LIHTC - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: This fickle world - Theo Bard
Ch. 16: Act 8: Why does gentrification happen? - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 11-13-15
Voicemails
Ch. 17: Theory of change and why to support Clinton in the general election - Craig
Ch. 18: Go with issues not people or parties - Nomordo from San Jose
Ch. 19: Elections, privilege and the Trolly Car Dilemma - Alex from Illinois
Ch. 20: I can't afford to vote with a binary mindset - Marti from Madison, WI
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on voting with a theory of change, Podcast Awards nominations and technical changes coming to the podcast feed
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:42 Ch. 2: Act 1: The High Price of Materialism - Center for a New American Dream (@newdream) - Air Date: 12-4-11
Ch. 3: Song 1: A Beautiful World - Tim Myers
00:05:54 Ch. 4: Act 2: How To Purchase Redemption From Consumerism! - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 01-14-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Redemption Song - Bob Marley & The Wailers
00:10:05 Ch. 6: Act 3: Almost Half of Americans Didn't Take Single Vacation Day in 2014 - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 01-11-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Vacation - The Go-Go's & Go-Go's
00:14:17 Ch. 8: Act 4: Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us - RSA Animate (@theRSAorg) - Air Date: 4-1-10
Ch. 9: Song 4: All Over The World - Boogie Belgique
00:26:23 Ch. 10: Act 5: The Story of Bottled Water (2010) - @storyofstuff Project - Air Date: 03-17-10
Ch. 11: Song 5: Murky Water - The Autumn Isles
00:34:17 Ch. 12: Act 6: SO INCREDIBLY SAD This is How 3 Generations Answer the Same Question - @BuzzPo - Air Date 7-26-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: N/A
00:37:20 Ch. 14: Act 7: A thousand cuts - @jimhightower - Air Date: 9-22-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Sligo Creek - Al Petteway
00:39:55 Ch. 16: Act 8: #FindYourPark on National @PublicLandsDay - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard
00:43:14 Ch. 18: Act 9: Saamah Abdallah: How to achieve good lives that don't cost the Earth - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 7-20-15
Voicemails
00:56:53 Ch. 19: Thoughts on victimless crimes - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
00:58:54 Ch. 20: Libertarians ignore the negotiation of rights - Nathan from Dix Hills, NY
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:01:12 Ch. 21: Final comments on the way we discuss lifestyles and culture
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #FindYourPark on National @PublicLandsDay
Take Action:
Register to volunteer for National Public Lands Day!
Be sure to get your Fee-Free Coupon as a thank you for volunteering!
Sources/further reading:
"More than 175,000 Volunteers Expected on National Public Lands Day, September 26, 2015” via National Public Lands Day
"Let's Move Outside: Public lands make the best playgrounds!” via National Public Lands Day
"Our Land, Up for Grabs” via The New York Times
"This Land Was Your Land” via The American Prospect
"Volunteer on trail crews for National Public Lands Day, Sept. 26” via The Seattle Times
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1006 Today we take a look at the last several decades of the conservative movement and the Republican party, where they came from and how we got to where we are. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Let's adopt the GOP's national platform - @JimHightower - Air Date: 4-1-16
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Great Pretender - The Platters
Ch. 4: Act 2: No Legitamate Republican President Since Eisenhower... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-20-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Cheat - The Clash
Ch. 6: Act 3: The Kochs & the Nazis: Book Reveals Billionaires' Father Built Key Oil Refinery for the Third Reich - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 01-20-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: The John Birch Society - The Chad Mitchell Trio
Ch. 8: Act 4: How business made us a Christian Nation™ - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 3-22-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Show Me What I'm Looking For - Carolina Liar
Ch. 10: Act 5: Jelani Cobb on the Democracy of Blame Part 1 - Primary Concerns (@prime_concerns) - Air Date 3-24-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: Little Lion Man - Mumford & Sons
Ch. 12: Act 6: Today's Republicans Employing Lee Atwater's Dog Whistle Racism - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 02-24-16
Ch. 13: Song 6: Racism - Mighty Sparrow
Ch. 14: Act 7: Jelani Cobb on the Democracy of Blame Part 2 - Primary Concerns (@prime_concerns) - Air Date 3-24-16
Ch. 15: Song 7: Chickens Comin' Home to Roost - Toronzo Cannon
Ch. 16: Act 8: Nixon's War on Drugs: Aide Says Motives Were Racist & Anti-Leftist - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 03-27-16
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Learning the history from Reagan forward - Alan from Connecticut
Ch. 22: This election is the result of the Reagan revolution - Eammon from La Habra, California
Ch. 22: What can apartment dwellers do about clean energy? - Stephanie from Seattle
Ch. 22: We shouldn't have gender-segregated bathrooms - Dan from Albany, NY
Ch. 22: The only way to stop a bad penis is with a good penis - Ryan from Pheonix
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on the viability of gender-neutral public restrooms
Ch. 23: Bonus Clip: We Should Not Have Gender-Segregated Bathrooms & Locker Rooms - David Pakman - Air Date: 3-27-15
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1005 Today we take a look at some of the various responses to the recent bombing in Brussels, Belgium. Unsurprisingly, politicians who traditionally thrive on fear-mongering are encouraging us to be afraid, just as the terrorists would hope. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Glenn Greenwald: Cruz, Trump, Clinton "Playing into the Hands" of ISIL After Brussels Bombings - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 03-24-16
Ch. 3: Song 1: Naked As We Came - Iron & Wine
Ch. 4: Act 2: Ted Cruz: Cops Should Patrol Muslim Neighborhoods - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-24-16
Ch. 5: Song 2: Empathy - Chasing Kings
Ch. 6: Act 3: The patetic media response to the Brussels bombing - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 3-25-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Fearless (Acoustic Version) - For Today
Ch. 8: Act 4: Faith in the Face of Terrorism - Progressive Faith Sermons - Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 3-27-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Fear is a villain - Theo Bard
Ch. 10: Act 5: What are our ideals worth? - @dccommonsense w/ Dan Carlin - Air Date 4-1-16
Voicemails
Ch. 11: The ways in which contractors are getting screwed - Ruben from Oakland
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 12: Final comments on how I was once an independent contractor getting screwed by FedEx
Ch. 13: Bonus Clip: The CA FedEx case: employees vs. contractors - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 6-21-15
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1004 Today we take a look at the hate-mongering conservative, fright fest issue du jour, trans people being allowed to use public restrooms without harassment. Ignorance leads to fear, fear leads to hate and ignorance, fear and hatred lead to voting for Republicans. That’s been their strategy for decades: exploiting fear of black people, brown people, drugs, gay people and now trans people.They’re always wrong about what they fear but that’s never stopped them before and it isn’t stopping them now. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Transphobia is the new conservative wedge issue for the 2016 election - Backtalk from @BitchMedia - Air Date 3-31-16
Ch. 3: Song 1: get real - the mountain firework company
Ch. 4: Act 2: .@SarahEMcBride on the fallout of legislating discrimination effects many groups - @TalkPoverty Radio - Air Date 3-25-16
Ch. 5: Song 2: Cospiratore - Old Splendifolia
Ch. 6: Act 3: .@chasestrangio on the reality of transmisogyny around the bathroom lies - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 3-26-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Mothers of the Night - Moby
Ch. 8: Act 4: .@dominicholden on NC causing the otherwise nonexistent problem they're trying to solve - @FakeDanSavage - Air Date 3-29-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Turtle (Bonobo Remix) - Pilote
Ch. 10: Act 5: Bullied by the Government North Carolina Sued After Enacting Sweeping Anti-Transgender Law - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 03-29-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: Le Moulin - Yann Tiersen
Ch. 12: Act 6: Fight North Carolina’s LGBT Discrimination Law via @ACLU_NC and @EqualityNC #NoHateInMyState #WeAreNotThis - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
Ch. 14: Act 7: .@ivancoyote: Why we need gender-neutral bathrooms - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 2-26-16
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Learning to care about the economy - Michael in Eugene, OR
Ch. 16: Earn this damn vote or lose - Gabriel from Pittsburg
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 17: Final comments on voting and our theories of change
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1003 Today we take a look at the raging battle for the soul of the new economy. The age of working at the factory for decades before retiring with a pension and gold watch is well behind us but what’s coming next? A world where everyone is completely on their own, scraping together work one gig at a time? Or an economy of worker-owners who are compensated fully for their labor and have a voice in the direction of their companies? Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: How Good is the Sharing Economy at Sharing? - KQED News - Air Date: 2-4-16
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Sharing Song - Jack Johnson
Ch. 4: Act 2: Chris Mackin: Creating Economic Democracy - @theLFshow w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 7-22-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: RazorWire-Remastered - Chris Priest
Ch. 6: Act 3: Uber isn't nearly as new of an idea as you think - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 3-22-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Capitalism Is Tearing Us Apart - sole
Ch. 8: Act 4: Uber Wants to Reorganize the Economy? Workers, too Can Play at that Game - The F Word w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 2-17-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Working Poor - Horse Feathers
Ch. 10: Act 5: David J. Thompson on the superiority of cooperatives - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 8-1-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Cooperation - Jim Valley
Ch. 12: Act 6: Nationwide Next System Teach-Ins via @TheNextSystem - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard
Ch. 14: Act 7: Paul Mason - Postcapitalism: A Guide to Our Future - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 3-3-16
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Understanding our political system - Kim from Pennsylvania
Ch. 22: The importance of progressive unity in the election - Ben from New Jersey
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on Democracy Spring and the cabbie who suggested todays episode
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
TAKE ACTION:
Activism Resources:
Find a Next System Teach-In near you or register to host one where you live at http://teachins.thenextsystem.org
Learn more about the The Next System Project and sign their statement.
Follow The Next System Project on Twitter @TheNextSystem for the latest updates and use '#NextSystem' to join the conversation.
Further Reading:
Not Cool Uber (via Dave Craige on Medium.com)
Sharing Economy Isn’t About Sharing - The Dark Reality Behind This Major Workplace Shift (via Alternet)
Uber on the Road to Nowhere - Uber Drivers are getting creative in their fight for basic workplace rights (via American Prospect)
Latest News/Actions:
Seattle Passes Law Letting Uber, Lyft Drivers Unionize (via Reuters)
Fed up Uber Drivers Aim to Disrupt Super Bowl 50 - With their Own Mobile App (via Mother Jones)
Jakarta Taxi Drivers Protest Against Uber and Grab (via BBC)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1002 Today we take a look at the power of the Supreme Court, the importance of getting the right people on the bench and the unfortunate reality that Merrick Garland is not someone that progressives should be supporting Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: A curious definition of 'balance' - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-19-16
Ch. 3: Song 1: Miss You - The Rolling Stones
00:02:41 Ch. 4: Act 2: The importance of the Supreme Court - We the Podcast with Rep. @keithellison - Air Date 3-16-16
Ch. 5: Song 2: Company Town - Andrew McKnight
00:12:11 Ch. 6: Act 3: Is the Supreme Court too Supreme? - @DecodeDC - Air Date 3-17-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Final Say - Jb Congdon
00:25:58 Ch. 8: Act 4: Merrick Garland...Consensus Candidate Or Sacrificial Lamb? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-16-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Close To Me [Closet Remix] - The Cure
00:28:21 Ch. 10: Act 5: Fox Makes Fun of Obama for Picking a Conservative Nominee - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-18-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: We Know Better - Bend Sinister
00:37:04Ch. 12: Act 6: Merrick Garland didn't uphold Habeas Corpus when he had the chance - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 3-18-16
Ch. 13: Song 6: Suffering of the Innocents - Squire Tuck
00:39:17 Ch. 14: Act 7: Republican: Confirm SCOTUS Nominee Without NRA Approval? NO WAY! - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 03-21-16
Ch. 15: Song 7: Race to the Bottom - Tom Clairmont
00:44:11 Ch. 16: Act 8: Why Merrick Garland Is Terrible - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-22-16
Voicemails
00:58:40 Ch. 17: Voting system is not part of American education - Greg from New Hampshire
00:59:55 Ch. 18: Explaining socialism - Colin from Cleveland, OH
01:03:40 Ch. 19: Energy and recycling - Allen from Connecticut
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:05:28 Ch. 20: Final comments on the relative co2 emmissions of wood or corn stoves vs oil
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1000 Today we examine how the climate denial industry works and look forward to the positive trends in renewable energy Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Oil Tycoon Attacks Anti-Fracking Researchers - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-25-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Hole In My Soul - Aerosmith
00:09:31 Ch. 4: Act 2: .@KertDavies on How the Climate Denial Industry Works - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 12-04-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Sunrise - Norah Jones
00:19:47 Ch. 6: Act 3: .@NaomiOreskes explains what motivates climate deniers - @StarTalkRadio w/ Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) - Air Date: 2-5-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Science Is Real - They Might Be Giants
00:24:16 Ch. 8: Act 4: Koch Brothers Declare War On Electric Cars - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-20-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Persuaded - Faded Paper Figures
00:33:40 Ch. 10: Act 5: The Guardian Goes Positive w/ @james_randerson - @OnTheMedia - Air Date: 12-18-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: The typewriter song - The Boston Pops Orchestra
00:41:45 Ch. 12: Act 6: Break Free 2016 #KEEPITINTHEGROUND - A Global Wave of Resistance to Keep Coal, Oil and Gas in the Ground via @350 - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: This fickle world - Theo Bard
00:45:10 Ch. 14: Act 7: .@algore The case for optimism on climate change - @TEDTalks - Air Date 2-22-16
Voicemails:
00:55:32 Ch. 15: On Sweedish socialism - Robin from Sweden
00:59:10 Ch. 16: Trust in government is key to social programs - Erin from Philadelphia
01:02:45 Ch. 17: Offending and silencing - Marty from Eagle Rock, CA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:04:52 Ch. 18: Final comments on offense, harm and how to have a productive conversation
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism:
Find and sign up for a targeted action near you at breakfree2016.org
Learn more about organizing your own action
Join the conversation online via the hashtags #BreakFree2016 and #Keepitintheground
Follow @350 on Twitter for the latest updates on the action and other news
Donate to support the work of 350.org
Sources/further reading:
4 Reasons Now is our Chance to Break Free from Fossil Fuels (via BreakFree2016.org)
Bill McKibbon: Global Warming's Terrifying New Chemistry (via The Nation)
Inside the Paris Climate Deal (via The New York Times)
President Obama's Climate Action Plan Infographic (via WhiteHouse.gov)
Bill McKibbon: Why We Need to Keep 80% of Fossil Fuels in the Ground (via Yes!)
Fossil Giant BP Sees Fourth-Quarter Profits Sink Nearly 70% (via Smarter Shift)
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #1000 Today we mark our 1000th episode by looking back to the way things were 10 years ago when this show launched. Come with me to a time when The Young Turks hadn’t taken over YouTube, Rachel Maddow didn’t have a show on MSNBC and Al Franken wasn’t yet a Senator Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:02:54 Ch. 2: Act 1: TYT video streaming launch party while CNN makes new hires - The Young Turks
00:06:19 Ch. 3: Act 2: Bin Laden resurfaces and MSNBC calls him a Democrat - Rachel Maddow Show
00:12:30 Ch. 4: Act 3: Speaking with Helen Thomas on the state of the media - Mother Jones Radio
00:16:56 Ch. 5: Act 4: John Boehner running for speaker - Rachel Maddow
00:19:26 Ch. 6: Act 5: John Conyers on Bush wiretapping program - Thom Hartmann
00:24:45 Ch. 7: Act 6: Rage over cartoons perplexes Denmark - The Young Turks
00:30:28 Ch. 8: Act 7: Rob Corddry on Cheney shooting his friend in the face - The Daily Show
00:34:09 Ch. 9: Act 8: Harry Whittington Apologizes for Getting Shot in the Face by Dick Cheney
00:37:23 Ch. 10: Act 9: This happens all the time and by the way, it's incredibly traumatic - Al Franken Show
00:42:48 Ch. 11: Act 10: Hurricane Katrina and it's aftermath - Mother Jones Radio
00:50:13 Ch. 12: Act 11: O'Connor Decries Republican Attacks on Courts - NPR Morning Edition
00:54:23 Ch. 13: Act 12: Sandra Day O'Connor and avoiding these beginnings - The Young Turks
00:59:21 Ch. 14: Act 13: Tom Delay steps down from congress - Rachel Maddow Show
01:02:51 Ch. 15: Act 14: A reminder of all the things terrible about Tom Delay - The Young Turks
01:11:34 Ch. 16: Act 15: Hate Mail from the left - Al Franken Show
01:13:50 Ch. 17: Act 16: I'm the decider - The Young Turks
01:17:26 Ch. 18: Act 17: The Chief Executive's Role - The President's Weekly Radio Address
01:21:22 Ch. 18: Act 18: Highlights from Colbert's White House Correspondents Dinner Speech with David Bender - Rachel Maddow
01:31:22 Ch. 18: Act 19: Supercut of Colbert at the White House Correspondence Dinner
Voicemails
01:36:36 Ch. 19: 1000 Episodes - Lee Camp
01:37:05 Ch. 20: 1000 Episodes - David Pakman
Plus messages from:
Eammon from La Habra, California
Nancy from San Francisco
Zach from Atlanta
Megan from Seattle
Josh from Lafayette, LA
Erin from Philadelphia
Tony from New Jersey
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:37:50 Ch. 21: Final comments on how I met David Pakman and thanks for the last 1000 episodes
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #999 Today we again ring the fascism warning bell as we look at the continuing saga of the Donald Trump presidential campaign. And remember: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Republicans On Board With Trump Target And Kill Families Of Terrorists - @theyoungturks - Air Date 12-17-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Family Values - Johnossi
00:06:43 Ch. 4: Act 2: The Ugly Place That Donald Trump Is Leading Us - Moment of Clarity w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 01-20-16
Ch. 5: Song 2: Rome Wasn't Built In a Day - Morcheeba
00:09:07 Ch. 6: Act 3: .@timjacobwise on How Donald Trump Legitimizes Racist Ideas - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 01-07-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: When Anger Shows - Editors
00:14:20 Ch. 8: Act 4: Donald Trump, the New George Wallace? Head of Segregationist's 1968 Bid on GOP Front-Runner's Racism - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 01-15-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: People, Turn Around - Delta Spirit
00:22:25 Ch. 10: Act 5: Thirty Black People Booted From Trump Rally - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-02-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next - Manic Street Preachers
00:29:29 Ch. 12: Act 6: How and why fascism comes to power - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 3-6-16
Ch. 13: Song 6: All You Fascists - Billy Bragg & Wilco
00:36:16 Ch. 14: Act 7: Trump's Response to Violence at His Rallies - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 03-12-16
Ch. 15: Song 7: What happens tomorrow - Duran Duran
00:44:34 Ch. 16: Act 8: Cops Swarm Black Man For Getting Punched At Trump Rally - @theyoungturks - Air Date 03-11-16
Ch. 17: Song 8: Out of Control - U2
00:51:51 Ch. 18: Act 9: The Call for a Voting Renaissance and Mass Non-violent Mobilization to Stand Up to Trump via @MoveOn - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:55:16 Ch. 20: Act 10: Sasha Abramsky on what Trump supporters really think - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 3-2-16
Voicemails
01:04:46 Ch. 21: Understanding the new movement for socialism - Patrick from Dallas
01:09:33 Ch. 22: "Impartiality" stems from privilege - Ruben from San Jose
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:13:21 Ch. 23: Final comments on what it was like to prep for today's episode, plus calling for input for episode #1000
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
TAKE ACTION:
Read, sign and share MoveOn.org's open letter.
Follow @MoveOn on Twitter for the latest updates on the campaign and other actions to stand up to Trump's dangerous rhetoric.
Use the hashtags #LoveTrumpsHate and #STOPTRUMP on social media.
Donate to the MoveOn.org "Stand Up to Trump" campaign to support their efforts.
Sources/further reading:
Democrats Sound Alarm Against Trump (via Politico)
Liberal Groups to Launch Campaign to Defeat Donald Trump (via USA Today)
Hear the segment in context:
Episode #999 http://www.bestoftheleft.com/_999_fascism
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #998 Today we look at a variety of problems plaguing our elections from gerrymandering to restrictive laws intended to make it difficult for people to vote to our aging and deeply problematic electronic voting machines Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Why America needs nonpartisan elections - Open Primaries - Air Date: 10-20-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: We the People (feat. Chief Xcel) - Lateef the Truthspeaker
00:03:13 Ch. 4: Act 2: .@MicheleJawando on the Voting Rights Act at 50 - @TalkPoverty Radio - Air Date: 8-6-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Going Home - Niklas Aman
00:11:46 Ch. 6: Act 3: Gerrymandering by race in South Carolina - @DecodeDC - Air Date 2-25-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: We the people - Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers
00:17:35 Ch. 8: Act 4: 16 States Face New Voting Restrictions in First Election in 50 Years Without Full Voting Rights Act - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 02-29-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Vote - Jefferson Coker
00:29:05 Ch. 10: Act 5: Lawrence Norden on the Real Problems with Digital Voting Machines - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 10-10-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: The System - Abscondo
00:40:21 Ch. 12: Act 6: Nationwide Mobilization to Protect the Vote via @DemAwakening - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:43:40 Ch. 14: Act 7: Voting - @LastWeekTonight w/ @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 02-15-16
Voicemails
00:58:41 Ch. 15: Where and how people live has a big impact on a person's life - Rick from Scranton, PA
01:00:45 Ch. 16: A perspective on post-scarcity economics - Megan from North Carolina
01:03:16 Ch. 17: What needs to happen in civil conversation - Anthony from Illinois
01:05:12 Ch. 18: Apple's business model - Ronald from Baltimore
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:07 Ch. 19: Final comments on the confluence of digital privacy and Apple's business model
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
TAKE ACTION:
Visit democracyawakening.org to sign up as a volunteer to help organize this event or to participate in April.
Follow @DemAwakening on Twitter and on Facebook for the latest updates on the campaign.
Engage with the movement to restore the Voting Rights Act via #RestoretheVRA on social media.
Sources/further reading:
"Voting Rights - and Wrongs: We're in the midst of the biggest rollback of the rights to vote since Jim Crow" (via Sojourners)
"North Carolina Exemplifies National Battles Over Voting Laws" (via The New York Times)
"Six Pieces of a Real Democracy Movement We've Never Had Before" (via HuffPost Politics)
DemocracyAwakening.org
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #997 Today we look at the arguments for and against unbreakable encryption for smartphones with specific focus on Apple’s current legal battle with the FBI Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Price of privacy - @DecodeDC - Air Date 2-23-16
Ch. 3: Song 1: Les monstres - David Ari Leon
00:07:03 Ch. 4: Act 2: Will FBI Take a Bite Out of Apple? Former CIA Agent on Showdown Between Apple & U.S. Government - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 02-26-16
Ch. 5: Song 2: Secret - The Pierces
00:16:32 Ch. 6: Act 3: Apple vs. the FBI Part 1 - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 3-6-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: What Is Your Secret - Nada Surf
00:24:26 Ch. 8: Act 4: Politicians Use Scare Tactics To Promote Government Spying - @theyoungturks
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Secret Agent: The Secret Agent Ending - Cello Octet Conjunto Ibérico & Elias Arizcuren
00:31:53 Ch. 10: Act 5: Apple vs. the FBI Part 2 - @HumorlessQueers
Ch. 11: Song 5: Secrets - OneRepublic
00:45:04 Ch. 12: Act 6: Don’t Let California Lawmakers Undermine Smartphone Security via Electronic Frontier Foundation (@EFF) - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:47:53 Ch. 14: Act 7: Rodrigo Bijou: Governments don't understand cyber warfare. We need hackers - @rodrigobijou on @TEDTalks
Voicemails
00:58:20 Ch. 15: The future of automation and a basic universal wage - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
01:02:33 Ch. 16: Responding to Rambo and gentrification - Allen from Connecticut
01:03:36 Ch. 17: Being offended doesn't help your cause - Trey from Corvallis
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:08 Ch. 18: Final comments on the important difference and connection between offensiveness and harmful
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism:
TAKE ACTION:
Sign the EFF petition to fight California Assembly Bill 1681 at https://act.eff.org/action/don-t-let-california-lawmakers-undermine-smartphone-security
Follow @EFF on Twitter for the latest updates on the petition and other actions to protect privacy.
Donate to support the work of EFF at https://supporters.eff.org/donate/button
Sources/further reading:
Read the entire Assembly Bill 1681
Worried about Apple? California has a Bill that Would Disable Encryption on All Phones (EFF.org)
A Technical Perspective on the iPhone Case (EFF.org)
CSAIL: Giving Government Special Access to Data Poses Major Security Risks (MIT News)
Hear the segment in context:
Episode #997 http://www.bestoftheleft.com/_997_privacy_encryption
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #978 Today we look at the shifting trends of how and why people work and what may happen when the robots take everyone’s jobs Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Tipping Point: Technology Now Destroying More Jobs Than It Creates - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-13-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Work to live - Serious Suicide
00:04:15 Ch. 4: Act 2: Nigel Cameron: A world without work - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 4-23-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: What Would You Do? - The Living End
00:22:40 Ch. 6: Act 3: Robots Will Take Your Job SOON! (seriously) - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 05-09-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Robot friend - Pretty Little Demons
00:28:48 Ch. 8: Act 4: Practical Theology (Because who wants impractical theology?) Part 1 - Progressive Faith Sermons - Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 12-13-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Courage - Authority Zero
00:37:31 Ch. 10: Act 5: Barry Schwartz: The way we think about work is broken - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 9-8-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Human Nature - Michael Jackson
00:45:50 Ch. 12: Act 6: Practical Theology (Because who wants impractical theology?) Part 2 - Progressive Faith Sermons - Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 12-13-15
Voicemails
00:56:59 Ch. 13: 7 Violence against women re: abortion? - Robert from New Hampshire
00:59:05 Ch. 14: 8 Response to thoughts on "unskilled labor" - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:01:34 Ch. 15: Final comments on After Tiller, the Progressive Faith Sermon and how human nature is moulded by our circumstances
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #996 Today we look at the influence of dark money in politics generally as well as the moneyed interests that have been successfully working for decades to make the Democratic party more conservative Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Dark Money: What Might The Money Media Cover If They Weren't Covering Trump? - The F Word w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 2-29-16
Ch. 3: Song 1: Billionaire (feat. Bruno Mars) - Travie McCoy
Ch. 4: Act 2: How the Koch Brothers Helped Dismantle the Democratic Party - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 12-29-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Two Masters- Song about Citizens United and Bernie Sanders (with Cartoons) - Smooch McGee
Ch. 6: Act 3: .@JaneMayerNYer on her book Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 2-10-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: The Oligarch - Ephemerals
Ch. 8: Act 4: Hillary Clinton: Bribes Don’t Work On Me - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-17-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Electable (Give It Up) - Jimmy Eat World
Ch. 10: Act 5: Did Campaign Contributions Influence Hillary's Votes? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 02-06-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: A Few Honest Words - Ben Sollee
Ch. 12: Act 6: #DemocracySpring - March and Sit-in to Save Democracy via @DemSpring - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
Ch. 14: Act 7: Wolf PAC Marches Into Washington And Wins - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-26-16
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Charter schools get to cherry pick their students - Amanda from San Diego
Ch. 16: Thoughts on gentrification - Ryan from Pheonix
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 17: Final comments requesting feedback for Ryan from Phoenix
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
TAKE ACTION:
Visit democracyspring.org to sign up as a volunteer to help organize this event or to pledge your participation in April.
Follow @DemSpring on Twitter for the latest updates on the campaign.
Engage with the campaign via #DemocracySpring on social media.
Donate to support the campaign at democracyspring.org/donate.
Sources/further reading:
"Open Letter: Let's Sit-in to Save Democracy from the Billionaire Class" via The Nation
DemocracySpring.org
Hear the segment in context:
Episode #996 http://www.bestoftheleft.com/_996_heart_of_dark_money_money_in_politics
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman.
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #995 Today we look at the legacy Antonin Scalia leaves behind, what this means for the Supreme Court going forward and how it’s all effecting the 2016 election Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: How Scalia's Death Can Change The Whole Election! - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-14-16
Ch. 3: Song 1: Training Montage - Vince DiCola
Ch. 4: Act 2: Republican Hypocrisy on Scalia Appointment Exposed - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 02-16-16
Ch. 5: Song 2: Nonsense - Komeda
Ch. 6: Act 3: President Obama wades into nomination debate on SCOTUSblog - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBPrime)
Ch. 7: Song 3: Screwed - Slidin' Slim
Ch. 8: Act 4: Paul Rosenberg on Scalia's legacy - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-19-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Hide Your Tears - Daniel Licht
Ch. 10: Act 5: Justice Antonin Scalia's TRUE LEGACY - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-14-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: Friend of The Devil - Counting Crows
Ch. 12: Act 6: Akhil Reed Amar explains why politically, originalism can cut both ways - Amicus from @Slate - Air Date 2-20-16
Ch. 13: Song 6: Coheed and Cambria Sing Justice Scalias Dissenting Opinions - Funny Or Die
Ch. 14: Act 7: How money and politics corrupts the Supreme Court - @dccommonsense w/ Dan Carlin - Air Date 2-26-16
Ch. 15: Song 7: get real - the mountain firework company
Ch. 16: Act 8: Speaking ill of the dead - @Jimmy_Dore Show - Air Date 2-16-16
Voicemails
Ch. 17: High stakes testing and internet connectivity for students - Chris from Colorado Springs
Ch. 18: How to make the model of society fit the world we are becoming - Emma from New York State
Ch. 19: Get involved with Health Impact Assessments - Ryan from Pheonix
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments with some uninformed impressions about how to deal with gentrification
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #994 Today we look at the narratives and stories that fill and influence our lives, whose stories get told and why and how that effects the way we see the world Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:37 Ch. 2: Act 1: Mansplaining: The Science - @Upworthy - Air Date: 03-10-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Words Are Seeds - My Gay Banjo
00:02:35 Ch. 4: Act 2: The Racial Politics of Disney Animals - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 8-28-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song) - Louis Prima, Phil Harris & Bruce Reitherman
00:16:47 Ch. 6: Act 3: Broad Politics in the Obama Administration - @DecodeDC - Air Date 1-28-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Seat at the Table - Crystal Lewis
00:22:53 Ch. 8: Act 4: #OscarsSoWhite: Black Filmmakers Call Out Hollywood Racism, Exclusion as Calls for Boycott Grow - @democracynow - Air Date: 01-25-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Gatekeepers - Sharrie Williams
00:30:54 Ch. 10: Act 5: $pread, For and By Sex Workers - @onthemedia - Air Date: 5-1-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Power of Words - iamuuri
00:40:10 Ch. 12: Act 6: Worst Oscar responses to #OscarsSoWhite - Backtalk from @BitchMedia - Air Date 2-18-16
Ch. 13: Song 6: Bedtime Stories - Chris Reed
00:57:01 Ch. 14: Act 7: #OscarsSoWhite; Watch #JusticeForFlint Instead via @UnitedBlackout — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard
01:00:18 Ch. 16: Act 8: An inclusion crisis in the entertainment industry - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-26-16
Voicemails
01:02:50 Ch. 17: The four economic classes and who's really suffering - Dave from Olympia, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:09:59 Ch. 19: Final comments with a message from Jordan from Salt Lake City on empathizing with those we disgree with
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #OscarsSoWhite; Watch #JusticeForFlint Instead via @UnitedBlackout
Take Action:
JusticeForFlint from Blackout for Human Rights
Additional Activism/Resources:
"How to help people hurt by the poisoned water in Flint” via Mashable
Sources/further reading:
”Meet April Reign, the Black Woman Behind #OscarsSoWhite"
"The 17 Biggest Surprises Of This Year’s Oscar Nominations — #OscarsSoWhiteTheSequel” via Buzzfeed
"These 10 Actors, Directors & Executives Can Reverse #OscarsSoWhite” at RevoltTV
"Creed Is The Rocky Film 21st-Century America Needs” at The Establishment
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #993 Today we look at the effects of the media companies shift from producing news content as a public service to ‘infotainment’ and where we’re headed in the world of vertical integration and threats to net neutrality Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: CNN's 'courageous' move to blur the lines between news and advertising - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 6-12-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Blur the Lines - The Meeting Places
00:02:19 Ch. 4: Act 2: Michael Isikoff And Cenk Uygur On The State Of The News Media Today - (Edited Interview) - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-11-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Free and Equal Speech - Chris Priest
00:14:23 Ch. 6: Act 3: PROOF The Media Is Only For The Rich - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 1-9-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: RazorWire - Chris Priest
00:17:39 Ch. 8: Act 4: The next threat of a mega merger of cable companies - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-11-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Perpetuum Mobile - Penguin Cafe Orchestra
00:20:39 Ch. 10: Act 5: Why China is Trying to Rewrite Worldwide Internet Rules... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-01-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: North By North - Faded Paper Figures
00:25:21 Ch. 12: Act 6: Net Neutrality is STILL in Danger - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-28-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Dirty Paws - Of Monsters and Men
00:37:15 Ch. 14: Act 7: A few of the media's failures in covering the election - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-19-16
Ch. 15: Song 7: My Conversation - The Uniques
00:40:26 Ch. 16: Act 8: 40 Years After "All the President's Men," Redford Plays Another Journo Challenging Power in "Truth" - @democracynow - Air Date: 01-26-16
Voicemails
00:48:43 Ch. 17: Thoughts on food activism - Linea from Illinois
00:52:34 Ch. 18: High stakes in rich areas aren't such high stakes - Megan from near Seattle
00:54:02 Ch. 19: Racism, capitalism and private prisons - V from Western New York
00:57:24 Ch. 20: Living now vs 100 years ago - Stephanie from Seattle
00:58:14 Ch. 21: Speaking past each other about Capitalism - Dave from Olympia, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:01:12 Ch. 22: Final comments on the history of telecoms and the lack of universal service
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #992 Today we look at how corporations have worked diligently to maximize the profits of insurance and pharmaceutical companies at the expense of America’s general health and budget and then used those profits to buy politicians to ensure the system never changes Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Is Pharma the Most Evil Industry? (w: Josh Zepps) - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date 09-28-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Get Up and Go - Broadcast 2000
00:05:49 Ch. 4: Act 2: HUGE Bernie Sanders Releases Plan for Universal Healthcare - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date 01-20-16
Ch. 5: Song 2: Until the Water Goes Down - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin
00:09:32 Ch. 6: Act 3: Hillary Fights Dirty on Healthcare! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-13-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: 1901 - Phoenix
00:17:14 Ch. 8: Act 4: Dr. Sidney Wolfe talks on the vultures of Big Pharma and how they rigged the system - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 1-16-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Something Good Can Work - Two Door Cinema Club
00:31:36 Ch. 10: Act 5: Hillary, FOR Single Payer Until She's Suddenly Against It... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 01-14-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: Ask Your Doctor - Don Arbor
00:38:04 Ch. 12: Act 6: Howard Dean Becomes Health Care Lobbyist, Suddenly Against Single Payer Healthcare - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 01-20-16
Ch. 13: Song 6: Profit - The Mammals
00:42:50 Ch. 14: Act 7: The True Price Of Prescription Drugs - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-02-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) - Donna Summer & Barbra Streisand
00:47:23 Ch. 16: Act 8: How the Health Insurance Industry Fights Single Payer - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-14-16
Ch. 17: Song 8: It Goes On and On - The Avett Brothers
00:51:29 Ch. 18: Act 9: Actually, UK's National Healthcare Is Excellent - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-07-15
01:01:01 Ch. 19: Final comments on the last 3 1/2 weeks of focus on the problem with our economic system
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #991 Today we look at the influence of the food giants on what goes into our food supply, who’s allowed to inspect and regulate it, what our kids are taught about what’s healthy, the policies of international trade that lowers food safety standards and even how farmers raise their chickens Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Why nobody knows what's really going into your food - The Center for Public Integrity (@Publici) - Air Date: 04-13-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Prettiest Remix - Jim Guthrie
00:04:10 Ch. 4: Act 2: Sugar and Salt and Fat: Food Giants Have Hooked Us - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-26-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Pour Some Sugar On Me (2012 Re-Recorded Version) - Def Leppard
00:15:10 Ch. 6: Act 3: EXPOSED: Coca-Cola’s Scam To Keep Kids Drinking Soda - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-01-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Diet Coke - Airbäg
00:21:53 Ch. 8: Act 4: Carey Gillam on the conflicts of interest in the coverage of our food supply - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-5-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Johnny Appleseed - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros
00:33:18 Ch. 10: Act 5: Mystery Meat: After WTO Ruling, U.S. Tosses Meat Origin Labeling Law, Leaving Consumers in the Dark - @democracynow - Air Date: 01-07-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Cave - Piano Tribute Players
00:37:43 Ch. 12: Act 6: Disaster: TPP Will Destroy US Food Safety - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 11-14-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Solid Ground - Dougie Maclean
00:41:51 Ch. 14: Act 7: Chickens and the farmers who raise them - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 05-17-15
Voicemails
01:01:15 Ch. 15: Why they don't teach the financial reality - Marty from Cleveland, OH
01:02:18 Ch. 16: The hidden obstacles to investments and wealth - Jill in California
01:04:35 Ch. 17: Held back from the American Dream - Eammon from La Habra, California
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:15 Ch. 18: Final comments on reasonability and the discussions we have
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #990 Today we look at the intersection of market capitalism and our prison system where the private prison industry makes billions and lobbies for ever-harsher punishments to continually grow our prison population Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Private prisons: How US corporations make money out of locking you up - @Truthloader - Air Date: 11-07-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Maelstrom - Jim Guthrie
00:10:43 Ch. 4: Act 2: What the Prison Industrial Complex can do for YOU! - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 08-19-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: N/A
00:12:20 Ch. 6: Act 3: Who bears the cost of incarceration? - Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHPshow) - Air Date 9-19-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: The Wrong Way - Jahzzar
00:20:22 Ch. 8: Act 4: The Drug War Has to End: David Simon on "The Wire" & Over-Policing of the Poor - @democracynow - Air Date: 08-26-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Keep Them Down - The Young Sinclairs
00:35:51 Ch. 10: Act 5: Prison Phone Rates - We the Podcast w/ @keithellison - Air Date 1-29-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: Everything is everything - Lauryn Hill
00:46:34 Ch. 12: Act 6: Bernie Sanders: Abolish Private Prisons - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-21-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Dart - Stray Dogg
00:55:24 Ch. 14: Act 6: Justice is not For Sale Act to #EndPrivatePrisons via @SenSanders & @RepRaulGrijalva - Best of the Left Activism
Voicemails
00:58:57 Ch. 15: Many from the past would not want to live in our society - Will from Mississippi
01:00:11 Ch. 16: Wade's response to Kate re: extreme inequality - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
01:03:38 Ch. 17: The problem with programs that divide us - Chris from Littleton, CO
01:05:11 Ch. 18: In poverty and unable to invest - Heather from Tampa, FL
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:07:23 Ch. 19: Final comments on trans health, poverty and financial literacy
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Justice is not For Sale Act to #EndPrivatePrisons via @SenSanders & @RepRaulGrijalva
Take Action:
Use ContactingTheCongress.org to tell your legislators to support the “Justice is Not For Sale Act of 2015” in the House and Senate
Sources/further reading:
"The For-Profit Sadism of ‘Incarceration, Inc.’ — An article in The Nation thirty years ago was an early warning about the growth of the prison-industrial complex.” via The Nation
"The Democratic Presidential Candidates Would End Private Prison Contracts” via The Nation
"Programs Not Profits" — In the Public Interest
"Private Prison Firms Buy Access to Public Officials at Lavish Industry Conferences” via Truthout
"Bernie Sanders Unveils Ambitious Plan To End Private Prisons” via ThinkProgress
Racial Justice: Legal Violence/Private Prisons via Bernie Sanders presidential campaign
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #989 Today we look at the intersection of our educational system and the detrimental influence that money, austerity policies and the profit motive have on the education that our kids have access to Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:38 Ch. 2: Act 1: Driving America's yellow school bus to educational hell - @jimhightower - Air Date: 12-29-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: School Bus (featuring Tahir Jahi) - Happy Hatters
00:03:08 Ch. 4: Act 2: As Obama Admin Seeks More Funding for Charter Schools, Questions Raised over Billions Already Spent - @democracynow - Air Date: 5-8-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: School Bus (featuring Tahir Jahi) - Happy Hatters
00:19:25 Ch. 6: Act 3: Black Parents Should Opt Their Children Out of High Stakes Testing - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 8-5-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare - Matt and Kim
00:23:38 Ch. 8: Act 4: Stephanie Simon on the power of Pearson publishing - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 2-27-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Compensation - The Del-Knights
00:33:25 Ch. 10: Act 5: Faces Of The Student Debt Crisis In America - AJ+ (@ajplus) - Air Date: 07-09-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Higher Education - Buch Helemano
00:38:09 Ch. 12: Act 6: Bernie Sanders: Free College for All... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 05-22-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Higher Education - Knowledge
00:41:30 Ch. 14: Act 7: Is Hillary’s College Plan More Progressive Than Bernie's? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-11-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: I Love You Money - Lowell
00:49:03 Ch. 16: Act 8: Cancel All #StudentDebt via @thenation & @StrikeDebt - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: This fickle world - Theo Bard
00:53:26 Ch. 18: Act 9: Detroit Student "I Want to Be Able to Go to School Without Worrying About Being Bitten by Mice" - @democracynow - Air Date 01-21-16
Voicemails
01:01:02 Ch. 19: Go to BringBackSolar.com to support Nevada solar - Shawn from Las Vegas
01:02:47 Ch. 20: What we need to teach about financial education - Chris from Dallas
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:05:32 Ch. 21: Final comments on financial literacy and the superiority of universal programs to means tested ones
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Cancel All #StudentDebt via @thenation & @StrikeDebt
Take Action:
SIGN: Cancel All Student Debt via The Nation & coalition
READ & Share: "How far to free?” — StrikeDebt’s plan for tuition-free college
Additional Activism/Resources:
Help if you are or are about to be behind/defaulting: Student Loan Borrowers Assistance — "Find a Solution” via National Consumer Law Center
Sources/further reading:
"Why the Student Loan Crisis Is Even Worse Than People Think” via Time.com/Money
"Student Debt Is Worse Than You Think” via The New York Times
"5 Extreme Ways to Get Rid of Your Student Loan Debt” via Attn:
"We Need to End the Student Loan Debt Crisis: To draw attention to the magnitude of the student debt crisis, we’re doing something dramatic.” via The Nation & coalition
Graphic via: BorderlessNewsAndViews.com
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #988 Today we look at the intersection of the climate crisis with our current economic system including how monopolies, trade deals, market failures and the concept of “externalities” all work together to make climate change worse Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Externalities - by @DavidSuzuki - Resource Based Economy - Air Date: 7-26-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A
Ch. 4: Act 2: The True Cost Of Fossil Fuels - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-28-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: The Price You Pay - Bruce Springsteen
Ch. 6: Act 3: TransCanada Uses NAFTA to sue The US Over Keystone Pipeline! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-08-16
Ch. 7: Song 3: Smoke And Mirrors - Giraffe
Ch. 8: Act 4: Nevada guts their net metering program, killing the solar industry - @greennewsreport - Air Date 1-12-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: Sunshine to Burn (The Long Grass) - The Sand Pebbles
Ch. 10: Act 5: Ronald Wright on Progress Traps - The Green Interview - Air Date: 8-1-11
Ch. 11: Song 5: Farmscrapers - Dad Rocks!
Ch. 12: Act 6: Is the Military the Future of Renewable Energy? - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 12-04-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Hands To Myself - Selena Gomez
Ch. 14: Act 7: Porter Ranch Massive CA Gas Leak & What It Means - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date 01-12-16
Ch. 15: Song 7: Payne's Bay - Beirut
Ch. 16: Act 8: Is Aliso Canyon California's BP Blowout? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-08-16
Ch. 17: Song 8: Devil Town - Tony Lucca
Ch. 18: Act 9: #LeapYear Manifesto: For New Economic & Energy Systems via @NaomiAKlein — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Act 9A: The Leap Manifesto As Explained By @NaomiAKlein - Huffington Post Canada - Air Date: 9-15-15
Ch. 20: Song 9: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
Ch. 21: Act 10: Surviving Progress Film (condensed version)
Voicemails
Ch. 22: The system isn't broken, it's fixed - V from Western New York
Ch. 23: The Spirit Level by Richard G. Wilkinson and Kate Pickett - Nick from Denver, Co
Ch. 24: Correcting a few economic points - Kate in Torono (T's are overrated)
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 25: Final comments
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #LeapYear Manifesto: For New Economic & Energy Systems via @NaomiAKlein
Take Action:
JOIN/Host: #LeapYear Event, Feb-March 2016 via
WATCH: "Leap Year 2016 - Hangout with Naomi Klein, Bill McKibben, and more”
hosted by This Changes Everything
Canadians can SIGN: The Leap Year Manifest
Sources/further reading:
"Let’s make this a real ‘leap’ year, and go fossil fuel-free” by Naomi Klein
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #987 Today we look at the intersection and roots of systemic racism and institutional poverty in America and the ways in which each supports and bolsters the other Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:45 Ch. 2: Act 1: The Great Migration - @DecodeDC - Air Date 5-14-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: End of the World - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin
00:08:32 Ch. 4: Act 2: Back to Baltimore Witness to History - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 12-11-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Uprising - Muse
00:12:45 Ch. 6: Act 3: Richard Rothstein on the roots racial segregation in Baltimore - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 12-26-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Segregation - Rankin Scroo
00:21:30 Ch. 8: Act 4: Phil Thompson on the Historical Fight for Civil and Economic Rights - @TheNextSystem Project - Air Date: 6-30-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: N/A
00:25:17 Ch. 10: Act 5: Black College Households Lost Half Their Wealth Despite Degrees - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 8-19-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Lesson Learned - Smooth Jazz All Stars
00:30:42 Ch. 12: Act 6: The legacy of racial, economic inequality - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 12-29-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Only a Pawn In Their Game - Bob Dylan
00:43:47 Ch. 14: Act 7: Working against the Racial Wealth Gap - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 12-8-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Forward - Northbound
00:47:02 Ch. 16: Act 8: Narrowing the Racial Wealth Gap w/@AECFNews (Annie E. Casey Fdn) - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - Shihan
00:52:14 Ch. 18: Act 9: Racism is a tool to keep poor white people blaming POC for their problems - The Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date: 6-19-15
Voicemails
01:01:32 Ch. 19: We are a defacto segregated country - Erin from Philadelphia
01:03:47 Ch. 20: Pulling the Overton window back to the left - Colby from Portland, Oregon
01:07:12 Ch. 21: Thoughts on the effects of structures of business - Jordan from Salt Lake City
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:10:33 Ch. 22: Final comments on the lack of diversity in the voicemails
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Narrowing the Racial Wealth Gap w/@AECFNews (Annie E. Casey Fdn)
Take Action:
Get Involved with the Annie E. Casey Foundation: Who We Help: Communities
Contact your legislators through OpenStates.org about: ”Investing in Tomorrow”
Sources/further reading:
"Could These Four Policy Changes Close the Racial Wealth Gap?” at Colorlines.org
"UN Experts Catalog Seemingly Endless List of Racial Discrimination in US” at CommonDreams
"The U.S. Supreme Court Barely Saves the Fair Housing Act” at The Atlantic
"Ending the Cycle of Racial Isolation” at The New York Times
"Obama administration to unveil major new rules targeting segregation across U.S.” via The White House
"In Fair Housing Act Case, Supreme Court Backs 'Disparate Impact’ Claims”
“Segregation Now: Investigating America’s Racial Divide” at ProPublica
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #985 Today we look at the case against extreme wealth inequality and not just from an economic justice perspective. Extreme wealth inequality leads to more social ills and destabilization than you probably ever guessed Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: This Is The Income Inequality Video CEOs Don’t Want Americans To See - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-03-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Let's Work Together - Canned Heat
00:17:41 Ch. 4: Act 2: Climate Change and Inequality Are Driving War and Catastrophic Conflicts from Syria to Africa - @democracynow - Air Date: 12-04-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Climate Refugees Main Theme - Michael Mollura
00:21:56 Ch. 6: Act 3: Stoking fears to pit workers against workers, never the rich - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 12-11-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Don't Blame Yourself - Sixpence None the Richer
00:25:42 Ch. 8: Act 4: Paul Krugmanon on Thomas Piketty's book: Capital in the Twenty-First Century - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-18-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: A Change Is Gonna Come - Ben Sollee
00:43:56 Ch. 10: Act 5: Thomas Piketty's 'Capital' in 3 minutes - BBC Newsnight - Air Date: 04-30-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Adventure, Darling - Gillicuddy
00:47:43 Ch. 12: Act 6: Make #Poverty an #Election2016 Priority w/@VoteToEndHunger - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:50:41 Ch. 14: Act 7: International comparisons of child poverty show who we should look to - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 1-24-16
Voicemails
00:58:09 Ch. 15: Capitalism with the workers in charge - Patrick from Dallas
01:00:42 h. 16: How capitalism should work - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:02:39 Ch. 17: Final Comments on the case against extreme wealth inequality and endless economic growth
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Make #Poverty an #Election2016 Priority w/@VoteToEndHunger
Take Action:
SIGN & SHARE: Pledge to end hunger by 2030
GET INVOLVED with Vote to End Hunger
Sources/further reading:
"Pathologizing the Poor Reinforces Stigma While Deterring Advocacy and Public Policy” via Truthout
”Hunger is a Significant But Solvable Problem, Both in the United States and Internationally” via Vote to End Hunger
”Presidential Candidate Videos” via Vote to End Hunger
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #985 Today we look at the series of events and conservative policies that lead, predictably, to the public health crisis currently playing out in Flint, MI due to their contaminated water supply Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:37 Ch. 2: Act 1: Michigan locals fight for democracy - @jimhightower - Air Date: 8-29-11
Ch. 3: Song 1: Democracy - Leonard Cohen
00:03:10 Ch. 4: Act 2: Former Michigan Emergency Manager Blows Whistle on Anti-Democratic Law - Rachel @Maddow - Air Date 4-19-12
Ch. 5: Song 2: Gangnam Style (강남스타일) - PSY
00:09:50 Ch. 6: Act 3: How Flint, Michigan, Saved Money and Poisoned Its Children City Declares Water Emergency - @democracynow - Air Date 12-18-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: You're a Disaster - Dragonette
00:20:04 Ch. 8: Act 4: Poisoned Democracy How an Unelected Official Contaminated Flint's Water to Save Money - @democracynow - Air Date 01-08-16
Ch. 9: Song 4: You Don't Miss Your Water - Ben Sollee
00:31:31 Ch. 10: Act 5: "Gov. Snyder Should Be Arrested" Flint Residents Demand Justice over Water Poisoning - @democracynow - Air Date 01-08-16
Ch. 11: Song 5: Murky Water - The Autumn Isles
00:34:44 Ch. 12: Act 6: Calls grow for Michigan governor's resignation - Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHPshow) - Air Date 1-17-16
Ch. 13: Song 6: Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel
00:39:56 Ch. 14: Act 7: Remorseful Snyder apologizes to people of Flint in state address - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date 1-19-16
Ch. 15: Song 7: The Water - Feist
00:42:58 Ch. 16: Act 8: Snyder e-mails missing key year in Flint toxic water disaster - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date 1-20-16
Ch. 17: Song 8: Drink the Water - Jack Johnson
00:46:03 Ch. 18: Act 9: Fox on Flint- The Residents Sort of Did It to Themselves - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 1-21-16
Ch. 19: Song 9: Keys - the Villains Trust
00:55:11 Ch. 20: Act 10: Restore CDC Funding to Prevent Lead Poisoning via @ColorOfChange — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 21: Song 10: This fickle world - Theo Bard
00:58:11 Ch. 22: Act 11: Flint water tie eyed in outbreak of deadly Legionnaires' disease - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date 1-21-16
Voicemails
01:05:53 Ch. 23: Democratizing capitalism and keeping the market - Kate in Torono (T's are overrated)
01:08:54 Ch. 24: Understanding what's right and what wrong with capitalism - Keith from Brooklyn, NY
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:12:58 Ch. 25: Final comments with some homework for you on aspects of capitalism
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Restore CDC Funding to Prevent Lead Poisoning via @ColorOfChange
Take Action:
SIGN and share: "Arrest Governor Snyder" via Michael Moore
SIGN and share: "Tell the US government to restore funding for the Center for Disease Control Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention program in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget.” via ColorOfChange.org
Sources/further reading:
"Michigan Governor Rick Snyder To Be Called Before Congress” via The New Civil Rights Movement
"Snyder hasn’t been invited to testify before Congress” via Detroit news
"Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan Apologizes in Flint Water Crisis” via The New York Times
"Flint water crisis: EPA regional administrator resigns” via CNN.com
"Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder Releases Emails Tied to Flint Water Crisis” via ABC News
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #922 Today we take a hard look at modern-day civilization and culture and ponder what we could do to make things better Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: The Death of Culture at the Hands of the Profit Motive - @majorityfm - Air Date: 01-20-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: My Conversation - The Uniques
00:13:04 Ch. 4: Act 2: Visionary Sci Fi for an Age of Acquiescence - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 4-20-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Design - Fiction Company
00:15:58 Ch. 6: Act 3: .@ShawnAchor - The happy secret to better work - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 2-1-12
Ch. 7: Song 3: Everybody Loves a Happy Ending (iTunes Originals Version) - Tears for Fears
00:29:08 Ch. 8: Act 4: A Brief History of Humankind - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 4-30-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: "Going Sane" - Two Cheers
00:40:39 Ch. 10: Act 5: Lacking liberty from slavery to feudalism to capitalism - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 2-1-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Revolution - Grandaddy
00:55:40 Ch. 12: Act 6: .@TheNextSystem Project- National Launch Webinar - Best of the Left Activism
Voicemails
00:58:10 Ch. 14: What I took away from the Baltimore episode - Ryan from Pheonix
01:02:54 Ch. 15: Thanks for Baltimore episode - Isaiah from New York
01:03:35 Ch. 16: Nonviolence doesn't work when society is callous to suffering - Diane from Houston
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:01 Ch. 17: Final comments on capitalism, culture and The Next System Project
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: @TheNextSystem Project: National Launch Webinar
Take Action:
WATCH The Next System Project National Launch Webinar moderated by Laura Flanders of GritTV
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #984 Today we look at some of the downfalls of our current economic system, a few thoughts on what to do about it and what Bernie Sanders is doing to push this conversation forward Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Economist Juliet Schor on Inequality & Climate Crisis - @TheNextSystem Project - Air Date: 5-5-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Luriana Lurilee - Ben McElroy
00:03:19 Ch. 4: Act 2: Capitalism Works Best in an Authoritarian Environment... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 02-10-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Gone Too Far (feat. Jack Bruce) - Robin Trower
00:07:34 Ch. 6: Act 3: Michael Lewis on how the system is rigged and fundamentally broken - Open Source - Air Date: 3-24-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Consequences - The Robert Cray Band
00:14:13 Ch. 8: Act 4: Saving Capitalism Promo with Robert Reich (@RBReich) - Goldman School - Air Date: 9-25-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: We Are the Many - Makana
00:18:29 Ch. 10: Act 5: Robert Reich on "Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few" - @democracynow - Air Date: 09-30-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: A Few Honest Words - Ben Sollee
00:26:47 Ch. 12: Act 6: Karl Marx on Alienation - BBC Radio 4 - Air Date: 01-19-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Workers of the World Unite! - The Last Internationale
00:29:05 Ch. 14: Act 7: Whats up with Bernie Sanders and Democratic Socialism anyway? Part 1 - Economic Update w @profwolff - Air Date 10-23-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Going sane - Bryan Everyshed
00:39:16 Ch. 16: Act 8: Hit piece on Denmark to undercut benefits of democratic socialism - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 11-6-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: What I'm Looking For (Ad Version) - Brendan Benson
00:42:56 Ch. 18: Act 9: Whats up with Bernie Sanders and Democratic Socialism anyway? Part 2 - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 10-23-15
Voicemails
00:59:17 Ch. 19: The problems with the police - Colin from Cleveland, OH
01:04:17 Ch. 20: Domestic spying against decent - Emma from New York City
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:27 Ch. 21: Final comments dispelling misconceptions about criticisms of capitalism
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #983 Today we look at a few of the myriad ways that the government and private companies work to destroy our right to privacy Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Congress Sneaks CISA Into Omnibus Bill. NSA Gets Everything. - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-24-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Stop Spying - The Grouch
00:08:03 Ch. 4: Act 2: Why Metadata Surveillance Failed to Stop Paris Attacks... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 11-18-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Port of Call - Beirut
00:17:36 Ch. 6: Act 3: Intimidating whistleblowers and journalists - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 11-13-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Journalist (Remix) - Shakhan
00:21:39 Ch. 8: Act 4: 2000 Cases May Be Overturned Because Police Used Secret Surveillance - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-10-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Eyes in the Sky - laughing sky
00:25:57 Ch. 10: Act 5: The problem with automatic license plate readers - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date: 3-15-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Cameras - Matt and Kim
00:42:34 Ch. 12: Act 6: "Collect it all" doesn't work - @onthemedia - Air Date: 11-27-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: This is based upon a true story - Plusplus
00:49:29 Ch. 14: Act 7: End Dragnet Government Surveillance via @ACLU - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: This fickle world - Theo Bard
00:51:47 Ch. 16: Act 8: NSA Wants In Your iPhone's Backdoor - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-19-15
Voicemails
00:55:49 Ch. 17: Thoughts on how the public can influence their built environment - Ryan from Phoenix
01:01:22 Ch. 18: The time I didn't get shot - Nick from California
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:03:25 Ch. 19: Final comments on the response re: election coverage
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: End Dragnet Government Surveillance via @ACLU — Best of the Left Activism
Take Action:
CONTACT the White House: Reverse EO 12333
SIGN: Cosmetic Changes Aren’t Enough: We need to END Dragnet NSA Surveillance via The ACLU
Sources/further reading:
"What President Obama Can Do to Stop US Dragnet Surveillance Around the World” via ACLU
"ACLU COMMENTS TO THE PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES OVERSIGHT BOARD ON ITS REVIEW OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 12333” via the ACLU
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #982 Today we look at the disturbing trends of racism and violence emanating from the Trump campaign, echoes of which are being felt all over the world Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:40 Ch. 2: Act 1: Trump Mob Chants "All Lives Matter" While Beating Black Man - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-24-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: I Will Follow You Into the Dark - Death Cab for Cutie
00:12:27 Ch. 4: Act 2: 2/3 of Republican Voters Support Trump's Muslim Ban - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 12-10-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Politic Amagni " La politique, c'est pas bon " - Amadou & Mariam
00:16:47 Ch. 6: Act 3: Democracy vs. Donald Trump - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 12-18-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Politic Amagni " La politique, c'est pas bon " - Amadou & Mariam
00:19:38 Ch. 8: Act 4: Republicans React To Trump’s Muslim Ban Idea - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-09-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Traitor - Sea Wolf
00:25:57 Ch. 10: Act 5: Arun Kundnani on the upsurge of Islamophobia in US media and politics - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 12-18-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Boléro, M. 81 - Boston Symphony Orchestra & Charles Münch
00:36:57 Ch. 12: Act 6: Bill O’Reilly Challenges Trump On Muslim Ban - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-11-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Silver Lining - Rilo Kiley
00:41:40 Ch. 14: Act 7: Tell RNC Chair @Reince: Denounce GOP candidates’ Islamophobia - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: This fickle world - Theo Bard
00:44:46 Ch. 16: Act 8: Society is a dog with fleas about to scratch ourselves to death - Common Sense (@dccommonsense) - Air Date 12-9-15
Voicemails
01:01:44 Ch. 17: The Myth Of Black On Black Crime - Elka from Fort Wayne, IN
01:04:36 Ch. 18: An explanation of therapeutic crisis intervention - Dan from Maine
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:08:11 Ch. 19: Final comments asking what you want the next year of shows to sound like
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Tell RNC Chair @Reince: Denounce GOP candidates’ Islamophobia via @lsarsour & @CAIRNational
Take Action:
SIGN: "The Republican Party must denounce the dangerous Islamophobia of candidates and officials” via Linda Sarsour with The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) at Change.org
Additional Activism/Resources:
SIGN: Tell The News Media: Stop Obsessing Over Donald Trump via Media Matters For America via MoveOn.org
Sources/further reading:
"It’s Not Just Trump – Islamophobia Is Widespread In the GOP Field” — round-up of articles on GOP Islamophobia in Election 2016 via HillaryClinton.com
"Who Will Stop Republican Islamophobia?” via The New Republic
Book: "Terrified: How Anti-Muslim Fringe Organizations Became Mainstream”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #982 Today we look at the disturbing trends of racism and violence emanating from the Trump campaign, echoes of which are being felt all over the world Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:40 Ch. 2: Act 1: Trump Mob Chants "All Lives Matter" While Beating Black Man - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-24-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: I Will Follow You Into the Dark - Death Cab for Cutie
00:12:27 Ch. 4: Act 2: 2/3 of Republican Voters Support Trump's Muslim Ban - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 12-10-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Politic Amagni " La politique, c'est pas bon " - Amadou & Mariam
00:16:47 Ch. 6: Act 3: Democracy vs. Donald Trump - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 12-18-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Politic Amagni " La politique, c'est pas bon " - Amadou & Mariam
00:19:38 Ch. 8: Act 4: Republicans React To Trump’s Muslim Ban Idea - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-09-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Traitor - Sea Wolf
00:25:57 Ch. 10: Act 5: Arun Kundnani on the upsurge of Islamophobia in US media and politics - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 12-18-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Boléro, M. 81 - Boston Symphony Orchestra & Charles Münch
00:36:57 Ch. 12: Act 6: Bill O’Reilly Challenges Trump On Muslim Ban - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-11-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Silver Lining - Rilo Kiley
00:41:40 Ch. 14: Act 7: Tell RNC Chair @Reince: Denounce GOP candidates’ Islamophobia - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: This fickle world - Theo Bard
00:44:46 Ch. 16: Act 8: Society is a dog with fleas about to scratch ourselves to death - Common Sense (@dccommonsense) - Air Date 12-9-15
Voicemails
01:01:44 Ch. 17: The Myth Of Black On Black Crime - Elka from Fort Wayne, IN
01:04:36 Ch. 18: An explanation of therapeutic crisis intervention - Dan from Maine
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:08:11 Ch. 19: Final comments asking what you want the next year of shows to sound like
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Tell RNC Chair @Reince: Denounce GOP candidates’ Islamophobia via @lsarsour & @CAIRNational
Take Action:
SIGN: "The Republican Party must denounce the dangerous Islamophobia of candidates and officials” via Linda Sarsour with The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) at Change.org
Additional Activism/Resources:
SIGN: Tell The News Media: Stop Obsessing Over Donald Trump via Media Matters For America via MoveOn.org
Sources/further reading:
"It’s Not Just Trump – Islamophobia Is Widespread In the GOP Field” — round-up of articles on GOP Islamophobia in Election 2016 via HillaryClinton.com
"Who Will Stop Republican Islamophobia?” via The New Republic
Book: "Terrified: How Anti-Muslim Fringe Organizations Became Mainstream”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
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Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #981 Today we look at just some of the latest round of police abuses and their repercussions Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Chicago Police Officer Charged With Murder After Video Shows Him Shooting Laquan McDonald 16 Times - @democracynow - Air Date 11-26-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Crimson Moon - Stray Dogg
00:11:26 Ch. 4: Act 2: The importance of activists making demands of the mayors - @fakedansavage - Air Date 12-29-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Horfid (Live @ KEXP) - Lay Low
00:22:40 Ch. 6: Act 3: Why was media largely silent on Holtzclaw case? - Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHPshow) - Air Date 12-13-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Ennio - Silence Is Sexy
00:28:57 Ch. 8: Act 4: Responding to the black-on-black-crime talking point - About Race - Air Date 9-1-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Yacht - deeB
00:34:53 Ch. 10: Act 5: A look back at the #BlackLivesMatter movement - @GRITlaura Flanders Show on @grittv - Air Date 12-15-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: My Favorite Mutiny - The Coup
00:41:46 Ch. 12: Act 6: Rice family attorney on non-indictment - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 12-28-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Heirloom - The Black Atlantic
00:44:41 Ch. 14: Act 7: AG @LorettaLynch: Get Justice for #TamirRice — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:47:18 Ch. 16: Act 8: US Police Vs. Good Police: A Comparison - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-08-15
Voicemails
00:58:16 Ch. 17: Human nature and culture - Ryan from Phoenix
01:01:16 Ch. 18: Philosophy of the system vs the individual - Quai from North Carolina
01:07:06 Ch. 19: Only people and institutions determine what is built - Rick from Scranton, PA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:09:02 Ch. 20: Final comments on how to make a public comment against the TPP
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: AG @LorettaLynch: Get Justice for #TamirRice
Take Action:
SIGN: "Justice For Tamir Rice” via Change.org
Sources/further reading:
”For Immediate Release: Tamir Rice’s Family Mourns For Tamir After Non-Indictment of Officers” via the JusticeForJamil Tumblr
"The Paranoid Style of American Policing: When officers take the lives of those they are sworn to protect and serve, they undermine their own legitimacy.” via Ta-Nehisi Coates at The Atlantic
"Failed justice in Tamir Rice death galvanizes faith community to action: Joshua L. Caruso, Tracey Lind and Richard Gibson (Opinion)” via Cleveland.com
"Tamir Rice protesters picket house of Cleveland prosecutor Timothy McGinty” at The Guardian
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
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Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #980 Today we examine the agreement that came out of the recent COP21 (Conference of Parties) negotiating international action on climate change Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:50 Ch. 2: Act 1: UN Paris Agreement Special Coverage - @greennewsreport - Air Date 12-15-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Broken Doors - Plusplus
00:05:40 Ch. 4: Act 2: Climate Scientist James Hansen Warns World is on Wrong Track to Prevent Runaway Global Warming - @democracynow - Air Date: 12-04-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Malignant Flip - Tab and Anitek
00:20:05 Ch. 6: Act 3: Deal Reached In Paris Climate Talks - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-15-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: A Farewell To Trends - dustmotes
00:29:22 Ch. 8: Act 4: Landmark or Fraud? - @onthemedia - Air Date: 12-18-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Dsei Sei - F.S. Blumm
00:44:58 Ch. 10: Act 5: As NY State Probes Exxon, Oil Giant Targets the Journalists Who Exposed Climate Change Cover-Up - @democracynow - Air Date: 12-02-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Portland [Demo] - RENMINBI
00:51:47 Ch. 12: Act 6: Break Free From #FossilFuels via 350.org - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:54:47 Ch. 14: Act 7: Turning Point for the Climate or Disaster? Michael Brune vs. George Monbiot on Paris Accord (Pt. 1) - @democracynow - Air Date: 12-15-15
Voicemails
01:03:43 Ch. 15: Curious about other's experience with religion's role in helping people - Charlie From Cincinnati
01:05:39 Ch. 16: Facts & Truth Don't Matter - Elka from Fort Wayne, IN
01:07:39 Ch. 17: Thoughts on a life of work - Peter in Seattle
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:11:41 Ch. 18: Final comments on the excellent voicemail conversation and the successful fundraiser
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Break Free From #FossilFuels via 350.org
Take Action:
Sign up to help organize and/or get updates: Break Free From #FossilFuels via 350.org
Sources/further reading:
"10 awesome things we did together in 2015” via 350.org
"Leaders Move to Convert Paris Climate Pledges Into Action” via The New York Time
"Historic Paris Climate Agreement Should Spook Fossil Fuel Markets and Escalate Clean Tech Investment” via DeSmog Blog
'Green News Report' Special Coverage 2015 Year In Review via Green News Report
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #950 Today we take a look at progressivism, define some terms, clarify some stumbling blocks and give some guidance on how to be a better progressive Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: What is 'intersectionality'? - @IntersectionTNR - Air Date: 7-28-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Counting Colors - Anitek
00:07:23 Ch. 4: Act 2: A quick breakdown of identity politics - @CriticizeAfter Dinner - Air Date: 6-1-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Cetology - Ben McElroy
00:12:39 Ch. 6: Act 3: Political correctness isn't just about being polite - Popaganda (@BitchMedia) - Air Date: 3-26-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: N/A
00:19:56 Ch. 8: Act 4: Sarah Jaffe: Are We Mistaking Feelings for Politics? - Radio Dispatch - Air Date: 3-30-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Oak - Ben McElroy
00:34:28 Ch. 10: Act 5: Why I'm a complete and total hypocrite - and actually really proud of it - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 02-14-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Drifts - The OO-Ray
00:40:05 Ch. 12: Act 6: Breaking down modern day acts of rebellion - On Being (@Beingtweets) - Air Date: 1-8-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: N/A
00:46:44 Ch. 14: Act 7: 6 rules of being a good ally - Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date: 8-14-15
Voicemails
00:57:36 Ch. 15: How to be a good ally to BlackLivesMatter - Dan from Albany, NY
01:01:36 Ch. 16: Don't let logistics stand in the way of feeding people - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:04:33 Ch. 17: Final comments on the article: “I find this offensive" How offense discourse traps us into inaction
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Edition #926 Today, instead of trying to convince you of the benefits of feminism, I’m just going to show you the horrors (for everyone) of patriarchy Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Colin Stokes: How movies teach manhood - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 01-18-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: We're Off to See the Wizard - Judy Garland & Ray Bolger
Ch. 4: Act 2: Boys will be boys in a patriarchal society - @citizenradio - Air Date: 5-22-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Boys Will Be Boys - Alisha
Ch. 6: Act 3: Do Videogame Stereotypes Hurt Men? - PBS Game/Show - Air Date: 08-2-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: Main Theme - String Player Gamer
Ch. 8: Act 4: White men never get to tell their stories - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - AIr Date: 1-9-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Express Yourself - Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
Ch. 10: Act 5: The Sad Puppy Takeover - @onthemedia - Air Date: 4-17-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Patriarchy (Over & Out) - EP - Planningtorock & rRoxymore
Ch. 12: Act 6: What Fuels Sexism on the Internet? - @majorityfm - Air Date: 11-24-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Empathy - Chasing Kings
Ch. 14: Act 7: What Is the Patriarchy? | Feminist Fridays - @marinashutup - Air Date: 11-02-14
Voicemails
Ch. 16: Thoughts on human nature - Ruben from San Jose
Ch. 17: What's the alternative to high stakes testing? - Chris from Colorado Springs
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on education reforms and it's panic time for the Climate Hike fundraiser
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #979 Today we check in with the front-line forces in the annual holiday tradition of the War on Christmas™ and take a peek at a few other holiday traditions to boot Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Christians Very Offended By Starbucks Holiday Cups - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-10-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: War on Christmas (Band Practice edition) - Jamie Kilstein and the Agenda
00:05:30 Ch. 4: Act 2: Donald Trump Will Win Non-Existent War on Christmas - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-29-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Get Down for the Holidays - Jenny O
00:09:12 Ch. 6: Act 3: Green Christmas (1958) - Stan Freberg
Ch. 7: Song 3: White Wine in the Sun - Tim Minchin
00:16:59 Ch. 8: Act 4: The Absurd "War On Christmas" Arrived Early This Year; Big Thanks To Fox News - @ringoffireradio - Air Date 11-13-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: War On Christmas - The Enablers & Friends
00:26:52 Ch. 10: Act 5: It's Merry Christmas, So F&_% Off - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 12-18-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: (It's Good to Be) A Jew At Christmas - What I Like About Jew
00:29:09 Ch. 12: Act 6: 3 Christmas traditions explained - Life Noggin - Air Date: 12-22-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Tiny Tree Christmas - Guster
00:33:14 Ch. 14: Act 7: Anti-Christmas Atheist War Gangs Psychoanalyzed On Bill O’Reilly - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-06-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: The War On the War On Christmas - Macarone
00:38:55 Ch. 16: Act 8: The panopticon on the shelf - Radio Dispatch - Air Date 12-22-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: "Baby It's Cold Outside" Gets a Feminist Remix - caseymh2010
00:50:36 Ch. 18: Act 9: War on Christmas Update: Congressional Resolution Phase - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 12-16-15
00:55:49 Ch. 19: Final comments on the stress and suffering inflicted on those who have to be with their liberal family during the holidays
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Edition #978 Today we look at the shifting trends of how and why people work and what may happen when the robots take everyone’s jobs Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Tipping Point: Technology Now Destroying More Jobs Than It Creates - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-13-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Work to live - Serious Suicide
00:04:15 Ch. 4: Act 2: Nigel Cameron: A world without work - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 4-23-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: What Would You Do? - The Living End
00:22:40 Ch. 6: Act 3: Robots Will Take Your Job SOON! (seriously) - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 05-09-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Robot friend - Pretty Little Demons
00:28:48 Ch. 8: Act 4: Practical Theology (Because who wants impractical theology?) Part 1 - Progressive Faith Sermons - Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 12-13-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Courage - Authority Zero
00:37:31 Ch. 10: Act 5: Barry Schwartz: The way we think about work is broken - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 9-8-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Human Nature - Michael Jackson
00:45:50 Ch. 12: Act 6: Practical Theology (Because who wants impractical theology?) Part 2 - Progressive Faith Sermons - Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 12-13-15
Voicemails
00:56:59 Ch. 13: 7 Violence against women re: abortion? - Robert from New Hampshire
00:59:05 Ch. 14: 8 Response to thoughts on "unskilled labor" - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:01:34 Ch. 15: Final comments on After Tiller, the Progressive Faith Sermon and how human nature is moulded by our circumstances
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Edition #977 Today we look at the fundamental barrier to democracy in the US and the veritable swarm of movements springing up to tear it down Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Brazil Bans Corporate Money In Politics. - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-19-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Power to the People - John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band
00:08:16 Ch. 4: Act 2: How to Keep Campaign Donations Secret - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-06-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Things a Get from Bad to Worse - The Ethiopians
00:17:03 Ch. 6: Act 3: Corruption is Legal in America - Represent.Us (@RepresentDotUs) - Air Date: 4-30-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: N/A
00:22:47 Ch. 8: Act 4: Represent.Us 2015 Strategy - Represent.Us (@RepresentDotUs) - Air Date: 1-15-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: N/A
00:27:09 Ch. 10: Act 5: CBS Chief Loves Trump, Super-PACs, And Corruption - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-13-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Laughing At You - Head Automatica
00:32:48 Ch. 12: Act 6: Yahoo misses the point about the problems of money in politics - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 9-25-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Moneytalks - Vitamin String Quartet
00:36:27 Ch. 14: Act 7: Media Ignores...Americans Want Citizens United Overturned! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-08-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Moneytalks - Vitamin String Quartet
00:41:45 Ch. 16: Act 8: Stamp Money Out Of Politics w/ @BenAndJerrys @StampStampede - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Time for Action - Secret Affair
00:48:15 Ch. 18: Act 9: Help California FREE Act Fight Money In Politics Now! Sign The Petition - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-04-15
Voicemails
00:54:45 Ch. 19: Framing the abortion debate in terms of bodily integrity - Rachel from Mississippi
00:56:51 Ch. 20: Thoughts on "unskilled" workers - Chris from Fairfax
00:59:34 Ch. 21: Agreeing with the Fight for $15 messaging - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
01:01:01 Ch. 22: Minimum wages across borders doesn't matter much - David in Cincinnati
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:01:54 Ch. 23: Final comments on the cost of books in Canada and a detailed explainer for election reform groups
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Stamp Money Out Of Politics w/@BenAndJerrys @StampStampede
Take Action:
Get your stamps/get involved with: Stamp Stampede
Share your marked money with: StampStampede’s social media feeds
Follow the #GetMoneyOutthread
Sources/further reading:
"Here's How Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Wants To Stamp Money Out Of Politics” via Huffington Post
"Stamp stampede on your dollar -- for democracy” by Ben & Jerry
"Stamp Money Out of Politics – STAMP STAMPEDE” via Democracy Matters
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #976 Today we look at a few facts regarding guns and gun control in the US including what’s keeping our politicians from enacting widely supported gun regulations Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Obama Reacts to Mass Shootings | ReFramed - Refinery29 - Air Date: 12-04-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Clodomir - Imagho
00:02:21 Ch. 4: Act 2: See you at the next mass shooting - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 12-4-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Going sane - Bryan Everyshed
00:05:13 Ch. 6: Act 3: Study: NO ADVANTAGE to Using Firearms in Self-Defense Situations - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-31-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: The Magnificent Seven - The City of Prague Philharmonic
00:10:38 Ch. 8: Act 4: The media forgets to follow the money on gun violence - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 12-11-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Tape - dustmotes
00:15:08 Ch. 10: Act 5: America Is Dying For Gun Control - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-04-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Wake me up - Avicii
00:22:41 Ch. 12: Act 6: Gun control - Jim Jefferies
Ch. 13: Song 6: The Flowers Are Still Standing - Jahzzar
00:37:50 Ch. 14: Act 7: On San Bernardino and the Dickey Amendment - @OntheMedia - Air Date 12-3-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Agnes - Rod Hamilton
00:47:30 Ch. 16: Act 8: #EndTheBan on @CDCgov Research via @Drsforamerica & @Everytown — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:50:11 Ch. 18: Act 9: Science: Fewer Guns = Fewer Gun Deaths - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-29-15
Voicemails
00:59:55 Ch. 19: It's not just about gun sales, it's about rights - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
01:02:29 Ch. 20: No such thing as "unskilled labor" - Will in Mississippi
01:03:20 Ch. 21: Why don't we prosecute anti-abortion groups? - Emma from New York City
01:05:08 Ch. 22: Women aren't seen as full humans - Erin from Philadelphia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:07:55 Ch. 23: Final comments on the latest updates from the year-end fundraiser
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #EndTheBan on @CDCgov Research via @Drsforamerica & @Everytown
Take Action:
SHARE: "Doctors and Public Health Professionals: End the CDC Gun Violence Research Ban” from Doctors For America
SIGN, Tweet, & Call your senators: #EndGunViolence, #EndTheBan via Everytown for Gun Safety
Sources/further reading:
"Gun violence research: History of the federal funding freeze”
"Congressman Whose Amendment Ended Federal Gun Research: 'I Have Regrets’” via Talking Points Memo
National Rifle Assoc Funding Stats via OpenSecrets.org
"Over 2,000 Physicians Urge Congress to End the Ban on CDC and NIH Gun Violence Research” from Doctors For America
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #975 Today we look at the history of reproductive rights and the history of the war against them and then examine the recent Planned Parenthood shooting in Colorado in this context Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: They want to ban abortion - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 12-1-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Bury the Past - Professional Victims
00:07:41 Ch. 4: Act 2: Cruz in questionable company, offers bizarre response to shooting - Rachel @Maddow - Air Date 11-30-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Cospiratore - Old Splendifolia
00:19:33 Ch. 6: Act 3: Jodi Jacobson on the broader context for the Colorado Springs killings - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 12-4-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: The Cloud - Jim Guthrie
00:31:45 Ch. 8: Act 4: Fox News On Damage Control After “Baby Parts” Propaganda Campaign - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-02-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Untitled - Zoe Keating
00:42:53 Ch. 10: Act 5: Tell the DOJ: #InvestigateClinicViolence as Terrorism via @NARAL — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 11: Song 5: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:46:07 Ch. 12: Act 6: Abortion provider 'not deterred' by Colorado attack - Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHPshow) - Air Date 11-28-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Window - The Album Leaf
00:52:27 Ch. 14: Act 7: Journal of abortion provider Dr. Susan Wicklund - @Making_Contact - Air Date 12-9-15
Voicemails
00:58:56 Ch. 15: Thoughts on those who refuse to pay women the same as men - Spencer from Utah
01:01:35 Ch. 16: Muslims are already in danger - Ezra from Washington, DC
01:03:09 Ch. 17: Commenting on Shooting of Laquan McDonald - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:05:55 Ch. 18: Final comments and bonus voicemails from Jack in Chicago, Paul in Winnipeg and Zach in Atlanta
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Tell the DOJ: #InvestigateClinicViolence as Terrorism via @NARAL
Take Action:
SIGN: Tell the Department of Justice to #InvestigateClinicViolence as terrorism via NARAL
SIGN: "Tell the Department of Justice: Investigate attacks on Planned Parenthood clinics for what they are — domestic terrorism.” via @CredoAction
Additional Activism/Resources:
Donate/volunteer with clinic defense: contact The Clinic Vest Project
Follow: #InvestigateClinicViolence
Sources/further reading:
WATCH: ReproAction’s webinar: "Stop Anti-Abortion Terrorism and Harassment”
"Targeted Attacks On Abortion Providers Is Domestic Terrorism” by Katie Klabusich at The Establishment
"‘Living in the Crosshairs’ Puts Human Face on Grim Clinic Violence Statistics” by Katie Klabusich at RH Reality Check
"Activists renew calls for abortion clinic attacks to be labeled domestic terrorism” by Molly Redden at The Guardian
"I Used to Confront Abortion Doctors—Until One Got Murdered” at Time
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
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Edition #974 Today we look at a variety of ways corporations are working hard to screw over people and the planet in search of profits with a particular focus on the recently-released full text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Joanne Doroshow: Forced arbitration and what it means - CounterSpin @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 11-6-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Mess Is Mine - Vance Joy
Ch. 4: Act 2: Full Text of TPP Trade Deal Revealed -- and Critics Say It's Even Worse Than They Thought - @democracynow - Air Date: 11-06-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: One Million Miles Away - J. Ralph
Ch. 6: Act 3: TPP: Designed to Protect Investors! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 11-05-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: World Spins Madly On - The Weepies
Ch. 8: Act 4: The corporations bend governments to their will with the TPP - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 11-13-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Oligarchy - The Haymarket Squares
Ch. 10: Act 5: "A Very Big Mistake": Joseph Stiglitz Slams Obama for Pushing the TPP - @democracynow - Air Date: 11-12-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Smoke and Mirrors - Imagine Dragons
Ch. 12: Act 6: Opposing the TPP On #Climate Grounds via @IATP, @Public_Citizen & @ExposeTheTPP - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
Ch. 14: Act 7: American Corporations: Workers Pay Taxes, Not US!!! - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-22-15
Voicemails
Ch. 15: White people always think they're being called a racist - Elka from Fort Wayne, IN
Ch. 16: World Star Hip Hop is a racist dog whistle - Ruben from San Jose
Ch. 17: Questions about the US and Canadian minimum wages - Paul from Winnepeg
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on the messaging of the Fight for $15 campaign, membership drive and Theo Bard's "This Fickle World" is now on sale
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism Update!
The TPP is bad for the climate! via "3 Ways the TPP Will Hurt the Climate—If We Let It Pass” at The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
Follow-up/new Action!
CONTACT: your legislators about TPP with climate-specific concerns. via Public Citizen
SHOW why you oppose the TPP on social media via Expose The TPP
Sources/further reading:
FOLLOW: #COP21 for updates on the Paris Climate Negotiations
"It’s Never Been about Trade” via The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
Revisit the original action/segment: "Stop Fast Track of TransPacific Partnership via @MoveOn” — 02/06/2015
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #973 Today we look at the troubling trends facing today’s low wage workers and those in the middle class who may eventually find themselves to be low wage workers Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: How America Is Killing the Middle Class - AJ+ (@ajplus) - Air Date 10-22-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Working Poor - Horse Feathers
00:04:51 Ch. 4: Act 2: Why Conservatives Hate Unions... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 02-10-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Let's Eat the Poor - alan ross haynes
00:14:01 Ch. 6: Act 3: Paul Ryan REALLY Believes in Family Time, Just Not for Your Family - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 11-02-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Let's Go Down - Family of the year
00:21:01 Ch. 8: Act 4: KMart withholds holiday schedules and screws with employees lives - @TalkPoverty Radio - Air Date 11-19-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Oak - Ben McElroy
00:24:52 Ch. 10: Act 5: Retail companies who were open on Thanksgiving don't have much to show for it - @TalkPoverty Radio - Air Date 12-3-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Working Class Hero - Exit Clov
00:27:40 Ch. 12: Act 6: Fair Wages: A history of getting paid - BackStory - Air Date 3-28-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Family Farm - Chris Dorman
00:36:08 Ch. 14: Act 7: McDonald's Installs Automated Order Kiosks in NYC - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 08-06-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Automation (Live Version) - Allan Sherman
00:40:47 Ch. 16: Act 8: Stiglitz: Sanders is Right - Everybody Has the Right to Healthcare, Sick Days and Family Leave - @democracynow - Air Date: 11-12-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: The Bare Necessities - Bruce Reitherman & Phil Harris
00:48:11 Ch. 18: Act 9: Fight. Strike. Vote. via @FightFor15 - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:50:59 Ch. 20: Act 10: Your Job May Be Killing You - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-02-15
Voicemails
00:58:49 Ch. 21: The culture of white supremacy in police work - Geoff from Florida
01:00:11 Ch. 22: Wade didn't say anything racist about cops in schools - Matt in Eastern PA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:03:24 Ch. 23: Final comments on Amazon, labor, coops and an update on the member drive
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Fight. Strike. Vote. via @FightFor15 — Best of the Left Activism
Take Action:
SIGN: the Fight for $15 Vote Pledge
POST: when you buy holiday gifts in your community, tag stores and purchases with #ShopLocal to encourage others to do the same.
Additional Activism/Resources:
SUPPORT good business by using the Think Progress "Holiday Shopping Guide" to see which companies force employees to work holidays.
Sources/further reading:
”Almost Half of All American Workers Make Less Than $15 an Hour” by Michelle Chen at The Nation
"Republicans divided by income over government’s role in ‘safety net’ issues” via Pew Research Center
"Stronger Unions Are the Way to Rebalance Our Economy” by Dorian Warren via Newsweek
"Walmart Threatens City Council For Considering Minimum Wage Increase” at ThinkProgress
"How One City Is Making Sure Bosses Comply With Wage Theft and Paid Sick Leave Laws” at In These Times
"Truth Needle: Is $15 wage dooming Seattle restaurants? Owners say no” at The Seattle Times
"'Do unions still matter?' 5 answers I've offered to my father-in-law when he asks that question.”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #972 Today we look at the racist and xenophobic response to muslims trying to escape their war-torn countries in the wake of the recent Paris attacks Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: PT 2 Glenn Greenwald on "Submissive" Media's Drumbeat for War and Anti-Muslim Scapegoating - @democracynow - Air Date 11-19-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Tusk - Errors
00:05:53 Ch. 4: Act 2: How The US Screens Refugees - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-18-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Clodomir - Imagho
00:10:25 Ch. 6: Act 3: In Spite of Attacks, France Will Welcome Even More Refugees - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 11-19-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Slipping Away - Michael Andrews
00:14:17 Ch. 8: Act 4: First Muslim Member of U.S. Congress: Restrictions on Syrian Refugees Driven by Fear, Xenophobia - @democracynow - Air Date: 11-26-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Democracy - Leonard Cohen
00:18:42 Ch. 10: Act 5: Spiritual reflections in an age of terrorism: Refugees - Progressive Faith Sermon w Dr. Rodger Ray - Air Date 11-15-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Not in our name - DJ Spooky & Saul Williams
00:23:26 Ch. 12: Act 6: Fear-mongering: "CNN Has Led the Way in This" Claims Glenn Greenwald, on CNN - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 11-24-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Good people - Jack Johnson
00:29:28 Ch. 14: Act 7: "Nativist Hysteria" Against Syrian Refugees Echoes U.S. Rejection of Jewish Refugees in 1930s - @democracynow - Air Date 11-24-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Hipozebra - Selva de Mar
00:37:05 Ch. 16: Act 8: Over Twenty Governors Reject Syrian Refugees Fleeing ISIS - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-17-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: American Land - Bruce Springsteen
00:44:13 Ch. 18: Act 9: Is it actually un-American to fear immigrants and refugees? - About Race - Air Date 11-25-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: Hide Your Tears - Daniel Licht
00:47:55 Ch. 20: Act 10: Tell your Senators to Make #RefugeesWelcome via @theIRC - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 21: Song 10: This fickle world - Theo Bard
00:50:31 Ch. 22: Act 11: Trump Wants Mandatory Badges On Muslim Americans - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-20-15
Voicemails
01:05:02 Ch. 23: White men with guns are not the answer - William J. Jackson
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:56 Ch. 24: Final comments on what white supremacy is all about
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Tell your Senator to Make #RefugeesWelcome via @theIRC — Best of the Left Activism
Take Action:
SIGN: "Tell your Senator to Make #RefugeesWelcome: Ask Congress to Support Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Resettlement & Stand for Welcome”
DONATE: Make a lifesaving gift that supports refugee families caught in the world’s most urgent humanitarian crisis.
GIVE A GIFT: RESCUE GIFTS: Symbolic Gifts. Real Rescue.
Additional Activism/Resources:
LIKE & FOLLOW: the International Rescue Committee (IRC) on Facebook and on Twitter
RETWEET: "FACT. Entering the US as a refugee is by far the most difficult and complex of all routes in. #RefugeesWelcome” from IRC: International Rescue Committee
Related Best of the Left Action (11-23-2015): "Oppose the American SAFE Act of 2015 via @TheNation”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #879 Today we take a look at some of the underlying problems with capitalism and their repercussions Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Can Money Buy Happiness? - AsapSCIENCE - Air Date: 12-20-12
Ch. 3: Song 1: Spend - Try to Be Here
Ch. 4: Act 2: Unregulated Capitalism and the Persuit of Happiness... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 11-12-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Mo Money Mo Problems (feat. Mase & Puff Daddy) - Life After Death (Deluxe Version)
Ch. 6: Act 3: Capitalism is fundamentally undemocratic - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 11-10-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Capitalism - Capitalism (feat. Bajka) - EP
Ch. 8: Act 4: Thoughts on a basic guaranteed income - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 10-20-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: American Way - Essential Masters
Ch. 10: Act 5: Triangle Returns - Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights - Air Date: 03-22-11
Ch. 11: Song 5: Going Home - The Talks
Ch. 12: Act 6: Dr. King's "Bill of Economic and Social Rights" - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-21-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: America First - Chicago Wind
Ch. 14: Act 7: Protest Black Friday - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 16: Act 8: When Your Workers Want Rights Just Pay Off A Politician - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-18-14
Voicemails
Ch. 18: Asking for thoughts on medical personnel strikes - Peter from Little Rock, AK
Ch. 19: The importance of turnout - Ben from New Jersey
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments on the evolution of political and economic systems
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Protest Black Friday, #BND/#WalmartStrikers
Take Action:
Participate by not participating: Buy Nothing Day #BND via Adbusters
Follow and support Walmart Strikers via #WalmartStrikers on Twitter and Black Friday Protests
Sources/further reading:
"Sit-Down Strike at Walmart and Win? It's Been Done” via Huffington Post
"Letter: Working and middle class should support fast food workers” via Fight For $15
"Poll: Should retailers remain open on Thanksgiving?” with Steven Greenhouse on PBS Newshour
Watch: "This Black Friday, Workers to Challenge the Waltons” via OUR Walmart
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #971 Today we look at the causes of, reactions to and reporting on the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Terrorism is an emotional weapon - Common Sense with Dan Carlin (@dccommonsense) - Air Date 11-14-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Self Inflicted - Katy Perry
00:14:03 Ch. 4: Act 2: Spiritual reflections in an age of terrorism: Fear and Response Part 1 - Progressive Faith Sermon w: Dr. Rodger Ray - Air Date 11-15-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Fear, Terror, and the Fear of Terror - Infinite Third
00:19:01 Ch. 6: Act 3: Why Paris, And Not Beirut? - @onthemedia - Air Date: 11-20-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Scenic World - Beirut
00:26:06 Ch. 8: Act 4: Report from Paris With Manhunt on for Eighth Attacker, France Remains in State of Emergency - @democracynow - Air Date 11-16-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Wrong Way - Jahzzar
00:28:46 Ch. 10: Act 5: Jim Naureckas on the differing ways corporate media report terrorist violence - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 11-20-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Tow the Line - Nick Drake
00:39:34 Ch. 12: Act 6: ISIS Threatens To Strike Washington DC - @theyoungturks - Air Date 11-17-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Fearless - For Today
00:43:06 Ch. 14: Act 7: Oppose the American SAFE Act of 2015 via @TheNation — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: This fickle world - Theo Bard
00:45:53 Ch. 16: Act 8: Spiritual reflections in an age of terrorism: Fear and Response Part 2 - Progressive Faith Sermon w/ Dr. Rodger Ray - Air Date 11-15-15
Voicemails
00:58:38 Ch. 17: Thoughts on Israel/Palestine and international terrorism - Erin from Philadelphia
01:03:06 Ch. 18: Reaction to attacks in Paris - Ryan from Phoenix
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:10 Ch. 19: Final comments on what to do during the holiday
01:08:34 Ch. 20: The wall of shame featuring Kyle, Michelle and Dan
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Oppose the American SAFE Act of 2015 via @TheNation — Best of the Left Activism
Take Action:
SIGN & SHARE: "An Open Letter to Congress: Do Not Cede to Fear” via The Nation
Find out how your reps voted: "Here's A List Of The Democrats Who Voted To Shut The Door On Syrian Refugees” via HuffingtonPost & use ContactingTheCongress.org to admonish them for their support & encourage your senators to vote no.
Sources/further reading:
H.R. 4038: American SAFE Act of 2015 via GovTrack.us>
"After Attacks, France Increases Its Commitment To Refugees” at ThinkProgress
AmericaWelcomes #SyrianRefugees via @MoveOn & @thenation — Best of the Left Activism via episode #959 "The angels of our better nature are being tested (Syrian Refugee Crisis)”
"Paul Ryan’s Alarmist Syrian-Refugee Move Is Playing With Fire” via The Nation
"An update on our refugee work this week” via MoveOn.org
"Could the government shut down over refugees?” via CNN.com
"8 famous Americans with Syrian roots” — including Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Jobs, & Paula Abdul via NY Daily News
"These Famous People Were Refugees” — including Sigmund Freud, Gloria Estefan, Albert Einstein, Henry Kissenger, & Karl Marx via HuffPost
"Senate Dems vow to block refugee bill”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #970 Today we look at the University of Missouri protests that ousted the university president and look back at the anniversary of the Tamir Rice police killing Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:45 Ch. 2: Act 1: The blueprint of how to exercise power on a college campus - @EdgeofSports with Dave Zirin - Air Date 11-11-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: "Common Enemies" - American Soft - Chris Staples
00:06:19 Ch. 4: Act 2: Fox News Outraged At Missouri College President Resignation - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-11-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Old Days - Chicago
00:14:25 Ch. 6: Act 3: The importance of the solidarity in the Mizzou protests - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date 11-13-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: The Shine - Jahzzar
00:23:39 Ch. 8: Act 4: The media skirmish in Missouri isn’t about the media. It’s about race. - @onthemedia - Air Date: 11-13-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Perspective - Blueprint
00:31:33 Ch. 10: Act 5: A Conversation About Growing Up Black - Op-Docs - Air Date: 05-8-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: N/A
00:36:20 Ch. 12: Act 6: Michele Jawando on some potential elements of an actual criminal justice reform agenda - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 10-16-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Changes - 2Pac
00:45:14 Ch. 14: Act 7: #YearWithoutTamir - Nov 20-23 via @FergusonAction - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: The Poet - Shihan
00:48:26 Ch. 16: Act 8: One year later: A retrospective of the Tamir Rice killing - @IntersectionTNR - Air Date 11-16-15
Voicemails
01:02:17 Ch. 17: One anecdote of school policing - Colin from Cleveland, OH
01:04:17 Ch. 18: A question for Wade - Elka from Fort Wayne, IN
01:05:31 Ch. 19: How we conduct conversations - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:08:59 Ch. 20: Final comments responding to Nathan with as much precision as possible
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #YearWithoutTamir - Nov 20-23 via @FergusonAction
Take Action:
SIGN: "I pledge to stand with the family of Tamir Rice…” via Ferguson Action
JOIN: #YearWithoutTamir Actions around the country via Ferguson Action
Sources/further reading:
"2 Outside Reviews Say Cleveland Officer Acted Reasonably in Shooting Tamir Rice, 12” at The New York Times
"New report finds Tamir Rice shooting tragic but reasonable” at Cleveland.com
Intersection Episode 9: "Tamir Rice Has Been Dead for a Year: Host Jamil Smith looks back at the police killing of a 12-year-old boy in his hometown, Cleveland.”
"Cleveland, On the Brink” by Jamil Smith at The New Republic
"Tamir Rice's mother to testify before Grand Jury” at WKYC.com
"Outrage Is Growing Over the Tamir Rice Investigation: Is the grand jury process stacked in favor of the cop who killed the 12-year-old?” at Mother Jones
"STUDY: Half of Black Millenials Know a Victim of Police Violence, Still See Cops as Protectors” at Colorlines
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #969 Today we look at a variety of challenges faced by the trans community that almost no one else ever has to think about Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: I was fired solely because of my gender - Southern Poverty Law Center (@splcenter) - Air Date: 04-13-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Taken By The Breeze - Les Étoiles
00:04:59 Ch. 4: Act 2: Raising transgender kids - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 4-22-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Kids - MGMT
00:16:48 Ch. 6: Act 3: The Gender Box feat. Miles JaI!! - @LinzerDinzerTV - Air Date: 10-08-12
Ch. 7: Song 3: N/A
00:19:51 Ch. 8: Act 4: Kari Mugo: Critical Conditions - The challenges facing transgender people in the healthcare system - Popaganda (@BitchMedia) - Air Date: 9-10-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: N/A
00:30:50 Ch. 10: Act 5: Healthcare professional calls for care for all - @GLAAD - Air Date: 11-15-13
Ch. 11: Song 5: Luriana Lurilee - Ben McElroy
00:35:19 Ch. 12: Act 6: Lee Mokobe: A powerful poem about what it feels like to be transgender - TED Talks - Air Date: 6-12-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Like A Prayer - Rufio
00:39:53 Ch. 14: Act 7: Leela Ginelle on transphobic myths and the repeal of an equal rights ordinance in Houston - Backtalk (@BitchMedia) - Air Date 11-12-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: When I Grow Up - Garbage
00:50:26 Ch. 16: Act 8: The strategy of saying straight people are terrible will fail - @fakedansavage - Air Date 11-10-15
Voicemails
00:58:16 Ch. 17: Need conflict before one can reach understanding - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
01:00:41 Ch. 18: Why do we hate Amazon? - John from Minneapolis
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:03:56 Ch. 19: Final comments on the imperative to see multiple sides of an issue and what's wrong with Amazon
01:12:24 Ch. 20: The public wall of gentle shaming and encouragement featuring Kyle and Michelle
Shaming Music: Spanish Flea - Herb Alpert
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #968 Today we check in with the seemingly unending disaster that is the Israeli/Palestinian conflict Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: UpFront - Reality Check- Gaza is still occupied - Al Jazeera English - Air Date: 10-23-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Dreamtime - Uberzone
00:03:10 Ch. 4: Act 2: Gideon Levy: U.S. Criticizes Settlements While Giving Israel "Carte Blanche" to Continue Occupation - @democracynow - Air Date: 10-15-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Zombie - The Cranberries
00:11:16 Ch. 6: Act 3: What Is Israel's Plan For Palestine? - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 09-02-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Natural Blues (Lulu Rouge vs. Stella Polaris Remix) - Single - Moby
00:18:34 Ch. 8: Act 4: Unbalanced reporting on fatalities in Israeli/Palestinian conflict - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 10-23-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: We're Simple Minds - Club 8
00:22:30 Ch. 10: Act 5: Where are the Palestinian Gandhis? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-19-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Standing - VNV Nation
00:30:06 Ch. 12: Act 6: Netanyahu's Holocaust Conspiracy Theory DEBUNKED - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-22-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Diamond - Klint
00:34:07 Ch. 14: Act 7: Yousef Munayyer on what's missing in the Israel/Palestine Narratives - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 10-30-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Classical Gas - Vanessa Mae
00:44:48 Ch. 16: Act 8: #SaveSusiya via Jewish Voices For Peace ( @jvplive ) - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:48:06 Ch. 18: Act 9: What Peace Deal Could Look Like in Israel & Palestine - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-20-15
Voicemails
00:58:07 Ch. 19: Spring Valley is not a symptom of a larger problem - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
01:00:08 Ch. 20: Stop trying to solve societies problems with police - Geoff from Florida
01:02:15 Ch. 21: The discomfort of losing privilege - Todd from Waverly, IA
01:03:50 Ch. 22: Need a new payment processing option - Rebecca from Takoma, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:05:14 Ch. 23: Final comments on cops in schools, the discomfort of recognizing our privilege and a new donation method for BotL
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #SaveSusiya via Jewish Voices For Peace ( @jvplive )
Take Action:
SIGN: Tell John Kerry to Defend Susiya! via Jewish Voice for Peace
FOLLOW: #EndTheOccupation & #IsraeliIncitement
Additional Activism/Resources:
SIGN: "Free Political Refugees Hisham Shaban Ghalia and Mounis Hammouda From ICE custody” via Not1More
Sources/further reading:
5 Questions Prime Minister Netanyahu Should be Asked Today via Amnesty International
"Families from threatened Palestinian villages Susiya and Um al-Kheir bring their stories to the US” at Mondoweiss
"Israel, Don’t Level My Village” — Nasser Nawaja at The New York Times
"16 Eye-Opening Photos Show What It's Like Going Back to School in Palestine and Israel” at Mic.com
"Mapping the dead in latest Israeli-Palestinian violence”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #967 Today we take a revised look at the road to the Paris climate negotiations in light of the news that President Obama has officially rejected the Keystone XL Pipeline Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: A Carbon Bomb Defused Obama Rejects Keystone XL in Historic Win for Environmental Activism - @democracynow - Air Date 11-9-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Moving Planet - September 24th, 2011: A Day to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels
00:04:29 Ch. 4: Act 2: Obama Kills Keystone XL Pipeline For Good - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-07-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Fight to Win (feat. Cee Lo Green) - Single - Goodie Mob
00:13:05 Ch. 6: Act 3: Getting Easier & Easier to Convert to Solar Power - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 08-29-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: New Magnetic Wonder - The Apples In Stereo
00:17:24 Ch. 8: Act 4: What Is the Biggest Environmental Problem People Don't Know About? - The Atlantic - Air Date: 10-2-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Halcyon Days (Deluxe Edition) - Ellie Goulding
00:21:42 Ch. 10: Act 5: House 'Science' Committee Witch Hunt is Worse than Benghazi! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-27-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Here Comes Science (Audio + Video Version) - They Might Be Giants
00:30:38 Ch. 12: Act 6: Bernie Sanders Proposes BOLD Climate Change Policy - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-05-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Bright Stars and Battle Scars - Stu's Shoes
00:34:55 Ch. 14: Act 7: Who's Leading The Charge for Change? Women - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 10-26-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Fight Back - Garnett Silk
00:37:31 Ch. 16: Act 8: #ActInParis - @sierraclub - Air Date: 9-2-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: "Paris", No Angel - Dido
00:40:13 Ch. 18: Act 9: #KeystoneXL Victory Update & #ActInParis via @sierraclub - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: This fickle world - Theo Bard
00:44:00 Ch. 20: Act 10: Avi Lewis- This Changes Everything - The @GRITlaura Flanders Show - Air Date 10-27-15
Voicemails
00:54:52 Ch. 21: Responding to Simon re: Jefferson and slavery - Joseph from Toronto
00:56:42 Ch. 22: Soon-to-be member - Diana from Milwaukee, WI
00:57:25 Ch. 23: Intimidated by risk of embarrassment - Brian in Arizona
00:58:25 Ch. 24: Last ever voice memo message from Geoff - Geoff from Florida
00:59:22 Ch. 25: Voice memo option had an effect - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
01:00:00 Ch. 26: Voice memo option had an effect Part 2 - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:02:10 Ch. 27: Final comments on using the power of psychology and public shaming
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism Update!
KeystoneXL Victory! "KEYSTONE XL VICTORY: TO WIN A FIGHT, YOU HAVE TO PICK ONE: Obama’s pipeline rejection a huge win for citizen action” via Sierra Club
Follow-up/new(ish) Action!
ActInParis for bold climate action with Sierra Club
Snap a selfie and “go to” Paris with Sierra Club’s #ActInParis Photo Campaign
SIGN on to 350.org’s Plan Through Paris
SIGN to say #ThanksObama for rejecting #KeystoneXL!
Revisit the original actions/segments:
GlobalClimateMarch via @350
Tar Sands Resistance March #stoptarsands
KeystoneXL Under Congressional #Climate Deniers
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #966 Today we take a look at the structural systems in place that work to funnel many children, disproportionately children of color, out of the school system and directly into the (in)justice system Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The School to Prison Pipeline - Advancement Project (@adv_project) - Air Date: 7-3-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A
Ch. 4: Act 2: Spring Valley High - Backtalk from @BitchMedia - Air Date 10-29-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: N/A
Ch. 6: Act 3: Stuck In The School-To-Prison Pipeline - @ajplus -Air Date: 5-20-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: N/A
Ch. 8: Act 4: Criminalizing the Classroom: Inside the School-to-Prison Pipeline - @democracynow - Air Date: 10-28-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Hipozebra - Selva de Mar
Ch. 10: Act 5: Spring Valley High and the school-to-prison pipeline - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 10-30-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Rivers - Plusplus
Ch. 12: Act 6: School to prison pipeline locks kids into the system early - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBnation) - Air Date: 2-19-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: A Farewell To Trends - dustmotes
Ch. 14: Act 7: Policing Schools - Why Are There Cops In Schools? - @ajplus - Air Date: 10-30-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: N/A
Ch. 16: Act 8: SafeQualitySchools.org- Ending the #School2Prison Pipeline via @adv_project - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: The Poet - Shihan
Ch. 18: Act 9: When School Cops Go Bad: South Carolina Incident Highlights Growing Police Presence in Classrooms - @democracynow - Air Date: 10-28-15
Voicemails
Ch. 19: Jefferson fought to end slavery - Simon from San Diego
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments on my untestable hypothesis
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: SafeQualitySchools.org: Ending the #School2Prison Pipeline via @adv_project
Take Action:
Students, parents, educators, law enforcement, and activists! VISIT The Advancement Project’s SafeQualitySchools.org to get involved.
FOLLOW the #School2Prison thread.
SHARE the "School to Prison Pipeline by Advancement Project” video
CONTRIBUTE your stories: #School2Pipeline Stories
Additional Activism/Resources:
SIGN to demand #BlackLivesMatter issues be addressed in primary debates: #RaiseTheDebate via Black Lives Matter at ”ColorOfChange
Sources/further reading:
”What You Need to Know About #AssaultAtSpringValleyHigh” — Infographic via The Advancement Project
"Where Are Black Children Safe?" Roxane Gay at The New York Times
"America Doesn’t Care About Black Women And Girls” by Ijeoma Oluo at The Establishment
"Black Girl Down… and Up” by PrisonCulture
"Take cops out of schools: More officers mean more arrests, even for offenses like talking back.” via The Washington Post
”A Short History of Cops Terrorizing Students” via The Nation
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #965 Today we take a look at the dangerous intersection women of color inhabit, how their very lives are at risk for simply being who they are and how society tends to turn a blind eye Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Black Girls Matter: Pushed out, over-policed and underprotected - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 2-6-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Put Your Records On (Acoustic) - Corinne Bailey Rae
Ch. 4: Act 2: Say Her Name- Families Seek Justice in Overlooked Police Killings of African-American Women - @democracynow - Air Date: 5-20-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: You'll Find A Way - Santigold
Ch. 6: Act 3: Black Women Suffer Death By Stereotype - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 5-25-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Making Progress - Freedom's Progress
Ch. 8: Act 4: Serial killers hunted down mostly Black women for three decades in South Los Angeles - @Making_Contact - Air Date 9-9-10
Ch. 9: Song 4: Suffering of the Innocents - Squire Tuck
Ch. 10: Act 5: Obama highlights sexual abuse to prison pipeline - Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHPshow) - Air Date 9-20-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: I feel you - Scala & Kolacny Brothers
Ch. 12: Act 6: Why some try to justify the Spring Valley High assault - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBprime) - Air Date 10-28-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: How Do You See Me - Matrimony
Ch. 14: Act 7: The Story of a "Absolutely Angry Black Woman" - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-23-15
Ch. 15: Final comments on the value of slaves at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #964 Today we take a look at the history of how Christianity was, in large part, cooped by the Republican party on behalf of business interests and how anyone started getting the idea that we were founded as a religious, much less Christian, nation Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: How 'One Nation' Didn't Become 'Under God' Until The '50s Religious Revival Part 1 - Fresh Air - Air Date 3-30-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Timber Timbre - Timber Timbre
00:11:35 Ch. 4: Act 2: The Origin of Religious Freedom Laws... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-27-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Coaster - NOFX
00:20:26 Ch. 6: Act 3: Why Can't They Understand the First Amendment? - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-11-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Very Soon ft Funsho Ogundipe - Wanlov the Kubolor
00:31:26 Ch. 8: Act 4: How 'One Nation' Didn't Become 'Under God' Until The '50s Religious Revival Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 3-30-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Kalamazoo - Jason Roseboom
00:40:47 Ch. 10: Act 5: What Would the Founders say about Religious Freedom Laws? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-27-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Very Best of Peter, Paul and Mary - Peter, Paul & Mary
00:45:58 Ch. 12: Act 6: Republicans Fire Woman For Not Going To Church - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-21-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Dancing In The Streets - The Haymarket Squares
00:52:01 Ch. 14: Act 7: Fascism on the American horizon, wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross - @truthdig - Air Date: 10-11-13
Voicemails
01:05:10 Ch. 15: Thoughts on victimless crimes - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
01:07:21 Ch. 16: Responding to Wade and victimless crimes - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:09:55 Ch. 17: Final comments on recent bonus content topics
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #963 Today we take a look at the proposed TPP trade deal from a whole variety of different angles. Since the agreement was negotiated entirely in secret, primarily between corporate interests, it's not surprising to find that the deal looks pretty bad for everyday people no matter what angle you're looking from Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Crony Capitalism Goes Global: The TPP & ISDS Explained - Follow the Money #2 - @RepresentDotUs - Air Date: 04-01-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Redemption Of Zounds - Zounds
00:06:27 Ch. 4: Act 2: TPP Signed...So What the F&%$ Is In It? - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-07-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: She Said - Stray Dogg
00:11:25 Ch. 6: Act 3: TPP will Allow Corporations to Sue Countries! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 5-14-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Nightwalker Vol. 1 - Boogie Belgique
00:16:01 Ch. 8: Act 4: Don't Expect The Master's Media To Cover the Master's Trade Deal - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 4-28-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Greek Tragedy - Plusplus
00:19:07 Ch. 10: Act 5: TPP vs. Human Rights Groups Express Concern Over Record of Member Nations - @democracynow - Air Date 06-11-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Afraid New World - Easter and the totem
00:24:11 Ch. 12: Act 6: TPP Grants Banks Terrifying Secret Powers - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-20-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Sneeuwland - Oskar Schuster
00:34:05 Ch. 14: Act 7: Obama Rams Through TPP With Little Democratic Support, Even from Black Caucus - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 6-24-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Ennio - Silence Is Sexy
00:38:36 Ch. 16: Act 8: Breast Cancer Patient Arrested for Protesting TPP: "This is Price Gouging at the Cost of Lives" - @democracynow - Air Date: 10-06-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: Adventure, Darling - Gillicuddy
00:48:12 Ch. 18: Act 9: Disaster: TPP Kills Internet Freedom, Bomb-Throwing Begins - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-13-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: Horfid (Live @ KEXP) - Lay Low
00:54:24 Ch. 20: Act 10: #FallRising to #StopTPP via @EFF & @FlushtheTPP — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 21: Song 10: Activism - Shihan
00:57:22 Ch. 22: Act 11: Not too early to doubt the motivations of secretive, corporate trade deal - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 10-9-15
01:00:13 Ch. 23: Final comments asking what we can do better here at BotL
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #FallRising to #StopTPP via @EFF & @FlushtheTPP
Update!
Terms on the Trans-Pacific Partnership were finalized: "Trade Officials Announce Conclusion of TPP—Now the Real Fight Begins” via Electronic Frontier Foundation
Follow-up/new Action!
ATTEND the #FallRising to Stop TPP, TTIP, & TISA by registering through Flush the TPP: Call to Action Against Global Corporate Domination: November 14-18 & RSVPing to the Facebook event
Find out projected job loss & more expected in your area using the Public Citizen state-by-state outcome map: 50 Reasons We Cannot Afford the TPP’s Expansion of the NAFTA Model.
Then use ContactingTheCongress.org to directly lobby your representatives to vote no on passage of the TPP.
Sources:
What Is the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP)? via Electronic Frontier Foundation
WATCH: "U.S., Other Nations Reach Agreement On Trans-Pacific Partnership” via NPR
The Trans-Pacific Partnership: Leveling the playing field for American workers & American businesses. via Office of the US Trade Representative
Summary of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement via Office of the US Trade Representative
"TPP deal: US and 11 other countries reach landmark Pacific trade pact” via The Guardian
"TPP or not TPP? What's the Trans-Pacific Partnership and should we support it?” via The Guardian
"Trans-Pacific Partnership Is Reached, but Faces Scrutiny in Congress” via The New York Times
"Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): Job Loss, Lower Wages and Higher Drug Prices” via Public ...
Edition #962 Today we take a look at the state of the political promises being made as we lead up to the international climate negotiations in Paris as well as what we can do about it, plus we see what Exxon knew and when they knew it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Bill McKibben on U. of California Divesting from Coal and Tar Sands - @democracynow - Air Date 09-10-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Here Comes The Wave (instrumental) - Silence Is Sexy
00:07:56 Ch. 4: Act 2: Climate Desk's Tim McDonnell explains Obama's new plan to fight global warming - Climate Desk - Air Date: 08-03-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: The Shine - Jahzzar
00:10:53 Ch. 6: Act 3: Pretty Words, Ugly Actions: The Obama Legacy on Climate Change - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 8-5-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Thru Nature - deeB
00:16:43 Ch. 8: Act 4: Engineers Develop Plan to Convert US to 100% Clean Energy by 2050 - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-13-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Junior - Kaki King
00:23:11 Ch. 10: Act 5: There Is No Such Thing As "Clean Coal" - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-03-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Happy Radioactive - Single - The Gregory Brothers
00:27:14 Ch. 12: Act 6: Exxon's History of Climate Change Research - @onthemedia - Air Date: 9-18-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: The Sound of Skeptics - Hoffman and Jerfunkle
00:37:04 Ch. 14: Act 7: Climate Deniers Be Cray! with Jenny Slate - NextGen Climate - Air Date: 6-30-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: !!Going Places!! - Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
00:41:26 Ch. 16: Act 8: Harper is gone, Exxon is on the ropes, arctic drilling on hold and electric cars are the future - @greennewsreport - Air Date - 10-15- 15
Ch. 17: Song 8: Automatic For the People - R.E.M.
00:46:15 Ch. 18: Act 9: #GlobalClimateMarch via @350 - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:48:59 Ch. 20: Act 10: Naomi Klein & Avi Lewis Climate Change Could Be Catalyst to Build a Fairer Economic System - @democracynow - Air Date 10-05-15
Voicemails
00:59:17 Ch. 21: Call to action on voter suppression - Mary from Sweeden
01:00:38 Ch. 22: Depression - Chris from New Hampshire
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:29 Ch. 23: Final comments on how how predispositions and relativity effects our happiness
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #GlobalClimateMarch via @350 — Best of the Left Activism
Take Action:
Join the next 350.org #RoadThroughParis event: The #GlobalClimateMarch
Additional Activism/Resources:
GoFossilFree.org’s push ahead of the Paris summit: Register Your Divestment from fossil fuels
Sources/further reading:
"Leaders Discuss Deeper Engagement for Strong Climate Agreement in Paris”
"Solar and Wind Just Passed Another Big Turning Point: It has never made less sense to build fossil fuel power plants.”
via Bloomberg
"Demolishing The 7 Myths Propping Up Fossil Fuels: It's time to set the record straight.” via Huffington Post
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #870 Today we take a look at a variety of ways that (mostly) men attempt to police the actions and choices of (mostly) women, causing nothing but damage as a result Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The List of Rules for Women - @jsmooth995 - Air Date: 9-2-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Follow the Rule - Johnny Ace - The Complete Duke Recordings
Ch. 4: Act 2: Victimhood Provides Privleges - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 6-13-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Bad Behavior - Bad Behavior
Ch. 6: Act 3: SHE ASKED FOR IT - @lacigreen - Air Date: 09-06-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Deserve Better - Swings and Roundabouts
Ch. 8: Act 4: Shut Your Mouth And Take It, 'Fox & Friends' Advises Women - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-08-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Good Old Days - Even Worse
Ch. 10: Act 5: Radical Religion and Male Privilege - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-22-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Second Class Citizen - Out of the Ordinary Songs, Vol. 2
Ch. 12: Act 6: Study Explains Why Hobby Lobby Supporters Are Opposed to Birth Control - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-25-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Me and God and Jesus - Crooked Roads Band
Ch. 14: Act 7: The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act via @healthyteen & @nwlc - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 16: Act 8: Pondering Gender In 1620 - @radio_dispatch - Air Date: 3-20-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: N/A
Ch. 18: Act 9: Get Your Creak On - @lexiconvalley - Air Date: 12-31-12
Ch. 23: Final comments on my discovery of the oppression of policing
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act
Take Action:
Sign to support the The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act legislation backed by the National Women’s Law Center and Healthy Teen Network
Additional Activism/Resources:
Follow #NoTeenShameon Twitter and on Tumblr
Submit your story to #NoTeenShame
Sources/further reading:
"New Mexico Parental-Leave Law Helps Teen Moms Stay in School” via NBC News
"Where’s the ’16, Parenting, and OK’ Reality Show?” by Gloria Malone at RH Reality Check
"#NoTeenShame: A Social Media Movement Pushes Us To Respect Young Mothers & We’re All For It” via Hello Beautiful
Graphic by Repeal Hyde Art Project and available for purchase at RHAP’s Zazzle StoreWritten by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #961 Today we take a look at a few of the tactics used to suppress voter turnout from the civil rights ear to the modern era as well as some ideas to fix the problem Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Click here to donate to support desmoid tumor research! Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Are Voter ID Laws Really a Bad Idea? - @TestTube News - Air Date: 7-10-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Forward - Northbound
00:03:35 Ch. 4: Act 2: A conversation on our changing voting rights w/ @AriBerman and @Dale_E_Ho - Intersection (@IntersectionTNR) - Air Date: 8-10-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Thru Clouds - deeB
00:19:12 Ch. 6: Act 3: Fox & Friend's Call For Literacy Tests Reveals Deep, Deep Irony - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-07-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Vote - Jefferson Coker
00:23:12 Ch. 8: Act 4: Changes to voter laws that raise disturbing connections to the past - @Making_Contact - Air Date: 8-5-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: A Change Is Gonna Come - Ben Sollee
00:34:24 Ch. 10: Act 5: New Election Scandal Cuts MILLIONS of Voters from the Rolls - @RedactedTonight w/ @Lee_Camp - Air Date: 11-03-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Wrong Way - Jahzzar
00:39:28 Ch. 12: Act 6: New Law: Everyone Automatically Registered to Vote Unless You Opt Out - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 08-06-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Some Kind Of Mininova - Textile Audio
00:44:28 Ch. 14: Act 7: Automatic Voter Registration via @BrennanCenter — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: This fickle world - Theo Bard
00:47:47 Ch. 16: Act 8: Gerrymandering - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 6-13-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: XBells - Jimmy Penguin
00:54:15 Ch. 18: Act 9: The Conservative Voter Suppression Plot Thickens... - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-03-15
Voicemails
01:00:26 Ch. 19: Thoughts on the treatment of indigenous peoples in Canada - Jessi-Anne from Victoria, British Columbia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:33 Ch. 20: Final comments giving an update on the ongoing battle against a rare disease - click here to donate!
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Automatic Voter Registration via @BrennanCenter
Take Action:
Find the Brennan Center for Justice list of Automatic Voter Registration laws
Let your federal legislators know you support the Automatic Voter Registration Act through ContactingTheCongress.org and your state reps know you support voter expansion through automatic registration via OpenStates.Org
Additional Activism/Resources:
Find out if you’re registered to vote at: CanIVote.org
Sources/further reading:
"The Case for Voter Registration Modernization in 2015” via the Brennan Center for Justice
What Alabama Can Learn From California on Voting Rights via Ari Berman at The Nation
"Gov. Brown approves automatic voter registration for Californians” via LA Times
"Dem unveils automatic voter registration bill” via The Hill
"Make It Easy: The Case for Automatic Registration” via Democracy Journal
"Under new Oregon law, all eligible voters are registered unless they opt out” via LA Times
"Hillary's Game-Changing Voting Reform” via the Brennan Center for Justice
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #960 Today we take a look at the legacy of Christopher Columbus and the echoes of that legacy that can still be strongly felt today Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Columbus Day - How Is That Still A Thing - @LastWeekTonight w/ @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 10-13-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Time To Run (Finale) - Dexter Britain
Ch. 4: Act 2: Cultural genocide against indigenous peoples in Canada - Le Show w/ @theharryshearer - Air Date: 6-7-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Ghosts In The Machine - Death And Vanilla
Ch. 6: Act 3: Cultural Genocide: Landmark Report Decries Canada's Forced Schooling of Indigenous Children - @democracynow - Air Date: 6-3-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Sunbeams in High Grass - Feldmaus
Ch. 8: Act 4: The Truth About Columbus Day - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-8-12
Ch. 9: Song 4: Flurry - The OO-Ray
Ch. 10: Act 5: Gov't Sells Sacred Native Land To Foreign Mining Company - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 7-25-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Piano song - Plusplus
Ch. 12: Act 6: The Navajo Water Lady - CBS Sunday Morning - Air Date: 8-16-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Faraday - dustmotes
Ch. 14: Act 7: The REAL History Of Christopher Columbus - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-6-15
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Frustration with Bill Maher - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 16: Thoughts on negative visualization and mental illness - Katie Klabusich
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 17: Final comments on the power to influence happiness
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Edition #959 Today we take a look at the fundamental flaws of our criminal justice system and the emerging consensus that we need to make the changes necessary to do better Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Mass Incarceration Causing More Crime Than It Prevents - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-31-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Cospiratore - Old Splendifolia
00:07:09 Ch. 4: Act 2: Brutal Fees Punish Families Of Prison Inmates - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-19-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Pale Rider - Ben McElroy
00:15:43 Ch. 6: Act 3: America’s Prison Problem - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 8-6-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: N/A
00:27:16 Ch. 8: Act 4: Mapping out the mass incarceration of black males - Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHPshow) - Air Date 9-19-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: the cherry tree - Burning Bright
00:37:24 Ch. 10: Act 5: Prison Reform To Reduce Sentences Of Non-Violent Drug Offenders - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-30-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Llegare - Dom La Nena
00:42:35 Ch. 12: Act 6: Support Bipartisan #JusticeReformNOW via @cut_50 — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: The Poet - Shihan
00:45:53 Ch. 14: Act 7: Bryan Stevenson (@eji_org): Just Mercy and how the shame of our past should drive us to do better - Arts and Ideas (@BBCRadio3) - Air Date: 7-14-15
Voicemails
01:02:02 Ch. 15: A couple more thoughts on giving advice - Anonymous
01:03:17 Ch. 16: Response to the comments about trench coats - Alyson from Colorado
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:04:49 Ch. 17: Final comments about Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson (Go read it!)
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Support Bipartisan #JusticeReformNOW via @cut_50
Take Action:
SIGN: "Demand that Congress take action to roll back the incarceration industry in America” via #cut50
Sources/further reading:
"FAMM: House Sentencing Reform Compromise Another Step in Right Direction” via Families Against Mandatory Minimums
“Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act” — the full legislation
"Here's One Thing Washington Agreed On This Week: Sentencing Reform” via NPR
"Senators Announce Bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act” — announcement from the Judiciary Committee
"Senate Introduces ‘Gamechanger’ Criminal Justice Reform Bill” via Time
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #958 Today we take a look at the destructive influence of the market on pharmaceuticals and some ideas on reigning in the system for the betterment of all Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Proof That Obamacare is Working Getting Really Hard to Ignore - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 08-15-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Chicago - Plusplus
00:04:36 Ch. 4: Act 2: Failures of the free market in drug development - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 9-25-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Heirloom - The Black Atlantic
00:15:12 Ch. 6: Act 3: 5500% Price Increase on AIDS Drug Canceled After Outrage - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-24-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: The Shine - Jahzzar
00:21:02 Ch. 8: Act 4: Is Pharma the Most Evil Industry? (w/ @JoshZepps) - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 09-28-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Kerouak - Plusplus
00:28:38 Ch. 10: Act 5: Get the Corporations out of Medicare! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 07-27-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Springish - Gillicuddy
00:35:59 Ch. 12: Act 6: The Prescription Drug Affordability Act of 2015 via @DemandProgress & @OpenCongress - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:39:10 Ch. 14: Act 7: .@RishiManchanda: What makes us get sick? Look upstream - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 9-15-14
Voicemails
00:57:29 Ch. 15: Advocating for sustainable change in your cities - Ryan from Pheonix
01:01:21 Ch. 16: On giving advice - Eric from South Carolina
01:05:08 Ch. 17: Trench-coated white kids and religious leaders - Brad from Dallas, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:27 Ch. 18: Final comments on how to prove racism is a factor when trying to explain it away
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: The Prescription Drug Affordability Act of 2015 via @DemandProgress & @OpenCongress
Take Action:
Sign the Demand Progress petition to Congress: "Tell Congress to pass Bernie Sanders's bill to rein in prescription drug costs!”
Track the legislation & contact legislators: in the Senate & in the House via GovTrack.us
Additional Activism/Resources:
Send your legislator a letter through OpenCongress.org
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #957 Today we take a look at the single biggest problem plaguing our political system and the two strongest campaigns fighting to solve it, Lessig2016.us and Wolf-Pac.com Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: How Republicans Protect Secret Donors - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-01-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: El Tranvia - Jenifer Avila
Ch. 4: Act 2: Scott Walker is the face now - but the first culprit was 100 years ago - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 3-14-11
Ch. 5: Song 2: A Farewell To Trends - dustmotes
Ch. 6: Act 3: Lawrence Lessig to campaign on sole issue of campaign finance reform - Rachel @maddow - Air Date 9-8-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Getting Somewhere - Allison Moorer
Ch. 8: Act 4: Lawrence Lessig: Bernie Sanders CAN’T End Political Corruption - Interview w/ Cenk Uygur (edited) - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-21-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Clouds Were Like Lace - Ben McElroy
Ch. 10: Act 5: Private Prison Lobbyists Raising Money for Hillary Clinton - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-28-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: The System - Abscondo
Ch. 12: Act 6: Hillary Clinton Wants to Overturn Citizens United... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 09-09-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Drifts - The OO-Ray
Ch. 14: Act 7: Corporate Media REALLY Doesn’t Wanna Talk Money In Politics - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-22-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Here Comes The Wave (instrumental) - Silence Is Sexy
Ch. 16: Act 8: #WeWantDebate in #Election2016 via @Lessig2016 - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: This fickle world - Theo Bard
Ch. 18: Act 9: How hedge fund billionaires literally "check" the people's will - @jimhightower - Air Date: 9-30-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: The Time To Run (Finale) - Dexter Britain
Ch. 20: Act 10: IRS Surrenders To Dark Money - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-02-15
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Thoughts on our voting system - Elaine
Ch. 22: The importance of learning moderate use - Sally from San Francisco
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on the little bit of spring cleaning I've been doing on the back end
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #WeWantDebate in #Election2016 via @Lessig2016
Take Action:
SIGN the petition: Let Lessig Debate! from the Lessig2016 campaign
Sources/further reading:
"Democrat Debate Controversy: Will Lawrence Lessig Be Included?” via Forbes
"Larry Lessig Seeks A Single Issue, Single Year Presidency” via U.S.News and World Report
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #956 Today we take a look at a fresh set of news stories that demonstrate how muslims are seen through an often-racial lens of fear, distrust and hatred Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Angry Sam Harris Fan: Stop Being Unfair to Sam Harris! - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 08-22-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Courage - Authority Zero
00:09:40 Ch. 4: Act 2: Fox News: Obama Not Blaming Islam Enough - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-18-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: You Don't Scare Me - Josh Pykee
00:21:01 Ch. 6: Act 3: Who gets called a terrorist in the media - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 5-22-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: The Typewriter - Arthur Fiedler & Boston Pops Orchestra
00:25:01 Ch. 8: Act 4: Hypocrite: County Official Storms Out of Meeting During Muslim Prayer - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 08-07-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Me and God and Jesus - Crooked Roads Band
00:29:27 Ch. 10: Act 5: Muslim Student Handcuffed Because Of Harmless Science Project - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-17-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: City on a Hill - The Minor Leagues
00:43:55 Ch. 12: Act 6: Richard Dawkins: Ahmed's Clock Truther? - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 09-21-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Science Fair - Recess Monkey
00:50:19 Ch. 14: Act 7: Protect Thy Neighbor (@protectneighbor) via @americansunited — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo bard
00:52:52 Ch. 16: Act 8: Are All Muslims Responsible For Terrorism? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-21-15
Voicemails
00:58:06 Ch. 17: Religious freedom isn't just about Christianity - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
01:01:20 Ch. 18: A coach's thoughts on giving advice - Anonymous
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:07:36 Ch. 19: Final comments on the complicated nature of giving advice
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism:
Protect Thy Neighbor (@protectneighbor) via @americansunited
Take Action:
Add your name to the Americans United or Separation of Church and State> Protect Thy Neighbor Pledge
Download and post The Shield
Tell your legislators: Protect My Neighbors!
Get Legal Help
Additional Activism/Resources:
"You Can Now Donate to the Ahmed Mohamed STEM Scholarship Fund” via Mic
"MacArthur High School and Irving TX police: Apologize to Ahmed Mohamed for criminalizing science” via Change.org
Sources/further reading:
The official feed of Ahmed’s family: @IStandWithAhmed
Muslim teen behind #IStandWithAhmed encourages others to follow their dreams: "Go for it!" http://cbsn.ws/1KgQcbI via CBS News
"‘It’s A Trap!’ Paranoid FRC Head Buys Into Ridiculous Ahmed Mohamed Bomb Plot Scenario” via Americans United or Separation of Church and State>
"Pope Problems: Papal Visit Incurs Significant Taxpayer Expense” via Americans United or Separation of Church and State>
"Once More, With Enthusiasm: Texas Attorney General Again Refuses To Recognize Marriage Equality” via Americans United or Separation of Church and State>
via Americans United or Separation of Church and State> and Thom Hartmann
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #902 Today we look at the not only the destructive forces at work within the drug war but also look deeper at the causes of addiction and drug abuse that could change all of your preconceived notions on the topic and maybe even our society... Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Drug War Alternatives That Work Overcriminalized #2- Substance Abuse - @bravenewfilms - Air Date: 10-9-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Once There Was a Hushpuppy - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 4: Act 2: Tracking cars movements in real time as part of the DEA drug war - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 2-1-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Don’t Worry, We'll Be Watching You - Making Mirrors
Ch. 6: Act 3: DC mayor stands up for voters on legal pot, defies congressional GOP - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 2-26-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Gateway Drug - Dancing In The Streets
Ch. 8: Act 4: Challenge everything you know about drugs - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 03-05-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Big Mistake - Fair Ain't Fair
Ch. 10: Act 5: Johann Hari (@johannhari101): Everything We Know About the Drug War & Addiction is Wrong Part 1 - @democracynow - Air Date: 2-4-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Strange Fruit (1939 Single Version) - 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Billie Holiday
Ch. 12: Act 6: Poverty drives the demand for opiates - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 11-17-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Poverty (Single Stereo) - That Did It! - The Duke Recordings, Vol. 3
Ch. 14: Act 7: Johann Hari (@johannhari101): Everything We Know About the Drug War & Addiction is Wrong Part 2 - @democracynow - Air Date: 2-4-15
Voicemails
Ch. 16: Women should get paid the same even if they're away from work for a period - Caleb from Austin, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments telling the story of the pile of shit Patricia Arquette stepped in and the aftermath
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #955 Today we look at the inherent contradictions in the standard way of pursuing happiness in western culture and examine some alternatives Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:42 Ch. 2: Act 1: The High Price of Materialism - Center for a New American Dream (@newdream) - Air Date: 12-4-11
Ch. 3: Song 1: A Beautiful World - Tim Myers
00:05:54 Ch. 4: Act 2: How To Purchase Redemption From Consumerism! - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 01-14-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Redemption Song - Bob Marley & The Wailers
00:10:05 Ch. 6: Act 3: Almost Half of Americans Didn't Take Single Vacation Day in 2014 - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 01-11-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Vacation - The Go-Go's & Go-Go's
00:14:17 Ch. 8: Act 4: Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us - RSA Animate (@theRSAorg) - Air Date: 4-1-10
Ch. 9: Song 4: All Over The World - Boogie Belgique
00:26:23 Ch. 10: Act 5: The Story of Bottled Water (2010) - @storyofstuff Project - Air Date: 03-17-10
Ch. 11: Song 5: Murky Water - The Autumn Isles
00:34:17 Ch. 12: Act 6: SO INCREDIBLY SAD This is How 3 Generations Answer the Same Question - @BuzzPo - Air Date 7-26-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: N/A
00:37:20 Ch. 14: Act 7: A thousand cuts - @jimhightower - Air Date: 9-22-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Sligo Creek - Al Petteway
00:39:55 Ch. 16: Act 8: #FindYourPark on National @PublicLandsDay - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard
00:43:14 Ch. 18: Act 9: Saamah Abdallah: How to achieve good lives that don't cost the Earth - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 7-20-15
Voicemails
00:56:53 Ch. 19: Thoughts on victimless crimes - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
00:58:54 Ch. 20: Libertarians ignore the negotiation of rights - Nathan from Dix Hills, NY
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:01:12 Ch. 21: Final comments on the way we discuss lifestyles and culture
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #FindYourPark on National @PublicLandsDay
Take Action:
Register to volunteer for National Public Lands Day!
Be sure to get your Fee-Free Coupon as a thank you for volunteering!
Sources/further reading:
"More than 175,000 Volunteers Expected on National Public Lands Day, September 26, 2015” via National Public Lands Day
"Let's Move Outside: Public lands make the best playgrounds!” via National Public Lands Day
"Our Land, Up for Grabs” via The New York Times
"This Land Was Your Land” via The American Prospect
"Volunteer on trail crews for National Public Lands Day, Sept. 26” via The Seattle Times
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #954 Today we look at the worst refugee crisis since WWII and encourage governments around the world to do the right thing to help by opening their doors to victims of war Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: What a migrant crisis looks like - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 8-28-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Ennio - Silence Is Sexy
00:04:00 Ch. 4: Act 2: Kenneth Roth of Human Rights Watch on Refugee Crisis - @democracynow - Air Date: 08-31-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Gangs - dustmotes
00:10:20 Ch. 6: Act 3: Leadership lacking as refugees flee to Europe and crisis grows - Rachel @Maddow - Air Date 9-2-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Broken boiler - Plusplus
00:17:41 Ch. 8: Act 4: Billionaire Offers To Buy Island For Syrian Refugees - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-05-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Clangour And Flutes (Live @ KEXP) - Sindri Már Sigfússon
00:26:08 Ch. 10: Act 5: A Deeper Understanding of Europe's Migration Crisis - @onthemedia - Air Date: 9-11-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: I Can Help (Exciting Live Performances) - Billy Swan
00:35:22 Ch. 12: Act 6: Help My People, Let More War Refugees Settle Here: A Syrian American’s Message to Washington - @democracynow - Air Date: 09-09-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: No-End Ave - Jahzzar
00:40:31 Ch. 14: Act 7: Obama turns to refugee crisis after Iran nuclear deal victory - Rachel @Maddow - Air Date: 9-10-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Black Eyed Susan - Podington Bear
00:42:51 Ch. 16: Act 8: Why isn't the U.S. taking in more refugees? - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 9-2-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: Cetology - Ben McElroy
00:45:15 Ch. 18: Act 9: #AmericaWelcomes #SyrianRefugees via @MoveOn & @thenation - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: This fickle world - Theo Bard
00:48:22 Ch. 20: Act 10: Cold-Blooded Fox News Demonizes Syrian Refugees - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-12-15
Voicemails
00:57:40 Ch. 21: Thoughts on the history of economic populism - V from Western New York
01:01:28 Ch. 22: Thoughts on the use of public and urban space - Ryan from Pheonix
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:05:59 Ch. 23: Final comments on how bad policies begin to sink into our collective psyche
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #AmericaWelcomes #SyrianRefugees via @MoveOn & @thenation
Take Action:
SIGN: Urge the U.S. government to accept more Syrian refugees via MoveOn.org & The Nation
Add your photo to the #AmericaWelcomes campaign on IG & Twitter through MoveOn.org
Sources/further reading:
“Tell the United States to Accept More Refugees and Asylum-Seekers From Syria” via The Nation
"Syrian Refugees: All You Need to Know” via Newsweek
"Turkey Has Spent Nearly $8 Billion Caring For 2.2 Million Syrian Refugees” via Huffington Post
“Syria’s War: Refugee Crisis” — full coverage from AlJazeera America
"Federal Spending: Where Does the Money Go” via the National Priorities Project
"Germany's economy will grow faster because of the million refugees it is helping, study finds” via The Independent
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #953 Today we look at a bit of the fallout since the marriage equality SCOTUS decision but we also look beyond marriage equality Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Why is Uganda Sentencing Gays to Life in Prison? - @TestTube - Air Date: 6-27-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: La redécouverte - Yann Tiersen
Ch. 4: Act 2: Evangelicals Desperately Spreading Anti-Gay Message Around The World - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-22-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Love Will Come Through - Travis
Ch. 6: Act 3: Court: Gay Conversion Therapy = Fraud - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 07-22-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: All You Fascists - Billy Bragg & Wilco
Ch. 8: Act 4: County Clerk Changes History | PBS - @IndependentLens - Air Date: 04-14-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: One Million Miles Away - J. Ralph
Ch. 10: Act 5: Anti-Gay Christian Clerk Kim Davis Jailed for Contempt of Court - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-03-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Piazza, New York Catcher - Belle and Sebastian
Ch. 12: Act 6: Redefining religious freedom - @fakedansavage - Air Date: 9-8-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Going to the Chapel - The Dixie Cups
Ch. 14: Act 7: Right-Wing Christians Can't Decide If Elected Officials Have to Obey the Law - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-12-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Keepsake - State Radio
Ch. 16: Act 8: Same-sex marriage ruling does not apply to tribal lands - @HereAndNow - Air Date: 8-10-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: Gotta Have You - The Weepies
Ch. 18: Act 9: Did You Know It's Still Legal To Keep Gay People Out Of Businesses? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-03-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: Hey Ya - Obadiah Parker
Ch. 20: Act 10: Every Child Deserves a Family Act via @family_equality — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 21: Song 10: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 22: Act 11: Boy Scouts End Ban on Gay Adults - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-29-15
Voicemails
Ch. 23: Thoughts on legalizing sex work - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Ch. 24: Promoting Gleaners, libraries and Occupy Your Library - Vicki from Oregon
Ch. 25: But happiness for who? - Chris from Colorado Springs
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 26: Final comments on those LGBT activists who opposed the fight for marriage equality
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Every Child Deserves a Family Act via @family_equality
Take Action:
Tell your elected officials to SUPPORT The Every Child Deserves a Family Act through the Family Equality Council
Additional Activism/Resources:
FOLLOW the challenge to the final complete ban on same-sex couple adoption through Campaign for Southern Equality
Free Resources: Establishing Legal Parent-Child Relationships via ACLU National
Sources/further reading:
Adoption and Foster Care Federal, State, Local Landscape via Family Equality Council
ACLU may challenge newly-signed law on adoption by gays” via Detroit Free Press
"Anti-gay adoption bill another shameful moment for Michigan” via Detroit Free Press
"Preliminary Injunction Filed in Lawsuit Seeking to Immediate Relief From Mississippi Adoption Ban” via The Campaign for Southern Equality
“Discriminatory Treatment In Foster Parenting and Adoptions” via ACLU National
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #952 Today we take a look at the reproductive justice front of the war on women. From legislation to underhanded tricks to acts of terrorism, many are fighting to deny people their right to bodily autonomy Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: How Mad Men informed our current reproductive politics - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date: 4-23-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: A Beautiful Mine - RJD2
Ch. 4: Act 2: Looking behind the curtain of the false accusations against Planned Parenthood - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 8-7-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: The Shine - Jahzzar
Ch. 6: Act 3: Woman Threatens To Kill Abortion Provider - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-02-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: River Song - So Brown
Ch. 8: Act 4: The history of Margaret Sanger and Planned Parenthood - This week in blackness (@TWiBnation) - Air Date: 9-10-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Better Then Way Too Post-Rock - Nic Bommarito
Ch. 10: Act 5: Americans SUPPORT Funding Planned Parenthood - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 08-23-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Rivers - Plusplus
Ch. 12: Act 6: "A Sea Change": With 100 Women in Congress, Lawmakers Go on Offensive w/Landmark Pro-Choice Bill - @democracynow w/@RepBarbaraLee - Air Date: 07-09-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Annie Watched the Windmill Burn - Kirk Pearson and BIT
Ch. 14: Act 7: #4EACHOfUs to #EndHyde via @AllAboveAll @NLIRH — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
Ch. 16: Act 8: Terrorist Caught Attempting To Bomb Abortion Clinic - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-22-15
Voicemails
Ch. 17: Questioning the utility of happiness as goals for policy - Ryan from Pheonix
Ch. 18: Happiness, thankfulness and sex work - Anonymous
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 19: Final comments on the utility of happiness for public policy
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #4EACHOfUs to #EndHyde via @AllAboveAll @NLIRH
Take Action:
Add your name in support of #4EACHOfUs: "Write your member of Congress today!” via the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health
Thank the #4EACHOfUs co-sponsors via All* Above All’s 100 Days For Coverage Campaign
Sources/further reading:
"Widespread Public Support Bolsters Bill to End Restrictions on Abortion Coverage” via Truthout
"New Year, Same as the Old Year? 2015 Reproductive Rights Preview”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #951 Today we take a look at sex work and why it should be decriminalized rather than demonized Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:35 Ch. 2: Act 1: An introduction to the topic of sex work - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date: 11-6-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Sopra un aereoplanino di carta - Menion
00:04:31 Ch. 4: Act 2: .@MelissaGira Grant: The Work of Sex Work - @grittv w/ @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 3-18-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: We Stand Where Dinosaurs Roamed - Midnight Maps
00:17:49 Ch. 6: Act 3: Decriminalizing sex work will make the world a safer place - @anyaparampil & @CyndeeClay via RT America - Air Date: 8-20-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Solidarity Forever - Pete Seeger
00:26:16 Ch. 8: Act 4: Dominatrix and writer @MistressMatisse: Desired changed to the sex work industry - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date: 11-6-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: I Love You Money - Lowell
00:35:04 Ch. 10: Act 5: Sex work in New Zealand: The Decriminalization Model - Drugreporter HCLU (@HCLUDrugReform) - Air Date: 8-1-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: N/A
00:48:49 Ch. 12: Act 6: #SexWorkIsWork: Support Decriminalization via @swopusa — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard
00:52:47 Ch. 14: Act 7: Sexworker gives relationship advice - @fakedansavage - Air Date: 9-1-15
Voicemails
00:56:20 Ch. 15: Thoughts on the principles of libertarianism - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:01:03 Ch. 16: Final comments on happiness as the highest principle
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #SexWorkIsWork: Support Decriminalization via @swopusa
Take Action:
Learn how to become an ally with SWOP’s Ally Resources Page
Follow & amplify: #SexWorkIsWork
Additional Activism/Resources:
Resources for sex workers: Safety tips and Screening 101 via via SWOP-Chicago
Sources/further reading:
"Amnesty International’s Long-Due Support for Sex Workers Rights” by Melissa Gira Grant at The Nation
”Playing the Whore: the Work of Sex Work” by Melissa Gira Grant
Q&A on the Policy to Protect Human Rights of Sex Workers — Amnesty International
"LGBT Rights Organizations Join Amnesty International in Call to Decriminalize Sex Work” — Lambda Legal
"How LGBT People Would Benefit From The Decriminalization Of Sex Work” at ThinkProgress
"3 Sex Workers' Rights Organizations That Fight Every Day To End The Stigma” via Bustle
"A Sex Worker Shows Why Her Job Shouldn't Be Illegal” via Refinery29
"How the Feds Took Down Rentboy.com” at Vice.com by Melissa Gira Grant
"Woman kills attacker with his gun, unknowingly takes out a serial killer” via The Daily Dot
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #950 Today we take a look at progressivism, define some terms, clarify some stumbling blocks and give some guidance on how to be a better progressive Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: What is 'intersectionality'? - @IntersectionTNR - Air Date: 7-28-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Counting Colors - Anitek
00:07:23 Ch. 4: Act 2: A quick breakdown of identity politics - @CriticizeAfter Dinner - Air Date: 6-1-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Cetology - Ben McElroy
00:12:39 Ch. 6: Act 3: Political correctness isn't just about being polite - Popaganda (@BitchMedia) - Air Date: 3-26-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: N/A
00:19:56 Ch. 8: Act 4: Sarah Jaffe: Are We Mistaking Feelings for Politics? - Radio Dispatch - Air Date: 3-30-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Oak - Ben McElroy
00:34:28 Ch. 10: Act 5: Why I'm a complete and total hypocrite - and actually really proud of it - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 02-14-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Drifts - The OO-Ray
00:40:05 Ch. 12: Act 6: Breaking down modern day acts of rebellion - On Being (@Beingtweets) - Air Date: 1-8-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: N/A
00:46:44 Ch. 14: Act 7: 6 rules of being a good ally - Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date: 8-14-15
Voicemails
00:57:36 Ch. 15: How to be a good ally to BlackLivesMatter - Dan from Albany, NY
01:01:36 Ch. 16: Don't let logistics stand in the way of feeding people - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:04:33 Ch. 17: Final comments on the article: “I find this offensive" How offense discourse traps us into inaction
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #949 Today we take a look at the injustices inherent in a system that criminalizes poverty and allows food insecurity while more than enough food is dumped into landfills Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Nowhere To Go But Jail:� OverCriminalized #3- Homelessness -� @bravenewfilms - Air Date: 10-9-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A
Ch. 4: Act 2: The Original Sin - Locking up the Food.. - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-20-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Better Then Way Too Post-Rock - Nic Bommarit
Ch. 6: Act 3: Republicans Move To Finally Kick Elderly Disabled People Off Food Stamps - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 04-07-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Portland [Demo] - RENMINBI
Ch. 8: Act 4: Here's How to REALLY Punish the Poor for Being Poor - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-26-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Little Lion Man - Single - Piano Tribute Players
Ch. 10: Act 5: Food Waste - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 7-19-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Royal American Medley - United States Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
Ch. 12: Act 6: Millions of Americans Live Under the World Poverty Line - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-26-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Mothers of the Night - Moby
Ch. 14: Act 7: #HungerActionMonth via @FeedingAmerica — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 16: Act 8: The fantasy of volunteerism addressing poverty - @TalkPoverty Radio - Air Date: 8-20-15
Voicemails
Ch. 17: Visit your public libraries - Jill from California
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on my hiking trip to Glacier National Park
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #HungerActionMonth via @FeedingAmerica
Take Action:
Join one (or all!) of @FeedingAmerica’s #HungerActionMonth campaigns.
Take TEN SECONDS to support Feeding America’s #Spoontember Thunderclap!
Sources/further reading:
"Hunger and Poverty Fact Sheet” via Feeding America
"49 Million Americans Live With This — So Why Are We So Uncomfortable Talking About It?” via .Mic
"Our Perceptions About the “Unworthy Poor” Haven’t Changed” via TalkPoverty
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #884 Today we take a look at the recently released Senate torture report and attempt to give guidance on how it should and should NOT be received Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Senate releases report on CIA torture - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 12-9-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Human Rights - One Thing
Ch. 4: Act 2: "We Are Awesome"... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 12-10-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Look At How Awesome We Are! - Look At How Awesome We Are!
Ch. 6: Act 3: Juan Cole on the lack of response to US torture from the Middle East - @truthdig Radio - Air Date: 12-12-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Machine - Contre jour (Original Soundtrack)
Ch. 8: Act 4: Suggesting alternatives to torture - The Bugle (@hellobuglers) - Air Date: 12-12-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Seduce Me - Joyride
Ch. 10: Act 5: Don't change the subject on torture - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 12-12-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Idiots Are Taking Over - The War On Errorism
Ch. 12: Act 6: Pardons would label torturers as criminals - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 12-9-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: We Know Better - Small Fame
Ch. 14: Act 7: Our culture of impunity - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 12-14-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Accountability - I've Never Been to Heaven
Ch. 16: Act 8: Prosecute #Torture via @ACLU - Best of the Left Activism
Act 8.5: They Said No To Torture - @aclu videos - Air Date: 12-12-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 18: Act 9: Hayes Are really we a nation of laws? - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 12-9-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: Law and Order - The Ultimate TV Themes Collection: Thrillers
Ch. 20: Act 10: What happens when you betray your ideals - @dccommonsense with Dan Carlin - Air Date: 12-14-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: What's needed to understand the discussion on race - Vphriamer Adis from New York
Ch. 22: The heartland is in media darkness - Vicki from Oregon
Ch. 23: American exceptionalism is bullshit - Chris from Colorado Springs
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 24: Final comments on the underserved oppressed group featured in the most recent bonus episode
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Prosecute #Torture via @ACLU
Take Action:
Write, email, and call (202-353-1555) the Department of Justice to demand the prosecution of those who ordered and orchestrated torture.
SIGN the ACLU petition: No Free Pass For Torture
Additional Activism:
SIGN the ACLU petition demanding the president Honor Those Who Said No To Torture
Sources/further reading:
"Why a Criminal Investigation is Necessary” — The ACLU statement on the Senate Torture Report
"Civil Rights Groups Call for Prosecution of Torture Architects” by Murtaza Hussain at The Intercept
"SSCI Torture Report Key: They Knew It was Torture, Knew It Was Illegal” via empty wheel
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #881 Today we listen and learn from those most deeply effected by the pattern of deaths of black men and women as they talk through their grief and anger Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Ferguson - @MumiaAbuJamal - Air Date: 11-25-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Survivors - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 4: Act 2: Ferguson is Selma - @mychalsmith on @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 11-26-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Basique - Mickey Mouse Operation
Ch. 6: Act 3: New rules and time for action - @blackastronaut1 - Air Date: 11-26-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Untitled - Zoe Keating
Ch. 8: Act 4: This is what hopelessness looks like - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 11-26-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Rivers and Roads - The Head and the Heart
Ch. 10: Act 5: The Illipsis- on Ferguson, riots and human limits - @jsmooth995 - Air Date: 11-26-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Tobacco Road - Tobacco Road
Ch. 12: Act 6: Ferguson's Fall Out - @MumiaAbuJamal - Air Date: 11-29-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Struggle - Ringside
Ch. 14: Act 7: When the System Provides No Remedies to Torture, You Must Overthrow It - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 12-3-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Take a Look Around (In the Style of Limp Bizkit) [Karaoke Instrumental Version] - Karaoke in the Style of Limp Bizkit - Single
Ch. 16: Act 8: New York City takes to streets in wake of Garner ruling - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 12-3-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Everyday (Single Version) - Carly Comando
Ch. 18: Act 9: Death for a Cigarette - @MumiaAbuJamal - Air Date: 12-4-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: If Not Now, When - Anchor & Braille
Ch. 20: Act 10: Prepare yourselves for the long haul - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 12-3-14
Ch. 21: Song 10: Protest song - Anti-Flag
Ch. 22: Act 11: Killer Mike's pre-show Ferguson Grand Jury speech
Voicemails
Ch. 23: Focus on the gasoline, not the match - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Ch. 24: Thoughts on the big picture of race relations in America - Marcus from Wichita Falls, TX
Ch. 25: Another blow to the psyche - Prof. Rambo from Georgia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 26: Final comments directing protesters to fergusonresponse.tumblr.com and #thisstopstoday
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #948 Today we take a look at a variety of aspects of a new culture we should all be aspiring to where health, happiness and environmental sustainability are all in line with each other Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Alan Watts: What If Money Was No Object? - Tragedy & Hope (@TragedyandHopes) - Air Date: 8-30-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A
00:03:23 Ch. 4: Act 2: Examining the real concept of prosperity - The biggest story in the world (a @guardian podcast) - Air Date: 4-17-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Untitled - Zoe Keating
00:11:47 Ch. 6: Act 3: Josh Farley explains some of the tenets of degrowth - Extraenvironmentalist (@xenvironmental) - Air Date: 5-20-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: The Confrontation - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin
00:22:48 Ch. 8: Act 4: Nature Rx - @nature_rx
Ch. 9: Song 4: N/A
00:24:12 Ch. 10: Act 5: A city goes ecomobile - The Urban Idea - Air Date: 12-24-13
Ch. 11: Song 5: N/A
00:36:57 Ch. 12: Act 6: A 3-Day Work Week Could Save Humanity - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 12-23-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: No Sleep Till Brooklyn - Beastie Boys
00:39:12 Ch. 14: Act 7: David Suzuki explains how we would look to an alien studying us - Extraenvironmentalist (@xenvironmental) - Air Date: 5-20-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Call of the Wild Ones: A Theme - Black Prairie
00:48:35 Ch. 16: Act 8: Visualizing a Plenitude Economy - Center for a New American Dream (@newdream) - Air Date: 9-15-11
Voicemails
00:53:25 Ch. 17: Free will and Liberalism - Gretchen from Minnesota
00:55:43 Ch. 18: A couple of things people don't understand about racism - Anthony from Illinois
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
00:58:09 Ch. 19: Final comments on Plenitude, Mr. Money Mustache and my story of health, happiness, frugality and the environment
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #947 Today we see what we can learn from the recent #BlackLivesMatter protests against Bernie Sanders and White Progressives™ and the reactions from some Sanders supporters that they sparked Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:34 Ch. 2: Act 1: Black Lives Matter organizer 'Every presidential candidate should expect to hear from us' - Melissa Harris Perry (@MHPshow) - Air Date 8-15-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Racism - The Mighty Sparrow
00:10:49 Ch. 4: Act 2: Interview with Marissa Janae Johnson (@rissaofthewa) after Seattle protest - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBnation) - Air Date: 8-11-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Are You With Me - Vaux
00:21:11 Ch. 6: Act 3: How not to be an ally of racial justice - @citizenradio - Air Date: 8-10-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Springish - Gillicuddy
00:31:39 Ch. 8: Act 4: On #BlackLivesMatter and Defending Bernie Sanders - Jay Smooth (@jsmooth995) - Air Date: 8-15-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Tobacco Road - Common Market
00:36:07 Ch. 10: Act 5: A case of white fragility in the fight for racial justice - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBnation) - Air Date: 8-11-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Hurt Feelings - Flight of the Conchords
00:47:49 Ch. 12: Act 6: Hey Naysayers, Allow Bernie Sanders to Offer You Proof That Black Lives Matter Helps Him - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 08-14-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Hard To Explain - The Riptide Movement
00:54:31 Ch. 14: Act 7: .@JeanneTheoharis social movements cause discomfort - Melissa Harris Perry (@MHPshow) - Air Date 8-15-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Jail - Plusplus
01:01:53 Ch. 16: Act 8: .@VanJones68 goes all in to explain the BlackLives Matter protests - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBnation) - Air Date: 8-12-15
Voicemails
01:04:35 Ch. 17: Examining deep rooted conservatism in the progressive movement - V from Western New York
01:06:19 Ch. 18: What people are forgetting about how racism works - David From Georgia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:09:13 Ch. 19: Final comments on the different roles each of us play within a movement
BlackLivesMatter & Racial Justice (admittedly incomplete) Round-up
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #946 Today we take a broad look at the effects of our diminishing privacy Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Illegal Spying Below: Activists Fly Anti-Surveillance Airship over NSA's Utah Data Center - Electronic Frontier Foundation (@EFF) - Air Date: 8-5-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A
Ch. 4: Act 2: Surveillance Beyond the Patriot Act - @onthemedia - Air Date: 5-28-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: All Along the Watchtower - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Ch. 6: Act 3: What happens if we have a 9/11 of privacy? - Common Sense (@dccommonsense) - Air Date: 7-14-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Life Lessons Episode 1: 5 Ways To Avoid Your Bills - LunchMoney Lewis
Ch. 8: Act 4: What Is Systemic Racism? - Government Surveillance - @RaceForward - Air Date: 4-22-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Le monde de contre jour - David Ari Leon
Ch. 10: Act 5: Data and Goliath: Bruce Schneier on the Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World - @democracynow - Air Date: 3-13-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: What Is Your Secret - Nada Surf
Ch. 12: Act 6: Preserve Anonymity, Stand Up For Domain Privacy via @EFF — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
Ch. 14: Act 7: The government and technology companies battle over encryption - Common Sense (@dccommonsense) - Air Date: 7-14-15
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Stop Killing our Trans sisters - Uhuru from Sweden
Ch. 16: A story of abuse and a call for a healthier discussion of sexuality - Anonymous
Ch. 17: Tea Consent as part of educational curriculum - Alex from Oregon
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments asking for comments on Black Lives Matter and progressive infighting before the hiatus starts
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Preserve Anonymity, Stand Up For Domain Privacy via @EFF
Take Action:
SIGN: "Preserve Anonymity, Stand Up For Domain Privacy” via the Electronic Frontier Foundation
Sources/further reading:
"Icann plan to end website anonymity 'could lead to swatting attacks’” at The Guardian
"Proposed Domain Name Rule Threatens Website Owner Anonymity” at Buzzfeed
Hear the segment in context:
Episode #946 "What will it take to reverse this trend? (Privacy Rights)"
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #945 Today we take a look at multiple forms of violence and injustice afflicting trans people as part of their daily lives Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Transgender Rights - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 6-28-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Little People (Black City) (Live @ KEXP) - Matthew Dear
Ch. 4: Act 2: .@SBearBergman on how the natural order is reasserting itself for trans people - @SexOutLoudRadio - Air Date: 10-17-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: She said - Stray Dogg
Ch. 6: Act 3: This piece is called "Trigger Warning" - @Making_Contact - Air Date: 4-21-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Credits - dustmotes
Ch. 8: Act 4: Transforming History - Retro Report - Air Date 6-15-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Some Kind Of Mininova - Textile Audio
Ch. 10: Act 5: #TransHealthFail - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date: 8-6-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Summer - Butano Bazaar
Ch. 12: Act 6: Support @MyTransHealth - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 14: Act 7: .@LaverneCox on Bullying and Being a Trans Woman of Color - @KepplerSpeakers - Air Date: 12-19-13
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Explaining the functions of inflation - Jeff from Sacramento, CA
Ch. 16: Open immigration is pro-people and good for the economy - Charlie From Cinncinatti
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on how to deal with things you don't understand
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Support @MyTransHealth
Take Action:
AMPLIFY and donate to the KICKSTARTER to bring My Trans Health to as many cities as possible.
Additional Activism/Resources:
FOLLOW and amplify: #TransHealthFail
Sources/further reading:
"6 ways the health care system fails transgender patients” via Mashable
"Trans People Are Speaking Out About Their Horrible Experiences With Health Care” via .Mic
"It's hard being trans. It's even harder when you can't find a doctor. A new site hopes to fix that.” via Upworthy
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #944 Today we take a look at the accusations against Bill Cosby of serial rape, some of the underlying concepts behind consent and how rape culture creates #TheEmptyChair Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: New details revealed in Cosby assault claims - Rachel @Maddow - Air Date 7-6-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Time To Run (Finale) - Dexter Britain
Ch. 4: Act 2: Cosby Rape Victim Strikes Back At The View Host - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-11-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: American Life (instrumental) - Silence Is Sexy
Ch. 6: Act 3: Republicans Ponder: Is Sex With an Unconscious Person Real, Legitimate Rape? - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 02-10-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: suffer them - Noaidi
Ch. 8: Act 4: Tea Consent - @BlueSeatStudios and the Rockstar Dinosaur Pirate Princess - Air Date: 5-12-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Time for Tea - Madness
Ch. 10: Act 5: Bill Cosby's accusers as you've never seen them before - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 7-27-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Structures In The Sun - Metal Mountains
Ch. 12: Act 6: Protect Funding that Supports Victims of Sexual Violence via @RAINN01 - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 14: Act 7: #TheEmptyChair - This week in blackness (@TWiBprime) - Air Date: 7-27-15
Voicemails
Ch. 16: The history of the racial division - Ruben from San Jose
Ch. 17: Asking for thoughts on inflation - Matt from Maryland
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on inflation vs deflation
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Protect Funding that Supports Victims of Sexual Violence via @RAINN01
Take Action:
Email, tweet, call your representatives from: "Tell Congress to Protect Funding that Supports Victims of Sexual Violence and Helps Catch Rapists”
Sources/further reading:
"‘I’m No Longer Afraid’: 35 Women Tell Their Stories About Being Assaulted by Bill Cosby, and the Culture That Wouldn’t Listen” by Noreen Malone at NY Mag’s ‘The Cut’
"Who Will We Choose to See? Bill Cosby and Believing Survivors” by Tọ́pẹ́ Fádìran at RH Reality Check
"The Empty Chair & 35 Women Standing Up to Bill Cosby, Rapist” by Roxane Gay at The Toast
"Serial rapists commit 9 of 10 campus sexual assaults, research finds” at AlJazeera America
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #943 Today we take a look at the dysfunctional state of the US immigration system and the political fight brewing over what to do about it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Coming Out As An Undocumented Immigrant - Latino Voices - AJ+ (@ajplus) - Air Date: 03-20-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Liberate - Buguinha Dub
Ch. 4: Act 2: Donald Trump WRONG About 'Immigrant Crime' - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-08-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Untitled 10 - Sunslide
Ch. 6: Act 3: Scott Walker Now Bashing Any and All Immigrants - @majorityfm - Air Date: 04-22-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Oak - Ben McElroy
Ch. 8: Act 4: La Raza Annual Conference Will Be Skipped By EVERY 2016 Republican Candidate - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-12-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Mexico - Jimmy Pé
Ch. 10: Act 5: 'OITNB' actress (@dianeguerrero__) speaks out about family's deportation - CNN - Air Date: 11-17-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Let’s go down - Family of the Year
Ch. 12: Act 6: Mass Graves of Immigrants Found in Texas, But State Says No Laws Were Broken - @democracynow - Air Date: 07-16-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Suffering of the Innocents - Squire Tuck
Ch. 14: Act 7: Did You Know Jesus Was Against Immigration? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-16-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Bible stories - Dublin Duck Dispensary
Ch. 16: Act 8: Hold Border Patrol Responsible via @ACLU — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
Ch. 18: Act 9: Let Them All In? How Immigration Can Help the Economy - @LearnLiberty - Air Date: 01-13-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: All over the world - Boogie Belgique
Ch. 20: Act 10: The Migrant Manifesto by Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga) - @migrants_rights Network - Air Date: 11-26-12
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Happiness through polyamory - Katie Klabusich
Ch. 22: Bernie getting the short end of the stick - Matt from Flagstaff
Ch. 23: The importance of hearing from black voices - Sunny from St. Paul, MN
Ch. 24: Happiness through music - Neil
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 25: Final comments on happiness and poverty
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Hold Border Patrol Responsible via @ACLU
Take Action:
SIGN: "Our Border Communities Are Not Constitution-Free Zones" via ACLU
Sources/further reading:
"Signs of Life For Immigration Reform” at U.S. News and World Report
"Jeb Bush unveils border security, immigration reform plan” via WSB-TV
"Documenting Ongoing Border Patrol Abuses” via Immigration Policy Center
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #942 Today we take a look at the #BlackLivesMatter protest at Netroots Nation and the positive results that have emerged in it’s wake Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: The Sandra Bland Video & the Extraordinary Threat to Black Lives - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 07-22-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Blik - deeB
00:09:17 Ch. 4: Act 2: "I Will Light You Up!": New Dash Cam Video Shows Arrest of Sandra Bland, Found Dead in Texas Jail - @democracynow - Air Date: 07-22-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Change The World ( Coldnoise Remix ) - Controlled Collapse
00:11:15 Ch. 6: Act 3: Protesting the White Progressive space at @Netroots_Nation - This week in blackness (@TWiBNation) - Air Date: 7-23-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Please Listen Carefully - Jazzer
00:27:48 Ch. 8: Act 4: Misguided responses to #BlackLivesMatter, including Bernie Sanders at @Netroots_Nation - Back Talk from @BitchMedia - Air Date: 7-23-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Take Care - Dad Rocks!
00:37:44 Ch. 10: Act 5: Having a job isn't going to make me not black - The Black Guy Who Tips (@rodimusprime) - Air Date: 7-22-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Rain Begins To Fall (instrumental) - Silence is Sexy
00:46:19 Ch. 12: Act 6: Bernie Sanders and Black Lives Matter - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 07-21-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Sneeuwland - Oskar Schuster
00:53:06 Ch. 14: Act 7: Black people, we got you! I mean, to a certain extent. - This week in blackness (@TWiBNation) - Air Date: 7-23-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Friends and Neighbors (Remastered) - Single - Sammy Kaye
00:56:14 Ch. 16: Act 8: What Bernie Sanders needs to do to win - Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date: 7-24-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: A Lot of Work to Do - Friendly People
01:05:18 Ch. 18: Act 9: Bernie Sanders: Racism & Inequality Are 'Parallel Problems' - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-27-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: Close to Me (Closest Mix) - The Cure
01:09:24 Ch. 19: Act 10: .@DFAaction responds to the #BlackLivesMatter protest at Netroots - This week in blackness (@TWiBNation) - Air Date: 7-28-15
01:16:28 Ch. 20: Final comments with an analogy explaining why you shouldn't say "All Lives Matter" in response to "Black Lives Matter"
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #941 Today we take a look at food insecurity for both adults and children as well as one possible solution in the form of a universal basic income Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: War on Poor Grows: No Shellfish, Potatoes, Ketchup for You! - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-22-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: can't afford no food - Jeff Eliassen
00:04:36 Ch. 4: Act 2: GOP's Poor-Punishing Legacy Comes to an End (In One State) - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 04-23-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Food - Town Hall
00:08:43 Ch. 6: Act 3: Dr. Harriet Fraad on US economy’s disastrous impact on children - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - AIr Date: 1-25-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Cry for the Children - Jamod Allah
00:19:09 Ch. 8: Act 4: Anna Chudnovsky, Elementary School Teacher - First Call BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition - Air Date: 11-27-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Impossible - Shout Out Louds
00:25:20 Ch. 10: Act 5: Fired for the offense of feeding children - This week in blackness (@TWiBNation) - Air Date: 6-3-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Broke and Hungry - Jeremy Wallace
00:36:55 Ch. 12: Act 6: Food, Clothing and Health Care Should be Rights... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 02-12-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Food - Gablé
00:46:34 Ch. 14: Act 7: Keep #SNAP Strong via @FRACtweets — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard
00:51:59 Ch. 16: Act 8: Basic Income: The Totally Crazy Not Crazy Idea - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 06-25-15
Voicemails
00:58:31 Ch. 17: Happiness through helping people - Colin from Cleveland, OH
00:59:53 Ch. 18: Happiness through autonomy at work - Ryan from Phoenix
01:03:42 Ch. 19: Are the long-term consequinces of nuclear vs solar comparable? - Marty from California
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: 12 Final Comments on supporting Katie on Patreon, suggesting you watch the movie Pride and answering a question about nuclear power
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Keep #SNAP Strong via @FRACtweets
Take Action:
Track and support/oppose pending budgetary and program changes to food assistance through Food Research and Action Center’s Legislative Action Center
SIGN: "Tell Congress to Keep SNAP Strong”
Sources/further reading:
"What SNAP Is For” via the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
"Honoring the Legacy of Senators Bob Dole and George McGovern” via World Food Program USA
"Republicans Are Trying to Take Food Out of My Mouth” by Katie Klabusich at RollingStone
Written (mostly) by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #894 Today we take a look at the legacy of Martin Luther King as it was taught to us and fill in the gaps that were left out. Turns out it was no accident those gaps were left in the first place. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: An except from a lost MLK speech - @democracynow - Air Date: 1-19-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: We Shall Overcome - We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
Ch. 4: Act 2: MLK Day Should be for Everyone - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-20-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Like a King - Welcome to the Cruel World
Ch. 6: Act 3: Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes You've Probably Never Heard Before - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-20-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: By the Time I Get to Arizona - Power to the People & the Beats - Public Enemy's Greatest Hits
Ch. 8: Act 4: Rev. Madison Shockley on the black liberation theology of MLK - @truthdig Radio - Air Date: 1-16-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Glory (From the Motion Picture "Selma") - Glory (From the Motion Picture "Selma") - Single
Ch. 10: Act 5: Movement Building and the Importance of Youth - Tim Wise - Air Date: 12-5-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: A Dream - Freedom Writers
Ch. 12: Act 6: Demand Congress Address Civil and Human Rights via @civilrightsorg - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 14: Act 7: Gary Younge, author of 'The Speech' with MLK - @Making_Contact - Air Date: 1-13-15
Voicemails
Ch. 16: Encouraging women to speak about their experiences with abortion - Zoe from Durham, NC
Ch. 17: This American Life did a segment on Vocal Fry - Ruben from San Jose
Ch. 18: Thoughts on the impermanence of "culture" - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 19: Final comments on the invention of racism by the powerful to divide the powerless
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Demand Congress Address Civil and Human Rights via @civilrightsorg
Take Action:
Add your name: Congress Must Address Civil and Human Rights Priorities in 2015 via The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Additional Activism/Resources:
Go. See. Selma. Find listings HERE
Sources/further reading:
"Will Justice Scalia Be the Savior of the Fair Housing Act?” at ACLU.org
"Civil and Human Rights Coalition Troubled by Deletion of “Civil Rights and Human Rights” from Senate Constitution Subcommittee” press release from The Leadership Conference
“Yes, The Oscars Are So White, And Here’s Why That Matters” at MTV.com
OscarsSoWhite via @ReignOfApril
”Ava DuVernay: ‘Selma’ Is the ‘Vision of a Black Storyteller Undiluted’” by Mychal Denzel Smith at The Nation
"Congress Will Be in Session Longer Next Year. Will It Make a Difference?” by Kate Scanlon at The Daily Signal
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #940 Today we take a look at a the continuing drought conditions in California and a variety of plans of action to fight the emission of green house gasses Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: California's epic drought - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 7-13-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Cylinder One - Chris Zabriskie
00:04:59 Ch. 4: Act 2: Reframing the CA drought away from climate change - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 6-19-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Drought - Steve Wynn
00:08:25 Ch. 6: Act 3: Actually, Solar and Wind Energy Would Work Just Fine - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-24-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Windmill - Listen With Sarah
00:20:23 Ch. 8: Act 4: Nuclear Power can be Safe... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-12-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Nuclear Waste - Tought Darts!
00:25:04 Ch. 10: Act 5: The solar boom - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 7-10-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: All over the world - Boogie Belgique
00:30:41 Ch. 12: Act 6: The Vatican encyclical on the environment - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 6-18-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Cetology - Ben McElroy
00:33:36 Ch. 14: Act 7: I'm Not A Scientist - @onthemedia - Air Date: 6-19-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Oklahoma (Finale) - Gordon MacRae, Charlotte Greenwood, James Whitmore, Shirley Jones & Jay Flippen
00:40:29 Ch. 16: Act 8: The BP settlement for the gulf oil spill - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 7-10-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: Natural Disaster - D.A. Dad
00:43:36 Ch. 18: Act 9: Coal 101- What's Wrong with Coal? - @SierraClub - Air Date: 5-28-13
Ch. 19: Song 9: Shadow of a Coal Mine - Linda Draper
00:46:22 Ch. 20: Act 10: .@BeyondCoal via @SierraClub — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 21: Song 10: Activism - Shihan
00:49:42 Ch. 22: Act 11: Supreme Court EPA Ruling Is A Big Polluted Kiss To Conservatives - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-30-15
Voicemails
00:55:37 Ch. 23: What's the alternative to the coal industry? - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
00:57:25 Ch. 24: Final comments on what we need to do when the coal jobs disappear
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: @BeyondCoal via @SierraClub
Take Action:
SIGN & SHARE: Speak Out For a Strong Clean Power Plan with the The Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign
Get involved in your state through Beyond Coal’s Take Action Page
Sources/further reading:
“United States Phases Out 200th Coal Plant As Momentum For Renewable Energy Grows” via The Sierra Club
"Iowa Utility Will Phase Out Coal At 5 Plants, In Milestone For Sierra Club” by Kate Sheppard via Huffington Post
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #939 Today we take a look at a variety of ways the media fails us, from the use of fear tactics and stereotyping to their completely credulous regurgitation of government press releases and all around insider mindset that can never challenge the conventional wisdom Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:39 Ch. 2: Act 1: 7 Totally False Panics Created By The Media - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 04-11-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Shine - Jahzzar
00:06:16 Ch. 4: Act 2: Snowden Smear Piece Sums Up Journalism's Sad State - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-18-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Portland (Demo) - RENMINBI
00:12:25 Ch. 6: Act 3: US: NSA Surveillance Restricts Press Freedom - HumanRightsWatch (@hrw) - Air Date: 07-28-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Dart - Stray Dogg
00:17:01 Ch. 8: Act 4: MSNBC launches NBCBLK - This week in blackness (@TWiBnation) - Air Date: 1-19-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: perro - Digi G'Alessio
00:25:49 Ch. 10: Act 5: Why Charleston Shooter Isn't Being Called A Terrorist- White Riots vs Black Protests - @bravenewfilms - Air Date: 6-16-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Cospiratore - Old Splendifolia
00:28:43 Ch. 12: Act 6: Is MSNBC Dying? - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-03-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: This is based upon a true story - plusplus
00:33:51 Ch. 14: Act 7: How the Delusional Mainstream Media Dismisses Bernie Sanders - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 05-28-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Black Eyed Susan - Podington Bear
00:43:27 Ch. 16: Act 8: The blending of content and advertising - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 12-12-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Horfid (Live @ KEXP) - Lay Low
00:45:56 Ch. 18: Act 9: HUGE: 22 Towns Will Build Their Own Gigabit Internet Service - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-07-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: Greek Tragedy - plusplus
00:49:51 Ch. 20: Act 10: Chuck Todd Slips & Tells Lewis Black EXACTLY Why The Media Sucks - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-03-15
Voicemails
00:54:11 Ch. 21: Learning to apologize - Anthony from Indiana
00:57:51 Ch. 22: Happiness through veganism - Nick
01:04:27 Ch. 22: Overcoming the idea of living up to ideals and practicing appreciation - Vicki from Oregon
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:48 Ch. 23: Final comments on the relationship between happiness and politics
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #938 Today we take a look at what women are complaining about. Turns out there’s a lot, and for good reason. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Gerda Lerner - short unedited Interview - BKRenata - Air Date: 7-28-12
Ch. 3: Song 1: Heirloom - The Black Atlantic
Ch. 4: Act 2: Women in Media: On Feminism - Arthouse - Air Date: 12-23-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Things will change - Audiophil
Ch. 6: Act 3: Intersectionality Video - Giavana Margo - Air Date: 11-20-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: con·form·ist - dustmotes
Ch. 8: Act 4: Framing the debate on family-friendly workplace policies - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 5-29-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Khaf - deeB
Ch. 10: Act 5: Should Men be Excluded From the workplace? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 05-20-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Insider Theme - The Insider
Ch. 12: Act 6: Hollywood Boys' Club Called Out For Sexism - AJ+ - Air Date: 05-21-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Back to the Future - Mikhola
Ch. 14: Act 7: Upworthy & Lady Parts Present: Candid Casting Calls - Upworthy - Air Date: 02-18-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: n/a
Ch. 16: Act 8: Why I'm a... FEMINIST! (gasp) - Laci Green (@gogreen18) - Air Date: 4-23-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Without a doubt - BJ Block and Dawn Pemberton
Ch. 18: Act 9: I am Not Roof's Woman - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 6-26-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: Drifts - The OO-Ray
Ch. 20: Act 10: Caitlyn Clark's poem in response to UCSB shooting - @Making_Contact - Air Date: 4-21-15
Ch. 21: Song 10: Ennio 08-08 - Silence is sexy
Ch. 22: Act 11: Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment via @ERACoalition - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 23: Song 11: This fickle world - Theo Bard
Ch. 24: Act 12: Woman on the $10 Bill - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver
Voicemails
Ch. 25: Critiquing homeopathy - Marty from California
Ch. 26: Happiness through polyamory - Chris from Seattle
Ch. 27: Happiness through surfing - Issac from DC
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 28: Final comments on gaining a perspective on life that will allow us to follow our bliss
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment via @ERACoalition
Take Action:
SIGN: "Pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)” via MoveOn.org
SUPPORT the ratification of the ERA: Take the Pledge and Contact Your Representatives via the ERA Coalition
Additional Activism:
Watch for the release of the documentary "Equal Means Equal” from the ERA Education Project
Sources/further reading:
"Meryl Streep Helpfully Reminded Congress We Still Don’t Have an Equal-Rights Amendment” at The Cut
"Meryl Streep Is Pushing Congress to Finally Revive the Equal Rights Amendment” at Mother Jones
"The new women warriors: Reviving the fight for equal rights” at CNN.com
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #937 Today we take a look at the corrupting effects of money in politics as well as several signs of progress in the fight for a new, functional system Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: We're Mayday. And we have a plan - @maydayus - Air Date: 3-13-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Le mystère de contre jour - David Ari Leon
00:03:13 Ch. 4: Act 2: Who's really running the country? - @dccommonsense - AIr Date: 3-29-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Oligarchy - The Haymarket Squares
00:08:26 Ch. 6: Act 3: The Koch brothers raise money to rival both GOP and Democratic parties - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 2-8-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: The System - Abscondo
00:15:35 Ch. 8: Act 4: How Is Wolf PAC Achieving Its Latest Win? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-27-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: A Real Hero (feat. Electric Youth) - College
00:24:46 Ch. 10: Act 5: One Man Completely Changed the Money-In-Politcs Debate - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 04-06-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: A Change Is Gonna Come - Ben Sollee
00:30:33 Ch. 12: Act 6: Koch Brothers Shopping For 2016 Republican Candidates - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 05-29-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Those Were the Days / Goodbye - Single - Mary Hopkin
00:39:32 Ch. 14: Act 7: #Leaders4Reform w/@MAYDAYUS — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for Action - the Very Best Of - Secret Affair
00:42:17 Ch. 16: Act 8: Billionaires Unite To Bribe Their Way To Even More Power - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-16-15
Voicemails
00:57:26 Ch. 17: For the birds - The Chloe Sanctuary at chloesanctuary.org - Don Scott
01:01:33 Ch. 18: My Brag on homoeopathic wellness - Sunny from St. Paul, MN
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:09:13 Ch. 19: Final comments on the power of the ancient philosophy of Stoicism
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism Update!
S.1538 - Fair Elections Now Act
Follow-up/new Action: #Leaders4Reform w/@MAYDAYUS
Leave a message for Congress: Citizen Recording Studio
Build a bigger #Leaders4Reform coalition: Call your representatives
Sources/additional glimmers of hope:
"The 'Super PAC to End Super PACs' Makes a Strategic Retreat” at Bloomberg Politics
"We tried. We learned. We’re trying something new: Mayday.US, v2” by Lawrence Lessig
"Frodo Baggins for President” by Lawrence Lessig
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #936 Today we take a look at the terribleness of Big Pharma and the irrationality of not having a single payer insurance system Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: PILLS - The answer to all your problems! - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 10-9-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: War On Drugs (Bonus Track) - Marc Goone
Ch. 4: Act 2: Are Drug Companies the Most Evil? - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 04-29-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: So Much More - Marc Robillard
Ch. 6: Act 3: Marketing to Doctors - @LastWeekTonight w/ @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 02-08-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Ask Your Doctor - Don Arbor
Ch. 8: Act 4: Pharma Advertising in Finland - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 01-03-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Overdose (The Chainsmokers Remix) - Single - Little Daylight
Ch. 10: Act 5: SCOTUS Upholds Obamacare! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-25-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Knock Yourself Out - Jon Brion
Ch. 12: Act 6: US health insurance vs European insurance - Health Care For ALL Oregon (@HCAO)
Ch. 13: Song 6: Dawn Departure, Jefferson County - Black Prairie
Ch. 14: Act 7: Commonwealth Fund: How are people's health coverage going? - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 1-11-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Keepsake - State Radio
Ch. 16: Act 8: Why should I pay for everybody else's healthcare - Health Care For ALL Oregon (@HCAO)
Ch. 17: Song 8: Zebra - Beach House
Ch. 18: Act 9: Universal Access To Affordable Medicine via @NeedyMeds & @AccessOurMeds — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: The Poet - Shihan
Ch. 20: Act 10: We pay way more for health care and get way less - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 3-29-15
Voicemails
Ch. 21: In response to the libertarian caller - Brian from Ohio
Ch. 22: We're subsidizing the security of the world at our own expense - Nathan from Sunnyvale, South Bay
Ch. 23: I tip my hat to you on recent racism episode - V from Western New York
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 24: Final comments asking for your messages, questions or stories about happiness
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Universal Access To Affordable Medicine via @NeedyMeds & @AccessOurMeds
Take Action:
SIGN the "Access Our Medicine” Declaration from the Access Our Medicine Initiative
Additional Activism/Resources:
Let people know about The Generic Assistance Program (GAP) for prescription medications through NeedyMeds
Sources/further reading:
"Trading Away Health: The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP)” via Doctors Without Borders
"What the Affordable Care Act Means for Prescription Coverage” via The Washington Post
"Prescription Drug Costs and Health Reform: FAQ” via WebMD
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #935 Today we take a look at the historic Supreme Court ruling making marriage equality the law of the land Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Gay Marriage Is Now Legal Nationally, But Bigots Will Keep Fighting It - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-29-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Victory - Trampled By Turtles
Ch. 4: Act 2: The view of marriage equality from inside the court - @GAY_USAtv - Air Date: 7-1-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: "Equality" - Todd (Tif) Fernandez
Ch. 6: Act 3: The Secret History of Marriage - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 4-17-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Words Are Seeds - My Gay Banjo
Ch. 8: Act 4: Dissenting Justices Cling To Ancient Hate In Opposing Gay Marriage - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-27-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Those Were The Days (All In The Family Theme) - Television Heroes
Ch. 10: Act 5: A look at the holdouts against same sex marriage - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 6-28-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Sundown Town - Ry Cooder
Ch. 12: Act 6: Anti-Gay Bryan Fischer Equates Gay Marriage Ruling with 9/11 & Slavery - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-29-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Opinions - The Haymarket Squares
Ch. 14: Act 7: The newest 'It gets better' video after SCOTUS rules on marriage equality - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 7-1-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: It Gets Better - Single - Jay Kuo, Blair Shepard & Broadway Sings For The Trevor Project
Ch. 16: Act 8: #Not1More via FAMILIA: Trans Queer Liberation Movement (@familiatqlm) — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Time for Action - the Very Best Of - Secret Affair
Ch. 18: Act 9: Historic marriage ruling opens new chapter for America - Rachel @maddow Show - Air Date: 6-26-15
Voicemails
Ch. 19: Olive branch from a libertarian - Inaudible from Maryland
Ch. 20: Pushback on Adreana's pushback - Elka from Fort Wayne, IN
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on the possibility of left/right alliances
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #Not1More via FAMILIA: Trans Queer Liberation Movement (@familiatqlm)
Take Action:
SIGN: "Tell President Obama, Don't Discriminate Against LGBTQ Immigrants” via FAMILIA: Trans Queer Liberation Movement
JOIN the movement to end deportation of undocumented LGBTQ people with #Not1More
Sources/further reading:
“#Not1More RESPONSE TO ICE NEW MEMO ON PROCESSING TRANS DETAINEES”
"A transgender woman of color on the hypocrisy of the gay rights movement” by Raquel Wilis at Quartz
"Obama's reply to a trans woman proves LGBT advocacy stops at gay marriage” by Meredith Talusan at The Guardian
"Was Obama’s Heckler Actually A Transgender Hero?” by Kristina Marusic at MTVIssues
"The Obama Legacy: Inequality, Corporate Trade Deals, Worldwide War” by Kit O’Connell
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #934 Today we take a look at the history of race and white supremacy in America to understand the incredibly loud echoes of the past that continue to reverberate strongly in modern society Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: The Trick of Whiteness, Historically and Today - @timjacobwise - Air Date: 12-5-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Time to Go Home - Michael Franti & Spearhead
00:06:56 Ch. 4: Act 2: Black, White and Red All Over - @onthemedia - Air Date: 2-13-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Echo's (from the Past) - Al Huskey
00:12:27 Ch. 6: Act 3: The Story Of The Tulsa Race Riots Will Disgust You - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-01-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Black Wall Street - Touchers
00:18:03 Ch. 8: Act 4: How Some Baltimore Neighborhoods Reflect Segregation's Legacy - @MorningEdition on @NPR - Air Date: 5-6-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Segregation - Rankin Scroo
00:23:58 Ch. 10: Act 5: LBJ and the racial divide, 50 years later - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 6-18-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Accountability - Sammy R. Hall
00:30:40 Ch. 12: Act 6: Conservative Pundits Say Removal Of Confederate Flag Will Destroy The South - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-26-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Soul Vibrations Black History / Black Culture : Afro-Nicaraguan Music - Soul Vibrations
00:40:16 Ch. 14: Act 7: Will the South Finally be Deprogrammed - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-24-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Modern Day Slavery - Waun
00:50:14 Ch. 16: Act 8: Showing Up For Racial Justice @ShowUp4RJ - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard
00:54:06 Ch. 18: Act 9: I'm a redneck and I love America - @TheDixonWhite - Air Date: 04-4-15
Voicemails
01:00:01 Ch. 19: Pushback on Rachel Dolezal segments - Adriana from Long Beach, CA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:02:36 Ch. 20: Final comments on the fundamentals of socially constructed cultural norms
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Showing Up For Racial Justice @ShowUp4RJ
Take Action:
Volunteer and/or participate in actions around the country with Showing Up For Racial Justice
Follow SURJ on Twitter and like the on Facebook
Additional Activism/Resources:
TakeDownTheFlag
AskAWhitePerson.com
Sources/further reading:
"12 Ways to Be a White Ally to Black People” by Janee Woods at The Root
"White Supremacy Culture: From Dismantling Racism: A Workbook for Social Change Groups” via SURJ
"Take Down the Confederate Flag—Now” by Ta-Nehisi Coates at The Atlantic
"Calls to Drop Confederate Emblems Spread Nationwide” via The New York Times
"Before Charleston, Not Many People Wanted To Take Down The Confederate Flag” via FiveThirtyEight.com
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #933 Today we examine the complicated dynamics of the race of Rachel Dolezal and the simple dynamics of the white supremacist terrorist attack on a historical black church on Charleston, SC Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Rachel Dolezal, Guilty or Not Guilty? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-16-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Can't Pretend - Tom Odell
Ch. 4: Act 2: Linda Martín Alcoff on Rachel Dolezal: Race Not an Individual Construct - @democracynow - Air Date: 06-17-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Chameleon - Ryan Beatty
Ch. 6: Act 3: Tamara Winfrey Harris (@whattamisaid): Black Like Who? Rachel Dolezal’s Harmful Masquerade - Backtalk (@BitchMedia) - Air Date: 6-25-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Accept Yourself (David Jensen session 8/25/83) - The Smiths
Ch. 8: Act 4: Rachel Dolezal has nothing to do with trans people - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 6-16-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Big Winter Jacket - Cayucas
Ch. 10: Act 5: A Hate Crime in Charleston - @onthemedia - Air Date: 6-19-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Dust In the Wind - Kansas
Ch. 12: Act 6: The process of trauma in black America - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBprime) - Air Date: 6-18-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: A Dose of White Supremacy - Neffe Odom Kragh-Muller
Ch. 14: Act 7: The Charleston shooting is part of a long history of anti-black terrorism - @voxdotcom - Air Date: 6-20-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: So Terrible It's Terrifying - Earmint
Ch. 16: Act 8: FBI Director Denies Charleston Shooting Was Terrorism - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-23-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: Coward - Vic Chesnutt
Ch. 18: Act 9: Why Charleston Shooter Dylan Roof Isn't a “Terrorist” But Maybe Some of Us Are - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 6-24-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: Turtle (Bonobo Mix) - Pilote
Ch. 20: Act 10: John Oliver on The Charleston Shooting - @LastWeekTonight w/ @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 06-22-15
Ch. 21: Song 10: The losing kind - Harry Shearer
Ch. 22: Act 11: The real history of the Confederate flag - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 6-23-15
Ch. 23: Song 11: Know Your History - Drumma Boy
Ch. 24: Act 13: Tim Wise: Black Deaths and White Culture: Challenging Racism After Charleston - @ToThePoint_KCRW - Air Date: 6-24-15
Voicemails
Ch. 25: We need a real conversation on race, not the distractions - Marcus from Wichita Falls, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 26: Final comments on what's still missing from this episode
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Bonus Clips! You can't have your identity anymore, just oppression - This Week in Blackness - Air Date: 6-17-15
You almost had me fooled, Rachel - The Read - Air Date: 6-16-15
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #932 Today we take a look at the continued, relentless state-level assault on abortion access around the country and the impending catastrophic consequences in Texas where an ideologically conservative court is openly seeking to overturn Roe V. Wade Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: How To Get An Abortion In The Unites States - @ajplus - Air Date: 12-11-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Someday We Will Foresee Obstacles - Syd Matters
Ch. 4: Act 2: Fox's Keith Ablow - Men Should Be Able To Veto Women's Abortions - @mmfa - Air Date: 05-08-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: We Are the Kids - WALK THE MOON
Ch. 6: Act 3: .@ScottWalker's B.S. Reason For Forcing Women To Get Ultrasounds - @majorityfm - Air Date: 06-04-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Daka's Ultrasound - Theodore Shapiro
Ch. 8: Act 4: Woman Charged with Murder After Taking Abortion Pill - The @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 06-10-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Can't Stop (feat. Kanye West) - Theophilus London
Ch. 10: Act 5: North Carolina governor breaks promise again on new abortion laws - @maddow - Air Date: 06-07-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Never Is a Promise - Fiona Apple
Ch. 12: Act 6: The Unborn Ultimatum, @msjwilly - @TheDailyShow - Air Date: 01-15-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Faces Without Names - John Powell
Ch. 14: Act 7: Murder Charges Dismissed for Woman Who Took Abortion Pill - The @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 06-12-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Drop the Charges - Grand Agent
Ch. 16: Act 8: As Ruling Threatens to Gut Abortion Access in Texas, Providers Vow to Take Fight to Supreme Court - @naralTX on @democracynow - Air Date: 06-11-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: Oklahoma-Texas Line - Rascal Flatts
Ch. 18: Act 9: New strategy in battle over reproductive rights w/@WholeWomans @rtraister @crfredrickson - @MHPshow - Air Date: 06-14-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: Rockabilly Blues (Texas 1955) - Johnny Cash
Ch. 20: Act 10: #FightBackTX with @FundTexasChoice — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 21: Song 10: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 22: Act 11: .@AngryBlackLady Let's Loose on the Fifth Circuit & Abortion Restrictions in Texas - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 06-10-15
Voicemails
Ch. 23: The social implications of supporting legalization - Casey from Chicago, IL
Ch. 24: More details on shooting 49 rounds - Dylan from Fort Bliss, TX
Ch. 25: Montessori education and an Islamic caliphate - Chris from Colorado Springs
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 26: Final comments on supporting legalization, humanizing and training cops, introverted learning and the Islamic caliphate
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #FightBackTX with @FundTexasChoice
Take Action:
Follow and support Fund Texas Choice
Additional Activism/Resources:
Follow and support the other Texas abortion funds:
Lilith Fund
TEA Fund
West Fund
Whole Woman’s Texas Action Fund
Sources/further reading:
"State Facts About Abortion: Texas” via The Guttmacher Institute
"Fifth Circuit Upholds More HB 2 Provisions, Dares the Supreme Court to Step In” by Jessica Pieklo at RH Reality Check
"Court Upholds Texas’ ‘Devastating’ Anti-Choice Omnibus Law” by Andrea Grimes at RH Reality Check
"Plaintiffs appeal to 5th Circuit Court, Supreme Court following ruling on HB 2” at The Daily Texan
"Fifth Circuit Refuses to Stay Ruling That Could Immediately Shutter All But 9 Abortion Clinics in Texas” via The Center For Reproductive Rights
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #903 Today we take a look at the asininity of the modern, American-style Libertarian movement Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The Libertarian Platform - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-13-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Do What You Want - Do What You Want - EP
Ch. 4: Act 2: Libertarianism & The Purpose of Freedom - @majorityfm - Air Date: 12-24-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: "Jeremiah Johnson - Main Theme"
Ch. 6: Act 3: Libertarian 'Men With Guns' Arguments Make No Sense - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-21-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Celebration Guns - Set Yourself on Fire
Ch. 8: Act 4: Ayn Rand - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 9-29-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: American Greed (Dustin's Ayn Rand Remix) - American Greed (Remixes) - EP
Ch. 10: Act 5: Republican Makes the Case for Libertarianism: Restaurant Workers Should NOT Have to Wash Their Hands - @majorityfm - Air Date: 02-05-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Idiots Are Taking Over - The War On Errorism
Ch. 12: Act 6: Libertarianism Capitalism Killed My Best Friend - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-14-13
Ch. 13: Song 6: Cancer - The Black Parade
Ch. 14: Act 7: The myth of meritocracy - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 1-5-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Revolution (Human Need Over Profit) - Tha People's Music
Ch. 16: Act 8: Tree Hugging Libertarians Unknowingly Buys Pieces Of Chilean Hell - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-18-14
Voicemails
Ch. 18: Thoughts on addition to things other than drugs - Jay from Jackson Hole, WY
Ch. 19: Don't downplay the severity of addiction - Chris from Colorado Springs
Ch. 20: Dismantling the default - Melissa from New York
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on intersectionality and the language of inclusivity
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #931 Today we take a look at how the election is spurring a new round of revisionist history while others look to change the paradigm on waging war altogether Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: The importance of reflecting on past wars - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 5-29-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Bury the Past - Professional Victims
00:04:13 Ch. 4: Act 2: CIA Official: George Bush Misled on Iraq and I Knew…What Do You Want Me to Do? - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 05-22-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Living a Lie (feat. James Mercer) - Aimee Mann
00:14:50 Ch. 6: Act 3: The Wrong Hypothetical Question - @onthemedia - Air Date: 5-22-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: "Re-Write History" - George Dobbs - George Dobbs
00:22:16 Ch. 8: Act 4: Richard Clarke on the lessons of the Iraq War - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 5-21-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: It Goes On and On - The Avett Brothers
00:30:27 Ch. 10: Act 5: Is War Over? — A Paradox Explained - @Kurz_Gesagt: In a Nutshell - Air Date: 10-09-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: He's a Pirate - Klaus Badelt
00:36:10 Ch. 12: Act 6: Why Costa Rica Can Not be Invaded... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-10-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Peace, My Mind - Bard
00:40:44 Ch. 14: Act 7: "Move the Money" - Reducing the Pentagon Budget via @VFPNational — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Activism - Shihan
00:43:41 Ch. 16: Act 8: Barry Ladendorf from Veterans for Peace (@VFPNational) on waging peace - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 6-6-15
Voicemails
00:56:09 Ch. 17: Thoughts on Montessori school - Elka from Fort Wayne, IN
00:58:16 Ch. 18: 49 Shots Means The Officer Reloaded Twice - Wade From Ft. Worth, TX
01:01:57 Ch. 19: Education funding in Washington State - Dave from Olympia, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:04 Ch. 20: Final comments on doing my American duty to take some time off
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: "Move the Money" - Reducing the Pentagon Budget via @VFPNational
Take Action:
Use ContactingTheCongress.org to tell your representatives to follow the Veterans For Peach plan to “Move the Money” & “Audit the Pentagon”
Additional Activism/Resources:
Register for the Veterans For Peace 30th Annual Convention, August 5-9
Sources/further reading:
"Praying for Peace While Waging Permanent War?” via CounterPunch
"National Defense Authorization Act: Five Things You Should Know” via the National Priorities Project
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #930 Today we take a look at the US prison and bail system and explain exactly how it’s built to systematically punish the poor Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: US & North Korea Lead World in This - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-20-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Life In Prison - Mitchell
Ch. 4: Act 2: Are U.S. Prisoners Too Patriotic For Their Own Good? - @RedactedTonight w/ @TheRealJFOD - Air Date: 04-28-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: The Political Prisoner - Martin Quibell (from Project Marv)
Ch. 6: Act 3: Solitary Watch and new from a nation in lockdown - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 2-28-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Something Good Can Work (Remixes) - EP - Two Door Cinema Club
Ch. 8: Act 4: Brooklyn Community Bail Fund - New Media Advocacy Project (@N_Map) - Air Date 11-12-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Bail Me Out (feat. Joel Madden) - All Time Low
Ch. 10: Act 5: People need to pay for this - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 6-8-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Pay Up - Jivestone
Ch. 12: Act 6: End Cash Bail in New York via @Pretrial & @MoveOn — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 14: Act 7: Bail - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 6-7-15
Voicemails
Ch. 16: A Canadian educator perspective on the US school system - Tom From Canada
Ch. 17: Don't use the institutions you don't trust - Marcus from Austin, TX
Ch. 18: The origin of Draconian laws - Dave from Olympia, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 19: Final comments on the Fair Elections Now Act
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: End Cash Bail in New York via @Pretrial & @MoveOn
Take Action:
SIGN: "Gov Cuomo: End Cash Bail in New York” via the Pretrial Justice Institute
Additional Activism/Resources:
Follow and support the work of The Bronx Freedom Fund
Follow and support the work of The Brooklyn Bail Fund
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #929 Today we take a look at the continuing failure that is the War on Drugs™ as well as some of the signs of hope that we may be making progress toward shutting it down Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Is Marijuana Harmful to Health? - Healthcare Triage (@HCTriage) - Air Date: 04-19-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: North By North - Faded Paper Figures
00:06:36 Ch. 4: Act 2: Man Gets 13 Years in Prison for 2 Joints Worth of Pot - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-13-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Vagabond - Beirut
00:11:31 Ch. 6: Act 3: 'We Don't Need Another Illegal Drug' - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 7-12-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Harold T. Wilkins, or How to Wait for a Very Long Time - Fanfarlo
00:18:21 Ch. 8: Act 4: Legalized Marijuana = Millions For Public Schools In Colorado - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-16-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Generator (Second Floor) - Freelance Whales
00:23:21 Ch. 10: Act 5: Johann Hari on Everything We Know About the Drug War & Addiction is Wrong - @democracynow - Air Date: 2-6-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Tragedy - Bee Gees
00:35:11 Ch. 12: Act 6: Legalizing marijuana doesn't lead to doomsday scenarios - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 10-26-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Winning the War On Drugs - Asylum Street Spankers
00:39:57 Ch. 14: Act 7: Rand Paul & Others Introduce National Medical Marijuana Bill - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-11-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Momentum - The Hush Sound
00:45:31 Ch. 16: Act 8: Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders Talk Drugs - Majority Report (@majorityfm) - Air Date: 06-01-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: War On Drugs (Bonus Track) - Marc Goone
00:51:10 Ch. 18: Act 9: .@POTUS: Free Victims of the Drug War via @DrugPolicyOrg — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: "This Fickle World" - Theo Bard
00:54:18 Ch. 20: Act 10: Marijuana Shows Medical Value, Feds Don't Give A Sh*t - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-12-15
Voicemails
00:58:26 Ch. 21: Thoughts on education and patriarchy - Ruben from San Jose
01:03:48 Ch. 22: Why am I paying taxes and the banks and corporations aren't? - Julie from Boston
01:04:56 Ch. 23: Followup on education discussion - Chuck in Salt Lake City
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:39 Ch. 24: Final comments on how to make an apple pie from scratch
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: @POTUS: Free Victims of the Drug War via @DrugPolicyOrg
Take Action:
SIGN to tell the president to Free Victims of the Drug War via the Drug Policy Alliance
Additional Activism/Resources:
FOLLOW the hashtag: #NoMoreDrugWar
For those who want to get more involved, it’s early registration for the International Drug Policy Reform Conference (11/18-11/21/2015)
Sources/further reading:
"President Obama commutes prison sentences of 22 drug offenders” by Trymaine Lee at MSNBC.com
"Prolific Pardoner? Obama Grants Clemency to 22 Prisoners Last Week, but Has Denied Thousands” by Annie Waldman for ProPublica via Truthout
"Will the U.S. Senate Finally Reform Harsh Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drugs?”> via Drug Policy Alliance
"The Nation's Shame: The Injustice of Mandatory Minimums" by Andrea Jones at RollingStone
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Edition #928 Today we take a look at the malfeasance of the big banks and the political corruption that lets them get away with it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: This Bank is a Criminal Enterprise and the U.S. Government Doesn't Care - @majorityfm - Air Date: 02-09-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Banks of Marble and Other Songs - Pete Seeger
00:06:45 Ch. 4: Act 2: HSBC Bank: criminal enterprise - Disorderly Conduct (@Dis_Con) - Air Date: 2-18-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Hard to Say I'm Sorry / Get Away - Chicago
00:19:24 Ch. 6: Act 3: Billionaire Banker Says Life Is Too Hard - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-18-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) [with Donna Summer] - Barbra Streisand
00:26:45 Ch. 8: Act 4: Wall Street Pays Bankers PAID to Infiltrate the US Government - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 02-19-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Revolving Door - Jon Brion
00:30:48 Ch. 10: Act 5: The case for a Robin Hood tax - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 1-18-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Robin Hood (Remastered) - Single - Dick James
00:36:45 Ch. 12: Act 6: Iceland Does The Unimaginable To Its Criminal Bankers - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-13-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
00:42:06 Ch. 14: Act 7: Wall Street Skates Away Free From All Prosecutions For 2008 Collapse - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 05-04-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Shame - The Avett Brothers
00:44:58 Ch. 16: Act 8: Public Banking via @PublicBanksNow & @DemocracyCollab — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard
00:48:42 Ch. 18: Act 9: Banks plead guilty, face no consequences - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date: 6-2-15
Voicemails
00:58:28 Ch. 20: What is the progressive idea on education? - David From Cinncinatti
01:00:34 Ch. 21: A loss of unconcious privilege feels like oppression - Jim in Detroit Suburbs
01:00:59 Ch. 22: What's the progressive idea for education funding? - Chuck in Salt Lake City
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:04:22 Ch. 23: Final comments on why we need to change how education is funded
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Public Banking via @PublicBanksNow & @DemocracyCollab
Take Action:
Get involved with The Public Banking Institute by:
Supporting a Local Initiative, Volunteering, and/or Joining a Chapter!
Sources/further reading:
"Inequality’s Dead End — And the Possibility of a New, Long-Term Direction” by Gar Alperovitz of The Democracy Collaborative
"Vermont Votes for Public Banking” by John Nichols at The Nation
"Public banking debate starts in Santa Fe” at Albuquerque Journal
"Public Banking Institute a Partner to a New Project on Economic Alternatives” via The Public Banking Institute
WATCH: "National Launch Webinar: The Next System Project
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #927 Today, among other things, we take a look at how and why we need to fundamentally change the way we think about human’s relationship to the environment Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: These 5 steps can help you through tough discussions. Let's use climate change as an example. - @BBCRadio4 Friday Night Comedy - Air Date: 04-14-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Put It to the Test - They Might Be Giants
00:07:28 Ch. 4: Act 2: Paid shills free to write in the media - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 4-24-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Follow The Money - Zounds
00:10:38 Ch. 6: Act 3: Education Doesn’t Matter: Republicans Still Don’t Believe In Climate Change - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-30-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: I believe in that - Chip Taylor
00:16:46 Ch. 8: Act 4: 5 Ways To Actually Do Something About Climate Change - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 03-31-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: We Demand Change - Tristan James
00:22:53 Ch. 10: Act 5: Economic actions against the fossil fuel industry - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 4-16-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Apartheid - Junior Murvin
00:26:46 Ch. 12: Act 6: As GOP Candidates Question Climate Change, Texas & Oklahoma Hit by Devastating Floods Killing 23 - @democracynow - Air Date: 5-29-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Flood - Jars of Clay
00:34:14 Ch. 14: Act 7: Reporting on the weather in the context of climate change - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 5-1-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Like the Weather - 10,000 Maniacs
00:36:46 Ch. 16: Act 8: California Oil Pipeline Spill Could Kill Many Animals - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-27-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: The Big Oil Spill - Houndmouth
00:41:02 Ch. 18: Act 9: Tar Sands Resistance March #stoptarsands — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
00:43:22 Ch. 20: Act 10: Robert Jay Lifton on How Climate Change Joins Nuclear War in Threatening Human Survival - @democracynow - Air Date: 5-7-15
Voicemails
00:56:28 Ch. 21: Human nature and our changing communities - Charlie From Cincinnati
00:58:32 Ch. 22: Fundamental problems underpinning education problems - Sally from San Francisco
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:02:50 Ch. 23: Final comments on the fundamental tenets of progressivism and TV's LOST
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Keystone XL
Update!
"Obama Just Vetoed The Keystone XL Pipeline. Now What?” by Emily Atkin at ThinkProgress Climate: final say for approving the Keystone XL permit remains with the State Department
Follow-up/new Action!
JOIN/RSVP: Tarsands Resistance March, June 6th
Let the president know you oppose approval of KXL through WhiteHouse.Gov/contact and @WhiteHouse on Twitter
Sources/further reading:
"Dozens of Canada's tar sands projects on hold as prices fall, analysis shows” at The Guardian
"The Keystone Pipeline Just Lost Big in a Shocking Canadian Election” at Mother Jones
"The Keystone XL Pipeline: What Do You Really Know? You’ve probably read a lot about it. Now take this quiz and find out what you remember.” at The Wall Street Journal
"TransCanada's Keystone Pipeline Network Under Investigation by Federal Regulators” via DeSmog Blog
"Grass-Roots Push in the Plains to Block the Keystone Pipeline’s Path” at The New York Times
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #926 Today, instead of trying to convince you of the benefits of feminism, I’m just going to show you the horrors (for everyone) of patriarchy. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Colin Stokes: How movies teach manhood - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 01-18-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: We're Off to See the Wizard - Judy Garland & Ray Bolger
Ch. 4: Act 2: Boys will be boys in a patriarchal society - @citizenradio - Air Date: 5-22-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Boys Will Be Boys - Alisha
Ch. 6: Act 3: Do Videogame Stereotypes Hurt Men? - PBS Game/Show - Air Date: 08-2-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: Main Theme - String Player Gamer
Ch. 8: Act 4: White men never get to tell their stories - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - AIr Date: 1-9-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Express Yourself - Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
Ch. 10: Act 5: The Sad Puppy Takeover - @onthemedia - Air Date: 4-17-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Patriarchy (Over & Out) - EP - Planningtorock & rRoxymore
Ch. 12: Act 6: What Fuels Sexism on the Internet? - @majorityfm - Air Date: 11-24-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Empathy - Chasing Kings
Ch. 14: Act 7: What Is the Patriarchy? | Feminist Fridays - @marinashutup - Air Date: 11-02-14
Voicemails
Ch. 16: Thoughts on human nature - Ruben from San Jose
Ch. 17: What's the alternative to high stakes testing? - Chris from Colorado Springs
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on education reforms and it's panic time for the Climate Hike fundraiser
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #925 Today we look at the US death penalty from all angles. Cultural norms? We’re an outlier. Protecting the innocent? We kill innocent people. Following the letter of the law? We’re absolutely breaking the 8th amendment of the constitution. Fiscal responsibility? Death penalty costs about 3 times more than life imprisonment. And don’t forget about the racially biased implementation and the structurally biased trail system of death penalty cases. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Who are the barbarians? - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 2-1-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Of Mice and Men - End Credits
00:03:26 Ch. 4: Act 2: Shocker!: Scalia's Poster Man for Death Penalty Turns Out to Be Innocent - @majorityfm - Air Date: 09-04-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Death Penalty - Eight Dayz
00:10:50 Ch. 6: Act 3: Rick Perry Executed Innocent Dad After Prosecutor Hides Exculpatory Evidence - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-24-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Death Penalty - Surrogate
00:14:42 Ch. 8: Act 4: The Penalty - How much are executions costing you? - @One_For_Ten Films - Air Date: 11-11-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Secret Agent: The Secret Agent Ending - Cello Octet Conjunto Ibérico & Elias Arizcuren
00:17:11 Ch. 10: Act 5: Death by firing squad - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 3-11-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Guillotine - Wildlife
00:22:36 Ch. 12: Act 6: Is Our Execution Method Cruel and Unusual? - @testtube - Air Date: 6-18-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: La nuit - David Ari Leon
00:25:48 Ch. 14: Act 7: Exoquill: End of life cocktailing never looked so clear - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 3-8-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: My Girl - The Temptations
00:29:38 Ch. 16: Act 8: Oklahoma takes a guess, approves nitrogen gas for killing prisoners - Rachel @maddow - Air Date 4-21-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: First Patient - Philip Glass
00:38:34 Ch. 18: Act 9: Death Penalty for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in Anti-Execution State Brings Complications, Not Closure - @democracynow - Air Date: 5-18-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: 1901 - Phoenix
00:48:29 Ch. 20: Act 10: #HaltAllExecutions with @ncadp & @90millionstrong — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 21: Song 10: Activism - Shihan
00:51:05 Ch. 22: Act 11: George Stinney, 14, Executed In Vile Act Of Injustice, Exonerated 70s Years Late - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-19-14
Voicemails
00:58:31 Ch. 23: And they shot MLK too - Patrick from Dallas
01:00:46 Ch. 24: 2nd wave feminism and the definition of a woman - Mckenzie from Oakland, CA
01:03:31 Ch. 25: We need to bring back the parts of school that have been cut - Adam from Chicago
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:05:08 Ch. 26: Final comments on the Imagined Order of human rights that frames our perspective on the death penalty
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #HaltAllExecutions with @ncadp & @90millionstrong
Take Action:
SIGN: ”Join the 90 Million Strong: Call for Halt to All Executions” from 90 Million Strong, a project of The National Coalition To End the Death Penalty
Find more resources on pending executions and educational content: 90MillionStrong.org
Additional Activism/Resources:
JUNE 6: DC Standing for Peace and Justice w/Mothers in Charge
Sources/further reading:
States with and without the Death Penalty via DeathPenaltyInfo.org
“Lethal Entanglements” via The New Republic
“Death penalty foes see Nebraska vote as momentum-builder”
"Boston Bomber’s Execution To Be Delayed 18 Years?” via The Inquisitor
"Few favor death for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, poll finds: Less than 20% of Mass. residents support execution” via The Boston Globe
"Boston Marathon bomber unlikely to be executed – even if jury votes for death” via The Guardian
"European boycott of death penalty drugs lowers rate of US executions” via The Guardian
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Than...
Edition #924 Today we look at the growing backlash against high stakes standardized testing that seem to have a whole lot of problems and very few benefits Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Why some students are refusing to take the Common Core test - PBS @NewsHour - Air Date: 03-11-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Standardized Test - Lucas Grein
00:09:15 Ch. 4: Act 2: High stakes tests set people up for failure - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 4-15-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: The Card Cheat - The Clash
00:24:32 Ch. 6: Act 3: High Stakes Testing for High Stakes Economy - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 3-31-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Revolution (Human Need Over Profit) - Tha Truth
00:27:47 Ch. 8: Act 4: Standardized Testing - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 5-3-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Theme (From "the Curse of Monkey Island") - London Music Works
00:46:36 Ch. 10: Act 5: Roll Back Standardized Testing & Support #OptOut — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 11: Song 5: Time for Action - the Very Best Of - Secret Affair
00:49:54 Ch. 12: Act 6: Atlanta Educators Sentenced To An Obscene 20 Years - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-09-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: No Justice,No Peace - Wackiavelli
00:57:31 Ch. 14: Act 7: A look at the conviction of teacher for a cheating scandal - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 4-17-15
Voicemails
01:00:38 Ch. 16: Gender is not nearly as rigid as we think it is - Dustin from Arizona
01:03:28 Ch. 17: There are ways to educate yourself on trans issues - Erin from Philadelphia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:10:35 Ch. 18: Final comments on the old skill I've recently dusted off
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Roll Back Standardized Testing & Support #OptOut
Update: Assessment Reform in Education
FairTest’s opt-out state contacts
Search to find and support test-optional colleges
Follow-up/new Action!
Add your name: "Write Congress to demand less testing, an end to high stakes.”
Support Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)’s Student Testing Improvement and Accountability Act! Use ContactingTheCongress.Org to tell your senators to sign on as co-sponsors and to vote yes.
Sources/further reading:
"Tester Pushes Overhaul of No Child Left Behind Testing Policy” via Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)
“Are Teachers Ok With Opt-Outs?” — hear from teachers on the subject via EdWeek Teacher
“Stop the Testing Circus” via US News
"Opt-Out Parents Have a Point” via US News
"What Happens When Students Boycott a Standardized Test?” by Laura McKenna at The Atlantic
Revisit the original action/segment:
"Assessment Reform via @FairTestOffice - Best of the Left Activism” via Episode #871 "Your child is a widget (Education)” 10/24/2014
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #923 Today we look at the squabbling going on between Obama and every non-corporatist sellout in the country as represented by Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: This is Obama Pretending to Talk About the Merits of a Horrible Trade Deal - @majorityfm - Air Date: 04-24-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: What Is Your Secret - Nada Surf
Ch. 4: Act 2: More Proof Obama's TPP Deal Favors The Rich - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 5-10-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: If I Was President - Single - Wyclef Jean
Ch. 6: Act 3: TPP secrecy is wrong for a democracy - @dccommonsense - AIr Date: 3-29-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Secret - The Pierces
Ch. 8: Act 4: Obama is too proud to beg for the TPP - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 5-17-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: N/A
Ch. 10: Act 5: Who's Writing the TPP? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 5-12-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Chance I Deserve - Club 8
Ch. 12: Act 6: Revolt over TPP- Senate Dems Rebuke Obama by Blocking Debate on Secretive Trade Deal - @democracynow - Air Date: 5-13-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: The Warpath - Conner Youngblood
Ch. 14: Act 7: Reject #Medicare cuts and reject #TPP Fast Track via @DFAaction — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 16: Act 8: Obama Is Blatantly Lying About the Trans-Pacific Partnership - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 5-5-15
Voicemails
Ch. 18: Thanks for Bruce Jenner episode - Chris from Colorado Springs
Ch. 19: Considering starting a coop - Scott from Brooklyn
Ch. 20: A Woman Like Me - Adreana Langston
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments in the need for gender subcategories
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Update: Trans Pacific Partnership!
New Action: Reject #Medicare cuts and reject #TPP Fast Track via @DFAaction
SIGN: "U.S. Senate: Reject Medicare cuts and reject Fast Track” from Democracy For America
h/t Daily Kos: "ALERT: DFA Warning New TPP Provision Would Cut Medicare $700 Million to Help Pay for Trade Aid”
Use ContactingTheCongress.org to tell your senators not to support this new provision or the TPP.
Sources/additional info:
"Who’s down with TPP?: Big business wins and democracy loses as both parties lie about free trade” by Bill Curry at Salon
"The TPP Could Have Disastrous Results For The Climate, Environmental Groups Warn” by Samantha Page at ThinkProgress Climate
"A Trade Deal Read In Secret By Only A Few (Or Maybe None)” by Alisa Change at NPR Politics
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #922 Today we take a hard look at modern-day civilization and culture and ponder what we could do to make things better Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: The Death of Culture at the Hands of the Profit Motive - @majorityfm - Air Date: 01-20-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: My Conversation - The Uniques
00:13:04 Ch. 4: Act 2: Visionary Sci Fi for an Age of Acquiescence - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 4-20-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Design - Fiction Company
00:15:58 Ch. 6: Act 3: .@ShawnAchor - The happy secret to better work - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 2-1-12
Ch. 7: Song 3: Everybody Loves a Happy Ending (iTunes Originals Version) - Tears for Fears
00:29:08 Ch. 8: Act 4: A Brief History of Humankind - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 4-30-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: "Going Sane" - Two Cheers
00:40:39 Ch. 10: Act 5: Lacking liberty from slavery to feudalism to capitalism - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 2-1-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Revolution - Grandaddy
00:55:40 Ch. 12: Act 6: .@TheNextSystem Project- National Launch Webinar - Best of the Left Activism
Voicemails
00:58:10 Ch. 14: What I took away from the Baltimore episode - Ryan from Pheonix
01:02:54 Ch. 15: Thanks for Baltimore episode - Isaiah from New York
01:03:35 Ch. 16: Nonviolence doesn't work when society is callous to suffering - Diane from Houston
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:01 Ch. 17: Final comments on capitalism, culture and The Next System Project
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: @TheNextSystem Project: National Launch Webinar
Take Action:
WATCH The Next System Project National Launch Webinar moderated by Laura Flanders of GritTV
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #921 Today we break down the recent interview with Bruce Jenner and what it means for the trans community as a whole going forward Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Bruce Jenner's Heartfelt Interview With Diane Sawyer On ABC 20-20 - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 4-27-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Soul Meets Body - Death Cab for Cutie
00:09:13 Ch. 4: Act 2: It's important to remember that Bruce Jenner's is not the only trans experience - Backtalk from @BitchMedia - Air Date: 4-30-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Knock Yourself Out - Jon Brion
00:16:54 Ch. 6: Act 3: Addressing some of the land mines in the Bruce Jenner interview - @fakedansavage - Air Date: 4-28-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: What I'm Looking For (Ad Version) - Single - Brendan Benson
00:26:04 Ch. 8: Act 4: Bruce Jenner Has a Mental Disorder and Ruined My Childhood - @majorityfm - Air Date: 4-30-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Kyoko's House ("stage blood is not enough") - Philip Glass
00:33:19 Ch. 10: Act 5: Thank you to Bruce Jenner - @GAY_USAtv - Air Date: 4-30-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Be Yourself - Audioslave
00:37:21 Ch. 12: Act 6: Transgender People & the Police: Rights & Resources via @TransLawCenter @SRLP @TransEquality — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - Shihan
00:40:54 Ch. 14: Act 7: .@ParkerMolloy on the Bruce Jenner episode - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 4-28-15
Voicemails
00:57:12 Ch. 16: Shocked and proud of what's happening in Baltimore - Nelson from Sweden
00:59:18 Ch. 17: Write to CNN to express your displeasure - Nick from California
01:00:28 Ch. 18: Black Women & State violence - Uhuru from Sweden
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:07:43 Ch. 19: Final comments on #RealMothersDayCards and Climate Hike fundraising
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Transgender People & the Police: Rights & Resources via @TransLawCenter @SRLP @TransEquality
"TLC Solidarity with Baltimore” — resources for interacting with law enforcement via The Transgender Law Center
"Participating in Direct Actions: A Guide for Transgender People” via National Center For Transgender Equality
“Tips for trans people dealing with cops and jails” via The Sylvia Rivera Law Project
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #920 Today we take an in-depth look at the response to Freddie Gray’s murder at the hands of Baltimore police Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The media fails again to act as though #BlackLivesMatter - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 5-1-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Shove It (feat. Spank Rock) - Santigold
Ch. 4: Act 2: Obama suggests we pay attention to neighborhoods before they burn - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBnation) - Air Date: 4-28-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Yell Fire! - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Ch. 6: Act 3: Trying the same failed ideas over and over - The Black Guy Who Tips (@TBGWT) - Air Date: 4-27-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: The Artifact & Living - Michael Andrews
Ch. 8: Act 4: Is Freddie Gray Dead Because Of Lead? - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 5-7-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Going Home - Niklas Aman
Ch. 10: Act 5: How to win a Facebook fight - The @ThreeANegroes - Air Date: 5-2-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Opinions - Llewellyn
Ch. 12: Act 6: White Supremacy in the Narrative of the Baltimore Protests - The Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date: 4-29-15
Ch. 13: Song 6:Run the Show - Single - Tribal Seeds
Ch. 14: Act 7: Scolding a 65-year-old councilman for his language - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBnation) - Air Date: 5-6-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: One - Apocalyptica
Ch. 16: Act 8: Demand an Executive Order on Racist, Violent Policing via @ColorOfChange, #BaltimoreUprising edition - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 18: Act 9: They show us how little they value black lives - @rembert Explains - Air Date: 4-29-15
Voicemails
Ch. 20: Feeling occupied at a Baltimore rally - Ronald from Baltimore
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments asking about what we can do as individuals to improve the situation
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Demand an Executive Order on Racist, Violent Policing via @ColorOfChange Redux, #BaltimoreUprising Edition
Follow-up action:
SIGN and share the Color of Change petition: "President Obama: End discriminatory, violent policing and its unjust consequences”
Hear the original activism segment:
Demand an Executive Order on Racist, Violent Policing via @ColorOfChange, episode #915 "A fight for survival (#BlackLivesMatter)”
Sources/further reading:
"Black Protesters Aren’t Thugs—They’re Patriots” by Imani Gandy at RH Reality Check
"As Part of a Reparations Deal, Chicago Teens Will Learn About Police Brutality in School” via Vice
"Chicago City Council Passes Landmark Police Torture Reparations Ordinance” via Amnesty International
"Baltimore Uprising: How Did We Get Here?” by Zerlina Maxwell at Essence.com
"Baltimore uprising: Solidarity protests spread across US LIVE UPDATES” via RT America
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #919 Today we take a look at the legacy of torture and police militarization we’re creating and where that path leads us Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: The Reason why Torture Exists - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 12-15-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Hide the Truth - Chronicle
00:08:19 Ch. 4: Act 2: Torture Killed Their Savior, That’s Why These Poll Results Stun - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date: 12-20-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: If Jesus Ever Loved a Woman - Johnny Cash
00:14:52 Ch. 6: Act 3: Turning the US into the potential victim of it's own crimes - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - AIr Date: 12-12-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Open Book - Cake
00:17:09 Ch. 8: Act 4: The most transparent administration in history - Le Show w/@theharryshearer - Air Date: 1-18-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: I'm Looking Through You - The Wallflowers
00:25:20 Ch. 10: Act 5: 13 Years Of Gitmo : What Have We Gotten? - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date: 04-12-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Let It Go - The Neighbourhood
00:30:02 Ch. 12: Act 6: Exporting Torture: Former Chicago Police Detective Tied to Brutality at Guantánamo - @DemocracyNOW - Air Date: 2-26-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Chicago - Sufjan Stevens
00:41:59 Ch. 14: Act 7: Secret CIA Black Sites In American Heartland For 'Disappearing' Citizens - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date: 02-26-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Karma Police - Radiohead
00:49:08 Ch. 16: Act 8: #ChiCopWatch with We Charge Genocide - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - Shihan
00:52:17 Ch. 18: Act 9: We Thought we Were Free - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 12-16-14
Voicemails
01:00:42 Ch. 19: Important points about police militarization - Adriana from Long Beach, CA
01:03:16 Ch. 20: Deconstructing the roots of white supremacy - V from Western New York
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:19 Ch. 21: Final comments on riots being the language of the unheard
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #ChiCopWatch with We Charge Genocide
Take Action:
Support and follow: We Charge Genocide on Facebook and on Twitter via @ChiCopWatch and #ChiCopWatch
Report police misconduct: "Report Encounter"
Additional Activism/Resources:
SIGN: "Fire Chicago Police Detective Dante Servin", #Justice4Rekia via @ColorOfChange’s I Am Color of Change
Sources/further reading:
"In Order to End Police Brutality, We Need to End the Police” by Mychal Denzel Smith at The Nation
"Abolish the Police. Instead, Let’s Have Full Social, Economic, and Political Equality.” by Mychal Denzel Smith at The Nation
"The disappeared: Chicago police detain Americans at abuse-laden 'black site’” by Spencer Ackerman at The Guardian
"Police ‘Reforms' You Should Always Oppose” by Mariame Kaba of Project NIA via Truthout
"Yet Another Victim: Rekia Boyd Killed by Off-Duty Officer” by Mychal Denzel Smith at Ebody
"Black Women Aren’t Just Secondary Casualties of Aggressive Policing” by Dani McClain at The Nation
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #918 Today we take a look at the underlying causes of war, just one more reason everyone should be questioning the benefits of capitalism Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: War is a racket - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date: 9-12-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Profit - The Mammals
Ch. 4: Act 2: What war really costs us - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 12-29-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Mic (Military Industrial Complex) - Inna Sense
Ch. 6: Act 3: LEAKED: Lockheed Martin CEO Says War Is Good For Business - @RedactedTonight w/ @leecamp - Air Date: 04-08-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Redacted Tonight Theme Song
Ch. 8: Act 4: Keep the Wars Going and Stay Rich - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-20-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: My Wealth Comes to Me - Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore
Ch. 10: Act 5: Our violence comes back to us - Chris Hedges - Air Date: 12-15-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Candy Man - Aubrey Woods
Ch. 12: Act 6: Examining Reasons For The Obligation To Fight - @majorityvillain - Air Date 9-17-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Kipinä - Violeta Päivänkakkara
Ch. 14: Act 7: When imperialism meets capitalism - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 2-19-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Oh My God (feat. Iggy Pop) [Digital 45] - Ida Maria
Ch. 16: Act 8: U.S. Drone Strike Kills 2 Al Qaeda Hostages - @majorityfm - Air Date: 04-24-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: Shot In the Dark - Ozzy Osbourne
Ch. 18: Act 9: Drone Pilots, Please Refuse to Fly via @KnowDrones - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 20: Act 10: If U.S. Bombed Iran What Would Actually Happen? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-18-15
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Why the media doesn't cover the lynchings of black women - V from Western New York
Ch. 22: We were only taught half of the civil rights movement - Alex from Montreal
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on the upcoming Baltimore episode and fundraising for Climate Hike
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Drone Pilots, Please Refuse to Fly via @KnowDrones
Take Action:
Support "Show the Real Truth to United States TV Audiences" via KnowDrones and Veterans For Peace, Sacramento
Additional Activism/Resources:
Sign: "Guantanamo Forever? Tell John McCain: No.” via Amnesty International
Sources/further reading:
"Military Veterans Sponsor TV Commercials in California Condemning U.S. Drone Attacks” via DailyKosM
"Pakistan Is Investigating a CIA Official Accused of Murder After a US Drone Strike” by Jason Leopold at Vice News
"John McCain: The Most Hypocritical, Opportunistic and Untrustworthy Senator” by Steven Rosenfeld at Alternet
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #917 Today take a look at water in the US, how we use it and why we’re running out of it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The consequences of fracking revealed in a simple kitchen test. Holy smokes. - @Upworthy - Air Date: 04-21-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Bedtime Stories - Chris Reed
Ch. 4: Act 2: Nebraskan Oil & Gas Committee Challenged To A Glass Of “Safe” Fracking Water - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-31-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Can't Get Away - Rodriguez
Ch. 6: Act 3: Ban Fracking on Public Lands via @foodandwater — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 7: Song 3: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 8: Act 4: After Warmest Winter, Drought-Stricken California Limits Water But Exempts Thirstiest Big Growers - @democracynow - Air Date: 4-2-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Let's Work Together 'Live' - Canned Heat
Ch. 10: Act 5: Reality bites California - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 4-2-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Where Have All the Flowers Gone - Tommy Sands, Dolores Keane & Vedran Smailovic
Ch. 12: Act 6: Who Is Sucking Water Out Of California Without A Permit? - @ajplus - Air Date: 04-20-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Watermark - Enya
Ch. 14: Act 7: Cowspiracy: As California Faces Drought, Film Links Meat Industry to Water Scarcity & Climate Change - @democracynow - Air Date: 4-7-15
Voicemails
Ch. 16: A perspective on Indiana from inside Indiana - Katie in Indianapolis
Ch. 17: I don't exactly disapprove of the riots - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on the launch of my new fundraiser for Climate Hike
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Ban Fracking on Public Lands via @foodandwater
Take Action:
SIGN and share: Ban Fracking on Public Lands! via Food & Water Watch to support Rep Mark Pocan’s legislation
Use ContactingTheCongress.org to let your legislators know you expect them to support Rep. Mark Pocan's Protect Our Public Lands Act of 2015.
Additional Activism/Resources:
SIGN and share: "Tell Governor Brown: Fracking Moratorium now!” via Clean Water Action
Contact Governor Brown directly: Mail/Phone/Email
Sources/further reading:
"The Urgent Case for a Ban on Fracking” via Food & Water Watch
"Exclusive: California used 70 million gallons of water in fracking in 2014” at Reuters
"How Much Water Does The California Oil Industry Actually Use?” via DeSmog Blog
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #916 Today we listen to some of the stories behind the policies and personal choices being made about abortion in America Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Dorothy Fadiman Doc: Motherhood by Choice, Not by Chance Part 1 - @Making_Contact - Air Date: 2-3-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: La valse d'Amélie (Version piano) - Yann Tiersen
00:11:00 Ch. 4: Act 2: The Stories That Stay With Us - @AbortionFunds - Air Date: 09-27-13
Ch. 5: Song 2: Basique - Little People
00:17:28 Ch. 6: Act 3: Dorothy Fadiman Doc: Motherhood by Choice, Not by Chance Part 2 - @Making_Contact - Air Date: 2-3-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Everyday - Single - Carly Comando
00:29:58 Ch. 8: Act 4: #nofilter: Renee's Digital Memoir - @ThisIsFusion - Air Date: 02-18-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Happy - Sister Hazel
00:32:31 Ch. 10: Act 5: The Term 'Abortion Doctor' is Ridiculous - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 01-02-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Obvious Child - Paul Simon
00:37:11 Ch. 12: Act 6: The Case of Purvi Patel & the Criminalization of Pregnancy - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBnation) - Air Date: 4-2-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Alright Alright (Here's My Fist Where's the Fight?) - Sahara Hotnights
00:45:06 Ch. 14: Act 7: 20 Years in Prison for Miscarrying? The Case of Purvi Patel & the Criminalization of Pregnancy - @democracynow - Air Date: 4-2-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Get Up and Go - Single - Broadcast 2000
00:56:47 Ch. 16: Act 8: #FreePurviPatel via @rhrealitycheck — Best of the Left Activism
Voicemails
00:59:30 Ch. 17: Police behavior and the rules of war - Eric from Alabama
01:01:42 Ch. 18: An essay on capitalism - Peter from Michigan
01:04:51 Ch. 19: A message to white people - Charlie in St. Louis
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:06:34 Ch. 20: Final comments on Citizen Ruth and The Obvious Child
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #FreePurviPatel via @rhrealitycheck
Take Action:
SIGN ”Overturn the #PurviPatel Conviction; Repeal Indiana’s Feticide Law” via RH Reality Check
Sources/further reading:
"Purvi Patel Sentenced to 41 Years for Feticide and Neglect of a Dependent” by Imani Gandy at RH Reality Check
Read RH Reality Check's extensive coverage on Purvi Patel’s case
"How Indiana Is Making It Possible to Jail Women for Having Abortions” by Lynn Paltrow of National Advocates for Pregnant Women
"So Far, 2015 Is On Pace to Set Abortion Restriction Records” by Katie Klabusich at Truthout
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #915 Today we take a brief look at the Walter Scott killing, just one of the several recent police killings of unarmed black men in America, as well as examining the broader system in which these killings are allowed to happen Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: American Police Kill More People in March Than UK Police Since 1900 - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-03-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Stop the Killing - Kay Kay and the Rays
00:04:21 Ch. 4: Act 2: Why #BlackLivesMatter - The Good Fight (@teamgoodfight) - Air Date: 2-3-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Black Lives Matter - Single - Pastor Chris Harris
00:21:18 Ch. 6: Act 3: If we can't trust our system then what system do we have? - This Week in Blackness (@TWiBnation) - AIr Date: 4-9-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: A System - Sungod Abscondo
00:29:07 Ch. 8: Act 4: What if there had been no camera at the Walter Scott killing? - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 4-10-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Question Authority - Drunk Injuns
00:32:07 Ch. 10: Act 5: Police escalate violence when they should be deescalating - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 8-15-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: You're Only Making It Worse - Reno Divorce
00:37:42 Ch. 12: Act 6: The Costly Police Gender Gap - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders on @grittv - Air Date: 3-24-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Saving Lives - A Fragile Tomorrow
00:40:52 Ch. 14: Act 7: Black? It's More Dangerous Driving Now Than 12 Years Ago - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-19-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: A Dose of White Supremacy - Neffe Odom Kragh-Muller
00:47:50 Ch. 16: Act 8: Juan González on Walter Scott Shooting: When Will the Police Killings of Black Males Stop? - @democracynow - Air Date: 4-10-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: Black Lives Matter - Single - NicDanger
00:51:38 Ch. 18: Act 9: Demand an Executive Order on Racist, Violent Policing via @ColorOfChange — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
00:54:41 Ch. 20: Act 10: An Overreaction: Words On #BlackLivesMatter And MLK - Sarah O'Neal (@sarahadebibe) on @ajplus - Air Date: 01-18-15
Voicemails
00:59:41 Ch. 21: Promoting LGBA2015.org from PrideOfIndy.org - Erin from Philadelphia
01:01:23 Ch. 22: Thoughts on the labels we use - James from Missouri
01:02:28 Ch. 23: JoatU.org as a marketplace to trade skills - Todd from Rochester
01:03:53 Ch. 23: Libertarianism would just bring back the guilded age - Ian from Chattanooga, TN
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:05:34 Ch. 25: Final comments on Time Banking and the lack of coverage of police killings of women of color
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Demand an Executive Order on Racist, Violent Policing via @ColorOfChange
Take Action:
SIGN and share the Color of Change petition: "President Obama: End discriminatory, violent policing and its unjust consequences”
Additional Activism/Resources:
SIGN and share: "Demand the Post and Courier issue a public apology for shameful #WalterScott article”
SIGN and share: "Tell advertisers to ditch Bill O’Reilly”
Sources/further reading:
"President Obama Already Has a Way to Prevent Policing Abuses” by Alan Jenkins and Diego Iniguez-Lopez of The Opportunity Agenda”
"The Origins of Modern Policing” via The Indypendent
"Police ‘Reforms' You Should Always Oppose” by Prison Culture
"Black Americans killed by police in 2014 outnumbered those who died on 9/11” at RawStory
"Abolish the Police. Instead, Let’s Have Full Social, Economic, and Political Equality” by Mychal Denzel Smith at The Nation
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and St...
Edition #914 Today we examine why capitalism is so firmly ingrained and held up in our culture as being synonymous with freedom, meritocracy and fairness despite all of the evidence to the contrary Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: The Next System Project - @TheNextSystem Project - Air Date: 03-30-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Sur le fil - Stéphanie Lapointe
00:05:37 Ch. 4: Act 2: Discussing how to disrupt our current paradigm - @RadioOpenSource - Air Date: 3-24-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Democracy - Leonard Cohen
00:16:11 Ch. 6: Act 3: How do worker coops measure up against capitalist enterprises? - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 3-15-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Struggle - Ringside
00:25:10 Ch. 8: Act 4: Starting and supporting worker co-ops via @Dematwork — BotL Activism
Ch. 9: Song 4: Activism - Shihan
00:29:45 Ch. 10: Act 5: The history of the promotion and criticism of capitalism Part 1 - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 12-15-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Time Has Come - Europe
00:41:00 Ch. 12: Act 6: When Profits Become Deadly... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-02-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: "Pottersville" - Blank Squirrel
00:50:49 Ch. 14: Act 7: The history of the promotion and criticism of capitalism Part 2 - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 12-15-14
Voicemails
01:01:47 Ch. 15: Many in the health insurance industry want reform - Daniel from CA
01:04:02 Ch. 16: Passionate for Single Payer - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:07:49 Ch. 17: Final comments on the results of the Podcast Awards and my thoughts on Las Vegas and reality TV shows
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Starting and supporting worker co-ops via @Dematwork
Take Action:
Get involved with The Democracy at Work Institute, US Federation of Worker Cooperatives
Utilize the Democracy at Work Institute “Information for Start-ups”
SIGN to support: CA AB 816: Worker Cooperative Act via The SELC
Additional Activism/Resources:
Use the collaborative legal resource e-library created by the Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC) and the Green-Collar Communities Clinic (GC3) Co-opLaw.org
Attend one of the conferences with the National Center For Employee Ownership
Sources/further reading:
"What is a Worker Cooperative?” via The US Federation of Worker Cooperatives
Read the full bill: "AB-816 Cooperative corporations: worker cooperatives”
"CA Worker Coop Act Discussion” via The SELC
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #913 Today we take a look at what anti-gay conservatives hoped would be a quite strike against equality in Indiana but turned into a nation-wide backlash against the forces of intolerance. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: What is the Religious Freedom Restoration Act? - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 06-30-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Until the Water Goes Down - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 4: Act 2: Why the Indiana law is not like other #RFRA laws - @GAY_USAtv - Air Date: 4-3-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: It's Not the Same - Break Out
Ch. 6: Act 3: Indiana Governor's Incoherent Defense of Anti-Gay Law - @majorityfm - Air Date: 03-31-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Indian Moon - Us Against the Crown
Ch. 8: Act 4: Why tolerance doesn't go both ways - Throwing Shade (@bryansafi and @gibblertron) - Air Date: 4-8-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Use Somebody - Scala & Kolacny Brothers
Ch. 10: Act 5: The problem with boycotting Indiana - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 4-1-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: I Can Help - The Best of Billy Swan
Ch. 12: Act 6: .@SeanHannity Thinks Outrage At Anti-Gay Law Should Be Redirected - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-02-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Chorus of Fools - Chasing After Ghosts (Bonus Version)
Ch. 14: Act 7: Why the proposed fixes to the Indiana #RFRA law is not good enough - @GAY_USAtv - Air Date: 4-9-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: This Is Not the End - The Sun and the Moon
Ch. 16: Act 8: Federal LGBTQ Bill of Rights via @GetEQUAL — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 18: Act 9: Why Indiana can't get away with their #RFRA law - @fakedansavage - Air Date: 3-31-15
Voicemails
Ch. 20: Left is more than just the Democrats - David in Chicago
Ch. 21: Thanks for the clarification - Adrian from Albuquerque, NM
Ch. 22: Dealing with disease in Great Britain - Jeff from Florida
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on my experience with socialized health care
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Federal LGBTQ Bill of Rights via @GetEQUAL
Take Action:
SIGN to support GetEQUAL’s LGBTQ Bill of Rights
Additional Activism/Resources:
Use Get Equal’s bill tracker to stay up to date: WeCan’tBelieveThis.org
Sources/further reading:
The LGBTQ Bill of Rights via GetEQUAL
"Cicilline Announces Upcoming Legislation to End LGBT Discrimination” via Rep. David N. Ciciline (D-RI)
”Civil Rights Bill Top Priority For LGBT Voters, According to New Poll” by Amanda Terkel via Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
"Resolution opposing RFRA passes City-County Council” via Wish-TV, Indianapolis
”Stop” — Indiana resident, activist, and writer Melissa McEwan’s take on #BoycottIndiana
Indiana #RFRA Updates via Melissa McEwan
"That Time I Ranted About #BoycottIndiana & Caring About All People” by Katie Klabusich
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #912 Today we take another look at what spying the government is engaged in and a few ideas to protect yourself. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: How Has the Internet Changed Privacy? - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date: 3-12-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Maelstrom - Sword & Sworcery LP - The Ballad of the Space Babies
10:45 Ch. 4: Act 2: Phony Cell Phone Towers Spying on Us? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 02-24-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Privacy - Invincible
17:10 Ch. 6: Act 3: Security Researcher Christopher Soghoian on How to Use a Cellphone Without Being Spied On - @democracynow - Air Date: 2-20-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Spies - Parachutes
32:59 Ch. 8: Act 4: Attempting to update our privacy legislation - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date: 2-11-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Letterbox - Flood
42:54 Ch. 10: Act 5: Government Surveillance with Edward Snowden - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 04-05-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: "Party at the NSA - YACHT (feat. @MarcMaron)"
53:59 Ch. 12: Act 6: Jailbreak Your Phone For Security via @EFF - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: "Fickle World" - Theo Bard
56:59 Ch. 14: Act 7: Blueprint for Post-9/11 Surveillance: U.S. Began Bulk Collection of Phone Call Data in 1992 - @democracynow - Air Date: 4-10-15
Voicemails
Ch. 16: The importance of more nuance in labels - Alex from Montreal
Ch. 17: On Left, Liberal and Progressive - Sandy from Inside the Beltway
Ch. 18: Liberal vs. conservative and their perspective of people - Chris in Northern Virginia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 19: Final comments on the labeling discussion
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Jailbreak Your Phone For Security via @EFF
Take Action:
SIGN the EEF’s petition: Jailbreaking is Not a Crime
Additional Activism/Resources:
Take advantage of EFF’s Surveillance Self-Defense tools.
Sources/further reading:
"EFF General Counsel Takes On NSA Spying”
"Human Rights Watch Sues DEA Over Bulk Collection of Americans’ Telephone Records”
"How to Jailbreak Your iPhone: The Always Up-to-Date Guide [iOS 8.1]”
"Surveillance Techniques: How Your Data Becomes Our Data”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
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Edition #911 Today we take a look at some of the causes and consequences of anti-feminism, rape and intimate partner violence Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
00:30 Ch. 2: Act 1: Dr. @HarrietFraad on how capitalism's changes since 1970s have disrupted the personal lives of US men and women - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 4-5-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Emasculate Me - Ignore the Ignorant
15:49 Ch. 4: Act 2: Military Sexual Assault Reporting Up & That’s Actually Good News - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-20-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: All These Things That I've Done - Hot Fuss
21:29 Ch. 6: Act 3: @TheHuntingGround: Film Exposes How Colleges Cover Up Sexual Assault and Fail to Protect Students - @democracynow - Air Date: 1-28-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Landslide - The Smashing Pumpkins: Greatest Hits
38:22 Ch. 8: Act 4: A terrifying number of men say they would rape someone - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 1-16-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Teach Me Something - Stop All Motion
51:10 Ch. 10: Act 5: The Pefect Victim (@theperfectvict) (Trailer)
Ch. 11: Song 5: Window - In a Safe Place
58:04 Ch. 12: Act 6: Fighting the Patriarchy With Film: @thehuntinground & @theperfectvict — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - The Poet
01:01:13 Ch. 14: Act 7: Domestic Violence Testimony by Brooke Axtell (@SurvivorHealing) - The Grammys - Air Date: 02-08-15
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
01:03:11 Ch. 15: Final comments on Stop Street Harassment Week and my bad week
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Fighting the Patriarchy With Film: @thehuntinground & @theperfectvict
Take Action:
Go see The Hunting Ground and visit their ”Take Action” tab to get involved.
Go see The Perfect Victim and visit their ”Take Action” tab to get involved.
Hear the segment in context:
Episode #911 "Emasculation Nation (Rape and Intimate Partner Violence)"
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #586
The US Empire and the Ring of Power
Act 1: Heart Mind-O-Matic - Mark Fiore - Air Date: 02-20-12
Song 1: M.I.B. Main Theme - Danny Elfman
Act 2: US government doesn't talk about the drone war - Counterspin Air Date: 2-3-12
Song 2: Oh Lately It's So Quiet - OK GO
Act 3: Syria's Arab Spring that no one is hearing about - The Bugle Air Date: 2-3-12
Song 3: Catapult - R.E.M.
Act 4: Veto Of Syria UN Resolution Sparks Outrage - Young Turks - Air Date: 02-06-12
Song 4: Help - The Beatles
Act 5: Veto to prevent violence in Syria - The Bugle - Air Date: 2-10-12
Song 5: Scene No. 10 Moderato - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Act 6: Fox Contributor Karl Rove Condemns Obama Apology, Fails to Note Similar Bush Apology in 2008 - Media Matters Air Date: 2-28-12
Act 7: Not a Happy International Women's Day in Afghanistan - The Progressive Air Date: 3-8-12
Song 7: We were there - Robin Roberts
Act 8: Afghan Lady and Taliban News - The Bugle Air Date: 2-17-12
Song 8: Escalation - Daniel Licht
Act 9: Afghanistan Massacre Fallout - Young Turks - Air Date: 3-12-12
Song 9: Come home - OneRepublic Feat. Sara Barellis
Act 10: Son Of Haditha - Mumia Abu-Jamal Air Date: 3-12-12
Song 10: Baba O'Riley - The Who
Act 11: Leave Afghanistan Now - The Progressive Air Date: 3-12-12
Song 11: Letter from an Occupant - The New Pornographers
Act 12: The consequences of the US killing spree in Afghanistan - Counterspin Air Date: 3-16-12
Song 12: Gimme Sympathy - Metric
Act 13: The Reason War Will Go On Forever - Lee Camp
Song 13: Still fighting it - Ben Folds
Act 14: An Army whistle-blower speaks truth about power - Jim Hightower Air Date: 3-14-12
Song 14: Tracked in mud - Cory Davies
Act 15: The US Empire and the Ring of Power - Common Sense - Air Date: 2-20-12
Voicemails:
Activist call to action on verbiage and word usage - Chris
Recomending 'Godless Bitches' podcast - Anonymous
Recommending "Women's Magazine" podcast - Elka from Indiana
Leave a message at 206-202-3410
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Final comments as an epilogue to the Jimmy Dore Show joke discussion
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
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Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #910 Today we take a look at how our current health care system is pathetic compared to the Single Payer alternative and how conservatives are trying to dismantle the small amount of recent progress that’s been made Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The perverse inequity of our current health care system - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 10-5-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Remains - The Dark Leaves
Ch. 4: Act 2: Our F*cked Up Medical System May Leave This Family Bankrupt - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-23-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: My Favourite Game - Gran Turismo
Ch. 6: Act 3: Europeans Are Confused by Medical Bankruptcy Story - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 11-15-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Was wollen wir trinken - Ungeschieden, Ungekämmt, Ungehört (Live)
Ch. 8: Act 4: Why we pay far more for our medical care - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 10-19-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Work - Uprising (Remastered)
Ch. 10: Act 5: The six words behind the case against Obamacare - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 3-12-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Teddybear's Picnic - De Rock 'n Roll Methode 4
Ch. 12: Act 6: Anti-Obamacare Plaintiffs Show Stunning Ignorance - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-12-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: American Way - Essential Masters
Ch. 14: Act 7: The reasons Vermont is abandoning Single Payer health care - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 12-22-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: South Side - Go - The Very Best of Moby
Ch. 16: Act 8: The REAL Conservative Agenda: Privatize Health Care - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 02-05-15
Voicemails
Ch. 17: Thoughts on how to form consensus solutions - Matt from California
Ch. 18: Questioning labels is an important discussion - Adrian from Albuquerque, NM
Ch. 19: Thoughts on political labels - Chuck in Salt Lake City
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments on the labels we give ourselves
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #909 It seems that almost all of the progressive climate change news these days is focused on how crazy the climate change deniers are. I guess this is better than the present-both-sides attitude but it still makes me long for a future where we will just get to ignore them. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Climate Science: What You Need To Know - It's @okaytobesmart - Air Date: 12-8-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Curious - Curious
Ch. 4: Act 2: Climate Change Denial Is Real & Man-made, Here's Undeniable Proof - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-26-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: The Scientist - Heroes
Ch. 6: Act 3: Inhofe's snowball and what the media is missing - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 3-6-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: 1901 - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Ch. 8: Act 4: @TassoAzevedo: Hopeful lessons from the battle to save rainforests - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 1-9-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Magalenha - Brasileiro
Ch. 10: Act 5: Climate Ch... - @OntheMedia - Air Date: 3-20-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: A Few Honest Words - Learning to Bend
Ch. 12: Act 6: GOP perspective on climate change is literally laughable - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 3-26-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Change of Time - So Runs the World Away
Ch. 14: Act 7: Florida and the media don't use the term 'Climate Change' - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 3-13-15
Ch. 15: Song 5: Open Your Eyes - Eyes Open
Ch. 16: Act 8: Cap and Dividend For a Healthy Climate via @CCAN — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 6: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 18: Act 9: We Will Destroy The Planet And Here's How - @RedactedTonight with @LeeCamp - Air Date: 01-17-15
Voicemails
Ch. 19: Down with the debtors prison - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Ch. 20: Solving inter-movement conflicts - Daniel from Albany, NY
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on the ground rules for a conversation about definitions
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Cap and Dividend For a Healthy Climate via @CCAN
Take Action:
SIGN: "Tell Congress: Act on Climate by Passing Cap-And-Dividend” via Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Visit the TAKE ACTION tab at Climate and Prosperity to volunteer or join the coalition.
Sources/further reading:
"FACT SHEET: The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act of 2014” via Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
"Cap and Dividend Bill Introduced In Congress (VIDEO)” via Green Action News
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #908 Today we take a look at the history of housing discrimination in the US and the connection of those polices to the systemic racism and social unrest in places like Ferguson, MO Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: LBJ signs Fair Housing Act 1968
Ch. 3: Song 1: Going Home - The Talks
Ch. 4: Act 2: Fight for fair housing goes to Supreme Court - Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHPshow) - Air Date 1-25-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Discrimination - Meet Me In the Park
Ch. 6: Act 3: Nikole-Hannah Jones (@nhannahjones) & Jennifer Taub (@jentaub) on the Housing Crisis- What's Changed? - @grittv - Air Date: 9-3-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Zebra - Teen Dream
Ch. 8: Act 4: A short history of racist housing policy - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 3-15-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Modern Day Slavery - Exploring All Avenues
Ch. 10: Act 5: The economics of systemic racism - Disorderly Conduct (@Dis_Con) - Air Date: 1-18-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Something Good Can Work - Tourist History
Ch. 12: Act 6: Ferguson USA - @MumiaAbuJamal - Air Date: 3-9-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: "Middle America" - Chris Priest
Ch. 14: Act 7: The return of debtors prisons in Ferguson - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 2-10-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Powerless - The Big Picture
Ch. 16: Act 8: #KeepHousingFair via @natfairhouse - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 18: Act 9: Racist Ferguson Police Department Financially Motivated Against Blacks - @The Young Turks - Air Date: 03-07-15
Voicemails
Ch. 20: Racism and employment - Ruben from San Jose
Ch. 21: The corrective mechanism in libertarianism - Patrick from Dallas
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 22: Final comments on libertarians as snowflakes and my recent bonus episode about being a character in a dystopian future
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #KeepHousingFair via @natfairhouse
Take Action:
Follow #KeepHousingFair through The National Fair Housing Alliance on Facebook and Twitter
Additional Activism/Resources:
CHICAGO VOTERS: the mayoral runoff election is APRIL 7. Rahm has continued harmful Daley policies, so Find Your Polling Place
READ: "Living Apart: How the Government Betrayed a Landmark Civil Rights Law” — a $1.99 Kindle Single by Nikole Hannah-Jones
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #907 Today we take a look at how the GOP in the US is working hand-in-glove with the neoconservative Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, to derail peace negotiations and stroke war with Iran Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Why Netanyahu is Here - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-02-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Embarrassed - Sick of Waging War
Ch. 4: Act 2: Israeli Prime Minister Criticized For Questionable Policies - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-04-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Obnoxious - What's the Question
Ch. 6: Act 3: Netanyahu's speech and the propaganda against Iran - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 3-14-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Made to Suffer - 9 O'clock in the Afternoon
Ch. 8: Act 4: Ex-U.S. Official: With Iran Letter, "Reckless" GOP Places Middle East Hegemony over Security - @democracynow - Air Date: 3-12-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Hey Ya (Solo Version) - The Tip Jar, Vol. 1 - EP
Ch. 10: Act 5: Treason, Stunt, or Idiocy? - @onthemedia - Air Date: 3-13-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Follow The Money - The Redemption Of Zounds
Ch. 12: Act 6: John Kerry Smacks Down the #47Traitors - @majorityfm - Air Date: 03-16-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Awnaw (All Hooks Up Version) - Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz
Ch. 14: Act 7: No War With Iran -- Best of the Left Activism via @ChrisMurphyCT & @MoveOn
Ch. 15: Song 7: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 16: Act 8: Senators Face Backlash Over Letter To Iran - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-11-15
Voicemails
Ch. 18: Racism and over-policing - Ruben from San Jose
Ch. 19: Thoughts on the speech about changing the farming paradigm - Ryan from Phoenix
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments on the posting of teh Storify of the Nicole Sandler Disaster of 2015
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: No War With Iran via @ChrisMurphyCT & @MoveOn
TAKE ACTION:
SIGN & Share the MoveOn.org petition The U.S. Senate should continue to give diplomacy with Iran a chance" from Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT)
SIGN & Share the RootsAction and DailyKos petition: "No War With Iran"
Sources/further reading:
"The Worst Case for War With Iran You’ll Read in a Major Newspaper" by Ali Gharib at The Nation
"The Neocons Strike Back" by Paul Waldman at The American Prospect
"Barney Frank Says Netanyahu And The GOP Want War With Iran" on HuffPost LIve
"The Appalling Case for an Unnecessary War with Iran" by Daniel Larison at The American Conservative
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #906 Today we take a look at the effects of student debt, the benefits of making college free and what beyond money is needed Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Appalling: America's Senior Citizens Are Drowning in Student Debt - @majorityfm - Air Date: 09-13-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: When I Grow Up - Ghost Town - Single
Ch. 4: Act 2: EPIC: Germany Abolishes College Tuition Fees - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-04-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Look To The Future - If It 'Ay Bost, Dow Fix It!
Ch. 6: Act 3: Refusing To Pay Back Student Debt: The Movement Grows - @RedactedTonight w/@LeeCamp - Air Date: 03-10-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: I Dream Of Feudalism - I Dream Of Feudalism
Ch. 8: Act 4: Obama's Free College Plan Could Cost $60 Billion, Provide Even Bigger Economic Boost - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 01-23-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: So Terrible It's Terrifying - Another Early Evening
Ch. 10: Act 5: Fox Reacts To Obama's Free Community College Plan - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date: 1-23-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Closer to Free - Go Slow Down
Ch. 12: Act 6: Is it enough to make community college free? - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 2-5-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Hide Your Tears - Dexter (Soundtrack from the TV Series)
Ch. 14: Act 7: Student Aid Bill of Rights via @WhiteHouse — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 16: Act 8: Student Debt - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 09-07-14
Ch. 17: Final comments on David Pakman's supposed "Laugh Off" and the problematic comments of Joel Salatin
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Student Aid Bill of Rights via @WhiteHouse
Take Action:
Add your name: Student Aid Bill of Rights
Let your reps know you support the plan through ContactingTheCongress.org where you can call, email, and tweet at your representatives using the hashtag #CollegeOpportunity.
Additional Activism/Resources:
Reminder that the states have to agree to implement the president’s community college plan. Even though it would be at no cost to the states, we’ve seen republican (and even some democratic) and split state houses reject free federal money during this administration. Let your state and congressional representatives know you back a plan to make community college available to everyone who wants to attend.
Sources/further reading:
Press Release: “A Student Aid Bill of Rights”
“Your Weekly Address: A Student Aid Bill of Rights”
"5 Reasons Not to Get a Law Degree” via CBS News
"How The $1.2 Trillion College Debt Crisis Is Crippling Students, Parents And The Economy” by Chris Denhart at Forbes.com
"The President Proposes to Make Community College Free for Responsible Students for 2 Years”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #905 Today we take a look at what we put in our bodies, how it gets there and how we could do things differently for the betterment of all Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Gabriel Cortez (@gabesoprock): Perfect Soldiers - The Bigger Picture Project (@BigPicCampaign) - Air Date: 2-5-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A
Ch. 4: Act 2: Drinking a 'Medium' Soda Per Day Can Age You As Much As Smoking - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-22-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: "Diet Coke" - Airbäg
Ch. 6: Act 3: CFC Keynote - @JoelSalatin - Polyface Farm Part 1 - @marioninstitute - Air Date: 11-5-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Garden Song - Around the Campfire
Ch. 8: Act 4: Industrial Vs Sustainable Agriculture - @FoodMythBusters - Air Date: 08-26-13
Ch. 9: Song 4: Mothers of the Night - Last Night
Ch. 10: Act 5: CFC Keynote - @JoelSalatin - Polyface Farm Part 2 - @marioninstitute - Air Date: 11-5-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Moment of Truth - Diversity
Ch. 12: Act 6: NYTimes: U.S. Research Lab Lets Livestock Suffer in Quest for Profit - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 1-26-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Down On The Farm - Dancing In The Streets
Ch. 14: Act 7: Curbing #FactoryFarming via @ASPCA & @UN — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 16: Act 8: You Won't Believe What Goes On At These "Farms" - @RedactedTonight w/ @LeeCamp - Air Date: 02-22-15
Voicemails
Ch. 17: The problem with the gender binary - Ash from Washington, DC
Ch. 18: #YesAllPolice started by family member of man killed by police - Dede from Philly
Ch. 19: Libertarian on how tax money is spent - Mick from Australia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments on libertarianism's lack of a better alternative to government
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Curbing #FactoryFarming via @ASPCA & @UN
Take Action:
10 Ways You Can Fight Factory Farms via The ASPCA
Fight Factory Farming via The Humane Society
Additional Activism/Resources:
Sign: Protect Farm Animals petition from The Humane Society
Use the WorldAnimalNet directory HERE to find anti-factory farm as well as animal rescue/adoption organizations in your country, state, and city.
Sources/further reading:
"Rearing cattle produces more greenhouse gases than driving cars, UN report warns” via the United Nations News Centre
Farm Animal Cruelty — ASPCA facts on factory farms
"How to Stop the Next Pandemic: End Factory Farming” by Thom Hartmann via Truthout
Watch: “Us & The Planet” video from Animals Australia at #MakeItPossible
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #904 Today we take a look at the path many transgender individuals must walk as well as some of the tragic outcomes that are the result of being blocked from that path Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Kristin Beck: transgender veteran spent 20-years as Navy Seal - @SexOutLoudRadio - Air Date: 12-12-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: "Me and God and Jesus - Crooked Roads Band
Ch. 4: Act 2: The complicated morality of transitioning - On Being (@Beingtweets) - Air Date: 12-11-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Le mystère de contre jour - Contre jour (Original Soundtrack)
Ch. 6: Act 3: Lingerie saved my life - A Minnesota Trans Athiest (@TransAtheistPod) - Air Date: 11-12-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Nothing Else Matters - Inquisition Symphony
Ch. 8: Act 4: The tragic, preventable death of transgender teen Leelah Alcorn - @fakedansavage - Air Date: 1-6-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Reach Out I'll Be There - Essential Collection: Four Tops
Ch. 10: Act 5: Pray the Gay Away - Exposed - Laci Green (@gogreen18) - Air Date: 01-14-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Bathtub (feat. The Lost Bayou Ramblers) - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 12: Act 6: Gender Neutral Bathrooms - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 14: Act 7: Disecting trans-exclusionary radical feminism (TERFs) - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date 7-30-14
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Yelling about libertarians - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Ch. 16: Explaining misguided libertarian thinking with the BLUB paradox - Landon
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 17: Final comments on one of my favorite Douglas Adams' quotes about how people perceive the world
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Gender Neutral Bathrooms
Take Action:
Call and write your local alderman/city councilperson to push for local gender neutral bathroom ordinances.
Additional Activism/Resources:
TransLifeLine is a crisis hotline staffed by trans people for trans people. Contact them via Twitter and phone: US (877) 565-8860, Canada (877) 330-6366
Sources/further reading:
"INTERVIEW: The Advocate's Parker Marie Molloy on Grantland, Piers Morgan, and More” at The Chicagoist
"A trans advocate’s perspective on Trans 101 questions” at Transadvocate
"TLDEF Condemns Kentucky Bill Targeting Transgender Students for Discrimination” via TransGender Legal
"No label required on West Hollywood's gender-neutral bathrooms” at LA Times
"Austin Makes Gender-Neutral Bathrooms Out Of All Single-Use Stalls, And Other Cities Should Take Note” at Bustle
"My Transgender Coming Out Story” ebook by Parker Mollow
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #903 Today we take a look at the asininity of the modern, American-style Libertarian movement Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The Libertarian Platform - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-13-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Do What You Want - Do What You Want - EP
Ch. 4: Act 2: Libertarianism & The Purpose of Freedom - @majorityfm - Air Date: 12-24-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: "Jeremiah Johnson - Main Theme"
Ch. 6: Act 3: Libertarian 'Men With Guns' Arguments Make No Sense - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-21-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Celebration Guns - Set Yourself on Fire
Ch. 8: Act 4: Ayn Rand - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 9-29-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: American Greed (Dustin's Ayn Rand Remix) - American Greed (Remixes) - EP
Ch. 10: Act 5: Republican Makes the Case for Libertarianism: Restaurant Workers Should NOT Have to Wash Their Hands - @majorityfm - Air Date: 02-05-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Idiots Are Taking Over - The War On Errorism
Ch. 12: Act 6: Libertarianism Capitalism Killed My Best Friend - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-14-13
Ch. 13: Song 6: Cancer - The Black Parade
Ch. 14: Act 7: The myth of meritocracy - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 1-5-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Revolution (Human Need Over Profit) - Tha People's Music
Ch. 16: Act 8: Tree Hugging Libertarians Unknowingly Buys Pieces Of Chilean Hell - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-18-14
Voicemails
Ch. 18: Thoughts on addition to things other than drugs - Jay from Jackson Hole, WY
Ch. 19: Don't downplay the severity of addiction - Chris from Colorado Springs
Ch. 20: Dismantling the default - Melissa from New York
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on intersectionality and the language of inclusivity
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Edition #850 Today we hammer home the details about white privilege once and for all so that there will never be any further confusion about it ever Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Fox News Reporter: Obama and Holder Being Black is the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Them - @majorityfm - Air Date: 04-15-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Know Your History - Our Darkest Days
Ch. 4: Act 2: Bill O'Reilly Denies Having White Privilege - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-16-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Perpetuum Mobile - Preludes, Airs and Yodels (A Penguin Cafe Primer)
Ch. 6: Act 3: Danielle Lee (@DNLee5): Working twice as hard - @story_collider - Air Date: 12-9-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: Unknown
Ch. 8: Act 4: Same Behavior, Different Treatment - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 4-2-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Pants on the ground - Neil Young
Ch. 10: Act 5: Why Are Black Preschoolers Being Suspended Far More Than Their White Classmates? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-26-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Everyone's a Little Bit Racist - Avenue Q (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Ch. 12: Act 6: White Supremacy and the Central Park 5 - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 6-25-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: The Youth - Oracular Spectacular
Ch. 14: Act 7: Caller: White People Don't Understand White Privilege - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-26-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: A Change Is Gonna Come - Learning to Bend
Ch. 16: Act 8: Denice Frohman - 1-800-White Man Privilege Hotline - Button Poetry - Air Date: 04-28-14
Ch. 17: Final comments opening up for #askawhitefeminist questions on intersectional feminism
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #902 Today we take a look at not only the destructive forces at work within the drug war but also look deeper at the causes of addiction and drug abuse that could change all of your preconceived notions on the topic and maybe even our society as a whole Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Drug War Alternatives That Work Overcriminalized #2- Substance Abuse - @bravenewfilms - Air Date: 10-9-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Once There Was a Hushpuppy - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 4: Act 2: Tracking cars movements in real time as part of the DEA drug war - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 2-1-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Don’t Worry, We'll Be Watching You - Making Mirrors
Ch. 6: Act 3: DC mayor stands up for voters on legal pot, defies congressional GOP - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 2-26-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Gateway Drug - Dancing In The Streets
Ch. 8: Act 4: Challenge everything you know about drugs - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 03-05-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Big Mistake - Fair Ain't Fair
Ch. 10: Act 5: Johann Hari (@johannhari101): Everything We Know About the Drug War & Addiction is Wrong Part 1 - @democracynow - Air Date: 2-4-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Strange Fruit (1939 Single Version) - 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Billie Holiday
Ch. 12: Act 6: Poverty drives the demand for opiates - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 11-17-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Poverty (Single Stereo) - That Did It! - The Duke Recordings, Vol. 3
Ch. 14: Act 7: Johann Hari (@johannhari101): Everything We Know About the Drug War & Addiction is Wrong Part 2 - @democracynow - Air Date: 2-4-15
Voicemails
Ch. 16: Women should get paid the same even if they're away from work for a period - Caleb from Austin, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments telling the story of the pile of shit Patricia Arquette stepped in and the aftermath
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #901 Today we take a look at the extreme wealth inequality that’s plaguing our nation, the insufficient attempts to correct the problem as well as it’s underlying causes Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The bootstraps myth and The American Dream™ - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 1-8-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Decode DC Theme Song
Ch. 4: Act 2: .@NickHanauer on inequality - @TEDTalks - Air Date: March 2012
Ch. 5: Song 2: "RazorWire" - Chris Priest
Ch. 6: Act 3: Wealth Gap - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date: 7-13-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Heads You Win, Tails I Lose - Surfin' Safari (2001 - Remaster)
Ch. 8: Act 4: Yes, the budget grows and for good reason - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 2-6-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: One Way Street - I Can't Stand the Rain
Ch. 10: Act 5: Can Democrats Stop Republican Social Security Change? - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 01-25-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: I Wish I Knew (Logo Remix) - Gildas Kitsuné Season's Greetings Mix (The Merry Christmas Edition)
Ch. 12: Act 6: Whats With Politicians Fetishizing About Cutting Social Security? - @majorityfm - Air Date: 01-07-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Out of Touch - The Very Best of Daryl Hall & John Oates (Remastered)
Ch. 14: Act 7: Bolstering Unemployment Benefits with the 2016 Budget via @WhiteHouse - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 16: Act 8: Give jobs, not welfare - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 1-5-15
Voicemails
Ch. 17: The impact of the TPP on marginalized communities - Chrissie from Kansas
Ch. 18: Endorsing choice for vaccinations - Jeff from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 19: The 25% gender wage gap doesn't take hours worked into consideration - Tod from California
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments Part 1: Responding to Jeff from Cleveland about vaccines
Ch. 21: Final comments Part 2: Responding to Tod from California about the gender wage and wealth gaps
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Bolstering Unemployment Benefits with the 2016 Budget via @WhiteHouse
Take Action:
Let the White House know you support the unemployment provisions of the 2016 budget via phone (202-456-1111), email/mail and via Twitter to @WhiteHouse and @BarackObama
Use ContactingTheCongress to let your reps know you expect them to publicly support the unemployment plan.
Sources/further reading:
Fiscal Year 2016 Budget of the U.S/ Government via The White House
"Obama's Budget Proposes a Major Overhaul of Unemployment Insurance” by Danny Vinik at The New Republic
"Right-Wing Media Use Flawed Study To Attack Unemployment Benefits” by Rachel Calvert at Media Matters for America
"U.S. jobless claims fall as labor market gains momentum” by Lucia Mutikani at Reuters
"Conservatives Cheer Research Saying Cuts To Unemployment Benefits Helped The Economy” by Arthur Delaney at HuffPo
"Obama Budget Signals End Of Austerity, Return Of Sanity” by Dave Johnson at Common Dreams
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #900 Today we get some reminders about what feminism is and what is isn’t, plus make an effort to explain the pay gap in ways that, at long last, everyone can understand Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Explaining the gender pay gap - Workplace Gender Equality Agency (@WGEAgency) - Air Date: 08-07-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Compensation - Spotlite Series - 'Mainline' and 'Casino' Records, Vol. 1
Ch. 4: Act 2: Microsoft CEO: Don't Ask For A Raise, Trust Karma - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date: 10-14-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Apology - Back Sides
Ch. 6: Act 3: Does sexism hurt men? - Laci Green (@gogreen18) - Air Date: 11-14-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Sunday Morning - Tragic Kingdom
Ch. 8: Act 4: Firing Women for Breastfeeding Not Sexist Since Some Men Lactate - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 02-05-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Discrimination - Meet Me In the Park
Ch. 10: Act 5: Talking While Female - @NPR - Air Date: 10-24-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Young and Beautiful - Twist Is the New Twerk
Ch. 12: Act 6: There's More to the Story of the Shrinking Pay Gap - @PewResearch Center - Air Date: 1-9-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: inequality - What'z Next
Ch. 14: Act 7: The difference between Europe and the US on women in the workforce - Economic Update w/@profwolff - Air Date: 12-22-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Self Inflicted - One of the Boys
Ch. 16: Act 8: What Your Boobs Say About You - Stuff Mom Never Told You (@MomStuffPodcast) - Air Date: 11-28-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Science Riot Girls Song 8 - My Smart Hands
Ch. 18: Act 9: Women Are Bad At Negotiating - @planetmoney - Air Date 3-28-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: House of Cards Main Title Theme - House of Cards (Music From the Netflix Original Series)
Ch. 20: Act 10: #EqualPayDay (4/14/2015)- Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 10: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 22: Act 11: #MenimistTwitter + Anti- Feminism - @kat_blaque - Air Date: 11-12-14
Voicemails
Ch. 23: Money should go to finding the causes of autism - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 24: If you give people the option to be stupid, lots of them will - Tyler from Kentucky
Ch. 25: Anti-vaxxers are truthers, birthers and grassy knoll types - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 26: Final comments on why some women are opposed to feminism
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #EqualPayDay (4/14/2015)
Take Action:
Wear red on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 for #EqualPayDay.
Visit the “What You Can Do” tab at PayEquity.org to track legislation, contact Congress, form a wage club, or do an equality audit of your business.
Sources/further reading:
Wage Gap Fact Sheet via Institute for Women's Policy Research
Equal Pay and the Wage Gap via National Women's Law Center (NWLC)
"Women Can't Afford to Celebrate Equal Pay Day” by Margaret Carlson at Bloomberg View
"For African-American Women—and All Women—Let’s Make Every Day Equal Pay Day” by Stephanie Schriock and Rep. Terri Sewell at The Root
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #899 Today we take a look at the fact that marriage equality is sweeping the nation and yet it’s clear to see that we still have a long way to go to establish full equality in all aspects Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Details on the march through the courts of marriage equality - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 2-10-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: The New SF Bay Blues - Small Town Heroes
Ch. 4: Act 2: Iain Lee and Justin Dealey experience homophobic abuse - BBC Three Counties Radio - Air Date: 01-07-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Surprise - The Odd Couple
Ch. 6: Act 3: Republicans Lose Their Boner For Gay Marriage - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-08-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Words Are Seeds - Country Boys in the City
Ch. 8: Act 4: Gay Panic Legal Defense Outlawed in California - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-30-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Body Electric - Small Town Heroes
Ch. 10: Act 5: Nondescrimination ban in Kansas was just rescinded - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 2-12-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: "The Asshole Song" - Jimmy Buffett
Ch. 12: Act 6: This is the backlash to marriage equality success - @fakedansavage - Air Date: 2-17-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Love To Watch You Go - Country Boys in the City
Ch. 14: Act 7: The March to Full Marriage Equality Continues with @MEUSA - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 16: Act 8: .@ashbeckham: Owning your duality - @TEDx - Air Date: 11-20-14
Voicemails
Ch. 18: People get very emotional about food choices - Clara from Brooklyn, NY
Ch. 19: Thoughts on reducetarians - Kelly from California
Ch. 20: A nurse on vaccinations - Raven from Louisville, KY
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on my bad idea to conduct the two biggest conversations of the year simultaneously
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: The March to Full Marriage Equality Continues with @MEUSA
Take Action:
Help finish off the fight for full marriage equality & track state-level discriminatory legislation at: MarriageEquality.org
Join Marriage Equality USA and Equality Kansas fight Governor Brownback’s discriminatory executive action by calling the state capitol at 877-579-6757 and posting messages on Facebook and Twitter
Sources/further reading:
U.S. map of marriage equality via Freedom To Marry
"Arkansas Legislature Passes Bill Allowing LGBT Discrimination” by Dominic Holden
"Governor Brownback Cancels LGBT State Employee Protections” via Equality Kansas
"In Kansas, the governor is rolling back tolerance” by The Washington Post editorial board
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #898 I can’t even believe that this is a thing. The anti-science sentiments march on in this country and they’re putting us all at risk of a resurgence of eradicated diseases Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Vaccines Don't Cause Autism: Healthcare Triage #12 - @HCTriage - Air Date: 01-19-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Fraud - Once a Jolly Swagman, Always a Jolly Swagman
Ch. 4: Act 2: On the Anti-Vax Non-troversy - @onthemedia - Air Date: 2-6-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Chorus of Fools - Chorus of Fools - Single
Ch. 6: Act 3: Anti-vaxxer Californians start a new measles outbreak at Disneyland - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 2-3-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Rebuild - We Are Rising
Ch. 8: Act 4: Myth: Vaccine Deniers Are All Hippie Liberals - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 02-01-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: "Fear is a villain" by Theo Bard
Ch. 10: Act 5: The Dangerous Arrogance of the Anti-Vaxxers - @majorityfm - Air Date: 02-04-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: F**k You - True North
Ch. 12: Act 6: Vaccines: How to Avoid Killing and Maiming Children - @MarkFiore's Animation - Air Date: 02-10-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: "Mitch Benn's song to Anti-Vaxer parents - The Now Show - Air Date: 2-6-15"
Ch. 14: Act 7: GOP vaccination fuss suggests politics at play - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 2-5-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Dumb Ways to Die - Dumb Ways to Die - Single
Ch. 16: Act 8: Fighting the Anti-Vaxxer Movement with @Voices4Vaccines - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 18: Act 9: Vaccines are for the Public Good - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 02-03-15
Voicemails
Ch. 20: If it's within your means then you should change - Nick from Cincinnati
Ch. 21: Advice on making vegitarianism easy - Dave from Olympia, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 22: Final comments on food choice and vaccination voicemails
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Fighting the Anti-Vaxxer Movement with @Voices4Vaccines
Take Action:
Use the resources at: Voices For Vaccines
Follow Voices For Vaccines on Twitter and Facebook.
Find out more about the adult pertussis vaccination at: AdultVaccination.org
Sources/further reading:
"A Polio Survivor’s Plea: Vaccinate Your Children” by Minda Dentler at Time.com
"Anti-Vaxxers Brought Measles to the Happiest Place on Earth: A measles outbreak has sickened 70 people at Disneyland, and could be the spark that brings the once-eradicated disease back in force.” by Russell Saunders at The Daily Beast
"Your feelings about vaccines don't trump another child's medical reality” by Jessica Valenti at The Guardian
"Elizabeth Warren Asks Questions About Vaccines, Gets Shocking Answers” by Kaili Joy Gray at Wonkette
"Dear anti-vaxxers: Stop using autism as a bogeyman” by Maria Mora at SheKnows
"I Didn’t Vaccinate My Child—And I Regret It: How I finally discovered that vaccinating your kids is the right thing to do.” by Sally Kohn
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
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Edition #897 Today we take a look at the major new stories involving a couple of small countries dealing with their much-larger neighbors Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Major Shift In US-Cuba Relations - Trade, Diplomacy To Flow - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-18-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Cuba - Cuba
Ch. 4: Act 2: Cuba: America Finally Waking from the Nixon Fog - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 12-17-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Richard Nixon - The American Song-Poem Anthology - Do You Know the Difference Between Big Wood and Brush?
Ch. 6: Act 3: The media responds to normalized relations with Cuba - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 12-19-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Too Rude - Bright Side of Life (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 8: Act 4: The economic implications of normalizing relations with Cuba - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 12-22-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Going Down to Cuba - Time the Conqueror
Ch. 10: Act 5: Mark Weisbrot on Greek Elections as a response to economic crisis - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 1-30-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Blame (feat. John Newman) - Motion
Ch. 12: Act 6: Media Miss Half the Story of The Greek Election - The F Word with @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date: 1-27-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Greece - National Anthems (Anthems World)
Ch. 14: Act 7: Germany's double standard on Greece's debt - Economic Update w/ @profwolff - Air Date: 2-1-15
Voicemails
Ch. 16: Asking for vegitarianism is too big of an ask - Scott from Sacramento
Ch. 17: Thoughts on why I still eat meat - Chris from Colorado Springs
Ch. 18: Inertia and customs - Bill in Northern Illinois
Ch. 19: Collective action is more effective than voluntary action - Julie in Brooklyn
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments on the conversation on food choices and results from the listener survey
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
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Edition #896 Today we take a look at what the TPP is all about, why it’s being negotiated in total secrecy and why we need to resist it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Robert Reich takes on the Trans-Pacific Partnership - @MoveOn - AIr Date: 1-29-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Say It Loud - Invincible
Ch. 4: Act 2: Wikileaks TPP Revelations Prove US in "Left Field" With Trade Deal - @TheRealNews Network - Air Date: 12-15-13
Ch. 5: Song 2: Sound of Defeat - Sound of Defeat - EP
Ch. 6: Act 3: Obama Pushes TPP Passage to World Leaders - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 11-14-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: What Difference Does It Make? - The Smiths (Remastered By Johnny Marr)
Ch. 8: Act 4: Lori Wallach (@WallachLori) on Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 11-29-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Revolt - Strong Words for Strong People
Ch. 10: Act 5: Jeff Abbott on CAFTA and the TPP - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 2-2-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Talkback - Now Then...
Ch. 12: Act 6: Stop Fast Track of TransPacific Partnership via @MoveOn — Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 14: Act 7: The Deep State Hiding in Plain Sight - @BillMoyersHQ - Air Date: 2-21-14
Voicemails
Ch. 16: Thoughts on Charlie Hebdo and freedom of speech - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Ch. 17: The effects of animal agrigulture - Kate
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Stop Fast Track of TransPacific Partnership via @MoveOn
Update!
Obama administration asks for fast tracking of TPP: "Democrats oppose Obama's demand for fast-tracking Pacific trade deal” by Siri Srinivas at The Guardian
Follow-up/new Action!
SIGN: Tell Congress: We Can't Afford to Outsource More Jobs via MoveOn.org and the CWA
Sources/further reading:
"NAFTA on Steroids: The Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would grant enormous new powers to corporations, is a massive assault on democracy” by Lori Wallach at The Nation
"The Top Secret Deal Between 11 Countries That Will Affect Your Life" - MOC #186 — Lee Camp
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #895 Today we check in with our crumbling ecological system and the fastest-growing movement of it’s kind that’s facing off against the fossil fuel companies Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The Children’s Climate Crusade - @billmoyersHQ and Company - Air Date: 1-1-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Sea Is Rising - Flying Colours
Ch. 4: Act 2: Climate change undermines all conservative principles - @LeeCamp - Air Date: 1-7-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: "The Day the World Came Together" - @350.org
Ch. 6: Act 3: Reporting on the hottest years on record - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 1-23-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Banking On a Myth - The Mysterious Production of Eggs
Ch. 8: Act 4: 2014 Hottest Year Since Records Began, Earth Officially Melting - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date: 01-17-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Spring Came, Rain Fell - Spring Came, Rain Fell
Ch. 10: Act 5: The economic consequinces of the drop in price for oil - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 12-22-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: A System - Inside Open Wide
Ch. 12: Act 6: Global Divestment Day is February 13, 2015 - @350.org
Ch. 13: Song 6: Something Good Can Work - Tourist History
Ch. 14: Act 7: Global Divestment Day via @350 - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 16: Act 8: CFC Keynote - Jay O'Hara: Living like the world is ending - @marioninstitute - Air Date: 11-5-14
Voicemails
Ch. 18: A cop talks about how and why they shoot - Geoff from Florida
Ch. 19: The theory of "thugs" is flawed - Ruben from San Jose
Ch. 20: Thoughts on Ghostbusters and the wage gap - Jill from San Francisco
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on why women are crappy at negotiating their salaries
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Global Divestment Day via @350
Take Action:
JOIN with 350.org for Global Divestment Day February 13th
Additional Activism/Resources:
Add your name to @NRDC’s letter: “Tell President Obama You Stand Behind His Veto of the Keystone XL Pipeline!”
Sources/further reading:
"US House passes Keystone pipeline bill” at AlJazeera
"Senate Passes Keystone Bill” by Alex Rogers at Time.com
"White House Confirms Obama Will Veto TransCanada's Keystone XL Pipeline” by Carol Linnitt at DesmogBlog
"The New School Submits Bold Plan to Tackle Climate Change” at The New School
"Pope Francis plants a flag in the ground on climate change” by Dr. John Abraham at The Guardian
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #894 Today we take a look at the legacy of Martin Luther King as it was taught to us and fill in the gaps that were left out. Turns out it was no accident those gaps were left in the first place. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: An except from a lost MLK speech - @democracynow - Air Date: 1-19-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: We Shall Overcome - We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
Ch. 4: Act 2: MLK Day Should be for Everyone - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-20-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: Like a King - Welcome to the Cruel World
Ch. 6: Act 3: Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes You've Probably Never Heard Before - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-20-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: By the Time I Get to Arizona - Power to the People & the Beats - Public Enemy's Greatest Hits
Ch. 8: Act 4: Rev. Madison Shockley on the black liberation theology of MLK - @truthdig Radio - Air Date: 1-16-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Glory (From the Motion Picture "Selma") - Glory (From the Motion Picture "Selma") - Single
Ch. 10: Act 5: Movement Building and the Importance of Youth - Tim Wise - Air Date: 12-5-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: A Dream - Freedom Writers
Ch. 12: Act 6: Demand Congress Address Civil and Human Rights via @civilrightsorg - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 14: Act 7: Gary Younge, author of 'The Speech' with MLK - @Making_Contact - Air Date: 1-13-15
Voicemails
Ch. 16: Encouraging women to speak about their experiences with abortion - Zoe from Durham, NC
Ch. 17: This American Life did a segment on Vocal Fry - Ruben from San Jose
Ch. 18: Thoughts on the impermanence of "culture" - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 19: Final comments on the invention of racism by the powerful to divide the powerless
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Demand Congress Address Civil and Human Rights via @civilrightsorg
Take Action:
Add your name: Congress Must Address Civil and Human Rights Priorities in 2015 via The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Additional Activism/Resources:
Go. See. Selma. Find listings HERE
Sources/further reading:
"Will Justice Scalia Be the Savior of the Fair Housing Act?” at ACLU.org
"Civil and Human Rights Coalition Troubled by Deletion of “Civil Rights and Human Rights” from Senate Constitution Subcommittee” press release from The Leadership Conference
“Yes, The Oscars Are So White, And Here’s Why That Matters” at MTV.com
OscarsSoWhite via @ReignOfApril
”Ava DuVernay: ‘Selma’ Is the ‘Vision of a Black Storyteller Undiluted’” by Mychal Denzel Smith at The Nation
"Congress Will Be in Session Longer Next Year. Will It Make a Difference?” by Kate Scanlon at The Daily Signal
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #893 Today we take the actual harm caused by restrictive abortion policies and some ways to reframe the debate Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Can Abortions Save Lives? - @testtube - Air Date: 1-6-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: A Girl, A Boy, and a Graveyard - The Reluctant Graveyard
Ch. 4: Act 2: Right-Wing Policies Are Literally Killing Women - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-17-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Nothing Else Matters - Inquisition Symphony
Ch. 6: Act 3: @KathaPollitt: on the history of abortion rights in America - Diane Rehm Show (@drshow) - Air Date: 10-8-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Patriarchy Over & Out - Patriarchy Over & Out - EP
Ch. 8: Act 4: Safe And Legal Abortions Difficult By Design - @fakedansavage - Air Date 9-16-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Shame - Emotionalism (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 10: Act 5: We would really like some control over your uterus - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 1-13-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Liberty - Frontiers
Ch. 12: Act 6: States Continue Push To Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks - @JenniferLudden on @NPR - Air Date: 1-22-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: The Thing That Made You - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 14: Act 7: Republican women revolt against abortion ban - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 1-22-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Mondo '77 (feat. Francis MacDonald) - Vanilla Sky (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 16: Act 8: End Abortion Coverage Bans - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 18: Act 9: @KathaPollitt reads from her book Pro: Reclaiming Abortion Rights - @Politics_Prose - Air Date: 10-31-14
Voicemails
Ch. 20: No problem with teaching comparitive religion - Trey from Corvallis
Ch. 21: Privacy laws also protect the already-powerful - Dave from Canada
Ch. 22: One reason why the police shoot to kill - Neil
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on why cops are trained to shoot to kill and a reminder to nominate BotL in the Best Produced category at PodcastAwards.com
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: End Abortion Coverage Bans
Take Action:
Track H.R.7 via GovTrack.us and use Contacting the Congress to tell your Senators to vote NO when H.R.7 comes to the Senate.
SIGN All* Above All’s letter opposing the Hyde Amendment on the 2016 budget: End Abortion Coverage Bans Now!
Additional Activism/Resources:
SIGN NARAL Pro-Choice America’s petitions to the 114th Congress:
”Ask the Republican Leaders: Where Are The Women?”
”Anti-Choice Politicians Don’t Speak For Me
Sources/further reading:
See who the H.R.7 co-sponsors were: Congressional Bill Tracker — H.R.7
"New Year, Same as the Old Year? 2015 Reproductive Rights Preview” by Katie Klabusich at Truthout
"Roe Should Be a Reality for All, Not Just for a Wealthy Few” by Heidi Williamson at TalkPoverty.org
"Congress Rejected A 20-Week Abortion Ban, But These States Didn’t” by Tara Culp-Ressler at ThinkProgress
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #892 Today we take a look at the propaganda we’re fed to convince us that muslims are dangerous and examine why it’s bullshit Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Support The Good Fight's Kickstarter!
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Violence and Muslims - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 1-9-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: Dig Down Deep - Dig Down Deep (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 4: Act 2: Study: Religious Extremism is the Main Cause of Terrorism - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 11-20-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Tobacco Road - Tobacco Road
Ch. 6: Act 3: Islam isn't more bizarre than Christianity, it's just less familiar to us - @truthdig Radio - Air Date: 1-16-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: Perpetuum Mobile - Preludes, Airs and Yodels (A Penguin Cafe Primer)
Ch. 8: Act 4: Countering Radical Islam - @onthemedia - Air Date: 1-16-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Gerudo Valley (From "Ocarina of Time") - Melodies of Hyrule: Music from "the Legend of Zelda"
Ch. 10: Act 5: 'American Sniper' Bashed As Pro-War Anti-Muslim Propaganda - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 01-22-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Little Lies - Fleetwood Mac: Greatest Hits
Ch. 12: Act 6: Slain Muslim Cop’s Brother Delivers A Eulogy All Must Hear - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-13-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Porcelain - Play & Play: B Sides
Ch. 14: Act 7: Add the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to the Census via @ACCESS1971 & @NNAAC - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 16: Act 8: I am the son of a terrorist. Here's how I chose peace. - @ZakEbrahim on @TEDTalks - Air Date: 9-9-14
Voicemails
Ch. 18: Cutting through the cloud of BS - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 19: Tired of fighting racism - Xena from New York
Ch. 20: Activism segments are valuable and the government's divine right to kill - Erin from Philadelphia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on PodcastAwards.com and the Kickstarter for The Good Fight with Ben Wikler
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Add the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to the Census via @ACCESS1971 & @NNAAC
Take Action:
Leave a positive comment by February 1 to support adding the MENA region to the Census
Sources/further reading:
”Linda Sarsour speaks to MEMO about Islamophobia in America”
"Radio Dispatch Live with Linda Sarsour and Vince Warren” on Radio Dispatch
"For Republicans, Muslims Will Be the Gays of 2016” by Dean Obeidallah at The Daily Beast
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #891 Today we take a look at the terrorist attack on the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, including the hypocrisies, the missed points and a reassessment of the place of non-muslims in the War on Islamic Extremism™ Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Paris Shooting: At Least 11 Dead in Terror Attack - Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) - Air Date: 01-07-15
Ch. 3: Song 1: "Paris" - Dido
Ch. 4: Act 2: France Rises For Freedom & The World Rises With Them - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-13-15
Ch. 5: Song 2: We Stand As One - Occupy This Album
Ch. 6: Act 3: The possible motivations behind the Charlie Hebdo attacks - @truthdig Radio - Air Date: 1-9-15
Ch. 7: Song 3: From Finner - My Head Is An Animal
Ch. 8: Act 4: Calls for press freedom highlights the hypocrisy of world leaders - @democracynow - Air Date: 1-12-15
Ch. 9: Song 4: Standing - Empires
Ch. 10: Act 5: The French government is looking for more power in response to terrorist attack - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - AIr Date: 1-11-15
Ch. 11: Song 5: Cheer Up, Charlie - Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) [25th Anniversary Edition]
Ch. 12: Act 6: Don't miss the bigger picture of the conversation on free speech - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 1-9-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: Power of Words - Conversations With Shepherds, Sheep, Guinea Pigs and Monkeys: Nursery Rhymes for the Underfed Mind Vol I
Ch. 14: Act 7: We Believe in Free Speech, No Really! - John Mill - Air Date: 1-15-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Say What You Mean - Change of Scenery
Ch. 16: Act 8: Understanding free speech and what drives terrorism - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 1-18-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: And It Spread - I and Love and You
Ch. 18: Act 9: How societies wrongly react to terrorist attacks - @democracynow - Air Date: 1-12-15
Ch. 19: Song 9: Catalog & Classify - Tiger Banana
Ch. 20: Act 10: We need to understand our place in the conflict with Islamic extremism - @dccommonsense - Air Date: 1-18-15
Ch. 21: Final comments on the nature of Satire
Ch. 21.1: Giving Charlie Hebdo a pass on racism because they're from the left - @truthdig Radio - Air Date: 1-9-15
Ch. 21.2: Examining satire at Charlie Hebdo - @Jimmy_Dore Show - Air Date: 1-16-15
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
A special rerun episode from 2006 when Stephen Colbert was invited to give the keynote at the White House Coorespondents Dinner. Getting sick this week gives me the perfect excuse to replay this just after The Colbert Report came to a close.
Edition #890 Today we take a look at how over-policing and the threat of constant surveillance chips away at freedom in direct and indirect ways and why you should be concerned (if it weren’t already obvious) Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: How Did The NSA Become Big Brother? - @TestTube - Air Date: 6-16-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Safety Dance (Video Version) - Rhythm of Youth
Ch. 4: Act 2: NSA releasing documents about broken laws on Christmas Eve - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 12-28-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Abuse of Power - As the Stars Fall
Ch. 6: Act 3: @CatherineNCrump: The small and surprisingly dangerous detail the police track about you - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 12-11-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Don’t Worry, We'll Be Watching You - Making Mirrors
Ch. 8: Act 4: FBI, CIA Terrified They Won't Be Able to Spy on Your New Phone - @RedactedTonight - Air Date: 11-13-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Let My Love Open the Door - Hit & Run (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Ch. 10: Act 5: The NSA Has an Advice Columnist - @onthemedia - Air Date: 9-26-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Hate Me - Foiled
Ch. 12: Act 6: @ggreenwald: Why privacy matters - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 10-10-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Burn It Down - Dancing In The Streets
Ch. 14: Act 7: If you're not worried about spying then your privilege is showing - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 10-15-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Rockin' the Suburbs - Rockin' the Suburbs
Ch. 16: Act 8: Prohibit Mass Surveillance via @EFF - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 18: Act 9: From Drones to Chokeholds, We're Over-Policed! - @GRITlaura Flanders of @grittv - Air Date: 12-15-14
Voicemails
Ch. 20: Watch what the local police are saying - Chrisanne from New Jersey
Ch. 21: There should be a movement to divest from the prison industrial complex - Ian from Chattanooga, TN
Ch. 22: Capitalism and people of color - Vloral from Atlanta, GA
Ch. 23: Thoughts on aparthied America - Fisher from Buffalo, NY
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 24: Final comments on the Surveillance Self-Defence info pack from the Electronic Frontier Foundation
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Bonus Episode I mentioned: (2013/11/18) Another terrible pipeline (School-to-prison)
Activism: Prohibit Mass Surveillance via @EFF
Take Action:
SIGN the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) petition: "Tell Obama: Stop Mass Surveillance Under Executive Order 12333”
Additional Activism/Resources:
Leave a comment for the Federal Elections Commission via EFF: "No New Regulation for Online Political Speech”
SIGN the ACLU pledge: "Invasion of the Data Snatchers”
Sources/further reading:
"PEN America: "'The Harm Caused by Surveillance...is Unmistakable’” via EFF
"Global Chilling: The Impact of Mass Surveillance on International Writers” from PEN American Center
"The Fight in Congress to End the NSA’s Mass Spying: 2014 in Review” at EFF
"ACLU accuses NSA of using holiday lull to ‘minimise impact’ of documents” by Nicky Woolf at The Guardian
"US tries to strike deal with EU for immunity over online security breaches” by Phillip Inman at The Guardian
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #889 Today we look at the interplay between a system of structural racism and our (in)justice system and beg the question: is the system broken or is it working just as intended? Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: How Do Grand Juries Work? - @TestTube - Air Date: 12-05-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Keepsake - Peace Between Nations
Ch. 4: Act 2: Prosecutor Bob McCullogh breaks his silence - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 12-19-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Perjury - My Friends And The Sun EP
Ch. 6: Act 3: The judicial history of police using choke holds - @DecodeDC - Air Date: 12-18-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Going Home - The Talks
Ch. 8: Act 4: Resisting Arrest While Black vs White - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 12-17-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Hill Street Blues - 100 Greatest TV Themes
Ch. 10: Act 5: The role of implicit bias in the (in)justice system - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 10-9-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: How Do You See Me - Montibello Memories
Ch. 12: Act 6: The Big Reality Show, the 1% and the Myth of the Thin Blue Line - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 1-7-15
Ch. 13: Song 6: "This fickle world" - Theo Bard
Ch. 14: Act 7: Excellent result of NYPD protest - @LeeCamp - Air Date: 1-7-15
Ch. 15: Song 7: Promontory - Tideland
Ch. 16: Act 8: Discussing #BlackBrunch - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 1-5-15
Ch. 17: Song 8: Brunch - Jobo Shakins
Ch. 18: Act 9: #BlackBrunch - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 20: Act 10: Bad News For Ferguson Prosecutor Bob McCulloch - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-06-15
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Ferguson episode was sad and hopeful - Dave from Olympia, WA
Ch. 22: What can we do in the wake of Ferguson - Vphriamer Adis from New York
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on voicemails and the benefits of membership
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #BlackBrunch
Take Action:
Get the info on #BlackBrunch: "#BlackBrunchNYC Disrupts Diners To Protest Police Brutality” via Lily Workneh at HuffPo
Follow @BlackBrunchNYC and #BlackBrunch on Twitter.
Additional Activism/Resources:
Go. See. “Selma.” Now showing Find your local listings #MarchOn
Sources/further reading:
"Former NYPD Officer Responds To #Blackbrunch With Gun-Toting Selfie” by Hannington Dia at News One
"A Guide for Anyone Who Finds Themselves in the Middle of a #BlackBrunch” by Derrick Clifton at Mic News
"Black Brunch Won’t Let Us Turn Away From Victims Of Police Violence” by Muna Mire at {Young}ist
"Attack of the ‘Black Brunch’ brats” by Michelle Malkin at The New York Post
"Hashtag Activism Isn't a Cop-Out” by Noah Berlatsky at The Atlantic — an interview with Deray Mckesson
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #888
Today we continue to look at the effect of money in politics and follow the campaigns you can support that are actively working to reform the system
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Reclaim Democracy - The Nantucket Project (@Nantucketproj) - Air Date: 10-22-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A
Ch. 4: Act 2: Caller: Are we Going to Restrict Left Wing Donations? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 12-09-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Like Humans Do (radio edit) - David Byrne
Ch. 6: Act 3: CORRUPTION: YES Voters on Spending Bill Got 2X Money of NO Voters - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 12-20-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Follow The Money - The Redemption Of Zounds
Ch. 8: Act 4: What Can You Get When You Buy A Politician? - @ringoffireradio - Air Date: 12-28-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Buy My Vote - Righteous Ruckus
Ch. 10: Act 5: America: The Best Government Money can Buy - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 12-11-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Oligarchy - Punkgrass for the People
Ch. 12: Act 6: Two Weeks in January - @NHRebellion - Air Date: 4-17-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: El Condor Pasa (If I Could) - The Best of Simon & Garfunkel
Ch. 14: Act 7: Walk Across New Hampshire: @NHrebellion - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 16: Act 8: Illinois Passes Historic Measure To Fight Money In Politics - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 12-05-14
Voicemails
Ch. 18: The Disgusting Reaction Of The Police To Protests Against Them - Colin From Cleveland, OH
Ch. 19: Be An Ally, Not An Asshole - Nathan From Boca Raton, FL
Ch. 20: Strategies For Striking - Daniel From Albany, NY
Ch. 21: Thoughts On Teaching Religion In School - Colin From Cleveland, OH
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 22: Final comments on Granny D's arrest at the US Capital Building
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Walk Across New Hampshire: @NHrebellion
Take Action:
Join with the NH Rebellion, January Walk
Follow NH Rebellion on Facebook and on Twitter
Amplify the NH Rebellion participants using the #NHR thread
Sources/further reading:
”In One Week, the 2nd #NHR Walk Begins” via Lawrence Lessig
"Aaron's Walk: The New Hampshire Rebellion” by ”Lawrence Lessig
"Losing Aaron [Swartz]” by ”Jangle Nanos at Boston Magazine
"Embrace the Irony: Lawrence Lessig wants to reform campaign finance. All he needs is fifty billionaires.” by Evan Osnos at The New Yorker
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #887
Today we take a look at the state of poverty in America and some ideas of how to address it
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Have you benefited from a government program - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 02-04-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Eleanor Rigby (Strings Only) - Anthology Box Set
Ch. 4: Act 2: Extending Unemployment Benefits is Fiscally Conservative - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-17-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Working Poor - House With No Home
Ch. 6: Act 3: Blessed Are The Poor - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 5-9-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Kill the Poor - Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Ch. 8: Act 4: Politician Pushes For Literal Hunger Games - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-20-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Laughing At You - Popaganda
Ch. 10: Act 5: PBS's Weak Challanges On Ryan Economics - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 10-10-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Let's Eat the Poor - Let's Eat the Poor
Ch. 12: Act 6: Govt Will Double Food Stamp Value When Used for Local Fruits & Vegetables - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 11-15-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Food Glorious Food - Oliver! (Soundtrack)
Ch. 14: Act 7: Bernie Sanders' 12 Point Plan to Save the Middle Class - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 12-05-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Man With a Plan - Man With a Plan - Single
Ch. 16: Act 8: @HalfinTen via Coalition On Human Needs (@CoalitiononHN) - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 18: Act 9: Linda Tirado - Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America - GoodBooksRadio - Air Date: 10-03-14
Voicemails
Ch. 20: Let schools teach about religious holidays - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Ch. 21: Fact-checking Jimmy Dore on Christmas - Sandy in Germany
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 22: Final comments on a stunning piece of cognitive dissonance
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: @HalfinTen via Coalition On Human Needs (@CoalitiononHN)
Take Action!
Get involved with Half In Ten
Follow Half in Ten on Twitter and on Facebook
Participate in #TalkPoverty
Sources/further reading:
"The Safety Net Is Good Economic Policy” by Sarah Steinberg at the Center For American Progress
"Fact of the Week: Safety Net Programs Kept Child Poverty from Skyrocketing during the Great Recession” by Lecia Imbery at the Coalition On Human Needs
"One in five millennials lives in poverty, report finds” by Jana Kasperkevic at The Guardian
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #811
Today we look at some of the reasons why rich people have a tendency to be some of the worst people on the planet and how their actions make things worse for everyone, including themselves.
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The persecuted rich - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 01-30-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Perfect Balance (Population Ballroom Mix) - Perfect Balance - EP
Ch. 4: Act 2: Why Do Crazy Rich People Keep Talking About Nazism? - @majorityfm - Air Date: 03-20-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Friends and Neighbors - Ain't She Sweet
Ch. 6: Act 3: Former Wolf Of Wall Street Comes Clean In Op-Ed - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-03-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Philosophy - Ben Folds Five
Ch. 8: Act 4: Affluenza vs Impoverbetes - Disorderly Conduct (@Dis_Con) - Air Date 12-16-13
Ch. 9: Song 4: My Wealth Comes to Me - Dear Companion
Ch. 10: Act 5: They're Bigger Assholes Than You Ever Thought | Wall Street Secret Society Infiltrated - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-19-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Game Is Rigged - Badly Stuffed Animals
Ch. 12: Act 6: Citizen’s United Take Two via @CommonCause - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 14: Act 7: Paul Piff: Does money make you mean? - TEDx - Air Date: 12-2013
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Coverage of Ukraine dropped the ball - Issac from DC
Ch. 16: Thoughts on Joss Whedon's speech - Rosa from Denver, CO
Ch. 17: The cold war then and now - Maureen from Mass
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on my bad mood leading to today's fuck-the-rick episode
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
ACTIVISM:
Take Action on McCutcheon v FEC from Common Cause
Sources/further reading:
McCutcheon v Federal Election Commission from SCOTUS Blog
"Scalia’s looming fiasco: Obscure new SCOTUS case may be worse than Citizens United" by Josh Eidelson
"Six Supreme Court Cases to Watch This Term” by Jessica Mason Pieklo
"How Much Did Sheldon Adelson Really Spend on Campaign 2012?” from ProPublica
”Who Is Foster Friess? Seven Facts You Need to Know” from
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
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Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #828
Today we look at what benefits there are in having a death penalty (none) and which elements of it are fundamentally unjust (all)
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: If The Victim Is White, Death Penalty MUCH More Likely - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-23-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Death Penalty - Love Is for the Rich
Ch. 4: Act 2: If You Support the Death Penalty, You're Probably White - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-01-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Fight to Win (feat. Cee Lo Green) - Fight to Win (feat. Cee Lo Green) - Single
Ch. 6: Act 3: Execution In Oklahoma - @MumiaAbuJamal - Air Date: 5-5-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: American Way - Essential Masters
Ch. 8: Act 4: Texas to try secret lethal drug in execution - Rachel @Maddow - Air Date: 5-12-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Close These Curtains - Behaving Like a Widower
Ch. 10: Act 5: Judgement On The Secret Cocktail - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 5-9-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: What Are We Doing Here? - Field Recordings, Vol. 04: Crown Demos Part 2
Ch. 12: Act 6: Court blocks Texas from killing prisoner - Rachel @maddow - Air Date 5-13-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Death Penalty - What's So Strange About Me
Ch. 14: Act 7: Shocking Percentage Of Death Row Inmates Are Innocent - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-03-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Can't Hide from the Truth - The Life and Time Of...
Ch. 16: Act 8: Fixing the death row system via @innocence - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 18: Act 9: Support for Death Penalty Lowest in 40 Years - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-31-13
Ch. 19: Song 9: A Change Is Gonna Come - Learning to Bend
Ch. 20: Act 10: Rick Perry Killed an Innocent Man - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-12-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Historical context of respectability politics - ? from Pittsburgh, PA
Ch. 22: Respectability politics = victim blaming - Sonya from Minnesota
Ch. 23: Jeff from theliberalcurmudgeon.com on how and why to support Best of the Left - Jeff from New York
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 24: Final comments on the next bonus episode on the consepts of self and free will
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
ACTIVISM:
What Can I Do? from The Innocence Project
Sources/further reading:
"How Oklahoma's GOP Governor Turned a Heinous Killer Into a Death-Penalty Martyr” by Stephanie Mencimer at Mother Jones
VIDEO: "Execution Chaos: Witness Recounts Botched Killing That Caused Oklahoma Prisoner's Fatal Heart Attack” via Democracy Now!
"Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin defends controversial execution” by Meredith Clark via MSNBC
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #886
Today, after weeks of discussing the wrongful deaths of unarmed citizens at the hands of brutal policing policies, the illegal and immoral systematic torture of prisoners carried out in our names and the inescapable reach of rape culture infused in our society, we’re finally able to dedicate our last new episode of the year to one of the nations most pressing issues
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: War On Christmas Update From Bill O'Reilly On Fox News - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date: 12-04-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: War On Christmas - Enabling Peace On Earth
Ch. 4: Act 2: Bill O'Reilly: The War on Christmas Avenger - @majorityfm - Air Date: 12-05-13
Ch. 5: Song 2: Christians and Pagans - Mortal City
Ch. 6: Act 3: Wouldn't Jesus Hate Christmas? - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 12-23-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: The War On the War On Christmas - The War On the War On Christmas - Single
Ch. 8: Act 4: @chrisrock Monologue: We commercialize everything - Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) - Air Date: 12-03-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: War On Christmas Day - Hallways: the Songs of Carol Hall
Ch. 10: Act 5: Bill O'Reilly's Latest Manufactured 'War On Christmas' Crisis - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date: 12-07-13
Ch. 11: Song 5: War Medley: Onward Christian Soldiers / I'm On the Battlefield / Keep On the Firing Line - Sanders Family Christmas - Smoke On the Mountain, Pt. 2
Ch. 12: Act 6: Christmas Belongs To Everyone - @fakedansavage - Air Date 12-24-13
Ch. 13: Song 6: White Wine in the Sun - White Wine in the Sun - Single
Ch. 14: Act 7: Bill O'Reilly: War on Christmas 2014, Revenge of the Muslims! - @majorityfm - Air Date: 11-20-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: (It's Good to Be) A Jew At Christmas - Unorthodox
Ch. 16: Act 8: The True Origin Of Christmas - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 12-20-13
Ch. 18: Final comments on a year I'm happy to see gone
Bonus - Song 8: (There's No War On Christmas) When Christmas Is in Your Heart - (There's No War On Christmas) When Christmas Is in Your Heart - Single
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #885
Today we take a look at the fallout from a badly reported case of rape at a UVA frat house. Rolling Stone seemed to be trying to help but with a completely upside-down approach of how to expose the problems of rape culture, compounded by one journalistic blunder after another, they only succeeded in making the problem worse.
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Introduction to the UVA rape case badly reported by Rolling Stone - @onthemedia - AIr Date: 12-6-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Party Is Over - Adam Levy - All Four One: Vol. 1 - Americana Compilation
Ch. 4: Act 2: UVA rape story questioned -@MHPshow - Air Date: 12-7-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Trust in Me - At Last! (Remastered)
Ch. 6: Act 3: Laura Dunn (@SurvJustice) on the Fallout from the Rolling Stone article “A Rape on Campus” - @RadioTimes with @MartyMossCoane - Air Date: 12-9-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Common Reaction - Un Huh Her
Ch. 8: Act 4: The nightmare the bad reporting on the UVA rape case has created - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 12-9-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare - Grand
Ch. 10: Act 5: Why demanding perfect victims is a recipe for disaster - @MattFilipowicz Show - Air Date: 12-16-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Beautiful Disaster - Greatest Hits '93-'03
Ch. 12: Act 6: Is There A 'Right' Way To Report On Rape? - @helenbenedict on @HuffPostLive with @RickyCam - Air Date: 12-10-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Le mystère de contre jour - Contre jour (Original Soundtrack)
Ch. 14: Act 7: A very few people lie but we should believe them anyways - @fakedansavage - Air Date: 12-16-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Deep In the SweetWater (Remix by Joseph Bishara) - My Fever Broke
Ch. 16: Act 8: Support Survivors With @KnowYourIX - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 18: Act 9: Talking about sexual assault prevention - @MHPshow - Air Date: 12-14-14
Voicemails
Ch. 20: More thoughts on striking healthcare workers - Steve from Alaska
Ch. 21: Minimum income is more dignified than social programs - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 22: Final comments sharing some good news and also some good news
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Support Survivors With @KnowYourIX
Take Action:
Follow, support, and utilize the resources at Know Your IX
Additional Activism/Resources:
Read and signal boost the #BelieveSurvivors hashtag
Sources/further reading:
"On Rolling Stone, lessons from fact-checking, and the limits of journalism” by Maya Dusenbery at Feministing
”Jackie Update” — and why media only covers “interesting” rape stories by Melissa McEwan at Shakesville
"How Rolling Stone Gave A Gift To Rape Apologists” by Katie Klabusich at Buzzfeed
"Why I Don't Want To Hear Both Sides Of Rape Cases” by Wagatwe Wanjuki at Buzzfeed
"Victims’ Memories Are Imperfect, But Still Perfectly Believable” by Ali Safran at Buzzfeed
"The Wrestler and the Rape Victim” by Jessica Luther at Vice Sports
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #884
Today we take a look at the recently released Senate torture report and attempt to give guidance on how it should and should NOT be received
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Senate releases report on CIA torture - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 12-9-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Human Rights - One Thing
Ch. 4: Act 2: "We Are Awesome"... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 12-10-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Look At How Awesome We Are! - Look At How Awesome We Are!
Ch. 6: Act 3: Juan Cole on the lack of response to US torture from the Middle East - @truthdig Radio - Air Date: 12-12-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Machine - Contre jour (Original Soundtrack)
Ch. 8: Act 4: Suggesting alternatives to torture - The Bugle (@hellobuglers) - Air Date: 12-12-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Seduce Me - Joyride
Ch. 10: Act 5: Don't change the subject on torture - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 12-12-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Idiots Are Taking Over - The War On Errorism
Ch. 12: Act 6: Pardons would label torturers as criminals - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 12-9-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: We Know Better - Small Fame
Ch. 14: Act 7: Our culture of impunity - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 12-14-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Accountability - I've Never Been to Heaven
Ch. 16: Act 8: Prosecute #Torture via @ACLU - Best of the Left Activism
Act 8.5: They Said No To Torture - @aclu videos - Air Date: 12-12-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 18: Act 9: Hayes Are really we a nation of laws? - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date 12-9-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: Law and Order - The Ultimate TV Themes Collection: Thrillers
Ch. 20: Act 10: What happens when you betray your ideals - @dccommonsense with Dan Carlin - Air Date: 12-14-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: What's needed to understand the discussion on race - Vphriamer Adis from New York
Ch. 22: The heartland is in media darkness - Vicki from Oregon
Ch. 23: American exceptionalism is bullshit - Chris from Colorado Springs
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 24: Final comments on the underserved oppressed group featured in the most recent bonus episode
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Prosecute #Torture via @ACLU
Take Action:
Write, email, and call (202-353-1555) the Department of Justice to demand the prosecution of those who ordered and orchestrated torture.
SIGN the ACLU petition: No Free Pass For Torture
Additional Activism:
SIGN the ACLU petition demanding the president Honor Those Who Said No To Torture
Sources/further reading:
"Why a Criminal Investigation is Necessary” — The ACLU statement on the Senate Torture Report
"Civil Rights Groups Call for Prosecution of Torture Architects” by Murtaza Hussain at The Intercept
"SSCI Torture Report Key: They Knew It was Torture, Knew It Was Illegal” via empty wheel
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #883
Today we take a look at the economics of energy and the implications for the climate. Turns out the pressure to create a clean energy future is making that future a good bet for investors
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Climate Change - fentoncomonline - Air Date: 9-22-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: One Love - Songs Around the World (Audio/Video Version)
Ch. 4: Act 2: The financial realities of the energy industry are shifting - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 12-04-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Sunshine Goodtime - Pretty Baby
Ch. 6: Act 3: Yo, Conservatives! Turns Out Program that Funded Solyndra Made Money and That's Not Even the Point... - @majorityfm - Air Date: 11-24-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Don't Hold Me Back - Call Back
Ch. 8: Act 4: Climate Change: The Cost of Inaction - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (@EPA) - Air Date: 9-19-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Mothers of the Night - Last Night
Ch. 10: Act 5: Major corporation spending millions to build a symbol? - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 11-28-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Waltz of Honesty - Adventure the Great EP
Ch. 12: Act 6: Keystone XL Pipeline Job Numbers Even WORSE Than We Thought - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 11-22-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Reinventing Kevin Bacon - Causes and Cures
Ch. 14: Act 7: Progress at the climate negotiations - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 12-11-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Australia - Wincing the Night Away
Ch. 16: Act 8: The Changing Climates Of Global Warming Propaganda [Fascinating Study] - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-29-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Hide and Seek - Speak for Yourself
Ch. 18: Act 9: Shoulders - Shane @Koyczan and The Short Story Long - Air Date: 10-8-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: One Day - Light (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 20: Act 10: Get Local on #ClimateChange via @NRDC - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 21: Song 10: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 22: Act 11: These Republicans use China as an excuse for climate inaction. What will they say now? - @theclimatedesk - Air Date: 11-11-14
Ch. 23: Act 12: Secret negotiations lead to US/China GHG emmissions agreement - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 11-13-14
Ch. 24: Song 12: Liquid Sun - The Beginning (A New Hope) (club mix) - DJ Keoki
Ch. 25: Act 13: HUGE: U.S. and China Announce Big New Climate Deal - @majorityfm - Air Date: 11-13-14
Voicemails
Ch. 26: Black and brown people aren't seen as human - Daemon from Bath, NC
Ch. 27: Need to work from within and without on racism - Gia from Philadelphia, PA
Ch. 28: Fuck the police - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Ch. 29: Questioning white supremacy - Marcus from Wichita Falls, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 30: Final comments on the ocean of white supremacy that we all swim in
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Get Local on #ClimateChange via @NRDC
Take Action:
SIGN to Tell Your Governor to Help Curb Climate Change h/t The National Resources Defense Council
Sources/further reading:
"5 Awful Things Congress Snuck Into the Omnibus Budget Deal” via The Bulletin
"Congress narrowly averts government shutdown” via CNN.com
"What’s in That Huge, Lobbyist-Driven Spending Bill?” by Joshua Holland at BillMoyers.com
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #882
Today we take a look at the systemic failures, both institutional and psychological, that continue to make injustice the norm throughout our justice system
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: How "Protect & Serve" Became "Search & Destroy" - @bravenewfilms - Air Date: 09-08-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Unknown Song
Ch. 4: Act 2: And now to have secret trials - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 11-30-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: What Is Your Secret - The Weight Is a Gift
Ch. 6: Act 3: Botched grand jury instructions call Ferguson ruling into question - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 12-02-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Just asking - Triangle Shirt Factory
Ch. 8: Act 4: Justice Scalia’s Grand Jury Rant Highlights Everything Wrong With Ferguson - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-30-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Soon It Will Be Cold Enough to Build Fires - Soon It Will Be Cold Enough
Ch. 10: Act 5: Police body cameras are about more than the film they produce - @teamgoodfight - Air Date 9-15-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Gobbledigook - Med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust
Ch. 12: Act 6: Officer's testimony cast Michael Brown as outsized threat - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 11-25-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Fear is a villain - Theo Bard
Ch. 14: Act 7: The differing assumptions made about black children - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 12-2-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Mad World (feat. Gary Jules) - Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets
Ch. 16: Act 8: #ThisStopsToday - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 18: Act 9: Why police shoot black men - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 12-2-14
Voicemails
Ch. 19: Responding to Mark from Texas - Calling from Seattle
Ch. 20: Respectability politics has been tried and it doesn't work - Jadelle from NYC
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on respectability politics and a call for diversity in the voicemails
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: #ThisStopsToday
SIGN ACLU petition: "Our communities are not war zones”
SIGN Change.org petition: Require Ferguson and St. Louis County and City police officers to wear body cameras
Demand the Department of Justice Secure Justice For Mike Brown through federal Civil Rights action
Demand the Department of Justice investigate and indict Officer Pantaleo on federal criminal charges for violating Eric Garner’s Civil Rights
Additional Activism/Resources:
ThisStopsToday events are ongoing. Find/organize one in your city.
Contact the Dept of Justice
Follow Jamilah Lemieux’s #AliveWhileBlack thread.
Bookmark the Justice 4 Mike Brown Tumblr which is aggregating video/pics/posts from around the world in solidarity
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #881
Today listen and learn from those most deeply effected by the pattern of deaths of black men and women as they talk through their grief and anger
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Ferguson - @MumiaAbuJamal - Air Date: 11-25-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Survivors - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 4: Act 2: Ferguson is Selma - @mychalsmith on @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 11-26-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Basique - Mickey Mouse Operation
Ch. 6: Act 3: New rules and time for action - @blackastronaut1 - Air Date: 11-26-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Song Link here
Ch. 8: Act 4: This is what hopelessness looks like - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 11-26-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Rivers and Roads - The Head and the Heart
Ch. 10: Act 5: The Illipsis- on Ferguson, riots and human limits - @jsmooth995 - Air Date: 11-26-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Tobacco Road - Tobacco Road
Ch. 12: Act 6: Ferguson's Fall Out - @MumiaAbuJamal - Air Date: 11-29-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Struggle - Ringside
Ch. 14: Act 7: When the System Provides No Remedies to Torture, You Must Overthrow It - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 12-3-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Take a Look Around (In the Style of Limp Bizkit) [Karaoke Instrumental Version] - Karaoke in the Style of Limp Bizkit - Single
Ch. 16: Act 8: New York City takes to streets in wake of Garner ruling - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 12-3-14
Ch. 17: Song 8:
Everyday (Single Version) - Carly Comando
Ch. 18: Act 9: Death for a Cigarette - @MumiaAbuJamal - Air Date: 12-4-14
Ch. 19: Song 9:
If Not Now, When - Anchor & Braille
Ch. 20: Act 10: Prepare yourselves for the long haul - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 12-3-14
Ch. 21: Song 10:
Protest song - Anti-Flag
Ch. 22: Act 11: Killer Mike's pre-show Ferguson Grand Jury speech
Voicemails
Ch. 23: Focus on the gasoline, not the match - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Ch. 24: Thoughts on the big picture of race relations in America - Marcus from Wichita Falls, TX
Ch. 25: Another blow to the psyche - Prof. Rambo from Georgia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 26: Final comments directing protesters to fergusonresponse.tumblr.com and #thisstopstoday
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #880
Today we take a look at the fact that the divisions in our media consumption are creating perspectives of the world which are utterly unrecognizable to one another
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Who Controls The News - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 8-22-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: This Is an Advertisement - This Is an Advertisement - Single
Ch. 4: Act 2: It depends on how you define news - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 10-31-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Pompeii - Bad Blood
Ch. 6: Act 3: No, "Liberal" Pundits. Midterm Elections Do Not Show Dems Need to Stop Being "Hard Left" - @majorityfm - Air Date: 11-06-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Praise You - The Greatest Hits - Why Try Harder
Ch. 8: Act 4: What has Happened to News in America? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-15-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Walls Are Coming Down - Reservoir
Ch. 10: Act 5: Bengazi scandal debunked by GOP-lead investigation - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 11-28-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Bad News - 808s & Heartbreak (Exclusive Edition)
Ch. 12: Act 6: A Nation in Fear - @MumiaAbuJamal - Air Date: 10-20-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Fear - Fearless
Ch. 14: Act 7: NBC's balanced coverage of voter fraud - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date: 10-25-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Clementine - Suburban Nature
Ch. 16: Act 8: Media is the big winner in elections - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 11-07-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Doing Business - Transfer
Ch. 18: Act 9: Conservatives Trust News Like This, Liberals Trust News Like That - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-25-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: Hide the Truth - Coming Up, Vol. 1
Ch. 20: Act 10: Conservative media creates parallel universe - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 11-10-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Thoughts on medical personnel strikes - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 22: Responding to street harassment episode - Aaron from Pennsylvania
Ch. 23: Switching to 100% renewable energy was cheaper - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 24: Final comments on Ethical Electric and National Day of Mourning
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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796
Turns out there's a whole lot of stuff wrong with our food supply, including cows eating shit. Like they don't already have it bad enough.
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: 10,000 Sick in Salmonella Chicken Outbreak - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-10-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: Salmonella - Shul days
Ch. 4: Act 2: Virulent Strain Of Soy Flu Traced To Single Tofurky - @TheOnion
Ch. 5: Song 2: Virus - Astronaut
Ch. 6: Act 3: In this season of feasting, let's celebrate agriCULTURE - @jimhightower - Air Date: 11-28-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: Harvest Season - The Sun Shone Through the Trees
Ch. 8: Act 4: How Waste Isn't Just Throwing Things Away - @FoodWaste_TV - Air Date: 06-04-13
Ch. 9: Song 4: Smithereen - Epic Indie New Wave
Ch. 10: Act 5: Cows Being Fed Chicken Poop, FDA Not Stopping It - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 12-28-13
Ch. 11: Song 5: Risk It - Dark As Night
Ch. 12: Act 6: John Robbins: Why I went vegetarian - @vegsource - Air Date: 5-21-09
Ch. 13: Song 6: Everybody Ona Move - Yell Fire!
Ch. 14: Act 7: A curse, a blessing, and a good food movement - @jimhightower - Air Date: 12-5-13
Ch. 15: Song 7: Good Food - Planet X
Ch. 16: Act 8: Transgenic foods have bought the population problem some time - @inquiringshow - Air Date: 9-27-13
Ch. 17: Song 8: Take It to the Limit - Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975
Ch. 18: Act 9: National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 20: Act 10: Listener Argues Against GMO Food Labeling - @majorityfm - Air Date: 01-24-14
Ch. 21: Song 10: Fake Plastic Trees - The Bends
Ch. 22: Act 11: Only Study Linking GMOs to Cancer Gets Retracted - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 12-03-13
Ch. 23: Song 11: Good Food - Making Paper Roses
Ch. 24: Act 12: The Incredible Response to Our "Real Reasons to be Afraid of GMOs" Interview - @majorityfm - Air Date: 01-24-14
Voicemails
Ch. 25: Number one source of GHG is animal agriculture - Kate from Boston
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 26: Final comments on being contacted by a potential corporate shill
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
ACTIVISM:
NSAC “Take Action” page
Sources/further reading:
NSAC on Twitter and NSAC on Facebook
What Is Sustainable Agriculture?
"The New Farm Bill: Yet Again, Not Ready for Climate Change” and "Obama’s 5 Biggest Sellouts to the Meat Industry” by Tom Philpott
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay [at] BestOfTheLeft [dot] com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #879
Today we take a look at some of the underlying problems with capitalism and their repercussions
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Can Money Buy Happiness? - AsapSCIENCE - Air Date: 12-20-12
Ch. 3: Song 1: Spend - Try to Be Here
Ch. 4: Act 2: Unregulated Capitalism and the Persuit of Happiness... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 11-12-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Mo Money Mo Problems (feat. Mase & Puff Daddy) - Life After Death (Deluxe Version)
Ch. 6: Act 3: Capitalism is fundamentally undemocratic - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 11-10-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Capitalism - Capitalism (feat. Bajka) - EP
Ch. 8: Act 4: Thoughts on a basic guaranteed income - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 10-20-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: American Way - Essential Masters
Ch. 10: Act 5: Triangle Returns - Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights - Air Date: 03-22-11
Ch. 11: Song 5: Going Home - The Talks
Ch. 12: Act 6: Dr. King's "Bill of Economic and Social Rights" - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-21-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: America First - Chicago Wind
Ch. 14: Act 7: Protest Black Friday - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 16: Act 8: When Your Workers Want Rights Just Pay Off A Politician - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-18-14
Voicemails
Ch. 18: Asking for thoughts on medical personnel strikes - Peter from Little Rock, AK
Ch. 19: The importance of turnout - Ben from New Jersey
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments on the evolution of political and economic systems
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Protest Black Friday, #BND/#WalmartStrikers
Take Action:
Participate by not participating: Buy Nothing Day #BND via Adbusters
Follow and support Walmart Strikers via #WalmartStrikers on Twitter and Black Friday Protests
Sources/further reading:
"Sit-Down Strike at Walmart and Win? It's Been Done” via Huffington Post
"Letter: Working and middle class should support fast food workers” via Fight For $15
"Poll: Should retailers remain open on Thanksgiving?” with Steven Greenhouse on PBS Newshour
Watch: "This Black Friday, Workers to Challenge the Waltons” via OUR Walmart
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #878
Today we take a look at how the fight against money in politics is going in the wake of the 2014 election and where it’s going looking forward
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The Bare Knuckle Fight Against Money in Politics Part 1 - @billmoyersHQ - Air Date: 11-14-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Fearless (Acoustic Version) - For today
Ch. 4: Act 2: Corrupt Congressman Threatens Critics With More Corruption - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-22-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Don't Believe a Word - Realistic
Ch. 6: Act 3: The Bare Knuckle Fight Against Money in Politics Part 2 - @billmoyersHQ - Air Date: 11-14-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Gimme Hope Jo'anna - The Very Best of Eddy Grant - Road to Reparation
Ch. 8: Act 4: Princeton Study: US is No Longer an Actual Democracy - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 11-16-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Oligarchy - Punkgrass for the People
Ch. 10: Act 5: What $10 Million buys you in politics Part 1 - @teamgoodfight - Air Date: 11-17-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Confrontation - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 12: Act 6: Our democracy has been hijacked by the billionaires? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 11-03-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Buy My Vote - Righteous Ruckus
Ch. 14: Act 7: What $10 Million buys you in politics Part 2 - @teamgoodfight - Air Date: 11-17-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Nothing Else Matters - Inquisition Symphony
Ch. 16: Act 8: The Bare Knuckle Fight Against Money in Politics Part 3 - @billmoyersHQ - Air Date: 11-14-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Fighting Song (feat. Tom Morello) - Eyes On Fire - EP
Ch. 18: Act 9: The Quiet Movement That’s Saving Democracy Is About To Explode - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-13-14
Voicemails
Ch. 20: Comparing hyper-strict charter schools with boot camp - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Ch. 21: Keeping minorities in school alive and employable - Ryan from Phoenix
Ch. 22: GOP is getting paid well to not understand climate change - Erin from Philadelphia
Ch. 23: Response to harassment video and William J Jackson - David From Albuquerque, NM
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 24: Final comments with a call to send a thank-you note to the staff at Mayday PAC at info@mayday.us
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #877
To day we take a look at the election to see what went right, what went wrong and why. Plus, how to fix the problems for the future.
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Small victories, silver linings seen in lopsided election - Rachel @Maddow Show - Air Date: 11-5-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Silver Lining - Under the Blacklight
Ch. 4: Act 2: Turnout in the United States is always awful - Al Jazeera America (@ajam) - Air Date: 11-04-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Free to Decide - Stars - The Best of 1992-2002
Ch. 6: Act 3: No motivation to vote in a system that doesn't solve people's problems - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 11-10-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Changes - 2Pac: Greatest Hits
Ch. 8: Act 4: Republicans Now Dominate State Governments - Here’s Why - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-08-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Forbidden Love - Righteous Ruckus
Ch. 10: Act 5: Democrats lost because people can't trust them - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 11-8-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: My Conversation - The Best of the Uniques 1967-1969
Ch. 12: Act 6: Real Representative Democracy via @FairVote - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 14: Act 7: This Is What Happens When Wolf Pac (@WolfPAChq) Attacks - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 11-06-14
Voicemails
Ch. 15: We need a new voting system to support democracy - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Ch. 16: Voter ID is a solution to a different problem - Ronald in Baltimore
Ch. 17: Apology For Imitation - Mike From Nova Scotia
Ch. 18: Wake up call on street harassment - Adam from Tennessee
Ch. 19: Response to the street harassment video - William J Jackson from Washington State calling out of Florida
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments on all the great voicemails that have been coming in
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Real Representative Democracy via @FairVote
Take Action:
Get involved with Fair Vote
Follow FairVote on Twitter and on Facebook
Additional Activism/Resources:
Reform 2020
Representation 2020
Sources/further reading:
"Voter turnout in 2014 was the lowest since WWII” via The Washington Post
"The Gender Gap: Percentage of Women in Government Worldwide. We're Number One, Right? Not So Much…” via Daily Kos
”Jim Crow Returns: millions of minority voters threatened by electoral purge by Greg Palast at Al Jazeera America
Watch: Brad Friedman (@TheBradBlog) on Thom Hartmann’s The Big Picture discussing #Election2014 result reliability.
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #876
Today we take a look at why street harassment, from the most vile to the most seemingly innocuous, is holding back the fight for equality and making half the population feel like targets for abuse
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Street Harassment And Fake Phone Numbers - @TWiBnation - Air Date 6-4-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Call me back - Mike Flowers Pops
Ch. 4: Act 2: Walking Home - Inkwell MV - @MTMFilmFest
Ch. 5: Song 2: Walk a Mile - My First Holly Golightly Album
Ch. 6: Act 3: The race and class problem with the street harrassment viral video - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 10-30-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: How Loud Your Heart Gets - Wildewoman
Ch. 8: Act 4: Reasons to not engage - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 10-29-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Wait Til You See My Smile - The Element of Freedom (Deluxe Version)
Ch. 10: Act 5: How to Run Like a Girl - Stuff Mom Never Told You - @MomStuffPodcast - Air Date: 09-29-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Marathon - Cape Dory
Ch. 12: Act 6: NYC Women Talk Cat Calling - Totally Biased with @wkamaubell - Air Date: 10-26-12
Ch. 13: Song 6: Creep (Glee Cast Version) - Creep (Glee Cast Version) - Single
Ch. 14: Act 7: Dudes greeting dudes - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 11-4-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Julie-O - Kevin "KO" Olusola
Ch. 16: Act 8: Stop Street Harassment via @StopStHarassmnt - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 18: Act 9: Trying To Justify Sexual Street Harrassment - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 4-10-14
Voicemails
Ch. 22: Sam Harris was being mischaracterized - Brad from Tennessee
Ch. 21: Islam isn't a race but it's treated like one - Dirk from Alameda, California
Ch. 23: Dogmatic thinking is the major problem in the world - Daniel from Albany, NY
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 24: Final comments solving the debate on religious extremism once and for all
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Stop Street Harassment via @StopStHarassmnt
Take Action:
Get involved with Stop Street Harassment
Mark your calendar for Meet Us On The Street, an international anti-street harassment campaign April 12-18, 2005.
Follow Stop Street Harassment on Twitter and on Facebook
Additional Activism/Resources:
Bookmark Meet Us On The Street Week resources on Twitter and on Facebook
Follow the #EndStreetHarassment thread and share your own experiences.
Sources/further reading:
"Street harassment of women: It's a bigger problem than you think” by Holly Kearl at Christian Science Monitor
"Feeling harassed? Do something about it. — Friday is Women's Equality Day in the US, yet routine street harassment blocks that goal for many women. But we can act.” by Holly Kearl at The Guardian
"6 Things You Might Not Think Are Harassment But Definitely Are (because apparently we need to clear a few things up)” by Kat George at Bustle
"Street Harassment Is a Problem—No Doubt—but Here’s Why That Video Didn’t Help the Debate” by Dio Rabouin at The Root
"Hollaback and Why Everyone Needs Better Research Methods And Why All Data Needs Theory” by Zeynep Tufekci at Medium
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #875
Today we take a look at some of the potential environmental fallout of the recent US elections
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Climate Change: Our greatest health threat, or our greatest opportunity for better health? - Global Climate and Health Alliance (@GCHAlliance) - Air Date: 04-03-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Dreamtime - Faith In the Future
Ch. 4: Act 2: US Could Quadruple Renewable Electricity by 2030 for 18 CENTS PER MONTH - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-26-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Future Is Now - Dune
Ch. 6: Act 3: Politico & BP Blatantly Conspire To Hide BP's Devastating Oil Spill - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-23-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Journalist - The System
Ch. 8: Act 4: First the Arctic, now Greenland's Ice is Melting... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-07-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Strong Animals - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 10: Act 5: Climate Change — Faith and Fact - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 9-12-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Genesis - Futureperfect
Ch. 12: Act 6: Cable News Features Unhinged Climate Denier - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 11-09-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Nothing to See Here - Can't Remember the Last Time
Ch. 14: Act 7: This is not the middle of the climate debate - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 10-31-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Stuck In the Middle With You - Stuck In the Middle With You (Remastered) - EP
Ch. 16: Act 8: Will Climate Change Force Florida to Split Into Two? - @majorityfm - Air Date: 10-27-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Sink, Florida, Sink - As the Eternal Cowboy
Ch. 18: Act 9: The climate desaster of the midterm elections - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 11-6-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: A Change Is Gonna Come - Ain't That Good News
Ch. 20: Act 10: #KeystoneXL Under Congressional #Climate Deniers - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 21: Song 10: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 22: Act 11: When fracking and oil compete, consumers & the economy win - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 11-07-14
Voicemails
Ch. 23: Thoughts on religion episode from a non-athiest - Tim from Hyattsville, MD
Ch. 24: What Maher and Harris was saying isn't that bad - Nick from Kansas
Ch. 25: Important to recognize our own biases - Bassey from NYC
Ch. 26: Frustrated by the left's response to Sam Harris - Greg from Baldwin Park, California
Ch. 27: The pity(?) Pithy(?) stance - Mike From Nova Scotia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 28: Final comments on the diversity of the listeners and one example of the minority
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism Update: KeystoneXL Under Congressional Climate Deniers
Follow-up/New Action!
Stop the Tar Sands Pipeline! via NRDC BioGems
Tell President Obama to reject Keystone XL
Use ContactingTheCongress.org to find your possibly new representatives and let them know you oppose Keystone.
Additional activism:
Watch/host a screening for ”Above All Else”: a documentary about the battle over the KXL pipeline in East Texas. h/t Tom Philpott at Mother Jones
Follow "Above All Else” on Twitter and on Facebook
Follow Idle No More’s work protecting the land and water in Canada as well as the rights of the Indigenous population there.
Sources:
"Senate Now Has Enough Votes To Pass Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Bill” by Katie Sheppard at HuffPo Politics
"Meet the Senate’s New Climate Denial Caucus: Their views range from tepid acceptance of the science to flat-out rejection” by Tim McDonnell at Climate Desk
"OMG. They Tell Her That Her Words Are BS Right To Her Face. So Satisfying.” — an amazing short film by AJ+ on the Unist'ot'en Camp founded by members of the Wet'suwet'en Nation to resist the Tar Sands Gigaproject in Western Canada. via Upworthy
”Candidate Profile: Joni Ernst via Iowa Public Radio
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by...
Edition #874
Today we examine the fallout of the discussion between Bill Maher, Sam Harris and Ben Affleck on the subject of Islamic extremism. Turns out it’s complicated.
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: .@BenAffleck, @SamHarrisOrg and Bill Maher Debate Radical Islam - Real Time with @billmaher - Air Date: 10-6-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Hello Bonjour - Yell Fire!
Ch. 4: Act 2: .@BillMaher Finds Friends In Big Bigotry Following Ben Affleck Blow Up - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-08-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Your Racist Friend - Flood
Ch. 6: Act 3: There Is No Such Thing As "True Islam" - @majorityfm - Air Date: 10-07-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Everloving - Play & Play: B Sides
Ch. 8: Act 4: Caller: Thom is Wrong About Peace-Loving Muslims... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-07-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: I Can Help (Single Version) - The Very Best of Billy Swan
Ch. 10: Act 5: Power structures influence behaviors regardless of religion - Old School TYT (@theyoungturks) - Air Date: 10-10-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Powerless - The Big Picture
Ch. 12: Act 6: .@RezaAslan's Religion Apologetics Are Dangerous - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-27-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Riptide - Dream Your Life Away
Ch. 14: Act 7: Atheists: @RezaAslan is Wrong About Islam. – Not So Fast! - @majorityfm - Air Date: 10-09-14
Voicemails
Ch. 16: We're too complicated to be put into boxes - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 17: Bonus Clip - Sam Harris And Cenk Uygur Clear The Air On Religious Violence And Islam
Ch. 17: Final comments on explaining vs excusing and one of the reasons why Bill Maher is and asshole
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #873
Today we take a look at the ways the Republican Party has been working to suppress voter turnout to benefit their electoral chances while claiming to be stopping voter fraud which basically doesn't exist
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Voting Laws Keeping Americans From The Polls - @ajplus - Air Date: 10-27-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: You're The Best (Theme From The Karate Kid) [Originally Performed by Joe Esposito] - You're The Best
Ch. 4: Act 2: 'Free' Voter IDs Cost $8 to $25. Freedom! - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-31-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Repeal the Poll Tax - A Thousand Miles Away
Ch. 6: Act 3: In Person Voter Fraud Very Rare And Still Is - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 9-19-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Mess Is Mine - Dream Your Life Away
Ch. 8: Act 4: Voting suppression through the courts - BradCast (@TheBradBlog) - Air Date: 10-29-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: 1901 - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Ch. 10: Act 5: They're not even trying to hide their true motives anymore - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date: 10-25-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Cheat - The Clash
Ch. 12: Act 6: Republican Voter Suppression Since 1980 - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-22-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: There You Go Again - Sunshine to Rain
Ch. 14: Act 7: Please Don't Vote - A Message From The Republican Party - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-27-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Battle Hymn of the Republic - Turkey In the Straw and Other Country Fiddle Hits
Ch. 16: Act 8: The Fight — and the Right — to Vote - @billmoyersHQ - Air Date: 10-24-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: I'm Free - 20 Golden Greats
Ch. 18: Act 9: Voting Rights Amendment Act via @civilrightsorg - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 20: Act 10: Excerpt: LBJ's Voting Rights Speech "The American Promise" - @LBJLibrary - Air Date: 03-15-1965
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Going third party - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Ch. 22: Strategic voting backlash - Dave from Canada
Ch. 23: Be brave with your votes - Daniel from Albany, NY
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 24: Final comments on Instant Runoff Voting and, finally, what's wrong with my voice
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Voting Rights Amendment Act via @civilrightsorg
Take Action: Join with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights: VRA 4 Today
Sources/further reading:
"Fasting for Democracy: Why I've Given Up Food to Fight Corruption” by Kai NewKirk at Truthout
”The GOP Is Winning The War On Voting: Voters in fourteen states—many with tight races—will face new restrictions at the polling booth for the first time in November” by Ari Berman at The Nation
"New Voting Restrictions Could Swing the 2014 Election” by Ari Berman at The Nation
"KPFK 'BradCast': SCOTUS Voter Suppression and the Touch-Screen Vote-Flipping Time Warp” via The Brad Blog
"Déjà Vu All Over Again. Again. - Touch-Screen Votes Flipping and My Appearance on Thom Hartmann TV This Week [VIDEO]” via The Brad Blog
”SCOTUS Overturns Appeals Court, Allows NC To End Same-Day Registration, Couting ‘Out-Of-Precint’ Ballots This November: 'Nation's worst voter suppression law' disenfranchised hundreds in state primary; Will have full trial on merits next summer…” via The Brad Blog
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #872
Today we take a look at the conscience-shocking ways that conservatives are politicizing the news of very few cases of Ebola in the US
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Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Ebola in the U.S. - Time for Healthcare for All! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-01-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Kill the poor - Dead Kennedys
Ch. 4: Act 2: Hey, Libertarians! Your Policy Helped Spread Ebola - @majorityfm - Air Date: 10-15-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Is it for Freedom? - NewAmericaNow on YouTube
Ch. 6: Act 3: Ebola-Obama Link Might Be The Craziest Right Wing Theory Ever - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-11-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Comptine D'un Autre Été: L'après Midi - Yann Tiersen
Ch. 8: Act 4: Deranged Right-Wing Conspiracy Theory: Obama Intentionally Wants "To Infect The Nation With Ebola" - Media Matters Minute (@mmfa) - Air Date: 10-15-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Comptine D'un Autre Été: L'après Midi - Yann Tiersen
Ch. 10: Act 5: Liberals Believe Americans Should Die from Ebola - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-22-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Mountain Sound - Of Monsters and Men
Ch. 12: Act 6: GOP forgets anti-czar nonsense, calls for Ebola czar - Rachel @maddow Show - Air Date 10-17-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: 007 (From "From Russia With Love") - The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
Ch. 14: Act 7: There aren't two sides on how to manage Ebola - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date: 10-18-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Call it even - Scott Simons
Ch. 16: Act 8: Washington is broken or functional depending on your perspective - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 10-24-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Go do - Jónsi
Ch. 18: Act 9: Breaking News Consumer’s Handbook Infectious Disease Edition - @onthemedia - Air Date: 10-24-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 19: Reviewing health care systems - Mike in Michigan
Ch. 20: 5 points toward progress - Daniel from Albany, NY
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 21: Final comments on the unbreakability of the conservative fever
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #871
Today we take a look at some of the larger forces at play that change the way we think about and structure our education system
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Anat Shenker Osorio (@anatosaurus) | IGNITE at @Netroots_Nation #NN14 - Air Date: 09-12-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Electrified (Live) - Live At The Grocery On Home
Ch. 4: Act 2: How Corporations Are Taking Over Education - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-04-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: What's Going On - Number 1's: Marvin Gaye
Ch. 6: Act 3: Karen Ho's Markets, Efficiency and Choice Pt. 2 - @Dis_Con - Air Date 6-25-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Blame Me! Blame Me! - New Surrender
Ch. 8: Act 4: Educating the next generation of docile worker drones - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 9-30-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: All Over Now - Paracosm (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 10: Act 5: TX Textbooks: Taxes Are Bad, Segregation Was Good, Moses Inspired Democracy - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-19-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Sickening - Stand
Ch. 12: Act 6: Teaching The Memorized Points Or Teaching Critical Thinking - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 10-3-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Ignore the Ignorant - Ignore the Ignorant
Ch. 14: Act 7: Assessment Reform via @FairTestOffice - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 16: Act 8: The American Dream - @GeorgeCarlinWay
Voicemails
Ch. 17: Inspired by Maureen from Mass - Coming out of Los Angeles
Ch. 18: Responding to episode on Democrats - Gavin from Richmond, VA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 19: Final comments complicating the issue of charter school disciplinary structures and suggesting episode #538 of This American Life
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Assessment Reform via @FairTestOffice
Take Action:
Get involved with FairTest: Assessment Reform Network Project to resist unnecessary standardized testing
Additional Activism/Resources:
Sign AFT’s petition: "TIME: Apologize to teachers”
Sign the "Don't Delete History” petition from Texas Freedom Network
Sources/further reading:
The awful Time article for those who want to read it: "War on Teacher Tenure: How Silicon Valley Wants to Fire Bad Teachers”
"Florida schools rail against explosion of new tests” via Orlando Sentinel
"Scrap the MAP! | Solidarity with Seattle teachers boycotting the MAP test”
"Test Opposition Surges Across the Nation” via FairTest
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #870
Today we take a look at a variety of ways that (mostly) men attempt to police the actions and choices of (mostly) women, causing nothing but damage as a result
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The List of Rules for Women - @jsmooth995 - Air Date: 9-2-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Follow the Rule - Johnny Ace - The Complete Duke Recordings
Ch. 4: Act 2: Victimhood Provides Privleges - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 6-13-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Bad Behavior - Bad Behavior
Ch. 6: Act 3: SHE ASKED FOR IT - @lacigreen - Air Date: 09-06-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Deserve Better - Swings and Roundabouts
Ch. 8: Act 4: Shut Your Mouth And Take It, 'Fox & Friends' Advises Women - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-08-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Good Old Days - Even Worse
Ch. 10: Act 5: Radical Religion and Male Privilege - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-22-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Second Class Citizen - Out of the Ordinary Songs, Vol. 2
Ch. 12: Act 6: Study Explains Why Hobby Lobby Supporters Are Opposed to Birth Control - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-25-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Me and God and Jesus - Crooked Roads Band
Ch. 14: Act 7: The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act via @healthyteen & @nwlc - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 16: Act 8: Pondering Gender In 1620 - @radio_dispatch - Air Date: 3-20-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: N/A
Ch. 18: Act 9: Get Your Creak On - @lexiconvalley - Air Date: 12-31-12
Ch. 23: Final comments on my discovery of the oppression of policing
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act
Take Action:
Sign to support the The Pregnant and Parenting Students Access to Education Act legislation backed by the National Women’s Law Center and Healthy Teen Network
Additional Activism/Resources:
Follow #NoTeenShameon Twitter and on Tumblr
Submit your story to #NoTeenShame
Sources/further reading:
"New Mexico Parental-Leave Law Helps Teen Moms Stay in School” via NBC News
"Where’s the ’16, Parenting, and OK’ Reality Show?” by Gloria Malone at RH Reality Check
"#NoTeenShame: A Social Media Movement Pushes Us To Respect Young Mothers & We’re All For It” via Hello Beautiful
Graphic by Repeal Hyde Art Project and available for purchase at RHAP’s Zazzle StoreWritten by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #869
Democrats will not save you until the system is fixed
Today we take a look at why no faith should be put in the Democratic Party to fight for progressive goals and how we can go about reforming the system to make all politicians responsive to their constituents
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Why Dems Are Not Doing Better Running Up To 2014 - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 9-20-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Masochism Tango - More of Tom Lehrer
Ch. 4: Act 2: .@jeremyscahill on our painfully consistent foreign policy through the administrations - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 9-29-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: The Game Is Rigged - Badly Stuffed Animals
Ch. 6: Act 3: President Obama Plays Three Dimensional Appeasement - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-01-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Sad But True - Change In the Weather
Ch. 8: Act 4: No Such Thing as a Political Savior - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 05-29-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Save Ourselves - Bright Stars and Battle Scars
Ch. 8: Act 5: Progressives won't frame the debate - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date: 10-11-14
Ch. 9: Song 5: In the Beginning - The Dusty Foot Philosopher
Ch. 10: Act 6: Frustration in the White House press corps - @onthemedia - Air Date: 5-9-14
Ch. 11: Song 6: Tiny Wings Theme - Tiny Wings Theme - Single
Ch. 12: Act 7: Kickstarting the revolution - @dccommonsense with Dan Carlin - Air Date: 10-13-14
Voicemails
Ch. 13: Oil is the source of our middle-east troubles - Andon from Charlottesville, VA
Ch. 14: Republican hypocrisy on health care - Shawn from Portland, OR
Ch. 15: Political donation demands keep increasing - Maureen from Mass
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 16: Act 8: .@MAYDAYUS is Underway - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Final comments on why we need to be bold and try something new
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism Update: MayDay is Underway!
MayDay PAC closes initial fundraising!
Follow-up/new Action!
Support the MayDayPac candidates: ”Candidate Fact Sheet
Sources/additional glimmers of hope:
MayDay in the News round-up
"SCOTUS 'McCutcheon' Ruling to Help Super Rich Purchase Even MORE of American ‘Democracy' (And a reminder why elections still matter.)” via The Brad Blog
"Florida Governor Almost Calls Off Debate Over Fan” h/t Satiristas
"In Wisconsin, Dark Money Got a Mining Company What It Wanted: An accidentally released court filing reveals how one company secretly gave money to a nonprofit that helped get favorable mining legislation passed.” by Theodoric Meyer at ProPublica
Find out more about Dark Money: Money in Politics -- See Who's Giving & Who's Getting at OpenSecrets.org
Listen to the original activism segment: "MayDay PAC - via @MayOneUS - Best of the Left Activism” from BotL episode 839 (06/24/14): "Disinfecting the rot on American democracy (Money in Politics)”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #868
Questioning capitalism
Today we take a look at the big picture of the paradigm we live in and the priorities we take for granted, then question them all
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: We Stopped Dreaming - @neiltyson - Air Date: 03-09-12
Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A
Ch. 4: Act 2: Sacred Economics with @ceisenstein - Fierce Love Films - Air Date: 12-15-13
Ch. 5: Song 2: N/A
Ch. 6: Act 3: Who Killed Economic Growth? - @postcarbon Institute - Air Date: 02-21-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: All Caps - Madvillainy
Ch. 8: Act 4: How to buy happiness - Michael Norton - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 04-24-12
Ch. 9: Song 4: Who Benefits? - In Black and White
Ch. 10: Act 5: Prosecution Of Working Poor Vs. Entitlement Of Gun Culture - @fakedansavage - Air Date 9-2-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Let's Eat the Poor - Let's Eat the Poor
Ch. 12: Act 6: Economics of climate change - Economic Update with @profwolff - Air Date: 9-28-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Join Forces - Stand Up
Ch. 14: Act 7: New Economy Week - @NewEconomics - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 16: Act 8: Is This The Main Obstacle In The Way Of Change? - @LeeCamp - Air Date: 10-28-13
Voicemails
Ch. 17: The motivations of the DA to get convictions - Jake(?) from Sierra Nevada foothills
Ch. 18: Not having government health care takes over your life - Kat from Berlin, Germany
Ch. 19: Germany fights to insure every last citizen - Kat from Berlin, Germany
Ch. 20: Suggesting Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA.com) - Eric from Greenville, SC
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments about the kickstarter campaign for Hooke: Wireless 3D Audio Headphones
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: New Economy Week via @NewEconomics
TAKE ACTION:
Participate one/many of the New Economy Week events in person or online and/or plan your own!
Additional Activism/Resources:
Follow the New Economy Coalition on Twitter and Facebook
Sources/further reading:
Listen to the Best of the Left Activism segment from February on The New Economy Coalition as featured in episode 803: "Resistance is the only hope (Capitalism)”
"New Economy Week: Topics of Conversation” at Yes! Magazine
"#MapJam 2.0 to Put the New Economy on the Map!” at Resilience.org
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #867
Mind the coverage gap
Today we take a look at the progress of the states adopting the medicaid expansion option created by the Affordable Care Act, what’s happening to those who continue to reject it and, as always, we get a reminder of what we really need to do to fix the system
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: AZ Expands Medicaid, Hospitals Increase Margins - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-16-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Messages - Food In the Belly
Ch. 4: Act 2: Gov Says No To Obamacare, Then Blames Obama - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-02-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Master Plan - It Still Moves
Ch. 6: Act 3: Docs: Kentucky learns to love Obamacare - @BBC Documentaries - Air Date: 7-17-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Success - Lust for Life
Ch. 8: Act 4: Why Super-Conservative States Now Bending on Obamacare - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-06-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Where You Don't Belong - From the Beats to the Bible
Ch. 10: Act 5: Republican Mike Kennedy's Insane Reason to Repeal ObamaCare... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 09-05-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Fixing My Brain - I Don't Know What I'm Doing
Ch. 12: Act 6: Anti-Obamacare ads (REALLY) didn't work - @OnTheMedia - Air Date: 7-18-14"
Ch. 13: Song 6: Shades of Grey - River of Dreams
Ch. 14: Act 7: Even Red State Voters Want to Keep Obamacare - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-21-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want) - Joe Jackson: Greatest Hits
Ch. 16: Act 8: The Health Center Funding Cliff via @CFAHC - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 18: Act 9: Universal Health Care, A Scary Choice - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 8-1-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: You Don't Scare Me - Chimney's Afire
Ch. 20: Act 10: There's Only One Way To Solve Health Care - @RalphNader - Air Date 8-30-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Arming people has a long track record of not working - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Ch. 22: Declaring what's real is exclusionary - Dan from New York
Ch. 23: Calling some people real is dehumanizing - Dave from Canada
Ch. 24: Conservative humor is sophomoric - Larry in Fort Worth, TX
Ch. 25: Right-wing comedy - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 26: Bigotry and hate in conservative comedy - Quy Franklin
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 27: Final comments on my feast of good voicemails
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Health Center Funding Cliff via @CFAHC
TAKE ACTION:
Get involved with Campaign for America’s Health Centers Save America’s Heath Centers Project
Follow Campaign for America's Health Centers on Twitter and Facebook
Additional Activism/Resources:
Access For All America via National Association of Community Health Centers
Sources/further reading:
"Health advocates decry lack of Miss. Medicaid expansion” via AP
"Community Health Centers To Receive $295M in ACA Grants” via California Healthline
"Federally funded health centers brace for financial loss” via USA Today
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #866
The People’s Climate March
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Peoples Climate March - @350.org
Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A
Ch. 4: Act 2: The People's Climate March - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 9-23-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Revolution (Human Need Over Profit) - Tha People's Music
Ch. 6: Act 3: The People's Climate Stand - The Bugle (@hellobuglers) - Air Date: 9-25-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Doing Business - Transfer
Ch. 8: Act 4: Climate march didn't make the cut for the Sunday chat shows - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 9-26-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Time Is Now - Redbird
Ch. 10: Act 5: .@SenSanders at People’s Climate March: To Stop Global Warming, Get Dirty Money Out of Politics - @democracynow - Air Date 9-22-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Divest! 350Org - Surreal
Ch. 12: Act 6: The Value of the People's Climate March - @majorityfm - Air Date: 09-22-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: A Beautiful World - Hotel for Dogs
Ch. 14: Act 7: Solar Power Growing Too Fast, Energy Companies Trying to Stop It - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-05-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Making Progress - Wicked Lies
Ch. 16: Act 8: .@NaomiAKlein on capitalism vs. climate change - @OnPointRadio - Air Date: 9-22-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Capitalism - Little Planet
Ch. 18: Act 9: Chris Hedges on the institutions that are failing us on climate change - @truthdig Radio - Air Date: 9-26-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: Do What You Want - Oh No
Ch. 20: Act 10: If Terrorists Were As Dangerous As Climate Change - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-10-14
Ch. 21: Song 10: Damage - Damage
Ch. 22: Act 11: Burn Noticed - @TheDailyShow - Air Date 9-22-14
Voicemails
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Abusers Seek Out Victims - Anonymous
Ch. 24: What Service Providers Can Do For Victims And Survivors - Elka From Fort Wayne, IN
Ch. 25: The Cycle Of Repeated Domestic Violence - Anonymous
Final comments on my announcement with international implications
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #865
Today we look on in horror as the media once again leads us to war and we examine the underlying reasons why the media will continue to fail us
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The Chris Matthews, John MccCain March To War - @jimmy-dore Show - Air Date: 9-6-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: John Mccain In Hell - Halloween
Ch. 4: Act 2: How the Media Bankrolls Pro-war Pundits - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 09-16-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Masters of War - Dylan
Ch. 6: Act 3: Media Practically BEGGING For War - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-11-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Wonder No More - No Sign of Regret
Ch. 8: Act 4: The way we war - @TheDailyShow - Air Date: 9-25-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Good People - In Between Dreams
Ch. 10: Act 5: Making Sure The News Is Selling - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date: 8-22-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: All Natural - All Natural
Ch. 12: Act 6: Native Advertising - @LastWeekTonight with John Oliver - Air Date: 8-3-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Diet Coke - Emotions of Steel
Ch. 14: Act 7: @BeaconReader - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 16: Act 8: The danger of hot sexy news - @NoahBlumenthal at @TEDxUNLV - Air Date: 05-05-14
Ch. 17: Final comments on why conservatism and comedy are incompatible
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Independent Journalism Innovation -- @BeaconReader
Take Action:
Subscribe or sign up to write at: Beacon Reader
Follow Beacon on Twitter and Facebook
Sources/further reading:
This is what old media stalwarts suggested a couple years ago (seriously): "Save The New York Times” via HuffPo
"How to Survive the Death of Print Media” via Forbes
"Why The Death Of Print Publications Should Have Us All A Bit Worried” via Business Insider
"Who says print is dead?” via The Guardian (Spoiler alert: everyone)
"Lazy Journalists Aren't to Blame for Death of Print” via Bloomgberg
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #864
The definition of insanity
Today we take a look at the problem we’ve made worse in the Middle East and why we can’t fix it
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Bombing ISIS Has Unintended Consequences & They’re Horrifying - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-10-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Problems - The Everly Brothers' Best
Ch. 4: Act 2: Vicar Of Baghdad Working For Reconciliation - @DecodeDC - Air Date 9-19-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: N/A
Ch. 6: Act 3: Bombing ISIS is the worst thing we could do - @LeeCamp - Air Date: 09-23-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: United States of Eurasia / Collateral Damage (Excerpt from Nocturne in E-Flat, Op. 9 No. 2) - The Resistance
Ch. 8: Act 4: Misleading tropes of US foreign policy - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date: 9-26-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Off the Record - Z
Ch. 10: Act 5: The Great Debate 2014: Kerry vs. Kerry - Le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date: 9-28-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Suite for Solo Cello No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: I. Prélude - Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1, 5 & 6
Ch. 12: Act 6: Chris Hedges Explains Why Bombing and Shooting Everyone Isn’t Working - @truthdig - Air Date: 9-26-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Bullet Catcher - Dancing In The Streets
Ch. 14: Act 7: Global Action Day Against the Use of Drones w/@KnowDrones and @VFPNational - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 16: Act 8: Manipulative propaganda is ISIS strong suit - Rachel @maddow Show - Air Date 9-17-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Domestic abuse 201 - Tanya in California
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on the need for nuance
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism: Global Action Day Against the Use of Drones via @KnowDrones and @VFPNational
Take Action:
Find the event near you: Global Action Day Calendar
Submit your event to Anastasia of CODEPINK via anastasia@codepink.org.
Sources/further reading:
"Veterans Group in Response to President Obama’s Plan to Confront ISIL Says They are Disappointed But Not Surprised” via Veterans For Peace
”Veterans For Peace: Six Steps Short of War to Confront ISIL”
""Ban Weaponized Drones!": Anti-Drone Movement Spreads in Europe” via Truthout
"Confessions of a Drone Warrior” by Matthew Power at GQ
"Race is on to perfect solar-powered drones” by Hiawatha Bray at The Boston Globe
"Domestic Drones” via ACLU National
"Warrant for Drones Veto Was the Wrong Decision” via ACLU of Northern California
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #863
Fighting the tide of lost freedoms
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Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Memories Of Freedom - @dccommonsense - Air Date 5-8-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Run, Freedom, Run! - Urinetown the Musical (The Original Cast Recording)
Ch. 4: Act 2: Major Ruling Protects Your Cellphone From The Police... Sort Of - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-26-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: We Set Ourselves Free - Spring Came, Rain Fell
Ch. 6: Act 3: Google is the new Sheriff in Town - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-06-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Letterbox - Flood
Ch. 8: Act 4: Men Blaming Jennifer Lawrence & Kate Upton for Nude Pics Leak Hate NSA Spying - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-02-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Secret - Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge
Ch. 10: Act 5: No Escaping Dragnet Nation (Part 2) - @BillMoyersHQ - Air Date 3-14-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Don’t Worry, We'll Be Watching You - Making Mirrors
Ch. 12: Act 6: @1Password to rule them all - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Time for Action - Time for Action - the Very Best Of
Ch. 14: Act 7: Encouraging Encription - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 3-12-14
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Examining our foreign policy options - Chris from Colorado Springs
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 16: Final comments on the folly of acting from a position of fear
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
TAKE ACTION:
Download: 1Password and Follow: on Twitter
Additional Activism/Resources:
"Internet security: 10 ways to keep your personal data safe from online snoopers” via The Guardian
Sources/further reading:
"Half of American adults hacked this year” by Jose Pagliery at CNN Money
"Viator travel website hacked: 1.4 million users' information stolen, including payment card data” by Dan Raywood at International Business Times
"Congress Heads Home After Exhausting Eight Days of Work” by Russell Berman at The Wire
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #862
Today we take a look at violence against women, both physical and political
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Disturbing Footage Of Ray Rice Knocking Then-Fiancé Unconscious Released - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-09-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Confronting the Wolf (Bonus Track) - Sword & Sworcery LP - The Ballad of the Space Babies
Ch. 4: Act 2: Fox News: Anti-Testicular Police Are Ripping Off Poor Ray Rice's Balls - @majorityfm - Air Date: 09-12-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: The Great Castration - Sisters of the Red Death
Ch. 6: Act 3: Fox responds to Ray Rice violence with jokes - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date: 9-12-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: You're a Joke - Planet Obscure
Ch. 8: Act 4: Obama's unnecessary, badly-worded official statement on Ray Rice - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 9-10-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Good People - Safe Upon the Shore (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 10: Act 5: How women get trapped in violent relationships - @truthdig Radio - Air Date: 9-12-14
Ch. 9: Song 5: Trapped (Live) - The Essential Bruce Springsteen
Ch. 12: Act 6: Ray Rice and Why the Abused Stay - @majorityfm - Air Date: 09-10-14
Ch. 11: Song 6: The Smallest Piece - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 14: Act 7: Male Dominance is Societal Disease - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 09-09-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Wake Up - Funeral
Ch. 16: Act 8: Janay Rice's side: taking her side seriously - Melissa Harris Perry @MHPshow - Air Date: 9-13-14
Voicemails
Ch. 17: Being questioned on one's race - First Nations person from Canada
Ch. 18: Standing up for choice - Al from Seattle, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 19: Final comments on what's wrong with the phrase 'real men'
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #829
The evil that we deplore
Today we check out a rerun episode with particular relevance to today.
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: History Does Not Let Go - Rachel Maddow - Air Date: 04-03-2014
Ch. 3: Song 1: Won't Let Go - Radiocalypse
Ch. 4: Act 2: CIA Lied About Torture To Justify Using It (Senate Report) - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-02-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Don't Look Back In Anger - (What's the Story) Morning Glory
Ch. 6: Act 3: Shocker! CIA Lied About Torture - @majorityfm - Air Date: 04-16-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Going Home - The Talks
Ch. 8: Act 4: The Stop Torture Campaign via: @amnestyonline - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 9: Song 4: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 10: Act 5: Introduction to the AUMF and it's control over our foreign policy - RadioLab - Air Date: 4-28-24
Ch. 11: Song 5: Say goodbye - Ian Rhett
Ch. 12: Act 6: Rewriting History - @onthemedia - Air Date: 2-21-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Re-Write History - Unreliable Narrator
Ch. 14: Act 7: How Barbara Lee became an American hero - RadioLab - Air Date: 4-28-24
Ch. 15: Final comments: Thanking an American hero
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
ACTIVISM:
Stop Torture: Act Now from Amnesty International
Follow/participate: #StopTorture
Sources/further reading:
United Nations Convention Against Torture
"Report Shows Widespread Torture, Despite UN Convention” by Katie Rucke
CloseGitmo — National Day of Action to Close Guantanamo Bay
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay [at] BestOfTheLeft [dot] com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #861
There are more reasons than you should need to oppose it
Today we see that literally no matter what angle you look from, the death penalty is impossible to be in favor of
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Death Penalty - @LastWeekTonight with John Oliver - Air Date: 5-4-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Concerning Hobbits - Music from The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Ch. 4: Act 2: Americans Back Death Penalty, Whether It's Lethal Injection or Not - @majorityfm - Air Date: 05-29-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Forgotten - Punkgrass for the People
Ch. 6: Act 3: Death Penalty Ruled Cruel And Unusual Punishment In California - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-18-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Gimme Sympathy - Fantasies
Ch. 8: Act 4: Botched Lethal Injection Takes TWO HOURS to Kill Man - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-24-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Guillotine - On the Heart
Ch. 10: Act 5: Two Hours To Cease Existence - @theharryshearer (le Show) - Air Date 7-27-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: By the Time I Get to Arizona - Power to the People & the Beats - Public Enemy's Greatest Hits
Ch. 12: Act 6: Why Is No One Talking About The Innocent Man Texas Executed? - @RedactedTonight - Air Date 8-8-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Never Wrong - On the Wing Now
Ch. 14: Act 7: Study: More Than Half of People Executed Have Severe Mental Illness - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-25-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Death Penalty - What's So Strange About Me
Ch. 16: Act 8: Bill Blum on the death penalty, both beheadings and lethal injections - @truthdig - Air Date: 9-12-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Stop the Madness - Versatile Roots
Ch. 18: Act 9: Fixing the death row system via @innocence - Best of the Left Activism - Air Date: 5-19-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 20: Act 10: The Truth, Finally, After 30 Years In Prison & The Truth Is Ugly - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-13-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: In Response To Prof. Rambo - Jeff From Cleveland, OH
Ch. 22: Trying To Be There For People - Wade From Ft. Worth, TX
Ch. 23: Expert Opinion On Intimate Partner Violence - Elka From Fort Wayne, IN
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 24: Final comments on the fact that there's no need for additional comments
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Take Action:
What Can I Do? from The Innocence Project
Sources/further reading:
"How Oklahoma's GOP Governor Turned a Heinous Killer Into a Death-Penalty Martyr” by Stephanie Mencimer at Mother Jones
VIDEO: "Execution Chaos: Witness Recounts Botched Killing That Caused Oklahoma Prisoner's Fatal Heart Attack” via Democracy Now!
"Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin defends controversial execution” by Meredith Clark via MSNBC
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #860
Understanding how we got here
Today we take a look at some of the historical contexts of racism and how those structures are still functioning today
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Kinda Racist? Try Diet Racism! - @_CollegeHumor_ - Air Date: 08-28-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Racism - Barack de Magnificent
Ch. 4: Act 2: Putting Native American Degradation Into Perspective - @RalphNader - Air Date 7-28-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Giving a S**t - Righteous Ruckus
Ch. 6: Act 3: Tea Party Textbook Shocks But Wait Till You See The Racism - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-19-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Ignorance Is Strength - 1984
Ch. 8: Act 4: The Long Struggle for Fair Housing in 1960s Chicago - @TheAtlantic - Air Date: 5-28-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Unknown song
Ch. 10: Act 5: Are We Passing the “Tipping Point” for Black Habitation in the Cities? - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 6-11-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Heart of the City - Jackson Square
Ch. 12: Act 6: Hispanic Man Pretends to be White, Job Offers Skyrocket - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 09-03-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: What's In a Name? - Such Hot Blood
Ch. 14: Act 7: Racism: It's in your brain! - @twibnation - Air Date: 5-13-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Illness As a Metaphor - Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Original Cast Recording)
Ch. 16: Act 8: Shades of Black - Colorism, Skin Color Discrimination - @Rasheed_Shabazz - Air Date: 12-10-10
Ch. 17: Song 8: Black or White - Dangerous
Ch. 18: Act 9: It's Time for White America to Understand White Privilege... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 08-22-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: get real - a Rough Guide to Feeling Rough
Ch. 20: Act 10: Pledge your actions to create a more just society - @ProfTriciaRose
Voicemails
Ch. 21: The fundamental restructuring we need - Vphriameradis from New York
Ch. 22: Three types of cops - Jack out of Chicago
Ch. 23: The audacity of calling feminists bullies - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 24: Please address domestic violence - Al from Seattle, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 25: Final comments on seeking out experts and the new BotL schedule
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #859
Momentum on our biggest problem
Today we bask in the rare glow of hope, cautious optimism and barely-perceptible progress on the problem of money in politics. Hooray!
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: DISGUSTING: Average Americans Have No Impact on Making Policy - The David Pakman Show - Air Date: 08-13-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Oligarchy - Punkgrass for the People
Ch. 4: Act 2: Crony Capitalism Enabled by the Supreme Court - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 07-17-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Follow The Money - The Redemption Of Zounds
Ch. 6: Act 3: Mayday PAC Scores HUGE Win In Fight For Democracy - The Young Turks - Air Date: 07-08-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Battle Hymn of the Republic - 34 Fiddle Favorites, Ragtime Annie, Arkansas Traveler, Cotton Eyed Joe, and More
Ch. 8: Act 4: The super PAC to end super PACs - On the Media - Air Date: 7-11-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Mayday!!! - Fight With Tools
Ch. 10: Act 5: MAYDAY.US: Together, we have the power - Mayday.us - Air Date: 8-29-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Everyday (Single Version) - Everyday - Single
Ch. 12: Act 6: David Simon on Our Rigged Political System - Moyers and Company - Air Date: 2-14-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Fight to Win (feat. Cee Lo Green) - Fight to Win (feat. Cee Lo Green) - Single
Ch. 14: Act 7: 3 Ways to Reverse a Supreme Court Decision - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 08-25-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Undone (The Sweater Song) - Weezer
Ch. 16: Act 8: Momentum on Overturning Citizens United - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Song Link Here
Ch. 18: Act 9: The Whole IRS 'Scandal' Was About ONE Thing & It Totally Worked - The Young Turks - Air Date: 07-15-14
Ch. 19: Final comments on Prof. Rambo and the anatomy of victim blaming
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Update!
"Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United Clears First Vote in U.S. Senate!” via Americans Against The Tea Party
The bill to overturn Citizens United introduced by Senator Tom Udall, D-NM
Follow-up/new Action!
Use ContactingTheCongress.org to let your representatives know that overturning Citizens United is an issue you are voting on this November.
Roll Call for the 79-18 vote
Sources/additional glimmers of hope:
"Senate Advances Constitutional Fix To Overturn Citizens United” by Sahil Kapur at Talking Points Memo
"Senate moves forward with amendment to the Constitution on elections” by Ramsey Cox at The Hill
"Overturn Citizens United” — a Statement in Support of a Constitutional Amendment from Senator Bernie Sanders
Graphic via USA Action
Hear the segment in context:
Episode #859: "Momentum on our biggest problem (Money in politics)"
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #858
The fight for fundamental equality
Today we take a look at some of the fights being waged, setbacks and successes of the abortion rights movement
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The first US abortion clinic/birthing center - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air date: 05-02-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Wash Away (Reprise) - Julie Blue
Ch. 4: Act 2: The Crusade Against Reproductive Rights Part 1 - @BillMoyersHQ - Air Date: 7-18-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Wax & Wire - Night Bats - EP
Ch. 6: Act 3: Criminalizing women for miscarriages - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 3-26-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Serre-moi - Grain de sable
Ch. 8: Act 4: The Crusade Against Reproductive Rights Part 2 - @BillMoyersHQ - Air Date: 7-18-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Second Class Citizen - Out of the Ordinary Songs, Vol. 2
Ch. 10: Act 5: Turning Around The Declining Reproductive Rights Of Texans - @NetrootsRadio @AndreaGrimes - Air Date 9-3-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: 500 Miles - The Very Best of Peter, Paul and Mary
Ch. 12: Act 6: Taco Or Beer Challenge - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 14: Act 7: Amy Hagstrom-Miller, Whole Woman's Health -Texas Clinics To Reopen - @democracynow - Air Date 9-2-11
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Suggesting Cowspiracy documentary - Jim from near Seattle, WA
Ch. 16: Bike analogy good as an introductory explainer - Dave from Olympia, WA
Ch. 17: New ways of talking about privilege important to civil conversations - Xena from New York
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on why it's the concept, not the words, people actually have a problem with
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
TAKE ACTION:
Take the Taco Or Beer Challenge via Andrea Grimes
Additional Activism/Resources:
Find your local abortion fund through The National Network of Abortion Funds and follow NNAF on Twitter
Follow #TacoOrBeerChallenge and use it to challenge your friends/followers!
Sources/further reading:
TacoOrBeerChallenge, Two Weeks In
NNAF Spotlight: New Orleans Abortion Fund h/t @nolaAbortionFnd
"Meet The Woman Who Refuses To Stop Fighting Against Texas’ Abortion Restrictions” by Tara Culp-Ressler at Think Progress
"Whole Woman’s Health Opens its Doors in New Mexico, Starts Advocacy Initiative” via Whole Woman’s Health
"Abortion Provider Expands to New Mexico in Response to Texas Anti-Abortion Law” by Andrea Grimes at RH Reality Check
"Federal Court Blocks Part of Texas Abortion Law Preceding Immediate State Appeal” by Andrea Grimes at RH Reality Check
WATCH: "What It’s Like Inside One of Texas’ Last Abortion Clinics”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #857
People standing as one
Today we take a look at some of the reasons we need action on climate change as well as some of the ways people are getting together to fight back
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Duke Energy Calls Cleanup Complete; 92% of Coal Ash Still in River - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-25-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Trust in Me - At Last! (Remastered)
Ch. 4: Act 2: Tens Of Thousands Poisoned & The Fine Is So Small It Insults Human Decency - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-10-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Protect & Serve - Guitar & Drum
Ch. 6: Act 3: Fracking Waste Taints Groundwater in Pennsylvania - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 08-07-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Preventable (Demo Version #2) - Low Flying Planes
Ch. 8: Act 4: Dryden: The Small Town that Changed the Fracking Game - @Earthjustice - Air Date: 5-2-14
Ch. 9: Act 5: Extreme weather explained - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 8-14-14
Ch. 10: Song 5: I Go To Extremes - The Essential Billy Joel
Ch. 11: Act 6: Marchers Attempting To Emphasize Climate Change - @RedactedTonight with @LeeCamp - Air Date 7-11-14
Ch. 12: Song 6: March In the Street! - Songs You Might Not Like
Ch. 13: Act 7: Climate Change and Wildfires Explained in Less Than Three Minutes - The White House Science Advisor - Air Date: 8-5-14
Ch. 14: Song 7: Hey There Delilah (Karaoke Instrumental Track) [In the Style of Plain White T's] - Sing Popular Download Songs (Karaoke Performance Tracks)
Ch. 15: Act 8: Wash Po. complains about and contributes to devolution of climate discussion - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date: 8-29-14
Ch. 16: Song 8: Santus II - Libera
Ch. 17: Act 9: President Obama’s Ambitious New Global Climate Push - @majorityfm - Air Date: 08-27-14
Ch. 18: Song 9: Doing the Best That We Can - Doing the Best That We Can - Single
Ch. 19: Act 10: Sea Levels Rising Faster than Thought! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 07-31-14
Ch. 20: Song 10: The Sea Is Rising - Flying Colours
Ch. 21: Act 11: The biggest challenge of our time - @oxfamnz - Air Date: 08-20-14
Ch. 22: Song 11: Giant of the Sea - Giant of the Sea - Single
Ch. 23: Act 12: Why Almost No Scientists Are Republican - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-10-14
Ch. 24: Song 12: Bouncing Around the Room - Lawn Boy
Ch. 25: Act 13: Tea Party prevents GOP from saying what they believe on global warming - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 8-19-14
Ch. 26: Song 13: Silenced - The Rpwl Experience
Ch. 27: Act 14: Disruption - Official Trailer
Ch. 28: Song 14: We Stand As One - Occupy This Album
Ch. 29: Act 15: People’s Climate March - Best of the Left Activism
Voicemails
Ch. 30: Rethinking privilege - Lorne from Ontario, CA
Ch. 31: Thoughts on the bike/privilege analogy - Calling from Seattle
Ch. 32: Thoughts on imperfect bike analogy - James from Canada
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 33: Final comments on the continuing discussion of the bike commuter/white privilege analogy
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
TAKE ACTION:
Join the People’s Climate March via @Peoples_Climate
People’s Climate March on Facebook
Additional Activism/Resources:
People’s Climate Resources — in 12 languages
Watch the trailer for: ”Disruption: Climate Change”
Sources/further reading:
United Nation’s Climate Summit
"A Call to Arms: An Invitation to Demand Action on Climate Change” by Bill McKibben at Rolling Stone
"Mobilization for People’s Climate March Kicks into High Gear” via Raging Chicken Press
"People’s Climate March—Largest Climate March in World History—Launched in Times Square” via EcoWatch
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Racist Pattern In Press Coverage Of Shootings? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-15-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Headlines - Headlines
Ch. 4: Act 2: The Noble Act Of Humanizing The Victim - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 8-27-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: A Dose of White Supremacy - "The Weekend Is Here"
Ch. 6: Act 3: Cringe-worthy analysis of Ferguson - @MHarrisPerry - Air Date 8-23-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Modern Day Slavery - Exploring All Avenues
Ch. 8: Act 4: How Media Were Presenting Ferguson Police Tactics - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 8-15-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: How Do You See Me - Montibello Memories
Ch. 10: Act 5: The Anatomy of Six Shootings - @onthemedia - Air Date: 8-22-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Dawn Departure, Jefferson County - Wild Ones
Ch. 12: Act 6: It takes a white person to be a witness - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 8-19-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Can I Get a Witness - Gold: Marvin Gaye
Ch. 14: Act 7: Disproportionate Reporting Of Black Crime - @TWiBnation - Air Date 8-28-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: The Ballad of the Space Babies - Sword & Sworcery LP - The Ballad of the Space Babies
Ch. 16: Act 8: Bill O'Reilly's "Moral Instruction For Black People": Michael Brown Edition - Media Matters Minute (@mmfa) - Air Date: 08-14-14
Ch. 18: Act 9: Race/Off - The Daily Show - Air Date: 8-26-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Bill O'Reilly's white privilege - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 22: Mistrusting the police - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on how a cyclist can teach us about white privilege
Link to article: What my bike has taught me about white privilege
Link to 99% Invisible Episode 79: The Modern Moloch
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #730
Positive ideas and protests for change
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: It's Not Your Fault - Lee Camp - Air Date: 04-16-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: Don't blame yourself - Sixpence None the Richer
Ch. 4: Act 2: Why Wireless Is a Utility, Not a Luxury (with Susan Crawford) - Majority Report - Air Date: 03-28-13
Ch. 5: Song 2: The internet is for porn - Rick Lyon & Stephanie D'Abruzzo
Ch. 6: Act 3: Time to Break Up the Telecom Industry - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 03-13-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: In the beginning - K'naan
Ch. 8: Act 4: Democracy In The Workplace - Moyers And Company - Air Date 3-22-13
Ch. 9: Song 4: Take 'Em Down - Dropkick Murphys
Ch. 10: Act 5: OUR Walmart - UnFuck it Up Project
Ch. 11: Song 5: I didn't fuck it up - Katie Goodman
Ch. 12: Act 6: FDR's 2nd Bill of Rights p1 - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 06-07-13
Ch. 14: Act 7: FDR's 2nd Bill of Rights p2 - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 06-07-13
Ch. 15: Song 7: Talented tailor - Laura Hocking
Ch. 16: Act 8: Federal Judge Rules Against Unpaid Internships - Citizen Radio - Air Date: 6-13-13
Ch. 17: Song 8: Self-fulfilling prophecy - Scala & Kolacny Brothers
Ch. 18: Act 9: Wow! MD Goes Holistic: Replaces GDP w/ GDI - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 06-20-13
Ch. 19: Song 9: My wealth comes to me - Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore
Ch. 20: Act 10: Protestors Put the Pressure on the Brazilian Government - Young Turks - Air Date: 06-19-13
Voicemails:
Ch. 20: Racial inequity is a fact, not a belief - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 20: The merits of the lack of nuance in constitutional arguments - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 20: Final comments on the value of stripping away peripheral ideas to get to the foundation of your beliefs
Activism:
Join the fight to raise the American standard of living!
OURWalmart:
https://www.facebook.com/OURWMT
Making Change at Wal-Mart:
http://makingchangeatwalmart.org &
https://www.facebook.com/MakingChangeWMT
Information for this segment can be found at:
http://www.businessinsider.com/walmart-employees-pay http://robertreich.tumblr.com/post/36219730368
http://jobs.stateuniversity.com/pages/16/American-Workplace-SHIFT-SERVICE-ECONOMY.html
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes!
Edition #855
Just the most recent spotlight on militarized racism
Today we take a look at the short and long-term effects of the combined forces of decades of systemic racism and the military-industrial complex as seem through the lens of the murder of Mike Brown in Ferguson, MO and the resulting anti-police protests
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Initial First-Hand Reporting From Ferguson - @democracynow - Air Date 8-12-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: 212° - Jasiri X (Produced by Soy Sos)
Ch. 4: Act 2: The police move from killing Mike Brown to assassinating his character - @TWiBnation - Air Date: 8-15-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: The Secret Agent: The Secret Agent Ending - Philip Glass: Glass Reflections
Ch. 6: Act 3: Anger in Ferguson follows record of racial disparity - Rachel @maddow Show - Air Date 8-12-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: To Serve And Protect - Penthouse Flashback Series (Queen Ifrica)
Ch. 8: Act 4: The View from Fergustan - @onthemedia - Air Date: 8-15-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Fade to Black - Inquisition Symphony
Ch. 10: Act 5: Rage Is The Right Response To Cops Executing Citizens - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-14-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Everyday (Single Version) - Everyday - Single
Ch. 12: Act 6: It takes more and more to shock people to action - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 8-19-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Old News - One Wrong Turn
Ch. 14: Act 7: The military-industrial complex comes for community policing - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 8-15-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Mic (Military Industrial Complex) - Everthing Included
Ch. 16: Act 8: Ferguson, MO and Police Militarization - @LastWeekTonight with John Oliver - Air Date: 8-17-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Toy jackpot - Blackalicious
Ch. 18: Act 9: War and False Peace - @MumiaAbuJamal - Air Date: 8-18-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: Fear is a villain - Theo Bard
Ch. 20: Act 10: Ferguson Unmasks the War on Black America - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 8-20-14
Ch. 21: Song 10: Strong Animals - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 22: Act 11: Speaking with @prisonculture: problem with police doesn't begin or end with militarization - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 8-21-14
Ch. 23: Song 11: The Unforgiven (Instrumental Version) - Plays Metallica By Four Cellos
Ch. 24: Act 12: Early Warnings Of Militarization Abuse Widely Ignored - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 8-22-14
Ch. 25: Song 12: Don't Listen - Solo
Ch. 26: Act 13: The rise of police militarization - @dccommonsense - Air Date: 8-20-14
Ch. 27: Song 13: Window - In a Safe Place
Ch. 28: Act 14: Ferguson Themes cast long shadows over US - Rachel @maddow Show - Air Date 8-21-14
Ch. 29: Final comments - Campaigns for #MikeBrown and #Ferguson via @LeBreed7910 - Best of the Left Activism
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
TAKE ACTION:
Support the Campaigns for #MikeBrown and #Ferguson via B. Reed (@LeBreed7910)
Sources/further reading:
"America’s new racial low point: More crying black mothers, and tear gas on our dreams” by Brittney Cooper at Salon
"The Murder of Black Youth Is a Reproductive Justice Issue” by Dani McClain at The Nation
"What Matters in Ferguson” by Mychal Denzel Smith at The Nation
"A Former Marine Explains All the Weapons of War Being Used by Police in Ferguson” by Lyle Jeremy Rubin via Truthout
"St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch’s perception problem” by Alex Seitz-Wald at MSNBC.com
"Crowdfunders Raise $225,000 for Cop Who Shot Michael Brown”
Hear the segment in context:
Episode #855 Just the most recent spotlight on militarized racism (#Ferguson)
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #854
Would-be oppressors with a victim mentality
Today we take a look at the actual right to be treated equally and the fictional right some claim they have to discriminate against others
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Anti-Gay Christian Struggles to Defend Anti-Gay Discrimination - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-12-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Makes No Sense - The Rainmakers
Ch. 4: Act 2: Church Uses First Amendment Protections To Perform Same Sex Marriages - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-03-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Fundamentalists - The Supervillains
Ch. 6: Act 3: If only most churches had inner beauty as well - Throwing Shade (@gibblertron @bryansafi) - Air Date: 8-21-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Beautiful - Christina Aguilera
Ch. 8: Act 4: Right Wing Hero Ben Carson SHOCKED Gays Offended When You Compare Equality to Beastiality - @majorityfm - Air Date: 05-22-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Animal - Neon Trees
Ch. 10: Act 5: Anti-Gay Law Ruled Unconstitutional In Uganda - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-02-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: I Want You to Want Me - Cheap Trick
Ch. 12: Act 6: We are All Out - @alloutorg - Air Date: 06-11-13
Ch. 13: Song 6: Dreamtime - Uberzone
Ch. 14: Act 7: Obama Signs LGBT Non-Discrim Order, Religious Right FLIPS OUT - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-23-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Opinions - The Haymarket Squares
Ch. 16: Act 8: Exemption-Free Employment Non-Discrimination Act
Ch. 17: Song 8: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 18: Act 9: It's not time to compromise on marriage equality - @fakedansavage - Air Date: 3-11-14
Voicemails
Ch. 19: The culture of zero accountability - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Ch. 20: You inspired me - Rich in Kansas
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on the thing that fell behind my stove
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
TAKE ACTION:
Join with Americans For Workplace Opportunity
Follow/support the Americans For Workplace Opportunity coalition members listed HERE
Contact your representatives via email, phone, social media
Sources/further reading:
"Billionaires push Republicans on gay rights bill” via Politico
"ACLU, Lambda Legal Drop Support for ENDA" via John Becker at The Bilerico Project
"Obama signs edict banning discrimination against federal LGBT employees” via AlJazeera America
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #853
What we have done to some folks
Today we're going to hear about the shifting of the winds regarding how we talk about the torture we committed over the past decade. We'll also hear from an Irish victim of British torture tactics for further insights into the self-inflicted wounds the practice of torture inflicts.
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Torture and Senate-spying by the CIA - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 8-1-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Waterboarding USA - Harry Shearer
Ch. 4: Act 2: Being A Little Late On The Moral Issues - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 8-8-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Don't Look Back In Anger - (What's the Story) Morning Glory
Ch. 6: Act 3: Torture In Other Words - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 4-4-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Say What You Mean - Change of Scenery
Ch. 8: Act 4: Torture report redactions under fire from senators - Rachel @maddow Show - Air Date: 8-6-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Waiting - Greatest Hits
Ch. 10: Act 5: New York Times Now Using Torture, Finally - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-09-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Cynical - Waiting for the Punchline
Ch. 12: Act 6: Flashback: Antonin Scalia Says Waterboarding Not Torture - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-12-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Tell Me What I Want To Hear - Let It Go
Ch. 14: Act 7: The U.S. Has a History of Treating POW's Humainly - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-02-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: John Adams theme song
Ch. 16: Act 8: Torture And Its Uncontrollable Consequences - @CBCideas - Air Date 6-10-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: On forming trust between groups with power imbalances - Sally from San Francisco
Ch. 22: On the militarized, out-of-control police - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on the intersectionality of militarized police
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #852
Trickle up, up and overseas economics
Today we take a look at the ways in which the game is rigged to keep executive pay high, worker pay low and corporate welfare flowing
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Why Do CEOs Make So Much Money? - The Atlantic - Air Date: 01-22-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Cantaloupe Island - Cantaloupe Island
Ch. 4: Act 2: CEO Pay Is A Massive Scam, This Chart Proves It - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 08-03-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two - Oliver! (The Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Ch. 6: Act 3: Our Enemy Is The Same - @LeeCamp - Air Date: 03-31-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Common Enemies - Badlands
Ch. 8: Act 4: How income inequality happens - @jimhightower - Air Date: 5-13-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: A Fair Day's Wage - War on Peace - EP
Ch. 10: Act 5: Comcast-TimeWarner Merger Update via @freepress - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 11: Song 5: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 12: Act 6: Corporate Welfare And Taxes Of The One Percent - @BillMoyersHQ - Air Date 5-30-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Trickle Down - No Covers
Ch. 14: Act 7: Shocking! Fox News Hosts Get Corporate Tax Dodging All Wrong While Defending Them - @majorityfm - Air Date: 08-01-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Capitalism - Capitalism (feat. Bajka) - EP
Ch. 16: Act 8: Chris Michael: Creating Democracy in the Workplace - @grittv - Air Date: 3-14-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Tonight the Streets Are Ours - Tonight the Streets Are Ours - EP
Ch. 18: Act 9: John Finimore on capitalism - The Now Show
Voicemails
Ch. 19: The health effects of too much politics - David in Indiana
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments on the ways different people experience media and politics differently
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Follow-up/new Action!
Join the Fight to Stop the Comcast-Time Warner Cable Merger via FreePress.net
Sources/additional glimmers of hope:
"Comcast defends $45B Time Warner merger” via Kate Tummarello at The Hill
"Comcast and Time Warner fund event for FCC regulator while seeking merger approval” via Josh Hicks at The Washington Post
Hear the segment in context:
Episode #852 "Trickle up, up and overseas economics (Corporations)"
Revisit the original action/segment: BOTL Activism: "FreePress.net fights against media monopolies” from Episode #799 Rise of the gatekeepers (Net Neutrality)
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #851
To selectively protect and serve
Today we look at a variety of ways in which the justice system utterly fails to deliver anything resembling justice
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The Sick, Twisted Reason This Man Lost 24 Years Of His Life - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-11-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: No Justice,No Peace - No Justice,No Peace
Ch. 4: Act 2: How to Become Your Own Supreme Court - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 07-10-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Not Guilty - Waking Up the Neighbours
Ch. 6: Act 3: Invasive Cavity Search at the Border - @onthemedia - Air Date: 2-28-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Abuse of Power - Humongously Yours
Ch. 8: Act 4: EVERY Car In Los Angeles Under Investigation - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-31-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Stop Spying - Making Perfect Sense
Ch. 10: Act 5: CA Supermax Prisoners Win Right To Challenge Solitary Confinement As A Class - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 6-11-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Solitary Confinement - Solitary Confinement
Ch. 12: Act 6: Time to Abolish the Prison Industrial Complex - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 07-18-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Crime to Be Broke in America - Home
Ch. 14: Act 7: Homicide: Autopsy Says NY Man Died from Police Chokehold - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 08-05-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: I Think I Broke Something - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 16: Act 8: Eric Garner NYPD Chokehold Death Ruled a Homicide as Police Arrest Key Witness - @majorityfm - Air Date: 08-05-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Things a Get from Bad to Worse - Everything Crash: The Best of the Ethiopians
Ch. 18: Act 9: #JusticeforEricGarner via @ColorOfChange - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 20: Act 10: How To End Police Brutality AND Homelessness [Redacted Tonight] - @LeeCamp - Air Date: 08-04-14
Ch. 21: Song 10: Good Ideas - Good Ideas
Ch. 22: Act 11: States That Slashed Prison Population Saw Huge Drops in Crime - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-26-14
Voicemails
Ch. 23: Black men are treated both older and younger than they are - Slim from San Deigo
Ch. 24: Thank you for what you do - Karen from Charlotte NC
Ch. 25: The details of Levittown, Long Island - Scott from Long Island
Ch. 26: Turn's out Wade is liberal - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 27: Final comments on the two-step advice on how to survive the stress of paying attention to politics
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
UPDATE:
Since the production of this episode, a nationwide moment of silence and accompanying vigils in 50 cities has been planned for THURSDAY Aug 14 at 7pmEST. #NMOS14 is being coordinated by Feminista Jones who's Twitter you can follow for information.
TAKE ACTION:
Sign the ColorOfChange.org letter to Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton: #JusticeforEricGarner
Additional Activism/Resources:
Sign: White House petition demanding a statement (at the very least) on the killing of young, black men
Read and join in these Twitter conversations:
”Black Women Matter: #RememberRenisha”
"#IfTheyGunnedMeDown Shows How Black People Are Portrayed in Mainstream Media” by Yesha Callahan at The Root
Sources/further reading:
"News coverage of the Michael Brown shooting: headlines matter” via The People’s View
"When Parenting Feels Like a Fool’s Errand: On the Death of Michael Brown.” by Stacia L. Brown
"Surprise! NYPD Commissioner Bratton Doesn’t Think Race Had Anything to Do With Eric Garner’s Death” by Mychal Denzel Smith at The Nation
"Eric Garner’s Death and the Exasperation With Police Violence” by Mychal Denzel Smith at The Nation
Hear the segment in context:
Episode #851 "To selectively protect and serve (Injustice System)"
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for lis...
Edition #850
The P Word
Today we hammer home the details about white privilege once and for all so that there will never be any further confusion about ever
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Fox News Reporter: Obama and Holder Being Black is the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Them - @majorityfm - Air Date: 04-15-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Song Link Here
Ch. 4: Act 2: Bill O'Reilly Denies Having White Privilege - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-16-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Song Link Here
Ch. 6: Act 3: Danielle Lee (@DNLee5): Working twice as hard - @story_collider - Air Date: 12-9-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: Song Link Here
Ch. 8: Act 4: Same Behavior, Different Treatment - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 4-2-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Song Link Here
Ch. 10: Act 5: Why Are Black Preschoolers Being Suspended Far More Than Their White Classmates? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-26-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Song Link Here
Ch. 12: Act 6: White Supremacy and the Central Park 5 - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 6-25-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Song Link Here
Ch. 14: Act 7: Caller: White People Don't Understand White Privilege - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-26-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Song Link Here
Ch. 16: Act 8: Denice Frohman - 1-800-White Man Privilege Hotline - Button Poetry - Air Date: 04-28-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: The conservative reaction to the refugee crisis - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 22: No excuse for watching mainstream news - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments updating on the new old-school marketing campaign
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #849
The planners and the deniers
Today we look at some of the people and the plans they have to help save the climate as well as some of the deniers and how to deal with them
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Elon Musk talks Tesla, climate change and his reasons for pessimism - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 6-17-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Damage (Bonus Track) - Impeach My Bush (Bonus Track Version) [Expanded Edition]
Ch. 4: Act 2: Tesla Does Something No Other Car Company Would Ever Do - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-21-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Electric Car - Here Comes Science (Audio + Video Version)
Ch. 6: Act 3: Caller: Is the Electric in Electric Cars Really Clean? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-09-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: One Million Miles Away - The Illusionary Movements of Geraldine and Nazu
Ch. 8: Act 4: Racing Toward Renewables: Solutions Project Update
Ch. 9: Song 4: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 10: Act 5: Hamburg Plans to Eliminate Need for Cars Within 20 Years - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-30-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Driving Sideways - Magnolia (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 12: Act 6: Supporting Climate Action Despite The Denyers - @greennewsreport - Air Date 6-10-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Money (That's What I Want) [Single] - 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Barrett Strong
Ch. 14: Act 7: Politics Of Climate Change And The Press - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 5-16-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: A Waltz for George and Tex - Wild Ones
Ch. 16: Act 8: Senators Seek to Bypass President Obama, Construct Keystone Pipeline - @majorityfm - Air Date: 06-27-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Modern Way - Employment
Ch. 18: Act 9: Republican: Climate Change a Hoax Because Earth and Mars Have Same Temperature - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-14-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: You're a Joke - Planet Obscure
Ch. 20: Act 10: Tony Abbot's Big Present For Polluters - @greennewsreport - Air Date 7-17-14
Ch. 21: Song 10: That's all - Claire and the Reasons
Ch. 22: Act 11: Climate Change and Emperor Penguins - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 07-02-14
Ch. 23: Song 11: Defying Gravity (Glee Cast Version) - Glee: The Music, Vol. 1
Ch. 24: Act 12: 10 words no other US President has said on climate - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 7-7-14
Ch. 25: Song 12: Do The Right Thing - Beres Hammond - Collectors Series
Ch. 26: Act 13: Finally, Climate Deniers Purged - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-12-14
Voicemails
Ch. 27: On sovereignty and the refugee crisis - Erin from Philadelphia
Ch. 28: On non-violent resistence, morality and violence - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Ch. 29: Can't remain silent on Israel's actions anymore - Oren Ashkenazi from Seattle, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 30: Final comments on our newly launched marketing campaign. Review us in iTunes and Stitcher!
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism Update!
Solutions Project Newsletter/Round-up
Keep your eye on...
”New Yorkers Push for Solar Access”
Governor Cuomo’s “Reforming The Energy Vision”
Connecticut Shared Solar – Looking Ahead to 2015
Sources/additional glimmers of hope:
"In Some States, Emissions Cuts Defy Skeptics” via The New York Times
Hear the segment in context:
Episode #797 "Trouble at the old pharm (Health Care)"
Revisit the original action/segment: BOTL Activism: The Solutions Project (02/02/14)
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #848
Wars and words
Today we take a look at ways the media loves to spin the facts of war, start new wars and generally support the people with the power to start wars
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Journalist Confused About What Journalism Is - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-24-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Crazy - St. Elsewhere
Ch. 4: Act 2: The Media's Stories Are About U.S. Sacrifice - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 6-20-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Everybody's gone to war - Nerina Pallot
Ch. 6: Act 3: Rewriting The Orwellian Headlines - @Citizen_Radio - Air Date 7-18-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Forgotten - Punkgrass for the People
Ch. 8: Act 4: Loaded Language - @onthemedia - Air Date: 7-25-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Perspective - Respect the Architect
Ch. 10: Act 5: Certain Lives Are Worth Much More Than Others - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 7-18-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Casualties of War - Don't Sweat the Technique
Ch. 12: Act 6: Americans Agree: The Media Sucks [DEVASTATING POLL] - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-22-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: The Whole World Is a Stage - Best of the Fantastic Four
Ch. 14: Act 7: The Lies That Lead to War - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 6-27-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Little Lies - Fleetwood Mac: Greatest Hits
Ch. 16: Act 8: Reporter Who Lied About WMDs Now Calls For Media Accountability on Iraq - @majorityfm - Air Date: 06-16-14
Voicemails
Ch. 17: Advocating a one-state solution - Adam from Oxford, England
Ch. 18: What right does Israel have to exist and when did Americans stop hating Jews? - Prof. Rambo from Georgia
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 19: Final comments on avoiding playing the fool
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #847
Refugees at the border
Today we take a look at how our arguments over immigration policy is causing emotional flare ups around what should be an uncomplicated issue of a rich, developed nation offering help to refugees fleeing violence in their countries of origin.
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Top 6 Ways Corporations Are Bringing The Battlefield Home...And Making A Killing - @BraveNewFound - Air Date: 01-06-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Comes and Goes (In Waves) - Three Flights from Alto Nido
Ch. 4: Act 2: Obama Tackles Immigration Reform, Republicans Disagree - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-07-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Off a Cliff - Gestalt
Ch. 6: Act 3: Behind the border crisis - @onthemedia - Air Date: 7-11-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Rescue Jah Children - Police & Thieves (Remastered)
Ch. 8: Act 4: This Is Humane?: Lawmakers Push for "HUMANE" Act to Potentially Send Kids to Die - @majorityfm - Air Date: 07-15-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Shame - Emotionalism (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 10: Act 5: Sarah Palin: Impeach Obama for Following George W. Bush's Law - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-10-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: The Smallest Piece - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 12: Act 6: Brit Hume Bursts The Fox News Bubble Over The National Guard At The Border - Media Matters Minute (@mmfa) - Air Date: 07-14-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: The Smallest Piece - Beasts of the Southern Wild (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 14: Act 7: They're Not "Illegal" Immigrants, They're Refugees - @majorityfm - Air Date: 07-15-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Escape - Light (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 16: Act 8: Don't Mention Why The Kids Are On Our Borders - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 7-11-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Keepsake - Peace Between Nations
Ch. 18: Act 9: When Children Are the Enemy - Mumia Abu-Jamal - Air Date: 7-15-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: Cruel World - African Elephants
Ch. 20: Act 10: This Is What Refugee Immigrants Crossing the U.S. Border Are Fleeing - @majorityfm - Air Date: 07-17-14
Ch. 21: Song 10: Heartless - The Best of Aldo Nova
Ch. 22: Act 11: Support @SavetheChildren’s Border Crisis Effort - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 23: Song 11: Right to Complain - Backatown (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 24: Act 12: Jose Antonio Vargas, Proud American - @Truthdig - Air Date 7-18-14
Ch. 25: Song 12: Proud to Be an American - Side Street Ramblers - Masterworks Series Volume 2
Ch. 26: Act 13: Fox News Scoffs At Heart-Wrenching 911 Calls Of Immigrants Dying - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-24-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Torn apart by looking at both sides - Nathan from Boca Raton, FL
Ch. 22: Why I support Palestine - Sarah from Boston
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on David Pakman's response to the last episode's final comments
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Take Action:
TEXT “AID” to Save the Children at 20222 to donate $10
Read and watch stories from those crossing the boarder at: Save the Children’s “U.S. Border Crisis” page.
Learn exactly where your support is going at: U.S. Border Crisis: 'Save the Children’ Meeting Immediate Needs of Children
Sources/further reading:
Read and watch stories from those crossing the boarder at: Save the Children’s “U.S. Border Crisis” page.
"Border children need immediate cooperation" via Save the Children at USA Today
"To Address Honduran Refugee Crisis at the Border, US Should Stop Financing Repression in Honduras” by Laura Raymond at Truthout
"This Is What an Overcrowded Holding Center for Migrant Children Looks Like” by Steven Hsieh at The Nation
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTune...
Edition #846
The Israeli incursion into Gaza
Today we take an overview of the current conflict between Israel and Gaza. There are war crimes on both sides but a large asymmetry of power
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: If You Care About Israel, End the Occupation NOW - @majorityfm - Air Date: 07-08-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Machine - Contre jour (Original Soundtrack)
Ch. 4: Act 2: Netanyahu Accidentally Poses A Devastating Thought Experiment, Death Toll Rises - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-15-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Welcome to the Black Parade - Strung Out - The String Quartet Tribute to Alternative Rock Hits, Vol. 3
Ch. 6: Act 3: Israel & Palestine Not Close to Peace - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-16-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Turtle (Bonobo Mix) - One Offs... Remixes & B Sides
Ch. 8: Act 4: Let Me Take a Selfie?: Israelis Call for Ethnic Cleansing via Selfie - @majorityfm - Air Date: 07-16-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Legions (War) - One Cello x 16: Natoma
Ch. 10: Act 5: A Caged Population Treated Like Animals - @Truthdig - Air Date 7-18-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Fade to Black - Inquisition Symphony
Ch. 12: Act 6: Lifting The Media Curtain, The Real Israeli Story - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 7-19-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Dreamtime - Faith In the Future
Ch. 14: Act 7: A Progressive Israeli On The Israel/Gaza Crisis - @democracynow - Air Date 7-22-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: PTF2012 (Instrumental) - VNV Nation
Ch. 16: Act 8: What Should Palestine Do? An MLK Quote Says It All - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-17-14
Ch. 17: Final comments on why Israel gets more focus than other humanitarian crises
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #845
Another reason why we need single payer
Today we take a look at the Hobby Lobby ruling from the Supreme Court. Just as with money in politics, I'm pretty sure they're just trying to make the status quo so outrageously bad that we have no choice but to fundamentally change the system
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: 8 Women Explain Why The Hobby Lobby Ruling Is Dead Wrong - Media Matters 4 America (@mmfa) - Air Date: 07-19-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Mothers of the Night - Last Night
Ch. 4: Act 2: Doing Away With Science - @TWiBnation - Air Date 6-30-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Me & God & Jesus - Put Your Faith In Me
Ch. 6: Act 3: Is the Supreme Court Out of Order? Part 1 - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 7-11-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: You Don't Scare Me - Chimney's Afire
Ch. 8: Act 4: Religious Freedom a Farce in Hobby Lobby Case - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 07-02-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Here's to Your Health - Here's to Your Health-Single
Ch. 10: Act 5: Hobby Lobby's Corporate Commandments - @markfiore Animation - Air Date: 07-07-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: All This and Heaven Too - Ceremonials
Ch. 12: Act 6: Is the Supreme Court Out of Order? Part 2 - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 7-11-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Strange But True - Moth-Balls The Best Of The First 25 Years
Ch. 14: Act 7: Hobby Lobby Against Abortion, Invests in 'Abortion Pill' Manufacturers - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-03-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Ignore the Ignorant - Ignore the Ignorant
Ch. 16: Act 8: Laura Ingraham's Dark Ages Diagnosis Of Birth Control Users - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-02-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Communist Friends - Junior
Ch. 18: Act 9: The Campaign to #StoppBoggs via @NARAL - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 20: Act 10: The Hobby Lobby Decision Already Getting Worse - @majorityfm - Air Date: 07-09-14
Ch. 21: Song 10: Breathe Me - Breathe Me - Single
Ch. 22: Act 11: They Covered It Until Told They Had To - @TWiBnation - Air Date 7-7-14
Ch. 23: Final comments on the quiet before the storm
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism Update!
Judiciary Committee Postpones Boggs Vote
Original segment: "Stop The Michael Boggs Confirmation, BOTL activism”
But wait! Take action:
Say THANK YOU via NARAL’s Speaking Out Against Michael Boggs
SIGN to oppose the nomination
CALL & report how it went
Sources/additional glimmers of hope:
10 Reasons to #StopBoggs as told by Star Wars
"Sen. Richard Blumenthal Will Oppose Controversial Obama Nominee Michael Boggs”
”NARAL Pro-Choice America on Senator Chuck Schumer’s Statement To Oppose Michael Boggs”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #844
Fools and money
Today we take a look at a few ways how and why conservatives are being systematically fooled to the benefit of the elite
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The conservative con game - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 04-04-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: A Fool and His Money - Mosaic
Ch. 4: Act 2: The conservatives deep bench - @fakedansavage - Air Date 5-13-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: I ain't afraid - Robin Roberts
Ch. 6: Act 3: David Brooks, 'Democracy Is A Problem' - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 5-23-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: The Rabble and the Ruled - Patience and Perseverance
Ch. 8: Act 4: America's Poorest County Sadly Believe Republicans Fight For Them - @majorityfm - Air Date: 05-23-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Won't Get Fooled Again - The Who: Greatest Hits
Ch. 10: Act 5: Warning: Boehner at work! - Jim Hightower - Air Date: 7-21-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: While Rome Burns - Giggle (1995)
Ch. 12: Act 6: Can Scientists Be Trusted? Not According To The Tea Party - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-25-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Misinformation - Talk to Jah
Ch. 14: Act 7: Neil deGrasse Tyson's 'Cosmos' is Really Freaking Out Conservatives - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-28-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Resurrection (Space Club Mix) - Phonosynthesis (Includes Continuous Mix By DJ Irene)
Ch. 16: Act 8: The Right's Climate Change Intellectuals - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 5-23-14
Voicemails
Ch. 17: A student debt story - Jamie from Philadelphia, PA
Ch. 18: How education dollars are spent - John From Davis, CA
Ch. 19: Everybody read history and have your kids read history - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Ch. 20: The government can do when they prioritize - Marcus from Austin, TX
Ch. 21: The importance of personal LGBTQ stories - Zach from San Francisco
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 22: Final comments on the pile of work I found waiting for me when I got home
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #737
How we treat those we are responsible for
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: The Aryan Brotherhood's 'Jihadist' Murder Streak in the U.S. - The Young Turks - Air Date: 04-03-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: Sail - AWOL Nation
Ch. 4: Act 2: What to Think of Whenever You Hear "The Worst of the Worst" - Black Agenda Report - Air Date: 6-12-13
Ch. 5: Song 2: Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash
Ch. 6: Act 3: Caller: Prisons Should Not be Privatized! - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 06-13-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: Clint Eastwood - The Gorillaz
Ch. 8: Act 4: Judge Sentenced for Selling Kids to Prisons - David Pakman Show - Air Date: 05-25-13
Ch. 9: Song 4: Life in prison - Mitchell
Ch. 10: Act 5: Philadelphia 'Can't Afford' Schools, Buys $400 Million Prison - Young Turks - Air Date: 06-15-13
Ch. 11: Song 5: Opportunity - Pete Murray
Ch. 12: Act 6: Private Prisons: The Evil Side of Reaganomics - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 06-22-13
Ch. 13: Song 6: Evil is alive and well - Jakob Dylan
Ch. 14: Act 7: Barbaric Sterilizations in California - The Progressive Magazine - Air Date: 7-9-13
Ch. 15: Song 7: 21st Century - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Ch. 16: Act 8: Forced Sterilization Of Women In American Prisons - Young Turks - Air Date: 07-13-13
Ch. 17: Song 8: The Undesirables - Lawrence Arabia
Ch. 18: Act 9: Texas County Sued for Running 'Rape Camp' at Jail - David Pakman Show - Air Date: 06-23-13
Ch. 19: Song 9: Nothing else matters - Scala & Kolacny Brothers
Ch. 20: Act 10: Solitary Watch - UnFuck it Up Project
Ch. 21: Song 10: I didn't fuck it up - Katie Goodman
Ch. 22: Act 11: Pelican Bay prisoners' hunger strike - Citizen Radio - Air Date: 07-11-13
Ch. 23: Song 11: Chain gang - Sam Cooke
Ch. 24: Act 12: Tens of Thousands of California Inmates Join Pelican Bay Hunger Strikers - Black Agenda Report - Air Date: 7-10-13
Voicemails:
Ch. 25: Rape jokes are not off limits - Peter from Chicago, IL
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 26: Final comments on rape jokes
Lindy West's articles:
How to Make a Rape Joke - http://jezebel.com/5925186/how-to-make-a-rape-joke
If Comedy Has No Lady Problem, Why Am I Getting So Many Rape Threats? - http://jezebel.com/if-comedy-has-no-lady-problem-why-am-i-getting-so-many-511214385
Activism:
http://solitarywatch.com/action/
Information for this segment can be found at:
READ:
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/10/solitary-confinement-shane-bauer
WATCH: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/10/video-shane-bauer-solitary
STATE MAPS: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/10/map-solitary-confinement-states
In depth critique of US prison system: http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/atlarge/2012/01/30/120130crat_atlarge_gopnik
Sponsored by the UnFuck it Up Project: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Unfuck-It-Up/196389490396988
Katie Goodman, creator: http://katiegoodman.com
Katie Klabusich, director: http://katiespeak.com
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes!
Edition #843
All but the rich agree we need change
Today we take a look at the facts and the folly of the vast and growing wealth gap in the US. The good news is that everyone agrees we should take action to fix the problem, we just need to teach everyone it's a problem first. Weird, eh?
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: FDR Second Bill of Rights Speech
Ch. 3: Song 1: Window - In a Safe Place
Ch. 4: Act 2: Fighting for the Four Freedoms with Harvey J. Kaye - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-11-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Monday - I Heart Huckabees (Original Soundtrack) [Soundtrack from the Motion Picture]
Ch. 6: Act 3: Media Twisting And Ignoring Polls That Show Popularity Of 'Inequality' Theme - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 2-7-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: We Want a Rock - Flood
Ch. 8: Act 4: Republicans & Democrats Completely Agree on This ONE Issue - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 02-23-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: What Are Their Names - If I Could Only Remember My Name
Ch. 10: Act 5: JP Morgan and the income inequality problem - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 01-24-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: RazorWire - Chris Priest
Ch. 12: Act 6: American? You Might Move To Canada After Watching This - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-23-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Oligarchy - Punkgrass for the People
Ch. 14: Act 7: USA: Bad Jobs Country - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 4-30-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Revolution (Human Need Over Profit) - Tha People's Music
Ch. 16: Act 8: Comfortably Stating The Dangers Of Populism - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 5-2-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Populism, Yea Yea - Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Original Cast Recording)
Ch. 18: Act 9: Retirement Security For All via @SEIU - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 20: Act 10: Bill Moyers Essay: America’s Mad Dash Toward Oligarchy - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-18-14
Ch. 21: Bonus clip: This day in history - Bastille Day - John Mill
Ch. 22: Final comments on where to catch me at Netroots Nation
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
ACTIVISM:
Retirement Security For All via Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Expand Social Security petition
Tell your story
Sources/further reading:
State Report on Social Security via Social Security Works
Follow SEIU Retirement Security and Social Security Works
Social Security Basic Facts
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #739
Cause and effect
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: The New Iraq and Rumsfeld's Rules - le Show - Air Date 5-19-13
Ch. 3: Act 2: Honor And Duty According To Dick Cheney - Jimmy Dore Show - Air Date 5-17-13
Ch. 4: Song 2: The world I know - Collective Soul
Ch. 5: Act 3: Withdrawing From War Without Lessons Learned - Common Sense - Air Date 5-29-13
Ch. 6: Song 3: Vultures of culture - Nahko and Medicine for the People
Ch. 7: Act 4: JFK Peace Speech: The Anti-George Bush - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 07-04-13
Ch. 8: Song 4: Let's begin - Margaret Whiting
Ch. 9: Act 5: Obama's 'Hidden Hand' Approach Debunked - CounterSpin - Air Date 7-19-13
Ch. 10: Song 5: This war - Ophelia of the Spirits
Ch. 11: Act 6: Pathology of privilege in foreign policy - Tim Wise
Voicemails:
Ch. 12: Clarifications on rape culture and rape jokes - Chris from Colorado Springs
Ch. 13: Thoughts on the Zimmerman trial - Aaron from Kansas
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 14: Final comments reading a perspective from a 'white hispanic' listener
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #842
The education industry
Today we take a look at couple of ways smart job-creators have come up with to make people pay for portions of our education system that should either not exist or be free, thereby creating wealth for themselves and a few jobs to boot. They must have gone to college to be smart enough to come up with that plan.
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The war on common core - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 05-08-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Secret Agent: The Secret Agent Ending - Philip Glass: Glass Reflections
Ch. 4: Act 2: Republican: Common Core is a Plot to Turn Kids Gay! - @majorityfm - Air Date: 05-20-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Shame - Emotionalism (Bonus Track Version)
Ch. 6: Act 3: This Test Is Not For Non-English Speakers - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 5-2-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Classroom - East Coast Teen Party - Volume 7
Ch. 8: Act 4: Students Now Indentured to the Banksters - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 05-24-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Free College - Pie in the Sky
Ch. 10: Act 5: Senator Warren Fights For Students, Knowing She'll Fail - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-10-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: We Are the Champions - Queen: Greatest Hits
Ch. 12: Act 6: Student Debt PayBack Cap via @WhiteHouse - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 14: Act 7: Time for a Student Loan Debt Jubilee! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 06-04-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Free Education (feat. Treez & Young DJ) - Unconditional
Ch. 16: Act 8: Graduating? The Class of 2014 is Screwed - @majorityfm - Air Date: 05-24-14
Voicemails
Ch. 21: Summer hours should be summer weeks - Dan in Sheffield Lake
Ch. 22: Don't read history, work on the future - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comment on the importance of synthesizing historical information to help create the future
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism Update!
”Obama Announces New Executive Orders to Reduce Student Debt” via In the Capital
ACTIVISM:
"How to Contact All the Senators Who Voted Against Student Debt Relief Legislation” via In the Capital
Find out how much the Congress cost you — then tweet it at them.
Track legislative efforts at Higher Ed Not Debt.
Sources/additional glimmers of hope:
"The 37 Senators Who Voted for Millionaires Over Students” via Campaign For America’s Future at Truthout
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #841
Hope dies last
Today we hear about climate progress from Obama and climate denial from bought-off Republicans, we clarify how to talk about it and what we're actually trying to save and maintain hope in the face of daunting odds
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Obama Administration Sets New EPA Rules - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-03-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Take It or Leave It - Is This It
Ch. 4: Act 2: Fighting New EPA Standards - @greennewsreport - Air Date 6-5-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Change Your Mind - Fortress
Ch. 6: Act 3: Climate Change vs. Global Warming - @onthemedia - Air Date: 6-6-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Death to Everyone (Bonus Track) - Sword & Sworcery LP - The Ballad of the Space Babies
Ch. 8: Act 4: Clever Pipeline XL Equations - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 5-9-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: The Cave - Mumford & Sons Piano Tribute
Ch. 10: Act 5: David Suzuki: The War on Climate Scientists - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 5-16-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: I Saved the World Today - Eurythmics: Ultimate Collection (Remastered)
Ch. 12: Act 6: The Kill-Clean-Energy Industry - @greennewsreport - Air Date 6-17-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Sweet Little Lies - Yell Fire!
Ch. 14: Act 7: Clean energy, not Cove Point - Mike Tidwell of Chesapeake Climate Action Network (@CCAN)
Ch. 15: Song 7: Solid Ground - Real Estate
Ch. 16: Act 8: Stop Fracked Gas Exports via @CCAN - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 18: Act 9: Hope Dies Last - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-27-14
Voicemails
Ch. 19: Thoughts on Wade's comments regarding Iraq - Colin from Cleveland, OH
Ch. 20: In defense of Wade - David From North Carolina
Ch. 21: Thoughts on Wade's comments on Iraq - Daniel from Albany, NY
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 22: Final comments on the final fundraising tally
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
ACTIVISM:
Stop Fracked Gas Exports: Cove Point and Beyond via Chesapeake Climate Action Network
StopGasExports
Sources/further reading:
Chesapeake Climate Action Network on Twitter
"Concerned About Climate Change? Take Action to Stop Cove Point” via NationAction
"Is The Cove Point Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal The Next Keystone XL?” by Caroline Selle at HuffPost Green
"The Other Keystone It’s just as important to stop Cove Point” by Mark Hersgaard at The Nation
"Fisherman Fighting Dominion Cove Point LNG Export Terminal Worried About Explosions, Long-Term Impacts” via DeSmog Blog
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #840
Trials and tribulations
Today we hear some personal and some political stories that give insight into the trans experience in America
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: Laverne Cox: I'm from Mobile, AL - True Transgender Stories - @Lavernecox - Air Date: 2-7-12
Ch. 3: Song 1: Proud - This Business of Art
Ch. 4: Act 2: Know your rights: Transgender In The Workplace - @PRUradio - Air Date: 6-30-13
Ch. 5: Song 2: I Fought the Law - Hits Back (Deluxe Edition)
Ch. 6: Act 3: Financial Options Available For Gender Confirmation Surgery - @fakedansavage - Air Date 11-19-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: Get With The Times - Get With The Times
Ch. 8: Act 4: Provider Ignorance In Health Care And Therapy For LGBTQ Community - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date 2-3-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Yeah Sapphire - Stay Positive
Ch. 10: Act 5: Texas Trans Law That Effects All Trans - @transadvocate - Air Date 2-6-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - James Taylor: Greatest Hits, Vol. 1
Ch. 12: Act 6: Justice for Jane via @Justice4JaneCT - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 14: Act 7: Joy Ladin: Life as a transgender woman at an Orthodox Jewish University - @TheCurrentCBC - Air Date: 4-28-14
Ch. 23: Final comments on what ever happened to Our Blue Media
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
ACTIVISM:
Change.org petition: "Free the 16-year-old Transgender Girl Currently Incarcerated in an Adult Prison Without Criminal Charges”
Ways to Take Action, “Justice for Jane Doe and the urgency of survival” via Reina Gossett
Justice 4 Jane Tumblr/Updates
Sources/further reading:
JusticeForJane
"Jailed Conn. Trans Teen to Be Released”, "Conn. Trans Teen Jailed, Housed With Adults”, "Rally Planned for Jailed 16-Year-Old Trans Girl”, and "Detained Trans Girl Speaks Out, Details Abusive Past” by Parker Marie Malloy at Advocate.com
"Jane Doe, Trans Women, and the Myth of the Perfect Victim” by Katherine Cross at RH Reality Check
Follow/stay updated: Justice For Jane on Twitter and Facebook
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #839
Disinfecting the rot on American democracy
Today we look at the biggest fundamental problem with American politics and a couple of the biggest plans to fix it
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: There is a Rot at the Core of American Democracy! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-16-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Screwed - One Man Riot
Ch. 4: Act 2: Nobody Wants You to Be An Activist - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-22-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Power to the People - Power to the People: The Hits (Deluxe Version)
Ch. 6: Act 3: 3 Who’s Buying our Midterm Elections? with Kim Barker and Andy Kroll (Part 1) - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 3-21-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Buy My Vote - Righteous Ruckus
Ch. 8: Act 4: Americans Agree Get Money OUT Of Politics - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-14-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Truth - Somebody Besides Yourself
Ch. 10: Act 5: 3 Who’s Buying our Midterm Elections? with Kim Barker and Andy Kroll (Part 2) - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 3-21-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: No Limit - O.N.I.F.C. (Deluxe Version)
Ch. 12: Act 6: MayDay PAC - @MayOneUS - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 14: Act 7: VT Calls Constitutional Convention Over Citizens United - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-08-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: The Constitution - Happy Hour
Ch. 16: Act 8: Dear Corrupt Politicians: That Sound You Hear Is Us Winning - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-04-14
Voicemails
Ch. 17: I got the metaphor right! - Peter from Chicago, IL
Ch. 18: Responding to Wade's comments on reparations - Steve from Stockton, CA
Ch. 19: A Marine's perspective on the current chaos in Iraq - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 20: Final comments on summer hours and the progress of the fundraiser
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
ACTIVISM:
Support MayDay Pac
Follow MayDayUS its founder Lawrence Lessig
Sources/further reading:
"The Launch Of The MayDay Citizens’ SuperPAC” via LessigBlog
"Anti-Dark Money Activist Lawrence Lessig Launches A Super PAC To End Super PACs” by Mason Atkins at ThinkProgress
"Mayday PAC: The SuperPAC Built to Destroy SuperPACs” via Newsweek
"Lawrence Lessig Starts a Super PAC” by Derek Willis at The New York Times
"Cronies, corruption and cash: Lawrence Lessig on why we need a super PAC to end all super PACs” by Elias Isquith at Salon
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #838
Double dose of duplicity
Today we look at the absurdly politicized reactions to the prisoner swap to retrieve Bowe Bergdahl and the PTSD-inducing media blitz of Bush-era neocons spouting their discredited opinions about the current chaos in Iraq
Support our fundraiser!
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: A prisoner dilemma - @onthemedia - Air Date: 6-13-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Long-Ge - Early Music
Ch. 4: Act 2: A Trial By News Debate - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 6-6-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: The Price You Pay - The River
Ch. 6: Act 3: No Actual Evidence Sgt Bergdahl Caused Any Deaths - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 06-04-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Unbelievable - Cool '90s Hits
Ch. 8: Act 4: Militants Capture Huge Swaths Of Iraq, Including Weapons YOU Paid For - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 06-13-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Beginning - Punkgrass for the People
Ch. 10: Act 5: Andrew Bacevich on the chaos in Iraq - @billmoyersHQ - Air Date: 6-20-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Forgotten - Punkgrass for the People
Ch. 12: Act 6: No New War via @AlanGrayson - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 14: Act 7: Time to Rethink American Exceptionalism? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 05-31-14
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Responding to Vicki from Oregon on animal agriculture - Scott from Brooklyn
Ch. 16: Comparing marijuana with alcohol and tobacco - Nathan from Boca Raton, FL
Ch. 17: Possible effects of reparations - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on the purpose of keeping the conversation on racism alive
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
ACTIVISM:
No New War via Alan Grayson
Contact Your Representatives
Sources/further reading:
"Stop Calling the Iraq War a ‘Mistake’” by Dennis Kucinich
"U.S. considers air strikes on Iraq, holds talks with Iran”
"Sunday Shows Turn To Discredited Iraq War Architects For Iraq Analysis” via Media Matters For America
"Hawks Push for Iraq War, the Rule of Law Prevents It” by Kevin Zeese via Popular Resistance and Truthout
"A Third Iraq War?” by Robin Wright at The New Yorker
VIDEO: Crisis In Iraq Michael Brooks on Arise News
"The sectarian myth of Iraq exploited by the West is a recipe for endless war” via Stop The War Coalition
via Greenpeace
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Edition #837
One year after Snowden
Today we look at where we are, in the wake of the Snowden revelations from one year ago, and where we may be heading with our relationship to the concept of privacy
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: What was Snowden's crime? - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date: 6-6-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: The Traitor - White Water, White Bloom
Ch. 4: Act 2: Brian Williams interviews Edward Snowden - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date: 5-30-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: T-Shirt Weather - Banter - A Candle Records Collection
Ch. 6: Act 3: Glenn Greenwald on the Surveillance State - @CBCRadioQ - Air Date: 5-2-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Burn It Down - Dancing In The Streets
Ch. 8: Act 4: How The Government Can Destroy Your Reputation (Report) - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-04-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Big Brother (1999 Remaster) - Diamond Dogs
Ch. 10: Act 5: Intelligence community directive 119 - @onthemedia - Air Date: 6-13-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Secret - Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge
Ch. 12: Act 6: Reject Secret FBI Backdoors in Your Communications via @EFF
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 14: Act 7: The declining treatment of the fourth amendment - @dccommonsense - Air Date: 5-8-14
Voicemails
Ch. 15: In response to animal agriculture and climate change - Vicki from Oregon
Ch. 16: Melding the good guy with the nice guy - Chrissie from Kansas
Ch. 17: It's a weak argument to say that marijuana is harmless - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on arguing marijuana legalization
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
ACTIVISM:
Tell The White House You Oppose The FBI’s Secret New Internet Surveillance Law via The Electronic Frontier Foundation
Sources/further reading:
"Should U.S. Hackers Fix Cybersecurity Holes or Exploit Them?” by Bruce Schneier at The Atlantic
"Don’t Listen to Google and Facebook: The Public-Private Surveillance Partnership Is Still Going Strong” by Bruce Schneier at The Atlantic
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Edition #836
The case for reparations
Today we explain once again what white privilege is and isn't and then take a look at the case for reparations for slavery
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Bill O'Reilly Exempts Himself From White Privilege - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-16-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Inequality - Mark Shine
Ch. 4: Act 2: White Privilege is Real - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-30-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Turtle (Bonobo Remix) - Pilote
Ch. 6: Act 3: Examining the case for reparations - @Dis_Con - Air Date 2-18-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Who benefits? - Mustard Plug
Ch. 8: Act 4: Facing the Truth: The Case for Reparations Part 1 - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 5-21-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: The confrontation - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin
Ch. 10: Act 5: Slavery Reparations Study (H.R. 40) via @repjohnconyers and @NAACP - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 11: Song 5: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 12: Act 6: Facing the Truth: The Case for Reparations Part 2 - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 5-21-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 13: No one espouses misandry more than MRAs - Nathan from Boca Raton, FL
Ch. 14: Offended by Sonya's analogy - Peter from Chicago, IL
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 15: Final comments on women's lose-lose predicament analogy
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #835
Speak up on the future of the Internet
Today we look at how the Internet could look if we let the cable baron's lobbyists, including the one appointed to the FCC by Barack Obama, get their way and what we can do to stop them.
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The "gig" is up in Chatanooga - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 02-05-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Finest Worksong - Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage (1982-2011)
Ch. 4: Act 2: Cable Barons - @onthemedia - Air Date: 2-21-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Look To The Future - If It 'Ay Bost, Dow Fix It!
Ch. 6: Act 3: Net Neutrality R.I.P. (1969 - 2014) - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-02-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Things a Get from Bad to Worse - Everything Crash: The Best of the Ethiopians
Ch. 8: Act 4: Net Neutrality Then And Now - @theharryshearer Le Show - Air Date 4-27-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: It All Adds Up Now (1990 Remaster) - The Best of Cher (The Imperial Recordings, 1965-1968)
Ch. 10: Act 5: Mozilla's Plan to Save the Internet - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-08-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Fox In the Henhouse - Leap of Faith: The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Ch. 12: Act 6: Net Neutrality - @LastWeekTonight with John Oliver - Air Date: 6-1-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Gonna Fly Now - The Rocky Story
Ch. 14: Act 7: What Happened to Obama’s Promised Net Neutrality? - @BillMoyerHQ And Company - Air Date 5-2-14
Voicemails
Ch. 15: Misogyny episode made me feel better - Paula from California
Ch. 16: Medical incentives only apply to medicare patients - Kim from Illinois
Ch. 17: Misandry and the power structure - Zach from San Francisco
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 18: Final comments on racism, misandry, the FCC comment period and the BotL fundraiser
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Edition #834
Somewhere between anarchy and tyranny
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Today we take a look at the unnecessarily-slow, yet undeniable progress being made in the push to insure all Americans
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: 9.5 Million Previously Uninsured Now Have Health Insurance - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-04-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: A Girl, A Boy, and a Graveyard - The Reluctant Graveyard
Ch. 4: Act 2: Obamacare Equals Freedom? - @majorityfm - Air Date: 02-05-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: I Quit - 'Merican - EP
Ch. 6: Act 3: A Closer Look At Bipartisan Cooperation - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 5-23-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Underwhelmed - Not Your Property - Single
Ch. 8: Act 4: Can Hospitals Save Money By Making Doctors Squirm? - @planetmoney - Air Date: 12-19-13
Ch. 9: Song 4: Hospital Beds - Robbers & Cowards
Ch. 10: Act 5: You Can't Make Me Believe It - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 4-26-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: In Denial - Somewhere to Jump From
Ch. 12: Act 6: Obamacare Hater Now Loves Obamacare After It Saves His Life - Majority Report - Air Date: 04-30-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Room For Improvement - The Ali Of Rock
Ch. 14: Act 7: The GOP Death Panels... - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 05-22-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Deathly - Magnolia (Music from the Motion Picture)
Ch. 16: Act 8: Medicaid’s (slow) Expansion via @FamiliesUSA - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 18: Act 9: Obamacare In Red States Vs Blue States - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-17-14
Voicemails
Ch. 19: The importance of reintegration of ex-prisoners - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Ch. 20: Some MnMs are poisoned - Sonya from Minnesota
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 21: Final comments on some exciting updates to the June fundraiser
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism Update!
50 State Look At Medicaid Expansion via Families USA
Sources/additional glimmers of hope:
"Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signs Medicaid expansion” via Reuters
HealthCare.gov’s Medicaid Expansion Info
”[Maine] House speaker makes final push for Medicaid expansion with plan based on New Hampshire”
"GOP hatches dramatic scheme in Virginia” via Rachel Maddow Show Blog
It couldn’t all be good news:
"In Texarkana, Uninsured and on the Wrong Side of a State Line” by Annie Lowrey, New York Times
"Millions of Poor Are Left Uncovered by Health Law” via The New York Times
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #833
Objectified, harassed, abused, killed
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Today we look at some of the effects, large and small, of living in a systemically misogynist culture. Turns out they're not good.
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: UCSB Shooter Elliot Rodgers Was Most Definitely a Misogynist - @majorityfm - Air Date: 05-28-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Misogyny - Smash It (feat. Zoe Devlin)
Ch. 4: Act 2: Some men hate women, all women feel the effects - @Citizen_Radio - Air Date 5-26-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Institutionalized Misogyny - Yesterday Rules
Ch. 6: Act 3: The media misses the point on the motivation of the UCSB shootings - @TWiBnation - Air Date 5-27-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: The Mother of Misogyny - Paper Scissors Stone
Ch. 8: Act 4: Not All Men - Yes, All Women - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 5-28-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Harassment - Reggae Fever (Caught You)
Ch. 10: Act 5: Objectified (Short film) - Tiye Rose Hood
Ch. 11: Song 5: Icky Thump - Icky Thump
Ch. 12: Act 6: Safety And Rejection - @TWiBnation - Air Date 5-27-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: One - The Complete Hit Singles
Ch. 14: Act 7: The NO MORE campaign via @NOMOREorg - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 16: Act 8: Reflecting on Nerd Culture - @onthemedia - Air Date: 5-30-14
Voicemails
Ch. 17: Livestock and the climate - Patrick from Dallas
Ch. 18: Followup on Stonewall Uprising and LGBTQ movement - Chrissie from Kansas
Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics
Ch. 23: Final comments on Nazis, misogynists and baby diarrhea
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
HOTLINES:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline:
ACTIVISM:
NO MORE: website and Twitter
Sources/further reading:
”Not Alone” — the White House Task Force to Protect Students From Sexual Assault
"White House Action on Campus Sexual Violence: For Me, It's Personal” by Wagatwe Wanjuki
"Pure Poison: The UCSB Shooting, Ray Rice and a Culture of Violence Against Women” by Dave Zirin
"The insane (and hopeless) logic of #YesAllWomen critics” by Zerlina Maxwell
"It’s Time for Men to Stand Up and Fight Domestic Violence” by Dean Obeidallah
"How to Support a Trans* Survivor of Domestic Violence” via Everyday Feminism
CDC’s "Intimate Partner Violence” page
U.S. Dept of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women
U.S. Dept of Justice, Office For Victims of Crime: Sexual Assault in the Transgender Community
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #832
It costs money to either save or destroy the world
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https://bestoftheleft.nationbuilder.com/fundraiser
Today we look at the financial realities of both action and inaction on climate change. Turns out the right, selfless thing to do is also the right, selfish thing to do
Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill
Ch. 2: Act 1: The shocking truth about oil - and our planet - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 04-22-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: The fiddler's ballad - Jen Osha w/Wolf Creek Session
Ch. 4: Act 2: You'll Never Guess Who is Leading the Fight on Climate Change (Hint: It's Your Insurance Company) - @majorityfm - Air Date: 05-21-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Land of Confusion - Invisible Touch
Ch. 6: Act 3: Climate Deniers Using Same Tactics as Tobacco Industry - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-09-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Robber Barons - Robber Barons - Single
Ch. 8: Act 4: John Fullerton: Carbon Crisis, Fossil Fuels, & Finance - The @GRITlaura Flanders Show - Air Date: 12-3-13
Ch. 9: Song 4: Leader - Burning Spear
Ch. 10: Act 5: Stanford makes progress on divestment campaign - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 5-8-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Peril - Heresy and the Hotel Choir
Ch. 12: Act 6: Fossil Fuel Divestment Wins via @350 - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - The Poet
Ch. 14: Act 7: The antarctic ice sheet is disintegrating - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 5-13-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Water Keeps Rising - Kristin Diable and the City
Ch. 16: Act 8: Climate denial a prerequisite for GOP in 2016 - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 05-12-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: What Have We Done - Dancing In The Streets
Ch. 18: Act 9: Politician: I'm Not Qualified To Debate Science So I Reject It! - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-30-14
Ch. 19: Final comments on the launch of our first major BotL fundraiser
Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone
Activism Update!
"Big win for divestment campaign: Stanford to divest from coal companies”
Sources/additional glimmers of hope:
"Why the Petro-Divestment Movement Is Unstoppable” via The Tyee
"Why Divestment is Changing the Climate Movement” by Chloe Maxmin at The Nation
"Fighting Climate Change by Divesting from Fossil Fuel Companies” via On The Commons
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #831
The scales are systemically tipped
Today we look at just a few of the things that are fundamentally broken about the way our corporate media system works
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: MSNBC Silent On Cable Merger - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 4-18-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Show me something new - Shout Out Louds
Ch. 4: Act 2: Study: Fox News Climate Change Coverage 72% Misleading - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-10-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: I'm a pilot - Fanfarlo
Ch. 6: Act 3: The White House Correspondents Dinner: Why It's Weird - @majorityfm - Air Date: 05-08-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Washington, D.C. - The Magnetic Fields
Ch. 8: Act 4: Watchdogs in Tuxedos - @onthemedia - Air Date: 5-9-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Little Embarrassing - Rosemary's Sons
Ch. 10: Act 5: You Don't Even Know You're Being Manipulated - Lee Camp - Air Date: 04-02-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Opinions - Llewellyn
Ch. 12: Act 6: White male privilege in the new media - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 3-18-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: You're the storm - The Cardigans
Ch. 14: Act 7: Blurred lines - @onthemedia - Air Date: 5-9-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: I'm the slime - Frank Zappa
Ch. 16: Act 8: The Media Has FAILED The American People. Sen. Harry Reid MSNBC Interview - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-09-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 17: Thoughts on education reform - Ben from Jersey
Ch. 18: A new way of looking at laws regarding relationships - Tayna in California
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 19: Final comments on why you should go check out the music of The Haymarket Squares
Closing Music:
Opinions - The Haymarket Squares
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #830
Misguided and hypocritical
Today we look at some of the benefits of marijuana legalization and the hypocritical asininity of those who oppose it
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Report: Marijuana Overdoses Have Killed Dozens...says Police Chief - @majorityfm - Air Date: 03-03-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Messages - Xavier Rudd
Ch. 4: Act 2: Marijuana Legalization in CO: Crime Down, Revenues Up - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-16-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: That's all - Clare and the Reasons
Ch. 6: Act 3: Governor Apparently Wants Heroin Users To Overdose - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-13-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Overdose - Little Daylight
Ch. 8: Act 4: The importance of harm reduction - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 5-20-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Heroin - The Velvet Underground & Nico
Ch. 10: Act 5: Online DEA Manuals Show How Feds Use NSA Spy Data, Train Local Cops to Construct False Chains of Evidence - @blkagendareport - Air Date: 2-5-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Nobody does it better - Carly Simon
Ch. 12: Act 6: Time to Fire the DEA Head! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-09-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Time to go home - Michael Franti And Spearhead
Ch. 14: Act 7: The Smarter Sentencing Act via @PopResistance - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 16: Act 8: Millions Dead From Dangerous Drug - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-14-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Discrimination - Ancel
Ch. 18: Act 9: The Wisdom Of The MSNBC's Morning Narcissist - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date 1-11-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 19: Thoughts on VA hospitals - Jay from New York
Ch. 20: The limits for violence the state should be allowed to use - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Ch. 21: Cruelty is OK as long as it's not unusual - Rosa from Denver, CO
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 22: Final comments thanking those who've been spreading the word about the show
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
Support ‘Smarter Sentencing Act’
Sources/further reading:
Drug War Cost Clock
"Economists Slam the War on Drugs in a New London School of Economics Report” by Abby Haglage
"Global drugs war a 'billion-dollar failure’” via
"End The War On Drugs, Say Nobel Prize-Winning Economists” by Matt Ferner
“Ending the Drug Wars: Report of the LSE Expert Group on the Economics of Drug Policy”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Edition #829
The evil that we deplore
Today we look ahead to the forthcoming report on America's torture program and back at the process by which we keep getting ourselves into these situations
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: 1 Is America ready for honesty about Iraq? - Rachel @Maddow - Air Date: 04-03-2014
Ch. 3: Song 1: Won't let go - Downplay
Ch. 4: Act 2: 2 CIA Lied About Torture To Justify Using It (Senate Report) - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-02-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Don't look back in anger - Oasis
Ch. 6: Act 3: 3 Shocker! CIA Lied About Torture - @majorityfm - Air Date: 04-16-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Going home - Niklas Aman
Ch. 8: Act 4: The Stop Torture Campaign via: @amnestyonline - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 9: Song 4: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 10: Act 5: Introduction to the AUMF and it's control over our foreign policy - RadioLab - Air Date: 4-28-24
Ch. 11: Song 5: Say goodbye - Ian Rhett
Ch. 12: Act 6: Rewriting History - @onthemedia - Air Date: 2-21-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Re-write history - George Dobbs
Ch. 14: Act 7: How Barbara Lee became an American hero - RadioLab - Air Date: 4-28-24
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Ch. 15: Final comments: Thanking an American hero
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
Stop Torture: Act Now from Amnesty International
Follow/participate: #StopTorture
Sources/further reading:
United Nations Convention Against Torture
"Report Shows Widespread Torture, Despite UN Convention” by Katie Rucke
CloseGitmo — National Day of Action to Close Guantanamo Bay
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Edition #794
Scientific literacy and how to get there
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: TN Student Speaks Out About Common Core, Teacher Evaluations, and Educational Data - Ethan Young - Air Date: 11-7-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: Mr. Roboto - Styx
Ch. 4: Act 2: Standardized Annual Testing Isn't Working - Schooled (from @slate) - Air Date 11-1-13
Ch. 5: Song 2: Let's stick together - Wilbert Harrison
Ch. 6: Act 3: Crazy Stuff Kids Learn in Louisiana Schools - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 01-10-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Galileo - G.G. Allin
Ch. 8: Act 4: Neil deGrasse Tyson on Science, Religion and the Universe - @BillMoyers - Air Date 1-17-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Come undone - Duran Duran
Ch. 10: Act 5: National Science Foundation: Science Hard - @TheOnion
Ch. 11: Song 5: Too hard - J Mascis
Ch. 12: Act 6: Producing The Smartest Kids In The World - Schooled (from @slate) - Air Date 11-1-13
Ch. 13: Song 6: Training montage from Rocky - Vince DiCola
Ch. 14: Act 7: Is Higher Education Even Worth It? | Defaults Skyrocket - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 10-06-13
Ch. 15: Song 7: Opportunity - Pete Murray
Ch. 16: Act 8: Finding the money to fund higher education for all - @jimhightower - Air Date: 8-8-13
Ch. 17: Song 8: Free Education (feat. Treez & Young DJ) - Jawaan Larue
Ch. 18: Act 9: Neil deGrasse Tyson on Science Literacy - @BillMoyers - Air Adate 1-24-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 19: Thoughts on 'queer' - David in Austin, TX
Ch. 20: Reproductive rights discussion needs more focus on personhood - Colin from Nebraska
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 21: Final comments on why 'reproductive rights' is about more than just abortion
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #828
Bad in principle and in practice
Today we look at what benefits there are in having a death penalty (none) and which elements of it are fundamentally unjust (all)
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: If The Victim Is White, Death Penalty MUCH More Likely - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-23-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Death penalty - Surrogate
Ch. 4: Act 2: If You Support the Death Penalty, You're Probably White - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-01-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Fight to Win (feat. Cee Lo Green) - Goodie Mob
Ch. 6: Act 3: Execution In Oklahoma - @MumiaAbuJamal - Air Date: 5-5-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: American way - Little River Band
Ch. 8: Act 4: Texas to try secret lethal drug in execution - Rachel @Maddow - Air Date: 5-12-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Close these curtains - Yoko Duo
Ch. 10: Act 5: Judgement On The Secret Cocktail - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 5-9-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: What are we doing here? - Tom Schreck
Ch. 12: Act 6: Court blocks Texas from killing prisoner - Rachel @maddow - Air Date 5-13-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Death penalty - Eight Dayz
Ch. 14: Act 7: Shocking Percentage Of Death Row Inmates Are Innocent - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-03-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Can't hide from the truth - The Hot 8 Brass Band
Ch. 16: Act 8: Fixing the death row system via @innocence - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 18: Act 9: Support for Death Penalty Lowest in 40 Years - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-31-13
Ch. 19: Song 9: A change is gonna come - Ben Sollee
Ch. 20: Act 10: Rick Perry Killed an Innocent Man - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-12-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 21: Historical context of respectability politics - ? from Pittsburgh, PA
Ch. 22: Respectability politics = victim blaming - Sonya from Minnesota
Ch. 23: Jeff from theliberalcurmudgeon.com on how and why to support Best of the Left - Jeff from New York
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 24: Final comments on the next bonus episode on the concepts of self and free will
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
What Can I Do? from The Innocence Project
Sources/further reading:
"How Oklahoma's GOP Governor Turned a Heinous Killer Into a Death-Penalty Martyr” by Stephanie Mencimer at Mother Jones
VIDEO: "Execution Chaos: Witness Recounts Botched Killing That Caused Oklahoma Prisoner's Fatal Heart Attack” via Democracy Now!
"Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin defends controversial execution” by Meredith Clark via MSNBC
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Edition #827
Perspective Taking
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: A Brief History of White Privilege, Racism and Oppression in America - Acronym TV (@dennistrainorjr) - Air Date: 04-29-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Know your history - Ignite
Ch. 4: Act 2: Jim Demint's Delusional Slave History - @twibnation - Air Date 4-9-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Can't keep up - Silhouette
Ch. 6: Act 3: How Whites Have Benefited From Affirmative Action Throughout American History - @majorityfm - Air Date: 04-23-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: North by North - Faded Paper Figures
Ch. 8: Act 4: Three Things About the Donald Sterling Tape - illdoc1more (@jsmooth995) - Air Date: 4-28-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Tobacco Road - Common Market
Ch. 10: Act 5: Race in the Obama era - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 04-10-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: No guarantee - !Akimbo
Ch. 12: Act 6: The 'My Brother's Keeper' Initiative Part 1 - @historicalTWiB - Air Date 3-5-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Truth - Amos Lee
Ch. 14: Act 7: NBC Illustrates Its Concept Of Diversity - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 5-2-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Sometime around midnight - The Airborne Toxic Event
Ch. 16: Act 8: The 'My Brother's Keeper' Initiative Part 2 - @historicalTWiB - Air Date 3-5-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Meaningless - The Nighty Nite
Ch. 18: Act 9: Conservatives The ONLY Group Opposing Racial Equality [POLL] - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-05-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 19: Banning polygmany is not discrimination - Raul from Hawaii
Ch. 20: Polygamy vs polyamory and questioning monogomy as natural - Matt from Michigan
Ch. 21: A poly perspective - Katie Klabusich from New York
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 22: Final comments on the American paradigm of restrictions on freedom
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Edition #826
Work is work is work
Today we take a delightfully nuanced look at the causes of the gender pay gap and then likely make a lot of people uncomfortable with the idea that sex work isn't inherently evil
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Equal Pay Day: How Obama Is Helping Close the Pay Gap - @majorityfm - Air Date: 04-09-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: New slang - The Shins
Ch. 4: Act 2: Differentials In Pay Between Women And Men (Part 1) - @WEEKinBLACKNESS - Air Date 4-8-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Ode to my family - The Cranberries
Ch. 6: Act 3: Politician: Women Don't Deserve Equal Pay Because WHAT?! - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 05-02-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Coal miner's daughter - Loretta Lynn
Ch. 8: Act 4: Differentials In Pay Between Women And Men (Part 2) - @WEEKinBLACKNESS - Air Date 4-8-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: The upturned nose of Count Buffon - Black Prairie
Ch. 10: Act 5: Fox Is Just Asking: "Are Female Breadwinners A Problem?" - Media Matters Minute (@mmfa) - Air Date: 05-05-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: The upturned nose of Count Buffon - Black Prairie
Ch. 12: Act 6: Playing The Whore, The Work Of Sex Work - @radio_dispatch - Air Date: 3-5-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: There she goes - Sixpence None The Richer
Ch. 14: Act 7: Prostitution Restrictions Removed by Canada Supreme Court - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 12-28-13
Ch. 15: Song 7: Today has been okay - Emiliana Torrini
Ch. 16: Act 8: The Sex Workers Project via @UJCSexWorkers - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 18: Act 9: Influence Of Internet On Sex Workers - @fakedansavage - Air Date 7-30-13
Voicemails:
Ch. 19: Surprised at lack of animal agriculture in climate episode - Jim from Washington State
Ch. 20: Government should get out of the marriage business - Nathan from Boca Raton, FL
Ch. 21: Thanks for campaign finance reform episode - Paula from California
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 22: Final comments on how to share the show and it's segments
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
No Condoms as Evidence
emPOWER - a Celebration of the Sex Workers Project, June 5th, NYC
Additional Activism
Follow #NotYourRescueProject
The Best Practices Police Project (BPPP): Take Action and Volunteer
Sources/further reading:
”Playing the Whore” by Melissa Gira Grant
"Fighting sex trafficking with Jesus: How the religious right’s 'healing' hurts” by Melissa Gira Grant
"Sex worker activist convicted for crime of 'walking while trans’” via Feministing
”Sex Workers: We’re not a rescue project, not trafficking victims” by Andrea Garcia-Vargas
Listen: Red Umbrella Diaries podcast from Red Umbrella Project
"How a controversial Ariz. program tries to keep sex workers out of jail” by Sarah Hoye
"NYPD to Stop Seizing Sex Work Suspects’ Condoms”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #825
This might be the solution
Today we look at the classic issue of how money in politics has totally fucked us all and at one way to possibly turn the tables. Details at MayOne.us
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: The Political 1% of the 1% - @SunFoundation - Air Date: 06-24-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: Mothers of the night - Moby
Ch. 4: Act 2: American Democracy no Longer Works - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 04-15-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Live like you're dying - Lenka
Ch. 6: Act 3: SCOTUS Defines Corruption - @dccommonsense - Air Date 4-5-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Any way you want it - Journey
Ch. 8: Act 4: Lawrence Lessig’s March to End Corruption - @billmoyersHQ - Air Date: 2-14-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Walk beside me - Darrell Scott & Tim O'Brien
Ch. 10: Act 5: Lawrence @Lessig: The unstoppable walk to political reform - TED - Air Date: March 2014
Ch. 11: Song 5: Ask - The Smiths
Ch. 12: Act 6: Mayday PAC Launch - MayOne.US (@lessig) - Air Date: 4-29-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 13: Ethical Electric available in Delaware - ? From Delaware
Ch. 14: Examining polyamory - Melissa from New York
Ch. 15: Religion is a choice - Sonya from Minnesota
Ch. 16: Continuing the discussion on polygamy - Amanda from San Diego
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 17: Final comments on MayOne.us and the need for progressive media marketing
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Review the show on iTunes!
Edition #824
Investing in a green future
Today we lament the fact that conservatives used to be less-wildly wrong on climate change than they are now and look at some ways the rest of us can start investing in a green future without their help
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: What is your investment dollar doing? - Australians for coal - Air Date: 02-28-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Fuck you - Bad Religion
Ch. 4: Act 2: When Republicans believed in climate change - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 04-22-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Ignorance is bliss - Ramones
Ch. 6: Act 3: Science Deniers Reject Facts From Big Bang to Climate - @majorityfm - Air Date: 03-18-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: My conversation - The Uniques
Ch. 8: Act 4: Keep Your Heads in the Sand - Rachel @Maddow - Air Date: 03-31-2014
Ch. 9: Song 4: Head in the sand - Rothbard
Ch. 10: Act 5: Report confirms the effect of climate change happening today, spurs action - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 5-6-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Making progress - Freedom's Progress
Ch. 12: Act 6: How to attack solar energy - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 04-18-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Sunshine goodtime - Minnutes
Ch. 14: Act 7: Putting the Freeze on Global Warming (Part 1) - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-25-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Keep on moving forward - Emma's Revolution
Ch. 16: Act 8: Buying Green Power via @ENERGY - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 18: Act 9: Putting the Freeze on Global Warming (Part 2) - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-25-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 21: Why progressives shouldn't be in favor of polygamy - Raul from Hawaii
Ch. 22: Real-world consequences of state-sanctioned polyamorous relationships - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 23: Final comments on legal sanctioning of polyamorous relationships ft: David Pakman Show
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
Buying Green Power, The Green Power Network
Sources/further reading:
"Green Mountain Power Vermont Utility Extends ‘Cow Power’ Option To All Customers”
"Opponents trying to shut US solar down ‘state-by-state’”
"Hoping to lower costs, Worcester signs pact with new energy supplier”
"Inside New York’s Historic Move to Remake the Utility Business Model” Greentech Media Inc.
"IKEA Makes First Wind Farm Investment in the United States”
"Study Finds Utility Decoupling is Gaining Traction” via DeSmogBlog
"The Guardian Exposes Fossil Funded Groups Coordinating Renewable Energy Attacks” by Steve Horn
”Tesla wants to free you from your electric utility” via Green News Report
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #823
It makes moral and economic sense
Today we look at the reasons why it's both moral and economically sound to raise the minimum wage to a reasonable level and why those who oppose this change are stupid, wrong and ugly doodyheads.
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: The dignity of labor - Martin Luther King Jr.
Ch. 3: Song 1: A fair day's wage - Ronan Macmanus
Ch. 4: Act 2: David Card and Alan Kruegar 'New Economics Of Minimum Wage' - @teamgoodfight - Air Date 4-24-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Minimum wage - The expendables
Ch. 6: Act 3: Should We Raise the Minimum Wage? - vlogbrothers - Air Date: 03-17-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Minimum wage - The busboys
Ch. 8: Act 4: Paying More And Getting More For Your Money - @teamgoodfight - Air Date 4-24-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Minimum wage - Fenix TX
Ch. 10: Act 5: All Work and No Pay Part 1 - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-4-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Minimum wage - Ramain Virgo
Ch. 12: Act 6: The Holes in the CBO Minimum Wage Report - Majority Report - Air Date: 02-24-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Minimum wage - The closet monsters
Ch. 14: Act 7: All Work and No Pay Part 2 - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-4-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Minimum wage - Keven Sandbloom
Ch. 16: Act 8: Raise the Minimum Wage to 10.10 via @NelpNews - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 18: Act 9: Intro to: Sen. Elizabeth Warren talks income inequality - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date: 5-1-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 19: On the underfunding of public schools and mishandling of special needs students - Sally from San Francisco
Ch. 20: Respectability politics and Donald Sterling - Daniel from Houston
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 21: Final comments on the good problem I'm having and what's coming up on the bonus show for members
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
Raise the Minimum Wage via NELP
Raise the Wage via The White House
Sources/further reading:
"Senate Republicans Block Minimum Wage Bill”
"Hawaii Passes A $10.10 Minimum Wage Without Waiting For Congress”
"Seattle Mayor Plans to Raise Minimum Wage to $15”
"Opinion Poll: New York Small Businesses Support Higher Minimum Wages for Cities and Counties”
"Five Economic Reforms Millennials Should Be Fighting For: Guaranteed jobs, universal basic incomes, public finance and more”Jesse Myerson
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #822
It might have something to do with race
Today we look at the immigration debate and ponder how conservatives may feel about the issue if those immigrants were a slightly lighter shade
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: The Pledge: a symbol of unity for immigration fairness - @DefineAmerican - Air Date: 12-13-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: American Land - Bruce Springsteen
Ch. 4: Act 2: Michele Bachmann: No Immigration Reform Because Mexicans Aren't Republican! - @majorityfm - Air Date: 02-13-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: The maelstrom - Jim Guthrie
Ch. 6: Act 3: Fox Pushes Baseless Fear That Having IDs Will Allow Undocumented Immigrants To Vote - Media Matters Minute - Air Date: 02-13-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: The maelstrom - Jim Guthrie
Ch. 8: Act 4: Republicans Find Every Reason to Avoid Immigration Reform - Rachel @maddow - Air Date: 02-11-2014
Ch. 9: Song 4: The District sleeps alone tonight - The Postal Service
Ch. 10: Act 5: Black Americans support immigrant rights so why is this group so opposed? - @bravenewfilms - Air Date: 10-23-13
Ch. 11: Song 5: Hip hop eugenics - Catastrophic
Ch. 12: Act 6: An Immigration Lawyer Confirms What We All Knew About Immigration Reform in This Country - @majorityfm - Air Date: 02-20-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Old fashioned - Niki Haris
Ch. 14: Act 7: Here comes the Border-Industrial Complex - Jim Hightower - Air Date: 8-9-13
Ch. 15: Song 7: Fenced in - The Mercury Project
Ch. 16: Act 8: Immigration Reform News: Bodies on the Border - Op-Docs - The New York Times - Air Date: 08-19-13
Ch. 17: Song 8: Once there was a hushpuppy - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin
Ch. 18: Act 9: A Local Anchorwoman Destroys Conservative Misinformation About Multilingual Super Bowl Ad - Media Matters Minute - Air Date: 02-04-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: Once there was a hushpuppy - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin
Ch. 20: Act 10: Republicans Won't Like Jeb Bush Pushing Amnesty for 2016 - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 04-24-14
Ch. 21: Song 10: Hollywood Meets Bollywood (Immigration) [feat. Chamillionaire] - Wyclef Jean
Ch. 22: Act 11: Obama To The Deported: I'll Think About It - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 04-13-14
Ch. 23: Song 11: Change your mind - The Killers
Ch. 24: Act 12: Stop Deportations Now via @AFLCIO - @BestoftheLeft Activism
Ch. 25: Song 12: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 26: Act 13: Top 5 ways anti-immigrant hate makes its way into media and policy - @bravenewfilms - Air Date: 4-12-13
Voicemails:
Ch. 27: Donald Sterling's racism and respectability politics - Dejavante from Notre Dame, IN
Ch. 28: Dissecting respectability politics - Uhuru from Sweden
Ch. 29: Following up on respectability politics - Prof. Rambo from Georgia
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 30: Final comments on respectability politics, rape culture and missing the bigger picture
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
AFL-CIO: Stop Deportations Now, YouTube
Tweet your legislators via ContactingTheCongress.Org
Additional Activism
Sign the “Tell Cecilia to Tell the Truth petition from Presente.Org
Send Messages of Solidarity to Hunger Strikers via AFL-CIO on Twitter and Jessica Morales, AFL-CIO New MEdia Strategist
Sources/further reading:
"Unions’ Giant Video Near White House Urges Halt to Deportations" via The New York Times
AFL-CIO Recommendations on Administrative Action on Immigration
"Immigration Reform News 2014: House Speaker John Boehner Addresses Immigration Comments to GOP Lawmakers" via Latin Post
"Sen. Mike Lee: Most House Republicans want ‘step-by-step’ immigration reform” via The Washington Times
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.c...
Edition #821
The arc of history and the stumbles along the way
Today we examine the old and new ways of looking at the LGBTQ community. We've come a long ways but we're still falling short of the mark.
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Pat Robertson: Christians Are Oppressed Because We Can't Stone Gays - @majorityfm - Air Date: 03-27-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: King of sorrow - Sade
Ch. 4: Act 2: How A Stone And The Woman Holding It Made A Bigot Back Down - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-21-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Throwing stones - Shout Out Louds
Ch. 6: Act 3: Study Shows Homophobia To BW Unhealthy - @gibblertron Throwing Shade - Air Date 3-12-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Killing yourself - Brian McSweeney
Ch. 8: Act 4: The Tipping Point On Public Discussion Of Marriage Equality - @fakedansavage - Air Date 4-8-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: I'm coming out - Diana Ross
Ch. 10: Act 5: Can the Damage in Uganda be Undone? - Rachel Maddow - Air Date: 03-18-2014
Ch. 11: Song 5: Raining men - Donna Summers
Ch. 12: Act 6: The Ali Forney Story - thefriendsproject - Air Date: 12-1-10
Ch. 13: Song 6: Gone to sleep - Moby
Ch. 14: Act 7: Ali Forney Center for LGBTQ Youth via @AliForneyCenter - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 16: Act 8: Panti's Noble Call at the Abbey Theatre - Air Date: 02-12-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 17: Thoughts on the rolls of sex in societies - Nathan from Vancouver, WA
Ch. 18: Biological sex binary is a myth, apology to Matt from MI - Sonya from Minnesota
Ch. 19: Thoughts on labels - Chris from Colorado Springs
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 20: Final comments on Stonewall Uprising at the wave of history
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
The Ali Forney Center
Sources/further reading:
"Seeking Shelter: The Experiences and Unmet Needs of LGBT Homeless Youth” via Center for American Progress
"Homeless Youth in Focus” via Von Diaz at Colorlines
"Why Homelessness Is A Major LGBT Issue” via Scott Keyes at Think Progress
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #820
More misplaced incentive structures
Today we look at what happens when you add a profit motive to the education system. You may be surprised to learn that some people are more interested in profit than education.
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Privatization Kills Education: Ask Chicago Parents Why - Majority Report - Air Date: 09-03-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: Union town - Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman
Ch. 4: Act 2: Diane Ravitch: Public Schools for Sale? (Part 1) - @BillMoyersHQ - Air Date 3-28-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Profit - The Mammals
Ch. 6: Act 3: Common Core's One-Sided View - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 3-21-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: How loud your heart gets - Lucius
Ch. 8: Act 4: Diane Ravitch: Public Schools for Sale? (Part 2) - @BillMoyersHQ - Air Date 3-28-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Democracy - Leonard Cohen
Ch. 10: Act 5: Yes 4 Elkhart via @YES4Elkhart - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 11: Song 5: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 12: Act 6: The Public School Vs. Charter School Battle (Part 1 ) - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 3-24-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: On our way - The Royal Concept
Ch. 14: Act 7: Study: Charter Schools NOT Performing Better Than Traditional Public Schools in Chicago - Majority Report - Air Date: 04-22-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Knock yourself out - Jon Brion
Ch. 16: Act 8: The Public School Vs. Charter School Battle (Part 2 ) - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 3-24-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 17: The importance of prisoner rehabilitation - Chris from Colorado Springs
Ch. 18: Race vs. class - Daniel from Houston
Ch. 19: Trying to understand the lived experience of others - Jason from Iowa
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 20: Final comments on asking oppressed people to be your educator
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
Yes 4 Elkhart referendum
Yes 4 Elkhart on Facebook
Sources/further reading:
"Walton Foundation’s pours $164 million in 2013 education grants. Who won?” via The Washington Post
"What Made the Chicago Teachers' Strike a Success? Their Commitment to the Community” interview with Micah Uetricht at AlterNet
"Hundreds of parents band together to oppose charter school expansion" via The Boston Globe
"Pence, Ritz at odds over new education agency”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes!
Edition #819
Incentives have consequences
Today we look at the rotten underbelly of our 'corrections' system, who it victimizes and who it profits.
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Kids for Cash - Official Trailer - kidsforcashthemovie - Air Date: 03-10-14
Ch. 3: Act 2: Documentary Exposes Corrupt "Kids For Cash" Judge In Pennsylvania - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-03-14
Ch. 4: Song 2: We're All in the Same Gang (feat. West Coast Rap All Stars) - West Coast Livin'
Ch. 5: Act 3: We're Being Robbed But The People Doing It Will Never Go To Prison - @bravenewfilms - Air Date: 11-05-13
Ch. 6: Song 3: Resurrection (space club mix) - PPK
Ch. 7: Act 4: Michelle Alexander: Locked Out of America - @billmoyersHQ - Air Date 12-20-13
Ch. 8: Song 4: Sweet dreams - The Eurythmics
Ch. 9: Act 5: Annual NYC Inmate Cost Higher Than 4 Years at Harvard - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 10-05-13
Ch. 10: Song 5: Circles - Soul Coughing
Ch. 11: Act 6: How Yoga Can Help In California's Overcrowded Prisons - TIME - Air Date: 12-19-13
Ch. 12: Song 6: Amends - Peasant
Ch. 13: Act 7: Unfree in America - Mumia Abu-Jamal - Air Date: 2-4-14
Ch. 14: Song 7: We never change - Coldplay
Ch. 15: Act 8: All out for CA prisoner hunger strike 2013 - CA Prisoner Hunger Strike Solidarity - Air Date: 07-08-13
Ch. 16: Song 8: My Favorite Mutiny - The Coup
Ch. 17: Act 9: Solitary Confinement - Marc Kilstein for @citizenradio - Air Date: 09-18-13
Ch. 18: Song 9: Creature fear - Bon Iver
Ch. 19: Act 10: Campaign to End Solitary Confinement via @Illinois_CAT - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 20: Song 10: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 21: Act 11: Man Facing Execution Pens Chilling Letter Full Of Truths You Can't Deny - The Young Turks - Air Date: 03-08-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 22: Responding on self-identity - Katie from Philadelphia
Ch. 23: The importance of accuracy in labels - Grace from North Carolina
Ch. 24: The history of and thoughts on the word 'queer' - David in Los Angeles
Ch. 25: Men, stop calling yourselves women - Morgan from Chicago
Ch. 26: Re: Respectability Politics: Exactly, amen - Elka from Fort Wayne, IN
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 27: Final comments on recent bonus content and membership
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
End Solitary Confinement In Illinois petition from CREDO and hard copy petition from Illinois CAT.
Printable info flier to circulate.
Sources/further reading:
"I-CAT is Launching a Campaign to End Solitary Confinement in Illinois Prisons”
"Funding Approved for Activation of ADX/USP Thomson, New Federal Supermax Prison” via Truthout
“Essential Prison Industrial Complex Reading List” from Prison Culture a blog everyone should read and a vital follow on Twitter.
"Chicago City Council Resolution to Make the City 'Torture Free’” via Illinois CAT
"Incarcerated Workers Launch Nonviolent Work Strike Against "New Jim Crow" Across Alabama Prisons” from Truthout
"Tennessee bill to bring back electric chair headed to governor”
"A Prisoner Says Farewell to Solitary Confinement – Writing by Lee Savage” via Prison Culture
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes!
Edition #818
Burn it to the ground
Today we attempt to watch the watchers and see if there's anything to be done about them.
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Drones, metadata, and Dirty Wars - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 02-10-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Little Talks - Of monsters and men
Ch. 4: Act 2: Is It Time for a New Church Committee? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 02-26-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Bridge over troubled water - Simon & Garfunkel
Ch. 6: Act 3: No Escaping Dragnet Nation (Part 1) - @BillMoyersHQ - Air Date 3-14-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Hide the truth - Chronicle
Ch. 8: Act 4: Significant NSA Change Proposed By Obama - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-26-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Heroic fanfare - United States Army Band and Chorus
Ch. 10: Act 5: USA Freedom Act via @ACLU - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 11: Song 5: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 12: Act 6: Senate vs. CIA - @majorityfm - Air Date: 03-12-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Gone Too Far (feat. Jack Bruce;2012 - Remaster) - Robin Trower
Ch. 14: Act 7: NSA Out Of Control - @dccommonsense - Air Date 3-23-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 15: Latest trans episode was truly enlightening - Jim from Kentucky
Ch. 16: Realizing how badly he'd misrepresented himself originally - Matt in Negaunee, Mi
Ch. 17: "Queer" shouldn't be reclaimed by the LGBT community - Tory from Altlanta, GA
Ch. 28: Thoughts on respectability politics - Prof. Rambo from Georgia
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 19: Final comments on respectability politics
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
USA Freedom Act via ACLU
USA Freedom Act via EFF
Sources/further reading:
Text of the USA Freedom Act via Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt)
"Lawmakers Need to Get Behind the USA Freedom Act” via FreePress.net
"Obama: US must 'win back the trust of ordinary citizens' over data collection” via The Guardian
"NSA critics express 'deep concern' over route change for House reform bill” via The Guardian
"What You Don't Know About The NSA Spying Program” Moment of Clarity video from Lee Camp
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #779
Being of two minds
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Let us whisper of a dream - The Good Fight - Air Date 11-21-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: Boulevard of broken dreams - Green Day
Ch. 4: Act 2: Obamacare is Kentucky's Success, A Big Danger For Mitch McConnell - Majority Report - Air Date: 11-25-13
Ch. 5: Song 2: Behind the curtain - Dan Potthast
Ch. 6: Act 3: The Mess on Obama's Hands - Progressive Magazine - Air Date: 11-13-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: Careless whisper - George Michael
Ch. 8: Act 4: Obamacare is Doomed by Its Internal Logic - Glen Ford - Air Date: 11-20-13
Ch. 9: Song 4: Failure by design - Brand New
Ch. 10: Act 5: Comparing What To What - CounterSpin - Air Date 11-22-13
Ch. 11: Song 5: Hurricane - The Scorpions
Ch. 12: Act 6: Obamacare Alternative? Republicans Don't Have One - Young Turks - Air Date: 12-04-13
Ch. 13: Song 6: From Finner - Of Monsters and Men
Ch. 14: Act 7: Republicans Have No Answers on Health Care - Progressive Magazine - Air Date: 11-15-13
Ch. 15: Song 7: Soft serve - Soul Coughing
Ch. 16: Act 8: Single Payer Healthcare Would SAVE Money - David Pakman Show - Air Date: 10-07-13
Ch. 17: Song 8: Flood - Jars of Clay
Ch. 18: Act 9: Medicare you can buy into - UnFuck it Up Project
Ch. 19: Song 9: I didn't fuck it up - Katie Goodman
Ch. 20: Act 10: A Message for GOP Governors on Obamacare - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 11-26-13
Ch. 21: Song 10: Hard to say I'm sorry - Chicago
Ch. 22: Act 11: Better than it was, but still for-profit - Congressional Dish - Air Date: 10-12-13
Voicemails:
Ch. 23: How to debate myths - Dave from Olympia, WA
Ch. 24: The value and tactics of debating - Rationally Speaking - Air Date: 12-4-11
Ch. 25: Thoughts on the standard of tipping - Joe from Barcelona
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 26: Final comments asking for thoughts on the episode on trans issues
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
Activism:
https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/588
http://grayson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/grayson-introduces-medicare-you-can-buy-into-act
http://www.contactingthecongress.org
Information for this segment can be found at:
https://www.healthcare.gov
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/10/health-costs-how-the-us-compares-with-other-countries.html
https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2013/02/20-4
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2013/12/03/medicaid-expansion-becomes-weapon-against-gop-governors/
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d113:1:./temp/~bd52e9::
Sponsored by the UnFuck it Up Project: https://www.facebook.com/KatieGoodmansUnFItUp
Katie Goodman, creator: http://katiegoodman.com
Katie Klabusich, activism director: http://katiespeak.com
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #773
Overthrowing Plutonomy
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Plutonomy - Common Sense with Dan Carlin - Air Date: 10-06-13
Ch. 3: Song 1: Cosmic love - Florence + The Machine
Ch. 4: Act 2: There are others things Government needs to do - Moyers and Company - Air Date: 10-18-13
Ch. 5: Song 2: Baltic Avenue - Chris Roth
Ch. 6: Act 3: Does 'Capitalism Good, Communism Bad' Even Mean Anything? - David Pakman Show - Air Date: 08-12-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: Variety is the spice of life - Larry Clinton
Ch. 8: Act 4: Stop Treating Capitalists Like they are Gods! - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 10-24-13
Ch. 9: Song 4: Capitalism - Eastenders
Ch. 10: Act 5: Chris Hedges on the Implications of the Corporate State's Hobbling of the Liberal Class - Economic Update - Air Date: 04-12-13
Ch. 11: Song 5: Up against the wall - Peter Bjorn & John
Ch. 12: Act 6: Study: Socialism Makes People Happier - Majority Report - Air Date: 10-17-13
Ch. 13: Song 6: Pursuit of happiness - Kid Cudi
Ch. 14: Act 7: The Worst Problem In America? | Poll Results - The Young Turks - Air Date: 10-21-13
Ch. 15: Song 7: Time for action - Secret Affair
Ch. 16: Act 8: The Progressivism of Dr. Seuss - Moyers and Company - 10-25-13
Voicemails:
Ch. 17: How to improve education and support teachers - Sally from San Francisco
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 18: Final comments on teachers unions holding the line
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #817
The power of words
Today we look at the words we use to talk about trans issues and realize the profound impact they have on how we see the issue. Plus there's some bathroom talk because that's the greatest threat to the freedom of cis idiots everywhere.
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Being Transgender in America - @MHarrisPerry - Air Date: 4-15-12
Ch. 3: Song 1: See me, Feel Me - The Who
Ch. 4: Act 2: One Transgender Perspective - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date 4-22-13
Ch. 5: Song 2: Pretzel Man - Harry Chapin
Ch. 6: Act 3: Gender and sex pairings are a construct - @Radio_Dispatch - Air Date: 5-1-13
Ch. 7: Song 3: Woman's bodies - Rebecca Riots
Ch. 8: Act 4: Transgender Language History - @transadvocate - Air Date: 2-14-13
Ch. 9: Song 4: Power of words - iamuuri
Ch. 10: Act 5: Fox News' House Doctor Afraid Of Transgender Urination - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-20-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: One - Apocalyptica
Ch. 12: Act 6: Fox News Host Apologizes To The Intersex Community - Media Matters Minute (@mmfa) - Air Date: 03-03-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: One - Apocalyptica
Ch. 14: Act 7: Freedom Center for Social Justice via- @LGBTQLaw - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 15: Song 7: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 16: Act 8: Changes In DSM As Related To Trans Population - @transadvocate - Air Date 2-20-13
Ch. 17: Song 8: Lola - The Kinks
Ch. 18: Act 9: Discussing the disappearance of gender identity disorder - @Rspodcast - Air Date 12-8-13
Ch. 19: Final comments on the power of words
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
Ch. 20: Post Script: Conclusion of the story of the man without words
ACTIVISM:
The Freedom Center for Social Justice
Transgender Faith and Action Network (Trans*FANN)
Sources/further reading:
Like Freedom Center For Social Justice LGBTQ Law Center on Facebook and Follow on Twitter
"CPCC Transgender Student Harassed, Suspended for Using Women's Bathroom"
"Actress Laverne Cox releases statement supporting transgender student Andraya Williams”
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
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Review the show on iTunes!
Edition #816
Dog whistle politics
Today we look at how racism is strategically used to gain power for Republicans and funnel money to corporations. And here you thought it was just about keeping them away from the white women.
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Ian Haney López on the Dog Whistle Politics of Race Part 1 - @BillMoyersHQ - Air Date: 2-28-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Corporate takeover - NerCity
Ch. 4: Act 2: The Costs of Racial Color Blindness - Harvard Business Review - Air Date: 02-26-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Black or white - Michael Jackson
Ch. 6: Act 3: Ian Haney López on the Dog Whistle Politics of Race Part 2 - @BillMoyersHQ - Air Date: 2-28-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: People are people - Depeche Mode
Ch. 8: Act 4: The Difference Between Being the Majority & the Minority - Thom Hartmann - Air Date: 11-15-13
Ch. 9: Song 4: Racism - MYSTAFYA
Ch. 10: Act 5: Paul Ryan's 'Inner City' Remarks - Racist? No... A Republican? No Way! - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-15-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Say what you mean - Dojo Cuts
Ch. 12: Act 6: Paul Ryan's Economic Faux Losophy - @radio_dispatch - Air Date 3-25-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Pure imagination - Leslie Bricusse
Ch. 14: Act 7: Online debate sparked on race and poverty - @MHarrisPerry - Air Date: 4-6-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 15: How to replace coal as a baseline energy source - Perry from Green County, IN
Ch. 16: On self identification and appropriation - Tim from Oklahoma
Ch. 17: Asking for a response to a friends thoughts on gender - Robert from Los Angeles
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 18: Final comments responding to Robert's friend's bad argument
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
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Edition #815
Past and future destruction
Today we look at the past and future destruction caused by fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions as well as our lackluster attempt to equip ourselves with a climate-friendly, terrorism-resistant electrical grid.
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: The IPCC's new report - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 4-3-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Spite - Vandaveer
Ch. 4: Act 2: China Builds Largest Solar Plant in World While US Falls Behind - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-30-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Sickening - Ken Mickey
Ch. 6: Act 3: C'mon America...Let's Keep the Lights on - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-14-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: I've got no strings - Gipsy Kings
Ch. 8: Act 4: The disinformation of Fox News - @greennewsreport - Air Date: 4-1-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Disinformation - Aaron Courtland
Ch. 10: Act 5: Exxon CEO Sues to Stop Fracking Near His Home - @majorityfm - Air Date: 02-26-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: The most beautiful place in the world - Mary Anne Hitt
Ch. 12: Act 6: Greenpeace Co-Founder Loses It Talking Climate Change on Twitter - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-08-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Science is real - They Might be Giants
Ch. 14: Act 7: Environmental Destruction, When Will It End? - @greennewsreort - Air Date 3-25-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: You're a disaster - Dragonette
Ch. 16: Act 8: How Much Oil Really Spilled? - @onthemedia - Air Date: 3-28-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Murky Water - The Autumn Isles
Ch. 18: Act 9: Protect the Arctic via- @sierraclub - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 19: Song 9: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 20: Act 10: Global Water Shortages Pose Threat of Terror & War - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 02-16-14
Ch. 21: Song 10: Till your well runs dry - Peter Tosh
Ch. 22: Act 11: The Last Hours of Humanity: Warming the World to Extinction - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 10-09-13
Voicemails:
Ch. 23: Ask men about why their reproductive rights are off limits - Chris from Colorado Springs
Ch. 24: Thoughts on queerness from a newly-out gender-non-conforming listener - Chris from Rhode Island
Ch. 25: Response to PBS segment from media episode - Zach from San Francisco
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 26: Final comments with This Week in Blackness on taking funding from the KKK
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
Protect the Arctic from an oil spill disaster! via The Sierra Club
Sources/further reading:
"Oil From the Exxon Valdez Spill Lingers on Alaska Beaches” from National Geographic
"Exxon Spill – 25 Years of Tears" by Shannyn Moore
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #814
No corporate news is good news
Today we take a look at the various ways the corporate media regularly embarrasses itself while in search of ratings from ever-more narrow slivers of potential viewers.
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: The plane is not in a black hole - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 03-20-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Bedtime stories - Chris Reed
Ch. 4: Act 2: Keeping Conspiracies Secret And Speculation In The News - @jimmy_dore Show - Air Date: 3-21-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Empty - The Cranberries
Ch. 6: Act 3: Fox Host Explains Missing Flight with Finding Noah's Ark - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 03-24-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Flat Earth Society - Bad Religion
Ch. 8: Act 4: News, No Experts, Just Diversity Of Speculation - le Show (@theharryshearer) - Air Date 3-23-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Good people - Jack Johnson
Ch. 10: Act 5: PBS Gets On Its Knees For Billionaires | Integrity Is Dead - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-14-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Solsbury Hill - Peter Gabriel
Ch. 12: Act 6: CNBC: Climate Change is Witchcraft! - @majorityfm - Air Date: 03-05-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Witchcraft - Frank Sinatra
Ch. 14: Act 7: NBC's MTP Debates Climate Change, Truth vs. Nonsense - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 2-21-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Nonsense - Komeda
Ch. 16: Act 8: You Can Now Drive Across The US For Free, Mainstream Media Ignores It - @LeeCamp - Air Date: 03-11-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Electric car - They Might be Giants
Ch. 18: Act 9: Laughably Biased or Fair & Balanced Climate Change Debate? - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-18-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: S.O.S. - The Suicide Machines
Ch. 20: Act 10: Climate Change, The Media Is The Message - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 3-21-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 21: The problem with the media's coverage of climate change - Chris from Colorado Springs
Ch. 22: The queer experience - Sonya from Minnesota
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 23: Final comments on conservatives believing in free lunches
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
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Edition #813
Intolerant of discrimination and proud of it
Today we look at the inane battle being waged over some christian business owners proclaimed right to discriminate against their female employees reproductive rights based on junk science.
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: The GOPs birth control issue - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 01-24-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Remember Jonathan (Messenger Of The Sun album) - Cyrille Verdeaux
Ch. 4: Act 2: Abortion Rate Lowest in 41 Years Because of Liberals - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 02-05-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: So thankful - Nahko and Medicine for the People
Ch. 6: Act 3: Corporations can't have it both ways - RJ Court Watch - Air Date: 3-24-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Mothers of the night - Moby
Ch. 8: Act 4: Fox Judicial Analyst Falsely Claims Obamacare Contraception Coverage Includes Euthanasia - Media Matters Minute (@mmfa) - Air Date: 03-25-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Mothers of the night - Moby
Ch. 10: Act 5: Women Aren't Women; They're 'Hosts' Says Republican - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-26-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Pray for you - Jaron And The Long Road To Love
Ch. 12: Act 6: Legal questions around corporations, religion and contraception access - RJ Court Watch - Air Date: 3-24-14
Ch. 13: Song 6: Mas que nada - Sergio Mendes
Ch. 14: Act 7: Restricting Abortion Rights Makes for a Unified Party - Rachel @maddow - Air Date: 01-22-2014
Ch. 15: Song 7: We all agree - Mika Vember
Ch. 16: Act 8: The Clinic Vest Project via- @clinicvestproje - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 17: Song 8: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 18: Act 9: Anti-Choice Zealots Threaten Women Activists Online - @majorityfm - Air Date: 03-20-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: Too tired - Albert Collins
Ch. 20: Act 10: Are corporations free to have their own facts? - @twib_fm - Air Date: 3-24-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 21: Focusing movements on what groups are not - Daniel from Albany, NY
Ch. 22: The rich do have something to fear - Brad from Dallas, TX
Ch. 23: Being pro-choice as a conservative - Wade from Ft. Worth, TX
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 24: Final comments on Katie Klabusich's connection to the clinic escort program
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
The Clinic Vest Project
Sources/further reading:
"Appeals court upholds law that closed Texas abortion clinics" by Irin Carmon
"We Won’t Forget: The End of Safe, Legal Abortion Care in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley [Video]” by Andrea Grimes
Clinic Defense: Escorting
"Obama Administration’s Weak Defense May Prove To Be Birth Control Benefit’s Achilles Heel” by Jessica Mason Pieklo
”Is a Corporation Religious? Maybe, Say Justices” by Irin Carmon
"Is the Contraception Mandate Doomed? It sure looks that way after the Hobby Lobby argument” by Dahlia Lithwick
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
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Edition #812
Pathetically grasping at cakes
Today we look at the last gasps of the anti-LGBTQ movement in the US but also take a glimpse at Uganda where we can see the types of laws the religious fundamentalists would like to impose here if they could.
Ch. 1: Intro - Theme: A Fond Farewell, Elliott Smith
Ch. 2: Act 1: Right Wing Christians Preach Hate In Africa & Now People Will Die - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 02-18-14
Ch. 3: Song 1: Uganda - Matthew L. Fisher
Ch. 4: Act 2: The Miracle of Anti-Gay Denial - @MarkFiore Animation - Air Date: 03-22-14
Ch. 5: Song 2: Power of denial - Thomas Newman
Ch. 6: Act 3: Michael Sam comes out as gay before NFL draft - @gibblertron Throwing Shade - Air Date 2-12-14
Ch. 7: Song 3: Throwing Shade Theme song
Ch. 8: Act 4: Attention Anti-Gay Pro Athletes: WTF Are You Talking About? - @majorityfm - Air Date: 02-12-14
Ch. 9: Song 4: Shower the people - James Taylor
Ch. 10: Act 5: 1st Southern State: VA Gay Marriage Ban Overturned - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 02-24-14
Ch. 11: Song 5: Married by the sea - Theo Bard
Ch. 12: Act 6: The WE DO Campaign via- @CSElive - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 13: Song 6: Activism - Shihan
Ch. 14: Act 7: Was Arizona's Anti-Gay Bill Really Anti-Gay - @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 2-21-14
Ch. 15: Song 7: Le nuit - David Ari Leon
Ch. 16: Act 8: CNN's Cuomo Call Out The Extremist Group Behind Arizona's Anti-Gay Bill - Media Matters Minute (@mmfa) - Air Date: 02-24-14
Ch. 17: Song 8: Le nuit - David Ari Leon
Ch. 18: Act 9: A Warning To Fascist Gays From The American Family Association - @majorityfm - Air Date 2-27-14
Ch. 19: Song 9: T-Shirt Weather - The Lucksmiths
Ch. 20: Act 10: Where did all the anti-gay bills come from - @allinwithchris Hayes - Air Date: 02-26-14
Ch. 21: Song 10: I believe in that - Chip Taylor
Ch. 22: Act 11: This Appears to be the End of Discrimination Bills - Rachel @maddow - Air Date: 02-27-2014
Ch. 23: Song 11: Get over it - OK Go
Ch. 24: Act 12: Nothing's Changed - Arizona's Homophobic Law Was Totally Unnecessary - @fakedansavage - Air Date 3-4-14
Voicemails:
Ch. 25: Thoughts on leadership in Russia and the comparison to Hitler - Andy from Austin
Ch. 26: The importance of the discussion of privilege and perspective - Bill from St. Petersburg, FL
Ch. 27: The history of the conflict in Ukraine - Andy from Austin
Ch. 28: Response to Neanderthal discussion - Margarete from Ashville, NC
Ch. 29: Libertarians and the whole point of labels - Hamish from California
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Voicemail Music:
Loud Pipes - Ratatat
Ch. 30: Final comments previewing the next episode on reproductive justice
Closing Music:
Here We Are - Patrick Park
ACTIVISM:
We Do Campaign from The Campaign for Southern Equality
Southerners for the Freedom to Marry
Sources/further reading:
"How Resistance Will Change the South: The We Do Campaign is looking for a public official in the South who will issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple as an act of conscience.” via The Advocate
"SPLC Sues for Marriage Equality in Alabama” by John Becker, at The Bilerico Project
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Katie Klabusich
Produced by:
Jay! Tomlinson
Thanks for listening!
Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!
Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft
Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft
Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Review the show on iTunes!