Arsenal for Democracy

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Progressive analysis of events from the nation and the world by Bill Humphrey and a rotating panel. Politics, news, and history explained. Recorded weekly in Newton, Massachusetts and distributed by WVUD in Delaware. Airs Tuesdays at noon ET from 91.3 FM WVUD and WVUD-HD1 Newark. Also streamed simul…

Bill Humphrey


    • Oct 16, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 36m AVG DURATION
    • 211 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Arsenal for Democracy

    Update for Our Listeners

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 11:28


    Oct 15, 2023: After a dozen years, this show is ending. But it's for some very cool and exciting reasons described herein, and we would love to hear from our loyal listeners as we bid this project farewell and move on to new things. The post Update for Our Listeners appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] Jun 1, 2021 – Louis F. Post – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 379

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2023 22:15


    Unlocked from our Patreon (paused this summer): Bill and Rachel discuss Louis F. Post, an early Assistant US Labor Secretary with some radical leanings, who ended up blocking thousands of post-WWI deportations. Links and notes for ep. 379 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bonus-AFD-Ep-379-Links-and-Notes-Louis-F-Post.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] Jun 1, 2021 – Louis F. Post – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 379 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] May 18, 2021 – The 1920 Census – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 375

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2023 46:33


    Unlocked from our Patreon (paused this summer): Bill and Rachel discuss the present-day influences of the momentous 1920 US Census, which grappled with trends in urbanization and the recent breakup of several major home countries of immigrants. Links and notes for ep. 375 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bonus-AFD-Ep-375-The-1920-Census.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] May 18, 2021 – The 1920 Census – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 375 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] May 4, 2021 – The Smith Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 371

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2023 27:25


    Unlocked from our Patreon (on pause this summer): Bill and Rachel take a look at the Alien Registration (Smith) Act of 1940, still on the books today, which prohibits advocating the violent overthrow of the US government. Links and notes for ep. 371 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Bonus-AFD-Ep-371-Links-and-Notes-The-Alien-Registration-Act-_-Smith-Act-of-1940.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] May 4, 2021 – The Smith Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 371 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] Mar 23, 2021 – The 1923 San Pedro Maritime Strike – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 361

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2023 24:54


    Unlocked from our Patreon (on pause this summer): Bill and Rachel discuss the failed IWW strike at the Port of Los Angeles in 1923, including Upton Sinclair getting arrested and the Klan menacing strikers. Links and notes for ep. 361 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bonus-AFD-Ep-361-Links-and-Notes-1923-San-Pedro-Maritime-Strike.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] Mar 23, 2021 – The 1923 San Pedro Maritime Strike – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 361 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] Mar 2, 2021 – Dropped Ceilings – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 355

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2023 31:09


    Unlocked from our Patreon (on pause this summer): Bill and Rachel discuss dropped ceilings and the rise and fall of the mid-century office. It's an area that could probably use some academic study. Links and notes for ep. 355 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bonus-AFD-Ep-355-Links-and-Notes-Dropped-Ceilings.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] Mar 2, 2021 – Dropped Ceilings – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 355 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    May 28, 2023 – KitchenAid – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 471

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2023 23:30


    A mini-episode from Bill and Rachel on how a major defense contract led to the iconic KitchenAid stand mixer, followed by some announcements about the podcast for the summer months ahead. Links and notes for ep. 471 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AFD-Ep-471-Links-and-Notes-KitchenAid-Mini-episode.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post May 28, 2023 – KitchenAid – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 471 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    May 14, 2023 – Barbed Wire – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 470

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 20:45


    150 years ago, in May 1873, work began on developing the breakthrough design for mass-produced barbed wire, with wide-ranging (pun intended) implications for agriculture, society, and warfare. Links and notes for ep. 470 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AFD-Ep-470-Links-and-Notes-Barbed-Wire.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post May 14, 2023 – Barbed Wire – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 470 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    May 7, 2023 – Hollywood Strikes – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 469

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 34:11


    After a quick chat about the ongoing 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, we look back at a few of the noteworthy strikes in Hollywood of years past. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 469 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AFD-Ep-469-Links-and-Notes-Hollywood-Strikes.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post May 7, 2023 – Hollywood Strikes – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 469 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Apr 30, 2023 – Home Economics/Domestic Science – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 468

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 41:56


    This week we are talking about the field of home economics or domestic science. Was it really a science? To what extent was it a marketing exercise? Can it ever really overcome its founding racist and classist overtones? Does home economics even exist anymore? Links and note for ep. 468 … Read more The post Apr 30, 2023 – Home Economics/Domestic Science – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 468 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Apr 23, 2023 – The Council on Books in Wartime – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 467

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 35:23


    The non-profit Council on Books in Wartime (from US publishers) during World War II single-handedly made a bunch of books like The Great Gatsby into major American texts by providing specialized paperback copies free to the troops. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 467 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AFD-Ep-467-Links-and-Notes-Council-on-Books-in-Wartime.pdf Theme music … Read more The post Apr 23, 2023 – The Council on Books in Wartime – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 467 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Apr 15, 2023 – The Nye Committee – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 466

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2023 32:44


    From 1934 to 1936, the US Senate's Nye Committee examined the role of the private defense industry (and capitalism more broadly) in fomenting global conflict and dragging the US into WWI. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 466 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AFD-Ep-466-Links-and-Notes-The-Nye-Committee.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Apr 15, 2023 – The Nye Committee – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 466 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Apr 9, 2023 – Federal Deposit Insurance – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 465

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2023 27:52


    The recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank and federal intervention to protect its previously uninsured accounts has brought renewed focus to Federal Deposit Insurance. Contrary to popular belief, it was not part of the New Deal and was not championed by FDR. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. … Read more The post Apr 9, 2023 – Federal Deposit Insurance – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 465 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Apr 2, 2023 – The Anthracite Coal Strike of 1887-88 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 464

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 45:40


    The failed anthracite coal mine workers strike of 1887-88 in eastern Pennsylvania illustrates some of the fault lines and contradictions within capitalism and highlight some of the ways our 21st century economy is devolving back toward older patterns. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 464 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AFD-Ep-464-Links-and-Notes-Anthracite-Coal-Strike-of-1887-88.pdf Theme … Read more The post Apr 2, 2023 – The Anthracite Coal Strike of 1887-88 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 464 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] June 8, 2021 – The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit of 1986 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 381

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 38:36


    Unlocked from our Patreon: Have you ever wondered what the absolute peak example of neoliberal policy is? Bill and Rachel submit to you that it might be the tradable Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) in effect since 1986. Links and notes for ep. 381 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bonus-AFD-Ep-381-Links-and-Notes-The-Low-Income-Housing-Tax-Credits-of-1986.pdf Theme music by Stunt … Read more The post [Unlocked] June 8, 2021 – The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit of 1986 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 381 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] May 25, 2021 – The Red Ark – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 377

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2023 20:28


    Unlocked from our Patreon: Bill and Rachel discuss the Red Ark (or Soviet Ark) deportations of Russian-born American anarchists in 1919. (Don't miss our two part series from 2019 on American anarchist history!) Links and notes for ep. 377 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bonus-AFD-Ep-377-Links-and-Notes-The-Red-Ark.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] May 25, 2021 – The Red Ark – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 377 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Mar 12, 2023 – Gillette – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 463

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 20:41


    At the start of the 20th century, eccentric inventor and utopian theorist King C. Gillette developed the disposable blade for safety razors, launching one of the most influential, trend-setting American corporations of all time, for good or ill. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 463 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AFD-Ep-463-Links-and-Notes-Gillette.pdf Theme … Read more The post Mar 12, 2023 – Gillette – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 463 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    March 1873: The Comstock Laws – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 462

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 36:59


    150 years ago last week, on March 3rd, 1873, the Comstock Laws on obscenity, including birth control and abortion supplies or information, became part of the US Criminal Code. (Bill and Rachel.) Links and notes for ep. 462 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AFD-Ep-462-Links-and-Notes-March-1873_-Comstock-Laws.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post March 1873: The Comstock Laws – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 462 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    The “Employee-Owned” Chicago and North Western Railway: Hype vs Reality – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 461

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 45:18


    In 1972, some employees made a leveraged buyout of the Chicago and North Western Railway and re-branded it as “Employee-Owned.” The reality was much more complicated and reveals a lot about railroading and American capitalism generally in the 1970s and 1980s. (Bill and Rachel) Links and notes for ep. 461 … Read more The post The “Employee-Owned” Chicago and North Western Railway: Hype vs Reality – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 461 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Feb 20, 2023 – Car Starters and Ignitions – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 460

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 19:25


    A quick look at the evolution of car starter and ignition technology, from hand-crank disasters to viral video car theft trends. (Bill and Rachel.) Links and notes for ep. 460 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AFD-Ep-460-Links-and-Notes-Car-Starters-and-Ignitions.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Feb 20, 2023 – Car Starters and Ignitions – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 460 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    The New York City Flour Riot of February 1837 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 459

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 29:54


    186 years ago, with the US economy starting to melt down, New Yorkers rioted against alleged grain and flour hoarding. But discontent was much more widespread, as Locofocos and armed “Patriot” paramilitaries soon made clear. Bill and Rachel. Links and notes for ep. 459 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AFD-Ep-459-Links-and-Notes-NYC-Flour-Riot-of-1837.pdf Theme music by Stunt … Read more The post The New York City Flour Riot of February 1837 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 459 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Feb 5, 2023 – Watch City – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 458

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 17:36


    In 1857, Waltham, Massachusetts jumped from the First to the Second Industrial Revolution by becoming the global home of the mass-produced pocketwatch, capitalizing on the railroad industry and then the American Civil War. Links and notes for ep. 458 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/AFD-Ep-458-Links-and-Notes-1IR_-Watch-City.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Feb 5, 2023 – Watch City – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 458 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    The Boston Associates, Part III: The Doomed Whigs – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 457

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2023 32:44


    How some of the most powerful, wealthy political players in antebellum Massachusetts went from controlling state politics completely to hopelessly funding the Constitutional Union Party in 1860. [Continued from parts I and II] Theme music by Stunt Bird. Links and notes for ep. 457 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AFD-Ep-457-Links-and-Notes-1IR_-The-Boston-Associates-Part-III_-The-Doomed-Whigs.pdf The post The Boston Associates, Part III: The Doomed Whigs – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 457 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    The Boston Associates, Part II: The Invention of American Philanthropy – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 456

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2023 14:17


    As an early group of 19th century Boston investors became even richer with less effort, via textile production, and as society became more alienated, they turned from charity to philanthropy to protect their power (and to have something to do). [Continued from part I.] Links and notes for ep. 456 … Read more The post The Boston Associates, Part II: The Invention of American Philanthropy – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 456 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    The Boston Associates, Part I: Rise of the Machines – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 455

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 63:28


    In the 1810s, a close-knit group of rich investors based in Boston decided to adopt and adapt emerging industrial capitalism, via the textile industry, in a way that would preserve and grow their existing wealth and power. The Waltham-Lowell System was born. Links and notes for ep. 455 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/AFD-Ep-455-Links-and-Notes-1IR_-The-Boston-Associates.pdf … Read more The post The Boston Associates, Part I: Rise of the Machines – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 455 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] Feb 9, 2021 – State-Level Labor Law, Part II – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 349

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2023 38:54


    To prepare for a series on early industrial Massachusetts we're unlocking this episode from Patreon: Bill and Rachel examine what an 1842 Massachusetts court decision can tell us about the process of industrialization and the emergence of labor unions and what parallels we can draw for modern gig workers. Links … Read more The post [Unlocked] Feb 9, 2021 – State-Level Labor Law, Part II – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 349 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] May 11, 2021 – Military Resistance to the Vietnam War – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 373

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2023 36:09


    Unlocked from our Patreon: Bill and Rachel discuss the 2005 documentary “Sir! No Sir!” on US military service members who resisted the Vietnam War. Links and notes for ep. 373 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Bonus-AFD-Ep-373-Links-and-Notes-Military-Resistance-to-the-Vietnam-War.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] May 11, 2021 – Military Resistance to the Vietnam War – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 373 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Dec 27, 2022 – 1872, 1922, and 1972 in review – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 454

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2022 55:00


    Bill and Rachel discuss some interesting American history topics from 150, 100, and 50 years ago that did not make the cut for their own full anniversary episodes this year. Links and notes for ep. 454 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AFD-Ep-454-Links-and-Notes-2022-Year-End-Anniversary-Roundup-Episode.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Dec 27, 2022 – 1872, 1922, and 1972 in review – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 454 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Dec 18, 2022 – The Thibodaux Massacre of 1887 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 453

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 50:47


    In 1887, the Knights of Labor organized a huge strike by Black sugarcane workers in Louisiana, which was suppressed with massive lethal force. (Content warning.) New Orleans-based guest Justin LaGrande returns to discuss the circumstances and recent efforts to bring it to greater light. Links and notes for ep. 453 … Read more The post Dec 18, 2022 – The Thibodaux Massacre of 1887 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 453 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Dec 11, 2022 – The Burlington Railroad Strike of 1888 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 452

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 50:25


    Bill and Rachel examine the relatively minor failed Burlington railroad engineers and firemen strike in 1888, which had a profound effect on Eugene V. Debs. Links and notes for ep. 452 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AFD-Ep-452-Links-and-Notes-Burlington-railroad-strike-of-1888.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Dec 11, 2022 – The Burlington Railroad Strike of 1888 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 452 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Dec 3, 2022 – Microwave Ovens – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 451

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2022 21:40


    Rachel and Bill discuss the history of the microwave oven since its invention at a defense contractor. Links and notes for ep. 451 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AFD-Ep-451-Links-and-Notes-Microwave-Oven.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Dec 3, 2022 – Microwave Ovens – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 451 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Nov 27, 2022 – The Pulaski – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 450

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2022 11:44


    In this mini-episode, Rachel explains the invention of Ed Pulaski's popular firefighting tool, a combination axe and adze, after the infamous Big Burn forest fire in Idaho in August 1910. Links and notes from ep. 450 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFD-Ep-450-Links-and-Notes-The-Pulaski-Tool.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Nov 27, 2022 – The Pulaski – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 450 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Nov 20, 2022 – The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 449

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2022 44:08


    Bill and Rachel explore the disappointments of the Great Southwest Railroad strike of 1886 and reflect on potential lessons for present-day railroad labor relations. (Note: After we recorded this episode, the results were released for the 2022 rail worker votes on tentative agreements. The engineers narrowly approved the proposed contract, … Read more The post Nov 20, 2022 – The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 449 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Nov 13, 2022 – The Autorack – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 448

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 32:58


    How the development of the autorack rail car from the 1950s to the 1980s might have contributed to the relocation of US auto industry factories inside the US. (Bill and Rachel.) Links and notes for ep. 448 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFD-Ep-448-Links-and-Notes-The-Autorack.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Nov 13, 2022 – The Autorack – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 448 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Nov 6, 2022 – From Filing Cabinets to Xerox – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 447

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 24:14


    Bill and Rachel look at the arc of office document management technology from the 1886 filing cabinet to the 1959 Xerox machine and the required underlying developments that made them possible. Links and notes for ep. 447 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFD-Ep-447-Links-and-Notes-From-Filing-Cabinets-to-Xerox.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Nov 6, 2022 – From Filing Cabinets to Xerox – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 447 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Oct 30, 2022 – Horace Mann – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 446

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2022 30:07


    Bill and Rachel discuss the philosophy of the prominent antebellum public education champion (and abolitionist Congressman) Horace Mann of Massachusetts. Links and notes for ep. 446 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AFD-Ep-446-Links-and-Notes-Horace-Mann.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Oct 30, 2022 – Horace Mann – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 446 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Oct 23, 2022 – Mine Reclamation and Superfund – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 445

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2022 33:50


    Rachel and Bill discuss the various legislation behind so-called Mine Reclamation and Superfund cleanup sites. Links and notes for ep. 445 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AFD-Ep-445-Links-and-Notes-Superfund-Sites-and-Mine-Reclamation.pdf Intro music by Stunt Bird. The post Oct 23, 2022 – Mine Reclamation and Superfund – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 445 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Oct 16, 2022 – The End of American Dams – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 444

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 28:51


    Americans built thousands upon thousands of dams, large and small, across the US for centuries, but no longer do. In fact, dozens are being removed annually. Bill and Rachel look at the Teton Dam Collapse and the broader end of American dam-building. Links and notes for ep. 444 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AFD-Ep-444-Links-and-Notes-The-End-of-American-Dams.pdf … Read more The post Oct 16, 2022 – The End of American Dams – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 444 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Oct 10, 2022 – Book Review: “Internet for the People” – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 443

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2022 86:44


    Bill and Rachel review Ben Tarnoff's intriguing materialist history/policy book “Internet for the People” (Verso Books, 2022), which offers a critique of anti-monopoly reformism in favor of de-privatization. Notes for ep. 443 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Book-Review-Notes-on-_Internet-for-the-People_-by-Ben-Tarnoff-2022-Verso.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Oct 10, 2022 – Book Review: “Internet for the People” – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 443 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Oct 2, 2022 – The Carey Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 442

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 39:09


    Bill and Rachel look at southern Idaho's curious history with irrigation land reclamation projects under the Carey Act in former beaver country and explore what this can tell us about American history much more broadly. Links and notes for ep. 442 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AFD-Ep-442-Links-and-Notes-Carey-Act.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Oct 2, 2022 – The Carey Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 442 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Sept 25, 2022 – History of the CDC – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 441

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 23:32


    Rachel returns from a microbiology trip to the CDC in Atlanta and presents an episode on its history. Links and notes for ep. 441 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AFD-Ep-441-Links-and-Notes-History-of-the-CDC.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Sept 25, 2022 – History of the CDC – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 441 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Sept 18, 2022 – Railroad Labor (feat. Justin from WTYPP) – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 440

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2022 60:20


    Justin from Well There's Your Problem Podcast joins Bill to talk about why US labor laws are different for railroad workers and the material and structural causes of the September 2022 possible national rail strike. Links and notes for ep. 440 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AFD-Ep-440-Links-and-Notes-Railroad-Labor-feat-Justin-from-WTYPP.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Sept 18, 2022 – Railroad Labor (feat. Justin from WTYPP) – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 440 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] Apr 13, 2021 – The Adamson Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 365

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2022 29:01


    Due to the current (September 2022) threat of a US rail strike and in conjunction with a new episode forthcoming, we are unlocking from our Patreon our episode on the 1916 Adamson Act that created the eight-hour railroad work day and the Supreme Court ruling on it that seems to … Read more The post [Unlocked] Apr 13, 2021 – The Adamson Act – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 365 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Bonus] Sept 11, 2022 – Bill’s Cuba Trip – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 439

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2022 65:10


    Nate returns to ask about Bill's recent delegation trip to Cuba and to discuss the urgent need to end the decades-long US economic blockade there. The post [Bonus] Sept 11, 2022 – Bill's Cuba Trip – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 439 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] Apr 6, 2021 – General Averell's Asphalt Empire – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 363

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2022 24:29


    Unlocked from our Patreon: Bill and Rachel learn what asphalt is and how failed Civil War General William Woods Averell became an asphalt paving magnate by the end of the 19th century. Links and notes for ep. 363 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Bonus-AFD-Ep-363-Links-and-Notes-General-Averells-Asphalt-Empire.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] Apr 6, 2021 – General Averell's Asphalt Empire – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 363 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Aug 21, 2022 – Industrial Nails and Nail Guns – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 438

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2022 41:56


    Bill and Rachel look at the history of industrialization of nail fastener production in the United States and its profound effects on the economy, and then talk about nail guns. Links and notes for ep. 438 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AFD-Ep-438-Links-and-Notes-The-Industrial-Nail-and-Nail-Guns.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Aug 21, 2022 – Industrial Nails and Nail Guns – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 438 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    Aug 14, 2022 – Fire Alarm Telegraphy and the Great Boston Fire of 1872 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 437

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2022 28:53


    Bill and Rachel look at the intersection of modern, Second Industrial Revolution cities and the old scourge of urban fires through the lens of the Great Boston Fire of 1872. Links and notes for ep. 437 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AFD-Ep-437-Links-and-Notes-Fire-Alarm-Telegraphy-and-the-Great-Boston-Fire-of-1872.pdf Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post Aug 14, 2022 – Fire Alarm Telegraphy and the Great Boston Fire of 1872 – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 437 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] June 29, 2022 – The Kitty Litter Industry – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 432

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2022 8:26


    Unlocked from our Patreon: Rachel presents a very short bonus episode on the history and science of the kitty litter industry. Source article: https://cen.acs.org/articles/82/i17/KITTY-LITTER.html (Theme music by Stunt Bird.) The post [Unlocked] June 29, 2022 – The Kitty Litter Industry – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 432 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    [Unlocked] Feb 9, 1871 – The US Fish Commission – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 412

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2022 9:11


    Unlocked from our Patreon: Fish Cops at 151 – A fun mini-episode. Find out why the US government had fish cops whipping around the ocean in fast boats arresting Canadians. (Links/notes.) Theme music by Stunt Bird. The post [Unlocked] Feb 9, 1871 – The US Fish Commission – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 412 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    July 25, 2022 – The 1930s Syphilis Campaign – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 436

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2022 52:47


    On the 50th anniversary of the 1972 revelation of the unethical Tuskegee Syphilis Experiments begun in 1932, Bill and Rachel look back at the huge national push against syphilis in the 1930s United States (before penicillin) and the many strange effects of that campaign. Links and notes for ep. 436 … Read more The post July 25, 2022 – The 1930s Syphilis Campaign – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 436 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

    July 17, 2022 – Telstar – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 435

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2022 29:23


    60 years ago this week, on July 23, 1962, President Kennedy addressed the US and Europe simultaneously by video via a Telstar satellite link. As with the transatlantic telegraph cable about a century before, it was a major development. (Bill and Rachel.) Links and notes for ep. 435 (PDF): http://arsenalfordemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/AFD-Ep-435-Links-and-Notes-Telstar.pdf … Read more The post July 17, 2022 – Telstar – Arsenal For Democracy Ep. 435 appeared first on Arsenal For Democracy.

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