BLAST THE RIGHT

Greetings, Long time no talk. Hope you and yours are well! I don't yet have enough time to do the full nine yards of the podcast, but I can't restrain myself from jumping back in the fray. So I'll be using my new Twitter account to live tweet the debate tonight. @JeroldBlock For those who didn't hear that long ago podcast, Jerold Block is my legal name, Jack Clark a podcasting pen name. As

Again, thanks for all your expressions of concern and good wishes. Blast The Right has been on an extended break as I take care of some long-neglected personal matters. I will return. If you want to be added to the mailing list to keep up-to-date on future developments, please drop me a line. Until I return, you've told me that re-broadcasting some select past episodes would be welcome. So

Long time no talk. Thanks for all your expressions of concern and good wishes. Blast The Right has been on an extended break as I take care of some long-neglected personal matters. I will return. I apologize for not letting you know what's going on sooner. If you want to be added to the mailing list to keep up-to-date on future developments, please drop me a line. Until I return, you've

Today, more on the Arizona immigration law and efforts to fight this latest right-wing outrage. Plus, progressive efforts to achieve economic justice in New York and elsewhere. Right-wing racism rears its ugly head throughout. And you'll hear a clip of Glenn Beck you won't believe. Actually, you probably will, if you know him.(PS: Right-wingers, if you want to write in to me, fine, but at

Today, we'll take a look at the Arizona "your papers please" statute, with a large emphasis on the historical context in which it was passed: long-standing and pervasive right-wing racism.Before analyzing any legislation touching on race that comes from the right, it's absolutely critical to know the right's history in this realm.With this law, and with any measure proposed by right-wingers that

Today, an examination of a phenomenon that's recently come out into the open: the right-wing's worship, and hard-line defense of, the ultra-wealthy. You'll hear the who, what, when, where and why.I have some exclusive stats for you that may well blow your mind. The picture ain't pretty.You'll hear the answers to questions like these: which 25 guys made more than all the teachers, firemen and

Today, we'll dissect the right-wing's still-continuing lies and hypocrisy about the recently passed health care legislation. This will lead us into a broader discussion of social and economic justice, and the right-wing's aversion to both.Did you know the right has its own sociopathic credo, called Social Darwinism? This is among the gems you'll discover as you listen to the the show. Lots of

Today, a varied show.To start off with, multiple QuickBlasts to give you ammo in the water cooler wars over the economy and health care reform. A cornucopia of right-wing lies and hypocrisy conclusively disposed of.Then, a foreign policy roundup: where things are going well, and not so well, in the Third World's struggle to be free of Western economic domination. A lot of ups and downs, but

Today, a subject that initially appears not that sexy. I'm talking about budget deficits and the national debt.But -- you'll see how the cold, hard facts reveal right-wingers at their lying and destructive worst. As is often the case, the right accuses others of that which they're most guilty of themselves. They accuse Obama of tripling the budget deficit, while in reality it was George W. Bush

Today, a look at how Haiti has been battered from pillar to post by the West. How right-wing policies have destroyed that nation. An analysis you won't hear on any mainstream corporate-owned media. An antidote to the "aren't we noble" claims you hear when we send Haitians some charitable aid.(PS: Right-wingers, if you want to write in to me, fine, but at least do me the courtesy of listening to

Today, a review of that not so terrific year 2009, as heard on this show: right-wing reverse Robin Hood economics, health care, the war on terror, GOP racism and more.Along with plenty of clips of your favorite right-wingers to keep you entertained, if not outright horrified.The year started out with a lot of potential, but things haven't turn out as progressives like myself would have

Today, as befits the holiday season, I'm going to show you how to ratchet up the pressure quite a bit on those phony Christians I call right-wing pseudo-Christians.You'll soon be able to make them distinctly uncomfortable, if not downright apoplectic.It has something to do with the fact, that right-wing pseudo-Christians spend their whole lives fervently working to achieve the exact opposite of

Today, an examination of the GOP's institutionalized racism, extending from Richard Nixon to Ronald Reagan to the current de facto head of the Republican Party, Rush Limbaugh. Starting in the 1960's, the Republican "Southern strategy" used racist appeals to garner the support of whites who were upset at the Democratic Party for leading the effort to enact civil rights legislation.You'll get some

Today, in a change of pace, a single subject podcast: trickle-down economics and the unsustainable economic inequality and social ills it produces.Sometimes escaping from the mouth of a right-winger is an utterance so jaw-dropping, that it merits an entire show.Brian Griffiths is a Goldman, Sachs international advisor. He was recently discussing Wall Street salaries and bonuses. You've probably

Today, a jam-packed show.First, you'll hear about some new statistics sure to render speechless your friendly local right-wingers, when you're debating health care reform with them.Next, how about a little old-time religion: some information that will enormously enhance your ability to put right-wing Christians on the defensive.Finally, you'll get some facts about the community group ACORN you'd

Today, you'll hear:--how an all-important Supreme Court case could vastly expand the ability of corporations to determine election results--a clip of me on Air America denouncing our super-expensive yet poorly performing health care system--how there are disturbing historical parallels to the present-day right-wing coup in HondurasWhat do all these stories have in common? Hint: it's a five letter

Today, more on the progressive effort to reform our health care system. More right-wing lies debunked. More hard cold facts you can throw at your friendly local right-wingers to stop them in their tracks.Questions answered include:--how does the U.S. health care system stack up against the universal coverage nations?--how are Republicans shooting themselves in the foot by playing a 1961 clip of

Today, a return to health care reform. More right-wing distortions, half-truths, and outright lies. Debunked for your listening and debating pleasure. And along the way, you'll hear some jaw-dropping audio clips.This show is somewhat of a continuation of podcast 152. There, you heard the facts about such false right wing claims as:--the U.S. has the best health care system in the world--universal

In recent podcasts you've heard about the hottest issues du jour, such as health care reform and the Sotomayor Supreme Court nomination. This show will address issues not, for the most part, as immediately applicable to the water cooler wars.There's a whole world of strife, struggle, bloodshed and sometimes progressive victory out there. It's all about the Third World's centuries-long attempt to

Today, the show is all about health care reform. You'll hear how to debunk a whole slew of right-wing talking points against progressive plans to revamp our health care system.Lives are at stake!Among the lies debunked:--the U.S. has the best health care system in the world--universal coverage nations have long waiting lists compared to the U.S.--Obama's plan is socialized medicineCheck out the

Today, the focus is on the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor.You just won't believe the onslaught of disinformation and outright lies coming from the right.But actually, that is just what you'd expect, isn't it?Here you'll find all the ammo you'll need to shoot down their propaganda.Cold, hard facts will demonstrate:--Judge Sotomayor's "wise Latina woman with rich experience"

Today, a change of pace -- not one or two long segments, but several shorter ones. Subjects include: -- debunking right-wing War on Terror talking points-- dissecting conservative economic philosophy-- answering the query, how many Americans support socialism over capitalism-- following up on Dick Cheney's old company electrocuting U.S. soldiers in Iraq-- and, last but not least, exposing yet one

[from the transcript]Imagine you're the ultimate right-winger, one of Wall Street's Masters of the Universe. You've made make huge profits by engaging in reckless financial behavior. Your irresponsible actions have brought the world's financial system to the brink of collapse. You then grab hundreds of billions, if not trillions of dollars more, as the government tries to stabilize and repair the

In the first segment, you'll hear how U.S. soldiers in Iraq are being electrocuted due to faulty electrical work. The work was performed by private contractors hired under the Bush policy of privatization. This perfectly illustrates so much of what's wrong with right-wing ideology and policies.For example:Green Beret Staff Sgt. Ryan Maseth was stationed at a base in Iraq that used to be one of

Today you'll hear all about the right-wing's dishonest, but unfortunately effective propaganda campaign against the estate tax.A preview of the reality check I'll give you, all aspects of which are fully documented:-- Only 1/5 of 1% of Americans will ever pay even a penny of estate tax. In other words, 99.8% of Americans will never pay any estate tax.-- Less than 80 small businesses in the entire

Today, some nefarious right-wing doings. What else is new?First up, a GAO study found that the Department of Labor, when it was run by right-wingers appointed by George W. Bush, often turned a blind eye when employers cheated low-income workers out of their wages. The Department of Labor is supposed to protect workers.Next, there have been more revelations of torture, including from an impeccable

Today we'll conclude our discussion about FDR's Second Bill of Rights, which deals with economic rights. The focus is on how FDR's concept has taken root worldwide, in the almost unanimously endorsed Universal Declaration of Human Rights.As you'll see, this is much to the dismay and horror of right-wingers.You'll also hear a QuickBlast debunking the right-wing's cry that there's a "crisis"

President Obama recently presented some fairly detailed proposals to make changes in the tax code. This is sure to be a major subject of controversy in the months ahead.Here's a road map for you of today's show:First I'll give you some historical background about where we stand, economic justice-wise.Next, the details of Obama's plan. Knowing exactly what's in there is crucial, because it's

This cartoon by my friend, syndicated cartoonist Matt Bors, is a perfect fit for podcast #144.His website is highly recommended.

The right's anti-New Deal offensive is aimed at besmirching Obama's stimulus plan.You know the old saying, the best defense is a good offense? Well, instead of just playing defense and defending the New Deal against Republican attacks, let's go on the offensive. I've got something for you to throw at them that will induce cardiac arrest -- figuratively speaking of course (especially since

It's an open-and-shut case -- no discretion, no wiggle-room, no if's, and's or but's: the Obama administration is legally compelled to investigate the Bush administration, from George W. Bush on down, for the crime of commission of torture.This is the case despite the contrary analysis of that eminent legal scholar, Bill O'Reilly.For the facts and laws upon which I base my conclusion, please

Ok, right-wingers aren't (at least currently) making any claims about the shape of the Earth, or the composition of the moon. But they are ranting and raving about FDR and the New Deal.The right is attacking FDR's New Deal spending. This gives them the perfect opportunity to attack Obama's financial stimulus package.This is their new mantra:The New Deal failed.It's not that right-wingers are

We'll start off the new year with some questions you can use as conversation starters for those special right-wingers in your life.Perhaps you have a regular debating partner at the water cooler. And you want to start off 2009 by rocking them back on their heels.Or maybe there's a right-winger you've been meaning to engage in dialogue, but just haven't had a good ice-breaker for.Old right-winger,

Today is the year in review as heard on Blast The Right. Domestic issues. Foreign policy issues. And, of course, Campaign 2008.With plenty of clips of your favorite right-wingers.Torture, heparin, derivatives, Ayers, Palin...Obama2008 started out pretty lousy, but ended pretty well -- with a heck of a lot of upside potential, don't you think?(PS: Right-wingers, if you want to write in to me, fine

In the first segment, you'll hear about the doctrine of Social Darwinism. It's the pill right-wingers take to allow them to sleep at night. Some audio clips of right-wingers may scare you, so be prepared. Barbara Bush, Bill Cunningham, Neal Boortz and Bill O'Reilly all have some choice words for you.Next, have you heard about the Bishop of the Poor being elected president of an impoverished Latin

Today, you'll hear how to debunk a bald-faced lie the right is propagating about upcoming, critically important labor union legislation, the Employee Free Choice Act. This bill is labor's number one priority in Congress, and the right has declared war on it.Next, I'll give you a short primer on what I call the four pillars, the four ways the right in the Western world economically exploits the

Today, four subjects:Countering right-wing spin on the election resultsA sober reminder on the health care front about what this is all about, beyond the left-right ideological battleHow the Bush administration is trying real hard to cause the most damage on its way outAnd, on a personal note, what Obama's win means to me, and what I think is the best way to persuade him to move in a strong

Today, I'm going to address what seems to be the final big lie directed at Barack Obama -- that he's a socialist who wants to take money from the middle class and give it to the poor. Huh?Among other things, you'll hear how McCain supports the very same "socialist" policies he criticizes Obama for supporting.Also, I'll give you a couple of heads ups about how you can protect your vote, and, join

Today we're going to cover a lot of ground, all geared towards pointing out the error of right-wing ways, in a manner that will convince undecided voters to support Obama.In the first segment you'll hear how under Democratic administrations, the economic pie has always grown faster, and in a more fairly distributed way, than under Republican rule.The last half of the show will be a bit of a

Usually on Blast The Right you hear me condemn right-wing ideology and policies. Not only the theory, but the negative effect of right-wing rule on flesh-and-blood humans.Then the idea is, you use the information to win the water cooler wars, to "blast the right."With just about a month to go before the election, arguing with right-wingers isn't the most productive use of your time now, I don't

Today, you'll hear all about earmarks, one of John McCain's pet issues.Sarah Palin claims to be a reformer, yet she is the Empress of Earmarks, requesting this year more per capita than the governor of any other state.Would it surprise you to learn that McCain seems quite confused about the facts, and that Palin is clearly outright lying?Plenty of clips of these two esteemed elected officials to

Today, you'll hear how to debunk some of the latest right-wing flim-flam about the economy really being in good shape.Sure it is, except for the fact that unemployment, the number of medically uninsured, median wages, poverty -- all are worse than when Bush came into officeAmong those you'll have the dubious pleasure of listening to are Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Paul Weyrich and Barbara Bush.

Today, you'll hear about rampant lawbreaking by Bush administration officials within the Department of Justice. It's not a pretty picture. And it's the DOJ itself making the charge!You'll be treated to listener emails on Sean Hannity and the '08 campaign. I'll play you a Hannity audio clip that may well rile you up.And, last but not least, you'll learn about a fellow progressive who needs a bit

Today, you'll hear how to debunk the right-wing's biggest lie about the US health care system:Right-wingers claim we have the best health care system in the world.The fact is, it ranks dead last in critical areas compared to other developed nations.You'll also see how the Bush administration has reverted to an immigration policy based on cruelty and vindictiveness. Clips of right-wingers may make

Today you'll hear John McCain become truly incoherent when he tries to address the issue of income and wealth inequality in America. You'll learn why no right-winger can honestly speak to this issue.And, you'll see that developments in the Bushian grab for Iraq's oil are coming fast and furious. More cronyism, shady deals and outright lies. The No Blood for Oil anti-war slogan rings more true

Today, you'll hear a torrent of new evidence that's just come out which further details the Bush administration's torture regime. You'll learn about the self-styled "War Council," Bush's use of Communist Chinese torture techniques, vehement protests by the military's own lawyers, hiding the abuse from the Red Cross, and, recent medical findings of marks of torture on detainee's bodies.In a

Today, you'll hear how the multinational oil companies have taken another step towards stealing Iraq's oil.The very companies Iraq took the oil back from 36 years ago, are now being invited back in, by the US-propped-up Iraqi government.In the second segment, you'll get some great public opinion stats on the hottest issues, guaranteed to demoralize your right-wing friends and acquaintances. The

Today you'll hear how right-wing opposition to universal health care kills cancer patients.Actually, right-wing health care policies kill thousands of Americans every year, according to study after study.Also: I'll give you some great news about economic justice for farm workers.The question to right-wingers here is: shouldn't the people whose back-breaking labor puts the food on your plate, earn

Today you're going to hear an unbelievable, yet-every-fact-is-true scenario. It's about how it came to pass that dozens of meetings were held in the White House to decide the most effective ways to torture War On Terror prisoners. Also, be sure to stay around for my closing comments. You'll learn about Blast The Right transcripts, as well as about some listeners going the activist route. And

In today's podcast, you'll hear how right-wingers are lying about Democratic tax plans.You'll be treated to clips of Monica Crowley, Sean Hannity, John McCain.The results of a recent poll about taxing the wealthy may astound you. And what does Martin Luther King, Jr. have to do with all this?Just listen to today's show, and find out!(PS: Right-wingers, if you want to write in to me, fine, but at

Two podcasts ago you heard about how:--in the financial markets, ill intentions by some, and incompetence by others, has led to big problems--to solve these problems, a strong government regulatory effort is needed.Right-wing ideology does nothing in the way of prevention, and offers nothing in the way of a cure.Now today, please shift your focus to medicines: same picture.Right wing ideology has