Far-right extremism is thriving in small, rural communities across the country, gaining the support of mainstream voters and local law enforcement. In this podcast from North Country Public Radio, reporters Emily Russell and Zach Hirsch investigate extremist groups and militia movements in northern New York State, why they're drawing support, and what kinds of threats they pose at a pivotal moment for democracy in the United States.
NCPR: North Country Public Radio
The If All Else Fails podcast is a truly eye-opening and thought-provoking show that delves into the pressing issues facing not just North Country, but rural America as a whole. The podcast sheds light on a real threat to Americans and democracy, with infiltrations of political structures, law enforcement agencies, and military forces by individuals with malicious intentions. It presents a plausible and alarming scenario that demands attention and action from listeners.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to provide a comprehensive overview of the groundswell happening in online communities. The reporting is fair and well-researched, presenting a compelling narrative that captivates listeners from start to finish. It offers insight into the misinformation and conspiracy theories that are pervasive in today's society, equipping parents like myself with the knowledge needed to navigate these potential pitfalls for our children. Furthermore, it instills hope by encouraging individuals to call out lies and injustice when they see them.
While this podcast excels at highlighting the threats facing Americans, it could benefit from providing more concrete proof to support its claims. While there is mention of bad actors infiltrating various institutions, it would be even more impactful if specific examples or evidence were provided to back up these assertions. Additionally, some listeners may find the overall tone of alarmism slightly overwhelming or fear-inducing without enough emphasis on potential solutions. Incorporating actionable steps or suggestions for how individuals can make positive change in their communities would enhance the overall listening experience.
In conclusion, The If All Else Fails podcast is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the state of democracy in America. Its ability to shed light on important issues and encourage critical thinking is commendable. While there may be room for improvement in terms of providing tangible evidence and offering constructive solutions, this podcast serves as an excellent starting point for discussions on raising good humans who are willing to challenge falsehoods and fight injustice in all its forms.
(Jan 15, 2024) When we set out to look at far-right extremism in Upstate New York, we had a few basic questions. What do people believe in? What groups and militias have been active? We found that all kinds of extremist groups have tried to recruit people across the state.
(Jan 15, 2024) There's a far-right group that teaches sheriffs around the country that they don't have to enforce laws they think are unconstitutional. Some sheriffs in rural Upstate New York have embraced that idea, including Mike Carpinelli, who also has ties to the Oath Keepers militia.
(Jan 15, 2024) A few years ago, another sheriff in rural New York was invited to a far-right group. Sheriff Rich Giardino says he didn't know how extreme the group was and joined because he was recruited by someone he knew. Now Giardino says he's rethinking his membership.
(Jan 15, 2024) James Bonet went through a political transformation over the last few years, from leaning left to diving deep into the far right. He went down a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories, including about the 2020 presidential election, eventually landing him in federal prison.
(Jan 15, 2024) A conversation with our editor, David Sommerstein, about how we got into this story, what we found, and what's next.
(Jan 15, 2024) New York State is seeing an "incredible rise" in hate-filled violence and intimidation. That's according to Jackie Bray, the commissioner of New York's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. In this interview, Bray talks about the nature of far-right extremism in New York, which groups are active in the state, and the role New Yorkers have in preventing the spread of violent extremism.
(Jan 3, 2024) In 2022 a sheriff posted a photo online that revealed his ties to the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia. That photo led to a months-long investigation into the broader landscape of far-right extremism in Upstate New York.
(Jan 3, 2024) In 2022 a sheriff posted a photo online that revealed his ties to the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia. That photo led to a months-long investigation into the broader landscape of far-right extremism in Upstate New York.
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