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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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com 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 Ch. 6: Our democracy no longer represents the people.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! Check out the BotL 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 11/2/2020 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Get System Check from The Nation Magazine wherever you get your podcasts! IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) 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! Check out the BotL 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 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: GROUND.NEWS/BEST IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 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 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 Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: GROUND.NEWS/BEST IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 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 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 Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Ground News IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft 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 Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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: 1. Request your absentee ballot ASAP! RIGHT NOW! 2. When you have your ballot, vote ASAP but follow ballot rules to the letter to avoid rejection! 3. 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 4. 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Check out the BotL 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 9/8/2020 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Check out the BotL 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 9/1/2020 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 8/12/2020 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Check out the BotL 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 8/8/2020 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Transcript MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
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 Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON, SAVE THESE: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) Support us on PodHero Support us on Flattr EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU'RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 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 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) 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 Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Check out the BotL 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 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Check out the BotL 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 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 Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: ExpressVPN.com/LEFT SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Check out the BotL 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 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 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 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 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 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 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Check out the BotL 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 6/11/2019 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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! 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 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 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 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 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 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 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 3/7/2020 Today we take a look at the Coronavirus through the lens of the systems it is affecting including the incompetence of a government that doesn't believe in governing, the dangers of the lack of universal access to medical care and the interdependency of our economies regardless of the inevitable racism that flares up in times of panic. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: “Pence is Not a Medical Expert” Is the Trump Admin Ready to Stop a U.S. Coronavirus Pandemic? - Democracy Now - Air Date 2-27-20 We speak with Laurie Garrett, former senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations and a Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer. She is the author of several books, including “Betrayal of Trust: The Collapse of Global Public Health.” Ch. 2: Hayes On Dangers Of Incompetent Admin Trying To Lead Us Through A Major Crisis - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 2-29-20 “The core principle of any of us who have a platform...is to be transparent and clear about what the science says and what the risks might be. And right now, that basic threshold has not been met.” Ch. 3: Coronavirus Reveals Middlemen Destroying The Prescription Drug Market - Ring of Fire - Air Date 2-29-20 David Dayen, from The American Prospect, joins Ring of Fire’s Sam Seder to discuss the real story behind the coronavirus and how middlemen are destroying the prescription drug market. Ch. 4: Coronavirus: The Virus That Can Become a Pandemic - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 1-29-20 The New CoronaVirus out of China could turn into a pandemic and without Universal Healthcare. Americans could face the worst of it. Ch. 5: Lead Health Official GRILLED On Coronavirus Vaccine Cost - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-28-20 When you really dig into our public health policy, you begin to realize how messed up we are in the face of a possible health scare. Ch. 6: Coronavirus: Is the Climate Plague Here? - The Real News - Air Date 2-14-20 Jane C. Hu talks about the rise of xenophobia as the virus spreads. Ch. 7: COVID-19 and Protective Face Masks - Past/Present - Air Date 2-24-20 In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss COVID-19 and the history of protective face masks. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Coronavirus and the election - George from Tonawanda, NY Ch. 9: Comments on DNC machine - Alan from Connecticut FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on catching flies with honey MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Smooth Stone - Blue Dot Sessions Algea Trio - Algea Fields LaBranche - Bayou Birds A Burst of Light - Delray Turning - Lathe Cradle Rock - Nursury 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 3/3/2020 Today we take a look at the election through the lens of billionaire politics, from the candidates in both parties to the heads of media organizations to the way a pro-billionaire mentality trickles down to the establishment class on the media and Democratic Party. And what has all of this money been able to buy in terms of opposition research and narrative building against Bernie Sanders? Red-baiting at its most naked and pathetic. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Bernie Sanders’ Rise Prompts Media Meltdown, Establishment Panic: A Closer Look - Late Night with Seth Meyers - Air Date 2-25-20 Seth takes a closer look at some pundits and members of the Democratic establishment panicking after Bernie Sanders won the Nevada caucus in a landslide. Ch. 2: Janine Jackson takes a quick look at recent coverage of Bernie Sanders - CounterSpin - Air Date 2-28-20 The embarrassing journalistic choices by the mainstream media in their coverage of the primary elections. Ch. 3: Michael Bloomberg Is Buying the Election - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 2-19-20 Intercepted investigates the multitude of problematic and harmful aspects of Michael Bloomberg. Ch. 4: The Billionaire Election with Anand Giridharadas - Democracy Now - Air Date 2-26-20 Anand Giridharadas discusses Bloomberg buying his way to the Democratic nomination Ch. 5: Sanders & Socialism Debate Between Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman & Socialist Economist Richard Wolff - Democracy Now - Air Date 2-24-20 A debate on Bernie Sanders and democratic socialism featuring two well-known economists, Paul Krugman and Richard Wolff. Ch. 6: Bernie's Fight Against Trump, the GOP, The Democratic Establishment, and Corporate Media - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 2-26-20 Jeremy discusses the establishment's resistance to Bernie. Ch. 7: The state of the race - The Bugle - Air Date 2-29-20 A comprehensive explanation of the state of the Democratic Primary race VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Get a message going! - Jeff from Charlotte, NC Ch. 9: What do we do if Bernie gets screwed over again? - Anonymous FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on navigating the post-primary election landscape MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Middle - American Moon Bicycle That Horse Ithica - Sketchbook One Dirty Sleeve - Wax Museum Skyway - The Balloonist Wingspan - Bayou Birds Cicle DR Valga - Cicle Kadde 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 2/28/2020 Today we take a look at the historical through-line that has brought us to the present state of border barbarism we're now witnessing. An empire of perpetual expansion has finally reached its limit and decided to close the door. Meanwhile, well-meaning liberals have been playing on the nationalists’ turf for far too long. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Border Brutalism with Greg Grandin Part 1 - In The Thick - Air Date 12-24-19 Greg Grandin discusses his book about the history of American racism and policies against migrants. Ch. 2: Daniel Denvir on All American Nativism - Jacobin Radio The Dig with Astra Taylor - Air Date 1-23-20 Daniel Denvir and Astra Taylor discuss American Nativism and the spiraling harmful policies from our history of racism. Ch. 3: Border Brutalism with Greg Grandin Part 2 - In The Thick - Air Date 12-24-19 Greg Grandin discusses his book about the history of American racism and policies against migrants. Ch. 4: Michael Edison Hayden on Stephen Miller - CounterSpin - Air Date 11-22-19 Michael Edison Hayden discusses the impact of Stephen Miller's 900 emails to Brietbart on immigration policy. Ch. 5: Our Immigration Conversation Is Broken with Paul Kramer Part 1 - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 11-6-19 Paul Kramer discusses our broken immigration system and part of the problem is seeing human beings as valued only for their labor. Ch. 6: The Politics of Nativism with Daniel Denvir - This Is Hell - Air Date 1-13-20 Chuck and Daniel Denvir discuss America's long history of Nativism and white supremacist policies. Ch. 7: Our Immigration Conversation Is Broken with Paul Kramer Part 2 - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 11-6-19 Paul Kramer discusses our broken immigration system and part of the problem is seeing human beings as valued only for their labor. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: We have to be for a progressive vision, not just against Trump - James from Sacramento, CA Ch. 9: Jay didn’t go far enough rebutting - Alan from Connecticut FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on the analysis paralysis of the primary election MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Wingspan - Bayou Birds Inessential - Bayou Birds Molly Molly - Barstool That Horse Ithica - Sketchbook Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde Gullwing Sailor - Migration 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 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 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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 Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 2/22/2020 Today we take a look at Trump's recently-proposed budget and rule changes targeting the most vulnerable recipients of Social Security benefits. The budget has no chance of passing as it is because, thankfully, a Democratically-controlled House of Representatives will now allow it. However, it is still very valuable to understand why kind of budget and rules Trump and the GOP would pass if they were in complete power. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Trump's War Budget Slashes Support for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid - The Real News - Air Date 2-13-20 Trump promised he would not touch Social Security and Medicare. He lied. Now we have deficit spending with no social benefits, and Democrats fooled into a compromise that allowed the military budget to soar. Ch. 2: Doctor Responds After Trump Said He’d Make More Cuts to Medicare - NowThis News - Air Date 1-27-20 This doctor is speaking out about the high cost and inaccessibility of health care in the U.S. after Trump said he’d make even more cuts to Medicare. Ch. 3: The #TrumpBudget is cooking the books - Off-Kilter - Air Date 2-13-20 Bobby Kogan, chief mathematician of the Senate Budget Committee, explains how the Trump budget is cooking the books to make it look not as terrible as it really is. Ch. 4: The politics of work and hunger - This Is Hell! - Air Date 1-7-20 Anthropologist Maggie Dickinson on food assistance, poverty and her book Feeding the Crisis Care and Abandonment in America's Food Safety Net Ch. 5: Say No to Stealing Our Social Security Benefits: Alex Lawson on Social Security and disability - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-6-20 Janine Jackson interviewed Social Security Works’ Alex Lawson about Social Security and disability Ch. 6: How To Clean Up The Welfare State - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-3-20 Meagan Day on "How To Clean Up The Welfare State" by building social programs that inspire support through their universality VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Jay didn’t go far enough - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 8: Emerging theme on our collective emergency, recommending After Capitalism - V from Central New York Ch. 9: Why Clinton didn't win - James from Sacramento, CA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on passion in the primaries, early interest in Bernie and why reluctant leaders are the best Bonus: Something is happening - Jim Hightower - Air Date 2-2-16 MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Algea Trio - Algea Fields Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker Derailed - The Depot A Burst of Light - Delray Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent SHOW IMAGE: AFGE, "Defeating cuts to pay, retirement, health care", Flickr | 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 Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Air Date 2/19/2020 Today we take a look at the, ahem, "Peace Plan" devised by the US and Israel with absolutely no input from Palestinians. Plus, some additional discussion of how things are going in Israel/Palestine (not well) and how opinion has begun to shift dramatically within the Democratic Party. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: “Yet Another Declaration of War on Palestinians”: Rashid Khalidi on Trump’s Middle East “Peace” Plan - Democracy Now - Air Date 1-29-20 Rashid Khalidi and Mehdi Hasan discuss the peace plan the pushes further oppression upon the Palestinian people. Ch. 2: Omar Baddar on Israel/Palestine Peace Plan - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-31-20 Omar Baddar discusses Trump's peace plan and the continued human rights violations against Palestinians. Ch. 3: Israel: Democracy or Apartheid with Noura Erakat Part 1 - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 9-19-19 Mehdi and Noura Erakat discuss Israel and Palestine and if Israel is even a democracy anymore. Ch. 4: Mehdi Hasan: Trump’s Middle East Plan Is a Policy of Apartheid & Settler Colonialism - Democracy Now - Air Date 1-29-20 Rashid Khalidi and Mehdi Hasan discuss the peace plan the pushes further oppression upon the Palestinian people. Ch. 5: Trumps Middle East Plan and Palestinian/Israeli Relations with Phyllis Bennis - Sojourner Truth with Margaret Prescod - Air Date 1-27-20 Margaret and Phyllis Bennis discuss the Trump/Netanyahu deal and their work to consolidate their power and eliminate dissent. Ch. 6: How Israel/Palestine Became A Central Issue In US Politics with Alex Kane - The Real News with Greg Wilpert - Air Date 11-29-19 Alex Kane discusses the US's imperialist support of Israel oppressing Palestine. Ch. 7: Noura Erakat: U.S. Recognition of Israeli Settlements Is “Entrenchment of an Apartheid Regime” - Democracy Now - Air Date 11-19-20 Noura Erakat discusses the Trump administration further legalizing Israel's apartheid regime against Palestinians. Ch. 8: Israel: Democracy or Apartheid with Noura Erakat Part 2 - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 9-19-19 Mehdi and Noura Erakat discuss Israel and Palestine and if Israel is even a democracy anymore. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on whether the support Bernie Sanders seems to have is genuine Bonus: Buttigieg Supporter On Why He Doesn't Like Bernie - The Young Turks - Air Date 2-11-20 MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle Thannoid - Bodytonic On Early Light - Cholate Derailed - The Depot Banjo - Grey River Festering - Towboat Hickory Shed - 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 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 2/15/2020 Today we take a look at the ways Trump is working to rewrite the rules of trade with NAFTA 2.0 (The USMCA), a post-Brexit agreement with the United Kingdom and what's emerging from the ongoing trade war with China. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: BOMBAS.com/LEFT | Listen to Politics: Meet Me In The Middle | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Manuel Perez-Rocha on NAFTA 2.0 - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-24-20 Manuel Perez-Rocha breaks down the USMCA trade deal and the media's misinformation about it. Ch. 2: The New NAFTA with Lori Wallach - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 1-25-20 Ralph Nader and Lori Wallach discuss the USMCA, the old NAFTA and the revised NAFTA. Ch. 3: Bipartisan NAFTA 2.0 Is Still Fatally Flawed with Nicole Aschoff - The Real News with Greg Wilpert - Air Date 1-21-19 Nicole Aschoff discusses the incremental change of the new NAFTA agreement. Ch. 4: Secret Trade Documents Between US and UK - Novara Media - Air Date 11-29-19 The Trump admin is pushing a trade deal with the UK that will privatize the NHS. Ch. 5: Trade deal between the US and the UK as seen from the UK - Remainiacs - Air Date 1-24-20 What use is the Government’s greenwashed Agriculture Bill when it won’t protect us from low-standard food imports? Ch. 6: Phase One of US-China Trade Deal Is Symbolic with Nicole Aschoff - The Real News with Greg Wilpert - Air Date 1-21-20 Nicole Aschoff discusses the USMCA and China Trade negotiations. Ch. 7: Trump Declares Victory on Trade with Ana Swanson - Diane Rehm On My Mind - Air Date 1-21-20 Diane and Ana Swanson discuss Trump's supposed victory in the Trade war. Ch. 8: The US-China Trade War with Tobita Chow and Jake Werner - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 2-3-20 Tobita Chow and Jake Werner discuss the Trump administration's trade war with China. VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: What did Bernie actually say at those Clinton rallies? - Barbara from San Jose, CA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments explaining Bernie’s support of Clinton during the 2016 election Bonus: Every Event Bernie Sanders Did For Hillary Clinton in 2016 - Matt Binder - Air Date 1-21-20 MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Cloud Line - K4 PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker Minutes - Pacha Faro Swapping Tubes - Studio J Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher Tiny Putty - The Cabinetmaker Gondola Blue - Towboat Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent SHOW IMAGE Flickr: "A word cloud featuring "Trade War" | License 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 3/12/2019 Today we take a look at the development of the Green New Deal and its impacts on economics, labor, frontline communities climate mitigation and the politics of the possible Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Green New Deal In Development - Green News Report - Airdate 2-12-19 'Green News Report' Special Coverage: The Green New Deal --- what's in it, what's not, and what happens next... Ch. 2: The Climate Fight with Naomi Klein - Start Making Sense - Airdate 2-20-19 Naomi Klein talks the basics of the Green New Deal and the processes that will help support it or harm it. Ch. 3: A Climate Sociologist Explains the Green New Deal (Pt 1:2) - The Real News - Airdate 3-1-19 Daniel Aldana Cohen explains that climate change and the economy are, fundamentally, the same story and recognizing that opens new solutions to both problems. Ch. 4: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Biggest Fight - The Mother Jones Podcast - Airdate 1-9-19 Can the Democrats come together to fight for what the US people need? Climate change is here and we need leaders. Ch. 5: Green New Deal, Yellow Vests - The Laura Flanders Show - Airdate 1-30-19 Building a bigger "WE" The old new deal didn't include everyone, that's why the GND needs to approach more inclusion. Ch. 6: How We Can Pay for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal | Opinions | NowThis - Air Date 2-24-19 ‘The Green New Deal will leave us better off economically than we are today.’ — Listen to economist J.W. Mason explain why it just makes sense to support the development of inclusive, sustainable industries. Ch. 7: Thea Riofranco talks the Green New Deal - Jacobin Behind the News - Airdate 2-22-19 Thea Riofrancos connecting the Green New Deal with the fundamental principles of freedom and important a just transition for labor in the next economy Ch. 8: The Time is Right for the Green New Deal - Start Making Sense -Airdate 2-27-19 The politics of our current system are changing, and the Green New deal is at the forefront of that change. Ch. 9: A Climate Sociologist Explains the Green New Deal (Pt 2:2) - The Real News - Airdate 3-1-19 Daniel Aldana Cohen explains the legacy of racism from the original New Deal that we must not repeat. Ch. 10: What's the Deal with the Green New Deal - Weekly Economics - Airdate 2-24-19 The original New Deal took radical economic action, its time to do the same for the Green New Deal. Ch. 11: Sunrise Movement & Green New Deal - Next Economy Now - Airdate 2-26-19 What does the Green New Deal look like, and who will have the power in the new system? Varshini Prakash of the Sunrise Movement sees The Green New Deal on the horizon. Ch. 12: Green New Deal with David Roberts - Bradcast with Brad Friedman - Airdate 2-8-19 David Roberts joins to discuss the Green New Deal and how capitalism is failing us and the planet. It's important to keep the conversation open. Ch. 13: The Holistic Green New Deal - The Zero Hour - Airdate 2-16-19 Kate Aronoff joins to discuss Green New Deal. To tackle a huge issue like climate change you need a huge vision of reformatting society. VOICEMAILS Ch. 14: The Green New Deal must not make the same racist mistakes of the New Deal - V from Central New York Ch. 15: Be excited about what AOC may accomplish, not about her as a person - V from Central New York Ch. 16: Race should be considered first rather than last - Grant from Nashville Bonus Clip: Ch. 17: Why you still don't understand the Green New Deal - Vox Air Date 3-12-19 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 17: Final comments teasing the bonus episode which is available to everyone for free at Patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft TAKE ACTION! Attend and/or support the Youth Climate Strike on Friday, March 15th (Twitter: @climatestrikeUS) Attend/promote Sunrise Movement's 9 stop national tour: "Road to a Green New Deal" Support and get involved with Sunrise Movement Call Congress: Tell them you support The Green New Deal (Capitol Switchboard: 202-225-3121) EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE The Youth Climate Strike Is Exactly What the Planet Needs Right Now (NRDC) H.Res.109 - Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal(Congress.gov) The Green New Deal would boost the restoration economy. What does that mean? (GreenBiz) How Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal is being built (Grist) It's 2050 And This Is How We Stopped Climate Change (NPR) Why you still don’t understand the Green New Deal (Vox) The Democratic Party Wants to Make Climate Policy Exciting (The Atlantic) The Hard Lessons of Dianne Feinstein’s Encounter with the Young Green New Deal Activists (The New Yorker) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Blue Jay - Feathers A Burst of Light - Delray Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut Donder - Darby Heartland Flyer - The Balloonist Streamer - Arc and Crecent Hundred Mile-No Guitar - K2 Horizon Liner - The Pine Barrens Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle Wingspan - Bayou Birds Yarrow and Root - The Bulwark UpUpUp and Over - The Balloonist 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 2/8/2020 Today we take a look at the globetrotting trend of building and maintaining far-right, authoritarian political power by stoking fear and hatred of Muslims. We will draw the connections between the Chinese Uighurs, the Rohingya people of Burma, the Governmental policy in India to strip Muslims of citizenship and the actions taken by the US over the past decades that have helped to turbo-charge this trend. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: C-SPAN Campaign 2020 | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The World War on Muslims with Mehdi Hasan Part 1 - Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 1-20-20 Mehdi Hasan and Ezra break down all the harm against Muslim lives across the world. Ch. 2: Why Don't We Care About Chinas Uighur Muslims? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 12-29-19 China's Uighur Muslims are being marginalized and sent to reeducation concentration camps, with nary a word from the rest of the world. Ch. 3: The Politics of Nativism with Daniel Denvir - This Is Hell - Air Date 1-13-20 Chuck and Daniel Denvir discuss America's long history of Nativism and white supremacist policies. Ch. 4: The World War on Muslims with Mehdi Hasan Part 2 - Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 1-20-20 Mehdi Hasan and Ezra break down the situation with the Rohingya people of Burma. Ch. 5: Vijay Prashad on India Demonstrations - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-24-20 Vijay Prashad breaks down the current situation in India that is marginalizing Muslims. Ch. 6: India's Citizenship Law with Shailja Sharma - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 1-6-20 Shailja Sharma discusses India's citizenship laws that sparked massive protests and the problems with Modi. Ch. 7: The World War on Muslims with Mehdi Hasan Part 3 - Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 1-20-20 Mehdi Hasan and Ezra break down how islamophobia is the go-to way to ratchet up fear for political gain. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Response to anger episode - Anonymous FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on the structural forces of forgiveness MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Derailed - The Depot White Limit - CloudBreaker Tar and Spackle - Plaster Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker Waltz and Fury - Macrame 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 2/5/2020 Today we take a look at the past, present and future of behavior modification from worms to pigeons to prisoners, and finally, internet users. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: C-SPAN Campaign 2020 | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) 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 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 2/2/2020 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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: C-SPAN Campaign 2020 | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) 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 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 Cases to Rest - Bodytonic Open Flames - Aeronaut Surly Bonds - Aeronaut Inessential - Bayou Birds The Spinnet - Castle Danger Algea Trio - Algea Fields Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard On Our Own Again - The Pine Barrens Streamer - Arc and Crecent Cat's Eye - Marble Run The Summit - K2 Vengeful - Warmbody 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!
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