Tue, 25 December 2018
Air Date: 12/21/2013 You didn't think the War on Christmas™ could get any more exciting but then someone decided to bring race into the mix and the whole thing blew sky high. We'll report back as casualty numbers are confirmed. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Genesis of Bill O'Reilly's War On Christmas - Jimmy Dore Show - Air Date 12-6-13 Ch. 3: Song 1: Ding Dong Merrily On High - I Saw Three Ships..... and Other Carols Ch. 4: Act 2: Christian Radio Host Wants to "Punch Atheists" - Majority Report - Air Date: 01-08-13 Ch. 5: Song 2: Carol of the Bells - Christmas Celebration Ch. 6: Act 3: Pat Robertson: Atheists 'Miserable' & Trying to Steal Christmas - David Pakman Show - Air Date: 11-22-12 Ch. 7: Song 3: Walking In the Air - The Snowman Ch. 8: Act 4: Scrooge was not the hero of 'A Christmas Carol' - Bill Maher - Air Date: 11-11-11 Ch. 9: Song 4: Scrooge - The Muppet Christmas Carol (Special Anniversary Edition) Ch. 10: Act 5: War on Christmas: Christians Losing Culture War! - Young Turks - Air Date: 12-15-12 Ch. 11: Song 5: I Saw Three Ships - I Saw Three Ships..... and Other Carols Ch. 12: Act 6: On Veterans Day, Hannity Devotes Twice As Much Time To "War On Christmas" - Media Matters Minute - Air Date: 11-12-13 Ch. 14: Act 7: Megyn Kelly: Don't Worry Kids, Jesus and Santa Are White!! - Majority Report - Air Date: 12-13-13 Ch. 15: Song 7: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - David Grisman's Acoustic Christmas Ch. 16: Act 8: The fear of a black Santa continues - All in With Chris Hayes - Air Date: 12-16-13 Ch. 21: Song 8: Nutcracker: Act 1: March - Nutcracker Ch. 18: Act 9: Megyn 'Santa And Jesus Are White' Kelly A Victim Of Race-Baiting - Young Turks - Air Date: 12-17-13 Ch. 21: Song 9: Mistletoe and Holly - Christmas With Sinatra and Friends Ch. 20: Act 10: Sarah Palin 'War on Christmas' Book Flops - David Pakman Show - Air Date: 12-06-13 Ch. 21: Song 10: Get down for the holidays - Jenny O. Ch. 20: Act 11: Right Wing's Fake War on Christmas Started Nearly 100 Years Ago - Majority Report - Air Date: 12-19-13 Ch. 21: Song 11: Good King Wenceslas - The Millennia Collection: Best-Loved Christmas Carols Ch. 20: Act 12: The Dark Mastermind Behind The War On Christmas - Young Turks - Air Date: 12-20-13 Ch. 21: Song 12: Christians and Pagans - Mortal City Ch. 20: Act 13: Jesus Is a Liberal Democrat - Colbert Report - Air Date: 12-16-2010
Direct download: Rerun_784_War_on_Christmas_Air_Date_12-21-13_Ad_Free_-_122518_07.44.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT |
Fri, 21 December 2018
Air Date: 12/21/2018 Today we take a look at the Yellow Vests protest in France to understand what they are, how they started and what implications they have for the struggle between neoliberal, fascist and progressive politics worldwide Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: HRW.org/BEST | Madison-Reed.com + Promo Code: Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Militant "yellow vest" protests continue in France, despite President Macron's efforts to offer concessions. World Politics Review's Judah Grunstein talks to us from Paris and provides a background briefing on the Yellow Vest protests. Ch. 3: Woke Pamela Anderson Explains Paris Riots - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 12-7-18 Pamela Anderson gives a great breakdown of the Yellow Vests protest and protests in general. Ch. 4: The Yellow Vest Protests in France - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 12-4-18 Alissa Rubin, New York Times bureau chief in Paris, talks about the deadly Yellow Vest protests in France, and whether world leaders can take necessary steps to address global warming without imposing overly harsh economic burdens on hard-working citizens. With the rise of the Yellow Vest (Gilets jaunes) movement, there no clearer evidence that zombie neoliberalism is bound to fail. This crisis cannot be solved with the centrist policies and politics that caused it in the first place. “By many accounts Macron’s paying the price not so much for taxing carbon as for ignoring inequality and passing tax breaks for the rich, while pushing more austerity on people already at breaking point.” Laura Flanders, weekly commentary. The yellow vests have pushed President Macron to kill the proposed fuel tax. Here’s what you need to know about the tax - and what we can learn from the gilets jaunes. We talk about the Yellow Vest movement and what it means for the left going forward. VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: I say Happy Holidays because I get my Christmas cards out late - Jeff from Charlotte, NC FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on selective inclusion and exclusion and clarification on why it’s good to be able to argue your opponent’s side MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1237_The_Yellow_Vests_Air_Date_12-21-18_-_12-21-18_21.16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Tue, 18 December 2018
Air Date: 12/18/2018 Today, as we do each year, we take a look at the current state of the War on Christmas™ but with more of a historical focus on how we got here Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: ExpressVPN.com/LEFT| Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Historian Judith Flanders explores the populist, adaptive, multi-purpose, meaning of Christmas. Neil argued the “war on Christmas” is largely a media phenomenon, noting that many religious leaders have chosen to ignore the controversy or to argue that the real war on Christmas is the holiday’s over-commercialization. Historian Judith Flanders explores the populist, adaptive, multi-purpose, meaning of Christmas. Ch. 4: White Supremacy and the So-Called “War on Christmas” - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 1-6-18 Randy Blazak is the guest on this week’s episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show. He is a tenured sociologist and criminologist who has taught at Portland State University as well as the University of Oregon. Ronit and Katie talk holidays and slut-shaming Christmas carols. Historian Judith Flanders explores the populist, adaptive, multi-purpose, meaning of Christmas. VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Thoughts on the Brazilian election and the global right-wing backlash - Jeff from California FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 8: Final comments MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1236_War_on_Christmas_Air_Date_12-18-18_-_12-18-18_20.40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:21pm EDT |
Fri, 14 December 2018
Air Date: 12/14/2018 Today we take a look critically at the life and times of George H.W. Bush Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Action Heat| HRW.org/best| Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon! SHOW NOTES Janine Jackson takes a quick look at coverage of the death of George H.W. Bush. Ch. 2: Remembering the President Completely - On The Media - Air Date 12-7-18 This week Brooke talks to Buzzfeed senior culture writer Anne Helen Petersen about whose voices and experiences are prioritized in presidential remembrances and why they leave us with an incomplete picture. After learning that his own Justice Department is investigating his crimes, Vice President Spiro Agnew embarks on a secret, behind-the-scenes effort… to obstruct justice. It’s a scheme that ends up involving George H.W. Bush George H. W. Bush paved the way for today’s Republican party with his racist Willy Horton campaign, the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, and pardoning the Iran-Contra conspirator whose trial would have exposed his own abuse of power. Ch. 5: Thoughts on George H.W. Bush's environmental legacy - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 12-2-18 We review parts of Bush Sr.’s legacy today — without either dancing on his grave or lionizing — particularly on the environment. A panel of experts looks at some of the actions of George H.W. Bush that warrant a more critical response. Ch. 7: George H.W. Bush and the war on drugs - @tmbsfm with @_michaelbrooks - Air Date 12-3-18 We discuss George HW Bush's legacy of decimation and murder. Ch. 8: George H. W. Bush, American War Criminal - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 12-4-18 Jeremy Scahill details the crimes of George H.W. Bush, the sick propaganda of the corporate media memorials; and the trail of blood, death, and tears Bush leaves behind. VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Powerful vs vulnerable in privacy and transparency - Terry from New York Ch. 10: Thoughts on the Brazilian election and the global right-wing backlash - Jeff from California FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on this one weird trick that could improve our debate-based media immeasurably MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1235_George_HW_Bush_Air_Date_12-14-18_-_12-13-18_19.30.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT |
Tue, 11 December 2018
Air Date: 12/11/2018 Today we take a look at the election of a true neofascist to be president of Brazil and some of the economic and political realities that lead us to this point Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Action Heat| Bombas.com/Left| Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Janine Jackson takes a quick look at the recent press, including Brazil’s new fascist president Ch. 2: Globalization — the Economics Work, the Politics Do Not - Who What Why - Air Date 5-10-18 Ian Bremmer makes the case that democracy, plus technology, plus political globalism simply can't work. According to Bremmer, we need to look no further than Trump, Brexit, and recent European elections for proof. Conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Glenn Greenwald about the Brazilian election resulting in far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro being elected Brazil’s next president. Speaking with Brian Mier, an editor at Brasil Wire who also edited the book Voices of the Brazilian Left, about the election of Brazil’s new President Jair Bolsonaro Ch. 5: Wanis Kabbaj: How nationalism and globalism can coexist - @TEDTalks - Air Date 11-13-18 Why do we have to choose between nationalism and globalism, between loving our countries and caring for the world? In this talk, Wanis Kabbaj explains how we can challenge this polarizing, binary thinking VOICEMAILS Ch. 6: Analyzing the 2018 elections and beyond - V from Central New York Ch. 7: When hate comes for one group it comes for all groups - Mary Lynn from MN FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 8: Final comments on the power dynamic of privacy vs trasnparency MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1234_Brazils_election_Air_Date_12-11-18_-_12-11-18_11.42.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT |
Fri, 7 December 2018
Air Date: 12/7/2018 Today we take a look at the ongoing war in Yemen including its origins, multitude of players, the US supporting that is helping drive the worlds worst humanitarian crisis and what we can and should do to stop it. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: HRW.org/best| Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Janine Jackson gives a quick update on MSNBC‘s coverage of Yemen. Ch. 2: Why U.S. Bombs Are Falling in Yemen - The Daily - Air Date 11-19-18 The killing of Jamal Khashoggi has renewed criticism of Saudi Arabia, including the kingdom’s role in the war in Yemen, a war that the United States has backed from the beginning and has created one of the worst humanitarian crisis' in the world. Ch. 3: Whitewashing America’s Role in Yemen - Citations Needed (@CitationsPod) - Air Date 11-28-18 Adam and Nima look back at the media’s coverage of the tragedy in Yemen that obeys a very narrow Overton Window on our wars of empire Ch. 4: Why Is No-one Trying to Stop the War in Yemen? - The Inquiry - Air Date 4-4-17 The UN is calling it a humanitarian crisis. And yet it’s far from clear which, if any, of the multiple nations and groups involved in the conflict, is working to end it. In other words, our question this week, why is no one trying to stop the war in Yemen? Ch. 5: The Saudi-US Agenda Behind Destroying Yemen (Pt 1/2) - @TheRealNews - Air Date 8-3-18 Professor Isa Blumi of Stockholm University and author of "Destroying Yemen," discusses the motives and impact of the unrelenting US-backed assault An update on Yemen as Senator Bernie Sanders is now leading an effort to block U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Our guest is Jehan Hakim, chair of the Yemeni Alliance Committee, which is working to end the war. Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 8: Trump’s Muslim Ban Tearing Apart Families - News Beat - Air Date 8-1-18 Twenty-two million people are at risk of starving to death in Yemen due to the U.S.-backed bombing campaign there. Compounding the tragedy is Trump’s self-professed Muslim Ban barring families from ever reuniting—even to escape near-certain death VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Warrens DNA - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 10: Exploring the connection between race and identity - Elizabeth from Virginia FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on what genocide is and isn’t TAKE ACTION! 1. Tell Your Members of Congress to support: SENATE (WAR POWERS RESOLUTION): S.J.Res.54 - A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress. HOUSE (WAR POWERS RESOLUTION): H.Con.Res.138 - Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress. 2. Share this action on social media with the hashtag #YemenCantWait 3. Help the Yemeni people directly: International Rescue Committee - Yemen (IRC) Humanitarian crisis: What can I do to help? (BBC) Charities Responding to the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen (Charity Navigator) Yemen Crisis: How to help people and children facing famine (NBC) EDUCATE YOURSELF 85,000 Children in Yemen May Have Died of Starvation(NY Times) Congress is finally pushing the US to withdraw from Yemen. It's about time(The Guardian) Demand an End to US Support for the War in Yemen(The Nation) Yemen's humanitarian crisis worsens each day. Here's how to stop it(CNN) Climate Change Is Aggravating the Suffering in Yemen (The New Republic) How Congress Can End the War in Yemen (NY Review of Books) When will America stop participating in Yemen's genocidal war? (The Guardian) Life in Yemen Is Sophie's Choice (The Atlantic) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1233_Yemen_Air_Date_12-7-18_-_12-7-18_11.11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EDT |
Tue, 4 December 2018
Air Date: 12/4/2018 Today we take a look at the two major recent climate change reports that were released and some of the new energy arriving in Congress determined to be equal to the task Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Action Heat| HRW.org/best| Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Behind the scenes at the IPCC with Dr. Katharine Mach - America Adapts - Air Date 3-13-17 Dr. Katharine Mach, Director of Stanford Environment Assessment Facility - Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment and former Co-Director of the Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Ch. 2: Discussing the new IPPC report - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 10-8-18 The IPCC report warns that unless very serious changes are made by governments over the next 10 years, the worst effects of global warming will arrive far sooner than previously predicted A new United Nations report published this week highlights a number of climate change impacts that could be avoided by limiting global warming to 1.5 C compared to 2 C, or more. The conclusion: Every bit of warming of matters. Once again, examples of media missing the point in just such a way that protects corporations and blames individuals for systemic problems Arguing that our economic status quo cannot be seen as a constraint to recommended climate actions Ch. 6: Special Report on the National Climate Assessment - @GreenNewsReport - Air Date 11-26-18 Major U.S. climate report warns global warming is already devastating America’s environment and economy — and unless we act aggressively to reduce emissions, it is going to get MUCH worse Ch. 7: The Science Behind Trump’s Climate Report - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 11-28-18 Christopher Joyce, correspondent on the science desk at NPR, talks about the science behind Trump Administration’s climate report, and the push for a Green New Deal. Ch. 8: Who Is To Blame For The Earth's Destruction? - Sustainable Human - Air Date 3-7-18 It’s partly economic. It’s partly infrastructural. It’s partly the habits that were imbued in us growing up in this culture - habits of competition, habits of scarcity, habits of judgment, habits of struggle. Varshini Prakash of the Sunrise Movement talks about why hundreds of activists occupied Nancy Pelosi's offices demanding a Green New Deal and an end to fossil fuel contributions VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: Making a dirty deal with white supremacy - Zev from Southern Illinois Ch. 11: Explain the Elizabeth Warren issue to me - Nick from California Ch. 12: Here's my B+ answer on Elizabeth Warren - Nick from California FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the dead-end conclusion of having the wrong conversation :
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1232_Understanding_our_last_chance_to_save_ourselves.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT |
Fri, 30 November 2018
Air Date: 11/30/2018 Today we take a look at the history and present of anti-semitism in America Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: HRW.org/best| Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Antisemitism in USA - @BackStory - Air Date: 05-25-2018
Ch. 2: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting - Past/Present - Air Date 11-6-18
Ch. 3: On Anti-Semitism Today - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 10-30-18
Ch. 4: We Need To Talk About Anti-Semitism - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee - Air Date 10-31-18
Ch. 5: Deborah Lipstadt: Behind the lies of Holocaust denial - @TEDTalks - Air Date 5-23-17 VOICEMAILS Ch. 6: The Return of Superman - Heather from Texas Ch. 7: Final comments on understanding how a progressive can come to defend a virulent bigot and anti-semite BONUS CLIP: The Women's March Has an Antisemitism Problem - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 03-13-18
MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1231_Antisemitism_Air_Date_11-30-18_-_11-29-18_20.46.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT |
Tue, 27 November 2018
Air Date: 11/27/2018 Today we take a look at the literal and figurative bloody messes of the history of Thanksgiving and the identities of native peoples Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: ActionHeat | ExpressVPN.com/Left| Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: A Code Switch Thanksgiving Feast - Code Switch - Air Date 11-21-17 Exploring the conflicting narratives of American Thanksgiving. We speak with indigenous historian and activist Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. She is the author of "An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States" and co-author of "All the Real Indians Died Off: And 20 Other Myths About Native Americans." Ch. 3: The stolen sisters Part 1 - In the Thick - Air Date 9-18-18 Maria and Julio speak about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement with Annita Lucchesi, a Southern Cheyenne cartographer who has built the largest database of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Ch. 4: Indigenous DNA - Science for the People - Air Date 1-5-17 Kim TallBear, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples Technoscience, on her book "Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic Science." Ch. 5: The stolen sisters Part 2 - In the Thick - Air Date 9-18-18 Maria and Julio speak about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement with Annita Lucchesi, a Southern Cheyenne cartographer who has built the largest database of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Ch. 6: It's not just about the blood - Code Switch - Air Date 2-6-18 If you're Native American, who or what gets to define your identity? We dive into an old system intended to measure the amount of "Indian blood" a person has. Native Americans across the country are criticizing Senator Elizabeth Warren’s decision to use a DNA test to assert her Native American heritage. We host a roundtable discussion of Native American activists and journalists to respond. Indigenous historian Nick Estes discusses the ongoing attacks on native people, voter disenfranchisement, the Red Power movement and the latest on the fight against major oil and gas pipelines.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: The dangers of over-secrecy - Abdul from DC
Ch. 10: Final comments on #StandWithMashpee
TAKE ACTION! Tell your members of Congress to support the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation Reaffirmation Act (H.R. 5244/ S. 2628) Learn more and find out how to support the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Share the tribe’s videoon social media Amplify the #StandwithMashpeehashtag EDUCATE YOURSELF The true story of the first Thanksgiving and what it meant (Opinion | Boston Globe) Mashpee Wampanoag Confront 'Loss Of Self-Governance' After Interior Department Reversal (WBUR, Here & Now) This Thanksgiving, The Trump Administration Is Taking Land From The Tribe That Welcomed The Pilgrims (Huffington Post) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson 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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1230_Native_People_Thanksgiving_Air_Date_11-27-18_-_11-27-18_11.06.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT |
Fri, 23 November 2018
Air Date: 1/2/2018 Today we take a look at a few different visions of what the future holds for our labor market and some policies we should be putting in place to set the scene for the coming evolution of work Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The future of work in a world of artificial intelligence - Ideas - Air Date 9-12-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher Ch. 4: Act 2: Robots Causing Wealth Inequality? - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 04-28-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Tripoli - Pecan Grove Ch. 6: Act 3: A 15 Hour Work Week Would Save the Planet - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 07-26-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Gondola Blue - Towboat Ch. 8: Act 4: Demanding a future of full automation and a post-work world - Ideas - Air Date 9-26-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Comma - Codebreaker Ch. 10: Act 5: Designing the future of jobs and economics - Freakonomics - Air Date 4-20-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Lesser Gods of Metal - Ray Catcher Ch. 12: Act 6: Ai-jen Poo on the caretaker jobs of the future - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-13-17 Action Resources/Further Reading Public Predictions for the Future of Workforce Automation (Pew Research Center, 2016) A World Without Work (The Atlantic, 2015) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon & check out our Winter Fundraiser! Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1155_Future_of_work_Air_Date_1-2-18_Ad_Free_Rerun_-_11-22-18_13.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT |
Tue, 20 November 2018
Air Date: 11/20/2018 Today we take a look at the gendered nature of anger and how the anger of women is feared as a potentially revolutionary force Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: BeFrugal.com/Best| HRW.org/Best| Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Explaining anger as the founding lullaby of the nation that is still restricted to a chosen few All kinds of ugly words are reserved for women who show anger. Where others see female anger as something to fear or reject, Soraya Chemaly sees strength, even opportunity. Ch. 3: Historical examples of political organizing around women's rage - Past/Present - Air Date 10-8-18 Rage as a driving force behind organizing for social change and historical examples of how this plays out When is anger constructive and important? Can it tie us together, rather than just pulling us apart? Rebecca Traister explains anger as an organizing tool. Brittney Cooper explains how she went from rejecting the idea that she was angry to embracing it and harnessing it to make her work better Ch. 6: Serena Williams & the policing of anger - @EdgeofSports w Dave Zirin - Air Date 9-16-18 This week we speak to Soraya Chemaly, author of the new book “Rage Becomes Her” about Serena Williams, Title IX, and how our society monitors women’s anger, particularly black women. Rebecca Traister explains how women’s anger has historically been a catalyst for social change and how people can better listen and respond to women’s anger.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: I don't understand how people can believe Trump's rhetoric - Cindy from Pennsylvania Ch. 11: Generational divide on public voter history - Jeff from Charlotte, NC
Ch. 12: Final comments on three different types of privacy and how we should deal with each for the betterment of society
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1229_Feminist_Rage_Air_Date_11-20-18_-_11-20-18_11.34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00am EDT |
Fri, 16 November 2018
Air Date: 11/16/2018 Today we take a look at the system of patriarchy from the perspective of how it negatively impacts men in our culture, thereby demonstrating the need for feminism to advocate for all those negatively impacted by patriarchy, regardless of gender Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: ActionHeat.com/best or Coupon Code: Best | HRW.org/Best| Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: What Is the Patriarchy? | Feminist Fridays - @marinashutup - Air Date 11-02-14 An overview of patriarchy with a focus on how it hurts everyone, not just women. Ch. 2: Fight Club and Toxic Masculinity - Folding Ideas - Air Date 8-22-15 Justin Baldoni wants to start a dialogue with men about redefining masculinity - to figure out ways to be not just good men but good humans. In a warm, personal talk, he shares his effort to reconcile who he is with who the world tells him a man should be. Ch. 3: Justin Baldoni: Why I'm done trying to be "man enough" - @TEDTalks - Air Date 12-4-17 Justin Baldoni wants to start a dialogue with men about redefining masculinity - to figure out ways to be not just good men but good humans. In a warm, personal talk, he shares his effort to reconcile who he is with who the world tells him a man should be. Ch. 4: Do Videogame Stereotypes Hurt Men? - PBS Game:Show - Air Date 08-2-13 Games continue the cultural narrative of big and strong men, "manning up" and being the hero. As you play, you kill hundreds or thousands of other men, without regard for the emotional toll on one's psyche. Ch. 5: What Men Do With Their Pain - On The Media - Air Date 5-4-18 Michael Kimmel, a scholar of masculinities studies at Stony Brook University, on the source of this shared frustration — which he calls "aggrieved entitlement" — and about the steps forward for a society that still misunderstands so much about gender. Ch. 6: Tony Porter: A call to men - @TEDTalks - Air Date 12-10-10 Tony Porter makes a call to men everywhere: Don't "act like a man." Telling powerful stories from his own life, he shows how this mentality, drummed into so many men and boys, can lead men to disrespect, mistreat and abuse women and each other.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Thoughts on privacy and violence - Erica from Illinois
Ch. 8: Final comments om where feminism went wrong and why we need to fight for everyone hurt by the patriarchy, regardless of gender
THE POST-MIDTERMS MINUTE ('cause they aren't over...) Help Stacy Abrams in Georgia Gov Recount Help Bill Nelson in Florida Sen Recount Help Andrew Gillum in Florida Gov Recount Mississippi Sen. Run Off Nov. 27th: Help Mike Espy Win! Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1228_Patriarchy_hurts_men_Air_Date_11-16-18_-_11-16-18_16.34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT |
Tue, 13 November 2018
Air Date: 11/13/2018 Today we take a look at rising of right-wing terrorism in the US and the unmistakable link to the violent rhetoric and extreme policies of right-wing politicians Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Bombas.com/Left| Casper.com/BEST+ Promo Code: Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Violent Extremism in the U.S. - NowThis World - Air Date 11-4-18 White supremacist and other right-wing violence are currently the deadliest active domestic extremist movements in the U.S., according to data from several civil rights groups that track hate crimes and extremist violence. Ch. 2: Commentary A Knife in the Heart of Pittsburgh - Criminal (In)Justice - Air Date 10-28-18 It's time to be very clear about what we mean by "free speech," and about what kinds of speech can never be accepted in a free society. Ch. 3: A warning come true - In the Thick - Air Date 10-29-18 Maria and Julio talk about pipe bombs, the synagogue shooting and the role of hate with Brentin Mock, Pittsburgher and staff writer for CityLab and Mike German, fellow with the Brennan Center for Justice’s Liberty and National Security Program. Ch. 4: 11 Shot Dead by Terrorist Shouting "All Jews Need to Die" - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 10-29-18 We discuss the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, the political climate surrounding it, and the connection to white supremacist antisemitic rhetoric from President Trump We speak with Dr. David Glosser, a retired neuropsychologist who has volunteered with HIAS in Philadelphia helping refugees. He is also the uncle of Stephen Miller, a key political adviser to President Trump who has pushed for a crackdown on immigrants. Ch. 6: Trump's stochastic terrorism as a legal defense - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 10-30-18 Attorneys for a far-right militiaman, convicted in a bomb plot to kill Somali Muslim refugees in a Kansas apartment building, have cited Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim rhetoric in the 2016 campaign as justification for shortening his life sentence. Donald Trump is "stoking and inciting - for the purposes of political power - the worst amongst us to take action in his name," says Steve Schmidt.
Ch. 8: Final comments on stochasticity and the rise of stochastic terrorism in the US
THE POST-MIDTERMS MINUTE ('cause they aren't over...) Help Stacy Abrams in Georgia Gov Recount Help Bill Nelson in Florida Sen Recount Help Andrew Gillum in Florida Gov Recount Mississippi Sen. Run Off Nov. 27th: Help Mike Espy Win! Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1227_Right-Wing_Violence_Air_Date_11-13-18_-_11-13-18_12.05.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT |
Fri, 9 November 2018
Air Date: 11/9/2018 Today we take a look at the stunningly consistent history of the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia. A relationship born out of a need for oil and sustained for the sake of empire. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Blinkist.com/Best| Madison-Reed.com(Promo Code: Left) Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Abby Martin takes us inside the brutal reality of this police-state monarchy and tells the untold people's history of resistance to it. Ch. 2: Who’s in the Driving Seat of the US – Saudi Relationship? Part 1 - The Inquiry - Air Date 8-22-18 Many have begun to question the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Will the US support Saudi Arabia no matter what? So on this week’s Inquiry, we’re asking, who’s in the driving seat when it comes to the US – Saudi alliance? Ch. 3: 70 Years of Reforming Saudi Arabia - On the Media - Air Date 10-19-18 Georgetown University in Qatar professor Abdullah Al-Arian speaks with Brooke about where the trope of the Saudi royal "reformers" comes from and why it persists. Ch. 4: The smokescreen of women driving - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 10-16-18 Looking beneath the propaganda painting the Saudi prince as a reformer bringing his country into modernity. Ch. 5: Who’s in the Driving Seat of the US – Saudi Relationship? Part 2 - The Inquiry - Air Date 8-22-18 Many have begun to question the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Will the US support Saudi Arabia no matter what? So on this week’s Inquiry, we’re asking, who’s in the driving seat when it comes to the US – Saudi alliance? Ch. 6: Why Trump can't quit Mohammed bin-Salman - The Daily - Air Date 10-23-18 From the moment he was named the country’s day-to-day leader, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia has disappointed the United States over and over again. Yet the Trump White House hasn’t let go of him. Guest: Mark Landler Ch. 7: Saudi Arabia - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 10-14-18 Following the alarming disappearance of a Saudi journalist and political dissident, John Oliver examines America's uncomfortably comfortable relationship with Saudi Arabia. Ch. 8: Paul Jay on the US-Saudi Special Relationship - @TheRealNews - Air Date 10-16-18 TRNN’s Paul Jay and Ben Norton discuss why America sees the Saudi monarchy as a key player in its global empire, and the key role of arms sales and fossil fuels in geopolitics. Jeremy Scahill on the continuity of the US/Saudi relationship and the only difference with Trump in the roll being his blunt honesty about it.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: My experience with Outvote - Jill from Connecticut
Ch. 11: Final comments with stories of trading privacy for social benefit
THE POST-MIDTERMS MINUTE ('cause they aren't over...) Help Stacy Abrams in Georgia Gov Recount Help Bill Nelson in Florida Sen Recount Help Andrew Gillum in Florida Gov Recount Help Krysten Sinema in Arizona Sen Close Race Mississippi Sen. Run Off Nov. 27th: Help Mike Espy Win! Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1226_Saudi_Arabia_Air_Date_11-9-18_-_11-9-18_20.53.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 6 November 2018
Air Date: 11/6/2018 Today we take a look at the movement behind the anti-government, pro-wealthy campaign to remake America that dates back much farther than the Koch Brothers. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Madison-Reed.com(Promo Code: Left) Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Jane Mayer, Dark Money - @InDeepRadio w @AngieCoiro - Air Date 3-23-18 Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah moved into prominence with the publication of investigative reporter Jane Mayer’s book, Dark Money. Historian Nancy MacLean examines the libertarian right's revolutionary plan for America - from an ideological capture of think tanks and the GOP to its plan for a society stripped of social programs and democratic influence over capital Ch. 3: Nancy MacLean explains Democracy in Chains Part 1 - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-8-18 Nancy MacLean discusses her book “Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America,” which delves into the destructive “libertarian” ideology the Koch brothers fund to keep the minority in power. Ch. 4: Are the Libertarians Winning? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 8-2-18 Is the Libertarian plan coming into reality thanks to Ronald Reagan? Ch. 5: Nancy MacLean explains Democracy in Chains Part 2 - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-8-18 Nancy MacLean discusses her book “Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America,” which delves into the destructive “libertarian” ideology the Koch brothers fund to keep the minority in power.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 6: Final thoughts on the litmus test - Elizabeth from Virginia
Ch. 7: Final comments on how no one knows what “litmus test” even means
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1225_Libertarians_Long_History_Air_Date_11-6-18_-_11-5-18_18.36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT |
Fri, 2 November 2018
Air Date: 11/2/2018 Today we take a look at some of the various ways our election system is vulnerable to tampering and hacking from within and without and how it poses a threat to our democracy by casting doubt on the system whether any tampering actually happens or not Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: SwingLeft.org/Left | Madison-Reed.com(Promo Code: Left) Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Brad Friedman details some of the news coming out of the annual hack-a-thom demonstration meant to expose vulnerabilities in our voting system. Ch. 2: Lori Chamberlain Reveals Huge Holes In The Election System - Moment of Clarity - Air Date 5-12-18 Election Integrity Activist Lori Chamberlain discusses the flaws in our Election System! Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE- THE FINAL PUSH - DCCC’s “Red Alert” House Races! - Best of the Left Activism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Explaining the history of voter disenfranchisement, leading up to the testimony of J. Alex Halderman, professor of Computer Science at the University of Michigan, that show how vulnerable our elections are now to anyone who wants to sway the vote. Brad Friedman talks with Marilyn Marks about some of the common-sense solutions to securing our election system. Ch. 6: Our elections are being hacked - The Weeds - Air Date 10-25-18 Ezra and Jane dig into the dismal state of election security, as well as the many, many ways that people’s votes are obstructed, distorted, and prevented. Isn’t democracy grand?
VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Another reason to make voting mandatory - Erin from Philadelphia Ch. 8: Looking forward to multi-generational politics - V from Central New York
Ch. 9: Final comments on finding our way to our ultimate goals and feeling better about the frustrations of factional politics
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE - FINAL PUSH! All Battleground Info/Resources: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE H.Q. "RED ALERT" HOUSE RACES: FL-15: Kristen Carlson IL-06: Sean Casten IL-12: Brendan Kelly NJ-03: Andy Kim TX-07: Lizzie Pannill Fletcher TX-32: Colin Allred 4 THINGS YOU CAN DO BEFORE NOV. 6TH 1. Donate House: DCCC Red to Blue Program Senate: DSCC.org Toss ups/Battlegrounds: The Midterms Minute H.Q. 2. Virtual Phone Banking Indivisible Phone Banking (Sen/House/Gov) Swing Left Phone Banking (House) Resources for newbies / Hosting a Phone Bank Night 3. Volunteer to GOTV National Indivisible Chapters Events List Candidates websites: Visit The Midterms Minute H.Q. 4. Talk to Friends & Family (and text people) Talk, invite them to volunteer with you, etc. Use OutVote to text friends and encourage them to vote Passage:"You Can't Change Hate, But You Can Outvote It" (By John Pavlovitz) Written & Researched by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1224_Election_Integrity_Air_Date_11-2-18_-_11-2-18_22.23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 30 October 2018
Air Date: 10/30/2018 Today we take a look at the phenomenon of conspiracy theories from several different angles including psychology, political necessity and some of the conspiracies de jour. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: SwingLeft| Express VPN Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Stephan Lewandowsky on the mind of a conspiracy theorist - Point of Inquiry - Air Date 6-3-13 Stephan Lewandowsky talks about his recent study: NASA Faked the Moon Landings, Therefore (Climate) Science is a Hoax: An Anatomy of the Motivated Rejection of Science. Neurologist and host of The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe Steven Novella discusses the psychology and neuroscience behind conspiracy theories and conspiracy theorists. Ch. 3: Eric Oliver on how intuition and reason divide our politics - Inquiring Minds - Air Date 8-27-18 We talk to political scientist Eric Oliver about the surprisingly high percentage of people who believe in conspiracy theories and the reasons behind those beliefs. His forthcoming book is Enchanted America: How Intuition and Reason Divide Our Politics. Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Scott Crow explains why the rise of progressive-left movements are always countered by a rise in right-wing conspiracy theories and why fascism downright requires conspiracies to survive. Ch. 6: Kevin Roose on the Strange Case of QAnon - The Daily - Air Date 8-2-18 How did an outlandish conspiracy theory born on the fringes of the internet end up in the spotlight at a rally for President Trump? Guest: Kevin Roose, who writes about technology for The New York Times.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Sticking with the litmus test - Elizabeth from Virginia Ch. 8: Success story for political change - Jordan from Minneapolis, MN
Ch. 9: Final comments on strategy and theories of change
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE 4 THINGS YOU CAN DO BEFORE NOV. 6TH 1. Donate House: DCCC Red to Blue Program Senate: DSCC.org Toss ups/Battlegrounds: The Midterms Minute H.Q. 2. Virtual Phone Banking Indivisible Phone Banking(Sen/House/Gov) Swing Left Phone Banking(House) Resources for newbies / Hosting a Phone Bank Night 3. Volunteer National Indivisible Chapters Events List Candidates websites: Visit The Midterms Minute H.Q. 4. Talk to Friends & Family (and text people) Talk, invite them to volunteer with you, etc. Use OutVoteto text friends and encourage them to vote TOSS UP GUBERNATORIAL RACES! Connecticut (Open Seat (D)) Ned Lamont (D)(vs. Bob Stefanowski (R)) Georgia (Open Seat (R)) State House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams (D)(vs. GA Sec of State Brian Kemp (R)) Iowa (R Incumbent) Fred Hubbell (D)(vs. Incumbent Gov. Kim Reynolds (R)) Maine (Open Seat (R)) State Attorney General Janet Mills (D)(vs. Shawn Moody (R)) Nevada (Open Seat (R)) Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak (D)(vs. NV Attorney General Adam Laxalt (R)) Ohio (Open Seat (R)) Former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray (D)(vs. OH Attorney General Mike DeWine (R)) Oregon (D incumbent) Incumbent Gov. Kate Brown (D)(vs. OR Rep. Knute Buehler (R)) South Dakota (Open Seat (R)) SD Sen. Billie Sutton (D)(vs. Rep. Kristi Noem (R)) Wisconsin (R incumbent) WI Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers (D)(vs. Incumbent Gov. Scott Walker (R)) Kansas (Open Seat (R)) KS Sen. Laura Kelly (D)(vs. KS Secretary of State Kris Kobach (R)) Written & Researched by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1223_Conspiracies_Air_Date_10-30-18_-_10-29-18_22.36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT |
Fri, 26 October 2018
Air Date: 10/26/2018 Today we take a look at the crumbling trust in the Supreme Court in the wake of the Kavanaugh confirmation, not to mention the undemocratic electoral college, undemocratic Senate and a whole slew of anti-democracy GOP dirty tricks that have been used to acquire and intrench power for a conservative minority Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: Left)| MustTriumph.com Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Finding the path forward in a rigged system - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 10-8-18 Alleged sexual assaulter and perjurer Judge Brett Kavanaugh is now Justice Kavanaugh on the U.S. Supreme Court, meaning all five serving Republican appointees on the nine-person Court serve under one cloud of illegitimacy or another. Ch. 2: Senator Jeff Merkley on the legitimacy of the Supreme Court - Amicus from @Slate - Air Date 10-12-18 Dahlia Lithwick talks with Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon about the “deep wounds” in the Senate following Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation. Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 4: Brett Kavanaugh's banal, reactionary mind - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 10-8-18 Meagan Day reflects on the toxicity — and banality — of the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation to the Supreme Court. We look at the way the contentious, emotional hearings exposed the fault lines between gender, privilege, class, and politics in the US. Ch. 5: John Nichols on impeaching Kavanaugh - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 10-9-18 John Nichols talks about investigations that could lead to the filing of articles of impeachment against Brett Kavanaugh. There is bipartisan agreement that Article 3 Section 2 of the Constitution gives Congress the power to regulate the Supreme Court, so why don't Democrats use this tactic to fight Citizens United? Ch. 7: How Obama Paved the Way for the Kavanaugh Appointment - @TheRealNews - Air Date 10-14-18 Eoin Higgins of The Intercept argues that had Obama investigated and prosecuted Bush administration officials, Brett Kavanaugh would probably never have made it to the Supreme Court.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: A Response To Matthew On Abortion - Ani from Alabama Ch. 9: Reproductive justice and the ambiguity of life - Elizabeth from Virginia
Ch. 10: Final comments on the choice litmus test
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org/register-to-vote/ CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: HeadCount.org/verify-voter-registration/ CHECK VOTING DATES & POLICIES: RocktheVote.org/voting-information/ VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org All Battleground Info/Resources: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE H.Q. Early Voting Information by State TOSS UP BATTLEGROUND HOUSE SEATS (part 3) Ohio OH-01: Aftab Pureval Utah UT-04: Ben McAdams Washington WA-08: Kim Schrier Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1222_SCOTUS_Air_Date_10-26-18_-_10-26-18_17.57.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm EDT |
Tue, 23 October 2018
Air Date: 10/23/2018 Today we take a look at various strategies, some institutional and some organizational, for the left to take back power and steer the country back toward small D democracy Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: Left) | SwingLeft.org/Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES As mid-term elections near, Nina Turner talks with actress and activist Susan Surrandon, political leader Kimberly Ellis and political activist Jim Hightower about what actually makes America great, and what we can change to improve it. Ch. 2: Should Blue States Make Voting Mandatory? - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 01-03-17 Author and labor lawyer Thomas Geoghegan joins the show and discusses the notion of compulsory voting. Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 4: Ranked Choice Voting vs The Corrupt Establishment - @RepresentUs - Air Date 3-14-17 What if you never had to vote for the lesser of two evils again? Ranked Choice Voting is a small tweak that would be a huge step towards fixing our broken elections. Ch. 5: Why ranked-choice voting is a terrible idea - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 6-13-18 Brad discusses why, although he is sympathetic to the reasoning behind ranked-choice voting, he prefers the alternative of approval voting for the sake of simplicity. Ch. 6: Outvote - Getting Dem Friends to Vote: There's an App for That - WNYC - Air Date 8-28-2018 Two Boston-based engineers developed an app that enables people to nudge their friends by text to tell them to go vote. With Outvote, the text comes from someone you know instead of someone you don't. Ch. 7: David Faris on how and why to fight dirty - Chapo Trap House - Air Date 5-27-18 Political scientist David Faris discusses his book “It’s Time To Fight Dirty”. Faris outlines all the ways a slim democratic majority could and should shortcut norms and the constitution to build enduring power. Joe Dinkin, of the Working Families Party, discusses the promise and pitfalls of fighting within the Democratic Party.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Thoughts on Choice as a litmus test - Matthew from Central Valley of Northern California
Ch. 10: Final comments on how to be pro-choice without moralizing and the need to add vote-by-mail to our list of progressive demands
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org/register-to-vote/ CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: HeadCount.org/verify-voter-registration/ CHECK VOTING DATES & POLICIES: RocktheVote.org/voting-information/ VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org All Battleground Info/Resources: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE H.Q. Early Voting Information by State TOSS UP BATTLEGROUND HOUSE SEATS (part 2) North Carolina NC-09: Dan McCready NC-13:Kathy Manning Texas TX-07: Lizzie Pannill Fletcher TX-32: Colin Allred Virginia VA-02: Elaine Luria VA-07: Abigail Spanberger Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1221_Progressives_Air_Date_10-23-18_-_10-22-18_20.10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT |
Fri, 19 October 2018
Air Date: 10/19/2018 Today we take a look at the Koch brothers and the movement they spawned to better understand exactly how to fight back Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Blinkist.com/Best | Tidal.com/Brooklyn Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Jane Mayer on the positive vision the Kochs paint - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-3-18 Jane Mayer explains how we need to fight the Koch brothers by understanding that their policy ideas go far beyond greed and need to be taken seriously Jane Mayer on the Koch brothers’ takeover of Republican Party politics Democracy in Chains details the anti-democratic origins and trajectory of free market fundamentalist, Koch Brothers-aligned economists who have come to profoundly shape and warp American politics to fit their dystopian vision. Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 5: Supreme Court Forces Dark Money Disclosures - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 9-23-18 The Supreme Court denies a stay in a dark money decision, effectively forcing campaigns to disclose the identity of all contributors who donate more than $200 in a year Ch. 6: Campaign Finance at a Crossroads - On the Media - Air Date 9-28-18 Michelle Ye Hee Lee, a national reporter for the Washington Post, describes to Bob the multiple pathways for high-rolling donors going forward, and the obstacles that may delay or weaken court-ordered disclosure policies. Harvard Law Professor Lawrence Lessig gives a lesson on what it really means to call for an Article V Convention and why it’s the logical path to address money’s corrupting influence in politics.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: What we call socialism - Francisco from Northampton, MA Ch. 11: Death with Dignity needs to be a national law - Stacy from San Francisco Bay Area
Ch. 12: Final comments asking about the pro-choice litmus test
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE
TOSS UP BATTLEGROUND DEMOCRATIC SENATE SEATS
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1220_Dark_Money_Air_Date_10-19-18_-_10-18-18_19.33.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am EDT |
Tue, 16 October 2018
Air Date: 10/16/2018 Today we take a look at the distant and recent history of conservatism in America and beyond and follow the steps that have led to their rejection of science at a moment in history when it has never been more critical to heed the warnings of scientists Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Blinkist| Bombas Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Corey Robin on the right from Burke to Trump - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 12-3-17 Corey Robin on the Right from Burke to Trump. While most people on the Left fear and demonize the Right, they aren't interested in its ideas. Robin, however, takes them very seriously and analyzes their ideas for us. The state of the conservative movement and where it goes from here. Ch. 3: Kurt Andersen: How religion turned American politics against science - Big Think - Air Date 1-18-28 In the last 30 years, religion has radicalized American politics and seriously harmed the perception of science, says journalist and author Kurt Andersen. This can be directly tied to the rise of the Christian Right in the 20th century. Ch. 4: The fall of family values - Past/Present - Air Date 6-25-18 Explaining how we came to the end of “family values” conservatism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Yascha Mounk discusses how to cover the Trump presidency; the complicity of the Republican party; and the future of the right with proud conservative and staunch Never Trumper Jennifer Rubin. Amy Goodman began by asks Noam Chomsky about the catastrophically destructive tendencies of the Republican Party. Ch. 8: America: The Farewell Tour (with Guest Chris Hedges) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 10-2-18 Chris Hedges on the erosion of democratic infrastructure, imperialist leanings and the widening gap between the morbidly rich and the working class, a sign of America's farewell?
VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Make election day a national holiday - Aaron from Anderson, SC Ch. 10: We need a military attitude toward politics - Jason from Chicago
Ch. 11: Final comments on an Election Day holiday and the moral implications of laws
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org/register-to-vote/ CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: HeadCount.org/verify-voter-registration/ CHECK VOTING DATES & POLICIES: RocktheVote.org/voting-information/ VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org Get Involved/Resources: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE H.Q. TOSS UP BATTLEGROUND DEMOCRATIC SENATE SEATS FL-Sen: Bill Nelson (D) IN-Sen: Joe Donnelly (D) MO-Sen: Claire McCaskill (D) MT-Sen: Jon Tester(D) ND-Sen: Heidi Heitkamp (D) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1219_Conservatives_Air_Date_10-16-18_-_10-15-18_21.37.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT |
Fri, 12 October 2018
Air Date: 10/12/2018 Today we take a look at the process and conclusion of Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court and how the whole spectacle, top to bottom, was drenched in some of the worst aspects of patriarchy and toxic masculinity that our society has to offer. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: MustTriumph | Audible| Tidal Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon
SHOW NOTES Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman offers an in-depth analysis of the battle over Kavanaugh. Eve Ensler is an award-winning playwright and author of The Vagina Monologues. She recently published “A Letter to White Women Who Support Brett Kavanaugh” in Time Magazine. Ch. 3: Look at me: Meet an activist who confronted Jeff Flake - In the Thick - Air Date 9-30-18 By confronting Senator Jeff Flake and telling her story of sexual assault, Ana María Archila has become an icon in the midst of the Kavanaugh nomination debate. Maria and Julio talk to Archila about her action on Capitol Hill. Ch. 4: Having It Both Ways With Kavanaugh - On the Media - Air Date 9-28-18 Brooke reflects on this week's explosive Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's allegations against Judge Brett Kavanaugh and how it exposed the fault lines in America's fragile democracy. Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 6: Choice words on how to avoid being like Kavanaugh - @EdgeofSports w Dave Zirin - Air Date 9-30-18 'Choice Words’ about Brett Kavanaugh, high school sports and toxic masculinity. Trump’s greatest superpower is his ability to wield victimhood, and he’s taking full advantage of it to defend Kavanaugh and undermine the #MeToo movement. Ch. 8: Picking Apart the Backlash - On the Media - Air Date 10-5-18 Slate staff writer Lili Loofbourow anticipated a backlash to the #MeToo movement. She explains several of the logical fallacies that give this, and any, backlash life, and she described the "chivalry racket" used to paper over women's anger.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Words of encouragement in the wake of Kavanaugh - V from Central New York Ch. 10: What structural changes can the left make? - Nathan from San Diego
Ch. 11: Final comments on some structural changes that need to be made to steer our country back toward democracy
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org/register-to-vote/ CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION:HeadCount.org/verify-voter-registration/ CHECK VOTING DATES & POLICIES: RocktheVote.org/voting-information/ VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org Get Involved/Resources: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE H.Q. FLIPPABLE TOSS UP BATTLEGROUND SENATE SEATS AZ-Sen:Kyrsten Sinema(D) NV-Sen:Jacky Rosen(D) TN-Sen:Phil Bredesen(D) TX-Sen:Beto O'Rourke(D) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1218_Kavanaugh_Patriarchy_Air_Date_10-12-18_-_10-12-18_21.18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 9 October 2018
Air Date: 10/9/2018 Today we take a look at the monopolistic practices of Amazon with a focus on their effects on labor and wages in America Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Newsvoice| SwingLeft| Tidal Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon
SHOW NOTES Amazon is a radically new kind of monopoly that seeks to control all of online commerce. Stacy Mitchell says it’s time for anti-trust action to separate the Amazon Marketplace from Amazon’s own retail operations. Ch. 2: How Amazon Drives Down Wages - Senator Bernie Sanders - Air Date 9-19-18 A video from the Bernie Sanders YouTube channel explaining how Amazon drives down wages Ch. 3: Monopoly, Monopsony and highly concentrated labor markets - Building Local Power - Air Date 3-22-18 Stacy Mitchell interviews the Roosevelt Institute’s Marshall Steinbaum about why American wages aren’t rising while our economy goes through a strong “recovery.” Journalist James Bloodworth, who spent a month working undercover as a “picker” in an Amazon order fulfillment center and found workers were urinating in bottles because they were discouraged from taking bathroom breaks. Ch. 5: Striking Amazon warehouse workers - Belabored (@DissentMag) - Air Date 7-27-18 On Amazon Prime Day warehouse workers around the world took action against the company. Ch. 6: Amazon Is Hurting Small Businesses -Senator Bernie Sanders - Air Date 9-26-18 Listen to this small business owner who sees firsthand the effect of Amazon's power over our economy. We should all be concerned about Jeff Bezos' greed. Ch. 7: Neil DeMause on Amazon - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 10-4-18 Where do we have the conversation about the impact of Amazon‘s size, its influence and its values, on community?
VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Pushing the needle on universal health care - Zach from Atlanta
Ch. 9: Final comments on why Joe Manchin can help progressives even while being a terrible Democrat
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE REMINDER REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org/register-to-vote/ CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: https://www.headcount.org/verify-voter-registration/ CHECK VOTING DATES & POLICIES: RocktheVote.org/voting-information/ VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org Get Involved/Resources: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE H.Q. Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!
Direct download: 1217_Amazon_Air_Date_10-9-18_-_10-9-18_12.15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT |
Fri, 5 October 2018
Air Date: 10/5/2018 Today we take a look at the rarely-told, real legacy of Christopher Columbus and some of the reverberations from his actions that can still be felt to this day Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Newsvoice.com/Left| SwingLeft.com/Left Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Indigenous Peoples Day - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-23-16 The origin stories we tell ourselves and the importance of understanding that the words we use changes the way we think. Ch. 2: The Truth of Jesuit-Catholic Christopher Columbus - The Canary Effect (Documentary) Documentary film, The Canary Effect, follows the terrifying and horrific abuses instilled upon the Indigenous people of North America, and details the genocidal practices of the US government and its continuing effects on present day Indian country. Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE- New York’s Battleground Races! - Best of the Left Activism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 4: Columbus Day - Why are we Celebrating? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 10-13-09 Thom Hartmann, reading a portion of his book "The last hours of ancient sunlight" about some of the atrocities of Christopher Columbus Ch. 5: Indigenous Peoples Day VS Columbus Day - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-04-17 Los Angeles just changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, here's why everyone else should also. Hosted by NerdAlert's Kim Horcher. Ch. 6: Reframing Columbus Day - Pod Save the People - Air Date 10-10-17 A discussion to reframe and understand the debate over Columbus Day Ch. 7: Christopher Columbus Was A Demon by Hari Kondabolu - Totally Biased - Air Date: 10-12-12 Hari Kondabolu discusses his hatred of the demon Christopher Columbus. Ch. 8: Discussing how to move beyond Columbus Day - In the Thick - Air Date 10-9-17 Maria Hinojosa and Julio Ricardo Varela lead a conversation about the change away from Columbus Day with Mitch O’Farrell, council member of LA’s 13th district, and Chrissie Castro, vice chairwoman of the Los Angeles Native American Indian Commission.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: We need an election day holiday - Nate from Vacaville, CA
Ch. 10: Final comments on the Powerline series from Outside/In
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org/register-to-vote/ CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: RocktheVote.org/resources/am-i-registered-to-vote/ CHECK VOTING DATES & POLICIES: RocktheVote.org/voting-information/ VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org Get Involved/Resources: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE H.Q. NEW YORK BATTLEGROUNDS: NY Important Dates: Register, have your application postmarked, or have made an in-person request by October 12th. Absentee ballot options and deadlines are complex, visit elections.ny.gov website for that information. U.S. HOUSE NY-11: Max Rose Swing Left NY-11| Red to Blue NY-11 NY-19: Antonio Delgado Swing Left NY-19| Red to Blue NY-19 NY-22: Anthony Brindisi Swing Left NY-22| Red to Blue NY-22 NY-27: Nate McMurry Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Lakal - Speakeasy 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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1216_Columbus_Day_Air_Date_10-5-18_-_10-5-18_22.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Wed, 3 October 2018
Air Date: 10/2/2018 Today we take a look at the fact that welfare technically no longer exists in America except as a dog whistle term used to push an ideology that divides the majority for the enrichment of the minority. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Episode Sponsors: ExpressVPN| SwingLeft Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The 'Welfare' Dog-Whistle Part 1 - Citations Needed (@CitationsPod) - Air Date 2-7-18 In the United States, "Welfare" is more often than not a malleable propaganda term meant to dog whistle programs for African-Americans and Latinos while signaling to whites that their checks and corporate handouts will remain untouched. Suzanne Mettler, author of the new book, “The Government-Citizen Disconnect,” joins us to discuss the Trump Administrations plan to rebrand social programs as “welfare.” Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE- Illinois’ Battleground Races! - Best of the Left Activism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 4: The 'Welfare' Dog-Whistle Part 2 - Citations Needed (@CitationsPod) - Air Date 2-7-18 We dig into the racist history of anti-welfare crusades, the political purpose of pathologizing poverty, and the meaninglessness of phrases like "welfare reform," with guest Sarah Jaffe. Ch. 5: The history of work requirements and the war on Medicaid - @offkiltershow - Air Date 4-26-18 Rebecca speaks with Robert Samuels about his article, “Wisconsin is the GOP model for ‘welfare reform.’ But as work requirements grow, so does one family’s desperation.” Ch. 6: A Welfare Check - Reveal - Air Date 7-15-16 Today, only a quarter of welfare dollars actually goes toward basic assistance – housing, transportation or essential household items.
Ch. 7: Final comments on how people taking a principled stand for fairness is making society worse
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org/register-to-vote/ CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: RocktheVote.org/resources/am-i-registered-to-vote/ CHECK VOTING DATES & POLICIES: RocktheVote.org/voting-information/ VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org ALL Spotlights/ALL Battlegrounds/Volunteer Resources: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE H.Q. ILLINOIS BATTLEGROUNDS: IL Important Dates:Registered by October 9th, or have registered online by October 21st. There are also registration grace periods, but if you don’t have to wait, don’t.*More IL voting details* U.S. HOUSE IL-06: Sean Casten Swing Left IL-06| Red to Blue IL-06 IL-12: Brendan Kelly Swing Left IL-12| Red to Blue IL-12 IL-13: Betsy Dirksen Londrigan IL-14: Lauren Underwood Swing Left IL-14| Red to Blue IL-14 GOV & LT GOV J.B. Pritzker & Juliana Stratton Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1215_Welfare_Air_Date_10-2-18_-_10-3-18_14.39.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT |
Fri, 28 September 2018
Air Date: 9/28/2018 Today we take a look at the long legacy of racially-based voter disenfranchisement from Reconstruction right up to today and the many, many forms it takes as those who strive to benefit from suppressing the vote employ an ever-evolving slate of strategies to keep themselves in power. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Must Triumph Podcast| Blinkist Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The history of the voter fraud lie - Reveal - Air Date 9-30-18 Reveal examines the impact of state laws that rushed in to fill the void os discrimination after emancipation. Are they fighting fraud or changing election outcomes? Ch. 2: A look back at the old literacy test - Backstory - Air Date 3-31-17 Exploring the role of the literacy test to get around the constitutional ban on limiting access to voting based on race and the echoes of those old policies we see today. Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE - New Jersey’s Battleground Races! - Best of the Left Activism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 4: Carol Anderson on the Realities of Voter Suppression - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-12-18 Carol Anderson, professor of African-American studies at Emory University and the author of White Rage, talks about her new book, One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy. Ch. 5: The Real Voter Fraud Part 1 - News Beat - Air Date 7-3-18 More than 6 million Americans are barred from voting due to Jim Crow-era laws that strip citizens' voting rights following a felony conviction, amounting to a kind of civil death sentence even for those who served their time and were released. Explaining multiple aspects of how laws disallowing formerly imprisoned persons from voting work to intimidate and disenfranchise large groups of people, focused mostly in the blackest states in the country, Ch. 7: The Real Voter Fraud Part 2 - News Beat - Air Date 7-3-18 More than 6 million Americans are barred from voting due to Jim Crow-era laws that strip citizens' voting rights following a felony conviction, amounting to a kind of civil death sentence even for those who served their time and were released. Carol Anderson, the Chair of African American studies at Emory University: While widespread voter fraud may be a figment of President Donald Trump’s imagination, it should never be confused with voter suppression, which is very real.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Capitalism creates monopolies and kills the social safety net - Tanner from Los Angeles Ch. 10: In praise of chapter markers - Nick from California
Ch. 11: Final comments on chapter markers, podcatching apps and some action items to fight voter disenfranchisement
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org/register-to-vote/ CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: RocktheVote.org/resources/am-i-registered-to-vote/ CHECK VOTING DATES & POLICIES: RocktheVote.org/voting-information/ VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org Get Involved/Resources: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE H.Q. NEW JERSEY BATTLEGROUNDS: New Jersey Democratic State Committee NJ Important Dates: Registered by October 16th. Absentee ballot requests: IN-PERSON by Mon, Nov. 5th at 3pm. Ballots received by Tues., Nov. 6th at 8pm. Early voting NOT available in New Jersey. *More NJ voting details* U.S. SENATE Must Retain Seat: Bob Menendez (D - incumbent) U.S. HOUSE NJ-02: Jeff Van Drew Swing Left NJ-02| Red to Blue NJ-02 NJ-03: Andy Kim Swing Left NJ-03| Red to Blue NJ-03 NJ-07: Tom Malinowski Swing Left NJ-07| Red to Blue NJ-07 NJ-11: Mikie Sherrill Swing Left NJ-11| Red to Blue NJ-11 Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1214_Voter_Suppression_Air_Date_9-28-18_-_9-27-18_20.42.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT |
Tue, 25 September 2018
Air Date: 9/25/2018 Today we take a look at where we stand, now ten years on from the beginning of the Great Recession in 2008. Inequality has spiked, the banks are more profitable than ever and not a single banker went to jail for fraud. Now we must look ahead to how we can better manage the next inevitable crash. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Pipeline Film | Bambas | SwingLeft Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Clean Choice Energy
Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Angie Coiro reading quotes from insiders from Lehman Brothers on the risks being taken before the crash and noting the spike in inequality in its wake. Ch. 2: Nomi Prins on the fallout of the bank bailouts - @ThisIsHellRadio - Air Date 5-8-18 Journalist Nomi Prins explains how central banks bought world power in an age of global crisis. Nomi is author of “Collusion: How Central Bankers Rigged the World” from Nation Books. New York Times columnist David Leonhardt argues that the financial crisis is not over, despite what standard economic measurements show, and points to alternative ways to measure GDP. On the 10th anniversary of the financial crisis, Harold Meyerson argues that the recovery was a disaster all over again—and that we are still suffering from its political consequences. Harold is Executive Editor of The American Prospect. Not long after the financial crash of 2008, I heard someone say, “It’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism.” Is it? Ch. 6: The Left Must Get Ready to Seize the Next Financial Crisis - @TheRealNews - Air Date 7-22-18 Thomas Hanna: When the next global financial crisis hits, we need to be prepared to nationalize the banks and create a public banking sector, which will not only be a way out of the crisis but will also help prevent future crises. Ever wonder why no bankers went to jail after the 2008 financial crisis? Investigative journalist, Jesse Eisinger, tells us why in his book, “The Chicken Shit Club.” Ch. 8: Why aren't more dishonest bankers in jail? - The Inquiry - Air Date 7-4-16 If you could find a way to nudge bankers towards better and safer choices, building a culture of integrity, you might avoid future financial trouble. But can you make bankers behave better?
VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Further clarification on social democracy - Jeff from New York
Ch. 10: Final comments on the definitions of Democratic Socialism, social ownership and the future of cooperative ownership
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE See previous battleground race spotlights and get the entire lay of the land at "The Midterms Minute H.Q." New battlegrounds spotlight coming next episode! Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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
Direct download: 1213_Financial_Crash_Air_Date_9-25-18_-_9-25-18_14.15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EDT |
Fri, 21 September 2018
Air Date: 9/21/2018 Today we take a look at the economics, sexism and racism embedded in the restaurant industry, largely due to the practice of tipping. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Newsvoice| Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The Racist History of Tipping - Splinter - Air Date 9-4-17 Tipping was considered “un-American” and “undemocratic” when rich Americans began to adopt the practice in the mid-1800s. By the end of the Civil War, tipping had spread throughout the country. Saru Jayaraman, co-founder and co-director of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, on the movement to outlaw the “tipped wage” — the idea that a minimum wage of $2.13 is OK, because waitstaff get enough in voluntary tips to make up for it. Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE- Minnesota’s Battleground Races! - Best of the Left Activism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 4: Danny Meyer on the trouble with tipping - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 11-8-17 Legendary restaurateur Danny Meyer explains why he’s against tipping—he spoke at a dinner in honor of The Nation’s Food issue, held at his restaurant at the Whitney Museum, “Untitled.” Saru Jayaraman, co-founder and co-director of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, on the movement to outlaw the “tipped wage” — the idea that a minimum wage of $2.13 is OK, because waitstaff get enough in voluntary tips to make up for it. Ch. 6: When sexual harassment is on the menu Part 1 - Bite - Air Date 4-6-18 Tara Duggan and Kim Severson talk about their reporting on how powerful men in acclaimed kitchens abused their power. And San Francisco restaurateur Karen Leibowitz tells us how she’s trying to stop harassment in her kitchen before it begins. DeRay, Clint, and Brittany discuss women’s wages and the dangerous effects of the two-tiered system of the tipped minimum wage. Ch. 8: When sexual harassment is on the menu Part 2 - Bite - Air Date 4-6-18 Tara Duggan and Kim Severson talk about their reporting on how powerful men in acclaimed kitchens abused their power. And San Francisco restaurateur Karen Leibowitz tells us how she’s trying to stop harassment in her kitchen before it begins. Ch. 9: #TimesUp needs to join with the Fight for $15 - Mouthy. Messy. Mandatory. - Air Date 5-26-18 McDonald's and Walmart get their minimum wage arses handed to them by #TimesUp and Fight for $15.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: A doctor's perspective on recent stories - Catherine from Bloomington, IL Ch. 11: Thoughts on interrogating ourselves and communicating effectively - Erin from Philadelphia
Ch. 12: Final comments on the new support Apple has given to the chapter markers you can use while listening to the show
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org/register-to-vote/ CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: RocktheVote.org/resources/am-i-registered-to-vote/ CHECK VOTING DATES & POLICIES: RocktheVote.org/voting-information/ VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org Get Involved: Swing Left (Help flip districts from anywhere) Red to Blue (DCCC program to flip seats) When We All Vote (Michelle Obama’s initiative) Voter Circle (friend-to-friend outreach tool) Vote Forward(mail letters to unlikely voters) Abroad? Phone bank for Democrats Let America Vote (voting rights focus) Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer” Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer National Democratic Redistricting Committee Easily donate to candidates with DownTicket.com on your mobile browser. “15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge) MINNESOTA BATTLEGROUNDS: Important Dates: If you want to vote in the Minnesota Midterm Elections your online and paper registration must be received by October 16th. Minnesotadoesoffer election day registration and voting, but if you don’t have to wait…don’t. Absentee ballot requests should be made by Monday, November 5th and completed ballots must be received by election day, November 6th. *More MN voting details* U.S. SENATE Must Retain Seat: Tina Smith(D - incumbent) U.S. HOUSE MN-01:Dan Feehan Swing Left MN-01 | Red to Blue MN-01 MN-02: Angie Craig Swing Left MN-02| Red to Blue MN-02 MN-03: Dean Phillips Swing Left MN-03| Red to Blue MN-03 MN-08: Joe Radinovich Swing Left MN-08| Red to Blue MN-08 GOVERNOR: GOV: Tim Walz(D) Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1212_Tipping_Air_Date_9-21-18_-_9-20-18_19.52.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:30am EDT |
Tue, 18 September 2018
Air Date: 9/18/2018 Today we take a look at the current state of the centuries-old fight against the monopolization of economic and political power and how these forces threaten the very concept of democracy. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Newsvoice
Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: America was Birthed in Opposition to Corporate Monopoly - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 01-03-18 Why are libertarians trying to change the proud tradition of Americans fighting against corporate monopolies!? Ch. 2: How platform monopolies are threatening democracy Part 1 - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 12-14-17 Dr. Taylor Owen delivers a lecture in which he argues the reality of the internet is now largely one of control, by four platform companies — Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple and their impact on democracy is deeply troubling. Ch. 3: Media Monopoly… or Democracy? - Jim @HightowerNews - Air Date 8-16-18 Monopolies are not merely un-American, they’re virulently anti-American, suppressing our fundamental values of fairness and opportunity for all. Ch. 4: How platform monopolies are threatening democracy Part 2 - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 12-14-17 Dr. Taylor Owen delivers a lecture in which he argues the reality of the internet is now largely one of control, by four platform companies — Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple and their impact on democracy is deeply troubling. Stacy Mitchell and Joe Maxwell join us at the Progressive Caucus Strategy Summit in Baltimore. Monopoly capitalism, they say, translates to monopolized power. Ch. 6: Undoing the damage of digital monopolies - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 9-16-17 Franklin Foer, author of World Without Mind: The Existential Threat of Big Tech, on how the Big Four, Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon are attempting to dominate every aspect of our lives and minds. Writer Corey Pein explores the world left behind by Silicon Valley tech culture. Corey is author of “Live Work Work Work Die: A Journey into the Savage Heart of Silicon Valley” from Metropolitan Books. There are troubling signs that the new data-driven economy is inheriting all the same problems as the old one: power imbalances, monopolies and a lack of accountability. Ch. 9: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE- Florida’s Battleground Races! - Best of the Left Activism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: Suggestions of conservative podcasts to listen to? - Ruth from Connecticut Ch. 11: What can I do about Kavanaugh? - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 12: Better to tell personal stories when debating politics - Lygia from Brazil
Ch. 13: Final comments on reasonable conservative talk shows and anecdotes in politics
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE: REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: RocktheVote.org/voting-information VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org Get Involved: Swing Left (Help flip districts from anywhere) Red to Blue (DCCC program to flip seats) When We All Vote (Michelle Obama’s initiative) Voter Circle (friend-to-friend outreach tool) Abroad? Phone bank for Democrats Let America Vote (voting rights focus) Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer” Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer National Democratic Redistricting Committee Easily donate to candidates with DownTicket.com on your mobile browser. “15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge) FLORIDA'S BATTLEGROUNDS: Important Dates: Must be registered by Tuesday, Oct. 9th. Most absentee ballot requests must be made in person 6 days before election day (some counties online). Absentee ballots must be received by 7pm on election day. Early voting begins Oct. 27th-Nov. 3rd. *More details on voting in Florida* U.S. SENATE Must Retain Seat: Bill Nelson(D - incumbent) U.S. HOUSE FL-15: Kristen Carlson FL-16: David Shapiro FL-18: Lauren Baer Swing Left FL-18 | Red to Blue FL-18 FL-26: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell Swing Left FL-26 | Red to Blue FL-26 FL-27: Donna Shalala FL-27 (No Swing Left or Red to Blue page available for FL-27) GOVERNOR: GOV: Andrew Gillum Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman, Sources: Ballotpedia; NBC News; Swing Left
MUSIC: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Contrarian - Sketchbook (Blue Dot Sessions) 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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1211_Tech_Monopolies_Air_Date_9-18-18_-_9-18-18_12.03.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT |
Fri, 14 September 2018
Air Date: 9/14/2018 Today we take a look at the confirmation process of Brett Kavanaugh, his stance on several critical issues and his threat to democratic values and separation of powers in the federal government Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Newsvoice App| Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Dahlia Lithwick, law correspondent at Slate, joins Ring of Fire’s Sam Seder, to talk about the illegitimacy of Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings. Constitutional law scholar Garrett Epps on protests, sparring over documents and questions about the limits of executive privilege during the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Salon.com political reporter Amanda Marcotte discusses what we’ve learned — and haven’t — about Kavanaugh and the threat he poses to women’s health care rights We discuss Judge Kavanaugh's nomination, the hearings and how they will affect executive power and international law with Marjorie Cohn Robert Weissman of Public Citizen on their analysis of Kavanaugh’s opinions in split-decision cases in which he sided against the public interest 87% of the time in split-decision cases dealing with consumer, environmental and worker rights. Brett Kavanaugh on the U.S. Supreme Court spells big trouble for environmental standards and climate action Ch. 7: Explaining how Brett Kavanaugh will perpetuate structural racism - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 9-5-18 Imani and Jess explain how we know what kind of a Justice Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh will be for people of color. Ch. 8: Jesse Lee explains the dangers of unrestrained executive power - @offkiltershow - Air Date 9-6-18 Jesse Lee, Vice President for Communications at CAPAF, explains the dangers of unrestrained executive power. Ch. 9: What You Can Do To Resist the Confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh - Thinking Cap - Air Date 9-6-18 Vanita Gupta on what listeners can do to say “no” to the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation. Virginia Heffernan is joined by Slate's Dahlia Lithwick to discuss the protests surrounding the Brett Kavanaugh hearings. Ch. 11: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE- Pennsylvania’s Battleground Races! - Best of the Left Activism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 12: Bernie Sanders helped me come back to politics - Sarah from Cool, CA
Ch. 13: Final comments asking for stories of getting inspired and engaged in politics
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE (Quick Links): REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: RocktheVote.org/voting-information VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org Get Involved: Swing Left (Help flip districts from anywhere) Red to Blue(DCCC program to flip seats) When We All Vote(Michelle Obama’s initiative) Voter Circle(friend-to-friend outreach tool) Abroad? Phone bank for Democrats Let America Vote (voting rights focus) Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer” Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer National Democratic Redistricting Committee Easily donate to candidates with DownTicket.comon your mobile browser. “15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election”(Political Charge) PENNSYLVANIA BATTLEGROUNDS: Important Dates: Mustbe registered to vote by October 9th. Absentee ballot requests made by October 30th and received by November 2nd. Early voting NOT available. U.S. House: PA-01 - Scott Wallace Swing Left PA-01 | Red to Blue PA-01 PA-05 - Mary Gay Scanlon (no Swing Left or Red to Blue page) PA-06 - Chrissy Houlahan Swing Left PA-06 | Red to Blue PA-06 PA-07 - Susan Wild Swing Left PA-07 | Red to Blue PA-07 PA-17 - Connor Lamb PA-16 - Ron DiNicola “SAFE” But Must Retain: U.S. SENATE - Bob Casey(D - incumbent) GOVERNOR - Tom Wolf(D - incumbent) FURTHER PA MIDTERMS READING: What Pennsylvania’s new congressional map means for 2018(Vox) These 6 Pennsylvania Democratic nominees are key to the battle for House control(Vox) 5 States That Will Decide the House Majority(Roll Call) Pennsylvania voters prefer Democrats for Congress after choosing Trump in 2016: NBC/Marist poll(CNBC) Researched and written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1210_Kavanaugh_Air_Date_9-14-18_-_9-13-18_21.46.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT |
Tue, 11 September 2018
Air Date: 9/11/2018 Today we take a look at some strategies to and reasons why we need to have better political conversations Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: The Daily Show: Ears Edition Podcast| Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Robb Willer: How to have better political conversations - @TEDTalks - Air Date 2-9-17 Robb Willer studies the forces that unite and divide us. As a social psychologist, he researches how moral values -- typically a source of division -- can also be used to bring people together. Ch. 2: Understanding the backfire effect Part 1 - You are not so smart - Air Date 2-10-17 Stephan Lewandowsky takes us step-by-step through The Debunking Handbook, a guide he and John Cook wrote for avoiding the backfire effect when confronting vaccine and climate change deniers. Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE: California’s Battleground Races! - Best of the Left Activism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. The amount of political disagreement in the nation is matched only by righteous indignation. But in order to disagree without disrespecting each other, we need to look hard at our own positions, and Van Jones does just that. Explaining the key takeaway regarding the backfire effect. Always replace a faulty idea with a valid one. Never debunk a claim only to leave a void. Explaining why saying the things you may want to say to your political adversaries is more likely to exacerbate the problems in our political divide further, making you part of the problem.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: How do I know I'm not just in my own echo chamber? - Michael from the UK
Ch. 8: Final comments on expanding your view and understanding of news media
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE ASAP: Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws GET INVOLVED: Swing Left (Help flip districts from anywhere) Voter Circle(friend-to-friend outreach tool) Abroad? Phone bank for Democrats Let America Vote (voting rights focus) Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer” Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer National Democratic Redistricting Committee Easily donate to candidates with DownTicket.comon your mobile browser. “15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge) CALIFORNIA BATTLEGROUNDS (Note: List may vary by org or outlet): Important Dates: Must be registered/postmarked by October 22nd (more info) Local Action:California Democratic Party https://www.cadem.org/take-action Push Left! U.S. Senate - Kevin de Leon (D Safe Seat) Flip CA-10th: Josh Harder Swing Left: https://swingleft.org/district/CA-10 Flip CA-25th: Katie Hill Swing Left: https://swingleft.org/district/CA-25 Flip CA-39th: Gil Cisneros Swing Left: https://swingleft.org/district/CA-39 Flip CA-45th: Katie Porter Swing Left: https://swingleft.org/district/CA-45 Flip CA-48th: Harley Rouda Swing Left: https://swingleft.org/district/CA-48 Flip CA-49th: Mike Levin Swing Left: https://swingleft.org/district/CA-49 Sources: Ballotpedia; NBC News; Swing Left Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1209_How_to_argue_Air_Date_9-11-18_-_9-11-18_11.53.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT |
Fri, 7 September 2018
Air Date: 9/7/2018 Today we take a look at several of the ways that average people benefit from collective action including unionization, class action lawsuits and politically attuned investing of pooled pension funds. Plus, making the obvious case for why the Democratic Party needs to get wholeheartedly on board with policies that unwaveringly support working people and empower collectivism. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Blinkist| Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The case for unions - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 6-25-18 Jane McAlevey, labor and environmental organizer, argues that progressives need more of the hard work of organizing mass movements to be effective and talks about recent labor actions in Las Vegas and by red-state teachers. Speaking with Angie Coiro, Thomas Neuburg analyzes the relationship between unions and liberals, and how the Democrats fit into the picture. Ch. 3: Roy Houseman Unions Fight Back! (Arbitration) - @TZHRJ - Air Date 05-30-18 Roy Houseman explains the recent ruling on forced arbitration and the effect it will have on workers. Ch. 4: Labor's last weapon against capital is its own capital - @ThisIsHellRadio - Air Date 5-22-18 Law professor David Webber explains how labor can wield capital against capital. David is author of “The Rise of the Working-Class Shareholder: Labor’s Last Best Weapon” from Harvard University Press. Ch. 5: Shaun Richman on rights and rebellions - Belabored (@DissentMag) - Air Date 2-23-18 Facing a legislative onslaught, the labor movement must rediscover its fighting spirit—and find ways to turn the GOP attack to its own advantage. Michael Brooks breaks down the viral wildcat strike video and what we will need to do build union power in the US.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Please explain single-payer health care - Jennifer from Columbus, OH
Ch. 8: Final comments explaining how single payer works in broad strokes and bonus clips from a Canadian doctor and many average Canadian citizens explaining the Canadian health care system
Bonus Clips: Dr. Danielle Martin Defending Single Payer Health Care - Women's College Hospital - Air Date 10-3-17 Real Canadians Talking Real Healthcare
REMINDER: SUPPORT PROGRESSIVE PRIMARY CANDIDATES! (For general election battleground spotlights, listen for future segments of "The Midterms Minute.") SEPT 11th - New Hampshire (Reg. Deadlines: Primary & General: Same day registration & voting (*see details); NO online registration) NH Voter Info from Rock the Vote 1st district: Mindi Messemer Governor: Molly Kelly vs. Steve Marchand (Further Reading: NHPR | Concord Monitor) SEPT 12th - Rhode Island (Reg. Deadlines: Primary: August 13th / General: Oct 9th) RI Voter Info from Rock the Vote Governor: Matt Brown Lt. Governor: Aaron Regunberg SEPT. 13th - NEW YORK (State Office Primaries) Governor: Cynthia Nixon Everything you need to know about New York’s primary election(Curbed NY) TAKE ACTION: Phone Bank for Brand New Congress Phone Bank for Justice Democrats Voter Contact Resources & Tips from Indivisible Easily keep up with races & donate to candidates with DownTicket.com Written & curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1208_Labor_Solidarity_Air_Date_9-7-18_-_9-7-18_10.24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT |
Tue, 4 September 2018
Air Date: 9/4/2018 Today we take a look at many of the underlying reasons that health care in America is so expensive and how those who benefit from the status quo work to keep it that way Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Episode Sponsors: Warby Parker| Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Exposing Massive Waste In Our For-Profit Medical System - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 10-30-17 Investigative journalist Marshall Allen discusses his latest piece on systematic waste in health care costs that companies are making a profit from. Ch. 2: Matthias Müllenbeck: What if we paid doctors to keep people healthy? - @TEDTalks - Air Date 4-18-18 What if we incentivized doctors to keep us healthy instead of paying them only when we're sick? This shift from a sick care system to a health care system could save us from unnecessary costs and risky procedures -- and keep us healthier for longer. Ch. 3: The Town That Loves Death - Planet Money - Air Date 10-5-16 We'll take you to a place where dying has become acceptable dinner conversation for teenagers and senior citizens alike. It's a place that also happens to have the lowest Medicare spending of any region in the country. Far too many news outlets chose to only report on the costs of universal coverage while neglecting to mention any of the savings which would result in lower net health care expenditures. The morbidly rich are wasting no time countering the momentum progressives are making towards universal health care, and now corporate healthcare interests scared of losing their obscene profits are trying to scare you into giving up single payer. We examine the primary talking points against Single Payer and other big government programs and how to combat them with guest Stephanie Kelton.
Ch. 8: Final comments on the movement of the Overton window right before our eyes
REMINDER: SUPPORT PROGRESSIVE PRIMARY CANDIDATES! (For future primary & general election spotlights, listen for future segments of "The Midterms Minute.") SEPT 6th - Delaware (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries - August 11th / General - October 13th) Senate: Kerri Evelyn Harris (Further reading) SEPT 11th - New Hampshire (Reg. Deadlines: Primary & General: Same day registration & voting (*see details); NO online registration) NH Voter Info from Rock the Vote 1st district: Mindi Messemer Governor: Molly Kelly vs. Steve Marchand (Further Reading: NHPR | Concord Monitor) SEPT 12th - Rhode Island (Reg. Deadlines: Primary: August 13th / General: Oct 9th) RI Voter Info from Rock the Vote Governor: Matt Brown Lt. Governor: Aaron Regunberg TAKE ACTION: Phone Bank for Brand New Congress Phone Bank for Justice Democrats Voter Contact Resources & Tips from Indivisible Easily keep up with races & donate to candidates with DownTicket.com Written & curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1207_Health_Care_Costs_Air_Date_9-4-18_-_9-3-18_21.24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT |
Fri, 31 August 2018
Air Date: 8/31/2018 Today we take a look at some of the tactics and ramifications of Trump's all-out war with journalism which is his strategy to undermine the most potent force capable of opposing an administration of lies and propaganda Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp| Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Trump's War on Journalism - Newsbeat - Air Date 3-1-18 Obama had his "War on Whistleblowers." Trump unflinchingly attacks the media. There have also been arrests of reporters. How "free" is the free press? Ch. 2: Trump really does want to put journalists in prison - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 4-30-18 Memos written by former FBI Director James Comey after private meetings with President Donald Trump indicate Trump seemed obsessed with arresting and imprisoning journalists. Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 4: Is Trump's chaos beating the media? - Trumpcast - Air Date 4-26-18 Jacob Weisberg is joined by the media critic, Jay Rosen, to talk about why he thinks Trump is winning and the press is losing. Ch. 5: For the Sake of The People In This Room - On the Media - Air Date 8-3-18 CNN reporter Jim Acosta was verbally attacked by a crowd of Trump supporters at a Tampa rally. Brooke speaks with Greg Sargent, opinion writer at The Washington Post, about how and why the president incites his base toward anger and disbelief. Ch. 6: Is Donald Trump Systematically Destroying Faith in The Media - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 8-1-18 The First requirement of every despot is to destroy people's faith in the free press. Ch. 7: Trump Admin Launches Major Attack on Freedom of the Press - @davidpakmanshow - Air Date: 7-23-18 The Trump administration launches a concerted large-scale attack on the media with the goal of labelling it the enemy of the American people. More and more mainstream corporate media folks are receiving death threats as well, leading one NYT columnist to warn, “we are approaching a day when blood on the newsroom floor will be blood on the President’s hands."
VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Explaining extra costs of private health insurance - Dave from Olympia, WA
Ch. 10: Final comments
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE: *Reminder! Massachusetts on 9/4 & Delaware on 9/6* Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats | Brand New Congress | DSA | Latino Victory | Our Revolution PHONE BANK with Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer” & Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer & Voter Circle Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org For an easy way to donate to candidates, check out DownTicket.com on your mobile browser. “15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge) SEPT. 11TH - NEW HAMPSHIRE NH Voter Info from Rock the Vote 1st district: Mindi Messemer Governor: Molly Kellyvs. Steve Marchand (Further Reading: NHPR| Concord Monitor) SEPT. 12TH - RHODE ISLAND RI Voter Info from Rock the Vote Governor: Matt Brown Lt. Governor: Aaron Regunberg Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1206_Trump_Media_Air_Date_8-31-18_-_8-30-18_23.33.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT |
Tue, 28 August 2018
Air Date: 8/28/2018 Today we take a look at just some of the many ways the Trump administration is systematically attacking the environment and our health to pave the way for increased profits for the business interests who have the administration's ear Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: CleanChoice Energy | Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES The Trump administration has announced plans to gut the Endangered Species Act, ordering federal agencies to consider economic impacts before listing animals to be protected under the law. Ch. 2: Record heats and record fires - @GreenNewsReport - Air Date 8-14-18 The Trump administration is using extreme fires and an excuse to unnecessarily weaken endangered species protections. Ch. 3: Trump EPA Allowing ASBESTOS Back into Manufacturing - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 8-11-18 The Trump EPA is building a framework to allow new uses of the toxic carcinogen asbestos. Ch. 4: Rewriting the rules to harm more Americans - @GreenNewsReport - Air Date 6-12-18 The Trump EPA wants to undo pollution standards by systematically downplaying health benefits to people of avoiding pollution. Ch. 5: Sec. Ryan Zinke's Monumental Screw-Up - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 8-3-18 Aaron Weiss of the Center for Western Priorities explains the "monumental screw up" when the U.S. Department of Interior accidentally released un-redacted documents exposing how agency officials rejected data on the benefits of public lands. Ch. 6: How Trump's rules on coal-fired power plants differ from Obama's - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 8-21-18 The Trump administration unveiled its plan to reverse President Obama's coal pollution rules. The new EPA proposal, called the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, would give states leeway on whether to limit emissions and allow older power plants to operate. Trump administration plans to roll back Obama's clean energy plan and vehicle mileage and emissions standards while acknowledging that both moves will cause more deaths. Ch. 8: Rise for Climate - A Global Day of Action on September 8th via @350 - Best of the Left Activism TAKE ACTION! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Writer Victor Wallis presents a socialist framework for ecological revolution. Victor is author of "Red-Green Revolution: The Politics and Technology of Ecosocialism" from Political Animal Press. Ch. 10: Final comments
TAKE ACTION Find a Rise for Climate Event at RiseForClimate.org Check out 350 Action candidate endorsements Check out 14 climate sceptics in battleground districts FOR FURTHER READING/SHARING Why I Rise(350.org) A Destroyed Planet is Not Our Destiny(350.org) Saving Earth: Don't Fall Into Climate Change Fatalism(Huffington Post) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1205_Environment_Air_Date_8-28-18_-_8-27-18_18.33.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT |
Fri, 24 August 2018
Air Date: 8/24/2018 Today we take a look at some of the historical context for the dynamics of international trade, some progressive ideas about managing the domestic results of trade, the economics and politics of tariffs and the dangers of trade wars. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Bolt - Online Security as a Service| Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Prof. Richard Wolff gives an overview explaining what tariffs are, how they work and why they're put in place. Michael Hudson discusses the so-called "trade war" developing between the U.S. and China. Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. The Inquiry looks at the forces driving the trade conflict between the US and China including some important historical context. Dani Rodrik on how globalization predictably deepens societal divisions, exacerbates distributional problems and undermines domestic social bargains which is why having robust social safety nets is critical in an age of global winners and losers. Prof. Richard Wolff discusses the impact of Donald Trump's reckless trade policies on the Thom Hartmann Program. Could they lead to a war? Jason Hickel examines the creation of mass poverty in the Global South from exploitation built into global trade and aid policies to the echoes of colonialism in structural adjustment programs of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Is V looking for a dogma rather than philosophy? - Dave from Olympia, WA Ch. 9: Drowning in capitalism - Dave from Olympia, WA
Ch. 10: Final comments on the need to fund independent media directly
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE: Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats | Brand New Congress | DSA | Latino Victory | Our Revolution PHONE BANK with Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer” & Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer & Voter Circle Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org For an easy way to donate to candidates, check out DownTicket.com on your mobile browser. “15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge) SEPT. 4TH MASSACHUSETTS (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries - August 15th/ General - October 17th) 3rd District: Juana Matias 7th District: Ayanna Pressley (Further reading) Governor: Bob Massie (Voter Circle) (Further reading) SEPT. 6TH DELAWARE (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries - August 11th / General - October 13th) Senate: Kerri Evelyn Harris (Further reading) Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1204_Trade_War_Air_Date_8-24-18_-_8-24-18_18.30.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 21 August 2018
Air Date: 8/21/2018 Today we take a look at some of the reasons behind the rise of right-wing movements around the world but also at some of the various shapes they're taking, strategies they're following and emerging trends that may lend them additional momentum in the future Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp| Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Madeleine Albright’s Warning Of Global Fascism - The Diane Rehm Show - Air Date 4-24-18 Madeleine Albright discusses the rise of right-wing authoritarianism around the world and the demagogic nature of Trump. Ch. 2: Elif Shafak on the fragility of democracy - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 3-2-18 Turkish writer Elif Shafak warns of the fragility of democracy, the strategies of populist demagogues and the importance of not belittling those who are fearful but not allowing ourselves to be guided by fear either. Ch. 3: Eliane Glaser on the misguided reaction to a rejection of politics - This is Hell - Air Date 5-8-18 Eliane Glaser breaks down Brexit and the uprising of anti-politics against technocratic policies of the elite. Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 5: Katha Pollitt: Is Trumpism fascism? - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 8-1-18 Katha Pollitt on Trump's attacks on democracy which have a lot in common with authoritarian around the world. Austerity, pushed by right-wing parties, creates the economic anxiety that fuels racism and anti-immigrant sentiment. Yascha Mounk and Branko Milanovic discuss why economic causes of populism are often expressed in cultural ways. Ch. 7: Dr. Lukasz Pawlowski on Liberal vs Illiberal Democracy - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 4-10-18 Dr. Lukasz Pawlowski explains that a country being a democracy only tells you how people gain power, it doesn't tell you how that power is used. A critical difference between liberal and illiberal democracy. Author and historian Yuval Noah Harari explains the important difference between fascism and nationalism -- and what the consolidation of our data means for the future of democracy. Ch. 9: Final comments on the barriers to a united front against fascism in America
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE: Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats | Brand New Congress | DSA | Latino Victory | Our Revolution Phone bank with Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer” & Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org For an easy way to donate to candidates, check out DownTicket.com on your mobile browser. “15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge) AUGUST 28TH Arizona (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries - July 30th / General - Oct 9) EARLY VOTING: Aug 1st-28th U.S. Senate: Deedra Abboud U.S. House 2nd District: Mary Matiella U.S. House 3rd District: Raul Grijalva (incumbent; will likely win primary) Governor: David Garcia Florida (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries - July 30th / General - Oct 9) EARLY VOTING: Aug 18th-25th U.S. House 7th District: Chardo Richardson U.S. House 8th District: Sanjay Patel U.S. House 18th District: Pam Keith U.S. House 26th District: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell U.S. House 27th District: Michael Hepburn Heads up for Nov. 6th! U.S. Senate: Bill Nelson (incumbent; uncontested in primary; running against Rick Scott in Nov) Governor: Andrew Gillum Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1203_International_Right-Wing_Air_Date_8-21-18_-_8-21-18_21.27.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 17 August 2018
Air Date: 8/17/2018 Today we take a look at the threats to reproductive justice everywhere, from the newest Supreme Court nominee to the entire long and storied history of the structures of power clamoring to control the bodies of women with a particular focus on the destinies of communities of color Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors:Casper| Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Mark Joseph Stern explains exactly how conservatives plan to hollow out Roe v Wade without overturning it outright to effectively bam abortion while buffering the political backlash. Kinsey Hasstedt on the Trump administration's announcement of rules further controlling the reproductive health care that women reliant on federally funded family planning programs can receive. What if faith could fuel a movement that supports women and families in having real choices over their lives and their bodies? Dr. Willie Parker on the crossroads of faith and reproductive justice. Ch. 4: Loretta Ross on Race and Reproductive Justice - @speakouttimwise - Air Date 2-13-18 Tim speaks with Loretta Ross, one of the nation’s leading scholars and activists in the movement for reproductive justice. She was the co-founder and National Coordinator of the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective from 2005-2012. Toni Bond Leonard explaining the crossroads of faith and reproductive justice. Maria and Julio talk to Tannia Esparza, executive director of the organization Young Women United, and Regina Mahone, VP/managing editor of Rewire.News about the impact of reproductive rights restrictions on women of color.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: The passing of Ed Shultz - Jeff from Charlotte, NC Ch. 8: Explaining the difference between liberalism and progressivism - Craig from Ohio Ch. 9: The problem with the intentionally faulty framing of political issues - Daniel from Washington
Ch. 10: Final comments on why we missed an episode, announcing that we’re on Instagram and appreciating the term “oppression canary”
REMINDER: SUPPORT PROGRESSIVE PRIMARY CANDIDATES! Important primaries are happening in August! Learn about the races, voter registration dates, how to help progressive candidates, and more at the links below... *AUGUST 21ST* (Alaska & Wyoming Spotlights) Alaska (Reg. Deadlines: Primary: July 22nd / General: Oct. 7th) Early voting happening now! Find locations Governor - Mark Begich and Dana Call U.S. House At Large - Dimitri Shein (Dem) vs. Alyse Galvin (Ind) Wyoming (Reg. Deadlines: Primary: Aug. 6th or day-of in-person / General: Oct. 22nd) Governor (Dem Primary) - Mary Throne vs. Ken Casper vs. Rex Wilde U.S. House At Large - Greg Hunter vs. Travis Helm Heads up for Nov. 6th! U.S. Senate - Gary Trauner (uncontested in primary) *AUGUST 28TH* (Check next episode for Arizona & Florida spotlights) U.S. Senate: Deedra Abboud U.S. House 2nd District: Mary Matiella U.S. House 3rd District: Raul Grijalva (incumbent) U.S. House 7th District: Chardo Richardson U.S. House 8th District: Sanjay Patel U.S. House 18th District: Pam Keith U.S. House 26th District: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell U.S. House 27th District: Michael Hepburn Heads up for Nov. 6th! U.S. Senate: Bill Nelson (incumbent; uncontested in primary; running against Rick Scott in Nov) (For future primary & general election spotlights, listen for future segments of "The Midterms Minute.") TAKE ACTION: Phone Bank for Brand New Congress Phone Bank for Justice Democrats Voter Contact Resources & Tips from Indivisible Easily keep up with races & donate to candidates with DownTicket.com Written & curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1202_Reproductive_Justice_Air_Date_8-16-18_-_8-17-18_14.22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Fri, 10 August 2018
Air Date: 8/10/2018 Today we take a look at some of the historical context that sheds light on our current immigration debate by showing that there is essentially nothing new about it, only the details are fresh. We'll also explore the evolution of criminalizing immigration, the abuse of separated children and the GOP need to build a demographic control machine. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Episode Sponsors: Clean Choice Energy | Bolt | Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Aviva Chomsky on the historical context of immigration in America - Who What Why - Air Date 6-21-18 Aviva Chomsky, a professor at Salem State University in Massachusetts, places the current debate about immigration in America in a broader historical context. Ch. 2: The criminalization of immigration - Latino Rebels - Air Date 7-8-18 Marisa Franco of Mijente on the criminalization of immigration. Anti-immigrant sentiment is on the rise but, in many ways, this is history repeating itself. And the history of using dehumanizing language against outside groups goes back a very long way. Ch. 4: A Neuroscientist's Warning of Family Separation - In the Thick - Air Date 7-13-18 Dr. Gina Poe on understanding the science behind family separation and the neurological long-term impact of trauma. Janine Jackson takes a quick look at what sources the press had been highlighting to inform the public about immigration detention. Tim Wise's commentary on how the rhetoric of hatred is being used increase our tolerance for cruelty. Law professor Robert L. Tsai examines the right's anti-immigrant, demographic control machine. Robert wrote the Boston Review article "Trumpism Before Trump" with Calvin TerBeek.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Thoughts on 3D printers and guns - Tim from Spokane, WA Ch. 9: Egalitarian, Communitarian, Utilitarian - Craig from Ohio Ch. 10: A criticism, a compliment and a correction - Jeff from New York
Ch. 11: Final comments on the debated definition of Democratic Socialism
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1201_Immigration_Air_Date_8-10-18_-_8-10-18_20.54.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 7 August 2018
Air Date: 8/07/2018 Today we take a look at a few of the reasons the Democrats went from controlling both houses of Congress and the presidency 10 years ago to being completely out of power today and then lay out a series of steps the left can take to return to power Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Better Help | Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Just eight years ago Democrats held not only the presidency but both houses of Congress. How did they lose so much in such a short time? Thomas Frank explains the disaster, and how, for millions of people, the recession of 2008 has never ended. Ch. 2: The Democratic Autopsy Report (w:Jeff Cohen) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 06-25-18 Progressive organizations got to together to analyze how the Trump was able to beat Hillary Clinton in 2016 to make sure it never happens again! Ed Ayers speaks to Smithsonian political curator Jon Grinspan about how young people went from fierce partisans to independent voters by the end of the 19th century. Ch. 4: Youth declaring their independence - Backstory - Air Date: 04-13-18 Sean McElwee, co-founder of Abolish ICE and one of many players involved in the recent flurry of progressive activity explains the strategy to move the Overton Window to the left. Ch. 5: How Fringe Ideas Become Policy - On the Media - Air Date 6-21-18 Even though the New Deal Style policies of Bernie Sanders are derailed by the corporate media, Republicans and the Morbidly Rich, these so-called "radical far left policies" are actually favored by the majority of Americans. Ch. 6: The Radical Left Wing Policies Most Americans Want Right Now - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-08-18 Writer Eliane Glaser calls for the left to return to politics and reclaim the power of ideology, authority and the state - as a way to unify a working class splintered into identity groups in the absence of mainstream organizing. Ch. 7: Eliane Glaser on why the left must return to politics and power - This is Hell - Air Date 5-8-18
VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Progressivism = Scientific Method + Common Decency - Tom from Toronto Ch. 9: Understanding neuro-political elasticity - Dee Dee from Philly Ch. 10: Progressivism takes the need for working together into account - Nick from California Ch. 11: Fighting capitalism while falling prey to it - Angela from Sacramento, CA
Ch. 12: Final comments on progressivism, borders, collectivism and capitalism
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE: Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats | Brand New Congress | DSA | Latino Victory | Our Revolution Phone bank with Justice Democrats “Justice Dialer” & Brand New Congress GOTV Dialer Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org For an easy way to donate to candidates, check out DownTicket.comon your mobile browser. “15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge) August 21st Primaries: ALASKA(Reg. Deadlines: Primary: July 22nd / General: Oct. 7th) Early voting happening now! Find locations Governor - Mark Begich and Dana Call U.S. House At Large - Dimitri Shein(Dem) vs. Alyse Galvin(Ind) WYOMING(Reg. Deadlines: Primary: Aug. 6th or day-of in-person / General: Oct. 22nd) Governor: Mary Throne vs. Ken Casper vs. Rex Wilde U.S. House At Large - Greg Hunter vs. Travis Helm Heads up for Nov. 6th! U.S. Senate - Gary Trauner (uncontested in primary) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1200_Democrats.Progressives_Air_Date_8-7-18_-_8-7-18_16.01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 3 August 2018
Air Date: 8/15/2017 Today we look at the origins, underpinnings and effects of neoliberal economic thinking and policies. #1, it has nothing to do with who Americans think of as “liberals”. #2, both major US political parties are on board with it to varying degrees. #3, it’s pretty much what everyone in the world is pissed off about without necessarily knowing that there’s a name for it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Neoliberalism is focusing on the wrong aspects of the economy and society - Upstream - Air Date 8-29-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: Noam Chomsky on the remaking of the economy - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 5-20-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: inequality - Mark Shine Ch. 6: Act 3: Robert Brenner on the state of the US economy and mainstream politics Part 1 - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 7-31-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Class Warfare - Chris Priest Ch. 8: Act 4: Wall Street thieves find “New Way” to steal from us - Jim @HightowerNews - Air Date 8-11-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Robber Barons - Battlefield Band Ch. 10: Act 5: Robert Brenner on the state of the US economy and mainstream politics Part 2 - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 7-31-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Hang Me Up to Dry - Cold War Kids Ch. 12: Act 6: Expand Your Economic Knowledge with The CORE Project - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 14: Act 7: The Outdated Origins of Neo-Liberalism. It's Time to Move On (w:Guest Kate Raworth) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 05-04-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Explaining the original argument for lowering taxes - Patrick from Dallas, TX Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments announcing the Best of the Left Social Network Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION! Expand your economic knowledge for free with The CORE Project EDUCATE YOURSELF Making economics exciting (Bloomberg) Does economics still work? (BBC World Service) Has the way universities teach economics changed enough? (The Guardian) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1126_Neoliberalism_Air_Date_8-15-17_Ad_Free_-_8-3-18_21.55.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 31 July 2018
Air Date: 7/31/2018 Today we take a look at some causes of depression that our society tends to look away from. Instead of focusing only on chemical imbalances, it seems wise to look outside ourselves at the circumstances we find ourselves in and ask how much our surrounding effect what goes on inside Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Dollar Shave Club | Better Help | Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Johann Hari, author of Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions, advances an argument both radical and obvious: Depression and anxiety are more than just chemical imbalances in the brain. They are the result of our social environments, our relationships, our political contexts, etc. Ch. 2: Anton Chekhov and the complicated struggles of life - Ideas - Air Date 1-3-18 Anton Chekhov and the complicated struggles of life. Johann Hari, author of “Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions”, explains why disconnection is at the center of depression and anxiety today. Ch. 4: Viktor Frankl on searching for meaning - Ideas - Air Date 1-3-18 Viktor Frankl on finding meaning in life, even in the face of meaningless suffering. Ch. 5: Escape from suffering - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 7-9-18 Dr Roger Ray explores some of the ailments of our society that keep so many of us from happiness.
Ch. 6: Final comments on understanding the true nature of Aloha and its power to fight the forces of fear
REMINDER! SUPPORT PROGRESSIVE PRIMARY CANDIDATES! Important primaries & special elections are happening in August! Learn about the races, voter registration dates, how to help progressive candidates, and more at the links below... August 2nd - Tennessee August 7th - Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Washington & Ohio August 11th - Hawaii August 14th - Minnesota| Wisconsin| Connecticut & Vermont (For spotlights on later primaries & the general, listen for future segments of "The Midterms Minute.") TAKE ACTION: Phone Bank for Brand New Congress Phone Bank for Justice Democrats Voter Contact Resources & Tips from Indivisible Easily keep up with races & donate to candidates with DownTicket.com Written & curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1199_Depression_Air_Date_7-31-18_-_7-31-18_08.54.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 27 July 2018
Air Date: 7/27/2018 Today I do something a little different and present to you (with permission) the entire first episode of the second season of the outstanding podcast, Offshore. Offshore is produced by Honolulu Civil Beat, a nonprofit and non-partisan investigative news site in Hawaii and I especially think the BotL audience will appreciate their telling of the story of the Mouna Kea Protectors on the big island of Hawaii. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Check out Offshore at http://offshorepodcast.org or anywhere you get your podcasts.
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
Direct download: 1198_B_-_Presenting_Offshore_Air_Date_7-27-18_-_7-24-18_11.08.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 24 July 2018
Air Date: 7/24/2018 Today we take a look at our current moment in history and the two basic paths that lay before us, one dominated by fear that drives a willingness to give up power to authoritarian rulers and the other guided by hope for a better future and a willingness to work together toward that future Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Episode Sponsors: Better Help | Dollar Shave Club | Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Author Sasha Abramsky explains how irrational fear rules, and guides, life in America. Martha Nussbaum, author of The Monarchy of Fear: A Philosopher Looks at Our Political Crisis, argues powerlessness and fear underlying political polarization. Johann Hari, author of “Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions”, explains why disconnection is at the center of depression and anxiety today. *Scroll down for the segment info, dates and links. Or click above for the full blog post.* Author Sasha Abramsky explains how irrational fear is fertile ground for authoritarian demagogues. Ch. 6: Escape from suffering - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 7-9-18 Dr Roger Ray explores some of the ailments of our society that keep so many of us from happiness. A portion of Barack Obama's speech at Nelson Mandela centenary celebrations in Johannesburg, South Africa discussing the two political and social paths that lay before us. (Watch the entire lecture)
VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: How medical bankruptcy made me change my worldview - Kim from Chicago Ch. 9: Progressive philosophy is amorphous by nature and hard to track through history - Ariel from Memphis Ch. 10: Without an underpinning philosophy, ideas only float but do not take root - V from Central New York
Ch. 11: Understanding the underlying philosophies of both the left and right with clarity
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE: Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats | Brand New Congress | DSA | Latino Victory | Our Revolution Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org For an easy way to donate to candidates, check out DownTicket.comon your mobile browser. “15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge) August 14th Primaries: Connecticut (Reg. Deadlines - Primary: Online, mail, or in person by Thurs. Aug 9th / General: Oct. 30th) Governor (Dem. Primary) -Ned Lamont 5th District (Dem. Primary) -Jahana Hayes (Heads up! Republicans are vying for this seat in November.) 2nd District - Heads up! One large county in District 2 pivoted for Trump in 2016. Incumbent Dem. Joe Courtney will run against Republican Dan Postemski in the general. Vermont (Reg. Deadlines - Primary: Early voting has begun. Must be registered by Aug. 14th / General: Nov. 6th) U.S. House (statewide Rep.) (Dem. Primary) -Daniel Freilich (Read about incumbent Pat Welch corruption) Governor - Christine Hallquistvs. James Ehlers vs. Ethan Sonneborn U.S. Senate - Bernie Sanders *Minnesota (Reg. Deadlines - Primaries: Online: July 24th, In person: Until August 14th / General: Oct. 9th) *Read our spotlight* *Wisconsin (Reg. Deadlines - Primary: Post-marked by July 25th, or in-person by Aug 10th / General: post-marked by Oct. 17th, in-person by Nov. 2nd) *Read our spotlight* Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in 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!
Direct download: 1198_Fear_Air_Date_7-24-18_-_7-22-18_22.52.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 20 July 2018
Air Date: 8/8/2017 Today we look at the forces causing a great deal and anger and upheaval all around the world, how that anger is being misdirected and what we can do in our own lives to face it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Age of Anger: A History of the Present by Pankaj Mishra - @thisishellradio - Air Date 2-11-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: When Anger Shows - Editors Ch. 4: Act 2: Fighting at the table: Conflict as successful integration - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 6-29-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: N/A Ch. 6: Act 3: Controversy and Outrage over Muslim Ban was Part of Bannon's Plan (w:guest Joshua Green) - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 07-24-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Protest Song - Anti-Flag Ch. 8: Act 4: The Underlying Philosophy of Bannon's War - PBS Frontline - Air Date 5-24-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Legions (War) - Zoe Keating Ch. 10: Act 5: Pankaj Mishra on Globalized Anger: The Enlightenment's Unwanted Child - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 4-18-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Gerudo Valley - OST Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary (2011) Ch. 12: Act 6: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks: How we can face the future without fear, together - @TEDTalks - Air Date: 6-26-17 Ch. 13: Final comments on when the age of anger meets the age of floods See the full video I produced almost exactly 10 years ago Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: Rerun_1125_Anger_Air_Date_8-8-17_Ad_Free_-_7-20-18_18.40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:04am EDT |
Tue, 17 July 2018
Air Date: 7/17/2018 Today we take a look at the history of what led us to be on the brink of the most conservative Supreme Court in 90 years, some of the details as to what's at stake and some ideas on fighting back, now and in the future Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Episode Sponsors: Better Help | Bolt Online Security | Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Dahlia Lithwick, Slate’s exceptional legal analyst, on how the right has won the fight for the Supreme Court for the next few decades because they were more focused, more committed, and better organized. This is how they did it. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democratic senator from Rhode Island talks about why Democrats must care more about the Supreme Court, the danger of dark money, and the frustration of confirmation hearings. Activists and organizers around the country are mobilizing against President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, who needs a simple majority of 51 votes in the Senate to be confirmed. *Scroll down for the segment info, dates and links. Or click above for the full blog post.* The most important political task of the year is blocking Trump’s supreme court pick. It can be done, John Nichols argues—with the right political strategy: organizing in the states with the swing votes: Maine and Alaska. Ch. 6: How Democrats Can Get Past a Far Right Court - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 6-28-18 Thom Hartmann discusses a potential congressional check on our far right supreme court, one that perhaps should have been used long before now. Ian Millhiser, justice editor at ThinkProgress and Off-Kilter’s SCOTUS correspondent, on the roll that John Roberts now plays in deciding whether there will be a call for Democrats to take the nuclear option against the Supreme Court.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Building the future of progressivism - V from Central New York Ch. 9: What is it like to be on the left? Why are you on the left? - Ralph from Waterbury, CT
Ch. 10: Final comments on the philosophy of progressivism
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE: Take Action with SPLC's #WhatsAtStake SCOTUS Campaign: Stop Kavanaugh: SPLC's list of 6 Senators and their contact information RSVP to call these Senators weekly until the confirmation hearings MIDTERMS RESOURCES: Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats | Brand New Congress | DSA | Latino Victory | Our Revolution Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org For an easy way to donate to candidates, check out DownTicket.com on your mobile browser. “15 Ways to Help a Campaign Win Their Election” (Political Charge) AUGUST 14TH PRIMARIES: Wisconsin (Reg. Deadlines - Primary: Post-marked by July 25th, or in-person by Aug 10th / General: post-marked by Oct. 17th, in-person by Nov. 2nd) U.S. House - 1st District (Dem. Primary): Randy Bryce vs. Cathy Myers Star Tribune Article on Bryce’s arrests & Bryce’s response U.S. House - 4th District (Dem. Primary): Incumbent Gwen Moorewill very likely win her primary. U.S. House - 7th District (Dem. Primary): Margaret Engebretson Governor (Dem. Primary): Tony Evers| Mike McCabe Senate: Heads up! Sen. Tammy Baldwinis running for reelection in Nov. and facing $8.5 million in conservative money against her. Due to time, the following states either have been *featured already or will be soon: *Minnesota (Reg. Deadlines - Primaries: Online: July 24th, In person: Until August 14th / General: Oct. 9th) *Learn more* Connecticut (Reg. Deadlines - Primaries: Online & mail-in: Received by Aug. 9th / General: Oct. 30th) Vermont (Reg. Deadlines - Primaries: Aug. 14th / General: Nov. 6th) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1197_SCOTUS_Kennedy_Air_Date_7-17-18_-_7-17-18_18.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 13 July 2018
Air Date: 7/13/2018 Today we take a look at the media landscape and how it enables rather than challenges our horrific political status quo and we also hear suggested alternatives structures that could help us change the game Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Episode Sponsors: BetterHelp | Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Jeff Cohen on Cable News Hawks - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 3-30-18 As the US government ramped up for war in the wake of September 11, 2001, TV screens were filled with what seemed a parade of generals. Military men became the sources of first resort, over and indeed against regional experts, historians and peace advocates. Laura Flanders discusses the consolidation of media companies and its impact on our democracy including the scale of the big problem with gatekeepers like Facebook and Google and media companies like Sinclair as an “extractive machine.” *Scroll down for the segment info, dates and links. Or click above for the full blog post.* Author Sarah Kendzior (“The View from Flyover Country”) talks about how the media continues to enable Donald Trump, and how they/we can more effectively confront the Trump “kleptocracy.” Ch. 5: Marc Cooper on media and democracy - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 12-19-17 Journalist Marc Cooper looks at media delivery in the present digital era of democratized information that has introduced new potential as well as new dangers. Ch. 6: Laura Flanders on building the next system of media - @TheNextSystem Project - Air Date 10-18-17 Laura Flanders discusses her latest paper for the Next System Project on the “urgent necessity” of Next System Media including criticisms of for-profit media and some suggested alternatives.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: What the math on the cost of health insurance for insurance companies? - Kyle from Portland
Ch. 8: Final comments on private health insurance vs government-run insurance and the perverse incentive for private insurers to want medical costs to go ever-higher
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats | Brand New Congress | DSA | Latino Victory | Our Revolution Check your state registration deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org For an easy way to donate to candidates, check out DownTicket.com on your mobile browser. August 11th Primary: Hawaii (Reg. Deadlines - Primaries: Online: July 12th, In person: Until August 11th / General: Oct. 9th) U.S. House - 1st District: Kaniela Ing U.S. House - 2nd District: Tulsi Gabbard(Incumbent) August 14th Primaries: Minnesota (Reg. Deadlines - Primaries: Online: July 24th, In person: Until August 14th / General: Oct. 9th) U.S. House - 5th District: Ilhan Omar U.S. House - 8th District: Michelle Lee U.S. Senate (Dem. Primary for Nov. Special Election) - Tina Smith Governor (Dem. Primary) - Erin Murphy Due to time, the following states will be featured in depth on a future episode: Wisconsin (Reg. Deadlines - Primaries: Post-marked by July 25th, In person Aug. 10th / General: Post-marked by Oct 17th, In-person: Nov. 2nd) Connecticut (Reg. Deadlines - Primaries: Online & mail-in: Received by Aug. 9th / General: Oct. 30th) Vermont (Reg. Deadlines - Primaries: Aug. 14th / General: Nov. 6th) Correction: South Dakota was originally listed in the segment, but 8/14 is actually the runoff date. There will not be runoffs. Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1196_Media_and_Democracy_Air_Date_7-13-18_-_7-13-18_22.03.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 10 July 2018
Air Date: 7/10/2018 Today we take a look at the attempts to distract with calls for civility and the attempts to suppress dissent with various bans and impediments to protest Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Episode Sponsors: Bolt Online Security| Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The Problem with Civility - On the Media - Air Date 6-30-18
Ch. 2: Criminalizing Protest - @USNewsBeat - Air Date 6-14-18
Ch. 3: The Civility Fetish - Citations Needed - Air Date 6-14-18
Ch. 4: NFL Bans National Anthem Protests - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 05-24-18
Ch. 5: Civility as a cudgel - Trumpcast - Air Date 6-30-18
Ch. 6: Mara Verheyden-Hilliard on Criminalizing Protest - CounterSpin - Air Date 7-7-18
VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Why wouldn't a UBI just cause inflation? - David from Houston
Ch. 8: Final comments on a Universal Basic Income, inflation and recommending an episode of The Dig about Troop Veneration and US Empire
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1195_Criminalizing_Protest_Air_Date_7-10-18_-_7-11-18_12.35.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Sat, 7 July 2018
Air Date: 8/1/2017 Today we look at the state of capitalism, the logical arguments for its inevitable demise and the evidence that the end may more nigh than ever before Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Caitlin Moran on the need for a revolutionary upgrade to society - Politics & Prose from @Slate Track One Ch. 3: Song 1: Revolution - Grandaddy Ch. 4: Act 2: Casey Gerald: The gospel of doubt - @TEDTalks - Air Date 3-12-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Capitalism Is Tearing Us Apart - sole Ch. 6: Act 3: Wolfgang Streeck: Surviving Post-Capitalism Coping, hoping, doping & shopping Part 1 - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 2-9-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Hit the Wall - GoGoSnapRadio Ch. 8: Act 4: Prof. Richard Wolff on the coming death of capitalism - Upstream - Air Date 12-12-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Break On Through - The Doors Ch. 10: Act 5: Wolfgang Streeck: Surviving Post-Capitalism Coping, hoping, doping & shopping Part 2 - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 2-9-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Elysium - Mendum Ch. 12: Act 6: What’s After Capitalism? Create Our Next Economy via @TheNextSystem - Best of the Left Activism Voicemails Ch. 13: Recommending book about Woodie Guthrie - Josh from Dallas, TX Ch. 14: Thoughts on technology and addiction - Kyle from Portland Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 15: Final comments on Late Capitalism and “Judeo-Christian Values” Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Help find the answer to "What's Next?" with The Next System Project Read Gar Alperovitz "Principles of a Pluralist Commonwealth" Download resources and organize a Next System Project Teach-In in your community Follow @TheNextSystem on Twitter EDUCATE YOURSELF Is Capitalism Dying? (Forbes, 2013) ’Is Capitalism Dying?’ (Marxism, 2013) The Pain You Feel is Capitalism Dying (Joe Brewer, Medium, 2016) Beyond the Minimum Wage Debate: Let's Move Toward a System That Works for All (Democracy at Work) Prof. Richard Wolff debates Fox's Stuart Varney (Democracy at Work) Written by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via our Patreon page! Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: Rerun_1123_Capitalism_Air_Date_8-1-17_Ad_Free_-_7-7-18_17.40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:35am EDT |
Tue, 3 July 2018
Air Date: 7/3/2018 Today we take a look at the movement underway to take back power for progressive ideas in this country from a variety of perspectives all working toward a common goal Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Plan to engage in civics this year - Sunday Civics - Air Date 1-7-18
Ch. 2: Young Voters and the Progressive Path Forward - Laura Flanders - Air Date 7-3-18
Ch. 4: What Democrats Should Be Focussing on During the Age of Trump - Ring of Fire - Air Date 6-9-18
Ch. 5: DSA at the Ballot Box - The Dig from Jacobin Radio - Air Date 4-18-18
Ch. 7: John Nichols on the political earthquakes in the 2018 primaries - Bradcast - Air Date 6-27-18
Ch. 8: Final comments on the history of and solution to the non-vote protest
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE Check on candidates endorsed by Justice Democrats| Brand New Congress | DSA| Latino Victory | Our Revolution Check your state deadlines and voter ID laws with rockthevote.org August 2nd Primaries: Tennessee(Reg. Deadlines: Primaries: July 3rd/ General: Oct. 9th) U.S. House - 2nd District: Marc Whitmire U.S. House - 3rd District: Dr. Danielle Mitchell Heads Up! General Nov. 6th: (Senate) Dem Candidate is Phill Bedesen (moderate) August 7th Primaries: Kansas (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries: July 17th/ General: Oct. 16th) U.S. House - 3rd District: Brent Welder U.S. House - 4th District: James Thompson Missouri (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries: July 11th/ General: Oct. 10th) U.S. House - 1st District: Cori Bush Heads Up! General Nov. 6th: (Senate) Dem Candidate is Clair McCaskill (moderate) Michigan (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries: July 9th / General: Oct. 9th) Governor Dem Primary: Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (Justice Democrat) 5 U.S. House Candidates: Check Justice Democrats| Brand New Congress Washington (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries: Only July 9th; In person July 30th / General: Oct 8th) 3 U.S. House Candidates: Check Justice Democrats| Brand New Congress Ohio (Reg. Deadlines: Primaries: July 9th / Early voting starts July 10th) Special Election: U.S. House - 12th District: Danny O’Connor (Democrat)
Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1194_Elections_Air_Date_7-3-18_-_7-4-18_22.43.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 29 June 2018
Air Date: 6/29/2018 Today we take a look at the multi-pronged campaign to prevent as many people from voting as possible and what we can do about it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Episode Sponsors: Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Karen Hobert Flynn on Census & Citizenship - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-30-18
Ch. 3: The case for automatic voter registration - Sunday Civics - Air Date 1-22-18
Ch. 4: Black Representation in North Carolina - The Gerrymandering Project - Air Date 12-14-17
Ch. 6: Build the Blue Wave: Confirm, Prepare & GOTV for Midterms 2018 - Best of the Left Activism
VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Tree Votes For The Axe - Alan from Connecticut
Ch. 8: Final comments on the danger of gerrymandering and the value of voting
TAKE ACTION 5 Steps & Resources to Build the “Blue Wave” for Midterms 2018: 1. CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: rockthevote.org“Voter Registration Lookup Tool” 2. LEARN/SHARE VOTER ID LAWS: VoteRiders.orgState Voter ID Law Info Cards 3. LEARN/SHARE CUTOFF DATES/DEADLINES: rockthevote.orgState Information 4. HELP OTHERS register, check registration, learn dates. Share information in person and on social media! 5. JOIN A LOCAL REGISTRATION/GET OUT THE VOTE EFFORT: Rock The Vote | NextGen America | ACLU(& check local chapters) | NAACP | NARAL | League of Women Voters | Let America Vote Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1193_Voting_Rightrs_Air_Date_6-29-18_-_6-30-18_21.11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 26 June 2018
Air Date: 6/26/2018 Today we take a look at the misguided transformation of our thinking about health care that causes us to accept the idea of it being a market-based commodity, who continues to support this idea and why it continues to make suckers of us all Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Advertisers: Audiobook: What Truth Sounds Like
Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 2: Why Democrats Resist Medicare For All - @TZHRJ - Air Date 03-12-18
Ch. 5: Join Your Local Single-Payer Advocacy Group via @HCNow - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 7: Final comments on why single-payer health care is good for gender equality
TAKE ACTION Find & Join your Local Single-Payer Advocacy Group via Healthcare NOW CALL/WRITE/TWEET your members of Congress to push them to publicly support the Medicare for All Act before the Midterms: FOR READING/SHARING The Midterm Elections and Medicare For All(Healthcare NOW!) Is Medicare-for-all a winning message for midterm elections? DSCC chairman weighs in(CBS) Why So Many Democrats Are Embracing Single-Payer Health Care(The Atlantic) "Medicare for All" is a winner in Democratic primaries(Axios) Single-Payer Health Care Is The Key To Democratic Victory In 2018(WBUR) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1192_Health_Care_Air_Date_6-26-18_-_6-27-18_19.21.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 22 June 2018
Air Date: 7/21/2017 Today we look at the technology that massively influences how we spend our time and hear lots of advice on how we can begin to take back control Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: The Panda is Dancing - @TimeWellSpentio - Air Date 11-28-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: Tim Wu on The Attention Merchants - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 4-29-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: One-Armed Bandit - The Viscounts Ch. 6: Act 3: What If Technology Were Conscious Of Your Time? - @TimeWellSpentio - Air Date 11-22-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: N/A Ch. 8: Act 4: What If Technology Were Designed For Human Values? - @TimeWellSpentio - Air Date 11-22-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: Forever On Your Team - Frida Selander Ch. 10: Act 5: Does Technology Actually Make Life Easier, or Just More Hectic? - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-08-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Spider-Man (Live) - Ramones Ch. 12: Act 6: Tristan Harris: How better tech could protect us from distraction - @TEDTalks - Air Date 6-14-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Time Well Spent - Tom Felton Ch. 14: Act 7: Laura Vanderkam - How to gain control of your free time - @TEDTalks - Air Date 2-7-2017 Ch. 15: Song 7: Time In a Bottle - Jim Croce Ch. 16: Act 8: Yuval Noah Harari - Think Again @bigthink - Air Date 2-25-17 Ch. 17: Song 8: We're Simple Minds - Club 8 Ch. 18: Act 9: Someday - The Minimalists - Air Date 3-29-17 Ch. 19: Final comments on my personal slate of apps, settings and strategies to keep my digital life under control Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1121_Time_Air_Date_7-21-17_Ad_Free_Rerun_-_6-23-18_21.29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 19 June 2018
Air Date: 6/19/2018 Today we take a look at where we are in the negotiation process with North Korea and how we got here Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Audiobook: What Truth Sounds Like| Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 2: Bruce Cummings on a chance for peace in Korea - Start Making Sense - Air Date 6-14-18
Ch. 4: Understanding the small print of the negotiations with North Korea - Thinking Cap - Air Date 6-13-18
VOICEMAILS Ch. 6: A call to action on family separation and detention - Nick from California
Ch. 7: Final comments on stopping dictatorships before they start
MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1191_North_Korea_Trump_meeting_Air_Date_6-19-18_-_6-20-18_19.51.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 15 June 2018
Air Date: 6/15/2018 Today we take a look at the high toll Puerto Rico is paying, in both money and lives, for the triple disasters of colonialism, Hurricane Maria and disaster capitalism Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Clean Choice Energy Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES
Ch. 2: Colonialism during hurricane season - On the Media - 6-6-18
Ch. 5: Help Disaster Victims Resist Disaster Capitalism via @MutualAidRelief - Best of the Left Activism
Ch. 6: Naomi Klein on Puerto Rico and Disaster Capitalism - Touré Show - Air Date 4-25-18
Ch. 9: Final comments on the lessons of Mister Rogers that we could use right now
TAKE ACTION Get involved with/support Mutual Aid Disaster Relief MARD Skillshare Trainings(Links for request forms are at the bottom of the blog post) Read more about MARD ongoing work in Puerto Rico FOR FURTHER READING/SHARING FEMA Blamed Delays In Puerto Rico On Maria; Agency Records Tell Another Story(NPR/Frontline) About a quarter of Puerto Rico’s schools are shutting down. Here’s a look inside one.(Vox) "Justice was served": Judge halts school closures in Puerto Rico(CBS) New bill pushes for commission to investigate federal response to Puerto Rico hurricanes(NBC) At Issue In Florida Senate Campaign: Who's Fighting For Puerto Rico?(NPR) Hurricane Maria Casts Shadow Over Puerto Rican Parade(NY Times) Puerto Rico's Push For Food Independence Intertwined With Statehood Debate(NPR) The Shame in Puerto Rico(NY Times) Fighting for Those Who Can No Longer Speak(SocialistWorker.org) Resisting Disaster Capitalists and Building Solidarity in Puerto Rico(Grassroots International) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1190_Puerto_Rico_Air_Date_6-15-18_-_6-16-18_18.38.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 12 June 2018
Air Date: 6/12/2018 Today we take a look at the absolute horror show that is the US immigration system. Understanding that it was bad before but has been revved up to literally inhumane as our government makes a concerted effort to dehumanize asylum seekers on the run for their lives. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Donate or become a Member to support the show! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Amazon: Bookmark your link to support the show when you shop! USA: http://www.bestoftheleft.com/amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/?&camp=212361&linkCode=wsw&tag=besofthelef0c-20&creative=380789 UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/?&camp=212361&linkCode=wsw&tag=besofthelef-21&creative=380789
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: To Trump, Americans "Have Kids," But Immigrants "Breed" - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 04-24-18
Ch. 2: Stories of our abusive treatment of immigrants - Off Kilter - Air Date 6-1-18
Ch. 4: How I.C.E. Propaganda Makes Its Way Into the News - On The Media - 2-16-18
Ch. 5: The Obama administration laid the groundwork for immigrant abuses - Intercepted - Air Date 5-30-18
Ch. 6: Kade Crockforde on how real sanctuary means ending mass policing - The Dig - Air Date 3-26-18
Ch. 8: The immigration detention machine - In the Thick - Air Date 6-6-18
VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: The unsurprisingly badly constructed argument of Confederacy defenders - Dave from Olympia, WA
Ch. 11: Final comments on the need to deal with cognitive dissonance in order to support conservative ideas while not feeling like the bad guy
TAKE ACTION Get involved with familiesbelongtogether.org & follow @womenbelong Tell Congress to #AbolishICE & pass: Help Separated Families Act of 2018 Give to organizations like: The Young Center for Immigrant Rights Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) FOR READING/SHARING Democrats are trying to stop Trump from separating families at the border(Vox) Rep. Pramila Jayapal—‘They Could Hear Their Children Screaming for Them in the Next Room’(The Nation) Keep Families Together Act(Feinstein.senate.gov) Feinstein bill would prohibit family separations at US-Mexico border (ThinkProgress) Sessions Says Domestic and Gang Violence Are Not Grounds for Asylum (NY Times) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1189_Immigration_Air_Date_6-12-18_-_6-13-18_19.38.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Sun, 10 June 2018
Air Date: 7/28/2017 Today we look at the woeful state of the Democratic Party and the strategy to bring them back from the brink Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 3: Song 1: The Perfect Space - The Avett Brothers Ch. 4: Act 2: David Sirota Discusses the Role of Journalism In the Trump Resistance - @TheRealNews - Air Date 6-16-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Failure - Kings of Convenience Ch. 6: Act 3: Bill Curry on how and why the Democratic party lost its way - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-3-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Changes - Langhorne Slim & The Law Ch. 8: Act 4: Naomi Klein on why No is not enough - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 6-28-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Rome Wasn't Built In a Day - Morcheeba Ch. 10: Act 5: Tom Ferguson on why establishment Democrats are vulnerable - Jacobin Radio (@jacobinmag) - Air Date 7-11-17 Voicemails Ch. 11: Reaction to 1119 on Poverty - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 12: Follow-up on de-transitioning article - Rachel from Seattle Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 13: Final comments on how conservatives have come full circle on their understanding of LGBTQ people and ended up right where they started Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1120_Democrats_Air_Date_7-18-17_Ad_Free_-_6-10-18_18.18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:09am EDT |
Tue, 5 June 2018
Air Date: 6/5/2018 Today we take a look at some of the adversity facing disabled people from labor rights to health care accessibility to incarceration Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Episode Sponsors:The Brave Podcast| Simple Contacts
Support Best of the Left on Patreon! Help improve the captions on our YouTube version of the showfor anyone who would rather read that listen to the show!
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Bottom Dollars Trailer - Rooted in Rights (@rootedinrights)
Ch. 3: Why Are People With Disabilities Still Invisible in the Workplace? - Big Think - Air Date 7-31-15
Ch. 4: The intersection of incarceration and disability - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 9-16-16
Ch. 7: Civil disobedience by people with disabilities #ADAPTandRESIST - @offkiltershow - Air Date 6-30-17
VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Disappointed that Russia episode didn't debunk Russiagate - Christopher from Greensburg, PA
Ch. 9: Final comments on how to argue effectively
TAKE ACTION: Call Congress: Tell Congress to Support the DIA! Learn More About the Disability Integration Act Get involved with ADAPT & follow @NationalADAPT Help Sway Congress: Call for Stories: Snapshots of Our Lives Spread the word on social media with #DIAToday FOR READING/SHARING: ADAPT activists put their bodies on the line to gain support for Disability Integration Act (ThinkProgress) Disability Activists Fight for the Right to Live in Their Communities (Rewire News) VIDEO: Disability Rights Activist Changes Senator's Mind(Now This) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1188_Disability_Air_Date_6-5-18_-_6-6-18_13.26.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 1 June 2018
Air Date: 6/1/2018 Today we take a rare sojourn into the world of Trump's seemingly endless corruption in business and life with a focus on his long history with Russia. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Episode Sponsors: Amazon USA| Amazon CA| Amazon UK| Clean Choice Energy Support Best of the Left on Patreon!
SHOW NOTES 1:03 Ch. 1: Trump and Russia from 30,000 feet - Who. What. Why. - Air Date 12-15-17
11:00 Ch. 2: Sarah Kendzior on the Oligarch Envy Haunting President Trump - The Breach - Air Date 11-28-17
20:10 Ch. 3: Trump, Russia and 'Alternative Financing' - Trump Inc. - Air Date 2-21-18
33:45 Ch. 4: Taking a charitable and uncharitable look at Trump and Russia - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 1-8-18
47:26 Ch. 5: Rating the Trump-Russia angles - Trumpcast - Air Date 3-16-18
VOICEMAILS 1:02:08 Ch. 6: We never broke the spell of white supremacy the way Germany did - Bill from St. Petersburg, FL 1:03:46 Ch. 7: The Democrats need a multi-decade strategy - V from Central New York
1:08:57 Ch. 8: Final comments on the through-line from Trump’s corrupt history to his latest corruption news
MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
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/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1187_Trump_Russia_Air_Date_6-1-18_-_6-2-18_15.19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 29 May 2018
Air Date: 5/29/2018 Today we take a look at the legacy of the Confederacy, the monuments and white supremacy it left behind and the racial terror institutionalized in America based on upholding its values Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Confederacy - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 10-09-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Long and Low Cloud - The Bulwark Ch. 4: Act 2: Avenue of Second Place Trophies - Backstory - Air Date 6-22-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: N/A Ch. 6: Act 3: Monumental Questions - On The Media - Air Date 10-31-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Gullwing Sailor - Migration Ch. 8: Act 4: Taking Down the Confederacy — Symbol by Symbol - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 5-2-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Inessential - Bayou Birds Ch. 10: Act 5: Bryan Stevenson on the racial terrorism of lynching - Cape Up - Air Date 4-24-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: Heather - Migration Ch. 12: Act 6: Thoughtful comments on the process of remembering history - Code Switch - Air Date 8-23-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Open Flames - Aeronaut Ch. 14: Act 7: Mitch Landrieu on understanding the debate over southern culture - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 3-26-18 Ch. 15: Song 7: Yarrow and Root - The Bulwark Ch. 16: Act 8: Bryan Stevenson on the ongoing burden of the disease of white supremacy - Cape Up - Air Date 4-24-18 Ch. 17: Final comments on understanding the moral argument of those who defend the Confederacy but not slavery Bonus Clip: A defense of the non-slave-holding confederate soldier's motives - Code Switch - Air Date 8-23-17 Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1186_Confederacy_Air_Date_5-29-18_-_5-29-18_21.44_MONO.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 25 May 2018
Air Date: 6/09/2017 Today we take a look at some of the structures of white supremacy and the moment in the sun it is currently enjoying Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Hate Groups Promise Revolt If Trump Abandons White Supremacy - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date: 12-31-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: A Dose of White Supremacy - Neffe Odom Kragh-Muller Ch. 4: Act 2: As Confederate Monuments Come Down, the Struggle Continues - On the Media - Air Date 5-26-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Soft Serve - Soul Coughing Ch. 6: Act 3: Steve Bannon Loves This "Shockingly Racist" Book - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-08-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Your Racist Friend - They Might Be Giants Ch. 8: Act 4: Heidi Beirich on White Supremacist violence - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 6-2-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: We Are Nowhere And It's Now - Bright Eyes Ch. 10: Act 5: Learn How to Effectively Fight & Report Hate in Your Community via @SPLCenter - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: Right to Complain - Trombone Shorty & Marc Broussard Ch. 12: Act 6: Something Is Emerging From This Community - On the Media - Air Date 6-2-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: How do we talk to people who's beliefs aren't based on fact? - Marguerite from North Carolina Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 14: Final comments on the toxic garbage dump that is White Supremacy Ch. 15: Bonus Clip: How to Argue - Love and Radio - Air Date 2-11-17 Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Activism: TAKE ACTION Read and share SPLC's "Ten Ways to Fight Hate: A Community Response Guide" #ReportHate crimes to SPLC at splcenter.org/reporthate Stay informed about hate-fueled incidents across the country via SPLC's Hatewatch EDUCATE YOURSELF SPLC Hatewatch: Headlines for 6/7/2017 (SPLC Hatewatch) Defiant Alt-Right “Patriots” Encounter Portland’s Simmering Anger After Train Killings (SPLC Hatewatch) As Hate Crimes Rise, The Trump Administration Blocks Funding to Fight Domestic Extremism (Right Wing Watch) Why Taking Down Confederate Memorials is Only a First Step (The Conversation) Protest in the Era of Donald Trump (Huffington Post) Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: Rerun_1110_White_Supremacy_Air_Date_6-9-17_Ad_Free_-_5-25-18_22.36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 22 May 2018
Air Date: 5/22/2018 Today we take a look at the importance of the upcoming mid-term elections and the necessary danger of infighting amongst the left Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Dems Targeting 12 States to Prevent Decade of Republican Gerrymandering - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 02-09-18 Ch. 3: Song 1: Stale Case - Darby Ch. 4: Act 2: The Blue Wave: Flipping Seats Alone Is Not Enough - Ring of Fire (via Majority Report) - Air Date 3-31-18 Ch. 5: Song 2: Blue Jay - Feathers Ch. 6: Act 3: The toxicity and danger of fighting amongst the left - This is Hell - Air Date 1-16-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: Streamer - Arc and Crecent Ch. 8: Act 4: Fighting the Oligarchy Inside the Democratic Party - TheRealNews - Air Date 4-30-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Tripoli - Pecan Grove Ch. 10: Act 5: Eliane Glaser on standing up for the Left - This is Hell - Air Date 5-8-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: Great is the Contessa - The Contessa Ch. 12: Act 6: The lesser of two evils is looking a lot better these days - Humorless Queers - Air Date 5-9-18 Voicemails Ch. 13: How coops are more equitable - Tyler from Minneapolis Ch. 14: A variety of thoughts on several recent episodes - Laura from Alameda, CA Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 15: Final comments on learning to not worry about the perverse incentives built into cap and dividend legislation Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay's Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1185_Progressives_Elections_Air_Date_5-22-18_-_5-23-18_11.38.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 18 May 2018
Air Date: 5/18/2018 Today we take a look at the context and history that preceded the US cancellation of the Iran nuclear agreement Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 3: Song 1: Parade Shoes - Arc and Crecent Ch. 4: Act 2: Understanding the history of Iran not having a nuclear weapons program - Citations Needed - Air Date 11-2-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Lord Weasel - Molerider Ch. 6: Act 3: The middle eastern country with a secret nuclear weapons program - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 5-2-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: Open Flames - Aeronaut Ch. 9: Song 4: Cloud Line - K4 Ch. 10: Act 5: The US can't understand how other countries see our actions - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 5-13-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: Vengeful - Warmbody Ch. 12: Act 6: Amy Wilentz: From Gaza to Jerusalem - Start Making Sense - Air Date 5-17-18 Voicemails Ch. 13: UBI/Job Guarantee made me think lots of thoughts - Dave from Olympia, WA Ch. 14: Please address the issue of risk for workers in coop businesses - Rob from Tacoma, WA Ch. 15:(Unedited) Criticizing clip from The Weeds on jobs guarantee - Jeff from New Jersey Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 16: Final comments on criticizing a jobs guarantee program and analyzing how risk is managed in a worker-owned coop Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1184_Iran.Israel_Air_Date_5-18-18_-_5-19-18_15.59.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 15 May 2018
Air Date: 5/8/2018 Today we take a look at both the policies of a Federally-Guaranteed Jobs program and a Universal Basic Income and hear arguments for and against each Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Understanding different styles of basic income schemes - Upstream - Air Date 8-16-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Tripoli - Pecan Grove Ch. 4: Act 2: Basic income will only strengthen neoliberalism - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-20-18 Ch. 5: Song 2: Wingspan - Bayou Birds Ch. 6: Act 3: Avoiding the neoliberal vision for basic income - The Other Washington - Air Date 12-9-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Astrisx - Bodytonic Ch. 8: Act 4: A basic income is not transformative enough - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-20-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Minutes - Pacha Faro Ch. 10: Act 5: Reframing basic income away from welfare - Upstream - Air Date 9-26-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: Hundred Mile - K2 Ch. 12: Act 6: Debating between guaranteed jobs vs income - The Next System Project - Air Date 12-21-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: The Wooden Platform - The Bulwark Ch. 14: Act 7: The class and stigma problems of a jobs guarantee - The Weeds - Air Date 5-2-18 Ch. 15: Song 7: Feathersoft - Barstool Ch. 16: Act 8: Benefits of a job guarantee - Left Out - Air Date 5-8-18 Ch. 17: Song 8: Vittoro - Aeronaut Ch. 18: Act 9: Understanding some of the implementation problems of a jobs guarantee - The Weeds - Air Date 5-2-18 Ch. 19: Song 9: Andelo - Pacha Faro Ch. 20: Act 10: Comparing guaranteed jobs vs incomes - The Other Washington - Air Date 12-9-17 Voicemails Ch. 21: Political Intersectionality - Alan from Connecticut Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 22: Final comments on social programs and the destructive power of stigma Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1183_UBI_And_Guaranteed_Jobs_Air_Date_5-15-18_-_5-16-18_11.45.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Sat, 12 May 2018
Air Date: 7/12/2017 Today we look at many of our misconceptions of the nature of poverty, the interconnectedness of economics with all aspects of life and some suggestions on how to pursue justice Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Dividing the generations to distract from the class war - CounterSpin @FAIRmediawatch - Air Date 1-8-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Class-Warfare - Chris Priest Ch. 4: Act 2: The frames through which we look at low-income aid programs - @offkiltershow - Air Date 6-9-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Call It Even - Scott Simons Ch. 6: Act 3: Does prolonged exposure to poverty have a lasting effect on the brain? - The Inquiry - Air Date 5-25-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Sur Le Fil - Yann Tiersen Ch. 8: Act 4: Everything is economic - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-25-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Poverty (Single (Stereo)) - Bobby "Blue" Bland Ch. 10: Act 5: Rutger Bregman: Poverty isn't a lack of character; it's a lack of cash - @TEDTalks - Air Date 6-13-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Protect & Serve - Stiff Little Fingers Ch. 12: Act 6: Bryan Stevenson: the opposite of poverty is not wealth, the opposite of poverty is justice - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 5-16-17 Ch. 13: Final comments asking the question of the age: What the f**k is wrong with economists? Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone Recommended Reading/Sharing: Why do we think poor people are poor because of their own bad choices? (Outclassed, The Guardian) 45 million Americans rely on food stamps. Trump wants to gut the program. (Vox) The Problem Isn’t Food Stamps, It’s Poverty (Editorial Board, New York Times) What Works to Reduce Poverty (Center of Budget and Policy Priorities) Trump’s Budget Cuts Deeply Into Medicaid and Anti-Poverty Efforts (New York Times) Welfare programs shown to reduce poverty in America (The Guardian, 2014) Curated by BOTL Communications Director, Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: Rerun_1119_Benefits_and_Poverty_Air_Date_7-11-17_Ad_Free_-_5-12-18_17.04.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:53am EDT |
Tue, 8 May 2018
Air Date: 5/8/2018 Today we take a look at how we came to have some of the mandatory minimum laws that we do, how they came out of a sense of desperation from an underserved and ignored community, and how prosecutors have used those laws to make things worse. But there is hope to turn this around. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Locking up our own, good intentions and underestimating the harm of lockup - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 7-22-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Swapping Tubes - Studio J Ch. 4: Act 2: Why prosecutors, not cops, are the keys to criminal justice reform Part 1 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 8-22-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Petra - Lathe Ch. 6: Act 3: Locking up our own, how desperation created polices that made things worse - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 7-22-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: On Early Light - Cholate Ch. 8: Act 4: Why prosecutors, not cops, are the keys to criminal justice reform Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 8-22-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Cat's Eye - Marble Run Ch. 10: Act 5: Shaun King: Real Justice TEAMS - Real Justice - Air Date 4-10-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: Donder - Darby Ch. 12: Act 6: Adam Foss: A prosecutor's vision for a better justice system - TEDTalks - Air Date: 3-21-16 Voicemails Ch. 13: Straightening out some views from the left - Craig from Ohio Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 15:Final comments on the production choices of the show Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Get involved in your state's District Attorney elections: Join Real Justice Local Teams Follow @RealJusticePACon Twitter Follow Prosecutor Adam Foss on Twitter EDUCATE YOURSELF Read "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander Read "Locking Up Our Own" by James Forman Jr. Read "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson Read "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1182_Policing_Air_Date_5-8-18_-_5-9-18_12.36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 4 May 2018
Air Date: 5/4/2018 Today we take a look at the falling dominoes of rebellion and demands for justice in the form of teachers strikes as they go from one educationally decimated red state to the next Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Teachers Say What's Wrong With Education In The U.S. - AJ+ - Air Date: 09-03-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: Red State Revolt: Teachers Fight Back Against GOP Education Cuts - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 05-01-18 Ch. 5: Song 2: Decompression - Rayling Ch. 6: Act 3: Teacher's strikes are women's strikes - This is Hell - Air Date 4-24-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: We were there - Robin Roberts Ch. 8: Act 4: West Virginia Sees the Biggest Public Sector Worker Strike in 30 Years - Ring of Fire Radio - Air Date 03-10-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: If it weren't for the union - Robin Roberts Ch. 10: Act 5: Possible unintended consequences from the Janus decision - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-15-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: The Contract - Robin Roberts Ch. 12: Act 6: Cracks appearing in the low-tax paradigm - Diane Rehm: On My Mind - Air Date 4-28-18 Ch. 13: Song 6: Surly Bonds - Aeronaut Ch. 14: Act 7: 5 Ways to Support Teachers Striking Around the US - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 16: Act 8: Corey Robin Striking Teachers Are “Real Resistance” to “Incoherent” Republicans and “Gutted” Dems - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 04-12-18 Voicemails Ch. 17: Be wary of judging another culture's approach to regulation - Whitney from Seattle Ch. 18: Discussing guns - Colin from Cleveland, OH Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 19:Final comments Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay's Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION 5 Ways to Support Teachers Striking: 1. Call your members of Congress 2. March with teachers 3. Help with childcare 4. Explain the strikes to your kids 5. Donate to funds supporting striking teachers (see activism blog pagefor links) EDUCATE YOURSELF Women are leading the wave of strikes in America. Here's why.(The Guardian) The Outcome in Arizona(Jacobin) Colorado Republican lawmakers want to punish striking teachers with jail time.(Vox) What you need to know about why Colorado teachers are walking out of classes and onto the Capitol(Denver Post) What’s at Stake in the Teachers’ Strikes? (The Nation) Teachers are Leading the Working-Class Insurgency(The Nation) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1181_Teacher_Strikes_Air_Date_5-4-18_-_5-5-18_17.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 1 May 2018
Air Date: 5/1/2018 Today I tell stories about Bhutan including personal experiences and what I can about the cultural and political past, present and future of the country Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Direct download: 1180_Bhutan_Travelogue_Air_Date_4-30-18_-_5-2-18_16.02.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Sat, 28 April 2018
Air Date: 5/30/2017 Today we look at some conservatives engaged in the fight against climate change and their best policy proposal to get the job done Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Bob Inglis Changing the dialogue on energy and climate Part 1 - TEDxJacksonville - Air Date 12-10-13 Ch. 3: Song 1: Free Enterprise - Dexter Jones' Circus Orchestra
Ch. 4: Act 2: Ted Halstead: A climate solution where all sides can win – @TEDTalks - Air Date 5-17-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Man With a Plan - The Button Men
Ch. 6: Act 3: Bob Inglis Changing the dialogue on energy and climate Part 2 - TEDxJacksonville - Air Date 12-10-13 Ch. 7: Song 3: The Compromise - The Format
Ch. 8: Act 4: Mitch Hescox on Why We're Not as Divided as You Think: Quiet Cooperation on Climate - Immense Possibilities on NETA Ch. 9: Song 4: Sweet Lullaby - Deep Forest
Ch. 10: Act 5: D@W Field Report Climate March - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 5-18-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Adventure, Darling - Gillicuddy
Ch. 12: Act 6: Bob Inglis on Why We're Not as Divided as You Think: Quiet Cooperation on Climate - Immense Possibilities on NETA
Ch. 13: Final comments on the unanswered questions left over from the original airing of this episode Ch. 14: Bonus Clip: Explaining cap and dividend - The Next System Project - Air Date 8-30-17
Direct download: Rerun_1108_Climate_Air_Date_5-30-17_Ad_Free_-_4-29-18_00.30.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:33pm EDT |
Fri, 20 April 2018
Air Date: 4/20/2018 Today we take a look at some of the highlights of the Kingdom of Bhutan including the most famous of their exports, Gross National Happiness and many lesser-known aspects of their focus on happiness, good governance and environmental protection. We will also look at one of the blackest marks of the countries past, one that still hangs around their necks to this day Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Bhutan The Kingdom Where GDP Is Measured In Happiness - Journeyman Pictures - Air Date 12-21-07 Ch. 3: Act 2: The Message - Gross National Happiness Centre Bhutan - Air Date 2-8-16 Ch. 5: Act 4: Tshering Tobgay: This country isn't just carbon neutral, it's carbon negative - TEDTalks - Air Date 4-1-16 Ch. 6: Act 5: Gross National Happiness: The Paradigm - Schumacher College - Air Date 2-20-17 Ch. 7: Act 6: Namgay Zam The Value of No - TEDxThimphu - Air Date 12-28-15 Ch. 8: Act 7: Siok Sian Pek-Dorji: What Matters in Bhutan - TEDxThimphu - Air Date 4-27-12 Ch. 9: Act 8: Bhutan's forgotten people - 101 East on Al Jazeera English - Air Date 5-23-14 Ch. 10: Final comments on the Bhutanese refugees 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 Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1179_Bhutan_Air_Date_4-20-18_-_4-17-18_16.01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 17 April 2018
Air Date: 4/17/2018 Today we take a look at the debate between individualism and varying forms of collectivism, the benefits and drawbacks of consumerism and some philosophies of economics both past and future Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Debunked "Socialism Has Never Worked - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 8-22-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard Ch. 4: Act 2: The myth of individualistic benefits of capitalism - Economic Update w @profwolff - Air Date 10-23-15 Ch. 5: Song 2: Horizon Liner - The Pine Barrens Ch. 7: Song 3: Hundred Mile-No Guitar - K2 Ch. 8: Act 4: How Capitalism Exploits Us (And What We Can Do About It) - Sustainable Human - Air Date 5-27-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Tripoli - Pecan Grove Ch. 10: Act 5: Kate Raworth on Doughnut Economics and envisioning a new economics - Upstream - Air Date 4-4-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: That River Wide - Sketchbook Ch. 12: Act 6: History: Consumerism - The School of Life - Air Date 10-7-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Surly Bonds - Aeronaut Ch. 14: Act 7: How Would a Total Free Market Libertarian Utopia Work? - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 11-12-17 Ch. 15: Quick summation and initial comments Voicemails Ch. 16: Completely on board for the book club - Ariel from Memphis Ch. 17: Let's hope that MLK would have progressed had he lived - Jeff from Charlotte, NC Ch. 18: Thoughts on MLK's "paternalism" - V from Central New York Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 19: Final comments on the importance of understanding quotes in their own context Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1178_Capitalism_Air_Date_4-17-18_-_4-17-18_13.24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Sat, 14 April 2018
Air Date: 6/20/2017 Today we take a look at the legacy of conservative economics in Kansas, the new federal budget being pushed that would echo the Kansas disaster, deregulation that will cost citizens billions and the intellectual underpinning of modern conservative philosophy that is driving all this Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Conservatism is failing from Topeka to Tulsa to the River Thames - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 6-9-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Dust in the Wind - Kansas
Ch. 4: Act 2: A billionaire perspective on Trump's budget - The Other Washington - Air Date 6-1-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Turtle (Bonobo Remix) - Pilote
Ch. 6: Act 3: Republicans Repeal Disastrous Tax Cuts - @theyoungturks - Air Date 06-11-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Lesson Learned (feat. John Mayer) - Alicia Keys
Ch. 8: Act 4: Roll-Back of Financial Regulations Has Nothing to do with Complexity or Boosting the Economy - @TheRealNews - Air Date 6-13-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Ennio 08-08 - Silence Is Sexy
Ch. 10: Act 5: Stop Republicans from Deregulating Wall Street & #DefendCFPB via @RealBankReform - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: This fickle world - Theo Bard
Ch. 12: Act 6: Nancy MacLean on the intellectual underpinning of a “mean” Republican Party - Who What Why - Air Date 6-16-17
Direct download: Rerun_1113_Tax_and_Deregulation_Air_Date_6-20-17_Ad_Free_-_4-14-18_18.56.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:50pm EDT |
Tue, 10 April 2018
Air Date: 4/10/2018 Today we take a look at some of the lesser-known sides of Martin Luther King's life and legacy, not just about his radicalism and focus on labor rights but also some new takes on the long shadow of the patriarchal views he held and reinforced Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 3: Song 1: Parade Shoes - Arc and Crecent Ch. 4: Act 2: The legacy of Coretta Scott King - Backstory - Air Date 3-30-18 Ch. 5: Song 2: Donder - Darby Ch. 6: Act 3: Dr. King's Bad Advice - On the Media - Air Date 4-6-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: Vernouillet - The Sweet Hots Ch. 8: Act 4: King and gender - The Dig - Air Date 3-21-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Gusty Hollow - Migration Ch. 10: Act 5: Remembering Dr. King's Legacy That Many Forget - The Root Ch. 11: Song 5: Kallaloe - Barstool Ch. 12: Act 6: A More Beautiful & Terrible History The Whitewashing & Distortion of Rosa Parks and MLK’s Legacies - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 02-06-18 Ch. 13: Song 6: Andelo - Pacha Faro Ch. 14: Act 7: The parts of MLK's legacy that made him unpopular and that we need to talk about more - Thinking Cap - Air Date 4-5-18 Voicemails Ch. 21: Seeking unity - Sam from Nashville Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 23:Final comments BONUS CLIP: Ralph Nader on How to Dismantle the Corporate State - @freespeechtv - Air Date 5-9-14 Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay's Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Further Reading & Actions: America's Moral Malady (Rev. William Barber; The Atlantic) KING: Fifty years after Martin Luther King Jr.'s Assassination, His Legacy is Still Being Written(The Atlantic Special Edition) The Last March of Martin Luther King Jr.(The Atlantic) ACTION: The Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival (PoorPeoplesCampaign.org) Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1177_MLK_Air_Date_4-10-18_-_4-10-18_22.37.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 6 April 2018
Air Date: 4/6/2018 Today, in response to a conservative listener who sent in a voicemail about gun culture and policy, the entire episode is a point by point response to that call, complete with as many clips as usual from some regular and irregular sources, with plenty of disagreement but, ultimately, finding lots of common ground Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Listener Voicemail - Looking for common ground on gun control - Caitlin Ch. 3: Act 2: The political effects of Facebook's algorithms - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 03-20-18 Ch. 4: Act 3: Jennifer Carlson on race and gun culture - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 3-12-18 Ch. 5: Act 4: Second amendment redefinition a fraud on the American people - Bradcast - Air Date 3-27-18 Ch. 6: Act 5: The myth of defensive gun ownership Part 1 - Science VS - Air Date 8-4-18 Ch. 7: Act 6: The myth of defensive gun ownership - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 02-03-15 Ch. 8: Act 7: The myth of defensive gun ownership Part 2 - Science VS - Air Date 8-4-18 Ch. 9: Act 8: Gun Control will Not Cure a Society that Produces Monstrous Behavior - @TheRealNews - Air Date 2-24-18 Ch. 10: Act 9: Danger of guns to women - Progressive Faith Sermons w: @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-8-17 Ch. 11: Act 10: The homicide rate with guns present, especially against women - Science VS - Air Date 8-4-18 Ch. 12: Act 11: Prevalence of guns results in more gun deaths and laws do work - Speak Out With Tim Wise - Air Date 2-20-18 Ch. 13: Act 12: The Gun Policies Americans Agree On - On The Media - Air Date 1-8-16 Ch. 14: Act 13: Does It Matter What You Think About Gun Policy? - On The Media - Air Date 1-8-16 Ch. 15: Final comments about what the gun debate is really all about Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay's Climate Ride fundraiser! Music from Blue Dot Sessions: Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut Contrarian - Sketchbook Hundred Mile - K2 Planting Flags - K4 Vengeful - Warmbody Wingspan - Bayou Birds 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 Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1176_Gun_Control_Air_Date_4-6-18_-_4-6-18_23.36_1.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 3 April 2018
Air Date: 4/3/2018 Today we take a look at the latest revelations about the (mis)use of Facebook's data in an attempt to influence US elections, some of those who've seen this coming for years and some thoughts on what to do about it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Facebook Data Massively Obtained & Misused by Cambridge Analytica - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 03-20-18 Ch. 3: Song 1: Minutes - Pacha Faro Ch. 4: Act 2: Analytics CEO CAUGHT On Tape Discussing Potential Bribery and Entrapment - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 03-21-18 Ch. 5: Song 2: Lakal - Speakeasy Ch. 6: Act 3: The Facebook Alarm Bells Have Been Ringing For Years - On The Media - Air Date 3-23-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: Lahaina - Cloud Harbor Ch. 8: Act 4: Micah Sifry on Facebook - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 3-28-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Entrap - Darby Ch. 10: Act 5: Dan Rather's Message to Mark Zuckerberg - The News with Dan Rather on @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-27-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: Contrarian - Sketchbook Ch. 12: Act 6: Is Facebook in trouble? - The Inquiry - Air Date 3-8-18 Ch. 13: Act 7: You Are The Product: Is Facebook's Business Model Spying & Selling Our Data? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 03-22-18 Voicemails Ch. 14: Explaining long-term use of opiates - Marguerite from Fortuna, CA Ch. 15: Liberal Trump voter - Sam from Nashville, TN Ch. 16: US has been most influential country - Sam from Nashville, TN Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 17: Final comments on tenets of “freedom from” and “freedom to” Climate Ride is 2 weeks away! Donate to my Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1175_Facebook_Air_Date_4-3-18_-_4-4-18_17.36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 30 March 2018
Air Date: 5/23/2017 Today we look at the current state of voting rights and the full press efforts being made to expand voter suppression far and wide across the country Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Where we stand on voting rights right now - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 4-12-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: What's Going On - Marvin Gaye Ch. 4: Act 2: Voter ID Suppressed 200,000 Wisconsin Votes; Trump Won by 22,748 - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 05-11-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Who Benefits? - Mustard Plug Ch. 6: Act 3: The benefits of vote-by-mail - The Other Washington from @civicskunkworks - Air Date 5-18-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Tusk - Errors Ch. 8: Act 4: The origins of Trump's new voter fraud commission - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 5-12-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: I Told You So - Karmin Ch. 10: Act 5: Call Out Voter Suppression with Let America Vote via @Let_AmericaVote - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: Activism - Shihan Ch. 12: Act 6: Donald Trump Orders "Election Integrity" Commission Headed by Architects of Voter Suppression - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 05-12-17
Direct download: 1106_Voting_Rights_Air_Date_5-23-17_Ad_Free_Encore_-_3-30-18_21.19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:50pm EDT |
Tue, 27 March 2018
Air Date: 3/27/2018 Today we take a look at the blossoming of the renewed efforts of the conservative drug warriors Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Michelle Alexander We Must Respond Forcefully & Challenge Jeff Sessions's New War on Drugs - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 05-19-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Waterbourne - Algea Fields Ch. 4: Act 2: Race, drugs and prisons - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 9-10-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Gullwing Sailor - Migration Ch. 6: Act 3: Art Way on Pot Recriminalization - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 1-12-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: Inessential - Bayou Birds Ch. 8: Act 4: Understanding the repeal of the Cole memo - Off Kilter - Air Date 1-26-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Astrisx - Bodytonic Ch. 10: Act 5: Tell Congress: Punitive Drug Policies Don’t Work. Harm-Reduction Does. via @DrugPolicyOrg - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: Streamer - Arc and Crecent Ch. 12: Act 6: Death to Drug Dealers Trump Threatens to Ramp Up Drug War, Praising Efforts in Philippines & China - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 03-12-18 Voicemails Ch. 13: The barbary wars were justified - Anonymous Ch. 14: Breaking free from the car - Joe from Chicago Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 15: Final comments on the benefits of electric-assist bikes and the militaristic history of the US Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay's Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Tell Congress: Stand Against Harsh Drug Penalties via Drug Policy Alliance Tip: Use the sample email as guidance for a call script. EDUCATE YOURSELF An Overdose Death Is Not Murder: Why Drug-Induced Homicide Laws Are Counterproductive and Inhumane (Drug Policy Alliance) Experts React to Trump’s Plan to Escalate Drug War and Impose Death Penalty for Drug Offenses (Drug Policy Alliance) Read: Jeff Sessions’s memo asking federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for drug traffickers (Vox) Eleven countries studied, one inescapable conclusion – the drug laws don’t work (The Guardian, 2014) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1174_Drug_War_Air_Date_3-27-18_-_3-27-18_19.56.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 23 March 2018
Air Date: 3/23/2018 Today we take a look at the structures, barriers and incentives standing between us and simpler, more fulfilling, happier and more environmentally sustainable lives Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: You Can't Have Infinite Growth On A Finite Planet - Sustainable Human - Air Date 1-11-18 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: Pleasure, happiness and the marketing that leads us to depression - Who. What. Why. - Air Date 9-29-2017 Ch. 5: Song 2: Open Flames - Aeronaut Ch. 7: Song 3: Molly Molly - Barstool Ch. 8: Act 4: Minimalism: class, fetishes and the fate of the planet - @TheMinimalists - Air Date 2-14-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Homegrown - The Pine Barrens Ch. 10: Act 5: The Story of Solutions - storyofstuffproject - Air Date 10-1-13 Ch. 11: Song 5: Yarrow and Root - The Bulwark Ch. 12: Act 6: Ari Wallach: 3 ways to plan for the very long term - @TEDTalks - Air Date 4-10-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: Suggesting Hardcore History: Death Throes of the Republic - V from Central New York Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 15: Final comments on understanding the systematic nature of oppression so as to know what spandex to wear in opposing it Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay's Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1173_Consumerism_Air_Date_3-23-18_-_3-23-18_22.04.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 20 March 2018
Air Date: 3/20/2018 Today we take a look at the culture behind the gun culture in the US in an attempt to better understand it and to glean new ideas on how to fix it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: The origins of gun culture and violence - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 10-1-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Lesser Gods of Metal - Ray Catcher Ch. 4: Act 2: White Supremacy and the Church of the Second Amendment - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 2-28-18 Ch. 5: Song 2: Inessential - Bayou Birds Ch. 6: Act 3: Close the Boyfriend Loophole - @FullFrontalSamB - Air Date: 11-02-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Yarrow and Root - The Bulwark Ch. 8: Act 4: The BIGGEST Problem is American Gun Culture - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 02-22-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Lakal - Speakeasy Ch. 10: Act 5: Help Students March for Their Lives on March 24th via @AMarch4OurLives #NeverAgain Ch. 11: Song 5: Planting Flags - K4 Ch. 12: Act 6: America has a different, toxic relationship to guns - Speak Out With Tim Wise - Air Date 2-20-18 Voicemails Ch. 13: Thoughts on the lesser-known victims of the opioid crisis - Ani from Alabama Ch. 14: False equivalency between US and Israel - Zach from Atlanta Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 15: Final comments incorporating the legacy of colonialism in its various forms BONUS CLIP 1: Juan Gonzalez on the hidden forces behind global immigration - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 1-31-18 BONUS CLIP 2: Blood, Sweat and Tears (City of the Future, Part 2) - 99% Invisible - Air Date 2-21-18, 2-28-18 Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay's Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Find a March for Our Lives event near you Support the March for Our Lives - Donate Purchase the song “Shine” written and performed by members of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Drama to support Shine MSD - a nonprofit founded to encourage survivors of violence to express themselves through art. EDUCATE YOURSELF National School Walkout: Thousands Protest Against Gun Violence Across the U.S. (NY Times) Students from Parkland and Chicago unite to expand the gun control conversation (Vox) Florida passes gun control bill but fails to ban assault-style weapons used in Parkland school shooting (Independent) College and University Update on Disciplinary Actions (NACAC) Drive them to a march. Buy their gas. Whatever it takes, support all kids marching today (The Guardian) The Students of Stoneman Douglas (60 Minutes) Universities Tell Applicants That Protesting Gun Violence Won’t Affect Admissions (Huffington Post) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1172_Gun_Culture_Air_Date_3-20-18_-_3-20-18_19.33.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 16 March 2018
Air Date: 3/16/2018 Today we take a look at the catastrophic point where cutting taxes, racism, capitalism, immigration policy and our punitive-rather-than-rehabilitative criminal justice system all meet Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Targeting minority communities as sources of revenue through law enforcement - Leid Stories - Air Date 8-25-15 Ch. 3: Song 1: Lord Weasel - Molerider Ch. 4: Act 2: The costs of incarceration for those least able to pay - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 9-30-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: One Little Triumph - Piano Mover Ch. 6: Act 3: Lauren Brooke, author of Inside Private Prisons - Off Kilter - Air Date 11-9-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard Ch. 8: Act 4: Revenge or Reform: The Penal Challenge - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 6-11-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Neil Takes Two - Studio J Ch. 10: Act 5: What They Won't Tell You About The Fires In California - @RedactedTonight with @LeeCamp - Air Date 10-18-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Donder - Darby Ch. 12: Act 6: LA Sheriff Whines Because 'Good' Prison Laborers Are Getting Released - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 10-14-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Heather - Migration Ch. 14: Act 7: Slave labor in our prisons - Off Kilter - Air Date 10-20-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: A Burst of Light - Delray Ch. 16: Act 8: Support #OperationPUSH & Join Juneteenth 2018 Call to End Prison Slavery via @IWW_IWOC - Best of the Left Activism Voicemails Ch. 17: Disputing the horseshoe fallacy - Eduardo Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 18: Final comments on DACA, immigration policy, Japanese internment, prison labor and agribusiness Sarah Taber's Twitter thread on Dreamers & the Agricultural History of Japanese Internment Camps BONUS CLIP: Hard times (still) in the fields - Jim @HightowerNews - Air Date 3-14-18 Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay's Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Support Operation PUSH - Incarcerated Worker’s Organizing Committee Support Juneteenth 2018 Call to End Prison Slavery - Fight Toxic Prisons Other Resources: Check out Free Alabama Movement’s “ALABAMA'S EDUCATION, REHABILITATION, AND RE-ENTRY PREPAREDNESS BILL" Check out ACLU New Jersey’s “A Vision to End Mass Incarceration in New Jersey” EDUCATE YOURSELF Prisoner Rights Advocates Rally Against Visitation Cutbacks In Florida Prisons (WUFT) Both Red and Blue States Rely on Prison Labor (via The American Prospect) Prison labour is a billion-dollar industry, with uncertain returns for inmates (The Economist) The NCAA Says Student-Athletes Shouldn’t Be Paid Because the 13th Amendment Allows Unpaid Prison Labor (The Intercept) Florida is afraid of its prison system. Here’s what lawmakers want to do about it. (Tampa Bay Times) Florida Prisoners Prepare To Strike, Demanding an End to Unpaid Labor and Brutal Conditions (The Intercept) Enlisting Prison Labor to Close Budget Gaps (via The New York Times, 2011) 4 Reasons to End Prison Labor Immediately (Care2) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1171_Prison_Profit_War_Air_Date_3-16-18_-_3-16-18_22.31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 13 March 2018
Air Date: 6/6/2017 Today we look at where the Democratic party went wrong that led them to their current disempowered state and some of the arguments for why moving in a progressive direction is both morally correct and electorally smart Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Thomas Frank on how Democrats lost their Democratic values - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 4-22-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: How's That Workin' for You? - Karen Taylor-Good Ch. 5: Song 2: State Your Case - Tibursky Ch. 6: Act 3: Parker Malloy discusses the place for identity politics in the progressive movement - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 4-20-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Join Forces - Caribbean Pulse Ch. 8: Act 4: The Assault on Bernie Continues: Identity Politics - The @BenjaminPDixon Show - Air Date 4-26-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Tonight The Streets Are Ours - Richard Hawley Ch. 10: Act 5: FDR provides a guide for how the Democratic Party can win - @Jimmy_Dore Show - Air Date 3-31-17
Direct download: 1109_Progressives_Air_Date_6-2-17_Ad_Free_Rerun_-_3-13-18_23.19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:52pm EDT |
Fri, 9 March 2018
Air Date: 3/9/2018 Today we take a look at Trump's half-hearted and misguided attempt to address the opioid crisis as well as give some understanding to the history of opioids in the US, the multifaceted reasons why they're being abused at record levels and some ideas as to how to address the problem both humanely and effectively Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Trump's Opioid Response Ignores Real Solutions - @TheRealNews - Air Date 10-26-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: These Times - The Pine Barrens Ch. 4: Act 2: Opioid addiction in America - BackStory - Air Date 5-12-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Our Fingers Cold - K2 Ch. 7: Song 3: Vibrant Canopy - Origami Ch. 8: Act 4: The missing context of the escalating potency of opioid drugs - The Dig - Air Date 10-23-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Waterbourne - Algea Fields Ch. 10: Act 5: How Trump's opioid emergency measures come up short - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 11-3-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle Ch. 12: Act 6: The psychology and ideology of addiction and treatment - Economic Update - Air Date 1-12-18 Voicemails Ch. 13: Understanding multi-layered fears - Steve from Tampa, FL Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 14: Final comments on Steve’s homework and a tease for a bonus clip on the other opioid crisis BONUS CLIP: Are We Missing a Bigger Opioid Crisis? - The Inquiry - Air Date 12-7-17 Help fight climate change! Donate to my Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1170_Opioids_War_Air_Date_3-9-18_-_3-9-18_18.36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 6 March 2018
Air Date: 3/6/2018 Today we use Trump's threats to commit genocide in North Korea as the jumping off point to take a look at the process of launching and the probable result of using nuclear weapons Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Trump calls for genocide - @CounterSpin - Air Date 9-22-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Quaver - Codebreaker Ch. 4: Act 2: Explaining the process for launching a nuclear attack - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 9-27-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Lochley Fells - Barstool Ch. 6: Act 3: Mutually assured destruction in the age of Trump - Thinking Cap - Air Date 2-1-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: That Horse Ithica - Sketchbook Ch. 8: Act 4: Daniel Ellsberg on nuclear war - Who What Why - Air Date 12-20-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Shift of Currents - Aeronaut Ch. 10: Act 5: Don't Bank on The Bomb Ch. 11: Song 5: N/A Ch. 12: Act 6: Divest from Nuclear Weapons Producers via @DontBankonBomb - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: The Rampart - Castle Danger Ch. 14: Act 7: Evan Osnos on the North Korea crisis - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-6-17 Ch. 15: Final comments on some of the lessons we could or should learn from recent developments with North Korea Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay's Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Divest from financial institutions funding nuclear weapons production with DontBankontheBomb.com Get guidance on divesting, download the campaigner guide, and more, on the Action page Easily tweet at and tag financial institutions on Facebook to tell them to stop investing in nuclear weapons EDUCATE YOURSELF Who Invests? (Don't Bank on the Bomb) Who Divests? (Don't Bank on the Bomb) Nuclear Weapons Producers (Don't Bank on the Bomb) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1169_Nuclear_War_Air_Date_3-6-18_-_3-6-18_19.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 2 March 2018
Air Date: 3/2/2018 Today we take a look at the rise of the right from Trumpism in the US to the far-right parties gaining steam in Europe and beyond Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Brian Klass on understanding what it takes to make Trumpism enticing - The Good Fight - Air Date 6-7-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Eventual Victory - Codebreaker Ch. 4: Act 2: Christian Picciolini explaining what draws people into hate - Speak Out with Tim Wise - Air Date 9-30-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: The Trestle - Lillehammer Ch. 6: Act 3: Timothy Snyder on the anatomy of tyranny - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 2-23-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: Tyrano Theme - Tyrano Ch. 8: Act 4: Understanding the recent elections in Germany - Trumpcast - Air Date 10-4-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Delicious - Towboat Ch. 10: Act 5: Understanding the Golden Dawn party in Greece - @Making_Contact - Air Date 12-13-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Vengeful - Warmbody Ch. 12: Act 6: How we are encouraging the enemies of democracy - The Good Fight - Air Date 4-12-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Thannoid - Bodytonic Ch. 14: Act 7: Liz Fekete economic push for the rise of the right in Europe - This is Hell - Air Date 1-20-18 Voicemails Ch. 15: The challenge to redefine our society - V from Central New York Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 16: Final comments on the importance of finding the intersections of political issues Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay's Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1168_Right_Wing_International_Air_Date_3-2-18_-_3-2-18_19.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 27 February 2018
Air Date: 2/27/2018 Today we take a look at the youth-lead response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School as well as some history of youth-protest movements Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Become a member and enjoy ad-free episodes and bonus content! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft
Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 3: Song 1: Quaver - Codebreaker Ch. 4: Act 2: The impressive response from students of Stoneman Douglas High School - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 2-22-18 Ch. 5: Song 2: Lahaina - Cloud Harbor Ch. 6: Act 3: The Last School Shooting - On the Media - Air Date 2-23-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: The Envelope - Aeronaut Ch. 8: Act 4: The history and present of youth leadership in protest - #SundayCivics - Air Date 2-25-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Minutes - Pacha Faro Ch. 10: Act 5: Mary Beth Tinker on the power of youth protest - Trumpcast - Air Date 2-23-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: Gullwing Sailor - Migration Ch. 12: Act 6: Stand with the Students to Demand Real Gun Regulation: Call. March. Boycott. Vote. via @AMarch4OurLives #NeverAgain Ch. 13: Song 6: When in the West - Landsman Duets Ch. 14: Act 7: The next crop of leaders standing up to injustice - Bradcast from @TheBradBlog - Air Date 2-22-18 Voicemails Ch. 15: There was a lack of nuance in the Israel and Palestine episodes - Jeff T from New York Ch. 16: Sharing some insights from a fearful, gun-owning couple - Steve from Tampa, FL Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 17: Final comments on what news I remember from high school and some critical thinking homework in response to the voicemails Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay's Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION #NeverAgain: Take part in the March for Our Lives in DC, or find one near you, on Saturday, March 24th Donate to support the organizing efforts for the marches nationwide Encourage young people to pre-register & register to vote before the midterm elections. #VoteforOurLives Call and write your members of congress about gun control and VOTE! Boycott and pressure banks & companies with ties to the NRA and gun and ammunition producers. Other ways you can help: Donate to the Parkland Victims Fund, the MSD Benefit Concert, and/or the Journalism Program at MSD EDUCATE YOURSELF The Parkland Students Aren't Going Away (The Atlantic) How the Survivors of Parkland Began the Never Again Movement (The New Yorker) Students Who Lived Through Florida Shooting Turn Rage Into Activism (NPR) Key Gun Violence Statistics (The Brady Campaign) Florida shooting leads some Republicans to say it's time for Congress to do more than talk (USA Today) The NRA is being supported by these companies (Think Progress) Companies are cutting ties with the NRA after the Parkland mass shooting (Vox) These are the banks financing the assault weapons industry (Think Progress) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!
Direct download: 1167_Parkland_Shooting_Youth_Air_Date_2-27-18_-_2-27-18_21.46.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 23 February 2018
Air Date: 4/21/2017 Today we make the argument that people are naturally good and that society and economists should treat them that way Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: A lesson in Buddhist economics Part 1 - @thisishellradio - Air Date 3-7-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Out With the Old - Casa Di Mondo
Ch. 4: Act 2: Thomas Hobbes Was Wrong... Our Core Nature Is Good! - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date: 01-05-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: One of the Good Ones - Redd Kross
Ch. 6: Act 3: A lesson in Buddhist economics Part 2 - @thisishellradio - Air Date 3-7-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Renegades - X Ambassadors
Ch. 8: Act 4: Nipun Mehta - Designing For Generosity - TEDxBerkeley - Air Date: 02-26-12 Ch. 9: Song 4: Something Good Can Work - Two Door Cinema Club
Ch. 10: Act 5: Lux Narayan: What I learned from 2,000 obituaries - @TEDTalks - Air Date 3-1-17
Direct download: 1097_Culture_Air_Date_4-21-17_Ad_Free_Rerun_-_2-23-18_23.32.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 20 February 2018
Air Date: 2/20/2018 Today we respond to the recent Trump budget proposal with some economic theories of our own, a description of how we could make ourselves happier and more prosperous and an explanation for why the GOP governing philosophy is so at odds with implementing programs that people like Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: The corporate slight-of-hand in the wake of the New Deal - Economic Update with Prof. Richard D. Wolff - Air Date: 08-31-2017 Ch. 3: Song 1: Gondola Blue - Towboat Ch. 4: Act 2: Sweden Got More Socialist, Economy Now BOOMING - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 05-15-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Wingspan - Bayou Birds Ch. 6: Act 3: People in Denmark Are Much Happier Than People in the United States. Here’s Why. - The Nation - Air Date 7-17-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: N/A Ch. 8: Act 4: Using economic crisis to roll back the gains for works made after the last crisis - Economic Update - Air Date 7-7-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Contrarian - Sketchbook Ch. 11: Song 5: Surly Bonds - Aeronaut Ch. 12: Act 6: #HandsOff: Reject Trump’s Morally Bankrupt Budget via @amprog @CoalitiononHN @CenterOnBudget @SSWorks Ch. 13: Song 6: This Fickle World - Theo Bard Ch. 14: Act 7: The Two Santa Claus Theory: Republican Strategy to Dismantle the Social Safety Net - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 1-31-18 Ch. 15: Final comments on the tipping point in the Democratic party that portends hope for the future Help fight climate change! Donate to my Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Tell Congress to keep #HandsOff necessary government programs by calling, and emailing via the Coalition on Human Needs action page Check out and share the Center for American Progress Budget Fact Sheets Check out and share reports from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities Get involved with the Coalition for Human Needs & Social Security Works EDUCATE YOURSELF President's Budget Would Cut Food Assistance for Millions and Radically Restructure SNAP (CBPP) Policy Basics: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (CBPP) Fact Sheet: How Trump's 2019 Budget Hurts Older Americans (Center for American Progress) Trump's 2019 Budget: what he cuts, how much he cuts, and why it matters (Vox) “America’s Harvest Box” Captures the Trumpian Attitude Toward Poverty (The New Yorker) A Bad Budget for America's Place in the World (Center for American Progress) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1166_Benefits_Air_Date_2-20-18_-_2-20-18_20.34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 16 February 2018
Air Date: 2/16/2018 Today, after having recently looked at a few of the details of Israel, we take a look at what's happening on the other side of the border, in Palestine. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Amer Zahr on working toward rights and democracy for all in Israel - Part 1 - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 3-18-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Parade Shoes - Arc and Crecent Ch. 5: Song 2: Gullwing Sailor - Migration Ch. 7: Song 3: modum - Kai Engel Ch. 8: Act 4: Amer Zahr on working toward rights and democracy for all in Israel - Part 2 - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 3-18-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Another Promise Kept - Art Of Escapism Voicemails Ch. 11: Filling in some gaps in the #MeToo discussion - Margareet from Fortuna, CA Ch. 12: How do we do egalitarianism right? - Susie from Chicago, IL Ch. 13: The failure of imagination of jumping to advocating agency - Dave from Olympia, WA Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 14: Final comments in which Jay shows the way forward to build gender egalitarianism by repeating what some women have been saying for years Help fight climate change! Donate to my Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1165_Palastine_Air_Date_2-16-18_-_2-16-18_21.15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 13 February 2018
Air Date: 2/13/2018 Today we take a look at the history and context of the Korean Peninsula, how it was split in two in the first place and how self-perpetuating actions have been taken ever since to bring us to the brink of what would be a completely unnecessary and utterly disastrous war Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Ghosts of the Korean War - @Making_Contact - Air Date 2-7-18 Ch. 3: Song 1: Plate Statis - Algea Fields Ch. 4: Act 2: Understanding the problems on the Korean peninsula Part 1 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 12-18-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Unfolding Plot - Ray Catcher Ch. 6: Act 3: If you Remember Vietnam, You Already Know Whats Happening With North Korea - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 09-20-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut Ch. 8: Act 4: Why Kim Jong Un is rational in his own context - Cape Up - Air Date 1-16-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Shift of Currents - Aeronaut Ch. 10: Act 5: The breakdown in our negotiating tactics with North Korea Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 12-18-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Thread Caramb - Textile Caramb Ch. 12: Act 6: Donald Trump Proves North Korea Was Right According To Kim Jong-un - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 09-22-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Cloud Line - K4 Ch. 14: Act 7: What Would War with North Korea Look Like? - The Inquiry - Air Date 7-26-17 Voicemails Ch. 15: Explaining rank-choice voting - Erin from Philadelphia Ch. 16: Catch problematic behaviors before they fester into something worse - Ariel from Memphis Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 17: Final comments on prosecutorial discretion in the court of public opinion Help fight climate change! Donate to my Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1164_North_Korea_Air_Date_2-13-18_-_2-14-18_16.04.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 9 February 2018
Air Date: 3/31/2017 Today we look at the multi-front political battles being waged for the heart of the progressive movement, women’s movement, the Democratic party and the county as a whole Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: A roundup of grassroots resistance groups - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 3-8-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: A Lot of Work to Do - Friendly People Ch. 4: Act 2: Intersectional feminism is looking to tear down the capitalism establishment - Off Kilter (@TalkPoverty) - Air Date 3-8-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Intersectionality - Those American Girls Ch. 6: Act 3: The Democratic party needs to debate it's differences - The Zero Hour w @RJEskow - Air Date 3-4-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Keep On Moving Forward - Emma's Revolution Ch. 8: Act 4: Why we can't abandon the red states - Belabored (@DissentMag) - Air Date 3-24-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Immigrants (We Get the Job Done) - K'naan, Snow Tha Product, Riz MC & Residente Ch. 10: Act 5: A coalition of movements arise under Trump - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 3-15-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Workers of the World Unite! - The Last Internationale Ch. 12: Act 6: Nancy Pelosi Has Super Secret Plan To Keep Losing - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 03-24-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Master Plan - My Morning Jacket Ch. 14: Act 7: The messaging of inevitability for the progressive movement - The Zero Hour w: @RJEskow - Air Date 3-4-17 Ch. 15: Song 7: Inevitable - Scissor Sisters Ch. 16: Act 8: Tap Into the Tools for ‘The Resistance’ - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 17: Song 8: Time for Action - Secret Affair Ch. 18: Act 9: Women in the age of Trump and what the movement looks like - We the Podcast with Rep. @keithellison - Air Date 3-30-17
Direct download: Rerun_1091_Resistance_Air_Date_3-31-17_Ad_Free_-_2-9-18_16.55.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 6 February 2018
Air Date: 2/6/2018 Today we take a look at Israel from a variety of angles including what they do, who supports them and why Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Breaking down Trump's moves on Israel - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 1-31-18 Ch. 3: Song 1: Quaver - Codebreaker Ch. 4: Act 2: What doesn't get mentioned when reporting on Israel - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 1-19-18 Ch. 5: Song 2: Surly Bonds - Aeronaut Ch. 7: Song 3: Hundred Mile-No Guitar - K2 Ch. 8: Act 4: What Israel has to do with local policing in the US - Intercepted (@theintercept) - Air Date 9-20-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Lahaina - Cloud Harbor Ch. 11: Song 5: Stale Case - Darby Ch. 12: Act 6: Ilan Pappé: The Myths of Israel - @TheRealNews - Air Date 3-30-17 Ch. 13: Final comments addressing some of the concerns about the #MeToo movement Help me reach my goal! Donate to my Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions, Free Music Archive) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1163_Israel_Air_Date_2-6-18_-_2-6-18_19.39.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 2 February 2018
Air Date: 2/2/2018 Today we take a look at the economics of immigration, both the good and the bad, both the domestic and international Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Support our Winter Fundraiser! Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: The economics of immigration and demonization - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 2-28-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Kawruwath Na - Amarasiri Peiris Ch. 5: Song 2: Another Promise Kept - Art Of Escapism Ch. 6: Act 3: How Democrats Used to Talk About Immigration - On The Media - Air Date 9-8-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Betty Dear - The Pine Barrens Ch. 8: Act 4: Why we all need to be involved in immigration fight - @SundayCivics - Air Date 1-28-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Le gris, le bleu, d'une profonde humilité - Monplaisir Ch. 10: Act 5: Juan Gonzalez on the hidden forces behind global immigration - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 1-31-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: Homegrown - The Pine Barrens Ch. 13: Song 6: Rotisserie Graveyard - Doctor Turtle Ch. 14: Act 7: Back when America was great, it was awash in immigrants - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 1-18-18 Voicemails Ch. 15: Ranked-choice voting could work against progressives - Jeff from Charlotte, NC Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions, Free Music Archive) Ch. 16: Final comments on ranked-choice voting Help fight climate change! Donate to Jay!'s Climate Ride fundraiser! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent Activism: TAKE ACTION Use DreamerPledge.org tools and scripts to demand your MoCs protect Dreamers REMINDERS: DACA ends March 5th! Next Continuing Resolution deadline is Feb. 8th! EDUCATE YOURSELF Do three-quarters of Americans support the DREAM Act? Nancy Pelosi says so (PolitiFact.com) Senate Democrats cave, provide votes based on McConnell’s empty promise (Think Progress) Compromise or cave-in? Democrats' deal to end shutdown sows division (The Guardian) Dreamers are Americans Too (TIME) “Dreamers” could give U.S. economy – and even American workers – a boost (Salon.com) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1162_Immigration_Economics_Air_Date_2-2-18_-_2-2-18_19.15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 30 January 2018
Air Date: 1/30/2018 Today we take a look at part of the history of our privacy rights, who they protect the most and what's happening to them recently Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Support our Winter Fundraiser! Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Who is worst effected when we allow creeping anti-privacy technology - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 3-11-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent Ch. 4: Act 2: The history of our FISA laws - @HumorlessQueers - Air Date 3-11-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: contrarian - Sketchbook Ch. 6: Act 3: The Resistance Folds For Trump - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-12-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: Open Flames - Aeronaut Ch. 8: Act 4: Serious Problems with American Policing - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 02-12-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Andelo - Pacha Faro Ch. 10: Act 5: Stop ALPR Surveillance in Your Community with CCOPS Laws via @ACLU - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 11: Song 5: Lumber Down - Barstool Ch. 12: Act 6: Privacy and our trash - BackStory Air Date: 10-06-17 Voicemails Ch. 13: Our diluted democracy - Jeff from Chicago Ch. 14: The invisible bigotry against non-Americans - Nate from Vacaville, CA Ch. 15: Different offenses need to be treated differently - Jeff from Charlotte, NC Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 16: Final comments on non-American bigotry and the response to #MeToo Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1161_Privacy_Air_Date_1-30-18_-_1-31-18_11.07.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00pm EDT |
Fri, 26 January 2018
Air Date: 1/26/2018 Today we take a look at some of the nuances of the #MeToo movement and the predictable backlash to it as well as the backlash to Trump in the form of the one-year anniversary Women's March Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Support our Winter Fundraiser! Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Ch. 2: Act 1: Explaining the Aziz Ansari story - Backtalk from Bitch Media - Air Date 1-25-18 Ch. 3: Song 1: The Envelope - Aeronaut Ch. 4: Act 2: #MeToo Backlash - @FullFrontalSamB - Air Date: 01-18-18 Ch. 5: Song 2: Lahaina - Cloud Harbor Ch. 6: Act 3: Feminist Lessons From the Third Wave - On the Media - Air Date 1-19-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: Gullwing Sailor - Migration Ch. 8: Act 4: Understanding the prevalence of harassment in the workplace - @offkiltershow - Air Date 11-17-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Discovery Harbor - Cloud Harbor Ch. 10: Act 5: “The Year of Our Awakening” Global Protests Mark Anniversary of Women’s March & Trump Inauguration - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 01-22-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: Paper Feather - Migration Ch. 12: Act 6: Raise Women’s Voices By Fighting Voter Suppression via @Let_AmericaVote - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 13: Song 6: Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde Ch. 14: Act 7: Kimberlé Crenshaw speech at the Women's March - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 1-23-18 Voicemails Ch. 15: NYC March #1 - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 16: March #2 - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 17: Good news on the gerrymandering front in Pennsylvania - Erin from Philadelphia Ch. 18: Pessimistic about defeating gerrymandering - Annie from Alabama Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Ch. 19: Final comments on being optimistic and the wrongheadedness of seeing people as complex and 3-dimensional Support the future of this show! OUR WINTER FUNDRAISER ENDS JANUARY 31st! Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Hold officials accountable for their voting rights record with Let America Vote EDUCATE YOURSELF The Surprising Ways Voter Suppression Particularly Hurts Women (Alternet) Women's March 2018 Isn't About Trump —It's About Upending The Entire Political System (Newsweek) Voter Suppression Targets Women, Youth and Communities of Color (Issue Advisory, Part One) (NOW.org) In NC, Voter Suppression Hits Women & People of Color Hardest. (Southern Coalition for Social Justice; 2014) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon & check out our Winter Fundraiser! Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1160_MeToo_Air_Date_1-26-18_-_1-26-18_20.24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 23 January 2018
Air Date: 11/25/2016 Today we look at the comparison between the rise of Hitler and the rise of Trump, not to say that they are the same but to try to learn from the past in order to see farther into our own future and avoid the terrible ends that are possible Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Support our Winter Fundraiser! Join the Best of the Left Social Network!
Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: O'Connor Decries Republican Attacks on Courts - NPR Morning Edition - Air Date: 3-10-2006 Ch. 3: Song 1: Oak - Ben McElroy
Ch. 4: Act 2: His rise to power Part 1 - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 11-21-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: Nazi (Live) - Chumbawamba
Ch. 6: Act 3: How South Africa Could Prepare the U.S. for President Trump - The Daily Show - Air Date 11-16-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Things a Get from Bad to Worse - The Ethiopians
Ch. 8: Act 4: His rise to power Part 2 - Trumpcast from @Slate - Air Date 11-21-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: I think your a nazi - Stephen Lynch
Ch. 10: Act 5: Comparing the rise of Trump and Hitler - @InDeepRadio w: @AngieCoiro - Air Date 3-26-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Der Fuehrer's Face (From "Nuttsey Land") - Spike Jones & His City Slickers
Ch. 12: Act 6: We Can't Wait To See The End Before We Resist The Beginning Of Fascism - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 11-22-16
Direct download: Edition_1060_We_should_avoid_these_ends_by_avoiding_these_beginnings_Godwins_Law_-_1-23-18_21.31.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Fri, 19 January 2018
Air Date: 1/19/2018 Today we take a look at one of the most important and least understood problems with our broken democracy, gerrymandering, including some ideas to fix it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Support our Winter Fundraiser! Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Drawing New Lines - On the Media - Air Date 5-24-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Great is the Contessa - The Contessa Ch. 4: Act 2: Richard Hasen explains the case against gerrymandering - Amicus - Air Date 9-16-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Wingspan - Bayou Birds Ch. 6: Act 3: Rattling the Bars: Prison is Not a Residence - @TheRealNews - Air Date 9-18-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Theme - Towboat Ch. 8: Act 4: Looking forward to the 2020 census and the plan to gerrymander the future - Trumpcast - Air Date 1-4-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Planting Flags - K4 Ch. 10: Act 5: Judges Rule N. Carolina Representatives Cannot Choose their Voters - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-11-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: Parissi - Marisala Ch. 12: Act 6: Dems Must Be the Anti-Gerrymandering Party (w/ John Nichols) - The Zero Hour w @RJEskow - Air Date 7-18-17 Ch. 13: Final comments introducing the FairVote.org campaign Bonus Clip: Introducing: The Fair Representation Act - FairVote - Air Date 6-25-17 Support the future of this show! Become a member during our Winter Fundraiser! Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Learn more about the Fair Representation Act (HR 3057) at FairVote.org Share the campaign video for The Fair Representation Act - FairVote Tell Congress to support HR 3057 via Stance or call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 EDUCATE YOURSELF The Case for Proportional Voting (National Affairs) Dear Jeff Flake: time to start a third party (Vox) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon & check out our Winter Fundraiser! Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1159_Voting_Rights_Air_Date_1-19-18_-_1-19-18_19.57.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 16 January 2018
Air Date: 1/16/2018 Today we take a look at the legacy of Martin Luther King that some people prefer to forget and most people never learned about. In fact, it is likely his forgotten opinions that got him killed rather than his calls for racial equality. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Support our Winter Fundraiser! Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: MLK What They Won't Teach In School Part 1 - News Beat (@USNewsBeat) - Air Date 1-8-18 Ch. 3: Song 1: N/A Ch. 4: Act 2: Understanding Beyond Vietnam - Intercepted (@intercepted) - Air Date 4-5-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: The Envelope - Aeronaut Ch. 6: Act 3: The MLK you don't see on TV - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 1-20-17 Ch. 7: Song 3: Vengeful - Warmbody Ch. 8: Act 4: MLK What They Won't Teach In School Part 2 - News Beat (@USNewsBeat) - Air Date 1-8-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: N/A Ch. 10: Act 5: Invoking King when it's convenient, ignoring what we don't like - Intercepted (@intercepted) - Air Date 4-5-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut Ch. 12: Act 6: Understanding the response to the Beyond Vietnam speech - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 1-13-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Santre - K2 Ch. 14: Act 7: A Dream Remembered? How we came to revere MLK - @Making_Contact - Air Date 1-17-17 Ch. 15: Final comments on the revival of the Poor People’s Campaign Get involved with the new Poor People's Campaign Support the future of this show! Become a member during our Winter Fundraiser! Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Get involved with the new Poor People's Campaign Read the Campaign history and fundamental principles Follow the Campaign on Facebook & Twitter EDUCATE YOURSELF Martin Luther King's Poor People's Campaign Reborn (Truth Dig) Artist creates "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" memes to stop people from whitewashing MLK (Mic) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon & check out our Winter Fundraiser! Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1158_MLK_Air_Date_1-16-18_-_1-16-18_20.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Sat, 13 January 2018
Air Date: 1/13/2018 Today we take a look at a bit of the history, and some of the recent developments of, the debate over immigration policy and the people affected by it Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Support our Winter Fundraiser! Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: INCREDIBLE Watch George HW Bush & Ronald Reagan Debate Immigration In 1980 - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 09-06-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Shhhame (Instrumental Acoustic) - PC-ONE Ch. 4: Act 2: Tribalism, Narcissism, Nationalism, and their Offspring - Progressive Faith Sermon - Air Date 10-1-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Comma - Codebreaker Ch. 6: Act 3: The wrongheadedness of the boarder wall - The Dig - Air Date: 05-31-2017 Ch. 7: Song 3: Lacrima D'esperide - Damiano Baldoni Ch. 8: Act 4: Deportations DOWN Under Trump Despite More "Arrests" - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 10-06-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Minutes - Pacha Faro Ch. 10: Act 5: The Clock Is Ticking for DACA, and the Government Shutdown - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 01-07-18 Ch. 11: Song 5: Le gris, le bleu, d'une profonde humilité - Monplaisir Ch. 12: Act 6: The end of TPS for Salvadorans - In the Thick - Air Date 1-9-18 Ch. 13: Song 6: Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher Ch. 14: Act 7: Pass a Clean Dream Act NOW via @UNITEDWEDREAM - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: Kawruwath Na - Amarasiri Peiris Ch. 16: Act 8: My Parents Were From What Trump Calls 'Shithole Countries' - Joy Reid | All In | MSNBC - Air Date 1-11-18 Voicemails Ch. 17: What if Congress were allowed secret ballots for their votes? - Dave from Olympia, WA Ch. 18: Did Jay! ever come back to take the reins of BotL again? - Nick from California Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 19: Final comments on whether or not I ever came back to produce the show after my departure in 2007 Support the future of this show! Become a member during our Winter Fundraiser! Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION Get involved with and support United We Dream Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon & check out our Winter Fundraiser! Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1157_Immigration_Air_Date_1-12-18_-_1-13-18_20.26.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 9 January 2018
Air Date: 1/17/2017 Today we take a look at the Democrats failure to present viable economic solutions and offer a new vision for where we should go from here. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Support our Winter Fundraiser! Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Show Notes Ch. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Democrats failed to offer a better solution - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 11-26-16 Ch. 3: Song 1: Once There Was a Hushpuppy - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin
Ch. 4: Act 2: How progressives need to frame their economic message - @theLFshow w: @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 12-29-14 Ch. 5: Song 2: Unified - Unified Highway
Ch. 6: Act 3: AI Will Eliminate 6% of Jobs in Next 5 Years - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date: 09-18-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Automation - Allan Sherman
Ch. 8: Act 4: Paul Street on the folly of throwing away identity politics - @BlkAgendaReport - Air Date 1-16-17 Ch. 9: Song 4: Working Class Hero - Green Day
Ch. 10: Act 5: Not Trickle Down, But Bottom Up | Anthony Flaccavento - @theLFshow w: @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 12-15-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Trickle Down - Hayseed Dixie
Ch. 12: Act 6: What is Economic Democracy? - The Next System Project - Air Date: 3-1-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Le monde de contre jour - David Ari Leon
Ch. 14: Act 7: The UK Labor party taking the lead on worker coops - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 5-9-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Capitalism Is Tearing Us Apart - Sole
Ch. 16: Act 8: Social Welfare Does Not Kill Business, with President of Iceland Ólafur Grímsson - Big Think - Air Date 11-13-14 Ch. 17: Song 8: Success - Iggy Pop
Ch. 18: Act 9: How can we develop the next system? - Economic Update w: @profwolff - Air Date 12-30-16 Ch. 19: Song 9: Capitalism - Yellow Umbrella Ch. 20: Act 10: Join or Start a Local Democracy @ Work Action Group via @Democracyatwrk - Best of the Left Activism
Direct download: Rerun_progressive_economics_Air_Date_1-9-18_Ad_Free_-_1-9-18_16.25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:40pm EDT |
Fri, 5 January 2018
Air Date: 1/5/2018 Today we take a look at some of the challenges and triumphs for women of color and what thanks they should get in return Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 Support our Winter Fundraiser! Join the Best of the Left Social Network! Show NotesCh. 1: Opening Theme: A Fond Farewell - From a Basement On the Hill Ch. 2: Act 1: Why We Riot: The language of the unheard - NewsBeat - Air Date 12-18-17 Ch. 3: Song 1: Streamer - Arc and Crecent Ch. 4: Act 2: Who stands in solidarity with women of color? - In the Thick - Air Date 11-21-17 Ch. 5: Song 2: Entrap - Darby Ch. 6: Act 3: Watch The Moment Doug Jones Supporters Found Out He WON - Ring of Fire Radio - Air Date: 01-02-18 Ch. 7: Song 3: When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent Ch. 8: Act 4: Ryan Grim On Roy Moore, Racism, & Voter Suppression - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 01-02-18 Ch. 9: Song 4: Tyrano Theme - Tyrano Ch. 10: Act 5: Understanding the double consciousness of blackness - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 10-12-17 Ch. 11: Song 5: Theme - Towboat Ch. 12: Act 6: Charles Barkley Slam Dunks Dems - The Zero Hour - Air Date 12-16-17 Ch. 13: Song 6: Third in Line - Arc and Crecent Ch. 14: Act 7: Thank Black Women with Actions Not Just Words - Best of the Left Activism Ch. 15: Song 7: That River Wide - Sketchbook Ch. 16: Act 8: Alabama black women #BlackWomenLead - Sunday Civics - Air Date 12-17-17 Ch. 17: Final comments on access journalism and the one time it’s been used to bring down the powerful Support the future of this show! Become a member during our Winter Fundraiser! Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone (Additional music from Blue Dot Sessions) Activism: TAKE ACTION! Read: Black Women Kept Roy Moore Out of Office. Here’s How to Thank Them. (The Cut) Read: 15 Real Ways to Thank Black Women for Carrying the Country on Their Backs (The Little Rock Sun) Learn About: Higher Heights Leadership Fund Learn About: Woke Vote Learn About: Stay Woke Florida Voting Initiative Petition (February 1st petition deadline!) Learn About: Color of Change PAC EDUCATE YOURSELF Black Turnout in Alabama Complicates Debate on Voting Laws (The New York Times) 'Black Votes Matter': African-Americans Propel Jones To Alabama Win (NPR) White Women Thank Themselves for Thanking Black Women Today (Reductress) After Alabama: Say ‘Thank You’ to Black Women, and Mean It (LA Progressive) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon & check out our Winter Fundraiser! Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1156_Racism_Air_Date_1-5-18_-_1-5-18_18.25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Best of the Left Podcast
Put a description of your podcast here.
The Podcasts
Syndicate This Site:
Archives:
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
