Best of the Left Podcast

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The Podcasts

Air Date 2/5/2019

Today we take a look at the history of FDR's "Four Freedoms" and "Economic Bill of Rights" that laid the groundwork for the fight for economic freedom for all that continues to this day.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Harvey Kaye, "The Fight for the Four Freedoms" - Book TV - Air Date 5-11-14

Harvey Kaye examines the progressivism of the Roosevelt-era and argues that a reminder of the "four freedoms" could address today's political and social issues.

Ch. 2: What Ted Cruz Doesn't Get About 'Freedom' - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 7-21-16

Thom talks about Ted Cruz's speech at the Republican Convention and compares his definition of 'freedom' with the way it was described by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Ch. 3: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 1 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18

F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented.

Ch. 4: Fighting for the Four Freedoms - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-15-14

Historian Harvey J. Kaye talks about how FDR was able to mobilize Americans to create "the strongest and most prosperous country in human history."

Ch. 5: Libertarian Definition of "Freedom" is Freedom in Name Only - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 8-1-13

Explaining that libertarian thinking doesn't incorporate the existence of economic coercion

Ch. 6: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 2 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18

F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented.

Ch. 7: Bernie Sanders & FDR's Second Bill of Rights - Berniementum - Air Date 8-12-15

President FDR's Second Bill of Rights speech - January 11, 1944 Sen. Bernie Sanders speech at the National Press Club - Mar. 9, 2015 Music - "There is Romance" by Imcompetech

Ch. 8: Fight for the Four Freedoms What Made FDR & the Greatest Generation Truly Great (w: Harvey J Kaye) - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 9-9-15

University of Wisconsin Professor Harvey J Kaye author of Fight for the Four Freedoms: What Made FDR and the Greatest Generation Truly Great, explains Ronald Reagan and the great pushback against a progressive America

Ch. 9: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 3 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18

F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: Sanders rant on his supporters hatred of female politicians - Jason from Chicago


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments in which I resolve the dispute over whether Bernie Sanders supporters are sexist or not


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • The Zeppelin - Aeronaut
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Peacoat - Studio J
  • Glass Beads - The Balloonist
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • The Wooden Platform - The Bulwark
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
  • Entrap - Darby
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!


Air Date 2/1/2019

Today we take a look at the warring factions of progressive and conservatives who are all trying to amend the constitution in various ways. Some progressives want to call for a Convention of States to propose an amendment, as do some conservatives, while others are calling for an amendment but would rather it go through the Congress for reasons that will be explained.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: We the People Amendment - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 4-28-15

Thom Hartmann talks with David Cobb, National Spokesperson-Move to Amend Website: www.movetoamend.org, about an amendment in The U.S House that would end 'corporate rule'.

Ch. 2: The Liberty Amendments Explained Article V Convention of States - Hip Hughes - Air Date 8-15-18

A look at the Constitutional process of starting a Constitutional Convention by the states. And a straight forward focus on Mark Levin's proposed "Liberty Amendments" and the Convention of States pushing for a Constitutional Convention.

Ch. 3: Overturning Citizens United Is a Constitutional Amendment the Best Path to Limit Dark Money? - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 3-13-13

We host a debate on whether the push for a constitutional amendment is the best path to overturning Citizens United. We speak to Mark Schmitt, a senior fellow at the Roosevelt Institute and John Bonifaz, co-founder and director of Free Speech for People.

Ch. 4: The Balanced Budget Amendment Escape Clause - The New American Video - Air Date 4-3-17

The escape clause of a proposed Balanced Budget Amendment gives Congress the authority to not balance the budget while in a national state of emergency. Constitutional expert Robert Brown points that the U.S. is in a constant state of emergency for almost

Ch. 5: Cenk DEBATES Constitutional Amendment To Fight Corruption Part 1 - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date 7-8-18

Cenk Uygur joins a panel discussion about the pros and cons of calling for an Article 5 convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to fight money in politics and overturn the Citizens United decision.

Ch. 6: Mark Levin, Constitution Article V, and the Liberty Amendments - WesternFreePress - Air Date 7-11-13

Mark Levin shows how the state legislatures, with no permission required from the feds, can amend the US Constitution. It's right there in Article V, and the historical record shows that the Founders meant for that Article to be used in a time like ours.

Ch. 7: Cenk DEBATES Constitutional Amendment To Fight Corruption Part 2 - @ TheYoungTurks - Air Date 7-8-18

Law Professor, Ken Chestek, explains the nuts of bolts of going forward with an Article V Convention strategy

Ch. 8: Liberals, Conservatives Team Up To Overturn Citizens United - Rebel HQ - Air Date 9-21-17

TYT's Eric Byler talks to Jeff Clements, president of American Promise, an all-volunteer organization working toward a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn "Citizens United."


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: Shutdown - Alan from Connecticut


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments with my main takeaways about the state of the campaign for the 28th amendment


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Hundred Mile-No Guitar - K2
  • Castillo - The Nocturne
  • The Zeppelin - Aeronaut
  • No Smoking - Sunday at Slims
  • Streamer - Arc and Crecent
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • Turning on the Lights - 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!


Air Date 1/22/2019

Today we take a look at socialism in America from our often violent response to the concept in the wake of the Russian Revolution through the recent revival in interest, driven primarily by the younger generation today

Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Red Dawn Americans and the Bolshevik Revolution - @BackStory - Air Date 11-9-17

One hundred years ago, Vladimir Lenin and his Bolshevik Party seized power in a revolution that would change the world. Today we explore how that distant revolution had an immediate impact in the United States.

Ch. 2: What the Russian Revolution Proved Possible - Empire Files - Air Date 12-18-17

To understand the context of this first socialist experiment, how it happened and what caused the many problems it faced, Abby Martin sits down with Brian Becker, a long-time socialist organizer.

Ch. 3: America’s Unofficial Religion - The War On An Idea Part 1 - Empire Files - Air Date 11-27-17

Everyone in the United States knows that “socialist” or “communist” is considered a bad word. How did things get that way? Abby Martin explores the history of anti-communism in America and the heavy repression of an idea that became an unofficial religion

Ch. 4: "Socialism" in the Air - On the Media - Air Date 7-27-18

The word "socialism" has been trending, appearing on op-ed pages, FOX News, ABC's The View and beyond. In this word watch, Bob speaks with another self-described socialist, Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan Robinson

Ch. 5: Americans are ready for socialism - @ThisIsHellRadio - Air Date 3-13-18

Columnist Elizabeth Bruenig looks beyond the failures of liberalism, to the possibilities of socialism. Elizabeth wrote the op-ed “It’s time to give socialism a try” at the Washington Post.

Ch. 6: Richard D. Wolff - What are Capitalism & Socialism? What differentiates them from each other? - acTVism Munich - Air Date 2-21-17

In this interview with Professor of Economics Emeritus (University of Massachusetts), Marxist economist and founder of Democracy at Work, Richard D. Wolff, we talk to him about Capitalism and Socialism.

Ch. 7: Why Are People Talking About Socialism? with Paul Jay - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-2-19

Explaining why socialisms time may have come - the failures of capitalism

Ch. 8: Dr. Richard Wolff on Marxism 101: How Capitalism is Killing Itself - Empire Files - Air Date 11-28-17

Prof. Richard Wolff explains some tenets of how a modern socialists system could work

Ch. 9: America’s Unofficial Religion The War On An Idea Part 2 - Empire Files - Air Date 11-27-17

Capitalism can no longer compare itself with the dysfunctional Soviet Union but can only be compared to itself and it's failures


Bonus Clips:

Fox & Friends Have TOTAL Meltdown Over Socialism - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 8-6-18

Odd Republican Lady Bashes Ocasio-Cortez On Fox After Meeting Her - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 7-24-18


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments wrapping up conservative arguments against socialist programs


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Trois Gnossiennes - Blue Dot Sesisons
  • Gondola Blue - Towboat
  • Our Fingers Cold - K2
  • Tiny Putty - The Cabinetmaker
  • Waltz and Fury - Macrame
  • The Summit - K2
  • The Provisions - K4
  • Peacoat - Studio J
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 23124320The20story20of20Socialism20in20America.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date 12/21/2019

Today we take a look at the GOP through modern history to understand how they came to be what they are and how the impeachment is throwing this reality into such sharp relief. 

Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991

 

EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!)


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: What the framers didn't foresee was Mitch McConnell - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 10-26-19

A thought on why it’s Mitch McConnell, not Donald Trump, who poses the core threat to our constitutional structure.

Ch. 2: What’s wrong with the Republican Party? - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 11-23-19

Thomas Mann, co-author of It’s Even Worse Than It Looks joins me to discuss how the Republican Party became the institution on display in this process.

Ch. 3: The GOP's Ultimate Defense Keeping America Tuned Out - On the Media - Air Date 11-22-19

David Roberts, a writer covering energy for Vox, on the "epistemic crisis" at the heart of our bifurcated information ecosystem.

Ch. 4: The biggest difference between Trump and Nixon is Fox News - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 11-9-19

Nicole Hemmer, the brilliant historian of conservative media, joins to discuss how Fox News and the larger conservative media-verse protects Trump but also lures him into disaster.

Ch. 5: Comparing the pubic opinion timeline from Nixon to now - Impeachment Today - Air Date 12-18-19

The second time the US impeached a president, it was Richard Nixon. And we all know how that turned out — except we don’t. Princeton history prof Kevin Kruse gives us the tour.

Ch. 6: The GOP's circular arguments are dangerous to the country - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 12-14-19

Noah Feldman is a Harvard Law professor and one of the constitutional scholars who testified at the House Judiciary Committee’s hearing. He joins me to talk about what he saw, what he learned, and the Republican argument that truly scared him.

Ch. 7: Trump impeached - Impeachment Updates from The Washington Post - Air Date 12-19-19

The House of Representatives voted last night to impeach President Trump on charges that he abused his office and obstructed Congress, branding an indelible mark on the most turbulent presidency of modern times.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 8: Final comments on the end of the year, the end of the impeachment investigation and what we are looking ahead to next year


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Trois Gnossiennes 3 - Blue Dot Sesisons
  • Gondola Blue - Towboat
  • Rapids - Grey River
  • Tripoli - Pecan Grove
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE:

"He's Number One: Trump Leads GOP Field in New Poll," Mike Licht, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped and blurred top and bottom

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1327_Impeachment_GOP_Air_Date_12-20-19_-_12-21-19_16.55.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date 12/17/2019

Today we take a look at the history of impeachment starting with the crafting of the language in the constitution and on to how the impeachment process has played out over time.

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Take our audience survey: http://survey.libsyn.com/hippiesympathizer

EPISODE SPONSORS: Bombas.com/LEFT  |  Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT)  |  Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!)


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Impeaching Other Presidents - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 12-7-19

Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Kate Shaw, a professor of law at Cardozo Law School and the co-director of the Floersheimer Center for Constitutional Democracy.

Ch. 2: Lessons From That Other Impeachment - On the Media - Air Date 12-6-19

Bob interviews Brenda Wineapple, author of The Impeachers: the Trial of Andrew Johnson and the Dream of a Just Nation. She describes our country's first presidential impeachment as a divisive, acrimonious one.

Ch. 3: Nixon, Clinton, and What the Right Gets Wrong About Impeachment - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 12-5-19

Princeton history professor Kevin Kruse joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss what the current congress can learn from the historical examples of Bill Clinton, Richard Nixon, and Andrew Johnson.

Ch. 4: John Dean On The Impeachment Comparisons - On the Media - Air Date 11-15-19

Brooke speaks to Nixon's former White House counsel John Dean to get his reflections on what other meaningful comparisons there are between these proceedings and the ones against Clinton and Nixon.

Ch. 5: Tom Brokaw Remembers Watergate - Article II Inside Impeachment - Air Date 11-16-19

Brokaw discusses his time covering the fall of President Nixon and the parallels to today, as the nation watches the impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump unfold.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 6: Let them gather information - Jeff from New York

Ch. 7: Why I became a member - Alan from Connecticut


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 8: Final comments on why it’s worth it to try to do the right thing


TAKE ACTION!

**TONIGHT (TUES. DEC. 17th): National "Nobody Is Above The Law" Protests Planned for Night Before House Impeachment Vote**

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • Cases to Rest - Bodytonic
  • Felt Lining - The Cabinetmaker
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1326_Impeachment_History_Air_Date_12-17-19_-_12-17-19_22.40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:24pm EST

Air Date 12/13/2019

Today we take a look at the impeachment story through the lens of the last six years of history between Russia and Ukraine from the annexation of Crimea to election tampering and all that followed.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991

 

EPISODE SPONSORS: Bombas.com/LEFT | Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!)


SHOW NOTES

Bonus Clip: Does the GOP have Putin envy? - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date: 03-04-14

Ch. 1: The Ukraine story is a Russia story Part 1 - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 10-26-19

Evelyn Farkas, the Pentagon’s former point person on Russia and Ukraine, talks about the Russia-Ukraine crisis Trump exploited.

Ch. 2: The Backstory - Rubicon: The Impeachment of Donald Trump - Air Date 11-29-19

Brian Beutler and The Atlantic’s Frank Foer discuss the true origins of the Ukraine scandal, and how they fit into a much larger story of global corruption.

Ch. 3: The Ukraine story is a Russia story Part 2 - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 10-26-19

Evelyn Farkas, the Pentagon’s former point person on Russia and Ukraine, talks about the Russia-Ukraine crisis Trump exploited.

Ch. 4: The Origins of The Ukraine Corruption Conspiracy Theory - On the Media - Air Date 11-8-19

How John Solomon from The Hill helped catapult completely fabricated conspiracy theories all the way to the White House.

Ch. 5: Impeachment Inquiry - The Washington Post - Air Date 12-3-19

Rosalind S. Helderman traces the origin of Rudolph W. Giuliani’s involvement in Ukraine.

Ch. 6: The Prehistory of the Ukraine Scandal - Impeachment A Daily Podcast - Air Date 11-11-19

Our guest, Philip Bump, Washington Post national correspondent takes us through Paul Manafort, the Russian annexation of Crimea, and a few Ukraine's problematic prosecutors that led up to the events we're still learning about.

Ch. 7: The impeachment inquiry is America's Rorschach test - The Daily DC Impeachment Watch - Air Date 12-3-19

Why won't Republicans stop talking about the debunked theory that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election?


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 8: Final comments on our end-of-year membership drive

Bonus Clip: The articles of impeachment have arrived - The Daily DC Impeachment Watch - Air Date 12-10-19

Democrats claim President Trump committed two 'high crimes and misdemeanors' - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.


TAKE ACTION!

Sign Up for National "Nobody Is Above The Law" Protests Planned for Night Before House Impeachment Vote (*Vote Date TBA*)  

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Castillo - The Nocturne
  • Cloud Line - K4
  • Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
  • Rapids - Grey River
  • Entrap - Darby
  • Lord Weasel - Molerider
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE:

"Trump-Ukraine controversy", Trending Topics 2019, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped and more white added to the top and layered other images at top

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1325_Impeachment_Ukraine_Air_Date_12-13-19_-_12-13-19_18.40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date 12/10/2019

Today we take a look at the labor movement as energy and power continue to build and more workers continue to strike to demand better conditions for themselves and all of society in an intersectional movement for social justice. Though not much thanks can be given to either political party.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991

 

EPISODE SPONSORS: Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT) Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!)


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: UAW GM Strike Rooted In Decades-Long Struggle For Dignity with Steven Greenhouse - Democracy Now - Air Date 9-18-19

Steve Greenhouse discusses the history of union organizing and the current state of unions in the GM strike.

Ch. 2: Past and Present of Collective Action with Jane McAlevey - On The Media - Air Date 9-20-19

Jane McAlevey discusses the power of labor in reshaping inequality.

Ch. 3: A Plan To Revive American Unions with Mary Kay Henry Part 1 - The Weeds with Matt Yglesias - Air Date 9-10-19

Mary Kay Henry discusses the possibilities of a strong labor force in shaping society.

Ch. 4: State of Labor with Kate Bronfenbrenner - Counterspin - Air Date 9-6-19

Kate Bronfenbrenner discusses the possibilities of the power of labor and the role of the gig economy.

Ch. 5: Will Unions Deliver 2020 To Democrats with Dave Jamieson - The Takeaway Politics with Amy Walter - Air Date 8-30-19

Amy Walter talks with several experts about the history of labor resistance and their ties to the Democratic Party

Ch. 6: A Plan To Revive American Unions with Mary Kay Henry Part 2 - The Weeds with Matt Yglesias - Air Date 9-10-19

Mary Kay Henry discusses the possibilities of a strong labor force in shaping society.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Share in the profits by lowering costs - Bud from Boise

Ch. 8: Pulling people to the left - Corey from New Jersey

Ch. 9: Thanks for important conversations - Jake from the UK


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on how Republicans have become what they defend

Limerick of the day from @Limerick_News


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
  • Streamer - Arc and Crecent
  • When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • Parade Shoes - Arc and Crecent
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE

SEIU Protest by Spot Us, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1324_Labor_Unions_Air_Date_12-10-19_-_12-10-19_17.45.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date 12/7/2019

Today we take a look at the reaction to decades of the fetishization of privatization in the form of a reinvigorated movement for public ownership of institutions meant to serve the public such as utilities, banks, train systems and so on. But this isn't your grandfathers' top-down public ownership, the new movement has bottom-up, accountable, democratic control of institutions at the very core of its mission. 

Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991

 

EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: As California Burns Again, Rep. Ro Khanna Calls for PG&E to Become Publicly Owned Utility - Democracy Now - Air Date 10-31-19

PG&E declared bankruptcy amid a number of lawsuits related to the wildfires. We speak with California Congressmember Ro Khanna, who is calling for the California state government to take over control of PG&E.

Ch. 2: When Power Goes Out, Who Is Held Accountable? - Building Local Power - Air Date 10-31-19

PG&E’s negligence and how a distributed energy system could avoid future outages and detrimental fire damage.

Ch. 3: Public Ownership 2.0 - Weekly Economics - Air Date 2-18-19

Public ownership is back on the agenda. But if privatization has failed, what kind of public ownership should replace it?

Ch. 4: From Private Profits to Public Alternatives - The Next System Podcast - Air Date 1-24-19

The conversation runs the gamut from the pitfalls of the privatization of goods and services to the social benefits of public ownership and envisioning democratic governance thereof.

Ch. 5: The Future of Banking - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-29-19

Ralph welcomes Walt McRee President of Public Banking Associates, who explains how public banks should be the future of banking.

Ch. 6: Trinity Tran on Public Banking - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-11-19

Trinity Tran, co-founder and lead organizer for Public Bank LA and a founding member of the California Public Banking Alliance.

Ch. 7: Who’s Afraid of Public Ownership? - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 1-28-19

Laura in conversation with Thomas Hanna, research director at The Democracy Collaborative and author of “Our Common Wealth: The Return of Public Ownership in the United States”.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Knowing the history of pitching men against the patriarchy - Shannon from The Bronx

Ch. 9: Society going in a good direction - Shannon from The Bronx


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on building a wholistic feminism


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
  • Glass Runner - Marble Run
  • One Little Triumph - Piano Mover
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • Algea Trio - Algea Fields
  • Planting Flags - K4
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1323_Public_Ownership_Air_Date_12-6-19_-_12-7-19_16.55.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date 12/4/2019

Today we take a look at some solutions to our social media problems of fake news, propaganda and hate in all forms spreading like wildfire through society

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EPISODE SPONSORS: Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT) | Clean Choice Energy

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Are Democrats Breaking Up Big Tech with Tim Wu - The Takeaway Politics with Amy Walter - Air Date 10-25-19

Amy Walter interviews several experts about the role of big tech in politics and policy in our society.

Ch. 2: FaceBOO - BackTalk with Dahlia and Amy - Air Date 10-31-19

Dahlia and Amy discuss Zuckerberg and Facebook and their unstoppable capitalist power and right-wing centrism.

Ch. 3: Mark Zuckerberg Thinks He's A Free Speech Advocate with Kate Klonick - On The Media - Air Date 10-25-19

Kate Klonick discusses AOC questioning Zuckerberg about Facebook's role in free speech and politics.

Ch. 4: Down The Rabbit Hole By Design with Guillaume Chaslot - Your Undivided Attention with Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin - Air Date 7-10-19

Aza, Tristan and Guillaume Chaslot discuss the vicious internet algorithms that are draining the life of humans.

Ch. 5: Are Democrats Breaking Up Big Tech with Cecelia King - The Takeaway Politics with Amy Walter - Air Date 10-25-19

Amy Walter interviews several experts about the role of big tech in politics and policy in our society.

Ch. 6: With Great Power Comes No Responsibility - Your Undivided Attention with Aza Raskin and Tristan Harris - Air Date 6-25-19

Aza, Tristan and Yael Eisenstat discuss the massive power Facebook has over the lives and policies of the American people.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Christian missionary colonization - Heather from Colorado

Ch. 8: The curation is needed - Mark in Colorado

Ch. 9: Monthy contributor - Mark in Colorado

Ch. 10: First-time monthly member - Stacy from San Francisco Bay Area


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments on how human curation is like Tinkerbell


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Begrudge - Darby
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • Waterbourne - Algea Fields
  • Jackbird - Feathers
  • Gondola Blue - Towboat
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1322_Regulating_Social_Media_Air_Date_12-3-19_-_12-4-19_17.06.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date: 6–21-2019
Today we take a look at the ways that Native Peoples are represented in white society and pop culture, how some are working to take back their own narratives and some insight into the profound effects, both positive and negative, of how peoples are represented.
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Opinion polls about offense and the Redskins football team - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 5-27-16

The Washington Post conducts a flawed survey resulting in a misleading conclusion that most native peoples don't consider Redskins to be an offensive term

Ch. 2: The toxic mix of racist representation and misogynistic disregard for women - Let's Talk Native... with John Kane - Air Date 2-14-19

Racist representation of native peoples in sports and culture supports the anti-native sentiment that drives the MMIWG epidemic

Ch. 3: A Native perspective for museums - Native America Calling - Air Date 4-9-19

Native peoples have had their stories told form them by white people for centuries, working in museums and cultural centers create the opportunities to tell their own stories

Ch. 4: Spirit Animal Native Appropriation - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 5-18-17

W Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu step in a pile of native cultural appropriation and then slowly, messily wade their way out of it

Ch. 5: Hawaiian Indigeneity and the theft of Aloha with W. Gerry Ebalaroza - Breakdances With Wolves - Air Date 8-21-18

Discussing cultural appropriation in many forms including the legal trademarking of one of the terms most central to native Hawaiian culture, Aloha

Ch. 6: 'Reel' Indians and the invention of Hollywood Indian English - Backstory - Air Date 11-22-14

A history lesson on the Hollywood creation of all of the stereotypes we reflexively think of when we think about how native peoples speak

Ch. 7: On Native American Loss and Triumph - On the Media - Air Date 10-5-18

David Treuer discusses the means by which Indians have been fighting for social and political change for centuries.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Changed my mind in favor of impeachment - Nick from California


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on the Canadian TV show “First Contact” and what it teaches us about how people do and don’t change their mind


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

NativeAppropriations.com

Native American imagery is all around us, while the people are often forgotten (National Geographic)

The Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Epidemic Is Inseparable From Native Appropriation(Bustle)

‘It’s called a genocide’: Gavin Newsom apologizes to California’s Native Americans (San Francisco Chronicle)


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • Vibrant Canopy - Origami
  • Homegrown - The Pine Barrens
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Interlude - The Nocturne
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1283_Native_Peoples_Representation_Air_Date_6-21-19_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:04am EST

Air Date: 4–16-2019
Today we take a look at just a few of the aspects of modern life for Native Peoples that we can see as stemming from the racism and colonialism that has been endemic in post-contact America.
Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: American Indians Confront “Savage Anxieties” - Moyers and Company - Air Date 12-26-14

Bill speaks with Robert A. Williams Jr., a professor specializing in American Indian law, about how deals such as the one with Rio Tinto are a part of American Indian’s tragic history of dispossession.

Ch. 2: What we inherit: Explaining intergenerational trauma - Code Switch - Air Date 6-6-18

The story of one family's struggle to end a toxic cycle of inter-generational trauma from forced assimilation. Getting back to their Native Alaskan cultural traditions is key.

Ch. 3: Sexual Violence and Native American Genocide - @Making_Contact - Air Date 11-26-13

Andrea Smith, author of “Conquest: Sexual Violence and Native American Genocide” explains the connection between violence against women, and the colonization of native lands and bodies.

Ch. 4: The legal structures that uphold violence against Indigenous people #MMIW - Let's Talk Native... with John Kane - Air Date 2-14-19

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is a major issue because of racism. Acquittals for murdering Native people occur because of racism. Racism is systemic, historic and the norm in the US and Canada.

Ch. 5: End the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Crisis: Tell Congress to Pass #SavannasAct, #SURVIVEAct & Reauthorize #VAWA

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 6: Jenni Monet on Indigenous Journalism - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 1-24-19

Corporate media’s lack of interest in indigenous issues, and their ahistorical, distorted view of them when they do cover them, are long overdue for a change.

Ch. 7: Beyond Tragedy: The living history of Native America - Ideas from CBC Radio - Air Date 2-20-19

This idea of history as tragedy is something that Ojibwe writer David Treuer tries to undo in The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee. He argues that Indigenous peoples have always found ways to adapt, and that's exactly what they're doing now.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Disagreeing on arguments against a female presidential candidate - Stacy from San Francisco Bay Area


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments sharing some voices of Native people giving their perspective on the burning of Notre Dame cathedral


TAKE ACTION!

Tell Congress to Pass/Reauthorize:

Learn more at MontanaMMIW.com & on Twitter: #MMIW #MMIWG

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

A missing sweater tells the story of missing Indigenous women (Indian Country Today)

Savanna's Act is Back (Splinter)

States weigh bills addressing Native deaths, disappearances (AP)

House Passes Bill Protecting Domestic Abuse Victims; GOP Split Over Gun Restrictions (NPR)

Montana Senate Betrays Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (Splinter)

Tester reintroduces “Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment” Act (KRTV)

Lisa Murkowski Revives Bill Targeting Missing And Murdered Native Women (Huffington Post)

Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
  • Cloud Line - K4
  • Slow Lane Lover - Barstool
  • This fickle world - Theo Bard
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

Episode Image: Slowking4 via commons.wikimedia.org

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1265_Native_Peoples_Modern_Life_Air_Date_4-16-19_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:03am EST

Air Date: 2–26-2019

Today we take a look at the process of systematic, government-sponsored genocide against the native peoples of North America that kicked off the wealth-accumulating, territory-expanding American empire we know and love today

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz on digging deeper to understand America's past - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 6-16-16

Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz describes the process of coming to understand that there is an alternate history of the United States and explains how she tried to convey that new understanding in her book "An Indigenous People's History of the United States."

Ch. 2: American expansion and violence against Native Americans - @BackStory - Air Date: 01-19-2018

Ed talks with historian Benjamin Madley about the devastating impact of the Gold Rush on California’s native tribes – and how both government officials and everyday citizens justified enslaving and killing native peoples.

Ch. 3: The moral narratives of colonization as relates to the Western Frontier and Israel - Citations Needed (@CitationsPod) - Air Date 8-22-17

We explore how the media discusses the issue of BDS and the broader topic of Palestinian liberation with guest Steven Salaita.

Ch. 4: Understanding the origins of scalp hunting and "redskins" - Empire Files - Air Date 11-25-15

Abby Martin interviews Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, renowned indigenous scholar and activist, about her most recent book "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States."

Ch. 5: Paul Frymer on the building of an American empire - The Dig from @jacobinmag - Air Date 1-30-18

We are living on land from which indigenous people, over hundreds of years, have been violently removed. Almost everyone knows this — yet it’s rarely mentioned in stories that Americans tell themselves about who we are as a country and how we got here.

Ch. 6: America's Distribution of Violence - @Intercepted w: @JeremyScahill - Air Date 2-14-18

Jeremy Scahill talks with Nikhil Singh, professor of social and cultural analysis and history at New York University, about his new book "Race and America’s Long War.”


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Life as a charter school contractor - TJ from Scottsdale

Ch. 8: Reaction to candidate spotlight episode - Conner from Worcester, MA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments explaining the shortcomings of the Candidate Spotlight episode and how it was made

BONUS CLIP: Senator Kamala Harris live in the studio - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-24-19


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • A Burst of Light - Delray
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1252_Native.Imperialism_Air_Date_2-26-19_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:02am EST

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

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: A Code Switch Thanksgiving Feast - Code Switch - Air Date 11-21-17

Exploring the conflicting narratives of American Thanksgiving.

Ch. 2: Historian Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz on Thanksgiving: "It Has Never Been About Honoring Native Americans" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date: 11-29-16

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.

Ch. 7: Native Americans React to Elizabeth Warren's DNA Test: Stop Making Native People "Political Fodder" - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 10-18-18

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.

Ch. 8: Indigenous historian Nick Estes discusses the trivializing of native people - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 10-23-18

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 video on social media

Amplify the #StandwithMashpee hashtag

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):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • On Early Light - Cholate
  • Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard
  • Cases to Rest - Bodytonic
  • Nuthatch - Feathers
  • The Cast and Favor - Bayou Birds
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1230_Native_People_Thanksgiving_Air_Date_11-27-18_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:01am EST

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

 

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 change the way we think.

Ch. 2: The Truth of Jesuit-Catholic Christopher Columbus - The Canary Effect (Documentary)

The 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: 

New York Democratic Party

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
Gondola Blue - Towboat
A Burst of Light - Delray
The Provisions - K4
Gullwing Sailor - Migration
One Little Triumph - Piano Mover
Festering - Towboat

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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1216_Columbus_Day_Air_Date_10-5-18_-_11-26-21_02.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EST

Sponsored: Today we feature a full episode of Brave New Words focusing on one of the most pressing issues for Americans: access to medicine and the fight against Big Pharma. 

Brave New Words is a new, limited series podcast about the power of changing the narrative of the political arguments we have, using those new narratives to drive major progressive wins around the world and create real change.

Search for Brave New Words wherever you get your podcasts or find the show at BraveNewWordsPod.com

 

Additional Praise for Brave New Words:

Jee Kim, Executive Director, Narrative Initiative

“Anat has the unique ability to take thorny challenges and offer concrete ways to address them. She makes narrative change accessible and compelling.”

 

Celinda Lake, Democratic pollster and strategist

“As a veteran of issue and electoral campaigns for progressive causes and candidates, I can think of no better person to walk us through the words that have won us critical victories than Anat. The lessons and the unparalleled strategic insights she draws apply to persuasive communication across a range of issues."

 

Ian Haney López, author Merge Left and Dog Whistle Politics

"Messaging is an art and a science. Few combine these as brilliantly as Anat Shenker-Osorio. Her captivating podcast is a master class in how to tell the truth that can set us free."

 

Heather McGhee, Former President of Demos

"Shanker-Osorio’s message advice is the best around. She understands not just what words test well but what stories will move people into action, and has become the secret weapon of winning progressive campaigns worldwide."

 

Michael Podhorzer, Senior Advisor to the President, AFLCIO; Founder of the Analyst Institute

"Anat consistently uncovers messages that both persuade and help mobilize working people. The insights offered in these episodes are critical for anyone who works in progressive politics or just has an interest in making this country more just, prosperous and democratic."

 

Dorian Warren, President of Community Change

“To win a better world we need better stories and more support for change. Anat is a warrior for both – her tools are data, passion, wisdom and an indomitable commitment to listening to and learning first from those most left behind on this planet.”


Air Date: 11/23/2019

Today we take a look at just a few forms the decolonization movement is taking from finance to cartography to the internet and beyond. 

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

EPISODE SPONSORS:  Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Decolonizing Wealth Through Indigenous Leadership - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 7-25-18

Laura speaks to Edgar Villanueva, about being one of the very few indigenous people working in grant-making, and ask what he thinks Native American traditions have to teach philanthropy. His latest book is "Decolonizing Wealth"

Ch. 2: Decolonizing philanthropy - Native America Calling - Air Date 12-13-18

Edgar Villanueva, author of “Decolonizing Wealth,” questions the wisdom of accepting funds from philanthropic endeavors built by corporate giants whose business is in direct conflict with Native sovereignty and sustainability.

Ch. 3: Decolonize the Internet - Tiny Spark - Air Date 3-8-19

The internet is very white male-biased, it's important to find and prop up all other voices.

Ch. 4: Decolonizing Maps - Native America Calling - Air Date 8-28-19

Indigenous Map making is a greatly different experience from what western colonialism forces people to use. Maps can tell a story, and engage with people.

Ch. 5: Decolonization Is For Everyone with Nikki Sanchez - TEDx Talks - Air Date 3-12-19

Nikki Sanchez shares her vision of a world where we listen and care and stop dehumanizing people.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 6: Hoping to save a life - James from Sacramento, CA

Ch. 7: Wealth tax for the children - Chris from San Diego


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 8: Final comments on the tragedy of wealth and the difference between aggregation and curation

Limerick of the day from @Limericking


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Lakal - Speakeasy
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • Weathervane - CloudCover
  • Contrarian - Sketchbook
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

SHOW IMAGE

dignidadrebelde | Flickr | License | Changes: Added credit

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1321_Native_Decolonization_Air_Date_11-23-19_-_11-23-19_18.11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date: 11/20/2019

Today we take a look at how Neoliberalism was born, how it was maintained and why it is on the verge of collapse. 

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: How NeoLiberalism Happened with George Monbiot Part 1 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-8-19

Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism.

Ch. 2: Too Hot For School with Jane McAlevey - On the Media - Air Date 9-20-19

The climate protests and collective action of today mirror the same crises and protests of the FDR era.

Ch. 3: How NeoLiberalism Happened with George Monbiot Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-8-19

Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism.

Ch. 4: How whiteness distorts our democracy, with Eddie Glaude Jr. - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 4-4-19

Glaude is the chair of Princeton University’s department of African American studies, the president of the American Academy of Religion, and the author of the powerful book Democracy in Black.

Ch. 5: How NeoLiberalism Happened with Binyamin Appelbaum - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-8-19

Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism.

Ch. 6: We Are Trapped In The Moral Logic Of Neoliberalism with Adam Kotsko Part 1 - This Is Hell - Air Date 10-2-18

Chuck and Adam discuss neoliberal policy, culture and systems that keep us in massive inequality and divided from each other.

Ch. 7: David Kotz: The Rise and Fall of Neoliberal Capitalism - Union for Radical Political Economics - Air Date 6-19-16

Talk on how Neoliberalism will come to an end

Ch. 8: We Are Trapped In The Moral Logic Of Neoliberalism with Adam Kotsko Part 2 - This Is Hell - Air Date 10-2-18

Chuck and Adam discuss neoliberal policy, culture and systems that keep us in massive inequality and divided from each other.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: SAD Solidarity - Jesse from Boston

Ch. 10: I feel it too - Erin from Philadelphia

Ch. 11: Sunshine policy - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 12: Take a walk! - Linda from New Jersey


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 13: Final comments on emotional vomiting


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Chilvat - Lillehammer
  • Open Flames - Aeronaut
  • The Envelope - Aeronaut
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
  • The Wooden Platform - The Bulwark
  • Stale Case - Darby
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1320_End_of_Neoliberalism_Air_Date_11-19-19_-_11-20-19_21.29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date: 11/15/2019

Today we take a look at the proposals from Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders for a Wealth Tax and how those proposals run afoul of not just Republican Fats Cats but Democratic Fat Cats as well

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EPISODE SPONSORS: Bombas.com/BEST  |  Forecast Fest Podcast (Wherever you get your podcasts)  Clean Choice Energy

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*No Topics Poll this week, but we just want to say THANK YOU to all of our Patrons, both old and new! This show is simply not possible without your support! We're incredibly grateful.*


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: A Wealth Tax For American Progress - Jim Hightower - Air Date 10-24-19

The rich are different from us, but their psyches are fragile.

Ch. 2: Wealth Tax with Michael Linden - Off-Kilter with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 10-4-19

Rebecca and Michael discuss how a wealth tax would be a great start to reducing inequality and building a thriving economy,

Ch. 3: Bernies Wealth Tax Causing Existential Dread At Fox - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 9-28-19

Sam discusses the media propping up billionaires as the oppressed in light of Bernie's plan for a wealth tax.

Ch. 4: Elizabeth Warren Has Democrats Shaking - The Young Turks - Air Date 10-10-19

Cenk, Hasan and Brett discuss Elizabeth Warrens plans to make corporations accountable to the American public.

Ch. 5: Warren, Sanders and Big Donors with Jeet Heer - Start Making Sense - Air Date 10-30-19

Jeet and Bob discuss Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

Ch. 6: Are Democratic Donors Really Looking Elsewhere with Zach Montellaro - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 10-24-19

Brian chats with Zack about the top 2020 candidates and who big donors are supporting.

Ch. 7: Winners Take All with Anand Giridharadas - Strange Days with Fernand Amandi - Air Date 9-26-19

Fernand and Anand discuss the role of corporate billionaire philanthropy in maintaining power structures.

Ch. 8: Wall Street Democrats Show Their True Colors - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 10-1-19

RJ discusses the difference between Warren and Bernie, but Wall Street hates them all the same.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on seasonal depression


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Banjo - Grey River
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • Swapping Tubes - Studio J
  • Curio - Vacant Distillery
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • Line Etching - Marble Run
  • Peacoat - Studio J
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1319_Democrats_and_Plutocrats_Air_Date_11-15-19_-_11-15-19_20.10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date: 11/12/2019

Today we take a look at some of the ways that conservative policies, willed into existence almost exclusively by white people, measurably hurt people and shorten life expectancies, including those who most fervently support the self-destructive policies.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: How Racial Resentment Is Killing White Working Class Americans | Opinions | NowThis - Air Date 5-4-19

‘People are voting for these policies that are shortening their own life spans.’ — Author of 'Dying of Whiteness' Jonathan Metzl argues that the politics of racial resentment is killing Americans in the heartland.

Ch. 2: Slavery and the Lack of Universal Healthcare - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 8-20-19

Jeneen Interlandi, New York Times editorial board member and staff writer for the New York Times Magazine, talks about the intersection of race and lack of universal healthcare in America.

Ch. 3: An Incredible Con - Slate Presents: The Queen - Air Date 5-20-19

For presidential candidate Ronald Reagan, Linda Taylor epitomized the brokenness of the federal bureaucracy and the broader trend of poor people getting rich off the public dime.

Ch. 4: Dying of Whiteness with Jonathan Metzl - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 3-26-19

Jonathan Metzl writes that the policies promising to Make America Great Again, policies rooted in centering and maintaining the power of whiteness, are shortening the lives of the white Americans who vote for them.

Ch. 5: Greater than Fear - Brave New Words - Air Date 9-6-19

In 2018, progressives in Minnesota won across races, defining what it means to be “Minnesotan” through an aspirational narrative of multi-racial populism.

Ch. 6: Dying of Whiteness A Conversation with Scholar Jonathan Metzl - Speak Out with Tim Wise - Air Date 4-2-19

Tim speaks with Dr. Jonathan Metzl, a professor of sociology and psychiatry at Vanderbilt University, and the author of the new book, Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment is Killing America’s Heartland.

Ch. 7: People seeking asylum - Brave New Words - Air Date 9-6-19

Over the last few years, facing a conservative and openly xenophobic administration, human rights advocates mounted and won four campaigns challenging offshore detention of people seeking asylum.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: What was I thinking back then, gosh what am I thinking now? - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 9: Pre-recorded bullshit ads - Dave from Olympia, WA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on learning to be wrong and the sad future of podcasting


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Quaver - Codebreaker
  • These Times - The Pine Barrens
  • The Summit - K2
  • Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1318_Racism_Kills_Whites_Air_Date_11-12-19_-_11-12-19_19.29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EST

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

 

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:

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Great Great Lengths - The Balloonist (Blue Dot Sessions)
  • That Horse Ithica - Sketchbook (Blue Dot Sessions)
  • Homegrown - The Pine Barrens (Blue Dot Sessions)
  • When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent (Blue Dot Sessions)
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde (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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!


Air Date: 11/5/2019

Today we take a look at the many protests ongoing around the world with a very strong through-line of demands to reverse austerity, lessen inequality, and improve public services, all hallmarks of neoliberal economic policies

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

EPISODE SPONSORS: Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT  |  Forecast Fest Podcast (Wherever you get your podcasts) | Clean Choice Energy

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: International Protests - Democracy Now - Air Date 10-9-19 through 10-30-19

A summary of the international protests as of October 30 2019

Ch. 2: October Uprisings in Chile with Pablo Abufom - Jacobin Radio with Suzi Weisman - Air Date 10-30-19

Suzi talks with Pablo Abufom about the uprising in Chile and the conditions that led to the protests.

Ch. 3: Things Are Popping Off All Over The World - The Majority Report with Michael Brooks - Air Date 10-21-19

Michael discusses the Global Protests and the anti-austerity energy behind them.

Ch. 4: Protestors Run Over By Chilean Government - The Young Turks - Air Date 10-23-19

The Young Turks discuss neoliberal austerity measures and the media's misrepresentation of the issues involved in reporting Chile.

Ch. 5: Chile Rises Up with Bree Busk - This Is Hell - Air Date 10-30-19

Church and Bree discuss the feminist movement, the problematic media, capitalism and hope for Chile.

Ch. 6: Chile, Chicago and Lebanon Fight Neoliberalism with Artesia Balthrop - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 10-22-19

Michael and Artesia discuss the global mess that is imperialist neoliberalism and the protestors who resist.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Health care needs to go far beyond insurance - Trey from Corvallis

Ch. 8: I'd join if I weren't giving all my money to the Bernie Sanders campaign - Chris from San Diego


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on health, health care and assholism


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Stale Case - Darby
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE

Carlos Figueroa, Wikimedia Commons / License / Changes: Cropped vertically and horizontally

Photo Description: Protests in Chile 2019, Plaza Baquedano, Santiago, Chile

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1317_International_Protests_Air_Date_11-5-19_-_11-5-19_19.16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EST

Air Date: 11/1/2019

Today we take a look at how the debate over our health care system has been framed and how we should frame it.

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

EPISODE SPONSORS: BetterHelp.com/BOTL  |  Forecast Fest Podcast (Wherever you get your podcasts)  |  Clean Choice Energy

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Ex-Health Insurance Exec Industry Is Using Decades-Old Scare Tactics to Fight Medicare for All - Democracy Now - Air Date 8-2-19

We speak with Janet Golden, professor emerita at Rutgers University-Camden and a historian of U.S. medicine

Ch. 2: Best arguments for Medicare for All - The Young Turks - Air Date 4-30-19

The fundamental moral underpinning for why we need a Medicare for All system

Ch. 3: 3rd Democratic Debate Medicare for All as the Bogeyman? - The Real News - Air Date 9-13-19

We take a closer look how candidates discussed the healthcare issue. Our panelists are Osita Nwanevu, Helena Olea, and Jacqueline Luqman, with Greg Wilpert as host.

Ch. 4: Matt Bruenig’s case for single-payer health care - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 8-12-19

Matt Bruenig, the founder of the People’s Policy Project, is firmly in support of true single-payer. No compromise, no chaser.

Ch. 5: Democrats Talk Healthcare - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-16-19

Dem Debate: "Disingenuous" Attacks on Medicare for All Distract from Cost of Today's Broken System

Ch. 6: Pass #MedicareforAll Resolutions in Your Communities to Build the National Movement via @PublicCitizen Medicare4AllResolutions.org - Best of the Left Activism

Join the campaign to pass local resolutions demanding Medicare for All!

Ch. 7: Healthcare: America Taken Hostage - Progressive Faith Sermons - Air Date 10-21-19

We need candidates for president to stop lying and start having compassion regarding our health care system.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Critiquing Johann Hari - Dave from Olympia, WA

Ch. 9: Challenge pledge - Todd from Utah


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on Johann Hari’s story and Todd’s Patron challenge

Ch. 11: Limerick of the Day from @Limericking


TAKE ACTION!

Pass a local #MedicareforAll Resolution in your town or city! 

Take Action in Your Town

Tools for Activists

Watch the Week of Action Town Hall with Reps. Pressley and Omar

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Nationwide Campaign Urges Cities and Towns to Pass Resolutions Supporting Medicare for All (Common Dreams)

Massachusetts Unions Vote to Vet Presidential Candidates on Medicare for All, Breaking with Labor's Top Brass (The Intercept)

Elizabeth Warren’s plan to pay for Medicare-for-all, explained (Vox)

Ady Barkan: Elizabeth Warren’s Plan Is a Massive Win for the Medicare for All Movement (The Intercept)

Bernie Sanders’s Medicare-for-all plan, explained (Vox) 

Two Leading Economists Say Medicare for All Would Give Workers 'Biggest Take-Home Pay Raise in a Generation'(Common Dreams)

Researchers Detail How Slashing Pentagon Budget Could Pay for Medicare for All While Creating Progressive Foreign Policy Americans Want (Common Dreams)

Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • Vengeful - Warmbody
  • Glass Runner - Marble Run
  • On Our Own Again - The Pine Barrens
  • Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE: 

Senate Democrats, Flickr / License / Changes: Cropped vertically and horizontally, enhanced brightness, contrast, and saturation

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1316_Health_Care_Messaging_Air_Date_11-1-19_-_11-1-19_22.24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EST

Air Date: 10/29/2019

Today we take a look at some of the main characters that make up the Trump administration to get a sense of who they are, where they're coming from and how they're working tirelessly to ruin everything good about our government and find brand new ways to be terrible

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 EPISODE SPONSORS: BetterHelp.com/BOTL Clean Choice Energy

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 BONUS LIMERICK!

Trump went to a World Series game and was booed by the crowd, including chants to “Lock Him Up!”:

"A leader who's typically viewed

As being repugnant and crude

And went to a game

Expecting some fame

To bolster his ego, was booed"

@Limerick_News


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Rudy Giuliani - Past Present - Air Date 10-15-19

The crew discusses the political history of Rudy Giuliani and he's always been a snake.

Ch. 2: Unitary Executive Theory with Charlie Savage - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 2-27-19

Jeremy Scahill and Charlie Savage discuss Bill Barr and Trump and their takeover of the Dept of Justice.

Ch. 3: Barr Speech Proves He's Trump with An Authoritarian Brain -The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 7-17-19

Sam discusses Bill Barr and his role in corruption in the Trump administration.

Ch. 4: Mike Pompeo, Christian Crusader and Koch Brother Ally with Lee Fang - Democracy Now - Air Date 3-14-18

Pompeo has a history of making Islamophobic statements. He’s also been a major ally to the billionaire right-wing Koch brothers.

Ch. 5: How Steve Mnuchin Profited From The Housing Bust with Aaron Glantz - Democracy Now - Air Date 10-15-19

Aaron Glantz discusses how Steven Mnuchin profited from ruining people's lives.

Ch. 6: Mike Pence with Tom LoBianco - BradCast with Nicole Sandler - Air Date 10-1-19

Nicole chats with Tom LoBianco about the dangerous "Christian" Mike Pence.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: My puddle of grey is confusing - Erin from Philadelphia

Ch. 8: The impact of election 2000 - Holly from San Francisco

Ch. 9: Broadcast stations selling ad space full of lies - Chris from San Diego


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on the legality of running political ads with lies

Ch. 11: Limerick of the Day from @LouC17


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

'A threat to democracy': William Barr's speech on religious freedom alarms liberal Catholics (The Guardian)

Bill Barr’s First Epistle to the Heathens (The New Republic)

William Barr Is Neck-Deep in Extremist Catholic Institutions (The Nation)

Mike Pence's problem with science (CNN)

The Danger of President Pence (The New Yorker)

Mike Pence: power, religion and America's 'shadow president' (The Guardian)

The Decline and Fall of Rudy Giuliani (GQ)

Where Did Rudy Go? (The Atlantic)

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • O Holy Still - Vacant Distillery
  • Trois Gnossiennes 3 - Blue Dot Sesisons
  • Banjo - Grey River
  • Cases to Rest - Bodytonic
  • Rafter - 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1315_Trumps_Inner_Circle_Air_Date_10-29-19_-_10-29-19_18.59.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EST

Air Date: 10/25/2019

Today we take a look at the complicated series of forces driving the protests in Hong Kong that span the ideological spectrum. 

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EPISODE SPONSORS: BetterHelp.com/BOTL  |  Forecast Fest (Available where you get your podcasts)  |  Clean Choice Energy

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VOTE IN THE WEEKLY SHOW TOPICS POLL


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Will China crack down on Hong Kong? - The Inquiry - Air Date 6-25-19

Pro-democracy protesters worry that this is being eroded as the Communist party is trying to bring it further under its influence. Complicating matters is Hong Kong’s significant but shrinking economic importance to China.

Ch. 2: Hong Kong Protests Solidarity & Where It Gets Complicated - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 7-12-19

We break down the protests in Hong Kong.

Ch. 3: Carl Zha on the lesser-reported side of the Hong Kong protests Part 1 - Unauthorized Disclosure - Air Date 10-13-19

Carl Zha provides a primer on what has unfolded with the protests in Hong Kong.

Ch. 4: Fighting for the Future of Hong Kong - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 10-9-19

The historic demonstrations began in June as a response to the proposal of an extradition agreement with Mainland China. All these months later, the issues have become a lot bigger getting to the heart of the meaning of democracy and Chinese Imperialism.

Ch. 5: Carl Zha on the lesser-reported side of the Hong Kong protests Part 2 - Unauthorized Disclosure - Air Date 10-13-19

Carl Zha provides a primer on what has unfolded with the protests in Hong Kong.

Ch. 6: Hong Kong Youth Face Military Crackdown While Fighting “One of the Most Unequal Societies Anywhere” - Democracy Now - Air Date 10-2-19

China held its largest military parades ever in Beijing this week to mark 70 years of Communist rule. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, police escalated violence Tuesday by firing live ammunition at demonstrators for the first time in the months-long protests.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Don't let the older generations off the hook - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 8: We are in this together - James from Sacramento, CA

Ch. 9: Pitching in - Erica from Illinois


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on the tradition of progressive media supporters getting nicknames


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Gondola Blue - Towboat
  • The Provisions - K4
  • Stale Case - Darby
  • PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
  • Quaver - Codebreaker
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE: 

KOKUYO, Wikimedia Commons  / License / Changes: Cropped vertically and horizontally

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1314_Hong_Kong_Protests_Air_Date_10-25-19_-_10-25-19_20.39.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00pm EST

Air Date: 10/22/2019

Today we take a look at why the concept of prison abolition isn’t as scary as it sounds, the answer to the question of what would replace prisons and why you’re wrong for even asking that in the first place.

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EPISODE SPONSORS: BetterHelp.com/BOTL  |  Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT)  |  Clean Choice Energy

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MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Mariame Kaba and Prison Abolition Part 1 - Justice in America with Josie Duffy Rice and Clint Smith - Air Date 3-20-19

Mariame Kaba discusses prisons, justice and the systems in place that do more harm than good.

Ch. 2: Future of Abolition with Marc Lamont Hill, Michelle Alexander and Vonya Quarles Part 1 - Making Contact - Air Date 1-30-19

Marc, Michelle and Vonya discuss the mass incarceration state and what actions are needed to change our systems.

Ch. 3: Mariame Kaba and Prison Abolition Part 2 - Justice in America with Josie Duffy Rice and Clint Smith - Air Date 3-20-19

Mariame Kaba discusses prisons, justice and the systems in place that do more harm than good.

Ch. 4: Is Prison Abolition Possible with Osyris Antham, Mariame Kaba, Joshua Dubler and Victoria Law Part 1 - News Beat - Air Date 12-20-18

Prisons on America are massive, and mass incarceration is a system of control.

Ch. 5: Future of Abolition with Marc Lamont Hill, Michelle Alexander and Vonya Quarles Part 2 - Making Contact - Air Date 1-30-19

Marc, Michelle and Vonya discuss the mass incarceration state and what actions are needed to change our systems.

Ch. 6: Is Prison Abolition Possible with Osyris Antham, Mariame Kaba, Joshua Dubler and Victoria Law Part 2 - News Beat - Air Date 12-20-18

Prisons on America are massive, and mass incarceration is a system of control.

Ch. 7: Carceral Abolition or Reconfiguration with Colleen Hackett and Ben Turk - This Is Hell - Air Date 3-27-19

Elites like to think they are making progress with small steps towards justice, but we have been criminalized black lives for centuries under white supremacy, tweaking and reforming isn't going to accomplish anything.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Show more important than privacy - David from Gaithersberg


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments explaining the coming fiscal cliff the show faces


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

The Prison Abolition Syllabus "(modeled after #FergusonSyllabus#Charlestonsyllabus#WelfareReformSyllabus and Trump Syllabus 2.0) seeks to contextualize and highlight prison organizing and prison abolitionist efforts from the 13th Amendment’s re-articulation of slavery to current resistance to mass incarceration, solitary confinement, and prison labor exploitation."

Some Prison Abolition-Focused Orgs/Groups/Activists to Follow on Twitter: 

Black and Pink National: @BLACKandPINKOrg

Critical Resistance: @C_Resistance

Harvard Prison Divestment Campaign: @HarvardPDC

Derecka Purnell: @dereckapurnell

Prof. Ibram X. Kendi: @DrIbram

Law for Black Lives: @Law4BlackLives

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
  • Smooth Stone - Blue Dot Sesisons
  • Denzel Sprak - CloudCover
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • Rafter - 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1313_Prison_Abolition_Air_Date_10-22-19_-_10-23-19_12.11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm EST

Air Date: 10/18/2019

Today we take a look at the recent developments between Turkey and Syria and the role Trump played in allowing Turkey to effectively invade Syria and extend its border.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Trump Abandoned Kurds, Genocide To Follow - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-10-19

Turkey has launched an aerial and ground assault on northern Syria targeting Kurdish-controlled areas. The offensive began Wednesday, just days after President Trump ordered U.S. troops to fall back from their positions on the Turkish-Syrian border.

Ch. 2: A Know-Nothing President Steps Into A Kurdish-Turkish Minefield with Khury Petersen-Smith - The Real News with Marc Steiner - Air Date 10-11-19

The U.S. is deeply involved in the region surrounding Syria. Its actions helped lay the groundwork for the current struggle faced by the Kurds.

Ch. 3: Rojava - Trump Betrays the Kurds with David Graeber Part 1 - Tysky Sour - Novara Media - Air Date 10-9-19

As Trump gives the green light for a Turkish invasion of Rojava, we ask David Graeber what hope there is left for Syrian Kurds.

Ch. 4: Why We Should Have Solidarity With Rojava - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 10-14-19

Michael discusses Turkey's impending ethnic cleansing of Kurds and Rojava.

Ch. 5: Rojava - Trump Betrays the Kurds with David Graeber Part 2 - Tysky Sour - Novara Media - Air Date 10-9-19

As Trump gives the green light for a Turkish invasion of Rojava, we ask David Graeber what hope there is left for Syrian Kurds.

Ch. 6: Wasteland of Corruption with Kamran Matin - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 10-16-19

Jeremy Scahill and Kamran Matin discuss the Kurds, and the corruption of the politics of the era.

Ch. 7: Rojava and What Is At Stake For The Kurds with Djene Bajalan - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 10-10-19

What is going on with the Kurds and Turkey and Syria? Michael and Dhene Bajalan break it down.

Ch. 8: Wasteland of Corruption - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 10-16-19

Jeremy Scahill and Kamran Matin discuss the Kurds, and the corruption of the politics of the era.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: The Empathy Tax as a speech pathologist - Alice

Ch. 10: Experience in the workforce - Heather from Texas

Ch. 11: Thoughts on being a logical empath - Quai from North Carolina


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on the empathy tax, the cease-fire and Trump’s letter


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

A Look At The History Of The U.S. Alliance With The Kurds (NPR)

The U.S. Is Now Betraying the Kurds for the Eighth Time (The Intercept)

‘This is not a cease-fire,’ Turkey FM Cavusoglu insists, contradicting Mike Pence on Syria (NBC News)

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard
  • Cat's Eye - Marble Run
  • When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • Denzel Sprak - CloudCover
  • No Smoking - Sunday at Slims
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1312_Turkey.Syria.Kurds_Air_Date_10-18-19_-_10-19-19_12.47.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm EST

Air Date: 10/15/2019
Today we take a look at the literally depressing truth about our economy, our work and the culture that surrounds it. We work too hard to be perfect, we don't get enough time off, many of us don't have enough control over the work we do and too many know their jobs are completely worthless.
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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: How the Economy Is Damaging Our Mental Health with Becki Winson, Hana Riaz and Annie Quick - Weekly Economics Podcast - Air Date 2-4-19

One in eight young people have a mental health problem. One big problem is access to treatment. Mental health services are underfunded, leaving many people stuck on waiting lists.

Ch. 2: From Stigma to Oppression - Off-Kilter with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 5-31-19

Mental Illness is very common in the US, from burnout to anxiety to depression to suicide, and our systems don't support proper care.

Ch. 3: Neoliberalism Is Creating a Mental Health Crisis - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 02-08-18

Neoliberalism, the belief that markets are democratic and that what works for them, works for all parts of society, isn't working for working people. Neoliberalism is creating a mental health crisis in America and around the world!

Ch. 4: David Graeber Bullshit Jobs - Novara Media with James Butler - Air Date 2-1-19

David Graeber discusses neoliberalism, bullshit jobs, capitalism and the value of labor.

Ch. 5: On Bullshit Jobs with David Graeber - This Is Hell - Air Date 5-14-18

David Graeber and Chuck discuss bullshit jobs, financial feudalism, the ruling class and human instinct.

Ch. 6: Uncovering the Causes of Depression with Johann Hari - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-19-19

The biological makeup of humans has not changed for many centuries, but depression, anxiety and addiction are on the rise. Sam and Johann discuss.

Ch. 7: Why You Are Depressed and Anxious with Johann Hari - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 9-18-19

Johann Hair discusses the causes of rising depression and anxiety because of the modern capitalist neoliberal world.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 8: Final comments wrapping up


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Our Fingers Cold - K2
  • Waltz and Fury - Macrame
  • Glass Runner - Marble Run
  • Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
  • LaBranche - Bayou Birds
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1311_Neoliberalism_Mental_Health_Air_Date_10-15-19_-_10-16-19_13.56.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 10/4/2019

Today we take a look at this whole impeachment kerfuffle I’ve been hearing about. 

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(No topics poll this week. BotL is on its first-ever real vacation next week!)


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Whistleblower Complaint Shows Abuse of Office with James Risen - Democracy Now - Air Date 9-27-19

Nearly 90% of House Democrats now support impeachment. On Thursday, a declassified version of a complaint by an anonymous whistleblower was released, detailing his concerns about Trump’s July phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ch. 2: We've Got Impeachment - Intercepted with Ryan Grim - Air Date 10-2-19

James and Ryan talk about Biden's role in Ukraine and the whistleblower.

Ch. 3: How The Bidens Got Involved with Adam Entous - On The Media - Air Date 9-27-19

Interviews about the messy impeachment process and how we got here.

Ch. 4: Impeachment, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow - Backstory - Air Date 9-27-19

The Backstory crew discusses current and past impeachment situations.

Ch. 5: Bigly Liddle Lies - Sanity Cast with John Fugelsang - Air Date 10-1-19

John breaks down everything happening around impeachment.

Ch. 6: Impeachment Legalities with Walter Dellinger - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 9-28-19

Walter and Dahlia break down what exactly is happening during the impeachment whirlwind.

Ch. 7: House Democrats Finally Catch Up with Maxine Waters - Cape Up with Jonathan Capehart - Air Date 10-1-19

Jonathan talks with Maxine Waters about the importance of impeaching Trump.

Ch. 8: Impeachment At Last with Jeet Heer - Start Making Sense - Air Date 9-29-19

Jeet Here discusses what has led to impeachment and what it will look like moving forward.

Ch. 9: Impeachment Is Good For Our Political Future with John Nichols - The Real News with Marc Steiner - Air Date 9-30-19

The Nation's national correspondent John Nichols says that history shows impeachment has changed the political future, and thinks it is part of a struggle we should not shy away from.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: 9-11 (ep 1308) - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 11: Evidence-based thinking - Roger Ray from Springfield, MO


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on the latest news on Trump’s impeachment in limerick form


TAKE ACTION!

INDIVISIBLE: "Activists nationwide are joining together to make a unified demand of our representatives during the October recess (September 30-October 15): Go back to Washington, do your jobs, and take a vote to impeach Trump as soon as possible."

Find a Town Hall Event with Your Congressperson During the Congressional Recess

Demand Your Representative Support Impeaching Donald Trump

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

It's Time For Everyone to Join the Impeachment Fight (Crooked Media)

9 questions about the Trump-Ukraine whistleblower scandal you were too embarrassed to ask (Vox)

The whistleblower complaint, annotated (CNN)

Trump call summary shows he pressed Ukrainian president to probe Biden (CBS)

Read the Text Messages Between U.S. and Ukrainian Officials (The New York Times)

Impeach Donald Trump (The Atlantic, March 2019)

Do Americans Support Impeaching Trump? (FiveThirtyEight)

Perilous times for Trump: By 45%-38%, Americans support impeaching him over Ukraine allegations, poll finds (USA Today)

How Trump's Ukraine call could violate campaign finance laws (Associated Press)

50 Moments That Define an Improbable Presidency (The Atlantic)

Here’s why Trump’s poll numbers are defying the impeachment mess (CNBC)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • Begrudge - Darby
  • Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard
  • Tar and Spackle - Plaster
  • Waltz and Fury - Macrame
  • The Summit - K2
  • One Dirty Sleeve - Wax Museum
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1310_Impeachment_Air_Date_10-04-19_-_10-4-19_22.05.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 10/1/2019

Today we take an unflinching look at two of the major sources of anxiety in modern life, Donald Trump and the climate crisis, and some of what we can do to find a degree of calm.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Why We Are Drawn to Charismatic Authoritarians with Sheldon Solomon - Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedantam - Air Date 9-16-19

Sheldon Solomon discusses why humans are so prone to following leaders to trigger their fear response.

Ch. 2: Dr. Bandy Lee Warns Trumps Mental Health Is A Real National Emergency - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 2-22-19

Dr. Bandy Lee warns that Trumps mental health is a threat to world peace, and discusses that sick societies produce sick leaders.

Ch. 3: Climate Anxiety in the Trump Era with Renee Lertzman - Warm Regards with Eric Holthaus - Air Date 11-19-16

Renee Lertzman, who works to understand the psychology of how we deal with environmental issues. Her words are especially useful in this time of shared anxiety and concern and uncertainty.

Ch. 4: Is Trump A Disease with Dr. Bandy Lee - Trumpcast with Virginia Heffernan - Air Date 7-10-19

Virginia Heffernan talks to Dr. Bandy Lee, psychiatrist at Yale University, for a deep, compelling new take on the long debate about Trump’s mental fitness.

Ch. 5: From Stigma to Oppression - Off-Kilter with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 5-31-19

Mental Illness is very common in the US, from burnout to anxiety to depression to suicide, and our systems don't support proper care.

Ch. 6: Are You Feeling Climate Grief? - Eaarth Feels with Rose and Christine - Air Date 8-23-19

Rose and Christine discuss the climate crisis and the strain our mental health is under - and the possibilities.

Ch. 7: A Psychiatrist Analyzes the Age of Trump with Allen Frances - Inquiring Minds with Indre Viskontas and Kishore Hari - Air Date 10-17-17

We talk to renowned psychiatrist Allen Frances about his latest book Twilight of American Sanity: A Psychiatrist Analyzes the Age of Trump.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: Experience with 9/11 and learning about Islam - Heather from Texas

Ch. 11: Home run race relation example - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 12: 9/11 and Columbine - Erin from Philadelphia

Ch. 13: Millennial depression - Corey from New Jersey


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 14: Final comments on a big announcement regarding steps being taken toward maintaining good mental health


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Algea Trio - Algea Fields
  • Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
  • Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
  • Midday - Pecan Grove
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • Waterbourne - Algea Fields
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1309_Mental_Health_Trump.Climate_Air_Date_10-01-19_-_10-1-19_20.16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 9/27/2019

Today we take a look at the legacy of 9/11; the war on terror, the PATRIOT Act, our collective PTSD and our desperate clinging to American Exceptionalism™

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: The long war on terror - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-11-19

Discussing the military legacy of 9/11, the war on terror, and the Middle East.

Ch. 2: Searing 9/11 Stories from the Day that Changed Everything - The Mother Jones Podcast - Air Date 9-11-19

On the 18th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, a new book recasts one of America's darkest days in strikingly personal terms by weaving together survival stories in minute-by-minute detail.

Ch. 3: American Exceptionalism and American Innocence The Propaganda That Upholds the Status Quo - The Real News - Air Date 9-19-19

The mainstream corporate media is one of the chief propagators of American exceptionalism and innocence...the narratives of American exceptionalism and American innocence work together to serve white supremacy, empire, capitalism, and the US war machine.

Ch. 4: Endless war authorized by the AUMF on 9/14/11 - Project Censored - Air Date 6-25-19

Jon Gold on the lingering impact of the AUMF

Ch. 5: First-hand accounts of the post-9/11 wars - Home of the Brave - Air Date 7-9-19

Alan Chin talks about his experience covering wars since 9/11.

Ch. 6: The cost of America’s post-9/11 wars - This is Hell - Air Date 12-17-18

Political scientist Neta C. Crawford examines the brutal, ongoing human cost of America's wars. Neta is author of the paper "Human Cost of the Post-9/11 Wars: Lethality and the Need for Transparency"

Ch. 7: The legacy of the PATRIOT Act - Pod Save the People - Air Date 8-13-19

DeRay, Clint and Sam discuss how the PATRIOT Act targets drug use more than terrorism

Ch. 8: A Theory of ISIS with Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-13-19

The terrorists and the national security states waging war against them are dependent upon one another, and together have created a more violent, divided and alienated world.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on dealing with the emotional damage of childhood


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
  • Banjo - Grey River
  • Felt Lining - The Cabinetmaker
  • Cloud Line - K4
  • O Holy Still - Vacant Distillery
  • Thread Caramb - Textile Caramb
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1308_9.11_Air_Date_9-27-19_-_9-27-19_19.19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 9/24/2019

Today we take a look at the 2020 electorate. Not the election, not the candidates, the electorate - the people voting. 

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: The New Voters of 2020 with Steve Phillips - Start Making Sense with Jon Wiener - Air Date 5-8-19

We need to consider the voters and the changes in the electorate since 2016. Especially significant: young people of color.

Ch. 2: The Impact of Black Voters with Alicia Garza - Politics with Amy Walter - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-7-19

When it comes to elections there’s always a key voting bloc that gets the media attention. If candidate X wins the FILL IN THE BLANK they’ll win the election. Latino, White, Working Class, but never Black, and that needs to change.

Ch. 3: Black Lives Matter with Alicia Garza - The Brian Lehrer Show with Andrea Bernstein - Air Date 5-30-19

Alicia Garza discusses research and advocacy organization dedicated to transforming black communities, talks about surveying 31,000 black voters in an attempt to understand what "black voters want" from a presidential candidate.

Ch. 4: Young Voter Turnout Surges - Election Ride Home - Air Date 4-24-19

Youth voter turnout is way up.

Ch. 5: Hispanic Population At An All-Time High But Growth Is Slowing - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-11-19

We analyze the U.S. Hispanic population demographically, economically, and politically, and look into what this means for the Latino vote in 2020.

Ch. 6: Electoral motivations of Evangelical Christians - Pod Save the People - Air Date 7-29-19

DeRay, Brittany, Sam and Clint discuss a survey of evangelical Christians on their perspectives of a changing America

Ch. 7: American Evangelicals with Bob Roberts - Interfaith Voices - Air Date 6-6-19

Bob Roberts discusses the divide in the Evangelical religion between generations and how much more inclusive younger evangelicals are.

Ch. 8: Climate Change Is Key Issue For Young Republicans with Lisa Friedman - The Real News with Dharna Noor - Air Date 8-7-19

Young Republicans want climate action, but they disagree with how to do it.

Ch. 9: The Impact of Black Voters with Aimee Allison - Politics with Amy Walter - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-7-19

When it comes to elections there’s always a key voting bloc that gets the media attention. If candidate X wins the FILL IN THE BLANK they’ll win the election. Latino, White, Working Class, but never Black, and that needs to change.

Ch. 10: The Voter Blame Game - #sundaycivics with L. Joy Williams - Air Date 8-5-19

The voter blame game has begun with talking heads blaming voters who stayed home in 2016 for Trump’s win. But shaming voters is not a winning strategy, only voter engagement produces voter turnout


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 11: Analyzing the corporate structure - Dave from Olympia, WA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on seating black people at a restaurant and Bernie’s grumpy attitude

Bonus Clip: Bernie and Black Voters with Malaika Jabali and Wendy Muse - The Dig from Jacobin Radio - Air Date 5-30-19

Contrary to conventional wisdom, Sanders isn’t unpopular with Black voters. In fact, he has done rather well with young Black people. But to win the primary and beat Biden, he must do a lot better.


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Around Plastic Card Tables - Desert Orchard
  • Cases to Rest - Bodytonic
  • Cat's Eye - Marble Run
  • Long and Low Cloud - The Bulwark
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • God's Playground - Nathanael Christy
  • Tar and Spackle - Plaster
  • Lord Weasel - Molerider
  • Turning - Lathe
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify | Alexa Devices | +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1307_Electorate_Air_Date_9-24-19_-_9-24-19_20.53.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 9/17/2019

Today we take a look at the lives and legacies of the Koch Brothers. Or, put more pointedly, we look at how two decedents of a bonafide conspiracy theorist have almost single-handedly doomed us to endure runaway climate chaos while suffering from severely degraded labor standards and a broken democracy.

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Donate to the Our Running for Answers Team to Support the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Christopher Leonard on Secret History of Koch Industries - Democracy Now - Air Date 8-27-19

How David and his brother Charles Koch transformed the American economy and political system, from funding climate change deniers to fighting organized labor.

Ch. 2: David Koch Dead at 79 - The Young Turks - Air Date 8-23-19

David Koch has permanently clocked out from corruption. Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola, and Dan Evans, hosts of The Young Turks, break it down.

Ch. 3: The Kochs Influence In Everything with Christopher Leonard Part 1 - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 9-8-19

Leonard explains how Charles Koch and his political network were able to amass so much power and influence over American life.

Ch. 4: Documentary: Trump, Koch Brothers and Their War on Climate Science - The Real News - Air Date 4-5-19

Narrated by Danny Glover, A documentary special reveals how climate change science has been under systematic attack; the multi-million dollar campaign allowed a climate change denier to be elected president

Ch. 5: Why the Kochs Don't Support Trump with Christopher Leonard - Start Making Sense with John Weiner - Air Date 9-4-19

The Koch brothers transformed an obscure oil company based in Wichita into a $110 billion colossus, and reshaped the Republican Party—but failed to prevent Trump from becoming president.

Ch. 6: The Kochs Influence In Everything with Christopher Leonard Part 2 - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 9-8-19

Leonard explains how Charles Koch and his political network were able to amass so much power and influence over American life.

Ch. 7: Kochland The Secret History of Koch Industries with Christopher Leonard - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 9-9-19

Christopher Leonard joins Sam to discuss his new book The Secret History of Koch Industries and Corporate Power in America.

Ch. 8: Christopher Leonard On The Koch Brothers - Live at Politics and Prose - Air Date 9-6-19

Christopher Leonard speaks about his book Kochland, and answers questions from the audience.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: Thoughts on Larry Krasner, the Philadelphia DA - Erin from Philadelphia


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on strategies to be as effective as possible during the upcoming elections


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Cat's Eye - Marble Run
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • Chilvat - Lillehammer
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • Neil Takes Two - Studio J
  • Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
  • Vengeful - Warmbody
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1306_Kochland_Air_Date_9-17-19_-_9-17-19_18.23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 9/13/2019

Today we take a look at the history and the process of the building of an American empire that currently spans the globe but allows as few people of color to vote as possible.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Daniel Immerwahr: Empire State of Mind Part 1 - On the Media - Air Date 8-22-19

The history of US imperialism — and why the familiar US map hides the true story of our country. With Northwestern University historian Daniel Immerwahr, author of How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States.

Ch. 2: Doctrine of Christian Discovery - Let’s Talk Native - Air Date 3-18-19

I learned that most educators know nothing about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. How can you teach about colonization, slavery, the American genocide, Westward expansion or imperialism without teaching the origins of it all?

Ch. 3: Harvest of Empire Part 1 - Making Contact - Air Date 6-25-19

It's not just jobs and prosperity that draw immigrants to the United States. Many Latin American’s were brought here, or forced to come by dangerous or deadly conditions. And the US often had a role in creating those crises.

Ch. 4: Empire of Borders: The Expansion of the US Border Around the World w: Todd Miller - The Majority Report - Air Date 8-27-19

Journalist Todd Miller (@memomiller) joins Sam to discuss his new book, "Empire of Borders: The Expansion of the U.S. Border Around the World."

Ch. 5: Harvest of Empire Part 2 - Making Contact - Air Date 6-25-19

It's not just jobs and prosperity that draw immigrants to the United States. Many Latin American’s were brought here, or forced to come by dangerous or deadly conditions. And the US often had a role in creating those crises.

Ch. 6: Daniel Immerwahr: Empire State of Mind Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 8-22-19

The history of US imperialism — and why the familiar US map hides the true story of our country. With Northwestern University historian Daniel Immerwahr, author of How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States.

Ch. 7: Blood, lies and the American empire - This is hell - Air Date 5-13-19

Black Agenda Report's Danny Haiphong traces a 300 year history of fake news in America. Danny is author of the book American Exceptionalism and American Innocence: A People's History of Fake News—From the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Gun responsibility vs naked evil - Dave from Olympia, WA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on this weeks topics poll


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • The Envelope - Aeronaut
  • Great Great Lengths - The Balloonist
  • Streamer - Arc and Crecent
  • Heartland Flyer - The Balloonist
  • UpUpUp and Over - The Balloonist
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1305_Empire_Air_Date_9-13-19_-_9-13-19_17.49.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 9/10/2019

Today we take a look at the economic indicators portending a recession, the global impacts of Trump's trade war with China and then look ahead to what policies progressives should be ready to implement when the next inevitable recession eventually hits.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Economy About To Crash, Senator Warren Sounds the Alarm - The Young Turks - Air Date 7-22-19

Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Monday predicted an imminent economic crisis unless the Trump administration and Congress quickly pass legislation to regulate the financial sector and significantly reduce middle-class household debt

Ch. 2: Should We Be Worried About A Recession with Nancy Cook - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-23-19

The ongoing trade war with China, a weakened global economy, and a lack of investment by companies indicates that a recession might be looming.

Ch. 3: Planning For the Future in an Uncertain Economy with Derrick Hamilton - Thinking Cap - Air Date 8-22-19

Ed sits down with CAP Senior Economist Gbenga Ajilore to discuss warning signs in the economy, what they might mean, as well as some of the contributing factors.

Ch. 4: Dr. Gerald Horne On China Tariffs and Trade Wars - Sojourner Truth - Air Date 6-3-19

Dr. Gerald Horne discusses Trump's trade war with China and the impact on US and China's economies.

Ch. 5: Trumps Trade War Puts His Biggest Asset at Risk with Mary Lovely - FiveThirtyEight - Air Date 8-14-19

International economist Mary Lovely discusses the ways in which Trump’s tariffs are affecting the economy and what the future could look like.

Ch. 6: Trumps Trade War - Frontline PBS - Air Date 5-10-19

The inside story of President Trump’s gamble to confront China over trade. Reporting from the U.S. and China, FRONTLINE and NPR investigate what led the world’s two largest economies to the brink, and the billions at stake

Ch. 7: Strategies for Building a Robust and Equitable Recovery From the Next Recession with Connie Razza - Pitchfork Economics - Air Date 6-7-19

Connie explains what policy proposals and political infrastructure will successfully orient our recovery from the next recession toward economic outcomes that reduce, rather than boost, wealth inequality around racial and gender lines.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Vote by mail why don't you? - Chris from San Diego

Ch. 9: Nancy's my hero - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 10: Medicare doesn't pay for everything - Jeff from Charlotte, NC


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments on Vote-By-Mail and IMPROVED Medicare For All


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Neil Takes Two - Studio J
  • Topslides - The Cabinetmaker
  • Pat Dog - Landsman Duets
  • When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent
  • Interlude - The Nocturne
  • Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!

Direct download: 1304_Trade_War.Recession_Air_Date_9-10-19_-_9-10-19_19.38.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 9/6/2019

Today we take a look at the fact that our election system is designed to fail in ways that undermine the legitimacy of our elections and, by extension, our entire democracy.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Holes and Gaps: Where Our Voting Systems Fail Part 1 - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-3-19

Even as our national focus has turned towards cyber threats, vulnerabilities in our election systems abound -- from outdated voting machines and hack-able technology to lack of paper back-ups and no procedural standards across states or even counties.

Ch. 2: What’s In YOUR Voting System? The Capital One Hack and America’s Tenuous Democracy - BradCast - Air Date 7-29-19

Capital One exposed the personal financial records of more than 100 million people — underscoring yet again the insanity of relying on proprietary, hackable computer systems "overseen" by ordinary county clerks to safeguard free and fair elections.

Ch. 3: VIDEO: Voting Machine Switches Votes - David Pakman Show - Air Date 8-28-19

Multiple Mississippi voting machines are caught flipping votes just as we've seen many times before

Ch. 4: Voting machine errors in Georgia seen as part of biggerproblem - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 8-27-19

Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, talks with Rachel Maddow about the need for states like Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi to upgrade their voting systems to avoid undermining faith in elections

Ch. 5: Holes and Gaps: Where Our Voting Systems Fail Part 2 - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-3-19

Even as our national focus has turned towards cyber threats, vulnerabilities in our election systems abound -- from outdated voting machines and hack-able technology to lack of paper back-ups and no procedural standards across states or even counties.

Ch. 6: Fight at the State and Local Level for #HandmarkedPaperBallots in Elections #ProtectOurVote - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 7: L.A. County Clerk Refuses to Answer Questions of New Unverifiable Voting Systems - BradCast - Air Date 8-25-19

A growing chorus of cybersecurity and voting systems experts are warning against new, unverifiable touchscreen voting systems known as Ballot Marking Devices


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Go green - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 9: Distrusting the press - Dave from Olympia, WA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on the legitimate concerns about voting from the disability community


TAKE ACTION!

Understand your state and local elections & take action:

1. Learn About Your State Election Policies&Voting System Paper Trail Requirements

2. Learn How Your State’s Election Administration Officials Are Put in Office& Fight to Unseat Those Not Actively Advocating for Hand-marked Paper Ballots

3. Attend Your Local Town/City/County Public Meetings and Advocate for Hand-marked, Voter-verifiable Paper Ballots.

4. Learn From/Get Involved With:

The Brennan Center for Justice 

Verified Voting 

ProtectOurVote.com 

Coalition for Good Governance 

Let America Vote 

Stand Up America 

FairVote 

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Vote Flipping Claims Underline Urgent Need to Fix Voting Machines (The Brennan Center)

The scramble to secure America’s voting machines (Politico)

How Officials and Citizens Can Protect the Integrity of Their Elections(City Lab)

Groups push lawmakers for hearings on voting machine security(The Hill)

Voters say touchscreen machines switched their votes in nine Mississippi counties (Salon)

Georgia’s New Voting Machines Must Be Ready for 2020 Primary, Judge Says(The Wall Street Journal)

A Top Voting-Machine Firm Calls for Paper Ballots(Wired)

Voting Machine Security: Where We Stand Six Months Before the New Hampshire Primary(The Brennan Center)

Researched and written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • A Path Unwinding - K4
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • Felt Lining - The Cabinetmaker
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • White Limit - CloudBreaker
  • This fickle world - Theo Bard
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1303_Voting_Machines_Air_Date_9-6-19_-_9-7-19_10.04.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm EST

Air Date: 9/3/2019

Today we take a look at the attacks on the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants by the fascist government of Brazil and the protests and worldwide boycotts springing up in response

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Bolsonaros Climate Change Denial and Anti-Indigenous Policies with Maria Luisa Mendonca - Democracy Now - Air Date 8-28-19

Maria Luise Mendonca lays it all out about the corruption from Bolsonaro and global corporations that have led to the amazon's destruction.

Ch. 2: Amazon In Flames with Oscar Guardiola Rivera and Daniel Willis - Tysky Sour - Novara Media - Air Date 8-28-19

Guardiola and Daniel discuss the policies behind the Amazon's destruction and Bolsonaro's capitalist imperialism.

Ch. 3: This Man Is The Greatest Threat To Human Survival On Earth - The Majority Report with Michael Brooks - Air Date 8-22-19

Michael Brooks breaks down just how messed up the burning Amazon situation is.

Ch. 4: Glenn Greenwald on the Leaked Brazil Archive Exposing Operation Car Wash - The Intercept - Air Date 6-15-19

Glenn Greenwald breaks down the corruption in Brazil and how its getting worse.

Ch. 5: Smoke From A Thousand Miles Away with Brian Mier - This Is Hell - Air Date 8-24-19

Brian Mier discusses the terror of dark skies during the middle of the day from fires a thousand miles away.

Ch. 6: Protests and Climate Change - Green News Report - Air Date 8-27-19

A summary of the protests in response to the amazon fires.

Ch. 7: Rainforest on Fire: Brazilians Mobilize Against President's Amazon Policies - The Real News - Air Date 8-28-19

There are massive fires and massive protests for the Amazon.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: Justice or revenge? - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 11: Supporting independent media and getting involved - Nancy from San Francisco

Ch. 12: Capitalism and the corporate structure vs conservation of nature - V from Central New York


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 13: Final comments on capitalism and the corporate structure as a cancer on nature

READ THE COMPLETE ACTIVISM SEGMENT


TAKE ACTION: 

Participate in "Act for the Amazon" protests, Thursday, September 5th

DONATE to organizations protecting indigenous rights and the rainforest on the ground, such as Amazon Watch& Rainforest Alliance

If you eat meat, east LESS of it and BOYCOTT Brazilian beef companies (Marfrig Global Foods, JBS, and Minerva Foods) that also operate and produce beef brands in the US (Note: The US banned fresh beef imports from Brazil in 2017, but these Brazilian companies produce US beef brands too. Don't support them.) Details in activism blog post.

Commit yourself to the CLIMATE MOVEMENT: take part in the Global Climate Strike on 9/20-27th

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Brazilian indigenous peoples propose boycott(The Ecologist)

Here's what you can do to help the burning, ravaged Amazon rainforest(Business Insider)

Brazilian indigenous people speak out as Amazon fires rage (PBS Newshour)

Naomi Klein: The Amazon Is on Fire—Indigenous Rights Can Help Put It Out(Common Dreams via Boston Globe)

Raoni Metukire: We, the peoples of the Amazon, are full of fear. Soon you will be too(The Guardian)

Brazilian businesses fear backlash over Amazon crisis(Financial Times)

Written & curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Chilvat - Lillehammer
  • Denzel Sprak - CloudCover
  • Banjo - Grey River
  • Heather - Migration
  • Flattered - Delray
  • Vibrant Canopy - Origami
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

EPISODE IMAGE:

Source: Frame from "Carbon monoxide from Amazon fires.gif," NASA

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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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: 1302_Amazon_Fires_Air_Date_9-3-19_-_9-3-19_19.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 8/30/2019

Today we take a look at the strategies being developed to mitigate and adapt to climate chaos while centering social justice in our planning

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Life After Carbon with Peter Plastrik and John Cleveland - Infinite Earth Radio - Air Date 2-25-19

What do cities look like today? What do they need to look like in the very near future? Innovation is needed. We need radical transformation and integration of rural and urban.

Ch. 2: Adapting to Climate Change - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-24-19

Jeffrey Ball, lecturer at Stanford Law School, scholar-in-residence at Stanford’s Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance, and writer on energy and the environment, talks about the complications of try to adapt to climate change.

Ch. 3: The Land Politics of Solar Energy - The Real News - Air Date 8-25-19

Dustin Mulvaney examines the complicated environmental impact—and political economy—of U.S. solar projects, and explains his hopes for the industry's future

Ch. 4: Climate Safe Infrastructure with Cris Liban - Infinite Earth Radio - Air Date 10-17-18

Sustainable infrastructures must be implemented with the goal of helping the marginalized and reducing inequality. Investments in communities and people to get us to work and reduce the dangers of climate change.

Ch. 5: The State of Adaptation and Climate Adaptation Finance with Harvard’s Jesse Keenan - America Adapts - Air Date 2-23-19

Dr. Jesse Keenan, from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, recently published a book Climate Adaptation Finance and Investment in California. Topics include adaptation finance, understanding ‘maladaptation’, social equity and much, much more!

Ch. 6: Designing Our Communities for Justice - The Next System Podcast - Air Date 5-30-19

This week we are discussing how to design communities for justice, in particular as communities seek to respond to challenges of climate change, with new projects from transit to infrastructure.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Thoughts on the Democratic party dispute - V from Central New York

Ch. 8: Thoughts on the new energy from the youth of America - Vance from Oregon


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on the slow progressive takeover and the power of having a good story to tell


MUSIC:

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • The Edification of Art - Nathanael Christy
  • God's Playground - Nathanael Christy
  • In the Name of the King - Nathanael Christy
  • Growing Pains - Nathanael Christy
  • A Space-Time Odyssey - Nathanael Christy
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1301_Climate_Infrastructure_Air_Date_8-30-19_-_8-30-19_19.15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 8/27/2019

Today we take a look at the movement to elect progressives to the position of chief prosecutors in cities across the country in an effort to curb mass incarceration and bring a real understanding of justice back to our justice system

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Principles to Change Prosecution Part 1 - Criminal Injustice with David Harris - Air Date 3-5-19

Taking a look at some of the "Law and Order" prosecutors who have been replaced recently by more progressive-minded administrators

Ch. 2: The New American Prosecutor with Rashad Robinson - Justice in America - Air Date 9-5-18

Josei and Clint discuss progressive prosecutors with Rashad Robinson.

Ch. 3: Philly's New Progressive DA Is Not Playing Around - The Young Turks - Air Date 3-20-19

Cenk discusses DA Larry Krasner and his work to remove power from the police state in Philadelphia.

Ch. 4: Principles to Change Prosecution with Miriam Krinsky Part 2 - Criminal Injustice with David Harris - Air Date 3-5-19

Miriam Krinsky discusses the role of mass incarceration in US society and the work to make communities safer without prison.

Ch. 5: The Progressive Prosecutor Wave is Rising - On The Media - Air Date 7-26-19

Brooke discusses the powerful role the prosecutor has in the justice system and what can be done to change mass incarceration.

Ch. 6: How restorative justice could end mass incarceration with Shannon Silva - TEDx Talks - Air Date 7-18-19

Shannon Silva discusses what restorative justice can look like as an alternative to mass incarceration


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Insurance company limits my drug choice and denied my emergency room stay - Scott from Mount Juliet, TN

Ch. 8: We need wages up to support independent media - Zach from Atlanta

Ch. 9: Thanks for voicemails - Dave from Olympia, WA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on the value of donation, for the love of voicemails and the results of last week’s poll


TAKE ACTION!

Get involved in Real Justice PAC

Follow @RealJusticePAC on Twitter

Follow Prosecutor Adam Foss on Twitter

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

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 & curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Donder - Darby
  • Copper Halls - Blue Dot Sessions
  • Glass Runner - Marble Run
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • Tranceless - Caruthersville
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1300_Progressive_Prosecutors_Air_Date_8-27-19_-_8-27-19_18.20.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 8/23/2019

Today we take a look at the lengths the Democratic leadership will go in an attempt to silence the emerging progressive movement within their ranks and how all of this is self-defeating if one actually cares about general Democratic principles rather than just maintaining power for power's sake.

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VOTE IN THE WEEKLY SHOW TOPICS POLL!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Pelosi Waging War On AOC's Squad - No Filter - Air Date 7-16-19

Nancy Pelosi's outburst proves her disdain for the newly elected women of color in Congress.

Ch. 2: Claims of Sowing Discord are Used to Silence Criticisms of Power Part 1 - Citations Needed - Air Date 7-24-19

Silencing dissent is a sign of fascism, and so much of the media and political worlds are complicit.

Ch. 3: They're Not Just Mad At AOC They're Scared with Miles Kampf-Lassin - The Vast Majority with Micah Uetricht - Air Date 7-18-19

The Squad is pushing against the establishment. Blue Dog Dems don't like it and are tearing them down just like Trump is.

Ch. 4: Pelosi Attacks Only Making The Squad More Powerful - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-18-19

Pelosi isn't up on the new generations and doesn't care about what working-class people want.

Ch. 5: Claims of Sowing Discord are Used to Silence Criticisms of Power Part 2 - Citations Needed - Air Date 7-24-19

Silencing dissent is a sign of fascism, and so much of the media and political worlds are complicit.

Ch. 6: What Is Israel Trying to Hide? Reps. Tlaib & Omar Blocked from Taking Official Trip to West Bank - Democracy Now - Air Date 8-16-19

Israel sparked outrage Thursday when it banned two freshman Democratic congresswomen of color — Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota — from entering the country.

Ch. 7: Buttar Primarying Pelosi - Ring of Fire - Air Date 8-10-19

Shahid Buttar, candidate for U.S. Congress (CA12), joins Sam Seder, to talk about why he is running to unseat Nancy Pelosi.

Ch. 8: Claims of Sowing Discord are Used to Silence Criticisms of Power with Maximillian Alvarez - Citations Needed - Air Date 7-24-19

Silencing dissent is a sign of fascism, and so much of the media and political worlds are complicit.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: A personal and economic argument in favor of universal health care - V from Central New York

Ch. 10: Just gained a new listener - Linda from New Jersey


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments on the political theories of a 10-year old and this weekend’s topic poll options


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Streamer - Arc and Crecent
  • Begrudge - Darby
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
  • PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!


Air Date: 8/20/2019

Today we take a look at the El Paso and Dayton shootings by connecting the dots between white supremacy, misogyny, privilege and power

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: El Paso and Dayton and White Supremacy - Democracy Now - Air Date 8-5-19

Trump's words are having deadly consequences. El Paso and Dayton are white nationalist terrorism and misogyny.

Ch. 2: Domestic Terrorism in El Paso with Bob Moore - In The Thick - Air Date 8-6-19

The El Paso and Dayton shootings are being supported by their communities. Trump and the FBI don't address white terrorism.

Ch. 3: Never-ending Gun Violence - Bradcastwith Brad Friedman - Air Date 8-5-19

Brad discusses the mass shootings and the politicians who prevent any action from being taken

Ch. 4: The Past and Present of Gun Control - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-9-19

Amy discusses the mass murders in Dayton and El Paso with congress members.

Ch. 5: Solutions to Mass Shootings Involve Surrendering Civil Liberties and More Guns - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-7-19

Chris discusses the shootings, Trump, 8chan, white supremacy and trauma.

Ch. 6: The Danger of Linking Mental Illness to Mass Shootings - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-7-19

Trump is parroting conservative talking points about video games and mental health in response to the mass shootings.

Ch. 7: Physical and Psychological Toll of Surviving a Mass Shooting - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-6-19

Survivors of shootings suffer massive trauma. The Dept of Justice doesn't fight white supremacy.

Ch. 8: 8chan Down with Dale Beran - Doomed with Matt Binder - Air Date 8-9-19

Matt discusses 8chan with Dale Beran, and the radicalization of white men on the internet.

Ch. 9: White Cowards Cites Native Mistake In Manifesto - Lets Talk Native with John Kane - Air Date 8-6-19

John Kane discusses the cowardice of the white terrorists and the history of white supremacy against indigenous people and people of color.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on recent and future activism fighting for critical gun laws


TAKE ACTION!

Call on the Senate to Pass HR8: Text the word CHECKS to 644-33

Tell Walmart to stop selling guns & violent apparel: WalmartMustAct.org

Encourage all presidential candidates to participate in the Presidential Forum on Gun Safety on Oct. 2nd in Las Vegas

Spread the word about ¡YA BASTA! Latinos Rise Against Gun Violence and Hatetour in Texas

Spread the word about High School Voter Registration Week - September 23-27th

Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • That Horse Ithica - Sketchbook
  • Chilvat - Lillehammer
  • Contrarian - Sketchbook
  • When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent
  • Gusty Hollow - Migration
  • Quaver - Codebreaker
  • No Smoking - Sunday at Slims
  • Long and Low Cloud - The Bulwark
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1298_Shootings_White_Supremacy_Air_Date_8-20-19_-_8-20-19_21.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 8/16/2019

Today we take a look at just a few of the ways that it is in the nature of corporate media to ruin political discourse by dismissing progressive perspectives and preferring hype and controversy over substance

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Racist voters still support racism - CounterSpin - Air Date 7-26-19

There is no value to going to those who supported Trump through all of has past racism only to ask them is they still support Trump.

Ch. 2: How US Media Pits Labor and Climate Activists Against One Another - Citations Needed - Air Date 7-3-19

For a media that still largely view the working class as a white-man-with-a-hard-hat caricature, this fits into a nice binary that undermines both efforts to take on fossil fuel companies and improve the lives of workers.

Ch. 3: Why is Corporate Media Asking Democrats to Move to the Center - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 3-7-19

The media admonishes democrats for not moving further to the middle. Partisan battles are the status quo, while the world gets worse around us. Democrats will lose by supporting establishment politicians.

Ch. 4: Bernie Sanders Has MSNBC Tripping Over Words with Michael Brooks - No Filter with Ana Kasparian - Air Date 7-22-19

Ana and Michael Brooks discuss corporate medias dire need to split the progressive vote.

Ch. 5: Janine Jackson takes a quick look at AP‘s new guidelines on naming racism - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-5-19

The AP Style Book only just recently decided that it may be ok to call some racist things racist.

Ch. 6: The Unchecked Conservative Ideology of US Media's Fact-Check Verticals - Citations Needed - Air Date 7-17-19

In a media environment overwhelmed with information, misinformation, disinformation and so-called “fake news,” a cottage industry has emerged to “fact-check” the content coming across our screens

Ch. 7: CNN Should Be Embarrassed About Disgusting Debate - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 8-1-19

David discusses what a mess the democratic debates are.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Thoughts on Medicare for All - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 9: Regulating the price of health care is imperative! - Marilyn from France


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on the need to support independent progressive media with a bonus clip from David Pakman

Bonus Clip: Independent Progressive Media is in Trouble - David Pakman Show - Air Date 7-1-18


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Cat's Eye - Marble Run
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • The Face of the Thrush - Migration
  • A Burst of Light - Delray
  • One Little Triumph - Piano Mover
  • Heather - Migration
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!

Direct download: 1297_Media_Election_Air_Date_8-16-19_-_8-17-19_12.40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 8/12/2019

Today we take a look at the recent rebellion in Puerto Rico that unseated the governor as well as plenty of the context of what led us to this point

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: The Truth About Puerto Rico A U.S. Colony - News Beat - Air Date 10-7-18

U.S. colonialism decimated Puerto Rico long before Hurricane Maria, and its legacy of physical, psychological and socioeconomic destruction resonates on through today.

Ch. 2: Fury in Puerto Rico with Julio Ricardo Varela - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 7-29-19

Journalist Julio Ricardo Varela explains the political history and dynamics of Puerto Rico and what pushed people to take to the streets and demand a change in leadership.

Ch. 3: Professor of philosophy Bernat Tort on Puerto Rico’s economic and political crisis - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 7-18-19

Ch. 4: The Boricua Spring - On the Media - Air Date 7-19-19

Brooke speaks with Jay Fonseca, a prominent Puerto Rican journalist, who was one of many mocked in the chats.

Ch. 5: Ed Morales on Puerto Rico Protests - CounterSpin - Air Date 7-26-19

We’ll talk about Puerto Rico with Ed Morales, author of the forthcoming, Fantasy Island: Colonialism, Exploitation and the Betrayal of Puerto Rico.

Ch. 6: Puerto Ricans Stand Up - Code Switch - Air Date 7-30-19

It took less than two weeks for Puerto Ricans to topple their governor following the publication of unsavory private text messages. We tell the story of how small protests evolved into a political uprising unlike anything the island had ever seen.

Ch. 7: Puerto Rico, in the middle of something big - This Is Hell! - Air Date 7-27-19

Our Man in San Juan, Dave Buchen reports on the rollercoaster that might become a revolution in Puerto Rico.

Ch. 8: How the Political Crisis in Puerto Rico is Unifying the Puerto Rican Diaspora - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-30-19

The protests in Puerto Rico have served to lift up the voices of groups that were typically underrepresented on the island: LGBTQ people, women, and members of the diaspora.

Ch. 9: Why Ricky Resigned: Centering women in the Puerto Rican Revolution - Latino USA - Air Date 8-1-19

We examine how the post-Hurricane María death count, the island's debt crisis, and its colonial legacy all contributed to pent-up resentment against the government and the crisis reaching a boiling point.

Ch. 10: Puerto Rico Enters Uncharted Territory as Ricardo Rosselló Prepares to Resign as Governor - Democracy Now - Air Date 7-24-19

We speak with Democracy Now! co-host Juan González on the significance of Rosselló’s resignation.

Ch. 11: Decolonizing the Mind - In The Thick - Air Date 7-25-19

Maria and Julio discuss this week's news about Puerto Rico. After weeks of massive protests from the people, governor Ricardo Rosselló finally announced his resignation.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on illness


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Algea Trio - Algea Fields
  • Cases to Rest - Bodytonic
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • A Path Unwinding - K4
  • Felt Lining - The Cabinetmaker
  • The Summit - K2
  • Peacoat - Studio J
  • Tar and Spackle - Plaster
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE

“La bandera” | Alex Barth | Flickr

(Changes: cropped, contrast, saturation enhancement)

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: 1296_Puerto_Rico_Air_Date_8-9-19_-_8-12-19_19.34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 8/06/2019

Today we take a look at the racist attacks by Trump and his supporters against "The Squad" and how those attacks are in line with a long tradition of working to delegitimize and silence the perspectives of non-whites in America

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: A Racist By Any Other Name - Backtalk with Amy Lam and Dahlia Balcazar - Air Date 7-25-19

Trump's racism towards the squad is actually being called racism by some media outlets, and we need to keep calling it out.

Ch. 2: Trump's Racist Rhetoric is Deliberate with Henry Giroux - The Real News with Marc Steiner - Air Date 7-17-19

Trump is 21st-century fascism, filled with toxic masculinity, nationalism and white supremacy.

Ch. 3: Trump's Racist Comments Roundtable with Laura Carlsen, Jackie Goldberg and Gerald Horne - Sojourner Truth with Margaret Prescod - Air Date 7-18-19

Trump and his racist are an ongoing attack on democracy, and its very loud, white supremacy.

Ch. 4: Why "Send Her Back" Reverberated So Loudly - On the Media - Air Date 7-19-19

Ibram X. Kendi, founding director of American University’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center, considers a different line of inquiry: who gets to be American? Kendi and Brooke talk about how the president's comments have plenty of precedent in history.

Ch. 5: Trumps Racist Lies About Ilham Omar Define the GOP with John Nichols - The Real News with Marc Steiner - Air Date 7-19-19

Trump is doubling down on racist attacks aimed at the congresswomen of color, he is propping up white supremacy and using fear tactics.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Thoughts for those on the fence about universal health care - Heather from Texas

Ch. 8: Many thoughts on our health care system and drug choice - Syd from the Pacific Northwest


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on the corrosive nature of commodifying common decency and humanity


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard
  • Denzel Sprak - CloudCover
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • Sweetly - 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1295_The_Squad_under_attack_Air_Date_8-6-19_-_8-6-19_21.23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 8/02/2019

Today we take a look at the ways that Trump and his administration are systematically chipping away at the concept of a free press, a hallmark tactic of authoritarian governments everywhere

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Freedom of the Press with Lisa Sun and RonNell Andersen Jones - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 9-29-18

Under authoritarianism, Identifying enemies, such as the press, is the right of the leader and in doing so it limits the power and capabilities of that enemy.

Ch. 2: A Coup Against the First Amendment - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 5-29-19

The government is criminally prosecuting a publisher for printing truthful information. Whether Assange is extradited or not, this case casts a dangerous cloud over aggressive national security reporting and means criminalizing journalism is on the table.

Ch. 3: Noam Chomsky On Julian Assange - Democracy Now - Air Date 7-5-19

Noam Chomsky discusses Assange's arrest and the governments actively working to silence journalists.

Ch. 4: Freedom From Lies with Linda McQuaig - Ideas From CBC Radio - Air Date 4-12-19

Linda McQuaig discussed Trump's relationship with the media and how much he attacks and dismantles our system

Ch. 5: Whistleblower Arrest Signals Ongoing Attempts to Silence the Press with James Risen - Democracy Now - Air Date 5-11-19

The Intercept’s senior national security correspondent views the arrests of journalistic sources as an attempt to stifle the "debate about this fundamental issue of who lives and dies."

Ch. 6: The Battle Against A Free Press Continues with Richard Griffiths - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 6-24-19

Richard Griffiths, President of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation, joins David to discuss a bill that would set ethical standards for journalism work as well as sanction journalists who violate them


Bonus Clip: Negotiating with drug companies - Election Ride Home

VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Patient protocols for prescription drugs - Heather from Texas

Ch. 8: Health care vs health insurance - Holly from San Francisco


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on the need to focus on the positive benefits of Medicare for All, not just the negative benefits


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard
  • Neil Takes Two - Studio J
  • The Back Lot - Sunday at Slims
  • Heather - Migration
  • One Little Triumph - Piano Mover
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1294_Journalism_under_attack_Air_Date_8-1-19_-_8-2-19_19.56.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 7/30/2019

Today we take a look at the ongoing debate about socialism between socialists and non-socialists alike, including discussion of tactical strategies on where to set our goals and how to get from here to there

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: John Nichols on Bernie and Socialism - Start Making Sense - Air Date 6-19-19

Bernie Sanders gave an important speech on socialism last week, and our John Nichols spoke with him about it -- beforehand.

Ch. 2: Astra Taylor on Socialism, Democracy and Liberalism - Jacobin Radio The Dig with Daniel Denvir - Air Date 7-5-19

Socialism has grown a lot because of demonization. The Left has a war to lose - left policies are the direction of progress and the world is leaning that way - but without proper education and fighting it will take a lot longer.

Ch. 3: Democratic Socialists and President Bernie with Meagan Day - This Is Hell with Chuck Mertz - Air Date 3-13-19

In the long run, democratic socialism wants to end capitalism - to empower working people. It's not just New Deal liberals - its pushing further. Massive momentum is on the Democratic Socialist side and collective action will win.

Ch. 4: David Harvey On The Limits of Social Democracy and of the Welfare State - The Real News - Air Date 7-8-19

The main alternative to neoliberalism is the proposed renewal of social democracy, such as in the form of Bernie Sanders' proposals. But to move forward we need to discuss the limits of a welfare state that ultimately does not change class relations

Ch. 5: Why Bernie Talks About the New Deal with Seth Ackerman - Jacobin Radio - The Vast Majority with Micah Uetricht - Air Date 6-25-19

Was the New Deal socialist? Yes and no. Bernie is pointing to the central model of most democratic socialist-style governments - he points to the good policies of democratic socialism instead of strict definitions.

Ch. 6: Democratic Socialism and How We Can Get There with Richard Wolff - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 6-15-19

Bernie's solutions, while admirable and helpful, are merely reforms of a fundamentally broken and contradictory system. Reforms set us up for inevitable roll-back by the powerful as we've seen since FDR.

Ch. 7: Bhaskar Sunkara on the possibilities of socialism in America - This is Hell - Air Date 5-21-19

Bhaskar Sunkara explores a path to socialism in America - as capitalism collapses and pulls politics towards the right, the promise of a worker-driven, democratic society built on equality and justice can be won by a broad, working-class movement

Ch. 8: Bernie Sanders Speech Connects Democratic Socialism with the New Deal - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 6-22-19

Bernie is calling out the massive power disparities in the US and what policies we can work towards - an Economic Bill of Rights.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: Fighting climate change means fighting capitalism - Jesse from Boston


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on the connection between political debates and parenting advice


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Over the Fence - Delray
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
  • PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Stale Case - Darby
  • Turning - Lathe
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE

Lorie Shaull , Flickr| License

(Modifications: Cropped)

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1293_Democratic_Socialism_Air_Date_7-30-19_-_7-30-19_17.52.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

This episode, when originally posted, had its wires crossed and some listeners would have heard a rerun episode instead by mistake. This has been fixed so please re-download the episode and enjoy it as it was intended.

Air Date: 7/16/2019

Today we take a look at the widespread movements gaining steam around the world using disruption of business as usual as a tactic to protest insufficient governmental action on climate change

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SHOW NOTES

Intro: Activism is food for the soul and the solution must match the problem

Ch. 1: What Should the Climate Movement Do Next? with Hannah Martin - Weekly Economics - Air Date 7-1-19

Protestors are targeting events where the people who have enabled carbon death are speaking. Organizing and striking is the biggest tool we have to stop the madness.

Ch. 2: Extinction Rebellion and Students Demanding Climate Action - Citizens Climate Lobby - Air Date 3-23-19

We dig into the role of the “Rebel”—groups and individuals who disrupt business as usual in order to bring about systems change.

Ch. 3: Greta Thunberg Warns the EU - Green News Report - Air Date 4-18-19

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg offers a stark, tearful warning to EU

Ch. 4: Extinction Rebellion The Climate Is An Emergency - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 5-28-19

We talk about the climate crisis and the model that Extinction Rebellion gives to action.

Ch. 5: Changing Tactics in the Face of Climate Emergency with Julia Olson and Vic Barrett - No Ordinary Lawsuit - Air Date 3-29-19

There is legal precedent for suing the government over climate change. Big social and structural changes need to happen and we need all branches of government on our side. Our lives, liberty and property are threatened without massive structural change

Ch. 6: Lisa Hymas On The Need For A Climate Crisis Debate - The Young Turks - Air Date 7-2-19

We need to have a climate change debate for 2020.

Ch. 7: Demand a DNC #ClimateDebate & Join the Global #ClimateStrike September 20-27th - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 8: Greta Thunberg: Act Right Now - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 1-30-19

Greta Thunberg explains why she walked out for climate action - all the solutions are there, and we need to stand up and act.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: Clarifying the Prisoners Dilemma - Heather

Ch. 10: Should reparations be universal programs to help their staying power? - Jonathan from Louisville, KY


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments on the fight about reparations we need to have


TAKE ACTION

Demand a #ClimateDebate via Sunrise Movement

Join Sunrise Movement at Dem Primary Debates in Detroit

Find Global Climate Strike (Sept 20th-27th) Events or Organize One

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

How to stand with climate strikers(350.org)

Young people have led the climate strikes. Now we need adults to join us too(The Guardian)

We Should All Ditch Work and Go on Strike for the Climate(Vice)

Young Activists Are Planning National Protests To Push Democrats On The Climate Crisis(BuzzFeed)

Sunrise Movement Calls for Mass Climate Demonstration Outside Democratic Debate in Detroit(The Intercept)

Under pressure from activists, DNC reportedly planning vote on climate debate(ThinkProgress)

It’s official: The DNC is considering a climate debate(Grist)

This Is Why We Need A Climate Debate(HuffPost)


Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Hundred Mile-No Guitar - K2
  • A Palace of Cedar - The Pine Barrens
  • On Our Own Again - The Pine Barrens
  • The Zeppelin - Aeronaut
  • Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
  • Open Flames - Aeronaut
  • Planting Flags - K4
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1290_Climate_Action_Air_Date_7-16-19_-_7-30-19_11.20.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

In preparation for our next regular episode on the topic of socialism in America and Bernie Sanders' role in bringing the debate to the center of the Democratic primary campaign, I wanted to make available Sanders' full speech from George Washington University in June.

Direct download: Bonus_-_Bernie_Sanders_Speech_Full_-_72919_15.44.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:52am EST

Air Date: 7/26/2019

Today we take a look at the fight for free and fair elections in which voters choose their representatives rather than the politicians getting to select their voters to keep themselves in power indefinitely regardless of the will of the people.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 0: Thoughts to take with you on how to find your place in progressive activism and stop feeling overwhelmed

Ch. 1: Ready, set, gerrymander - Amicus - Air Date 6-28-19

A round table round-up of the 2018 Supreme Court term with Dahlia Lithwick, Slate’s Mark Joseph Stern, Professor Pam Karlan of Stanford and Professor Leah Litman of the University of Michigan Law School. Analysis of the gerrymandering cases

Ch. 2: Ari Berman GOP Docs Prove Census Citizenship Question Is About Preserving White Political Power - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-3-19

We get an update from Ari Berman, senior writer at Mother Jones, whose new piece is “Architect of GOP Gerrymandering Was Behind Trump’s Census Citizenship Question.”

Ch. 3: Dave Daley on Gerrymandering - Another Way, by Lawrence Lessig - Air Date 7-3-19

Dave Daley, author of Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn’t Count, joins Larry Lessig this week to talk about the past, present, and future of gerrymandering. They discuss the nefarious mechanisms and effects of drawing district lines for maximal partisan advantage

Ch. 4: Those Who Draw the Lines…Have the Power - The Takeaway - Air Date 4-4-19

“Slay the Dragon,” chronicles the challenges to congressional maps in several states that have been accused of partisan gerrymandering. In Michigan, voters approved a ballot measure in 2018 to take map-drawing power out of the hands of the legislature

Ch. 5: Mark Joseph Stern on the nonsense of the SCOTUS gerrymandering ruling - The BradCast w Brad Friedman - Air Date 6-30-19

Mark Joseph Stern explains the Court’s 5 -4 partisan split ruling allowing extreme partisan gerrymandering of legislative districts to continue, which he calls a "crushing defeat for voting rights" and a "fiasco for democracy."

Ch. 6: Fight Gerrymandering on the State Level via @CommonCause @IndivisibleTeam @BrennanCenter - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 7: Ari Berman on The Contentious Right To Vote - Another Way, by Lawrence Lessig - Air Date 7-17-19

Voting rights have always been contentious in America, and our era is no different. Larry Lessig digs deeply into the past and present of voting in America with Ari Berman, author of Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Forcing the Northern narrative onto the back foot - Will from New Jersey

Ch. 9: Our economic message is stronger when it is inclusive - James from Sacramento, CA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on putting racists on the back foot


TAKE ACTION!

Join a Common Cause state-level campaign

See how your state does redistricting with Brennan Center's "50 State Guide to Redistricting

Start your own local campaign with Common Cause's "Redistricting Activist Handbook"

Learn more with Indivisible's Gerrymandering Resource 

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

How Did Citizen-Led Redistricting Initiatives Fare in the Mid-terms?(Pacific Standard Magazine)

States poised to take up fight over partisan gerrymandering(AP News)

The Supreme Court's Message: Win or Go Home(The Atlantic)

States spend big on make-or-break 2020 census(Roll Call)


Researched and Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Around Plastic Card Tables - Desert Orchard
  • Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
  • The Back Lot - Sunday at Slims
  • Tar and Spackle - Plaster
  • Gusty Hollow - Migration
  • Parade Shoes - Arc and Crecent
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1292_Gerrymandering_Air_Date_7-26-19_-_7-26-19_08.47.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date: 7/23/2019

Today we take a look at the fight for Medicare for All through the lens of the Democratic Primary elections. 

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors: Babbel.com | SimpleHabit.com/LEFT

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: All About Medicare For All - Election Ride Home with Chris Higgins - Air Date 4-12-19

Bernie launched his latest Medicare For All bill with many cosponsors, and the big takeaway is eliminating private insurance and regulating drug companies.

Ch. 2: Is Biden a Liar or a Crazy Old Man? - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-15-19

Joe Biden's Medicare For All stance is shady, if best. Sam Seder and the Majority Report crew discuss this.

Ch. 3: Without Medicare For All, the Healthcare System Will Collapse with Wendell Potter - The Real News with Paul Jay - Air Date 5-22-19

The healthcare system is unsustainable; without a Medicare for All system, only the wealthiest will be able to afford decent care - Wendell Potter on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

Ch. 4: Medicare For All VS Medicare For America - Kim Iverson - Air Date 3-19-19

Beto wants to keep insurance and profit in healthcare. Bernie doesn't.

Ch. 5: A Shift to the Left with Lester Spence and Kimberly Moffitt - The Real News with Marc Steiner - Air Date 6-28-19

Analysts Lester Spence and Kimberly Moffit critique Democratic candidates for president as they took on corporate power and healthcare

Ch. 6: Medicare For All Goodbye Private Insurance with Natalie Shure - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 3-16-19

Private health insurance needs to end, profit and wall street decide our healthcare. Other countries have many options we can build from. The transition must happen.

Ch. 7: First Ever Medicare For All Hearing - The Young Turks with Cenk Uygur and John Iadarola - Air Date 4-30-19

People are dying because they can’t afford health treatment, and that needs to change.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: The Christianization of education - Navreet from Illinois

Ch. 9: Insulting to holocaust survivors to not make the comparison to concentration camps - April from Lexington, MA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments telling the story of what the hell JFK was talking about referring to why we choose to go to the moon and do the “other things”


TAKE ACTION!

Help build a #MedicareforAll groundswell ahead of the 2020 elections. Pass local government resolutions on Medicare for All in your communities, towns, cities and states across the country. Go to Medicare4AllResolutions.orgfor the tools you need to get started, and much more.

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • A Burst of Light - Delray
  • Chilvat - Lillehammer
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Stale Case - Darby
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1291_Medicare_4_All_Air_Date_7-23-19_-_7-23-19_11.56.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00am EST

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

 

Show Notes

Ch. 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/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: Rerun_1186_Confederacy_Air_Date_5-29-18_Ad_Free_-_7-19-19_21.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 7/12/2019

Today we take a look at the well-planned and completely predictable build-up to war with Iran from the Republican neocons and theocrats who've wanted this war for decades

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Gulf of Tonkin Redux - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 6-19-19

The U.S. accuses Iran of attacking civilian ships while offering scant evidence, grave historical parallels are emerging with the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964 that was manipulated to justify Lyndon Johnson’s dramatic escalation of the war in Vietnam

Ch. 2: Trump Imposes New Sanctions with Trita Parsi - Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman - Air Date 6-25-19

Iran said the new round of sanctions “permanently closed the path to diplomacy” between Iran and the United States. We speak with Iranian-American author and analyst Trita Parsi, former president and founder of the National Iranian American Council.

Ch. 3: US Further Isolates Itself from its Allies with Lawrence Wilkerson - The Real News Network with Greg Wilpert - Air Date 6-18-19

With the announcement that Iran will break the terms of its nuclear agreement, for stockpiling enriched uranium, the stage is set for a confrontation between the US and its European allies. The situation will contribute to greater US isolation.

Ch. 4: Gareth Porter on Trump's theocrats running our foreign policy - Unauthorized Disclosure - Air Date 6-24-19

Taking a look at the theocrats running Trump's foreign policy

Ch. 5: "Drifting" toward war with Iran - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-16-19

Taking a look at the theocrats running Trump's foreign policy

Ch. 6: How "Neutral" Experts Took Over Trump's Iran Policy with Arash Karami - Citations Needed - Air Date 6-12-19

Experts keep pushing for war. They are fueled by right-wing think tank Foundation For Defense of Democracies.

Ch. 7: Iran In Context- Geopolitical Struggles Against the US Empire with Ben Norton - Peoples Republic - Air Date 6-29-19

Iran has internal politics worth considering too

Ch. 8: Iran vs America: What's Next with Jamal Abdi - The Hartmann Report - Air Date 6-24-19

Trump’s Iranian sanctions are designed to force Iran into accepting what the US wants. The Iranian sanctions are Trump and Pompeo wanting the Iranian administration to change.

Ch. 9: The Iran Standoff with Ben Rhodes - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 6-20-19

What the hell with US politics and foreign policy? The US believes we have to fix everything around the world until have we delivered democracy.

Ch. 10: Is the US Heading for War With Iran? - The Inquiry - Air Date 5-29-19

War with Iran would be bad enough, but it may also escalate into a more widespread conflict


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 11: Advice on self-preservation for today's activist - Emily from Cleveland


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on keeping perspective as a way to maintain our mental health


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • The Envelope - Aeronaut
  • The Back Lot - Sunday at Slims
  • Gondola Blue - Towboat
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • Gusty Hollow - Migration
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • On Early Light - Cholate
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1289_Iran_Air_Date_7-12-19_-_7-13-19_12.25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 7/10/2019

Today we take a look at the history, legality, conditions and consequences of US concentrations camps erected to house asylum seekers fleeing from unspeakable violence only to land in the hands of Trump's intentionally torturous immigration detention system

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Are Immigration Detention Centers Concentration Camps? - The Real News - Air Date 6-23-19

Aviva Chomsky discusses the reality of refugees coming to the U.S in light of the controversial statement of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that refugees are kept in concentration camps

Ch. 2: Concentration Camps in the U.S. Andrea Pitzer Decries Tent Cities for Detaining Kids Without Trial - Democracy Now - Air Date 7-5-19

Andrea Pitzer writes, “I defined concentration camps as the mass detention of civilians without trial, usually on the basis of race, religion, national origin, citizenship, or political party, rather than anything a given individual has done."

Ch. 3: U.S. ‘concentration camps’ still on Part 1 - The BradCast - Air Date 6-21-19

The Trump Administration's Dept. of Justice was in court stunning judges by arguing that a long-standing legal settlement requiring migrant children be held in "safe and sanitary" conditions, doesn't mean they have to have either soap or toothbrushes.

Ch. 4: There Are Concentration Camps for Kids at the Border. Is Any of This Legal? Part 1 - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 6-27-19

Jessica Mason Pieklo and Imani Gandy explain the legal framework meant to protect these children and how the Trump administration intends to dismantle it.

Ch. 5: DHS Whistleblower Who Spoke Out Against Obama-Era Immigration Jails Condemns Conditions on Border - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-26-19

We speak with government whistleblower Dr. Scott Allen, who was hired in 2014 to inspect facilities where immigrant families are incarcerated, who says degrading conditions for jailed migrants date back to Obama’s presidency.

Ch. 6: U.S. ‘concentration camps’ still on Part 2 - The BradCast - Air Date 6-21-19

One attorney who represents detained children said: "In my 22 years of doing visits with children in detention, I have never heard of this level of inhumanity".

Ch. 7: “Somebody Is Going to Die” Lawyer Describes Chaos, Illness & Danger at Migrant Child Jail in Texas - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-24-19

A shocking Associated Press report published late last week revealing that at least 250 migrant infants, children and teenagers have been locked up for nearly a month without adequate food, water or sanitation at a Border Patrol station in Clint, Texas.

Ch. 8: Immigrant detention centers are concentration camps - Light Treason News - Air Date 6-15-19

Concentration camps aren't just about locking people away, they're about turning them into the sick, huddled masses you claim they are

Ch. 9: Six Children Have Died While in ICE Custody. Why? - The Real News - Air Date 5-29-19

Undocumented immigrants seeking asylum are being separated from their children and detained in prison camps as more restrictive racist policies are being imposed by Trump. We discuss the policy with ACLU attorney Astrid Dominguez

Ch. 10: A History of Concentration Camps with Andrea Pitzer - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 7-1-19

The danger about concentration camps is just beginning, with climate refugees on the rise, countries around the world will look to the US handling of migrants as justification for them to do the same.

Ch. 11: Peter Schey On Migrant Children & Humanitarian Crisis - Sojourner Truth - Air Date 6-26-19

Peter Schey On Migrant Children & Humanitarian Crisis and what you can do

Ch. 12: There Are Concentration Camps for Kids at the Border. Is Any of This Legal? Part 2 - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 6-27-19

If the courts aren't going to save us, what can we do directly?

Ch. 13: Demand an End to US Concentration Camps #DontLookAway #EndUSConcentrationCamps #Lights4Liberty - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 14: CNN giving time to those desperate for bliss in ignorance - CounterSpin - Air Date 6-27-19

Outrage without action is something we can't afford right now.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 15: Final comments on more things you can do to combat concentration camps and help those being victimized by them


TAKE ACTION: 

Demand your members of Congress visit the camps & bear witness with public testimonials

Demand your members of Congress withhold further funding unless strict humanitarian safeguards and guardrails are attached

Read Together & Free's guide to how you can help  

Attend a Lights for Liberty vigilnear you on Friday, July 12th

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE:

Reminder: Trump doesn’t need to keep migrants in detention camps(Vox)

Inside the Secret Border Patrol Facebook Group Where Agents Joke About Migrant Deaths and Post Sexist Memes(ProPublica)

Rep. Joaquin Castro posts videos purportedly of Texas migrant detention centers(ABC News)

AOC Put a Spotlight on Migrant Detention Conditions. Conservative Media Focused on Her Manners.(NY Magazine)

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Claims CBP Officers Told Women to Drink Out of Toilets in Detention Facility(Newsweek)

AOC Goes to Border, Shares the "Systemic Cruelty" of Migrant Detention Centers(Vanity Fair)

Democrats folded on border bill — now they must demand to see detention centers(Salon)

What The Hell Is Nancy Pelosi Doing?(Huffington Post)


Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Chilvat - Lillehammer
  • Weathervane - CloudCover
  • The Envelope - Aeronaut
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • The Cast and Favor - Bayou Birds
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • Away Game - Blue Dot Sessions
  • Great is the Contessa - The Contessa
  • Surly Bonds - Aeronaut
  • Vengeful - Warmbody
  • Headlights/Mountain Road - The Contessa
  • Vibrant Canopy - Origami
  • This fickle world - Theo Bard
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1288_Concentration_Camps_Air_Date_7-9-19_-_7-10-19_16.50.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date: 7/5/2019

Today we take an unflinching look at Mitch McConnell and what a bad, bad man he is for basically all of the reasons. 

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Money Money Money Part 1 - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Tom Dreisbach - Air Date 6-6-19

Mitch fully embraces the 'evil' of raising money in politics, and truly believes money is free speech.

Ch. 2: Voting Machine Lobbyists Pay Mitch McConnell - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 6-13-19

Lobbyists for both major voting machine companies have started contributing to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's re-election campaign as McConnell is blocking election security bills.

Ch. 3: McConnell Admits Defeat with Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola, and Ana Kasparian - The Young Turks - Air Date 3-8-19

McConnell, a longtime opponent of campaign finance reform who battled the late Sen. McCain over the issue, made clear in December that the House proposal would never see floor time in the Senate.

Ch. 4: Money Money Money Part 2 - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Tom Dreisbach - Air Date 6-6-19

McCain and Mitch fought each other over money in politics for years. Mitch wasn't ever going to lose, McCain saw the corruption and tried to call it out.

Ch. 5: Mitch Is the Biggest Monster In Politics - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 3-8-19

Mitch has been packing the courts, it is monopolization of our judiciary by far right extremists / conservatives.

Ch. 6: McConnell Makes Obstruction Pledge with Cenk Uygur, Jayar Jackson, and John Iadarola - The Young Turks - Air Date 4-24-19

McConnell sees what the progressives are doing, and is dedicated to stopping them at all costs.

Ch. 7: Darth Vader Has Arrived - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Tom Dreisbach - Air Date 6-13-19

Mitch fought endlessly to ensure corporate money in politics. Citizens United and Mitch McConnell completely overturned democracy and legalized corruption.

Ch. 8: Is Mitch McConnell the Most Evil Politician in US History with Alex Pareene - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 4-5-19

Mitch is manipulating our judicial system - Trumps court appointments are pushing terrorism on the people. Mitch is the most productive and destructive GOP in modern history.

Ch. 9: Mitch McConnell Gets Cornered By Question with Cenk Uygur, Ira Madison and John Iadarola - The Young Turks - Air Date 5-29-19

Mitch blocked Merrick Garland under Obama, and now will indiscriminately fill any SCOTUS opening.

Ch. 10: Not A Happy Choice - Embedded with Kelly McEvers and Eric Mennel - Air Date 6-20-19

Mitch rose to fame during the Obama administration, for refusing to work with Obama on anything, which paved the way for Trump


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 11: Christians thrive on oppression - (Another) Heather

Ch. 12: The Christian Right's Persecution Boner - Ani from Florida


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 13: Final comments on why it’s safe to say that Mitch McConnell is an extortionist


TAKE ACTION! (Cut for time)

SEGMENT:Support the Fight to Oust McConnell in 2020 - Best of the Left Activism

Support End Citizens United

Support Indivisible Kentucky

Support the Ditch Mitch Fund

Support Steven Cox

Support Amy McGrath(if she announces)

Support Matt Jones(if he announces)

Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Banjo - Grey River
  • Heather - Migration
  • Lord Weasel - Molerider
  • Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • Vibrant Canopy - Origami
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • Waterbourne - Algea Fields
  • Surly Bonds - Aeronaut
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1287_Mitch_McConnel_Air_Date_7-5-19_-_7-4-19_20.38.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am EST

Air Date: 7/2/2019

Today we take a look at the ways in which Christians are being rallied to see themselves as the true victimized minority in America, a key component to stoking right-wing nationalism

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors: 

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Rise of the Christian Taliban - The Intercept with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-20-18

Mehdi Hasan is here to warn you about a growing threat to the laws and values of the United States from a group of religious extremists and fanatics.

Ch. 2: Reverse Discrimination Isn't A Thing - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 4-11-19

The religious right claims reverse discrimination in that they are being unfairly required to exist in the same world as trans people

Ch. 3: Is Mike Pence Christian? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 4-15-19

Mike Pence argues that to be a Christian one must discriminate against gay people, prevent women from getting abortions or birth control, support tearing refugee children from their parents and prevent the working poor from having access to healthcare.

Ch. 4: Mike Pence Whines Over How Hard It Is To Be Christian - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 5-18-19

Mike Pence insists that it's the Christians who are being discriminated against.

Ch. 5: Educating and Engaging with Lyra McKee - This Way Out - Air Date 4-29-19

Lyra McKee (full TEDx talk) shares her experiences transforming lives with conversations in religious spaces

Ch. 6: Master Plan to Dismantle LGBTQ Rights - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 4-25-19

What are the LGBTQ cases heading to the Supreme Court? It's 2019 and people can be fired for not adhering to heteronormative gender ideas. Corporate, Christian, Conservative resistance is damaging and disgusting.

Ch. 7: House Passes the Equality Act - This Way Out - Air Date 5-20-19

The House passes the Equality Act in an effort to stop LGBTQ discrimination and ensuring their freedoms. GOP is pushing back with the fallacious idea that white Christians are being discriminated against.

Ch. 8: Demand the Senate Pass the Equality Act & Protect Trans Health Rights - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 9: Speaker Ryan Firing Chaplain is True Attack on Religious Liberty with Dr. Reverend Barber and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-1-18

Republicans are always claiming that everything progressives do is an attack on religious liberty, even sometimes just existing by some people is seen as an attack on "religious freedom'... in the meantime, Republican speaker Paul Ryan fires a religious leader fires a Chaplain over politics?


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: From depression to anxiety - Corey from New Jersey

Ch. 11: Prisoners dilemma and the presidential election - Heather


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on the overthinking many do during primary elections


TAKE ACTION!

Tell the Senate to Pass the Equality Act

Protect Trans Health: Comment on Trump’s Discriminatory Rule

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

7 maps show the mess LGBT laws are in the USA (USA Today)

The Senate should stand up for all Americans and pass the Equality Act (Rep. Patrick Maloney in The Hill)

A History of Federal Non-Discrimination Legislation (93rd - 114th Congress)(Human Rights Campaign)

Why Trump Is Rolling Back LGBTQ Health-Care Protections(The Atlantic)

The Trump Administration Will Allow Health Workers To Refuse Abortion And Sex Reassignment Services(Buzzfeed)

Black Trans Women Are Being Murdered in the Streets. Now the Trump Administration Wants to Turn Us Away From Shelters and Health Care.(ACLU)

Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Entrap - Darby
  • Quaver - Codebreaker
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard
  • Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
  • Gusty Hollow - Migration
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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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: 1286_Christian_Nationalism_Air_Date_7-2-19_-_7-2-19_21.26.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 6/28/2019

Today we take a look at the ways that extreme inequality and many of the worst instincts and repercussions of capitalism are being upheld and perpetuated by our culture of philanthropy. It turns out that what we see as the rich giving back is really more of a purchase on their part, a purchase of our acceptance of inequality and the right of the wealthy to rule 

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Gilded Rage - Future Perfect - Air Date 5-21-19

To put our new age of extreme inequality in perspective, we look back at Andrew Carnegie, who gave America a huge number of libraries so they’d forgive him for his brutal steel mills. We ask: Is the same thing happening in 2019?

Ch. 2: Anand Giridharadas: Winners take all Part 1 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 9-27-18

Anand Giridharadas, author of Winners Take All, on the win-win business- and plutocrat-friendly philanthropy of today’s nouveau riche.

Ch. 3: Rob Reich: Is big philanthropy destroying democracy? - Tiny Spark - Air Date 11-7-18

Stanford professor Rob Reich’s new book Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better investigates how charity can undermine democratic values and explores the ways federal policies help to facilitate greater inequality.

Ch. 4: Could billionaires solve global poverty? - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-25-19

Time editor at large, Anand Giridharadas, discusses whether billionaires can put an end to global poverty if they had the will to do so, and talks about his recent book, Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World

Ch. 5: Rob Reich on whether philanthropy is bad for democracy - Rationally Speaking - Air Date 11-12-18

This episode features political scientist Rob Reich, author of "Just Giving: Why Philanthropy is Failing Democracy, and How it Can Do Better". Does it deserve to be tax-deductible? And do philanthropists have too much power in society?

Ch. 6: Anand Giridharadas: Winners take all Part 2 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 9-27-18

Anand Giridharadas, author of Winners Take All, on the win-win business- and plutocrat-friendly philanthropy of today’s nouveau riche.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Inequality is the #1 issue - James from Sacramento, CA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 8: Final comments on covering inequality and presenting a bonus clip on two manifestations of racism

BONUS CLIP: Myths of the ruling class with Anand Giridharadas - Why is this happening? - Air Date 10-8-18


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • Felt Lining - The Cabinetmaker
  • Slow Lane Lover - Barstool
  • Gondola Blue - Towboat
  • The Back Lot - Sunday at Slims
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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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: 1285_Philanthropy.Inequality_Air_Date_6-28-19_-_6-28-19_16.04.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 6/25/2019
Today we take a look at the surprisingly varied ways that progressive, well-meaning, do-gooding philanthropists have consistently held back the social movements they are attempting to help and have strangled attempts to implement truly egalitarian policies designed to help everyone
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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: How philanthropy captures social movements - Tiny Spark - Air Date 3-21-19

Megan Ming Francis explains how philanthropists—even well-intentioned ones—can “capture” the social movements they fund and, in doing so, steer grassroots organizations and activists away from their original missions.

Ch. 2: Toxic Avenger Extraordinaire on the problem with Big Green - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 3-29-19

Toxic Avenger extraordinaire, Walter Hang, joins us to talk about how they outlawed fracking in New York State and why Big Green groups have failed to stop Donald Trump’s anti-environment agenda

Ch. 3: How Nonprofits Made the LGBT Movement Straight with Myrl Beam - Tiny Spark - Air Date 10-11-18

Myrl Beam started to notice the ways big philanthropy, corporate sponsors, and wealthy donors stymied the LGBTQ movement from his own experiences working in nonprofits.

Ch. 4: Anand Giridharadas: Winners take all - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 9-27-18

Anand Giridharadas, author of Winners Take All, on the win-win business- and plutocrat-friendly philanthropy of today’s nouveau riche.

Ch. 5: Is big philanthropy destroying democracy? How progressive parents undermine public schools - Tiny Spark - Air Date 11-7-18

Stanford professor Rob Reich’s new book Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better investigates how charity can undermine democratic values and explores the ways federal policies help to facilitate greater inequality.

Ch. 6: Dana Kawaoka-Chen Justice Funders’ Framework for Philanthropic Transformation - Next Economy Now - Air Date 5-15-19

Dana Kawaoka-Chen partners and guides philanthropy in reimagining practices that advance a thriving and just world. She is a co-author of “The Choir Book: A Framework for Social Justice Philanthropy”

Ch. 7: Fragility, frustration and funding - Tiny Spark - Air Date 2-7-19

Whether vocally critiquing the sector on his blog Nonprofit AF, or working to develop leaders of color at his nonprofit in Seattle, Vu Le’s frustrations fuel his drive to make the industry do better.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: A reading and watching list for you - V from Central New York


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on the Prisoner's Dilemma of fighting for just causes


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard
  • Glass Runner - Marble Run
  • Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • Rafter - Speakeasy
  • Glass Beads - The Balloonist
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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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: 1284_Philanthropy_Air_Date_6-25-19_-_6-25-19_17.35.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 6/21/2019
Today we take a look at the ways that Native Peoples are represented in white society and pop culture, how some are working to take back their own narratives and some insight into the profound effects, both positive and negative, of how peoples are represented

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Opinion polls about offense and the Redskins football team - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 5-27-16

The Washington Post conducts a flawed survey resulting in a misleading conclusion that most native peoples don't consider Redskins to be an offensive term

Ch. 2: The toxic mix of racist representation and misogynistic disregard for women - Let's Talk Native... with John Kane - Air Date 2-14-19

Racist representation of native peoples in sports and culture supports the anti-native sentiment that drives the MMIWG epidemic

Ch. 3: A Native perspective for museums - Native America Calling - Air Date 4-9-19

Native peoples have had their stories told form them by white people for centuries, working in museums and cultural centers create the opportunities to tell their own stories

Ch. 4: Spirit Animal Native Appropriation - #PoliticallyReactive with @wkamaubell and @harikondabolu - Air Date 5-18-17

W Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu step in a pile of native cultural appropriation and then slowly, messily wade their way out of it

Ch. 5: Hawaiian Indigeneity and the theft of Aloha with W. Gerry Ebalaroza - Breakdances With Wolves - Air Date 8-21-18

Discussing cultural appropriation in many forms including the legal trademarking of one of the terms most central to native Hawaiian culture, Aloha

Ch. 6: 'Reel' Indians and the invention of Hollywood Indian English - Backstory - Air Date 11-22-14

A history lesson on the Hollywood creation of all of the stereotypes we reflexively think of when we think about how native peoples speak

Ch. 7: On Native American Loss and Triumph - On the Media - Air Date 10-5-18

David Treuer discusses the means by which Indians have been fighting for social and political change for centuries.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Changed my mind in favor of impeachment - Nick from California


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on the Canadian TV show “First Contact” and what it teaches us about how people do and don’t change their mind


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

NativeAppropriations.com

Native American imagery is all around us, while the people are often forgotten(National Geographic)

The Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Epidemic Is Inseparable From Native Appropriation(Bustle)

‘It’s called a genocide’: Gavin Newsom apologizes to California’s Native Americans(San Francisco Chronicle)


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • Vibrant Canopy - Origami
  • Homegrown - The Pine Barrens
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Interlude - The Nocturne
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1283_Native_Peoples_Representation_Air_Date_6-21-19_-_6-20-19_22.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EST

Air Date: 6/18/2019
Today we take a look at the violence being inflicted upon the LGB and particularly T community as well as the history of our societies erasure of trans people who have been around for thousands of years
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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Here is What We're Fighting For: The Story of Stonewall - Mother Jones - Air Date 6-5-19

Stonewall riots started as a party. Don't forget Marcia Johnson. Remember that the fighters at Stonewall were very diverse.

Ch. 2: Black Trans Women are Being Murdered - The Breakdown with Shaun King - Air Date 5-21-19

Hate against black trans lives is being normalized, and it's leading to their deaths. Put a stop to the hate, reexamine your views.

Ch. 3: Imara Jones, Transgender Narratives are Expansive - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 9-26-18

As more trans people come out and more education about trans lives enters the culture, the more of a backlash there is. The patriarchy and right wing are resisting transgender lives existing with all their binary strength.

Ch. 4: Deaths of Trans Asylum Seeker with Isa Noyola - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-5-19

ICE and the Trump administration are murdering migrants, including transgender people. These people are attempting to escape violence from their homelands and finding death in ICE detention centers.

Ch. 5: Undocumented and LGBTQ with Jennicet Gutierrez - Latino Rebels Radio - Air Date 5-19-19

White LGBTQ communities are usually wealthy, Brown and Latino LGBTQ communities have to fight harder just to stay alive, and white LGBTQ communities don't really care.

Ch. 6: LGBTQ in the Old West - BackStory - Air Date 12-7-18

Gender and sexuality of the old west ran the full spectrum, with many people finding acceptance. More strict gender and sexuality roles formed at the end of the 19th century.

Ch. 7: Samy Nour Younes: A short history of trans people's long fight for equality - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 3-28-19

Transgender activist and TED Resident Samy Nour Younes shares the remarkable, centuries-old history of the trans community, filled with courageous stories, inspiring triumphs -- and a fight for civil rights that's been raging for a long time.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Reparations need to be a worldwide project in response to colonialism - Dario from Anchorage, AK

Ch. 9: Personal experience of anti-native racism - Dario from Anchorage, AK

Ch. 10: Will impeachment lead back to business as usual? - Brandon from Chicago


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments on various theories of changes from Congress to the presidency


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Trans people face ‘epidemic of violence,’ American Medical Association warns(Pink News)

Tips for Allies of Transgender People(GLADD)

Thread by Sam Dylan Finch (@samdylanfinch) on Transphobia & Healthcare Discrimination in Trans Community(Let's Queer Things Up)

These Are the Trans People Killed in 2019(The Advocate, *Note*: Only those publicly reported)

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Cases to Rest - Bodytonic
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • Trois Gnossiennes 3 - Blue Dot Sesisons
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • Are We Loose Yet - Bodytonic
  • A Path Unwinding - K4
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1282_LGBTQ_in_peril_Air_Date_6-18-19_-_6-18-19_19.43.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 6/14/2019
Today we take a look at the renewed call for reparations for slavery, Jim Crow and beyond that is infusing the 2020 Democratic primary campaign as well as the history of the campaign for reparations
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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: 40 Acres and A Mule, Today with Brian Balogh and William Darity - BackStory - Air Date 5-24-19

The racial wealth gap is real, and it's large. Reconstruction after the Civil War took some good steps, but all that work was undone. Don't believe the myth that the black community doesn't have wealth because of their own problems.

Ch. 2: History of Slaveowners Receiving Reparations with DeRay, Sam, Brittany and Clint - Pod Save the People - Air Date 4-23-19

After the Emancipation Proclamation, Slave Owners received reparations - creating a narrative that legitimized slavery and enforced poor race relations, essentially canceling the debt our nation owed black lives.

Ch. 3: A Plan To Reverse Economic Apartheid in the US with Dedrick Asante-Muhammad and Chuck Collins - Tiny Spark with Amy Costello - Air Date 5-29-19

Open a congressional committee on reparations, and recognize we need massive progressive policy AND reparations. Stop blaming black lives for their place in the world.

Ch. 4: Callie House and the Movement for Reparations with Nathan Connolly and Mary Frances Berry - BackStory - Air Date 5-24-19

Callie House launched the first widespread reparations movement, despite concentrated attacks from the Federal Government to stop her.

Ch. 5: Renewed Reparations Conversations with Neil, Natalia and Niki - Past Present - Air Date 4-9-19

Support for reparations is growing. Ta-Nehisi Coates sparked the fire. Wealth has been denied to black lives for centuries, and we need widespread policies and radical change to enact proper reparations work.

Ch. 6: The Establishment is trying to outflank Bernie on Reparations - The Benjamin Dixon Show - Air Date 3-11-19

Bernie has an amazing imagination and pushes the Overton Window to the left on every issue - except reparations and black lives. The establishment is using this to hurt Bernie's campaign, despite also not caring about black people.

Ch. 7: Radical Case for Reparations with Glen Ford - This Is Hell - Air Date 4-25-19

Reparations are: Acknowledgement of injustices on the parts of the perpetrators. Restitution for the effects of injustices. Mutual recognition of the part of the victimized communities and perpetrator that the debt is paid.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Focus on rape ban exceptions is useless - Heather from Texas

Ch. 9: Trump and the long line of bad presidents - Brandon from Chicago


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on the life vs legal personhood distinction and how impeachment could usher out the era of impunity we’ve been living in for decades.


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Ta-Nehisi Coates Revisits The Case for Reparations(The New Yorker)

The Case for Reparations(Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Atlantic, 2014) 

What Reparations for Slavery Might Look Like in 2019(The New York Times)

Long Before Redlining: Racial Disparities in Homeownership Need Intentional Policies(Shelterforce)

After Redlining - Part 2(Shelterforce)

What We Get Wrong About the Closing the Racial Wealth Gap(Social Equity, Duke University, 2018)

1.5 Million Missing Black Men(NY Times, 2015)

How a ‘segregation tax’ is costing black American homeowners $156 billion(Curbed)

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Contrarian - Sketchbook
  • Weathervane - CloudCover
  • Quaver - Codebreaker
  • Begrudge - Darby
  • Swapping Tubes - Studio J
  • Chilvat - Lillehammer
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1281_Reparations_Air_Date_6-14-19_-_6-14-19_23.25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 6/11/2019
Today we take a look at Modern Monetary Theory and the neoclassical economics it is looking to replace. It’s very important to understand the logistical and political mechanisms by which money for progressive policy priorities would be appropriated by congress and the debate over MMT gets to the core of those issues and seeks to change the paradigm we use to think about government spending.
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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Debunking the Deficit Hysteria with Stephanie Kelton Part 1 - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-6-19

There’s a pattern to the Republicans’ selective concern about increasing the deficit, and it all depends on who holds the power. When you look at the behavior of people in politics, they don’t really care about the national debt as much as they like to ta

Ch. 2: What is Modern Monetary Theory? (with Stephanie Kelton) Part 2 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 4-23-19

Is government debt real? Is anything real? Professor Stephanie Kelton gives Nick and Goldy a master class on the hottest idea in economics right now: Modern Monetary Theory.

Ch. 3: Why should we care about deficits? Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 2-20-19

Stony Brook University’s Stephanie Kelton, an influential proponent of Modern Monetary Theory, and Jason Furman, President Barack Obama’s chief economist, discuss whether we should worry about government deficits and if so, when?

Ch. 4: Debunking the Deficit Hysteria with Stephanie Kelton Part 2 - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-6-19

Stephanie Kelton is here to break it all down - the national deficit, the nature of money itself, federal spending, and why it’s time to stop comparing it to a household budget.

Ch. 5: Why should we care about deficits? Part 3 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 2-20-19

Stony Brook University’s Stephanie Kelton, an influential proponent of Modern Monetary Theory, and Jason Furman, President Barack Obama’s chief economist, discuss whether we should worry about government deficits and if so, when?

Ch. 6: How Marxism and Modern Monetary Theory Go Hand-In-Hand - The Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 03-21-18

Prof Richard Wolff warns about the asymmetric politics of increasing and decreasing government spending

Ch. 7: Debunking the Deficit Hysteria with Stephanie Kelton Part 3 - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 5-6-19

Stephanie Kelton is here to break it all down - the national deficit, the nature of money itself, federal spending, and why it’s time to stop comparing it to a household budget.

Ch. 8: Dealing with the politics of managing Modern Monetary Theory - Planet Money - Airdate 9-26-18

We must take the fingerprints of Congress off the economy in order to manage inflation concerns.

Ch. 9: What is Modern Monetary Theory? (with Stephanie Kelton) Part 6 - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 4-23-19

Discussing the conclusions to be drawn from the case for Modern Monetary Theory made by Stephanie Kelton


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: Impeachment would be symbolic - Jesse from Boston

Ch. 11: Impeach but keep trump - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 12: Making the case for impeachment - Todd from Utah


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments summing up my major takeaways from researching MMT that I think we should all keep in mind


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Cases to Rest - Bodytonic
  • Tripoli - Pecan Grove
  • Lakal - Speakeasy
  • The Wooden Platform - The Bulwark
  • Long and Low Cloud - The Bulwark
  • Denzel Sprak - CloudCover
  • Glass Runner - Marble Run
  • Pat Dog - Landsman Duets
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE: 

John Laurits - JohnLaurits.com

 

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1280_Modern_Monetary_Theory_Air_Date_6-11-19_-_6-11-19_21.43.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm EST

Air Date: 6/7/2019


Today we take a look at the arguments for and against impeaching Donald Trump in the House of Representatives and sending an indictment over to the Senate where the trial would be held


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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Justice Interruptus with Paul Waldman - On the Media with Brooke Gladstone and Bob Garfield - Air Date 4-26-19

Paul Waldman looks at the climates of Clinton's impeachment and the possibility of Trumps. The split between the GOP and Democrats on government is a beast that keeps the process from working.

Ch. 2: The Case for and against Impeachment with Tom Steyer - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 5-2-19

Steyer believes the tactics that worked in 1970 against Nixon will work today. He supports Pelosi because "she changes with the times".

Ch. 3: Impeachment Looms with Mehdi Hasan Part 1 - The Majority Report - Air Date 5-24-19

A Republican congressman is calling for Trump's impeachment and we need to remember that there is a cost of NOT impeaching.

Ch. 4: Congress' Duty - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 5-23-19

It's Congress' duty to impeach - if you view what the president did as wrong, then you must use your power to stop them.

Ch. 5: Democrats Skirmish Over Impeachment with Michael Scherer - Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 5-22-19

If we focus on impeachment, could the Democrats lose the House again?

Ch. 6: Impeachment Looms with Mehdi Hasan Part 2 - The Majority Report - Air Date 5-24-19

Pelosi is ridiculous, and she wants Trumps closest friends and family to have an intervention with him in lieu of impeachment. She's pivoting to protect her political assets.

Ch. 7: Pelosi Reluctantly Joins the Impeachment Train with Heather Digby Parton - Ring of Fire - Air Date 5-26-19

Heather Digby Parton, a contributor for Salon, joins Ring of Fire’s Sam Seder, to talk about Nancy Pelosi slowly coming around to the idea of impeaching Trump.

Ch. 8: Push For Impeachment with Congressmember Al Green - Democracy Now - Air Date 5-22-19

We can work together and find common ground with politicians, but we still need to be able to impeach them. There's enough information to impeach Trump now, let him play his victim game.

Ch. 9: The Case for and against Impeachment - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 5-2-19

Mehdi discusses Trump and impeachment and knows we didn't need the Mueller report to start impeachment.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: Coathangers on STOP signs - Dylan from Toronto

Ch. 11: Easy way to call congress, Life is more than women's bodies - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 12: Peaches have pits, the dangers of impeachment - Alan from Connecticut


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 13: Final comments asking you if you have changed your mind about impeachment or not and why

Saturday, June 15th: MoveOn.org's “Impeach Trump: Act to Defend Democracy” Rallies


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Open Flames - Aeronaut
  • The Zeppelin - Aeronaut
  • Planting Flags - K4
  • The Cast and Favor - Bayou Birds
  • These Times - The Pine Barrens
  • Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
  • Shift of Currents - Aeronaut
  • Hundred Mile-No Guitar - K2
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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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: 1279_Impeachment_Air_Date_6-7-19_-_6-7-19_21.51.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 6/4/2019
Today we take a look at the long-awaited Mueller Report and see what conclusions can be drawn from it.
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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Summarizing the lead up to the release of the Mueller Report - GasLit Nation with Andrea Chalupa and Sarah Kendzior - Air Date 4-23-19

A brief history of what led to this report and the media's response.

Ch. 2: Mueller Report Confirms Almost Everything Was True - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 4-22-19

The Mueller report confirms almost every major investigative media story from the last 2 years, despite continued claims from Donald Trump and his cronies that reporting was fake news and the report totally exonerates him

Ch. 3: Mueller Investigation Report, Part 8: The GRU - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 5-14-19

Part 8 covers pages 36 to 38 and the GRU, the Russian equivalent of the CIA.

Ch. 4: Mueller Report is the Opposite of Exoneration with David Corn - Mother Jones Podcast with Jamilah King - Air Date 4-18-19

The Mueller report proves lies, collusion and obstruction abound. Trump is just lying his way through this scandal like everything else he does.

Ch. 5: The Day After Mueller with Naomi Klein - Intercepted - Air Date 3-27-19

Cable news and real journalism don't have anything to do with each other. If cable news stayed out of "RussiaGate" then impeachment would have already been started. The media has mishandled the Trump admin - to trumps favor.

Ch. 6: Niki, Neil and Natalia discuss the history of special council reports - Past Present - Air Date 4-2-19

Comparing the Mueller investigation with previous reports include the Starr report and the Iran Contra investigation

Ch. 7: Trump's obstruction of justice explained - Criminal Injustice with David Harris - Air Date 4-23-19

Trump has been intentionally obstructing justice. Mueller has laid out the case.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Framing the 2020 election - Conner from Worcester, MA

Ch. 9: Is Bernie too negative? - Alan from Connecticut


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments announcing the upcoming episode on the movement for impeachment


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Algea Trio - Algea Fields
  • The Envelope - Aeronaut
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • Smooth Stone - Blue Dot Sesisons
  • White Limit - CloudBreaker
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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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: 1278_Mueller_Report_Air_Date_6-4-19_-_6-4-19_20.59.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 5/31/2019

Today we take a look at the renewed energy in the anti-choice movement in the wake of the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. We have entered a new phase, having transitioned from the "chipping away" phase to the "full frontal assault" phase.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Oriaku Njoku & Jill Heaviside on Abortion Rights in Georgia and Beyond - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-16-19

Jill Heaviside is a lawyer and If/When/How HIV–Reproductive Justice Fellow with SisterLove, Inc. And Oriaku Njoku is co-founder and executive director of Access Reproductive Care—Southeast. They join us to talk about abortion rights in Georgia and beyond.

Ch. 2: Don't Let Republicans Normalize ANY Abortion Bans - The Majority Report - Air Date 5-17-19

All abortions should be legal, full stop.

Ch. 3: How Fury Can Fuel the Fight for Reproductive Rights - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 5-19-19

Rebecca Traister, author of, most recently, Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger (Simon & Schuster, 2018), talks about how angry women can channel their rage to fight back.

Ch. 4: Myth-Busting the Anti-Choice ‘Born Alive’ Bills - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 3-6-19

Anti-choice politicians are pushing a new legislative strategy to demonize their opponents and confuse the public: so-called Born Alive bills.

Ch. 5: New Abortion Laws ‘Go Against Common Sense’ - The Real News - Air Date 5-18-19

Discussing why the calls to boycott anti-abortion states is not the right strategy in this particular case

Ch. 6: The Corporate Sponsors of the War on Women - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 5-20-19

Like most Republican legislation, there is always a corporation behind it, and the draconian abortion bans passed by Georgia and Alabama are no different

Ch. 7: What Life In Post-Roe America Will Be Like - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 5-13-19

Robin Marty on her new book, "Handbook For Post-Roe America."

Ch. 8: Defend & Strengthen the Future of Reproductive Justice Beyond Roe v. Wade - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 9: State Abortion Bans And The Looming Challenge To Roe V. Wade - Diane Rehm On My Mind - Air Date 5-16-19

Alabama now has the most restrictive abortion law in the country. What the new law – and others like it around the country – mean for the future of abortion rights.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: Framing the 2020 election - Conner from Worcester, MA

Ch. 11: How to raise a good socialist child? - Alan from Connecticut


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on accelerating the pain to speed the arrival of the backlash


TAKE ACTION!

*REMINDER: Abortion is still legal in all 50 states*

Become an abortion clinic escort:

Support organizations helping people access reproductive care:

National Org: 

Local/Regional Orgs:

Excerpt from The Cut article "What You Can Do to Help Women in States With Extreme Abortion Bans":

  • Access Reproductive Care - Southeast: ARC is a volunteer organization that helps families in 12 states across the southeast access reproductive care.
  • National Network of Abortion Funds: NNAF is a network of more than 80 funds in at least 38 states that seeks to eliminate economic barriers for low-income individuals seeking an abortion.
  • The Yellowhammer Fund: Based in Alabama, Yellowhammer not only provides funding for abortions at one of the city’s three clinics, but also helps with other barriers to access patients may face, such as travel or lodging. (Yellowhammer is part of NNAF.)
  • Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund: Run entirely by volunteers, the Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Fund helps people access abortion, and provides both support and resources to parents.
  • Women Have Options: This Ohio-based organization provides financial assistance and support to low-income patients seeking reproductive care, abortion included.
  • National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum: NAPAWF is a multi-issue community-organizing and policy-advocacy organization that fights for policy changes that would benefit women, transgender, and non-binary Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
  • Gateway Women’s Access Fund: Based in Missouri, Gateway provides both educational and financial support to people in the state who can’t afford the full cost of an abortion.

Push politicians and candidates to support: 

Read Sen. Warren's Multi-Point Plan to Protect Choice

Talk to friends and family about this issue, share your story & check out the #YouKnowMehashtag.

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

What You Can Do to Help Women in States With Extreme Abortion Bans(The Cut)

The corporations backing Alabama's war on women (Popular Information)

When life begins and ends(Washington Post)

A woman signed Alabama’s abortion ban into law. We need to talk about that.(Think Progress)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
  • Gondola Blue - Towboat
  • Waltz and Fury - Macrame
  • Gusty Hollow - Migration
  • Hickory Shed - Onesuch Village
  • No Smoking - Sunday at Slims
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • This fickle world - Theo Bard
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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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: 1277_Reproductive_Justice_Air_Date_5-31-19_-_5-31-19_23.45.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 5/28/2019

Today we take a look at the ways that how we design and fund our towns, cities and housing impacts the quality of life for everyone in society

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Episode Sponsors:Madison-Reed.com + Promo Code: Left 

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Jeanne Gang: Buildings that blend nature and city - @TEDTalks - Air Date 1-24-17

To learn more about this speaker, find other TEDTalks, and subscribe to this Podcast series, visit www.TED.com Feedback: tedtalks@ted.com

Ch. 2: 'A new road order': Polarizing planner Janette Sadik-Khan on her vision for an urban revolution - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 1-1-17

Municipal politicians tend to move methodically, gathering support, statistics and consensus before making changes to city streets or building a bike lane. Janette Sadik-Khan makes things happen at breakneck speed.

Ch. 3: Was Suburbia a Terrible Idea? - @DavidPakmanShow - Air Date 11-17-17

James Howard Kunstler, author of "The Geography of Nowhere," "The Long Emergency," "Too Much Magic," and the four-book "World Made By Hand" novel series, joins David to discuss the concept of new urbanism

Ch. 4: Does Vienna's Affordable Housing Model Prove Progressive Policies Right? Richard Wolff - Thom Hartmann - Air Date

If we could move to a system of affordable housing in the image of Vienna's system people would like it so much we would never go back.

Ch. 5: Housing in the Green New Deal - Jacobin Behind the News - Air Date 2-22-19

Housing in the Green New Deal is vague right now, it needs to have much more attention.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 6: Being "one of the good ones" in the North - V from Central New York

Ch. 7: Racism is a pillar of Southern Culture - Mark from South Carolina

Ch. 8: The racist Obama voter - Jeff from Charlotte, NC


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on how anti-government ideologues have tricked America into thinking that government is incapable of doing anything well


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Cottonwoods - Feathers
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • Peacoat - Studio J
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1276_Urban_Development_Air_Date_5-28-19_-_5-28-19_18.51.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 5/24/2019

Today we take a look at the much-maligned, rarely-understood field of economic and social study known as Marxism

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: The Contributions of Karl Marx Part 1 - Economic Update - Air Date 5-25-18

Professor Wolff takes a deeper look at the life and work of Karl Marx in celebration of the 200th anniversary of his birth.

Ch. 2: Marxism Today - Analysis - Air Date 6-19-16

Robin who was a BBC reporter for 25 years thinks Marx was always in the background discourse of politics, an influence he partly feared and didn't fully understand. He takes a walk through central London in the footsteps of the great revolutionary.

Ch. 3: David Harvey on Marx, Capital, and the Madness of Economic Reason - Left Out - Air Date 11-5-17

David Harvey is arguably the most influential living geographer, as well as one of the world’s leading Marxist scholars. He is among the most cited intellectuals of all time across the humanities and social sciences.

Ch. 4: This Ruthless Criticism of All That Exists Marxism as Science - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 2-2-19

J. Moufawad-Paul, a Marxist philosopher and author of "Continuity and Rupture", "The Communist Necessity", and "Austerity Apparatus", joins Breht to discuss his most recent essay "This Ruthless Criticism of All That Exists: Marxism as Science".

Ch. 5: Erosion of Consumer Choices - David Harvey's Anti-Capitalist Chronicles - Air Date 4-24-19

Prof. Harvey discusses Marx's theory of Capital and its relevance today. Consumers have less and less autonomy. Their choices, even how they will spend their leisure time, are increasingly influenced by capitalists.

Ch. 6: The Contributions of Karl Marx Part 2 - Economic Update - Air Date 5-25-18

Professor Wolff takes a deeper look at the life and work of Karl Marx in celebration of the 200th anniversary of his birth.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Responding to "Getting in on the con" - Dave from Olympia, WA

Ch. 8: Thoughts on racism from small-town Texas - Heather from Texas


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on individualism and communitarianism in light of how to unleash the most amount of human progress


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • The Envelope - Aeronaut
  • The Cast and Favor - Bayou Birds
  • Petra - Lathe
  • Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
  • Rapids - Grey River
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1275_Marxism_Air_Date_5-24-19_-_5-24-19_20.42.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 5/21/2019

Today we take a look at the recent trend of White Nationalist and White Power-related violence, the history of where it's coming from and why the US government does next to nothing to combat it.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Radical White Terrorism with Nesrine Malik - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 3-20-19

Global anti-muslim and anti-immigrant hate is growing. Mainstream politicians are fueling it. The media and government are failing the people.

Ch. 2: Tim Wise on New Zealand, Violence of White Privilege - The Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 3-16-19

White supremacists see Trump's influence, and think he's on the right track but not doing good enough.

Ch. 3: White Domestic Terrorist Burned down Black Churches - The Breakdown with Shaun King - Air Date 4-11-19

The founding of our nation is in slavery and violence. The news doesn't get it right, and can't figure out why a white many would burn down black churches.

Ch. 4: Radical White Terrorism with Kathleen Belew - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 3-20-19

Explaining the tactics and strategy of the White Power movement to attempt to overthrow the government, then the world.

Ch. 5: The Media Hiding The Truth About White Nationalism - Redacted Tonight with Lee Camp - Air Date 4-26-19

White Nationalism flourishes in our military as a recruiting ground for future white power terrorists

Ch. 6: Documenting Hate - New American Nazis - Frontline Film Audio Track - Air Date 11-26-18

White supremacist groups appeal to veterans, loners, conservatives, and they infiltrate military and police.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: White supremacists know the value of electing people of color - Dave from Olympia, WA

Ch. 8: Algorithms & soup cans - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 9: Encouraging John to call in more - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 10: To Corey from New Jersey on the destructive nature of systemic individualism - Abdul from DC


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments on why there’s no contradiction for some racists to have voted for Obama before switching to Trump


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Eventual Victory - Codebreaker
  • Felt Lining - The Cabinetmaker
  • Pickers - Pecan Grove
  • The Back Lot - Sunday at Slims
  • Our Fingers Cold - K2
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE:

Anthony Crider, Flickr, License

(Modifications: Enhanced saturation and contrast)

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1274_White_Power_Movement_Air_Date_5-21-19_-_5-21-19_21.34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 5/17/2019

Today we take a look at the socially and politically existential threat of our time - the fight against encroaching authoritarianism in the US and around the world.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Donald Trump Puts Our Democracy and Our Lives in Serious Danger - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 01-13-18

Not a single president has met more than one of the four qualities identified by political scientists as warning signs of an authoritarian or fascist leader. Trump meets them all. Is this how our Democracy dies?

Ch. 2: As Brazil's Bolsonaro Takes Office, Opponents Warn of Regressive Policies & Threat of Dictatorship - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-2-19

Jair Bolsonaro's election in Brazil marks the most radical political shift in the country since military rule ended more than 30 years ago. We speak with Fernando Haddad, a presidential candidate on the Workers’ Party ticket who lost in a runoff.

Ch. 3: The War for Normal - Analysis - Air Date 1-28-19

Extremism is the new normal. Conspiracies are fact and Right wing is mainstream. The world is moving too fast for us to catch up, let alone understand and take action.

Ch. 4: Prof. Jason Stanley in Wake of Kavanaugh's Confirmation: Fascism Cannot Operate Without Patriarchy - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-22-18

In his new book “How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them,” Yale professor Jason Stanley outlines the 10 pillars of fascism and warns about the dangers of normalizing fascist politics.

Ch. 5: What is it Going to Take for Us to Stop the Rise of Fascism in America? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 06-18-18

Thom reads an excerpt from the book They Thought They Were Free about the slow, nearly undetectable rise of fascism in Nazi Germany

Ch. 6: Yale Historian Timothy Snyder on How the U.S. Can Avoid Sliding into Authoritarianism - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 05-30-17

Is the United States sliding toward tyranny? That is the question posed by Yale University history professor Timothy Snyder in his new book that draws on his decades of experience writing about war and genocide in European history.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 7: Final comments to wrap the show and introduce Sam from Nashville, the misunderstood Trump voter


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • The Envelope - Aeronaut
  • The Cast and Favor - Bayou Birds
  • Streamer - Arc and Crecent
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1273_Global_Authoritarianism_Air_Date_5-17-19_-_5-17-19_20.37.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 5/14/2019

Today we take a look at the disastrous system of hackable, unverifiable and expensive electronic voting machines that were our solution to the hanging-chad fiasco of the Florida 2000 presidential election.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: New poll shows public concern for voting machine hackability - BradCast - Air Date 12-25-18

Public concerns about the integrity of voting systems.

Ch. 2: Why are outdated voting machines still running US elections with Matt Bernard Part 1 - Function with Anil Dash - Air Date 1-7-19

The first wave of computer voting. Bush v Gore, hanging chad issues. 2000, 2004, problems for at least 20 years now. Machines have been improved, but still too many problems. Tech companies jumping into making them.

Ch. 3: Hacking, Paper Ballots and Securing US Elections with Barbara Simons - Gaslit Nation with Andrea Chalupa and Sarah Kendzior - Air Date 8-21-18

Simons has been working on voting security for a long time, there’s a little more light lately but also lots of pushback.

Ch. 4: National Media Finally Talking About Voting Machines - BradCast - Air Date 3-4-19

National media finally questioning the voting machines. Computer ballot marking devices BMD systems. There is agreement that this is a problem finally, but too late?

Ch. 5: The struggle to acknowledge the problems in our voting systems - Strange Days with Fernand Amandi - Air Date 3-20-19

Elections expert Jennifer Cohn weighs in on our election security.

Ch. 6: Why are outdated voting machines still running US elections with Matt Bernard Part 2 - Function with Anil Dash - Air Date 1-7-19

Find out from legislators and congresspeople what they're doing to fix voting.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: A conservative's thoughts on the upcoming election - John from Northeast Maryland

Ch. 8: Ralph Nader on credit unions and technology - Erin from Philadelphia


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on conservative callers and Ralph Nader’s relationship with technology


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Tar and Spackle - Plaster
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • Nuthatch - Feathers
  • Felt Lining - The Cabinetmaker
  • The Summit - K2
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1272_Voting_Security_Air_Date_5-14-19_-_5-14-19_19.05.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 5/10/2019

Today we take a look at the three moderate white guys sending a shiver up the collective legs of the members of the Democratic Party establishment and the mainstream media

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Sam Does a Deep Dive on Beto - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-20-19

Beto brags about his small donor contributions. His voting record is terrible for a Democrat. Former staffers came forward about working for the faux progressive.

Ch. 2: Is Pete Buttigieg Progressive with Ana Kasparian - #NoFilter - The Young Turks - Air Date 4-8-19

Buttigieg's views seem great on paper, but he's not clean about them. He has problematic industries funding him, has worked for big pharma and doesn't understand working poor.

Ch. 3: The Case Against Joe Biden How the Former VP Fueled Mass Incarceration and Protected Big Banks - Democracy Now - Air Date 3-15-19

Biden's legislative history include the 1990's crime bill disaster that fueled mass incarceration and his insistence that common people who are tricked into credit card debt be forced to pay for it forever.

Ch. 4: Just Say No to Joe Biden with Zach Carter - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 4-7-19

Biden is a crusader against working people, and he doesn't understand the new progressive left. He's tied to banks, corporations and one of the most regressive crime bills in history.

Ch. 5: Can Progressives Stop Biden, the Credit Card Candidate? - The Real News - Air Date 4-28-19

Norman Solomon and Jaqueline Luqman discuss Joe Biden and his problematic voting record. He is an agent of racism and corporate America, in the short term he might beat Trump, but it won't change anything.

Ch. 6: What controversy around Biden's behavior says about shifting social norms with Rebecca Traister, Karen Tumulty and Frank Dobbin - PBS Newshour - Air Date 4-3-19

The past behavior of former Vice President Joe Biden toward women has sparked conversation around the boundaries governing physical contact and consent. Biden has said that norms have evolved since he entered the public sphere.

Ch. 7: Biden, Autonomy and Consent with Vanessa A. Bee. - Humorless Queers - Air Date - 4-7-19

Biden loves giving women rubs and smelling their hair, without their consent. Many women are coming forward about his actions and he needs to be held to a better standard. Not being Trump isn't enough.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: The accelerationist strategy of Bernie or Bust didn't work - Anthony from Utah

Ch. 10: Continuing the strategy discussion for electing the most progressive candidate possible - Laura from Alameda, CA

Ch. 11: Renewed hope for the future - Corey from New Jersey

Ch. 12: Thoughts on the state of the election - Sarah from California


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 13: Final comments on the ebbs and flows of political energy and the effects of outrage fatigue


READ & SHARE

Joe Biden Isn’t the Answer(The Cut)

What Happened When Pete Buttigieg Tore Down Houses In Black And Latino South Bend(Buzzfeed)

Beto 2020 Has No Reason to Exist(Slate)

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • Lord Weasel - Molerider
  • No Smoking - Sunday at Slims
  • A Path Unwinding - K4
  • The Back Lot - Sunday at Slims
  • Gusty Hollow - Migration
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1271_Beto_Buttigieg_Biden_Air_Date_5-10-19_-_5-10-19_21.53.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EST

Air Date: 5/7/2019

Today we take a look at the impacts, from personal to global, of the paradigm of companies profiting off of surveillance of their users, otherwise known as surveillance capitalism.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: A Threat to Global Democracy How Facebook & Surveillance Capitalism Empower Authoritarianism Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-1-18

We speak with Siva Vaidhyanathan, author of “Antisocial Media: How Facebook Disconnects Us and Undermines Democracy.” He is a professor of media studies and director of the Center for Media and Citizenship at the University of Virginia.

Ch. 2: How Facebook Helped Trump...Without Cambridge Analytica - On The Media - Air Date 3-23-18

García is a former Facebook product manager for ads and author of Chaos Monkeys: Obscene Fortune and Random Failure in Silicon Valley.

Ch. 3: A Threat to Global Democracy How Facebook & Surveillance Capitalism Empower Authoritarianism Part 2 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 8-1-18

We speak with Siva Vaidhyanathan, author of “Antisocial Media: How Facebook Disconnects Us and Undermines Democracy.” He is a professor of media studies and director of the Center for Media and Citizenship at the University of Virginia.

Ch. 4: Age of Surveillance Capitalism Part 1 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 1-26-19

The author of many books and papers on the subject of modern corporate capitalism, Professor Zuboff’s latest is entitled “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power.”

Ch. 5: Yael Grauer: The Billboards Are Watching You. Really. - Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 12-11-18

When billboards can talk to cell phones we end up living in The Minority Report.

Ch. 6: Age of Surveillance Capitalism Part 2 - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 1-26-19

The author of many books and papers on the subject of modern corporate capitalism, Professor Zuboff’s latest is entitled “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power.”


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Benefits and problems of algorithmic decision-making - Nick from California

Ch. 8: Immigration arguments shouldn't be economic arguments - Zach from Atlanta


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on algorithmic decision-making and the moral vs economic arguments for humane immigration policy


RESOURCES

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)

Privacy International

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • A Path Unwinding - K4
  • Open Flames - Aeronaut
  • Long and Low Cloud - The Bulwark
  • Hickory Shed - Onesuch Village
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1270_Big_Tech_Democracy_Privacy_Air_Date_5-7-19_-_5-6-19_23.27.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EST

Air Date: 5/3/2019

Today we take a look at several topics that, at first glance, may seem to be unrelated but that I think are all tied together with a thread that runs through all of them and points the way toward The Great Transition we are currently in the middle of.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Henry Giroux: Trump is the endpoint on cruelty and isolation in American politics - @thisishellradio - Air Date 4-15-17

Cultural critic Henry Giroux examines the slow, steady rise of cruelty in American culture - as the logic of neoliberalism strips our politics of anything besides self-regard, and the right capitalizes on the anger caused by its own policies

Ch. 2: Johann Hari To Treat Depression, Provide Meaningful Work, Housing & a Basic Income, Not Just Drugs - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 02-02-18

An extended conversation with Johann Hari, author of a controversial new book, “Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression—and the Unexpected Solutions.”

Ch. 3: Roots of Extremism with Deeyah Khan - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 3-11-19

Deeyah Khan is a British documentary filmmaker and human rights activist. She’s the creator of two extraordinary films airing on Netflix right now, White Right: Meeting the Enemy and Jihad: A Story of the Others.

Ch. 4: The Cure To Loneliness - Sustainable Human - Air Date 2-3-18

Loneliness is almost baked into the cake as far as a modern society with the kind of social setup and infrastructure and economic system that we have today.

Ch. 5: Gar Alperovitz: Building a Pluralist economy that supports human needs - @theLFshow w @GRITlaura Flanders - Air Date 7-26-17

Laura talks with author/activist Gar Alperovitz. From the gloom of today, he sees the principles of a Pluralist Commonwealth emerging.

Ch. 6: Gar Alperovitz on the economic movement already underway - @RalphNader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-24-17

It’s time to build new economic institutions that are democratic but also–critically–give us a new power base as well in the communities around the country.

Ch. 7: Utopias in history and the need to rekindle utopian thinking - History Extra - Air Date 3-16-17

Rutger Bregman discusses some of his ideas that recently caused a global sensation and the role of a historian in the modern world


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Progressives have always had to drag liberals along - V from Central New York


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on the need to spread the word about our failing institutions to bolster support for fundamental reform


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Quaver - Codebreaker
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • One Little Triumph - Piano Mover
  • Donder - Darby
  • Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1269_Great_Transition_Air_Date_5-3-19_-_5-3-19_11.57.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EST

Air Date: 4/30/2019

Today we take a look at just the economic side of immigration including the effects from low-skilled immigrants and high-skilled immigrants and then look at an alternative vision for how we should debate the issue from the left

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Immigration Economics with Jennifer Hunt - Science Vs - Air Date 3-9-17

What happens when low skilled labor is removed from areas that need it? And Jennifer Hunt talks when immigrants and native-born actually do fight over the same jobs.

Ch. 2: Kara Miller, Petra Moser and Jennifer Hunt discuss Immigration and innovation - Innovation Hub - Air Date 2-3-17

Has anyone tried to measure how much immigrants have advanced the US. Immigrants bring innovation to people. Keeping students out will hurt our science advantage worldwide.

Ch. 3: The economics of immigration - BEME News - Louis Foglia - Air Date 10-11-18

It's assumed that Americans are hurt by immigration, but that isn't the right conversation. Immigrants help create a bigger economic pie, more innovation and more skills.

Ch. 4: Cardiff and Jennifer Hunt discuss Immigrants relationships in the Labor Force - FT Alphachat - Air Date 9-15-17

Immigrants percentage of the workforce has remained flat, and the U.S. is in the middle worldwide for immigrant increases. In most cases, immigrants take the jobs that need to be taken.

Ch. 5: Trump's 4 Biggest Immigration Myths - Robert Reich - Air Date 10-19-15

Robert Reich debunks Donald Trump's dangerous lies about immigration.

Ch. 6: The Immigration Issue and Capitalism - Economic Update with Richard Wolff - Air Date 10-15-18

Brexit, Trump, Italy and Sweden are all being conned by the myths of immigration hate. Capitalism is the truer villain.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Comparing liberalism and progressivism - Zach from Georgia


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 8: Final comments asking for your thoughts on the primary race so far and Biden’s entrance into the White Guy candidate category


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
  • Turning - Lathe
  • LaBranche - Bayou Birds
  • Heather - Migration
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1268_Immigration_Air_Date_4-30-19_-_4-30-19_18.39.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 4/26/2019

Today I have a double-bonus show for you with additional clips on Brexit and Native Peoples

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Bonus Clips:

Why Brexit Shouldn't Have Been A Surprise - On the Media - Air Date 1-18-19

Is Corbyn’s Socialism Possible Within the EU? - Lapavitsas and Jay - The Real News - Air Date 3-17-19

The historic and starkly divided nature of Brexit - Between The Lines - Air Date 1-23-19

Dozens of Native American women have disappeared in Montana. Why is no one paying attention? - AJ+ - Air Date 9-12-18

Say Their Names, Tell Their Stories - Natives & Cops - Breakdances With Wolves - Air Date 3-20-19

Beyond Tragedy The living history of Native America - Ideas from CBC Radio - Air Date 2-20-19

 

Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

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

Review the show on iTunes!

Direct download: Rerun_Bonus_Show_153_-_4-27-19_01.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 4/23/2019

Today we take a look at the current state of the Democratic Party in the wake of the 2018 elections that swept in a new class of Super-Progressives who are now locking horns with the more establishment and conservative leadership of the party as they all gear up for the 2020 primary and general elections. 

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

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Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UKClean Choice Energy

Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: The Six Groups of the Democratic Party with Leno Krauze and Perry Bacon Jr. - Trumpcast - Air Date 3-18-19

There are 6 main groups of Democrats, from the Super-Progressives to the Conservatives. The energy is in the progressives, so much so that an outsider like Bernie Sanders is mainstream.

Ch. 2: Beware The Narcissism of Small Differences - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 2-19-19

Small differences create conflict where there shouldn't be. We are satisfied by fueling ourselves with aggression. Warren or Bernie shouldn't be a dead end issue.

Ch. 3: Does Obama Speak for Progressives? with Paul Jay and Dr. Gerald Horne - The Real News - Air Date 4-9-19

The problem with Obama, his support of Biden, and his silence with progressives. You can't play ball with corporate democrats because they own the game.

Ch. 4: AOC vs. DCCC: It’s War. with Emma Vigeland - Rebel HQ - Air Date 4-9-19

AOC is a voice of the rebellious spirit we all have. The DCCC is blacklisting and boycotting challengers to their power.

Ch. 5: AOC on what we need in a 2020 presidential candidate - The Intercept - Air Date 1-29-19

New democratic leadership is needed. Policy and progressivism is pitted against identity. Time to lean into a broader progressive message.

Ch. 6: Support for Israel Divides Democrats, A Division Fomented by Republicans with Mairav Zonszein - The Real News - Air Date 2-10-19

The media claims if you support BDS you are an anti-semite. The Democrats aren't stopping that narrative.

Ch. 7: Swamp Monsters Attack Progressives with Cenk Uygur, Nomi Prins, and Ana Kasparian - The Young Turks - Air Date 3-28-19

The DCCC has taken a less democratic turn for the 2020 cycle and is stifling completion and blackballing consultants who would dare work against them.

Ch. 8: Establishment Dems Start War on Bernie - The David Pakman Show - Air Date 4-17-19

The 2016 establishment fought Bernie, and they continue today. Why do they want to stop him? His policies are popular and poll great.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: The shifting definitions of progressivism - V from Central New York

Ch. 10: Wage caps hurt the workers but not the businesses - Bud from Boise


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments on what Jimmy Dore leaving TYT says about the split in strategy among progressives with largely similar political goals


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
  • Parade Shoes - Arc and Crecent
  • Gondola Blue - Towboat
  • Quaver - Codebreaker
  • Rapids - Grey River
  • Sunday Lights - Onesuch Village
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1267_Democratic_Party_Air_Date_4-23-19_-_4-23-19_23.00.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 4/19/2019

Today we take a look at the racism, sexism and classism that is permeating the algorithmic systems that are directing more and more of our online and offline lives

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Algorithm Overlords - Analysis - Air Date 1-24-19

Algorithms filter us, perpetuate biases and can be used for good. The problem is humans program these algorithms and don't take our own biases into account.

Ch. 2: Misogyny and Racism in Algorithms - Inflection Point - Air Date 11-7-18

Dr. Safiya Noble joins to discuss Google and the problem with an advertising company in charge of how most of us get information.

Ch. 3:Dr. Cathy O'Neil: The algorithms that run (or ruin) our lives - Le Show - Air Date 11-26-17

Credit Reports are highly imperfect but still manage to be far superior to the absolutely lawless algorithms that affect our lives in an untold number of ways.

Ch. 4: Why algorithms that make decisions of freedom and incarceration are racist - You are not so smart - Air Date 11-19-17

Algorithms may not only be designed with bias from the beginning but when faulty assumptions lead to self-fulfilling predictions it can create an out-of-control feedback loop of oppression.

Ch. 5: Stop Algorithmic Bias: Turn Two Frameworks into Fair and Just Federal Privacy Law - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 6: Google Reproduces Social Inequality - Chauncey DeVega Show - Air Date 9-10-18

Computer programs aren't seeing or supporting black and brown lives. Big tech is the new colonialism, devastating countries and people.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Continuing our conversation about health care - Heather from Texas


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 8: Final comments on reforming health care responsibly


TAKE ACTION!

Tell Congress to Create a Just & Fair Federal Privacy Law using:

Learn more:

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

AI can be sexist and racist — it’s time to make it fair(Nature)

Discriminating algorithms: 5 times AI showed prejudice(NewScientist)

Yes, artificial intelligence can be racist(Vox)

Even Kids Can Understand That Algorithms Can Be Biased(Scientific American, Roots of Unity Blog)

Artificial Intelligence Has a Problem With Gender and Racial Bias. Here’s How to Solve It(Time)

A.I. Could Worsen Health Disparities(NY Times)

What Women Know About the Internet (NY Times)

Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Tranceless - Caruthersville
  • Micolai - Wax Museum
  • Partly Sage - Bodytonic
  • O Holy Still - Vacant Distillery
  • This fickle world - Theo Bard
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1266_Algorithms_of_Oppression_Air_Date_4-19-19_-_4-20-19_10.46.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 4/16/2019

Today we take a look at just a few of the aspects of modern life for Native Peoples that we can see as stemming from the racism and colonialism that has been endemic in post-contact America. This episode is fourth in an ongoing series focusing on Native Peoples in North America. Previous episodes are, in order, #1216 on Christopher Columbus, #1230 on Thanksgiving and #1252 on Westward Expansion.

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Episode Sponsors: Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: American Indians Confront “Savage Anxieties” - Moyers and Company - Air Date 12-26-14

Bill speaks with Robert A. Williams Jr., a professor specializing in American Indian law, about how deals such as the one with Rio Tinto are a part of American Indian’s tragic history of dispossession.

Ch. 2: What we inherit: Explaining intergenerational trauma - Code Switch - Air Date 6-6-18

The story of one family's struggle to end a toxic cycle of inter-generational trauma from forced assimilation. Getting back to their Native Alaskan cultural traditions is key.

Ch. 3: Sexual Violence and Native American Genocide - @Making_Contact - Air Date 11-26-13

Andrea Smith, author of “Conquest: Sexual Violence and Native American Genocide” explains the connection between violence against women, and the colonization of native lands and bodies.

Ch. 4: The legal structures that uphold violence against Indigenous people #MMIW - Let's Talk Native... with John Kane - Air Date 2-14-19

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is a major issue because of racism. Acquittals for murdering Native people occur because of racism. Racism is systemic, historic and the norm in the US and Canada.

Ch. 5: End the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Crisis: Tell Congress to Pass #SavannasAct, #SURVIVEAct & Reauthorize #VAWA

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 6: Jenni Monet on Indigenous Journalism - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 1-24-19

Corporate media’s lack of interest in indigenous issues, and their ahistorical, distorted view of them when they do cover them, are long overdue for a change.

Ch. 7: Beyond Tragedy: The living history of Native America - Ideas from CBC Radio - Air Date 2-20-19

This idea of history as tragedy is something that Ojibwe writer David Treuer tries to undo in The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee. He argues that Indigenous peoples have always found ways to adapt, and that's exactly what they're doing now.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Disagreeing on arguments against a female presidential candidate - Stacy from San Francisco Bay Area


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments sharing some voices of Native people giving their perspective on the burning of Notre Dame cathedral


TAKE ACTION!

Tell Congress to Pass/Reauthorize:

Learn more at MontanaMMIW.com& on Twitter: #MMIW #MMIWG

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

A missing sweater tells the story of missing Indigenous women(Indian Country Today)

Savanna's Act is Back (Splinter)

States weigh bills addressing Native deaths, disappearances(AP)

House Passes Bill Protecting Domestic Abuse Victims; GOP Split Over Gun Restrictions(NPR)

Montana Senate Betrays Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (Splinter)

Tester reintroduces “Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment” Act(KRTV)

Lisa Murkowski Revives Bill Targeting Missing And Murdered Native Women(Huffington Post)

Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
  • Cloud Line - K4
  • Slow Lane Lover - Barstool
  • This fickle world - Theo Bard
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

Episode Image:Slowking4 via commons.wikimedia.org

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1265_Native_Peoples_Modern_Life_Air_Date_4-16-19_-_4-16-19_23.32.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 4/12/2019

Today we take a look at everything there is to know about Brexit, Lexit, Remain and Reform, the Irish question, The Troubles, the neoliberalism of the EU and the senses of local and national identity in an age of globalism

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Episode Sponsors: Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left

Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UKClean Choice Energy

Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: What's Happening With Brexit? - NowThis - Air Date 3-29-19

Brexit Day was supposed to be today. So WTF happened?!

Ch. 2: This Is Where I Leave EU, thinking about Brexit from a leftist perspective - Chapo Trap House - Air Date 3-15-19

Amber interviews economist and author Costas Lapavitsas about the European Union, how it works, its problems, how it relates to Brexit, and how we might think of it from a leftist perspective.

Ch. 3: U.K. in Crisis Facing No Deal, Parliament Votes on Brexit After Rejecting May’s Plan for Third Time - Democracy Now - Air Date 4-1-19

We speak with professor Priya Gopal, a university lecturer in the Faculty of English at the University of Cambridge. She calls Britain's decision to leave the EU a “deeply neoliberal … free market, disaster-capitalist project.”

Ch. 4: Understanding the mechanics and underhanded dealing of the Leave campaign - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 2-21-19

Brexit threatens Britain's economic and social order. Everywhere, populism is winning big. The question is why?

Ch. 5: Ireland, North and South - The Inquiry - Air Date 12-5-18

Explaining the potential impacts of Brexit on the hard-won peace between Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the country of Ireland

Ch. 6: Irish Questions - Analysis - Air Date 2-25-19

Voters and politicians in Britain claim to be perplexed that economic and political relations between the UK and the Republic of Ireland seem to be decisive in determining the course of Brexit. They shouldn’t be, argues Edward Stourton.

Ch. 7: Richard Seymour: A Brexit tour of British politics - This is hell - Air Date 2-12-19

Writer Richard Seymour surveys what remains of Labour under Brexit's combustible, nationalist unity project. Richard is the author of the essay "Brexit and the "white working class" posted at his Patreon page.

Ch. 8: Lexit vs Remain and Reform - Weekly Economics Podcast - Air Date 1-14-19

Grace Blakeley and Laurie Macfarlane debate whether there still a progressive case for leaving the EU? Was there ever one? Or is our best chance to stay in the EU and reform it? Can it even be reformed?

Ch. 9: Brexit: What the f**k is going on? - Jonathan Pie - Air Date 3-22-19

By taking back control the UK has shown that it's out of control.

Ch. 10: Fear, identity and a sense of home in the face of immigration - Ideas from CBC - Air Date 2-21-19

Brexit threatens Britain's economic and social order. Everywhere, populism is winning big. The question is why?

Ch. 11: Trump, Brexit, and Racial Grievance with Mehdi Hasan - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-28-18

British journalist Mehdi Hasan talks about the role of racial grievances from the US to the UK


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on how Scotland fits in to all of this


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
  • Weathervane - CloudCover
  • Cicle DR Valga - Cicle Kadde
  • Contrarian - Sketchbook
  • Cottonwoods - Feathers
  • Lahaina - Cloud Harbor
  • Lord Weasel - Molerider
  • PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1264_Brexit_Air_Date_4-12-19_-_4-12-19_18.28.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 4/9/2019

Today we take a look at the overwhelming benefits to society of labor, health and safety regulations and how they only people who don't come out ahead are those who have to pay for them

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors: Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left  |  Cannabis: The Illegalization of Weed in America 

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Do Regulations Kill Growth? - Pitchfork Economics - Air Date 2-5-19

Deregulation is the status quo, and it always drags the economy down by creating a race to the bottom and arguments against regulation always end up looking absurd in retrospect

Ch. 2: We are all low wage workers with Annelise Orleck - This Is Hell! - Air Date 3-27-18

The rise of neoliberalism has disregarded workers rights by design. Walking off the job together has the power to change.

Ch. 3: Katy Slininger on labor discrimination against pregnant workers - Delete Your Account - Air Date 2-5-19

Katy on stories of misogyny in the workplace, the hatred that comes out when a worker becomes pregnant, and the life-threatening risks of working while pregnant in unsafe environments.

Ch. 4: Robert Reich on the societal benefits of regulatory protections - Pitchfork Economics - Air Date 2-5-19

Deregulations cause death spirals in business. Robert Reich joins to talk about the myth of deregulation and the free market. Average Americans pay a huge price for the myth.

Ch. 5: Stop Big Tech from Destroying Labor Rights with “Marketplace Platform” Laws: #YesonAB5 & #WorkplaceDemocracyAct - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 6: Jane McAlevey on what radicals can do in support of the labor movement - The Dig by Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-27-19

So what should we do? Learn, organize, fight. Work towards unions, build better unions, build skills and keep working.

Ch. 7: Why is Getting Out of Poverty So Hard? With Felicia Wong - Pitchfork Economics - Air Date 3-19-19

Poverty is a cancer and social services are bandaids. We need sweeping legislative change to tackle poverty properly.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Debating health care with a libertarian - Heather from Texas


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments explaining the historical accident of our current health care system and the need to break the bone in order to reset it


TAKE ACTION!

1. Support California's Assembly Bill 5 & Encourage Passage in Your State

- Read the bill& join the conversation online via #YesonAB5

- Call & write your state legislatures 

- Get involved with your local labor organizations 

2. Support the Workplace Democracy Act (Sanders/Pocan)

- Read the summary of the 2017-2018 version of the bill

- Call your members of congress at (202) 224-3121

- Spread the word

3. More Info on Big Tech Lobbying: Uberinterference: Uber & Lyft Running Over Local Democracy

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Rights at Risk: Gig Companies Campaign to Upend Employment As We Know It(National Employment Law Project)

Advancing Workers Rights In Contract Employment (National Employment Law Project)

Marketplace Platforms and Employers Under State Law - Why We Should Reject Corporate Solutions and Support Worker-Led Innovation (National Employment Law Project)

The Con of The Side Hustle(NY Times)

How Silicon Valley Lobbyists Secretly Pushed Texas Regulators to Rewrite the Rules of the Gig Economy(Texas Observer)

Texas rule limiting worker benefits in gig economy would hurt local businesses, owners say(Houston Chronicle)

Post-Dynamex, California Legislature Takes Up the Worker Classification Question(OnLabor.org)

A Line in the Sand (Workplace Democracy Act)(Jacobin)

Freelancers Want to Join Unions but Labor Laws Won't Let Them(Teen Vogue)

Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • Flattered - Delray
  • Waterbourne - Algea Fields
  • This fickle world - Theo Bard
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1263_Labor_and_Regulations_Air_Date_4-9-19_-_4-10-19_09.58.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EST

Air Date: 4/5/2019

Today we take a look at the current state of abortion rights - Hint: They're already in tatters - and speculate about what's to come as Roe vs Wade faces relentless chipping away and the possibility of full repeal. 

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors: Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: States poised to restrict reproductive rights - Making Contact - Air Date 10-10-18

One reproductive justice organization considers the future of reproductive health access under the US Supreme Court.

Ch. 2: Describing the communities most affected by restrictions to reproductive health care - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 2-15-18

A conversation with the reproductive justice advocates at the SIA Legal Team about their important work on behalf of people who self-induce abortions.

Ch. 3: What Fetal Personhood Laws Mean For Abortion Rights And Beyond - Diane Rehm On My Mind - Air Date 1-15-19

Lauren Kelley, The New York Times Editorial Board, Women and Reproductive Rights Editor, discusses the special series by the New York Times editorial board that explores what fetal personhood laws are, how they’ve been used to successfully chip away at Roe v. Wade and why women with wanted pregnancies end up prosecuted under them.

Ch. 4: Why people choose abortion - Science Vs - Air Date 10-31-18

Abortion is so taboo. People don’t talk about abortions they’ve had. Doctors don’t talk about abortions they’ve given. But it's happening a lot. So, what actually happens in an abortion, can the fetus feel pain and what are the risks?

Ch. 5: Abortion Beyond Clinics - Making Contact - Air Date 1-16-19

Exploring new safe at-home abortion options and the growing movement for “self-managed abortions.” 

Ch. 6: Will Roe vs Wade be overturned? (with Robin Marty) - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 1-31-19

Roe vs Wade is perhaps the best-known court case, but will the decision be overturned?

Ch. 7: Protect Real Reproductive Healthcare- #ProtectX and #EndHyde with the EACH Woman Act - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment.

Ch. 8: Katha Pollitt on the politics of motherhood - Start Making Sense from @TheNation - Air Date 8-29-18

Mothers and pregnant women are discriminated against, devalued, and punished—here at home, and around the world. Katha Pollitt talks about how that has happened—and why.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: Representation is important but you can't substitute identity for values - Ryan from Chicago


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments giving examples of people who like to get in on the con of patriarchy and white supremacy


TAKE ACTION

Call & write your members of Congress to tell them to support the EACH Woman Act via Center for Reproductive Rights

Explore & share this NationalFamilyPlanning.org’s interactive map on Title X data and impact by state

Download & share the “Save Title X” graphics created by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Share this video from Planned Parenthood on Protecting Title X 

Learn more about how Title X changes impact care at istandwithpp.org/no-gag-rule

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Trump administration awards $1.7 million family planning grant to an anti-abortion group(USA Today)

Trump Administration Gives Family Planning Grant to Anti-Abortion Group(New York Times)

California sues Trump administration over rules restricting abortion access(LA Times)

Radical Attempts to Ban Abortion Dominate State Policy Trends in the First Quarter of 2019(Guttmacher Institute)

Senators Introduce Legislation to Finally Repeal the Hyde Amendment and End Wide-Ranging Federal Abortion-Funding Ban(Vogue)

Supreme Court Sides With California Anti-Abortion Pregnancy Centers(NPR, June 2018)

Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • The Back Lot - Sunday at Slims
  • LaBranche - Bayou Birds
  • Denzel Sprak - CloudCover
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • No Smoking - Sunday at Slims
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1262_Reproductive_Justice_Air_Date_4-5-19_-_4-6-19_10.10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:00pm EST

Air Date: 4/02/2019

Today we take a look at the so-called "Algorithms of Oppression." Not that they're made to be that way on purpose but that it is a natural outcome of a profit-based system that incentivizes people to post the most click-baity content while the system learns the viewer's weaknesses to ruthlessly feed them whatever will keep them engaged.

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors: Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Social Media Propagates Hate - Brian Lehrer - Air Date 3-21-19

YouTube will keep playing until you stop it, and it pushes extremes regardless of ideology. It is ruthlessly optimized to keep humans engaged, and YouTube can't possibly police their own content.

Ch. 2: Algorithms of Oppression with Dr. Safiya Noble - Delete Your Account - Air Date 4-11-18

Dylan Roof was radicalized through Google - searching one thing gives you further items down the rabbit hole - not the opposing viewpoint. What's worse, is big tech has no accountability for their actions.

Ch. 3: The Algorithm with Adam Conover - Point of Inquiry - Air Date 1-10-19

We are all falling for the YouTube slot machine of instant gratification

Ch. 4: Fighting White Supremacy on Social Media - Brian Lehrer - Air Date 3-19-19

Are tech companies trying to crack down on hate speech? Those articles are super profitable for social media, and it creates a sensation, so they're not incentivized to change.

Ch. 5: Yuval Noah Harari on Hacking Humanity - Ideas from CBC Radio - Air Date 9-5-18

Yuval Harari joins to discuss the human animal and our irrelevance in the digital age. At least when we were being exploited we were still needed.

Ch. 6: Is the Press Finally Learning How to Cover White Supremacy? - On the Media - Air Date 3-22-19

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google are still light years away from developing an enforceable code of ethics for dealing with hate groups but Bob and Joan Donovan discuss why she believes that stymieing the spread of hate online is possible.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: The litmus test of putting dark faces in high places - Ty from South Carolina

Ch. 11: Prioritizing which candidates we research first - Ariel from Seattle

Ch. 12: Preferences for the presidential election - Laura from Alameda, CA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 13: Final comments just backing away slowly.


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Facebook is finally banning white supremacy that goes by other names(TechCrunch)

Google’s algorithms are keeping us in a political bubble, study finds(MarketWatch)

Echo chambers are dangerous –  we must try to break free of our online bubbles(The Guardian, 2017)

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • Heather - Migration
  • Gondola Blue - Towboat
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Solemn Application - Wax Museum
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1261_Algorithms_of_extremism_Air_Date_3-29-19_-_4-3-19_14.52.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 3/29/2019

Today we take a look at the history of why we don't already have Medicare for All, just a handful of the overwhelming reasons why we need it and the fight ahead to make it a reality

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors: Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left  |  Blinkist.com/BEST

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Why We Don't Have Medicare for All - The Michael Brooks Show - Airdate 12-7-17

Why don't we have what the rest of the world has? History of what has happened with Medicare and the intended medicare for all.

Ch. 2: Dr. America Talking to Doctors About Medicare For All - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 6-4-18

Discussing the broken, immoral economics inherent to for-profit insurance systems.

Ch. 3: The feminist argument for Single Payer - Katie Halper Show - Air Date 4-5-18

Natalie Schure makes the feminist case for #MedicareForAll.

Ch. 4: Pramila Jayapal and Medicare For All - Democracy Now - Air Date 3-6-19

Pramila Jayapal announces the Medicare For All bill and the breakdown of why it's ambitious and why it will save money. We just have to watch out for Democrats in the pocket of big medical industries.

Ch. 5: Diane Archer on Medicare for All - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-14-19

We’ll talk about Medicare for All and the media with Diane Archer—founder and former president of the Medicare Rights Center, she is currently president of JustCareUSA.

Ch. 6: Obama and Clinton Alumni To Fight AGAINST Medicare For All - Majority Report - Air Date 12-13-18

Obama and Clinton's alumni are working to DESTROY Medicare For All. Michael Brooks and the Majority Report crew discuss this.

Ch. 7: Pramila Jayapal is on the fast track for Medicare For All - Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 2-28-19

Pramila Jayapal breaks down the Medicare For All bill, the broad support it enjoys, the fight ahead against corporate interests and why it's important to keep the transition timeframe short.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Choosing based on race is racism - Mike from St. Petersburg, FL

Ch: 9: Grant's call was upsetting - Holly from San Francisco

Ch: 10: Voting based on identity won't solve anything - Chris from Utah


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments on power and racism by two definitions


TAKE ACTION!

List of State Grassroots Medicare for All Action Organizations 

Health Over Profit for Everyone (HOPE) Tools for Action

Health Over Profit for Everyone (HOPE) Tools for Education

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Read the Bill: H.R.1384 - Medicare for All Act of 2019

Read this Book: "Health Justice Now" by Timothy Faust


Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • A Burst of Light - Delray
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • Streamer - Arc and Crecent
  • Blue Jay - Feathers
  • Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1260_Medicare_for_All_Air_Date_3-29-19_-_3-29-19_20.20.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 3/26/2019

Today we take a look at the story of Amazon’s enormous growth, the history of how our antitrust laws were neutered and how the former is making us rethink the latter

Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

Episode Sponsors: 

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: The Story of How Amazon Got So Powerful - Senator Bernie Sanders - Air Date 9-17-18

How Amazon got to be so powerful, and what it means for our economy.

Ch. 2: Amazon's Been Stealing From the Start - Ear to the Pavement - Air Date 12-21-18

Amazon drains resources and tax dollars from every community it touches, and cuts deals with states to allow the corruption to continue.

Ch. 3: Amazon Wants It All - Why Is This Happening? - Air Date 1-22-19

Amazon provides 1/3 of the worlds internet/cloud power, with no rival. The endgame leads to Bezos owning all of the cash flow the world has to offer.

Ch. 4: Explaining Monopsony - Pitchfork Economics - Air Date 3-5-19

Monopsony is when the buyer controls the market, there is one employer who sets the wages and sells the product.

Ch. 5: Antitrust, Robert Bork, Reagan - Planet Money - Air Date 2-20-19

Robert Bork changed the game with the idea that the government went too far with antitrust laws that strangled the free market. Reagan agreed and the supreme court started defending corporate interest.

Ch. 6: Jonathan Tepper - Monopolies and the Death of Competition - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-12-19

What do we do about big tech? Especially when journalism is under the same attack we all are under. Regulation is needed and keeping big tech from staying big.

Ch. 7: Elizabeth Warren on Monopoly Power - Start Making Sense - 02-13-18

Democrats are pushing in the right directions, Warren believes she can push them in the right way and enact sweeping economic reform.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Representation matters but policies are more important - Franklin

Ch. 9: Incompetence hurts all of us - Ariel from Seattle

Ch. 10: It's OK to see color but not to judge it - Jeff from Charlotte, NC

Ch. 11: Valuing the judgment of the black vote - Nathan from NYC

Ch. 12: Thoughts on race and candidates - Whitney from Seattle


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 13: Final comments on judging based on race, orders of scoring points and the opposite of white supremacy and misogyny


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Commentary: There’s Still Time to Stop the Tech Monopoly Takeover(Fortune, March 2018)

6 Ways to Rein In Today’s Toxic Monopolies(The Nation, Feb 2018)

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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1259_Monopoly_Amazon_Air_Date_3-26-19_-_3-27-19_19.45.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 3/22/2019

Today we take a look at apologies and forgiveness, some of the building blocks for a healthy human society, at a moment in time when society is reorganizing itself in several ways at once, making it all the more necessary that we refresh ourselves on the fundamentals of how best to relate to each other 

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Episode Sponsors: Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Powerful men apologizing through the ages - Backstory - Air Date 11-30-17

In this week’s roundtable conversation, Ed, Joanne, Nathan and Brian focus on stories in the news, including famous men apologizing (or not) for bad behavior.

Ch. 2: How to Optimize Your Apology - Freakonomics Radio - Air Date 10-9-18

You said, “I’m sorry,” but somehow you haven’t been forgiven. Why? Because you’re doing it wrong! A report from the front lines of apology science.

Ch. 3: A Police Chief Apologizes for a 1940 Lynching - Criminal (In)Justice - Air Date 12-18-17

A chief of police has to lead officers toward a strong relationship with the communities they serve, but in the past, the same department may have participated in or enforced racial discrimination and injustice. That history can prevent healing and can make police reform a nonstarter.

Ch. 4: Forgiveness - TED Radio Hour - Air Date 5-11-17

When loss, violence or betrayal test our willingness to forgive — how do we do it anyway? This hour, TED speakers explore the challenges and benefits of forgiving others and ourselves.

Ch. 5: The science of forgiveness - Science of Happiness - Air Date 6-20-18

One of the really key theoretical discoveries about forgiveness and it tells us that we have an instinct to forgive really comes out of the groundbreaking work of Frans de Waal who’s a primatologist. He studies the bonobos and the chimpanzees and other primates.

Ch. 6: The Paradox of Forgiveness - Hidden Brain - Air Date 1-25-16

Oeindrila Dube, an assistant professor of political science and economics at New York University, finds that traditional forgiveness ceremonies after brutal atrocities can achieve the kind of reconciliation between neighbors that many of us might consider impossible. The ceremonies don't just affect the individuals involved. They have a big impact on community ties and cohesion - what researchers would call social capital.

Ch. 7: Forgiveness in the #MeToo era - Interfaith Voices - Air Date 6-24-18

Many faith traditions emphasize the importance of forgiveness. But in the context of the #MeToo movement, can forgiveness silence women who have been abused?


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 8: Final comments on strength, power, fragility, apoloiges, forgiveness and the legacy of the Confederacy


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Making an Effective Apology(Greater Good in Action, 2017)

Nine Steps to Forgiveness(Greater Good in Action, 2018)

How to Turn Your Brain from Anger to Compassion(Greater Good, 2013)

The Forgiveness Instinct(Greater Good, 2008)

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Lord Weasel - Molerider
  • Donder - Darby
  • Cat's Eye - Marble Run
  • Waterbourne - Algea Fields
  • Flattered - Delray
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1258_Apologies_and_Forgiveness_Air_Date_3-22-19_-_3-22-19_21.44.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 3/19/2019

Today we take a look at the likes of Sam Harris and Jordan Peterson as a window into the world of their followers and as an inoculation against thinking they're people worth taking seriously just because they make sense one-third of the time.

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Episode Sponsors: Privacy.com/Best| Madison-Reed.com+ Promo Code: Left

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!

 


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: The New Atheists, Celebrity Crusaders For Empire - Citations Needed (@CitationsPod) - Air Date 10-10-17

While "New Atheism" is hardly a monolith, it has at its core features of liberal chauvinism, anti-"political correctness", “science”, secularism, and general deference to U.S. foreign policy consensus.

Ch. 2: Questioning Sam Harris and New Atheism - Revolutionary Left Radio - Airdate 10-1-17

Dan Arel, award-winning journalist and best-selling author, discusses Sam Harris' confusion about having right-wing supporters even though his atheism is just as fundamentalist as traditional Christian religion. 

Ch. 3: Deconstructing Liberal Intellectuals - Part 1 - Revolutionary Left Radio - Airdate 4-22-18

New Atheists have a deep ignorance of history and are very eurocentric in their science. They intend to depoliticize young people and de-engage the populace.

Ch. 4: Breakdown of the Reactionary Right - Benjamin Dixon Show - Airdate 5-23-18

Straight White Men are the status quo and the new media moguls and reactionary right will fight to maintain it.

Ch. 5: Sam Seder RIPS APART Jordan Peterson's Real Time Appearance - The Majority Report - Airdate 4-23-18

In this Majority Report clip, we watch Jordan Peterson's appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher and totally rip it apart.

Ch. 6: ContraPoints on Ben Shapiro's Followers and How to Help Them Out - Chapo Trap House - Airdate 11-18-18

Chapo and Natalie Wynn (ContraPoints) discusses Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro and their influence on the internet towards lonely white guys.

Ch. 7: Deconstructing Liberal Intellectuals - Part 2 - Revolutionary Left Radio - Airdate 4-22-18

Classical Liberals and New Atheists follow the idea that science exists in a moral and cultural vacuum. They construct their arguments to be impenetrable and misunderstood.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Candidate diversity and harm mitigation - Whitney from Redmond, WA

Ch. 9: 10-15% deviation allowance for identity diversity - Ariel from Seattle

Ch. 10: Twenty Percent - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 11: Race should be considered first rather than last - Grant from Nashville


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on weighing the value of voting based on non-dominant identity of politicians


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Contrarian - Sketchbook
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • Rapids - Grey River
  • The Envelope - Aeronaut
  • Our Fingers Cold - K2
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores!

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Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!

Direct download: 1257_Intellectual_Dark_Web_Air_Date_3-19-19_-_3-19-19_21.22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 3-1-19

Today I share an unusual clip and talk for a while about how much better Scandinavia is than the US.

 

Bonus Clip:

The Nordic theory of love and independence with author of “The Nordic Theory of Everything” Anu Partanen - Zero to Travel - Air Date 2-7-17

 

 

Leave a message at 202-999-3991

 

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 

Review the show on iTunes!

Direct download: Rerun_Bonus_Show_142_-_3-15-19_15.58.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 3/12/2019

Today we take a look at the development of the Green New Deal and its impacts on economics, labor, frontline communities climate mitigation and the politics of the possible

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Green New Deal In Development - Green News Report - Airdate 2-12-19

'Green News Report' Special Coverage: The Green New Deal --- what's in it, what's not, and what happens next...

Ch. 2: The Climate Fight with Naomi Klein - Start Making Sense - Airdate 2-20-19

Naomi Klein talks the basics of the Green New Deal and the processes that will help support it or harm it.

Ch. 3: A Climate Sociologist Explains the Green New Deal (Pt 1:2) - The Real News - Airdate 3-1-19

Daniel Aldana Cohen explains that climate change and the economy are, fundamentally, the same story and recognizing that opens new solutions to both problems.

Ch. 4: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Biggest Fight - The Mother Jones Podcast - Airdate 1-9-19

Can the Democrats come together to fight for what the US people need? Climate change is here and we need leaders.

Ch. 5: Green New Deal, Yellow Vests - The Laura Flanders Show - Airdate 1-30-19

Building a bigger "WE" The old new deal didn't include everyone, that's why the GND needs to approach more inclusion.

Ch. 6: How We Can Pay for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal | Opinions | NowThis - Air Date 2-24-19

‘The Green New Deal will leave us better off economically than we are today.’ — Listen to economist J.W. Mason explain why it just makes sense to support the development of inclusive, sustainable industries.

Ch. 7: Thea Riofranco talks the Green New Deal - Jacobin Behind the News - Airdate 2-22-19

Thea Riofrancos connecting the Green New Deal with the fundamental principles of freedom and important a just transition for labor in the next economy

Ch. 8: The Time is Right for the Green New Deal - Start Making Sense -Airdate 2-27-19

The politics of our current system are changing, and the Green New deal is at the forefront of that change.

Ch. 9: A Climate Sociologist Explains the Green New Deal (Pt 2:2) - The Real News - Airdate 3-1-19

Daniel Aldana Cohen explains the legacy of racism from the original New Deal that we must not repeat.

Ch. 10: What's the Deal with the Green New Deal - Weekly Economics - Airdate 2-24-19

The original New Deal took radical economic action, its time to do the same for the Green New Deal.

Ch. 11: Sunrise Movement & Green New Deal - Next Economy Now - Airdate 2-26-19

What does the Green New Deal look like, and who will have the power in the new system? Varshini Prakash of the Sunrise Movement sees The Green New Deal on the horizon.

Ch. 12: Green New Deal with David Roberts - Bradcast with Brad Friedman - Airdate 2-8-19

David Roberts joins to discuss the Green New Deal and how capitalism is failing us and the planet. It's important to keep the conversation open.

Ch. 13: The Holistic Green New Deal - The Zero Hour - Airdate 2-16-19

Kate Aronoff joins to discuss Green New Deal. To tackle a huge issue like climate change you need a huge vision of reformatting society.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 14: The Green New Deal must not make the same racist mistakes of the New Deal - V from Central New York

Ch. 15: Be excited about what AOC may accomplish, not about her as a person - V from Central New York

Ch. 16: Race should be considered first rather than last - Grant from Nashville


Bonus Clip:

Ch. 17: Why you still don't understand the Green New Deal - Vox Air Date 3-12-19

FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 17: Final comments teasing the bonus episode which is available to everyone for free at Patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft


TAKE ACTION!

Attend and/or support the Youth Climate Strike on Friday, March 15th (Twitter: @climatestrikeUS)

Attend/promote Sunrise Movement's 9 stop national tour: "Road to a Green New Deal"

Support and get involved with Sunrise Movement

Call Congress: Tell them you support The Green New Deal (Capitol Switchboard: 202-225-3121)

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

The Youth Climate Strike Is Exactly What the Planet Needs Right Now(NRDC)

H.Res.109 - Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal(Congress.gov)

The Green New Deal would boost the restoration economy. What does that mean?(GreenBiz)

How Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal is being built(Grist)

It's 2050 And This Is How We Stopped Climate Change(NPR)

Why you still don’t understand the Green New Deal(Vox)

The Democratic Party Wants to Make Climate Policy Exciting(The Atlantic)

The Hard Lessons of Dianne Feinstein’s Encounter with the Young Green New Deal Activists(The New Yorker)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Blue Jay - Feathers
  • A Burst of Light - Delray
  • Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
  • Donder - Darby
  • Heartland Flyer - The Balloonist
  • Streamer - Arc and Crecent
  • Hundred Mile-No Guitar - K2
  • Horizon Liner - The Pine Barrens
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Yarrow and Root - The Bulwark
  • UpUpUp and Over - The Balloonist
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1256_Green_New_Deal_Air_Date_3-12-19_-_3-12-19_21.28.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 3/8/2019

Today we take a look at two strategies being pursued in parallel to reform our presidential election process and make every vote for president count equally

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: The origins of the electoral college - @Making_Contact - Air Date 11-16-16

Yale University Law & Political Science Professor Akhil Reed Amar explains the origins of the electoral college

Ch. 2: Fixing the Electoral College - Part 1 - Citizens Take Action - Airdate 1-17-19

James K. Glassman talks about the problems caused by the Electoral College and addresses the most common arguments in favor of the Electoral College. David and James also explain how we can fix the Electoral College with the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, and how you can support the Compact in your state.

Ch. 3: A Constitutional Challenge To The Electoral College Part 1 - Ring of Fire - Air Date 10-15-17

Law Professor, Lawrence Lessig, has begun a lawsuit that he hopes will reform the Electoral College that is responsible for electing The President.

Ch. 4: A National Popular Vote For President - The Politics Guys - Airdate 1-11-17

Mike Baranowski interviews Pat Rosenstiel, from National Popular Vote, an organization working to ensure that the winner of the national popular vote for the presidency actually becomes president, something that hasn’t happened in two of the last five presidential elections. 

Ch. 5: A Constitutional Challenge To The Electoral College Part 2 - Ring of Fire - Air Date 10-15-17

Law Professor, Lawrence Lessig, has begun a lawsuit that he hopes will reform the Electoral College that is responsible for electing The President.

Ch. 6: Fixing the Electoral College - Part 2 - Citizens Take Action - Airdate 1-17-19

States that are the battleground for elections get better treatment than states that aren't battlegrounds.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: Don't get distracted with a singular focus on the Presidential election - V from Central New York


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on the balance between ideas and the messenger


TAKE ACTION!

Get involved with National Popular Vote

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

'The National Popular Vote Movement Is Winning": Colorado Bill to Scrap Electoral College Advances(Common Dreams)

The Movement To Skip The Electoral College Is About To Pass A Major Milestone (FiveThirtyEight)

Status of National Popular Vote Bill in Each State(National Popular Vote)

Don’t believe the myths about a national popular vote(The Hill, Opinion)

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Yarrow and Root - The Bulwark
  • Shift of Currents - Aeronaut
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • Thannoid - Bodytonic
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1255_National_Popular_Vote_Air_Date_3-8-19_-_3-8-19_20.27.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EST

Air Date: 3/5/2019

Today we take a look at how the illiberalism of the Israeli government has alienated the vast majority of democratic nations and individuals who support human rights, leaving the country with some of the most far-right, fascist, white-supremacist, anti-Semitic people in the world as their only remaining allies.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Peter Beinart on anti-Semitism in America and illiberalism in Israel - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 11-28-18

Israel has decided a repressive illiberalism is the best guarantor of safety. They’ve found plenty of allies on the American right for that project, but it’s one that shreds the humanistic and pluralistic ideals that many diaspora Jews believe in.

Ch. 2: Inequality and the Fight Against Anti-Semitism Q&A with Paul Jay (2/5) - @TheRealNews - Air Date 11-1-18

Paul Jay says anti-Semitism is deeply ingrained in Western culture, and can easily become more widespread during economic crisis 

Ch. 3: Advocates: Israel’s Jewish Nation-State Law Constitutionally Enshrines Racism Against Palestinians - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 7-23-18

Israel drew condemnation for passing a law that defines Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people and gives them the sole right to self-determination. Yousef Munayyer and Rebecca Vilkomerson respond.

Ch. 4: Canada's Trudeau Attacks BDS, Joins Trump & Israel Blaming 'Both Sides' for Anti-Semitism - @TheRealNews - Air Date 11-12-18

While apologizing for Canada's shameful betrayal of Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi Holocaust, Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attacked the Palestinian rights movement BDS. Ali Abunimah discusses with TRNN's Ben Norton.

Ch. 5: Noam Chomsky Condemns Israel’s Shift to Far Right & New “Jewish Nation-State” Law - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 7-30-18

Noam Chomsky discusses the predictable rightward shift of Israeli politics since 1967 caused by the decision to implement the occupation of Palestine

Ch. 6: The Last Temptation of Evangelicals - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 5-21-18

Dr. Roger Ray explains the problematic origins of Israel, the predictable forever-grudge that will be held against the country and how US support of Israeli human rights abuses stokes Arab anti-Americanism

Ch. 7: Saudi Crown Prince Tells Palestinians to 'Shut up' as He Cozies up to Israel - @TheRealNews - Air Date 5-3-18

Mike Pompeo visited Saudi Arabia and Israel as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman abandons the Palestinians. Professor Asad AbuKhalil says this alliance has never been closer, noting Israel's political allies have frequently been anti-Semites.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Concerns with candidate spotlight episode - Nick from California

Ch. 9: How should we consider racism in light of taxes and government programs? - Bev from Illinois


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on poisoning the well, making government programs racism-proof and introducing a critical voicemail about our previous episode on Israel and BDS

Bonus Voicemail: Fuck you and your show - Anonymous


MUSIC:

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • Rapids - Grey River
  • Smooth Stone - Blue Dot Sessions
  • Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard
  • Vibrant Canopy - Origami
  • Vengeful - Warmbody
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1254_Israel_Strange_Bedfellows_Air_Date_3-5-19_-_3-5-19_20.53.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EST

Air Date: 3/1/2019

Today we take a look at the social benefits of high taxation as the US gears up for our first genuine debate on raising taxes in a long time with an eye toward the life-improving programs that money could fund.

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!

 


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Dean Baker on Taxing the Rich - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-7-19

We’ll talk about some of the proposals to reduce wealth and income inequality—what they can and can’t do, and why we need them all—with economist Dean Baker

Ch. 2: Bruce Bartlett explains the GOP Starve the Beast strategy - Pitchfork Economics - Airdate 1-29-19

Reaganomics and the destructive power of austerity. We need a strong and vocal socialist left to pull the conversation back to the left.

Ch. 3: Democrats are Eisenhower Republicans - The Zero Hour w @RJEskow - Air Date 9-9-17

Explaining how the GOP went from the party of fiscal responsibility to the opposite and why the Democrats took up the task themselves

Ch. 4: George Lakey on Viking Economics and when change happens Part 1 - @InDeepRadio w @AngieCoiro - Air Date 12-27-17

How did Nordic countries become what they are today? They've worked to eliminate poverty and produce an alternative vision of economies. Workers are happier and more productive.

Ch. 5: How to Be Happy - Freakonomics Radio - Airdate 1-2-19

Looking at Gross Domestic Product versus Gross National Happiness and how Nordic countries have built the social trust to afford sweeping social programs

Ch. 6: George Lakey on Viking Economics and when change happens Part 2 - @InDeepRadio w @AngieCoiro - Air Date 12-1-17

Why is America the way it is? Reagan. We were heading the way of Nordic economies but Reaganomics put America on the economic defense, regressing our progress.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: The dynamics of supporting candidates - Dave from Olympia, WA

Ch. 8: Was Harris treated differently because of her minority status? - Marguerite from Fortuna, CA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on the racial and gender dynamics of covering and criticizing presidential candidates


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Yarrow and Root - The Bulwark
  • Shift of Currents - Aeronaut
  • The Rampart - Castle Danger
  • Thannoid - Bodytonic
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1253_In_Defense_of_Taxes_Air_Date_3-1-19_-_3-1-19_17.10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:30pm EST

Air Date: 2/25/2019

Today we take a look at the process of systematic, government-sponsored genocide against the native peoples of North America that kicked off the wealth-accumulating, territory-expanding American empire we know and love today

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz on digging deeper to understand America's past - Popaganda from @BitchMedia - Air Date 6-16-16

Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz describes the process of coming to understand that there is an alternate history of the United States and explains how she tried to convey that new understanding in her book "An Indigenous People's History of the United States."

Ch. 2: American expansion and violence against Native Americans - @BackStory - Air Date: 01-19-2018

Ed talks with historian Benjamin Madley about the devastating impact of the Gold Rush on California’s native tribes – and how both government officials and everyday citizens justified enslaving and killing native peoples.

Ch. 3: The moral narratives of colonization as relates to the Western Frontier and Israel - Citations Needed (@CitationsPod) - Air Date 8-22-17

We explore how the media discusses the issue of BDS and the broader topic of Palestinian liberation with guest Steven Salaita.

Ch. 4: Understanding the origins of scalp hunting and "redskins" - Empire Files - Air Date 11-25-15

Abby Martin interviews Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, renowned indigenous scholar and activist, about her most recent book "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States."

Ch. 5: Paul Frymer on the building of an American empire - The Dig from @jacobinmag - Air Date 1-30-18

We are living on land from which indigenous people, over hundreds of years, have been violently removed. Almost everyone knows this — yet it’s rarely mentioned in stories that Americans tell themselves about who we are as a country and how we got here.

Ch. 6: America's Distribution of Violence - @Intercepted w: @JeremyScahill - Air Date 2-14-18

Jeremy Scahill talks with Nikhil Singh, professor of social and cultural analysis and history at New York University,about his new book "Race and America’s Long War.”


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Life as a charter school contractor - TJ from Scottsdale

Ch. 8: Reaction to candidate spotlight episode - Conner from Worcester, MA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments explaining the shortcomings of the Candidate Spotlight episode and how it was made

BONUS CLIP: Senator Kamala Harris live in the studio - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-24-19


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • A Burst of Light - Delray
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1252_Native.Imperialism_Air_Date_2-26-19_-_2-26-19_14.58.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm EST

Air Date: 2/22/2019

Today we take a look at two of the most popular politicians who have announced their candidacies for the Democratic nomination for the presidency, Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Is It Time For Kamala Harris To Reckon With Her Right-Wing Past? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 1-30-19

Will Sen. Harris’s record as a prosecutor hurt her presidential chances given the Democratic base’s leftward shift on criminal justice and civil liberties?

Ch. 2: Elizabeth Warren and the Two-Income Trap - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-03-19

Rachel Maddow lays out Elizabeth Warren's long record on consumer protection and the real reasons behind rising bankruptcies

Ch. 3: Kamala Harris is Not Your Friend - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 2-6-19

Kamala's criminal justice record is brutal, despite her leftist claims

Ch. 4: The Fight for the Future of the Democrats Has Begun - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 1-01-19

Warren starts her campaign, Sam compares her to the Clintons, while she also attempts to secure Bernie's voters.

Ch. 5: More AIPAC than J Street, Kamala Harris runs to the right on foreign policy - Sojourner Truth - Air Date 1-29-19

Taking a look at Kamala Harris' support of a right-wing foreign policy, especially regarding Israel

Ch. 6: Elizabeth Warren v. the District of Corruption - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-08-18

Sen. Elizabeth Warren joins Mehdi Hasan in an exclusive interview to discuss her proposed anti-corruption legislation.

Ch. 7: Kamala Harris Backs Down on Medicare For All - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 1-29-19

Sam finds Kamala disingenuous, though she's doing great ratings on CNN. She is tough on black and poor people and tends to hedge her bets on other policies.

Ch. 8: Elizabeth Warren on the importance of grassroots funding of campaigns - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-03-19

Warren explains why running a grassroots campaign rather than self-funding means you are getting in touch with genuine support from voters


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: Apologies and reparations don't need a lot of nuances - Kitty from Eugene, OR

Ch. 10: Bernie supporter are generally not so sexist as to not also love AOC - Matt from Arizona

Ch. 11: Forgiveness depends on how well a person owns up - Jeff from Florida


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments explaining policy differences with the Three Little Pigs


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Nuthatch - Feathers
  • The Wooden Platform - The Bulwark
  • White Limit - CloudBreaker
  • Planting Flags - K4
  • Flower - Pecan Grove
  • Great Great Lengths - The Balloonist
  • The Summit - K2
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1251_Warren_and_Harris_Air_Date_2-22-19_-_2-22-19_14.30.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

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. 

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Show Notes

Ch. 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

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!

Direct download: Rerun_1158_MLK_Air_Date_1-16-18_Ad_Free_-_2-19-19_14.47.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EST

Air Date: 2/15/2019

Today we take a look at recent teachers union strike in the Los Angeles school district and see it as another event in an emerging pattern of progressive uprisings that have been stirring for the last decade, fighting back against the status quo, the neoliberal instinct to privatize everything for the ultimate benefit of billionaires. 

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Why Teachers Are Striking in Los Angeles - NowThis - Air Date 1-20-19

‘This strike is a strike to save public education.’ — Here’s why Los Angeles teachers are striking in their own words.

Ch. 2: LA Teachers on Strike with Eric Blanc - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 1-21-2019

Eric Blanc talks about how public education is the last holdout of labor movements and the hope that their success will bolster further labor movements throughout the U.S.

Ch. 3: Alex Caputo-Pearl explains the teachers union strategy and planning ahead of the strike - Belabored by Dissent Magazine - Air Date 1-13-19

Caputo-Pearl talks about a wide range of issues that led to the strike. Building up to the strike as a leader in the union. UTLA received criticism for being too bold but with an issue this large, it's important to be bold.

Ch. 4: Jackie Goldberg explains the problems with charter schools Part 1 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 1-21-19

Jackie Goldberg breaks down all the problems with the Charter School movement and how much the billionaires behind it are destroying public education.

Ch. 5: Sarah Jaffe on the intersectional movements coming together in the teachers strike - The Dig - Air Date 1-17-2019

The people in power are all about privatization. Public education attacks are compared to citizens united. Public schools have become a competing marketplace instead of educational services.

Ch. 6: Jackie Goldberg explains the problems with charter schools Part 2 - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 1-21-19

Jackie continues, describing how Charters have rigged the system so all funds go to them, in essence, re-segregating school between those with and those without. Those without typically being black and brown people.

Ch. 7: A surge in strikes! - Past Present - Air Date: 1-28-2019

Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the Los Angeles teachers’ strike. Enthusiasm for collective action since the election of '45. Fighting for the very existence of public schools. Charter makes things better for some, public makes things better for all (when properly funded and supported). Charter squirms around Unions. 

Ch. 8: Sarah Jaffe on the conflict within the Democratic party at the core of the LA teachers strike - Start Making Sense - Air Date 1-22-2019

Sarah Jaffe discusses why the parents agreed with the strike. Librarians who have to travel to different schools every day of the week. Will austerity reign, or can they turn it around. Fight for a society that actually provides what people need.

Ch. 9: LA Teachers Striking For All Of Us - The Michael Brooks Show - 01-07-2019

While the LA Teachers Union strikes, their demands are referred to as shiny distractions. Increased privatization by charter schools reduces the effectiveness of public education.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: We should allow evolution in our politicians - Colin from Cleveland, OH


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments on restorative justice and open access to our weekly poll


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Thannoid - Bodytonic
  • When We Set Out - Arc and Crecent
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Open Flames - Aeronaut
  • Parade Shoes - Arc and Crecent
  • Stale Case - Darby
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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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: 1250_LA_Teachers_Strike_Air_Date_2-15-19_-_2-15-19_20.25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 2/12/2019

Today we take a look at both the BDS movement and the backlash response to it resulting in firings and legislation in many states (and pending federally) to restrict employment and business opportunities from those who fail to pledge in writing to not support of the boycott of Israel

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Explaining BDS - The Katie Halper Show - Air Date 10-11-17

We speak to art critic and writer Kareem Estefan, co-editor of “Assuming Boycott: Resistance, Agency, and Cultural Production,” about Boycott, Divest, Sanction (BDS)

Ch. 2: Exclusive: Angela Davis Speaks Out on Palestine, BDS & More After Civil Rights Award Is Revoked - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-11-19

Legendary activist and scholar Angela Davis speaks out after the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute rescinded a human rights award for her, reportedly due to her activism for Palestinian rights.

Ch. 3: Pro-Israel Lobby Groups Secretly Admits Cultural Boycott Is Effective, Leaked Report Shows - @TheRealNews - Air Date 12-10-18

Ali Abunimah discusses a leaked report from Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), a front for Israel government-backed lobby group StandWithUs, which admits the cultural boycott is "constantly growing" and "innovative."

Ch. 4: Josh Ruebner on BDS Bans - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 1-31-19

We’ll hear about so-called “anti-BDS” laws, and their context, from Josh Ruebner, policy director at the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights.

Ch. 5: Glenn Greenwald: Congress Is Trying to Make It a Federal Crime to Participate in Boycott of Israel - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-18-18

Twenty-six states have laws preventing state agencies from contracting with companies or individuals aligned with the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. We speak with Glenn Greenwald, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.

Ch. 6: Senators Sneak Amendment to Make Israel Boycott Illegal - @TheRealNews - Air Date 12-19-18

While Senators Cardin and Portman are trying to sneak a last-minute amendment into the budget bill to make BDS illegal - violating free speech - 26 states are also moving to make boycotts of Israel illegal. We speak to IPS’s Phyllis Bennis.

Ch. 7: Palestine/Israel, the Firing of Marc Lamont Hill & the Limits of Open Inquiry Part 1 - Speak out with Tim Wise - Air Date 12-3-18

Tim discusses CNN’s firing of contributor Marc Lamont Hill (a former guest on the show), for comments he made in favor of full equality and justice for the Palestinian people.

Ch. 8: What You Can’t Say About Israel (with Marc Lamont Hill) - Deconstructed from The Intercept - Air Date 1-23-19

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill joins Mehdi Hasan along with Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace who is a liberal supporter of Israel but also opposed to the criminalization of BDS.

Ch. 9: Does Israel Have A Right To Exist? - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 05-18-18

In this Majority Report clip, we discuss the current state of Israel.

Ch. 10: Palestine/Israel, the Firing of Marc Lamont Hill & the Limits of Open Inquiry Part 2 - Speak out with Tim Wise - Air Date 12-3-18

Tim discusses CNN’s firing of contributor Marc Lamont Hill (a former guest on the show), for comments he made in favor of full equality and justice for the Palestinian people.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments introducing two bonus clips with critiques of the BDS movement

Bonus Clips:

1: Norman Finkelstein on Why Obama Doesn't Believe His Own Words on Israel-Palestine. Part 2 - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-4-2012

Finkelstein says the goal of the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions campaign and the broader movement for Middle East peace should be to mobilize public opinion on what most already support: a two-state solution rooted in international law.

2: Noam Chomsky on BDS and How the Israeli Occupation is "Much Worse Than Apartheid" - Democracy Now - Air Date 8-11-14

Finkelstein says the goal of the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions campaign and the broader movement for Middle East peace should be to mobilize public opinion on what most already support: a two-state solution rooted in international law.


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • O Holy Still - Vacant Distillery
  • A Path Unwinding - K4
  • Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • Cat's Eye - Marble Run
  • PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
  • Ferry Landing - Castro
  • Sunday Lights - Onesuch Village
  • Over the Fence - Delray
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunesand Stitcher!

Direct download: 1249_Israel_BDS_Air_Date_2-12-19_-_2-12-19_12.08.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date: 2/8/2019

Today we take a look, briefly, at the last 100 years of Venezuelan history to understand how they went from oil riches and inequality to revolution and social progress only to run afoul of American imperialism

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Attempted Coup in Venezuela with Abby Martin, Greg Wilpert, Paul Jay - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-26-19

Sharmini Peries hosts a wide-ranging conversation about the US-backed attempted coup in Venezuela

Ch. 2: How Did Venezuela Go From So Rich To So Poor - The Inquiry - Air Date 5-10-17

Venezuela was split between the rich and poor. Politicians lead the way to oil reliance.

Ch. 3: Venezuela in Crisis- Defending the Bolivarian Revolution - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 7-29-17

Topics Include: Hugo Chavez, the Constituent Assembly, the opposition, the Venezuelan Communes, the concept of dual power, Jacobin Magazine and the Bolivarian Revolution

Ch. 4: Is Donald Trump waging a coup in Venezuela? - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 1-25-19

You need to be paying attention to what's happening in Venezuela. Eva Golinger joins Michael Brooks and the Majority Report crew to discuss this.

Ch. 5: Maduro’s Corruption Pushed Venezuela Further Into Economic DISASTER - @RingOfFireRadio - Air Date 2-2-19

Ivan Briscoe, Latin America and Caribbean program director for Crisis Group, joins Ring of Fire’s Sam Seder, to talk about Maduro's corruption and Venezuela's economic disaster.

Ch. 6: Jorge Martin on what’s next for Venezuela’s Bolivarian revolution? - @ThisIsHellRadio - Air Date 5-25-18

Writer Jorge Martin examines the two futures of Venezuela and the Bolivarian revolution. Jorge wrote the article “Maduro Wins Presidential Election, Despite Imperialist Meddling – What Next?”

Ch. 7: The Yankee Plot to Overthrow Nicolás Maduro and Steal Venezuela’s Oil - The Intercept - Air Date 2-2-19

This push for regime change in Venezuela did not appear in a vacuum. The CIA has been plotting with so-called rebels in Venezuela from the early days of the Trump administration.

Ch. 8: As U.S. Moves to Oust Maduro, Is Invading Venezuela Next? Allan Nairn on Trump’s Attempted Coup - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 1-30-19

Investigative journalist Allan Nairn explains many aspects of the US attempts at a coup in Venezuela

Ch. 9: Many Countries at UN Oppose Trump Interference in Venezuela - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-29-19

Larry Wilkerson joins Paul Jay discuss why countries that claim to support the UN and international law are supportive of US imperialistic escapades


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on the threat of the good example


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • The Zeppelin - Aeronaut
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Peacoat - Studio J
  • Glass Beads - The Balloonist
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • The Wooden Platform - The Bulwark
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
  • Entrap - Darby
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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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: 1248_Venezuela_Air_Date_2-8-19_-_2-8-19_13.45.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Air Date: 2/5/2019

Today we take a look at the history of FDR's "Four Freedoms" and "Economic Bill of Rights" that laid the groundwork for the fight for economic freedom for all that continues to this day.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Harvey Kaye, "The Fight for the Four Freedoms" - Book TV - Air Date 5-11-14

Harvey Kaye examines the progressivism of the Roosevelt-era and argues that a reminder of the "four freedoms" could address today's political and social issues.

Ch. 2: What Ted Cruz Doesn't Get About 'Freedom' - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 7-21-16

Thom talks about Ted Cruz's speech at the Republican Convention and compares his definition of 'freedom' with the way it was described by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Ch. 3: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 1 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18

F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented.

Ch. 4: Fighting for the Four Freedoms - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-15-14

Historian Harvey J. Kaye talks about how FDR was able to mobilize Americans to create "the strongest and most prosperous country in human history."

Ch. 5: Libertarian Definition of "Freedom" is Freedom in Name Only - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 8-1-13

Explaining that libertarian thinking doesn't incorporate the existence of economic coercion

Ch. 6: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 2 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18

F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented.

Ch. 7: Bernie Sanders & FDR's Second Bill of Rights - Berniementum - Air Date 8-12-15

President FDR's Second Bill of Rights speech - January 11, 1944 Sen. Bernie Sanders speech at the National Press Club - Mar. 9, 2015 Music - "There is Romance" by Imcompetech

Ch. 8: Fight for the Four Freedoms What Made FDR & the Greatest Generation Truly Great (w: Harvey J Kaye) - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 9-9-15

University of Wisconsin Professor Harvey J Kaye author of Fight for the Four Freedoms: What Made FDR and the Greatest Generation Truly Great, explains Ronald Reagan and the great pushback against a progressive America

Ch. 9: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 3 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18

F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: Sanders rant on his supporters hatred of female politicians - Jason from Chicago


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments in which I resolve the dispute over whether Bernie Sanders supporters are sexist or not


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • The Zeppelin - Aeronaut
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Peacoat - Studio J
  • Glass Beads - The Balloonist
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • The Wooden Platform - The Bulwark
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
  • Entrap - Darby
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1247_Four_Freedoms_Air_Date_2-5-19_-_2-5-19_20.35.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EST

Air Date: 2/1/2019

Today we take a look at the warring factions of progressive and conservatives who are all trying to amend the constitution in various ways. Some progressives want to call for a Convention of States to propose an amendment, as do some conservatives, while others are calling for an amendment but would rather it go through the Congress for reasons that will be explained.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: We the People Amendment - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 4-28-15

Thom Hartmann talks with David Cobb, National Spokesperson-Move to Amend Website: www.movetoamend.org, about an amendment in The U.S House that would end 'corporate rule'.

Ch. 2: The Liberty Amendments Explained Article V Convention of States - Hip Hughes - Air Date 8-15-18

A look at the Constitutional process of starting a Constitutional Convention by the states. And a straight forward focus on Mark Levin's proposed "Liberty Amendments" and the Convention of States pushing for a Constitutional Convention.

Ch. 3: Overturning Citizens United Is a Constitutional Amendment the Best Path to Limit Dark Money? - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 3-13-13

We host a debate on whether the push for a constitutional amendment is the best path to overturning Citizens United. We speak to Mark Schmitt, a senior fellow at the Roosevelt Institute and John Bonifaz, co-founder and director of Free Speech for People.

Ch. 4: The Balanced Budget Amendment Escape Clause - The New American Video - Air Date 4-3-17

The escape clause of a proposed Balanced Budget Amendment gives Congress the authority to not balance the budget while in a national state of emergency. Constitutional expert Robert Brown points that the U.S. is in a constant state of emergency for almost

Ch. 5: Cenk DEBATES Constitutional Amendment To Fight Corruption Part 1 - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date 7-8-18

Cenk Uygur joins a panel discussion about the pros and cons of calling for an Article 5 convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to fight money in politics and overturn the Citizens United decision.

Ch. 6: Mark Levin, Constitution Article V, and the Liberty Amendments - WesternFreePress - Air Date 7-11-13

Mark Levin shows how the state legislatures, with no permission required from the feds, can amend the US Constitution. It's right there in Article V, and the historical record shows that the Founders meant for that Article to be used in a time like ours.

Ch. 7: Cenk DEBATES Constitutional Amendment To Fight Corruption Part 2 - @ TheYoungTurks - Air Date 7-8-18

Law Professor, Ken Chestek, explains the nuts of bolts of going forward with an Article V Convention strategy

Ch. 8: Liberals, Conservatives Team Up To Overturn Citizens United - Rebel HQ - Air Date 9-21-17

TYT's Eric Byler talks to Jeff Clements, president of American Promise, an all-volunteer organization working toward a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn "Citizens United."


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: Shutdown - Alan from Connecticut


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments with my main takeaways about the state of the campaign for the 28th amendment


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Hundred Mile-No Guitar - K2
  • Castillo - The Nocturne
  • The Zeppelin - Aeronaut
  • No Smoking - Sunday at Slims
  • Streamer - Arc and Crecent
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • Turning on the Lights - 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1246_Con_Con_Air_Date_2-1-19_-_2-1-19_22.51.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EST

Air Date: 1/29/2019

Today we take a look at the planned chaos and fever dream governing style cooked up by the radical, anti-government conservatives running the country, otherwise known as the shutdown

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Trump will take the blame - @offkiltershow - Air Date 1-9-19

We break down everything you need to know about the shutdown with Sam Berger

Ch. 2: Why the Media Should Stop Calling it a “Government Shutdown” - Citations Needed (@CitationsPod) - Air Date 1-24-18

It's not a "government shutdown", it's a liberal government shutdown––or, more precisely, a backdoor rightwing coup. Our words should reflect that.

Ch. 3: The First Shutdown - Planet Money - Air Date 1-15-19

In 1879, Congress and the President were locked in a battle over the rights of African-Americans. It led to the first government shutdown.

Ch. 4: Why the shutdown hits the poor the hardest - @tmbsfm with @_michaelbrooks - Air Date 1-14-19

We break down the government shutdown affects the working-class and how government welfare programs regulate the poor.

Ch. 5: Labor rights under attack and the poor suffering without pay - Delete Your Account - Air Date 1-22-19

We discuss how the discourse around the shutdown takes for granted that government functions like the military are sacrosanct, while government functions that provide services to the poor must constantly be justified and deliberately funded.

Ch. 6: Some of the environmental impacts of the government shutdown - @GreenNewsReport - Air Dates 1-8, 1-15 and 1-22 2019

Trump’s government shutdown is seriously impacting national parks, federal scientific research, public health and safety.

Ch. 7: Fact-checking Trump’s Shutdown - Mother Jones - Air Date 1-22-19

Host Jamilah King is joined by Angie Drobnic Holan, the editor of Politifact, to help you separate fact from fiction as the shutdown continues.

Ch. 8: The politics of government shutdowns - Past/Present - Air Date 1-29-18

The history of government shutdowns.

Ch. 9: Norm Ornstein on the nihilism of the anti-government right - Diane Rehm Show - Air Date 1-17-19

The government shutdown, week four. Diane talks to longtime political analyst Norm Ornstein, one of the most prolific chroniclers of Washington's descent into partisan dysfunction.

Ch.10: This is planned chaos - Gaslit Nation - Air Date 1-8-19

We discuss the cornered panicked criminal in the White House, the dangerous vulnerabilities of Trump’s shutdown and his American carnage TV ratings grab.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments on idealism, pragmatism and chasms


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Dirtbike Lovers - Desert Orchard
  • Entrap - Darby
  • Great is the Contessa - The Contessa
  • Heather - Migration
  • Lord Weasel - Molerider
  • These Times - The Pine Barrens
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Chilvat - Lillehammer
  • Turning to You - Landsman Duets
  • 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 | StitcherSpotify| 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: 1245_Shutdown_Air_Date_1-29-19_-_1-29-19_11.25.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EST

Air Date: 1/25/2019

Today we take a look at the past and present of our immigration system to understand the paradigms within which the entire debate takes place

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Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content: Support our show on Patreon!


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Sanitizing Our Settler-Colonial Past With ‘Nation of Immigrants’ Narratives - Citations Needed (@CitationsPod) - Air Date 1-15-19

“The United States is a nation of immigrants.” It’s a phrase we hear constantly – often said with the best of intentions and, in today’s increasingly cruel environment, meant as a strong rebuke of Donald Trump

Ch. 2: Rethinking Migration with Aziz Rana Part 1 - The Dig from @jacobinmag - Air Date 1-8-19

To understand the origins of the immigration politics in general and the criminalization of Mexican immigrants in particular, we must explode these categories, identify their origins, and analyze the history that preceded them.

Ch. 3: Greg Grandin on the history and politics of immigration enforcement - @Intercepted w @JeremyScahill - Air Date 1-15-19

Historian Greg Grandin lays out the nativist roots of the U.S. Border Patrol, its connection to CIA dirty wars in Latin America, and nearly 100-years of brutality and impunity.

Ch. 4: Migration Expert Jacqueline Bhabha Slams ‘Barbarity’ of Trump Policies - Who What Why - Air Date 9-23-18

Jacqueline Bhabha joins Peter B. Collins for this week’s WhoWhatWhy podcast. Bhabha is a professor of health and human rights at the School of Public Health, research director at the FXB Center, and lectures at Harvard Law and the Kennedy School. She is an

Ch. 5: Jeh Johnson speaks out on separating immigrant families - Cape Up - Air Date 6-25-18

As the Trump Administration grapples with a crisis of its own making Jeh Johnson, former Secretary of Homeland Security tells us about what happened when he faced separating children from their parents.

Ch. 6: How African Americans Fought For & Won Birthright Citizenship 150 Years Before Trump Tried to End It - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 10-31-18

As President Trump claims that he can end birthright citizenship in the United States, we speak with professor Martha Jones about the history of the 14th Amendment

Ch. 7: Rethinking Migration with Aziz Rana Part 2 - The Dig from @jacobinmag - Air Date 1-8-19

To understand the origins of the immigration politics in general and the criminalization of Mexican immigrants in particular, we must explode these categories, identify their origins, and analyze the history that preceded them.

VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: PostScript on America's policy on socialism and communism - Erin from Philadelphia


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments proposing a compromise between progressives and conservatives


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | StitcherSpotify| Alexa Devices| +more

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Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

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Direct download: 1244_Immigration_Air_Date_1-25-19_-_1-25-19_13.03.mp3
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Air Date: 1/22/2019

Today we take a look at socialism in America from our often violent response to the concept in the wake of the Russian Revolution through the recent revival in interest driven primarily by the younger generation today

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Red Dawn Americans and the Bolshevik Revolution - @BackStory - Air Date 11-9-17

One hundred years ago, Vladimir Lenin and his Bolshevik Party seized power in a revolution that would change the world. Today we explore how that distant revolution had an immediate impact in the United States.

Ch. 2: What the Russian Revolution Proved Possible - Empire Files - Air Date 12-18-17

To understand the context of this first socialist experiment, how it happened and what caused the many problems it faced, Abby Martin sits down with Brian Becker, a long-time socialist organizer.

Ch. 3: America’s Unofficial Religion - The War On An Idea Part 1 - Empire Files - Air Date 11-27-17

Everyone in the United States knows that “socialist” or “communist” is considered a bad word. How did things get that way? Abby Martin explores the history of anti-communism in America and the heavy repression of an idea that became an unofficial religion

Ch. 4: "Socialism" in the Air - On the Media - Air Date 7-27-18

The word "socialism" has been trending, appearing on op-ed pages, FOX News, ABC's The View and beyond. In this word watch, Bob speaks with another self-described socialist, Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan Robinson

Ch. 5: Americans are ready for socialism - @ThisIsHellRadio - Air Date 3-13-18

Columnist Elizabeth Bruenig looks beyond the failures of liberalism, to the possibilities of socialism. Elizabeth wrote the op-ed “It’s time to give socialism a try” at the Washington Post.

Ch. 6: Richard D. Wolff - What are Capitalism & Socialism? What differentiates them from each other? - acTVism Munich - Air Date 2-21-17

In this interview with Professor of Economics Emeritus (University of Massachusetts), Marxist economist and founder of Democracy at Work, Richard D. Wolff, we talk to him about Capitalism and Socialism.

Ch. 7: Why Are People Talking About Socialism? with Paul Jay - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-2-19

Explaining why socialisms time may have come - the failures of capitalism

Ch. 8: Dr. Richard Wolff on Marxism 101: How Capitalism is Killing Itself - Empire Files - Air Date 11-28-17

Prof. Richard Wolff explains some tenets of how a modern socialists system could work

Ch. 9: America’s Unofficial Religion The War On An Idea Part 2 - Empire Files - Air Date 11-27-17

Capitalism can no longer compare itself with the dysfunctional Soviet Union but can only be compared to itself and it's failures


Bonus Clips:

Fox & Friends Have TOTAL Meltdown Over Socialism - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 8-6-18

Odd Republican Lady Bashes Ocasio-Cortez On Fox After Meeting Her - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 7-24-18


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments wrapping up conservative arguments against socialist programs


MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Trois Gnossiennes - Blue Dot Sesisons
  • Gondola Blue - Towboat
  • Our Fingers Cold - K2
  • Tiny Putty - The Cabinetmaker
  • Waltz and Fury - Macrame
  • The Summit - K2
  • The Provisions - K4
  • Peacoat - Studio J
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

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Direct download: 1243_Socialism_Air_Date_1-22-19_-_1-22-19_11.14.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am EST