Best of the Left Podcast

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The Podcasts

Air Date 2/28/2020

Today we take a look at the historical through-line that has brought us to the present state of border barbarism we're now witnessing. An empire of perpetual expansion has finally reached its limit and decided to close the door. Meanwhile, well-meaning liberals have been playing on the nationalists’ turf for far too long.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Border Brutalism with Greg Grandin Part 1 - In The Thick - Air Date 12-24-19

Greg Grandin discusses his book about the history of American racism and policies against migrants.

Ch. 2: Daniel Denvir on All American Nativism - Jacobin Radio The Dig with Astra Taylor - Air Date 1-23-20

Daniel Denvir and Astra Taylor discuss American Nativism and the spiraling harmful policies from our history of racism.

Ch. 3: Border Brutalism with Greg Grandin Part 2 - In The Thick - Air Date 12-24-19

Greg Grandin discusses his book about the history of American racism and policies against migrants.

Ch. 4: Michael Edison Hayden on Stephen Miller - CounterSpin - Air Date 11-22-19

Michael Edison Hayden discusses the impact of Stephen Miller's 900 emails to Brietbart on immigration policy.

Ch. 5: Our Immigration Conversation Is Broken with Paul Kramer Part 1 - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 11-6-19

Paul Kramer discusses our broken immigration system and part of the problem is seeing human beings as valued only for their labor.

Ch. 6: The Politics of Nativism with Daniel Denvir - This Is Hell - Air Date 1-13-20

Chuck and Daniel Denvir discuss America's long history of Nativism and white supremacist policies.

Ch. 7: Our Immigration Conversation Is Broken with Paul Kramer Part 2 - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 11-6-19

Paul Kramer discusses our broken immigration system and part of the problem is seeing human beings as valued only for their labor.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: We have to be for a progressive vision, not just against Trump - James from Sacramento, CA

Ch. 9: Jay didn’t go far enough rebutting - Alan from Connecticut


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on the analysis paralysis of the primary election


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • Molly Molly - Barstool
  • That Horse Ithica - Sketchbook
  • Cicle Veroni - Cicle Kadde
  • Gullwing Sailor - Migration
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google PodcastsSpotify | +more

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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

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Direct download: 1340_Immigration.White_Supremacy_Air_Date_2-28-20_-_2-28-20_17.44.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Air Date 2/25/2020

Today we take a look at a post-acquittal, power-mad Trump taking advantage of his thoroughly-confirmed ability to do whatever he wants without repercussion and the work Bill Barr is doing to completely subvert the Justice Department in favor of using it as a tool to favor the President's friends and harm his enemies.

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EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Corruption of Department of Justice Sets Off Alarm Bells - Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 2-12-20

Rachel discusses the crisis in the justice department and the authoritarian actions of Trump.

Ch. 2: Trump Tears Democracy To Messes: Is It Too Late? - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 2-13-20

Thom discusses Trump and Barr dismantling justice and democracy.

Ch. 3: The Fragility of American Justice with Dahlia Lithwick - On The Media - Air Date 2-14-20

On The Media explores the ways that American justice is cracking under pressure of the Trump administration.

Ch. 4: Calls for Bill Barr's resignation have grown impossible to ignore - Bradcast with Brad Friedman - Air Date 2-18-20

Brad discusses Trump's power madness after impeachment.

Ch. 5: Justice And Trump with Quinta Jurecic - Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 2-19-20

Brian talks with Quinta Jurecic about the crisis in the justice department under Trump and Barr.

Ch. 6: Trump Hush Money Case - Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 2-18-20

Rachel Maddow discusses the corruption of Trump and Bill Barr

Ch. 7: Pardonpalooza with Anne Milgram - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 2-20-20

Preet and Anne Milgram discuss Trump's pardoning spree.

Ch. 8: Has Trump Taken Down Our Democratic Republic? - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 2-15-20

Fascism has taken down democratic Republics multiple times in the past, will this happen to the United States under Trump?


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: Solidarity with one, solidarity with all - Eammon from Orange County, California

Ch. 10: How America can avoid hypocrisy on Israel - Erin from Philadelphia


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments on solidarity with threatened communities and strategies to avoid hypocrisy

Bonus: Rep. Peter King's (R-NY) IRA Ties - The Daily Show


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • The Summit - K2
  • Chrome and Wax - Ray Catcher
  • Great Great Lengths - The Balloonist
  • Around Plastic Card Tables - Desert Orchard
  • Decompression - Rayling
  • O Holy Still - Vacant Distillery
  • Jackbird - Feathers
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google PodcastsSpotify | +more

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

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on Apple PodcastsStitcher and Facebook!

Direct download: 1339_Trump_Power-Mad_Air_Date_2-25-20_-_2-25-20_21.43.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Air Date 2/22/2020

Today we take a look at Trump's recently-proposed budget and rule changes targeting the most vulnerable recipients of Social Security benefits. The budget has no chance of passing as it is because, thankfully, a Democratically-controlled House of Representatives will now allow it. However, it is still very valuable to understand why kind of budget and rules Trump and the GOP would pass if they were in complete power.

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

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EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Trump's War Budget Slashes Support for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid - The Real News - Air Date 2-13-20

Trump promised he would not touch Social Security and Medicare. He lied. Now we have deficit spending with no social benefits, and Democrats fooled into a compromise that allowed the military budget to soar.

Ch. 2: Doctor Responds After Trump Said He’d Make More Cuts to Medicare - NowThis News - Air Date 1-27-20

This doctor is speaking out about the high cost and inaccessibility of health care in the U.S. after Trump said he’d make even more cuts to Medicare.

Ch. 3: The #TrumpBudget is cooking the books - Off-Kilter - Air Date 2-13-20

Bobby Kogan, chief mathematician of the Senate Budget Committee, explains how the Trump budget is cooking the books to make it look not as terrible as it really is.

Ch. 4: The politics of work and hunger - This Is Hell! - Air Date 1-7-20

Anthropologist Maggie Dickinson on food assistance, poverty and her book Feeding the Crisis Care and Abandonment in America's Food Safety Net

Ch. 5: Say No to Stealing Our Social Security Benefits: Alex Lawson on Social Security and disability - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-6-20

Janine Jackson interviewed Social Security Works’ Alex Lawson about Social Security and disability

Ch. 6: How To Clean Up The Welfare State - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-3-20

Meagan Day on "How To Clean Up The Welfare State" by building social programs that inspire support through their universality


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 7: Jay didn’t go far enough - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 8: Emerging theme on our collective emergency, recommending After Capitalism - V from Central New York

Ch. 9: Why Clinton didn't win - James from Sacramento, CA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on passion in the primaries, early interest in Bernie and why reluctant leaders are the best

Bonus: Something is happening - Jim Hightower - Air Date 2-2-16


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Algea Trio - Algea Fields
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • A Burst of Light - Delray
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

SHOW IMAGE:

AFGE, "Defeating cuts to pay, retirement, health care", Flickr | License 

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google PodcastsSpotify | +more

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

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on Apple PodcastsStitcher and Facebook!

Direct download: 1338_Trump_Budget_Air_Date_2-22-20_-_2-21-20_20.16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Air Date 2/19/2020

Today we take a look at the, ahem, "Peace Plan" devised by the US and Israel with absolutely no input from Palestinians. Plus, some additional discussion of how things are going in Israel/Palestine (not well) and how opinion has begun to shift dramatically within the Democratic Party.

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

EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

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


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: “Yet Another Declaration of War on Palestinians”: Rashid Khalidi on Trump’s Middle East “Peace” Plan - Democracy Now - Air Date 1-29-20

Rashid Khalidi and Mehdi Hasan discuss the peace plan the pushes further oppression upon the Palestinian people.

Ch. 2: Omar Baddar on Israel/Palestine Peace Plan - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-31-20

Omar Baddar discusses Trump's peace plan and the continued human rights violations against Palestinians.

Ch. 3: Israel: Democracy or Apartheid with Noura Erakat Part 1 - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 9-19-19

Mehdi and Noura Erakat discuss Israel and Palestine and if Israel is even a democracy anymore.

Ch. 4: Mehdi Hasan: Trump’s Middle East Plan Is a Policy of Apartheid & Settler Colonialism - Democracy Now - Air Date 1-29-20

Rashid Khalidi and Mehdi Hasan discuss the peace plan the pushes further oppression upon the Palestinian people.

Ch. 5: Trumps Middle East Plan and Palestinian/Israeli Relations with Phyllis Bennis - Sojourner Truth with Margaret Prescod - Air Date 1-27-20

Margaret and Phyllis Bennis discuss the Trump/Netanyahu deal and their work to consolidate their power and eliminate dissent.

Ch. 6: How Israel/Palestine Became A Central Issue In US Politics with Alex Kane - The Real News with Greg Wilpert - Air Date 11-29-19

Alex Kane discusses the US's imperialist support of Israel oppressing Palestine.

Ch. 7: Noura Erakat: U.S. Recognition of Israeli Settlements Is “Entrenchment of an Apartheid Regime” - Democracy Now - Air Date 11-19-20

Noura Erakat discusses the Trump administration further legalizing Israel's apartheid regime against Palestinians.

Ch. 8: Israel: Democracy or Apartheid with Noura Erakat Part 2 - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 9-19-19

Mehdi and Noura Erakat discuss Israel and Palestine and if Israel is even a democracy anymore.


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on whether the support Bernie Sanders seems to have is genuine

Bonus: Buttigieg Supporter On Why He Doesn't Like Bernie - The Young Turks - Air Date 2-11-20


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • Thannoid - Bodytonic
  • On Early Light - Cholate
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • Banjo - Grey River
  • Festering - Towboat
  • Hickory Shed - Onesuch Village
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | 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: 1337_Israel_Peace_Plan_Air_Date_2-19-20_-_2-19-20_18.57.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Air Date 2/15/2020

Today we take a look at the ways Trump is working to rewrite the rules of trade with NAFTA 2.0 (The USMCA), a post-Brexit agreement with the United Kingdom and what's emerging from the ongoing trade war with China.

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

EPISODE SPONSORS: BOMBAS.com/LEFT  |  Listen to Politics: Meet Me In The Middle  |  Clean Choice Energy

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


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Manuel Perez-Rocha on NAFTA 2.0 - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-24-20

Manuel Perez-Rocha breaks down the USMCA trade deal and the media's misinformation about it.

Ch. 2: The New NAFTA with Lori Wallach - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 1-25-20

Ralph Nader and Lori Wallach discuss the USMCA, the old NAFTA and the revised NAFTA.

Ch. 3: Bipartisan NAFTA 2.0 Is Still Fatally Flawed with Nicole Aschoff - The Real News with Greg Wilpert - Air Date 1-21-19

Nicole Aschoff discusses the incremental change of the new NAFTA agreement.

Ch. 4: Secret Trade Documents Between US and UK - Novara Media - Air Date 11-29-19

The Trump admin is pushing a trade deal with the UK that will privatize the NHS.

Ch. 5: Trade deal between the US and the UK as seen from the UK - Remainiacs - Air Date 1-24-20

What use is the Government’s greenwashed Agriculture Bill when it won’t protect us from low-standard food imports?

Ch. 6: Phase One of US-China Trade Deal Is Symbolic with Nicole Aschoff - The Real News with Greg Wilpert - Air Date 1-21-20

Nicole Aschoff discusses the USMCA and China Trade negotiations.

Ch. 7: Trump Declares Victory on Trade with Ana Swanson - Diane Rehm On My Mind - Air Date 1-21-20

Diane and Ana Swanson discuss Trump's supposed victory in the Trade war.

Ch. 8: The US-China Trade War with Tobita Chow and Jake Werner - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 2-3-20

Tobita Chow and Jake Werner discuss the Trump administration's trade war with China.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: What did Bernie actually say at those Clinton rallies? - Barbara from San Jose, CA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments explaining Bernie’s support of Clinton during the 2016 election

Bonus: Every Event Bernie Sanders Did For Hillary Clinton in 2016 - Matt Binder - Air Date 1-21-20


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Cloud Line - K4
  • PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
  • Minutes - Pacha Faro
  • Swapping Tubes - Studio J
  • Take a Tiny Train - Ray Catcher
  • Tiny Putty - The Cabinetmaker
  • Gondola Blue - Towboat
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

SHOW IMAGE

Flickr: "A word cloud featuring "Trade War" | License

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | 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: 1336_Trade_Agreements_Air_Date_2-15-20_-_2-15-20_20.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Air Date 3/12/2019

Today we take a look at the development of the Green New Deal and its impacts on economics, labor, frontline communities climate mitigation and the politics of the possible

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

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Green New Deal In Development - Green News Report - Airdate 2-12-19

'Green News Report' Special Coverage: The Green New Deal --- what's in it, what's not, and what happens next...

Ch. 2: The Climate Fight with Naomi Klein - Start Making Sense - Airdate 2-20-19

Naomi Klein talks the basics of the Green New Deal and the processes that will help support it or harm it.

Ch. 3: A Climate Sociologist Explains the Green New Deal (Pt 1:2) - The Real News - Airdate 3-1-19

Daniel Aldana Cohen explains that climate change and the economy are, fundamentally, the same story and recognizing that opens new solutions to both problems.

Ch. 4: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Biggest Fight - The Mother Jones Podcast - Airdate 1-9-19

Can the Democrats come together to fight for what the US people need? Climate change is here and we need leaders.

Ch. 5: Green New Deal, Yellow Vests - The Laura Flanders Show - Airdate 1-30-19

Building a bigger "WE" The old new deal didn't include everyone, that's why the GND needs to approach more inclusion.

Ch. 6: How We Can Pay for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal | Opinions | NowThis - Air Date 2-24-19

‘The Green New Deal will leave us better off economically than we are today.’ — Listen to economist J.W. Mason explain why it just makes sense to support the development of inclusive, sustainable industries.

Ch. 7: Thea Riofranco talks the Green New Deal - Jacobin Behind the News - Airdate 2-22-19

Thea Riofrancos connecting the Green New Deal with the fundamental principles of freedom and important a just transition for labor in the next economy

Ch. 8: The Time is Right for the Green New Deal - Start Making Sense -Airdate 2-27-19

The politics of our current system are changing, and the Green New deal is at the forefront of that change.

Ch. 9: A Climate Sociologist Explains the Green New Deal (Pt 2:2) - The Real News - Airdate 3-1-19

Daniel Aldana Cohen explains the legacy of racism from the original New Deal that we must not repeat.

Ch. 10: What's the Deal with the Green New Deal - Weekly Economics - Airdate 2-24-19

The original New Deal took radical economic action, its time to do the same for the Green New Deal.

Ch. 11: Sunrise Movement & Green New Deal - Next Economy Now - Airdate 2-26-19

What does the Green New Deal look like, and who will have the power in the new system? Varshini Prakash of the Sunrise Movement sees The Green New Deal on the horizon.

Ch. 12: Green New Deal with David Roberts - Bradcast with Brad Friedman - Airdate 2-8-19

David Roberts joins to discuss the Green New Deal and how capitalism is failing us and the planet. It's important to keep the conversation open.

Ch. 13: The Holistic Green New Deal - The Zero Hour - Airdate 2-16-19

Kate Aronoff joins to discuss Green New Deal. To tackle a huge issue like climate change you need a huge vision of reformatting society.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 14: The Green New Deal must not make the same racist mistakes of the New Deal - V from Central New York

Ch. 15: Be excited about what AOC may accomplish, not about her as a person - V from Central New York

Ch. 16: Race should be considered first rather than last - Grant from Nashville


Bonus Clip:

Ch. 17: Why you still don't understand the Green New Deal - Vox Air Date 3-12-19

FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 17: Final comments teasing the bonus episode which is available to everyone for free at Patreon.com/BestOfTheLeft


TAKE ACTION!

Attend and/or support the Youth Climate Strike on Friday, March 15th (Twitter: @climatestrikeUS)

Attend/promote Sunrise Movement's 9 stop national tour: "Road to a Green New Deal"

Support and get involved with Sunrise Movement

Call Congress: Tell them you support The Green New Deal (Capitol Switchboard: 202-225-3121)

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

The Youth Climate Strike Is Exactly What the Planet Needs Right Now (NRDC)

H.Res.109 - Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal(Congress.gov)

The Green New Deal would boost the restoration economy. What does that mean? (GreenBiz)

How Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal is being built (Grist)

It's 2050 And This Is How We Stopped Climate Change (NPR)

Why you still don’t understand the Green New Deal (Vox)

The Democratic Party Wants to Make Climate Policy Exciting (The Atlantic)

The Hard Lessons of Dianne Feinstein’s Encounter with the Young Green New Deal Activists (The New Yorker)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Blue Jay - Feathers
  • A Burst of Light - Delray
  • Celestial Navigation - Aeronaut
  • Donder - Darby
  • Heartland Flyer - The Balloonist
  • Streamer - Arc and Crecent
  • Hundred Mile-No Guitar - K2
  • Horizon Liner - The Pine Barrens
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Yarrow and Root - The Bulwark
  • UpUpUp and Over - The Balloonist
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | 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: Rerun_1256_Green_New_Deal_Air_Date_3-12-19_Ad_Free_-_2-11-20_13.57.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Air Date 2/8/2020

Today we take a look at the globetrotting trend of building and maintaining far-right, authoritarian political power by stoking fear and hatred of Muslims. We will draw the connections between the Chinese Uighurs, the Rohingya people of Burma, the Governmental policy in India to strip Muslims of citizenship and the actions taken by the US over the past decades that have helped to turbo-charge this trend.

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

EPISODE SPONSORS: C-SPAN Campaign 2020  |  Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

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


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: The World War on Muslims with Mehdi Hasan Part 1 - Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 1-20-20

Mehdi Hasan and Ezra break down all the harm against Muslim lives across the world.

Ch. 2: Why Don't We Care About Chinas Uighur Muslims? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 12-29-19

China's Uighur Muslims are being marginalized and sent to reeducation concentration camps, with nary a word from the rest of the world.

Ch. 3: The Politics of Nativism with Daniel Denvir - This Is Hell - Air Date 1-13-20

Chuck and Daniel Denvir discuss America's long history of Nativism and white supremacist policies.

Ch. 4: The World War on Muslims with Mehdi Hasan Part 2 - Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 1-20-20

Mehdi Hasan and Ezra break down the situation with the Rohingya people of Burma.

Ch. 5: Vijay Prashad on India Demonstrations - CounterSpin - Air Date 1-24-20

Vijay Prashad breaks down the current situation in India that is marginalizing Muslims.

Ch. 6: India's Citizenship Law with Shailja Sharma - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 1-6-20

Shailja Sharma discusses India's citizenship laws that sparked massive protests and the problems with Modi.

Ch. 7: The World War on Muslims with Mehdi Hasan Part 3 - Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 1-20-20

Mehdi Hasan and Ezra break down how islamophobia is the go-to way to ratchet up fear for political gain.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Response to anger episode - Anonymous


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 9: Final comments on the structural forces of forgiveness


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Derailed - The Depot
  • White Limit - CloudBreaker
  • Tar and Spackle - Plaster
  • Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard
  • Milkwood - The Cabinetmaker
  • Waltz and Fury - Macrame
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | 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: 1335_World_Islamophobia_Air_Date_2-7-20_-_2-8-20_18.23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Air Date 2/5/2020

Today we take a look at the past, present and future of behavior modification from worms to pigeons to prisoners, and finally, internet users.

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

EPISODE SPONSORS: C-SPAN Campaign 2020  |  Clean Choice Energy

SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK 

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


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: A History of Persuasion with Larry Stern - The Stakes with Kai Wright and Amanda Aronczyk - Air Date 8-8-19

Kai and Amanda talk with several experts about how humans are persuaded and the modern psychology of persuasion.

Ch. 2: Team Human with Douglas Rushkoff Part 1 - You Are Not So Smart - Air Date 1-13-19

Douglas Rushkoff explains why we should revolt against the algorithms so we can get back to our essential human messiness.

Ch. 3: Yuval Noah Harari and Tristan Harris - Wired Magazine - Air Date 12-3-18

Discussing the unsettling fact that humans have far less agency over their thoughts and actions as we desperately want to believe

Ch. 4: Team Human with Douglas Rushkoff Part 2 - You Are Not So Smart - Air Date 1-13-19

Douglas Rushkoff explains why we should revolt against the algorithms so we can get back to our essential human messiness.

Ch. 5: A History of Persuasion with Ian Leslie and Tristan Harris - The Stakes with Jai Wright and Amanda Aronczyk - Air Date 8-13-19

Kai and Amanda talk with several experts about how humans are persuaded and the modern psychology of persuasion.

Ch. 6: Team Human with Douglas Rushkoff Part 3 - You Are Not So Smart - Air Date 1-13-19

Douglas Rushkoff explains why we should revolt against the algorithms so we can get back to our essential human messiness.

Ch. 7: Buying Attention - Hidden Brain - Air Date 1-1-18

In the internet age, viral stories and fake news have grown more powerful - algorithms give us exactly what pushes our buttons, and gave Trump his power.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 8: Iowa caucus - Alan from Connecticut

Ch. 9: The positive uses of anger - Chris from San Diego


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on my neoliberal nightmare of a day

Limerick of the day from @Limerick_News


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Astrisx - Bodytonic
  • Swapping Tubes - Studio J
  • Wingspan - Bayou Birds
  • Thannoid - Bodytonic
  • Entrap - Darby
  • PolyCoat - The Cabinetmaker
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

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Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

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Direct download: 1334_Behavior_Modification_Air_Date_2-5-20_-_2-4-20_20.31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Air Date 2/2/2020

Today we take a look at the relationship between fear, anger and how to deal with the structural forces of harm in our society. To help us, we examine two of the greatest thinkers of the past 65 years, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mister Rogers, and go beyond the nonviolence of King and interrogate Mr. Roger's insistence on liking everyone just the way they are.

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: W. Kamau Bell on coming face to face with white supremacists - Finding Fred - Air Date 11-26-19

Empathy can be found when you understand what circumstances people came from

Ch. 2: Author Christian Picciolini on how white nationalists recruit and radicalize online - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-18-19

Reformed neo-Nazi and author Christian Picciolini explains how white nationalists target vulnerable online communities

Ch. 3: The dubious luxury of anger - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 6-24-17

Understanding the fear that underlies anger.

Ch. 4: Help the Helpers: Evil cannot withstand forgiveness - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19

On being your best self. On the least of these. On the virtues of a cup of tea.

Ch. 5: Help the Helpers: But forgiveness can be complicated - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19

You can't be nice to everyone because being nice to certain people is inherently cruel to others.

Ch. 6: Anger and forgiveness as a survival strategy - In The Thick - Air Date 10-4-19

Discussing the conviction and sentencing of Amber Guyger, the Dallas police officer who shot and killed her black neighbor, Botham Shem Jean

Ch. 7: Forgiveness in the #MeToo era - Interfaith Voices - Air Date 6-24-18

Many faith traditions emphasize the importance of forgiveness. But in the context of the #MeToo movement, can forgiveness silence women who have been abused?

Ch. 8: Why Do Black People Always Have to Forgive? - The Real News - Air Date 10-4-19

As Botham Jean’s brother makes headlines for “forgiving” Amber Guyger, Real News hosts Jacqueline Luqman and Lisa Snowden-McCray discuss what Christian forgiveness in the face of oppression means.

Ch. 9: Why accountability matters for faith-based forgiveness - Interfaith Voices - Air Date 7-13-18

Serene Jones says deep forgiveness is actually part of a larger process of seeking justice and accountability.

Ch. 10: The art and science of apologies and forgiveness Commentary - Best of the Left - Air Date 3-23-19

Final comments on strength, power, fragility, apologies, forgiveness and the legacy of the Confederacy

Ch. 11: Help the Helpers: Grace - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19

Grace is to focus on the humanity of others than to see them as monsters.

Ch. 12: Help the Helpers: The fear and hurt that gets in the way - Finding Fred - Air Date 12-17-19

The difficulty of focusing on helping the needy rather than punishing the dangerous

Ch. 13: Van Jones: Why Casting “Bigots” Out Doesn’t Move America Forward - Big Think - Air Date 12-6-17

There is a limit to empathy, you cannot tolerate the intolerant for too long—but having empathy for those who interpret change as scary, and understanding why they think that way, maybe the only inroad to untying this great mess.

Ch. 14: The birth of the Black Power Movement - King in the Wilderness (HBO) - Air Date 4-2-18

The story of King's reaction to the rise of the Black Power movement and the roles of anger, fear and sickness


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 15: Final comments on the various sicknesses infecting our society


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Cases to Rest - Bodytonic
  • Open Flames - Aeronaut
  • Surly Bonds - Aeronaut
  • Inessential - Bayou Birds
  • The Spinnet - Castle Danger
  • Algea Trio - Algea Fields
  • Moon Bicycle Theme - American Moon Bicycle
  • Beast on the Soil - Desert Orchard
  • On Our Own Again - The Pine Barrens
  • Streamer - Arc and Crecent
  • Cat's Eye - Marble Run
  • The Summit - K2
  • Vengeful - Warmbody
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Thanks for listening!

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on iTunes | 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: 1333_Anger_Forgiveness_Grace_Air_Date_2-1-20_-_2-2-20_18.54.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:17pm EDT