Best of the Left Podcast

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The Podcasts

Air Date 2/25/2020

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

Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com 

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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: Rerun_1339_Trump_Power-Mad_Air_Date_2-25-20_Members_-_10-31-20_11.49.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00pm EDT

Air Date 10/27/2020

Today we take a look at some idea for rebuilding our economy and our society in a way that will help everyone recover from the pandemic and make us more ready for the next emergency we face.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com 

Transcript

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: What it would take to end child poverty in America - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 8-20-20

Lee and I discuss the psychological impact that poverty has on kids, why investing in children is one of the best investments a society can make, what other countries do right on this front that we can learn from, what it would take to end child poverty.

Ch. 2: Care work is more valuable than ever (with Kate Bahn) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 10-11-20

Jessyn and Nick tackle the value of care work, the impossibility of finding affordable child care, and the importance of feminist economics with economist Kate Bahn.

Ch. 3: The Tragic Cost of American Child Poverty w: Jeff Madrick - The Majority Report w: Sam Seder - Air Date 10-7-20

Economist and author Jeff Madrick joins Sam to discuss his latest book, Invisible Americans: The Tragic Cost of Child Poverty and how coronavirus austerity will further strip the US welfare system. What people should understand about child poverty.

Ch. 4: How Democrats Risk Repeating the Mistakes of the Financial Crisis in the Era of Covid-19 - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 9-17-20

US economy was spiraling out of control in 2008 and 2009, economist James Galbraith predicted that an insufficiently large stimulus would lead to a prolonged recession; he was right, Today he has a set of economic prescriptions for COVID-19 crisis relief

Ch. 5: Check Your Blindspot 10-27-20

America's favorite political game show that uses the Blindspot feature of Ground News to test contestants' political blindspots and media literacy.

Ch. 6: Voting Is Not Enough: FINAL PUSH! GOTV & DONATE STRATEGICALLY! - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.

Ch. 7: It’s time to stop relying on crisis legislation (with Lindsay Owens) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 8-4-20

Economist Lindsay Owens proposes an alternative plan: a standing, off-the-shelf program to stabilize the economy in the event of an economic emergency.

Ch. 8: Rev. William Barber Millions Are Struggling. So Why Do the Debates Ignore Poverty? - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-8-20

Rev. William Barber says the 2020 election debates have steadfastly ignored the subject of poverty, even though it affected almost half the United States population before the COVID-19 pandemic and millions more people are struggling since then.

Ch. 9: Homelessness on the Rise Amid Coronavirus Pandemic - The Takeaway - Air Date 10-1-20

According to the Eviction Lab, in 17 cities that they tracked, there have been more than 53,000 evictions since the pandemic began.

Ch. 10: You can’t starve your way out of a recession (with Kitty Richards) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 8-14-20

Paul talks to Groundwork Collaborative strategic advisor Kitty Richards about how states can act now to invest in their residents, bolster their economies, and push back against skyrocketing inequality.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 11: Be aware and prepared but not panicked - Erin from Philly

Ch. 12: American power - Aaron from New Zealand

Ch. 13: Are there episodes on explaining socialism? - Alfredo from Frankfort, KY


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 14: Final comments on the completely separate issues of political and economic systems


TAKE ACTION!

GOTV: Swing Left | Field Team 6 | Vote Save America | Indivisible

Swing Left Immediate Impact Fund & Super States (White House, Senate & State Level)

DCCC Frontline Fund (Protect Vulnerable House Dems)

DCCC Red to Blue (Flip More Red House Seats)

EveryDistrict (Flip state legislatures)

Democratic Governors Association (Support Incumbents & Flip Red Governorships)

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

The Battleground States Biden and Trump Need to Win 270 (The NY Times)

How Biden — or Trump — could win 270 electoral votes (Vox)

Stop giving your money to presidential campaigns, donate to local races instead (Business Insider)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Research: Deon Clark, Erin Clayton

Transcripts: Ben, Dan & Ken

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Listen Anywhere!

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

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Direct download: 1377_Solidarity_Economy_Air_Date_10-27-20_General_-_10-26-20_21.11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

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.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com 

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/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_1287_Mitch_McConnel_Air_Date_7-5-19_Ad_Free_-_10-23-20_17.58.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:37pm EDT

Air Date 10/21/2020

Today we take a look at some of the many zany foreign misadventures the United States has had over the past 100 years. And by "zany misadventures" I mean the naked pursuit of capitalism at any cost, the support of military coups and other undemocratic overthrows of foreign governments and wars for oil and resources in an unabashed attempt to keep America wealthy and the rest of the world less so - all while maintaining an anti-imperial, pro-democracy, pro-freedom, live-and-let-live poker face.

Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com 

Transcript

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: The bipartisan empire machine that runs the United States - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 9-26-18

Trump lies all the time but he's also continuing one of the great lies of America

Ch. 2: Empire Unhinged with Aslı Bâli & Aziz Rana - The Dig - Air Date 6-11-20

Dan interviews returning guests Aslı Bâli and Aziz Rana on the long history behind the crisis of American imperial legitimation that has become so manifest amid the pandemic.

Ch. 3: American Empire Part 1 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20

“America” and “empire.” Do those words go together? If so, what kind of imperialism does the U.S. practice, and how has American empire changed over time? By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika.

Ch. 4: Ghosts of Mossadegh: The Iran Cables, U.S. Empire, and the Arc of History - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 11-20-19

The Intercept’s investigative series The Iran Cables offers historical insight into Iran’s operations in neighboring Iraq, which are informed by the bloody history of the Iran-Iraq War, the U.S. invasion, and subsequent occupation of Iraq

Ch. 5: 2020 Hindsight on Iraq - Open Source with Christopher Lydon - Air Date 1-9-20

America's "original sin" in the Middle East: the CIA's (and Britain's) coup d'etat in Iran in 1953.

Ch. 6: American Empire Part 2 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20

“America” and “empire.” Do those words go together? If so, what kind of imperialism does the U.S. practice, and how has American empire changed over time? By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika.

Ch. 7: Voting Is Not Enough - 2 WEEKS LEFT, GET OUT THE VOTE - Best of the Left

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.

Ch. 8: American Empire Part 3 - Scene on Radio - Air Date 4-29-20

“America” and “empire.” Do those words go together? If so, what kind of imperialism does the U.S. practice, and how has American empire changed over time? By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika.

Ch. 9: The Always Stumbling US Empire - Citations Needed - Air Date 10-25-17

"Stumbling", "sliding", "drawn into" war––the media frequently assumes the US is bumbling its way around the world. The idea that the United States operates in “good faith” is taken for granted for most of the American press.

Ch. 10: The Other 9/11: Part One - Making Contact - Air Date 9-3-13

Before 2001, there was another 9/11. In 1973, a military coup backed by the United States, overthrew the Chilean government and ushered in seventeen years of brutal dictatorship. In the first of a two part series; we hear stories of the Chilean 9/11.

Ch. 11: Empire Unhinged with Aslı Bâli & Aziz Rana Part 2 - The Dig - Air Date 6-11-20

Dan interviews returning guests Aslı Bâli and Aziz Rana on the long history behind the crisis of American imperial legitimation that has become so manifest amid the pandemic.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 12: Domestic focus is about setting a good example - Chris from San Diego

Ch. 13: Thoughts on right-wing vs left-wing anarchism - Alex

Ch. 14: Fighting for legitimacy - Dave from Olympia, WA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 15: Final comments on the dangers and paranoia that come with illegitimate power


TAKE ACTION!

TheLastWeekends.org

SwingLeft.org/funds

FieldTeam6.org

VoteSaveAmerica.com

Voting problems? Call 866-OUR-VOTE or 866OurVote.org

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

The Billion-Dollar Disinformation Campaign to Reelect the President (The Atlantic)

Behind in the Polls, Republicans See a Silver Lining in Voter Registrations (The New York Times)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Listen Anywhere!

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

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Direct download: 1376_Myths_Foreign_Air_Date_10-21-20_General_-_10-21-20_23.09.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:39pm EDT

Air Date 10/16/2020

Today we take a look at the history and origins of the American militia movement right up to the recent plot to kidnap the Governor of Michigan, the likelihood of more violence and the high probability that they will show up at polling places on Election Day. 

Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com 

Transcript

BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)

EPISODE SPONSORS: GROUND.NEWS/BEST

IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: FBI Foils Right-Wing Plot to Kidnap Michigan Gov. Months After Trump Urged "Liberation" of State - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-9-20

Just months after President Trump tweeted for his supporters to "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" the FBI has foiled an alleged plot to kidnap and take hostage Democratic Governor of Michigan Gretchen Whitmer.

Ch. 2: Ohio has long history with militias; 2020 saw a surge in activity - WBNS 10TV - Air Date 10-9-20

A group of men plotting to kidnap the governor of Michigan met in Dublin.

Ch. 3: Rise of Violent Militias Prompts National Fears After Foiled Kidnapping Plot - The Takeaway - Air Date 10-12-20

Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, and Daryl Johnson, owner of DT Analytics and former senior analyst at the Department of Homeland Security, discuss the implications for the upcoming election.

Ch. 4: Check Your Blindspot 10-16-20

America's favorite political game show that uses the Blindspot feature of Ground News to test contestants' political blindspots and media literacy.

Ch. 5: Mary McCord on Unlawful Militias - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-9-20

Mary McCord, a law professor at Georgetown University & legal director at the school's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection and an expert on unlawful militias that manage to be part of the political landscape while somehow escaping media.

Ch. 6: Great Replacement Theory - RE-EDUCATION - Air Date 8-16-19

This theory has become mainstream.

Ch. 7: Voting Is Not Enough - Protect the Election Results - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.

Ch. 8: Protests Put Spotlight on the Relationship Between Armed White Vigilantes, Militia Groups, and Law Enforcement - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-31-20

Armed vigilantes and militia groups are showing up to Black Lives Matter protests across the country.

Ch. 9: Robert Evans Are We In a Second Civil War? - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 10-13-20

Robert Evans explains what we need to do to avoid a second Civil War

Ch. 10: Kathleen Belew Explains the Long History of the White Power Movement and its Global Plans for "Race War" - The Truth Report w. Chauncey DeVega - Air Date 5-26-19

Belew explains white supremacy is a cultural, social and political problem not just the pathology of a small number of people, what "white power" means, and how white supremacist and other right-wing foot soldiers preparing for various forms of "race war"

Ch. 11: Did Trump's "Liberate Michigan" Result in Kidnapped Governor? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 10-8-20

Donald Trump told his followers to "liberate Michigan". They answered by attempting to kidnap Governor Whitmer.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 12: In response to Craig's progressive myth and identity politics - Alex

Ch. 13: VOTE on what you know about, VoicedMails™ - Stacy from San Francisco Bay Area


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 14: Final comments on the interesting wrinkle of two Trump-haters being involved in the kidnapping plot

Article: 13 men charged in alleged kidnapping plot, many with troubled pasts - Detroit Free Press


TAKE ACTION!

6 Steps to Save the Vote via RepresentUs

Protect the Results via Indivisible, Stand Up America & more

Count On Us via Sunrise Movement

10 Things You Need to Know to Stop a Coup (Waging Nonviolence)

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

The Election That Could Break America (The Atlantic)

Is Trump Planning a Coup d’État? (The Nation)

What Happens If Trump Won't Step Down? (Slate)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Activism Music: This Fickle World by Theo Bard
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

SHOW IMAGE:

"aIMG_0841" & "cIMG_1169b" & "01IMG_7336" by Becker1999 (Paul and Cathy), Flickr | License | Changes: Composite of 3 different images, cropped, added black background and red design 

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Listen Anywhere!

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

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

 

Direct download: 1375_Militias_Air_Date_10-16-20_General_-_10-16-20_22.53.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:38pm EDT

Air Date 10/13/2020

Today we take a look at the myths of Columbus and American Exceptionalism™ that we cling to and turn our gaze to some of the less-understood but more accurate and important aspects of our collective history

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

Transcript

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EPISODE SPONSORS: GROUND.NEWS/BEST

IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Can You Handle The Truth? - Native Opinion Podcast an American Indian Perspective - Air Date 10-20-19

This is a heavy episode of our show. Discussions include Blood quantum and its use in Tribal Enrollment, American·s false love affair with President Abraham Lincoln and Christopher Columbus.

Ch. 2: Why the US celebrates Columbus Day - Vox - Air Date 10-8-20

For centuries, the destruction and disease he ushered into the Americas have been set aside, allowing the myth of a pioneering sailor who discovered America and proved the world was round to embed itself in US culture.

Ch. 3: Columbus In His Own Words - Let's Talk Native TV - Air Date 10-12-19

On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on a small island in the Caribbean... these are his words.

Ch. 4: In Search of a Better American Myth - Progressive Faith Sermons, Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 10-11-20

A civilization’s shared myths account for why things are the way they are. They can bolster loyalty to a religion or a nation, and they can excuse class and race privilege.

Ch. 5: Jon Schwarz on social silence, hidden history, and why Trump is our most honest president - The Katie Halper Show - Air Date 11-22-18

Jon Schwarz on social silence and hidden history.

Ch. 6: City Upon A Hill: A History Of American Exceptionalism - BackStory - Air Date 1-22-16

Tracing the origin and misappropriation of the idea of America as a "City upon a hill."

Ch. 7: The American Exceptionalism Mythology - Loud & Clear - Air Date 7-5-19

Exploring the origins and falsity of the idea of "American Exceptionalism™"

Ch. 8: Columbus redux! - Let's Talk Native - Air Date 7-17-19

The irony of telling dissatisfied progressives of color to "Go back where they came from" is that America is only so full of white people because they left their old countries rather than staying and trying to improve them.

Ch. 9: Why The Right Is So Dishonest About American History - Cracked (Some More News) - Air Date 11-21-17

Happy almost-Thanksgiving. What could be better than football and turkey? Well, there·s genocide and stuff, but we don·t want to ruin your holidays. We·ll leave that to the disingenuous folks who would like to pretend that there is nothing wrong.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: In response to Craig from OH about the progressive myth - Dave from Olympia, WA

Ch. 11: Conservative blindspot on climate - Craig from Ohio

Ch. 12: Is 'kids in cages' really a conservative blindspot? - Larry from Minnesota


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 13: Final comments on the blindspots from the right and left including the family separation policy, foreign policy and the climate emergency


TAKE ACTION!

VoteRiders.org

TheLastWeekends.org

Call: 866-OUR-VOTE | Visit 866OurVote.org

ProtecttheVote.net

NativesVote2020.com

Native American Voting Rights Act (2019-2020)

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

The State of Native American Voting Rights (Brennan Center)

Native Vote Infographic (National Congress of American Indians)

The 5 Million Americans that the 2020 Candidates Refuse to Talk About (Vox - First Person)

How the Native American Vote Continues to be Suppressed (American Bar Association)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

SHOW IMAGE

"Christopher Columbus Statue Torn Down at Minnesota State Capitol" by Tony Webster, Flickr | License | Modifications: Cropped

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Listen Anywhere!

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

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com


Air Date 10/9/2020

Today we take a look at the future of abortion rights and the broader reproductive justice movement in the face of a conservative super-majority on the Supreme Court

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

Transcript

BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)

EPISODE SPONSORS: Ground News 

IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: How The GOP Ended Up Hating Abortion - AJ+ - Air Date 8-4-19

Republicans and their base used to be more supportive of abortion rights than Democrats. Now, they’re pushing for abortion restrictions with an aim to overturn Roe v. Wade. Why did the GOP turn its back on abortion rights?

Ch. 2: Body of Law Beyond Roe - On the Media - Air Date 12-13-19

Activist and scholar Loretta Ross explains the tenets of reproductive justice and how they expand the frame beyond Roe and abortion; Reva Siegel of Yale Law School describes the framework of ProChoiceLife.

Ch. 3: Check Your Blindspot - Powered by Ground News

America's favorite political gameshow that uses the Blindspot feature of Ground News to test contestants' political blindspots and media literacy.

Ch. 4: Everyone Loves Someone Who Had an Abortion - National Network of Abortion Funds - Air Date 4-16-20

Access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, largely depends on where you live and how much money you have. Abortion funds are taking the hassle and harassment out of healthcare by helping people all across our network access and fund abortions.

Ch. 5: Voting Is Not Enough: Register Voters & Re-Register Purged Voters in Battleground States via @fieldteam_6 - Best of the Left

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.

Ch. 6: 'It is time to have a national law to protect the right of a woman’s choice': Warren - ABC News - Air Date 2-7-20

Candidates weigh in on current abortion laws and President Donald Trump's campaign promise to shift the Supreme Court to the right.

Ch. 7: What Happens When You Restrict Abortion? - AJ+ - Air Date 10-8-19

Restricting abortion access doesn’t have the same impact on everyone. It adversely affects people of color and low-income residents more. But why and how? We traveled to the place with the largest percentage of Black residents in the U.S. to find out.

Ch. 8: The Shadows of a Revolution - Capitalism Hits Home with Dr. Harriet Fraad and Julianna Forlano - Air Date 5-31-20

Lost abortion rights and no paid maternity or family leaves keep women from advancing at work as they take time to care for children. Abortion and family leaves are sites of the revolutionary struggle for America's personal and family life.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: "One Person, One Vote" is our saddest and scariest myth - Lance


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on the zombie talking point of us living in a republic rather than a democracy


TAKE ACTION!

Volunteer with FieldTeam6.org/actions 

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Right-Wing Group Seeks to Purge Up to 800,000 Voters in Pennsylvania, A Key Battleground State (The Intercept)

Republicans Are Trying to Kick Thousands of Voters Off the Rolls During a Pandemic (Mother Jones)

Block the Vote: Voter Suppression in 2020 (ACLU)

Wisconsin Supreme Court Hears Arguments In Voter Purge, Mail-In Ballot Cases (WPR)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google 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: 1373_Repro_Justice_Air_Date_10-9-20_General_-_10-9-20_19.36.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:18pm EDT

Air Date 10/6/2020

Today we take a look at the legacy of RBG from her time before and as Justice of the Supreme Court as well as the fight ahead against the threat of an unbreakable, extreme conservative majority on the court.

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

Transcript

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SEE THROUGH MEDIA BIAS WITH GROUND.NEWS/BEST

IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USAAmazon CAAmazon UK


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: "RBG": Film Director Reflects on Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Lifelong Fight for Gender Equity - What Trump Can Teach Us About Con Law - Air Date 9-25-20

Julie Cohen, co-director of the documentary "RBG," speaks on Ginsburg's early years and leadership in fighting for equal rights for women, including arguing a case before the Supreme Court with nine male justices who were condescending to her.

Ch. 2: Dahlia Lithwick: How to understand RBG's complicated legacy - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-21-20

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a champion of gender equality in the U.S. justice system. Despite Ginsburg's status as a progressive icon late in life, Slate senior editor Dahlia Lithwick says that it's important to understand the full context of her legacy.

Ch. 3: Justice Ginsburg's Replacement Could Change Everything - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 9-21-20

Ruth Bader Ginsberg has died, and while everybody is focusing on abortion, the Supreme Court, if it falls into hard-core conservative hands, could do massive damage to the entire spectrum of life in America.

Ch. 4: Voting Is Not Enough: Help Flip the Senate via @swingleft - Best of the Left Activism

Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action.

Ch. 5: How “Extremist” Amy Coney Barrett Could Reshape the Supreme Court & Hand Trump the Election - Democracy Now! - Air Date 9-28-20

President Trump nominates conservative federal judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, we look at how an emboldened 6-3 conservative majority could dramatically loosen gun laws, hurt immigrant communities and role on a close presidential election.

Ch. 6: How To Pack The Supreme Court - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 3-22-20

In this Majority Report clip, Brian Fallon on Supreme Court packing.

Ch. 7: Fighting For A Supreme Court Seat Might Seem Rude - The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder - Air Date 9-27-20

Thoughts on why the Democrats aren't fighting harder and one major missed opportunity to save the ACA that's already gone by.

Ch. 8: The Supreme Court: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - LastWeekTonight - Air Date 9-27-20

In the wake of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, John Oliver discusses the future of the Supreme Court, why the government doesn't always represent the political leanings of the electorate, and how those issues will impact the next generation of Americans.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 9: #SaveOurChildren - Tyler from Minneapolis


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 10: Final comments on the emergency of legitimacy our country is facing


TAKE ACTION!

Volunteer with SwingLeft.org

Donate to the Swing Left Immediate Impact Fund or a Super State

Learn about the Super State Strategy

Tight Races in Other Red States:

AK: Unseat Sullivan. Give to Dr. Al Gross. (tied)

SC: Unseat Graham. Give to Jaime Harrison. (down by 1% points)

MS: Unset Hyde-Smith. Give to Mike Espy. (down by 1% points)

MT: Unseat Daines. Give to Steve Bullock. (down by 1% point)

KS: Open seat. Give to Bollier. (down by 7% points)

Vulnerables Dems: 

MI: Help Sen. Gary Peters. (up by 7% points)

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

Democrats Will Be Lost Without the Senate (The Nation)

Mitch McConnell has done grave damage to all three branches of government (CNN)

Mitch McConnell is destroying the Senate – and American government (The Guardian)

Mitch McConnell: The Man Who Sold America (Rolling Stone)

McConnell Is on the Losing Side of History — And He Knows It (Politico)

Mitch McConnell Assaulted the Constitution (and Got Away With It) (The Nation)

The Other Way Trump Could Destroy the Next Presidency (The Atlantic)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

SHOW IMAGE:

"Vote" by Dennis Sparks, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped 

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google 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: 1372_RBG.SCOTUS_Air_Date_10-6-20_General_-_10-6-20_21.03.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:27pm EDT

Air Date 10/1/2020

Today we take a look at the phenomenon of pro-Trump conspiracy cult: QAnon, what it is and why so many people are getting sucked into it.

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Transcript

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: QANON Is Antisemitism Hiding In Dangerous Conspiracy Theory? - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 9-15-20

What would happen if a far-right Nazi cult gained power in the United States, infecting your neighbors, friends, family and even your elected officials. Thom Hartmann exposes QANON.

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

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

Ch. 3: QAnon is totally true - The Topical, The Onion - Air Date 9-29-20

Turns out, QAnon is totally true and backed up by evidence (if you read between the lines).

Ch. 4: QAnon Makes Human Trafficking Worse feat Michael Hobbes - QAnon Anonymous - Air Date 9-15-20

The 1980's Satanic Panic has many similarities to the 2020 "Save the children" QAnon movement. We explore how these religious freakouts and conspiracy theories harm efforts to combat trafficking.

Ch. 5: Mothers For QAnon w: Annie Kelly - QAnon Anonymous - Air Date 9-23-20

Women tied to the QAnon movement have recently achieved sizable electoral victories. Our UK Correspondent (Doctor) Annie Kelly (PhD) drops by to expand on her recent piece for the New York Times. We examine how the movement has made such inroads online.

Ch. 6: QAnon News - The Last Post - Air Date 9-22-20

Don't care when your child goes to bed? More concerned when they will wake the f--k up? Wil Anderson - the Don ADman of the advertising world - has spotted a synergy in the QAnon hashtag #savethechildren, and taking children's savings: kids toys.

Ch. 7: Reformed Neo-Nazi Explains How People Fall Prey to QAnon Online - MSNBC - Air Date 9-6-20

Shannon Foley-Martinez, a former violent white supremacist now working to extract others from extremist groups, says QAnon attracts people looking for a meaningful connection and a way to navigate a world that feels unsafe.

Ch. 8: In Search Of A Flat Earth - Folding Ideas - Air Date 9-11-20

QAnon supporters, like flat-earthers, are looking for a way to dramatically simplify a terrifyingly complex world.


Members' Bonus Clips:

Ch. 1*: Is QAnon the Future of the Republican Party? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 8-28-20

QAnon is a far-ranging conspiracy theory that alleges, among other things, that a patriotic Trump supporter (or supporters) embedded in the highest levels of the U.S. government has been using internet forums to send coded messages to the American public.

Ch. 9: Conspiracy Theories - Power Corrupts - Air Date 5-1-19

We speak to a diehard believer in the bogus QAnon conspiracy

Ch. 10: The Rise of "Conspirituality" - On the Media - Air Date 9-25-20

In this moment of growth, one community, in particular, has found itself prey to QAnon: the yoga, wellness, and spirituality world, where skepticism about vaccines has intersected with the rapid spread of disinformation online to create a toxic stew known as "conspirituality."


VOICEDMAILS™

Ch. 11: Re: Episode on Post Office and Census - Scott

Ch. 12: Biden vs Howie Hawkins - Lars from Brooklyn


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 13: Final comments on why Democracy is built on a foundation of human perception rather than laws. Also, resources to keep you away from conspiratorial and magical thinking


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

  • Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr 
  • Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent
  • Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

Support the show via Patreon

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google 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: 1371_QAnon_Air_Date_9-30-20_General_-_10-1-20_13.26.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:22pm EDT