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Air Date 3/28/2021

Today we take a look at the progress being made on the effort to reform and defund the police in America as well as the reignited campaign to make society safe for women in the wake of the Sarah Everard murder in the UK.

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: Austin’s Plan To Defund The Police - In The Loop - Air Date 2-22-21

Another Grim Milestone & Austin’s Plan To Defund The Police

Ch. 2: House Democrats pass sweeping elections bill and major legislation on overhauling police - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 3-4-21

House Democrats passed a landmark bill Wednesday that would expand voting rights and another key piece of legislation on police reform through the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act -- something Democrats have been pushing for since the death of Floyd.

Ch. 3: Can the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act Create a National Standard for Police Need To Know - MTV Impact - Air Date 3-4-21

The House passed the sweeping George Floyd Justice in Policing Act this week. But as long as partisan politics remains the status quo, lawmakers will continue to fail Black Americans. MTV News correspondent Dometi Pongo explains.

Ch. 4: Fight to Pass the George Floyd Act, BREATHE Act, & Take LOCAL Action! - Best of the Left Activism

Ch. 5: Republicans Vote Against Protecting Women - The Rational National - Air Date 3-18-21

172 members of the house Republican caucus voted against the renewal of the VAWA.

Ch. 6: The Problem With the Violence Against Women Act; - Ring of Fire Radio - Air Date 3-26-21

This week on Ring of Fire, Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University and Abigail Higgins, a journalist covering inequality health and gender join us to discuss their piece in The Nation.

Ch. 7: Sarah Everard vigil Telegraph columnists explain why they're going - The Telegraph - Air Date 3-12-21

Despite the High Court rejecting a challenge against the police’s ban of Sarah Everard's vigil, Telegraph Columnists Bryony Gordon and Claire Cohen said they will still attend.

Ch. 8: Sarah Everard & Violence Against Women - TyskySour - Air Date 3-12-21

The disappearance and death of Sarah Everard has shone a spotlight on the epidemic of violence against women in Britain, and has provoked an outpouring from women on social media sharing their own experience of harassment, threats and violence

Ch. 9: Why women feel unsafe on Britain's streets - Channel 4 News - Air Date 3-11-21

"We are tired of having to pre-empt possible violence. Of having to risk assess every ordinary action every day, every hour of our lives".

Ch. 10: Sarah Everard's vigil aggressively broken up by London police - CNN UK - Air Date 3-14-21

The British government is calling for an investigation after police aggressively broke up a vigil being held for Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old woman whose alleged murder while walking home in South London has reignited a national debate in Britain


MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)

Ch. 11: The Economics of Abolition - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 12-24-20

“Defund the police” became a rallying cry in the summer of 2020 as demonstrators flooded streets across the United States to demand an end to police brutality in the wake of the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd at the hands of the police.

Ch. 12: Into Defunding the LAPD - Into America - Air Date 6-11-20

‘Defund the police’ has become a familiar rallying call at protests across the country. It’s a push to reduce the size of police department budgets, in order to reallocate resources to other parts of the community. And a few cities leaders are listening.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 13: Taking kids from parents and the racism of anti-immigration - Bud from Boise


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 14: Final comments on how to report the truth while lying to the high heavens


TAKE ACTION!

Fight to improve & pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

Fight to pass the BREATHE Act (Movement for Black Lives) (BOTL segment from last summer)

Join a local organization or chapter fighting police brutality: some suggestions

Explore the ACLU's FIGHTING POLICE ABUSE: A COMMUNITY ACTION MANUAL

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act Explained (Note: Headline updated) (Vox)

Now is the time to revolutionize policing (BREATHE Act) (Vox)

Movement for Black Lives opposes George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (PBS)

Why Police Brutality Is a Public Health Issue (Self)

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:

Description: Memorial for Sarah Everard in the U.K. Photo of a tree in a park with flowers and candles at the base and a sign tied to the trunk that reads "#ReclaimTheseStreets!". A woman with a face mask is bending over to add flowers to the memorial.

Credit: "Vigil for Sarah Everard in Sheffield" by Tim Dennell, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped and increased contrast and saturation

 

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: 1407_Police_Reform.Sarah_Everard_Air_Date_3-28-21_General_-_3-28-21_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:19pm EDT

Air Date: 3-26-21

Sign up for a membership to hear the full show!

Today, I am joined by Amanda, Erin and Deon to discuss:
- Traumatizing Nick from CA's child
- The unfounded universal expertise of engineers
- The toxicity and profitability of nostalgia
- How the threat of cannibalism disproves slippery slope arguments
- Our national return to the normalcy of mass casualty events
- Why lefties are getting guns too
- The psychology of feeling like our country generally opposes gun reform
- Our violent culture
- The culture wars
- Surviving the future

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: Bonus_Show_227_Sample_-_3-26-21_2329.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:28pm EDT

Air Date 3/23/2021

Today we take a look at the American Rescue Plan and discuss what it does, where it falls short and whether it could signal the end of an era. 

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

Transcript

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EPISODE SPONSORS: Unf*cking the Republic

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Biden's 'American Rescue Plan' May Ultimately Be Seen as the End of the Reagan Era Part 1 - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-11-21

President Biden today signed his American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion COVID rescue and relief package that history may someday regard as the long-overdue end of the four-decade old Reagan Era. Zero Republicans in the House or Senate voted for it.

Ch. 2: In Rejection of Austerity, Democrats Push Forward Landmark $1.9 Trillion Relief Package - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-10-21

We speak with economist Stephanie Kelton, author of "The Deficit Myth," about how the bill could help cut child poverty in half and provide a historic economic boost to the poorest people in the United States.

Ch. 3: End of Conservative Era? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 3-15-21

Are we leaving Reagan and Nixon behind for a new FDR era? Is America waking up to the horrors of Reagan and Nixon?

Ch. 4: Biden's 'American Rescue Plan' May Ultimately Be Seen as the End of the Reagan Era Part 2 - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-11-21

President Biden today signed his American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion COVID rescue and relief package that history may someday regard as the long-overdue end of the four-decade old Reagan Era. Zero Republicans in the House or Senate voted for it.

Ch. 5: Help Is On the Way - OFF-KILTER with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 3-12-21

To break down the major income-boosting elements in the ARP Act, and a look at what families can expect to receive in economic relief— Seth Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and a former advisor to President Obama for tax policy.

Ch. 6: The End of Trickle-Down Economics Joe Stiglitz on the "Transformational" $1.9T American Rescue Plan - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-12-21

Biden has signed the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, Democrats are hailing as the largest anti-poverty bill in a generation. “This is transformational,” says economist Joseph Stiglitz. “It says, 'We are actually going to live up to our aspirations"

Ch. 7: What's In Biden's Relief Bill - The Majority Report w Sam Seder - Air Date 3-13-21

Highlighting the change in political philosophy that this relief bill demonstrates as well as understanding the 'stickiness' of good policy that helps people

Ch. 8: Prof. Richard Wolff Imagining a Real American Rescue - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 3-11-21

Prof. Richard Wolff explains that this relief bill is not a giant giveaway, it's a small downpayment on returning what is owed to the poor and working classes for the upward redistribution of wealth over the past 50 years

Ch. 9: Stimulate This Beyotch - Unf*cking the Republic - Air Date 3-19-21

An analysis of the outcome of the relief bill and what it says about our country's ability to govern itself thoughtfully. And alsop swearing.


MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)

Ch. 10: No, the relief bill won't cause inflation (with Austan Goolsbee) - Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer - Air Date 3-9-21

Moderate Democrats and Republicans alike repeated one common criticism—that infusing so much money into the economy would cause inflation. Austan Goolsbee, past Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, explains why those fears are misplaced.

Ch. 11: Prof. Richard Wolff Imagining a Real American Rescue Part 2 - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 3-11-21

Prof. Richard Wolff explains concierge doctors and the privatization of everything.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 12: Universal earned income benefits - Scott

Ch. 13: No Payments to Families with Children - Rich


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 14: Final comments on child welfare programs and perverse incentives


EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

The goal is "Improved Medicare for All" and we must keep pushing for it, but if you need help right now, you should know...

NY Times: "The American Rescue Plan [...] would increase government subsidies to health insurers for covering recently laid-off workers and those who purchase their own coverage."

NY Times: "The first step of the federal upgrade should be ready by April 1: Healthcare.gov, where people sign up for insurance in 36 states, will start showing prices that reflect the new policy."

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: 

Image Description: In foreground, a gravestone with the words "R.I.P. Reaganism" and in the background, part of a stimulus check from the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Credit: Composite design & text by Amanda Hoffman. Grave image (Pixabay), Stimulus check image (Pixabay)

 

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: 1406_American_Rescue_Plan_Air_Date_3-23-21_General_-_3-23-21_19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:39pm EDT

Air Date 3/19/2021

Today we take a look at the decades-old problems with our immigration system, what changes are being made under the new administration, and some of the underlying causes for the massive disfunction we have in addressing the issue.

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

Transcript

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EPISODE SPONSORS: The New Yorker Magazine

Want to advertise/sponsor the show? Details -> advertisecast.com/BestoftheLeft


SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Biden Eyes Sweeping Immigration Reform Legislation - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 2-18-21

Deputy White House Communications Director Pili Tobar joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss the Biden administration's immigration reform agenda, and how the president plans to get the votes necessary to pass the most comprehensive immigration reform bill in years

Ch. 2: Biden Can't Make Trump's Immigration Cruelty Vanish Overnight - The Mother Jones Podcast - Air Date 2-24-21

Overflowing ICE detention centers. Families separated at the border. A multi-billion-dollar border wall. Over the course of his four-year presidency, Donald Trump used executive power to wage war on the United States’ immigration system

Ch. 3: The First 100: Joy Olson - Only in America with Ali Noorani - Air Date 1-27-21

Among President Biden's immigration actions is a $4 billion four-year plan to address root causes of migration in Central America. But when lawmakers talk about addressing migration's “root causes,” what do they really mean?

Ch. 4: Despite Immigration Pledges, Biden Admin Detains Thousands of Unaccompanied Migrant Children - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-11-21

The Biden administration is struggling to address the flow of migrant children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border without their parents, many fleeing extreme violence, poverty and natural disasters in their home countries

Ch. 5: Biden's Immigration Agenda Tested at the Border - The Mehdi Hasan Show - Air Date 3-9-21

With the number of unaccompanied migrant kids in U.S. custody tripling in recent weeks, Florida Immigration Coalition Spokesperson Melissa Taveras joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss the implications for Biden's immigration policy.

Ch. 6: Shut Down Detention Centers: Join the #FirstTen to #CommunitiesNotCages Week of Action, March 22-26 via @DetentionWatch - Best of the Left Activism

Join Detention Watch Network's #FirstTen to #CommunitiesNotCages Week of Action - March 22nd-26th

Ch. 7: The business of immigrant labor w/ Ruth Milkman - This Is Hell! - Air Date 3-10-21

Sociologist Ruth Milkman on the dynamics of immigration law and low-wage work, and her new book "Immigrant Labor and the New Precariat" for Polity Books.

Ch. 8: The Democrats' Long War on Immigrants - Intercepted - Air Date 2-17-21

As Joe Biden took the oath of office this January, Guatemalan security forces at the Honduran border thwarted thousands of U.S.-bound migrants. Decades-long American imperialism has facilitated displacement throughout the region


MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)

Ch. 9: The Democrats' Long War on Immigrants Part 2 - The Intercept - Air Date 2-17-21

Ch. 10: Separating Children: Laura Briggs - Future Hindsight - Air Date 2-18-21

Laura Briggs is the author of Taking Children: A History of American Terror. We discuss the history of child separation for political ends, ranging from the enslaved and Native children, to the children of the poor and Central American refugees.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 11: Biden needs media training but isn't aggressively evil - Dave from Olympia, WA


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on the mental drain of media BS and the need for small victories


TAKE ACTION:

Join Detention Watch Network's #FirstTen to #CommunitiesNotCages Week of Action - March 22nd-26th

Follow @DetentionWatch

Support anti-detention state legislation in Maryland, New Mexico, & Washington 

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE:

‘Like an Experimental Concentration Camp’: Whistleblower Complaint Alleges Mass Hysterectomies at ICE Detention Center (Law & Crime)

“A SILENT PANDEMIC”: Nurse at ICE Facility Blows the Whistle on Coronavirus Dangers (The Intercept)

COVID-19 Outbreak Reported at Otero County Prison Facility (US News & World Report)

New Report Documents Systemic Abuse at a New Mexico Immigrant Detention Center (Innovation Law Lab)

Thousands of immigrants suffer in solitary confinement in U.S. detention centers (NBC News)

Op-Ed: Why abuse and neglect of immigrants proliferate in ICE detention (LA Times)

A Cage is Still a Cage: President Biden Must End U.S. Detention of Children and Families (TIME)

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:

Image Description: Close up of a protest sign that reads "Immigration is inevitable. Cruelty is optional.' in hand-written, multi-colored lettering. A smaller sign is held in the background that says "END DETENTION."

Credit: "Protesting ICE and Deportation Raids Chicago Illinois 7-13-19_1836" by Charles Edward Miller, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped and increased contrast 

 

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: 1405_Biden_Immigration_Air_Date_3-19-21_General_-_3-19-21_18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am EDT

TAKE ACTION:

Join Detention Watch Network's #FirstTen to #CommunitiesNotCages Week of Action - March 22nd-26th

Follow @DetentionWatch

Support anti-detention state legislation in Maryland, New Mexico, & Washington 

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE:

‘Like an Experimental Concentration Camp’: Whistleblower Complaint Alleges Mass Hysterectomies at ICE Detention Center (Law & Crime)

“A SILENT PANDEMIC”: Nurse at ICE Facility Blows the Whistle on Coronavirus Dangers (The Intercept)

COVID-19 Outbreak Reported at Otero County Prison Facility (US News & World Report)

New Report Documents Systemic Abuse at a New Mexico Immigrant Detention Center (Innovation Law Lab)

Thousands of immigrants suffer in solitary confinement in U.S. detention centers (NBC News)

Op-Ed: Why abuse and neglect of immigrants proliferate in ICE detention (LA Times)

A Cage is Still a Cage: President Biden Must End U.S. Detention of Children and Families (TIME)

Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


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

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

MEMBERSHIP (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)


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/Android App in the App Stores!

Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft

Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft

Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher!


Air Date 3/12/2021

Today we take a look at the multiple tactics being implemented in an attempt to undermine the entire concept of democracy because adhering to the will of the majority and allowing for unfettered protests is currently working to the distinct disadvantage of the Republican Party. Most people see the right to vote and to protest as foundational to a functioning democracy, others see them as impediments to their divine right to rule.

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

Transcript

 

MEMBERSHIP, Gift Memberships and Donations! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)

MERCHANDISE!

REFER-O-MATIC! Sign up, share widely, get rewards. It's that easy!

CHECK OUT OUR BOOKSHOP!

 


EPISODE SPONSORS: UnF*cking the Republic

Want to advertise/sponsor the show? Details -> advertisecast.com/BestoftheLeft


 

SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: Guest Sarah Repucci of Freedom House on 'democracy under siege' Part 1 - The Bradcast w Brad Friedman - Air Date 3-8-21

Sarah Repucci explains the factors that have helped drive the grim decline in freedoms and democracy in the U.S. and other areas of the world in recent years, which countries are most at risk and why the United States has dropped in the rankings.

Ch. 2: Republicans Launch 253 Voter Suppression Bills - David Pakman Show - Air Date 3-2-21

Republicans launch 253 voter suppression bills across the country, realizing they didn't suppress enough votes in the 2020 election.

Ch. 3: The coming anti-protest laws w/ Alleen Brown + Akela Lacy Part 1 - This is Hell! - Air Date 2-12-21

Journalists Alleen Brown and Akela Lacy on their report "State Legislatures Make “Unprecedented” Push on Anti-Protest Bills" for The Intercept, and in a Moment of Truth, Jeff Dorchen empathizes with savages and samurai.

Ch. 4: RED ALERT: Anti-Protest Bills Popping Up Everywhere - David Pakman Show - Air Date 8-19-20

Anti-protest bills of all kinds are popping up in numerous states across the United States.

Ch. 5: The coming anti-protest laws w/ Alleen Brown + Akela Lacy Part 2 - This is Hell! - Air Date 2-12-21

Ch. 6: Ari Berman on the Attack on Voting Rights - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-12-21

Do elite media think that whether or not the US, in 2021, under pressure from racists, goes back on the whole “one person one vote” thing is a legitimate topic for debate?

Ch. 7: A New Form of Jim Crow: Ari Berman on the GOP's Anti-Democratic Assault on Voting Rights - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-2-21

Across the U.S., Republican lawmakers have introduced more than 250 bills in 43 states aimed at restricting voting access. Ari Berman, author and reporter for Mother Jones, says Republicans are “breaking democracy” with their push to restrict voting.

Ch. 8: The Architect of The For The People Act (H.R. 1) Part 1 - Another Way, by Lawrence Lessig - Air Date 1-28-21

Larry Lessig speaks with Representative John Sarbanes, the architect of the For The People Act (H.R. 1). The two dive into the provisions of this critically important piece of legislation to fix our democracy and what to expect in the months ahead.

Ch. 9: Fight GOP Voter Suppression Laws - Best of the Left Activism

Stand up against efforts to suppress the vote and subvert our democracy!

Ch. 10: Democracy Strikes Back 'For the People' v. For the GOP Fraudsters Part 1 - The Bradcast - Air Date 3-4-21

Democracy strikes back against the anti-democracy GOP, because every democracy story these days includes Republican fraud or attempted voter suppression. House Democrats passed H.R.1 -- the 'For the People Act' -- with zero Republican votes.


MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)

Ch. 11: Guest Sarah Repucci of Freedom House on 'democracy under siege' Part 2 - The Bradcast w Brad Friedman - Air Date 3-8-21

Sarah Repucci explains the factors that have helped drive the grim decline in freedoms and democracy in the U.S. and other areas of the world in recent years, which countries are most at risk and why the United States has dropped in the rankings.

Ch. 12: The Architect of The For The People Act (H.R. 1) Part 2 - Another Way, by Lawrence Lessig - Air Date 1-28-21


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 13: Critiquing charitable giving - Maureen from Boston


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 14: Final comments on the deep humanity of patronizing patriotism


TAKE ACTION!

Learn about H.R. 1H.R. 4

Common Cause H.R. 1 Campaign - Text & Phonebank & Resources

Demand Elimination of the Filibuster

Follow Your State Legislature & Contact State Reps, Senators and Governor 

Support Opponents of Suppressionists in Public Office

Vote Riders - Help Fight Suppression & Help Voters Get IDs They Need

EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE

For the People Act Is Needed to Stop New GOP Voter Suppression Bills (Teen Vogue)

Annotated Guide to the For the People Act of 2021 (Brennan Center for Justice)

How to Restore and Strengthen the Voting Rights Act (Brennan Center for Justice)

Blue States Suppress the Vote, Too (The New Republic)

Republicans Are Taking Their Voter Suppression Efforts to New Extremes (Mother Jones)

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:

Description: Circular protest sign held in the air by a pair of hands with the words "Voting is a Human Right. Stand for Freedom. Join the Fight!"

Credits: "December 10 march for voting rights" (2011) by Michael Fleshman (Flickr) | License | Changes: 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

Direct download: 1404_War_on_Democracy_Air_Date_3-12-21_General_-_3-12-21_20.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:18pm EDT

Air Date 3/9/2021

Today we take a look at the current goings on around the world regarding our foreign policy under the new but not-so-new-feeling leadership of Joe Biden. We check in on Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and a couple of assorted arms sales to authoritarian leaders who support our foreign policy. 

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: Biden Administration Should Strike a Deal with Iran - World Class - Air Date 2-18-21

Abbas Milani — an expert on U.S.-Iran relations — discusses the Iranian economy, the future of Iran’s leadership, and what a potential nuclear deal could mean for the U.S.

Ch. 2: Biden "Illegally" Bombs Iranian-Backed Militias in Syria, Jeopardizing Nuclear Talks with Tehran - Democracy Now! - Air Date 3-1-21

The Biden administration is facing intense criticism from U.S. progressives after carrying out airstrikes on eastern Syria said to be targeting Iranian-backed militia groups.

Ch. 3: Biden's First Act Of War Hits 3 Countries - Empire Files - Air Date 3-3-21

Biden's Feb. 26 strike in Syria was a crime, and risks major war with three countries. Abby Martin explains.

Ch. 4: Whither the Antiwar Left - Empire Has No Clothes - Air Date 2-25-21

This week on Empire Has No Clothes, Kelley, Dan, and I discussed the war in Afghanistan and why it's lost. We also talked with journalist James Carden about the state of the antiwar left and whether Joe Biden might do some good on foreign policy.

Ch. 5: What's Next For The War In Afghanistan - NPR Fresh Air - Air Date 3-4-21

America's 19-year war in Afghanistan may soon be coming to an end. The Trump administration negotiated a deal with the Taliban, in which the U.S. agreed to withdraw all its troops by May 1. But the Afghan government was not included in those talks.

Ch. 6: Can Joe Biden Save Yemen - Empire Has No Clothes - Air Date 2-11-21

This week on Empire Has No Clothes, Kelley, Dan, and I discussed Joe Biden's announcement that he would withdraw all American support for the war in Yemen.

Ch. 7: Did Jen Psaki Just Confirm That Biden's Afraid of MBS - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 3-4-21

Joe Biden once vowed to hold Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Now, it looks like he's letting him off the hook. Emma Vigeland and the Majority Report crew discuss this.


MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)

Ch. 8: The future of the US-Saudi relationship (ft. Sen. Chris Murphy) - Worldly - Air Date 3-4-21

Zack, Jenn, and Alex debate whether the US should continue to treat Saudi Arabia as a close partner given its atrocious human rights abuses and the declining US dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

Ch. 9: Biden Sells Missiles to Fascists + US Base Destroys Ancient Coral Reef - Empire Files - Air Date 2-19-21

Abby Martin covers Biden's first arms deals to major human rights abusers Chile & Egypt; another US military base in Okinawa, opposed by majority of residents, threatens unique biodiversity; militia puts US at crossroads of a new Iraq war

Ch. 10: Can Biden remake Trump's Middle East - The Bunker - Air Date 11-25-20

From Israel to Iran, Donald Trump thought he could reset the Middle East. His fixation on the region defined the last four years of US foreign policy. But what will Biden’s presidency mean for America and the Middle East?


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 11: Introduction to our caste system - Roy from Washington State


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 12: Final comments on Biden attempting to talk about Afghanistan and China

BONUS CLIPS:

CNN Official interview Joe Biden on Afghanistan 'Making progress' - CNN - Air Date 11-28-10

What Biden Said About Uyghurs - CNN Presidential Town Hall


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:

Image Description: Close up photo of the words "War is Peace" on the page of the book "1984". 

Credit: "War is Peace" by Mark Hillary | License | Changes: Cropped

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

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Direct download: 1403_Biden_Foreign_Policy_Air_Date_3-9-21_General_-_3-9-21_21.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:40pm EDT

Air Date 3/6/2021

Today we take a look at the origins of race and the building of a caste system in the US based largely on the lessons from Isabel Wilkerson, author of "Caste: The Origins of our Discontent"

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Transcript

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SHOW NOTES

Ch. 1: John Biewen: The lie that invented racism - TED - Air Date 11-1-20

To understand and eradicate racist thinking, start at the beginning. That's what journalist and documentarian John Biewen did, leading to a trove of surprising and thought-provoking information on the "origins" of race.

Ch. 2: Made in America (Seeing White, Part 3) - Scene on Radio - Air Date 3-16-17

Chattel slavery in the US, with its distinctive · and strikingly cruel · laws and structures, took shape over many decades in colonial America. The innovations that built American slavery are inseparable from the construction of Whiteness as we know it.

Ch. 3: The Invention of Race - Throughline - Air Date 11-19-20

During a time when race-based science and the eugenics movement were becoming mainstream, anthropologist Franz Boas actively sought to prove that race was a social construct, not a biological fact.

Ch. 4: Caste in America with Isabel Wilkerson - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 8-11-20

Does the United States have a caste system? In her research on the Jim Crow South, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist/author Isabel Wilkerson found that the word ·racism· fell far short in capturing the depth and totality of oppression people existed under

Ch. 5: It's More Than Racism Isabel Wilkerson Explains America's 'Caste' System - Fresh Air - Air Date 8-4-20

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson says racism is an insufficient term for the systemic oppression of Black people in America. Instead, she prefers to refer to America as having a "caste" system.

Ch. 6: “Theodore W. Allen -- Theses on ‘The Invention of the White Race’ and Lessons from Three Crises” - Jeffrey B. Perry - Air Date 12-18-14

This brief video presents three of Theodore W. Allen’s theses related to the invention of the “white race” and his important analysis of the white supremacy’s role in beating back struggles from below in three great crises in U.S. history.

Ch. 7: Isabel Wilkerson wants to change how we understand race in America - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 8-24-20

A new way of thinking about race and class with Isabel Wilkerson.


MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S)

Ch. 8: The Invention of Race Part 2 - Throughline - Air Date 11-19-20

During a time when race-based science and the eugenics movement were becoming mainstream, anthropologist Franz Boas actively sought to prove that race was a social construct, not a biological fact.

Ch. 9: It's More Than Racism Isabel Wilkerson Explains America's 'Caste' System Part 2 - Fresh Air - Air Date 8-4-20

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson says racism is an insufficient term for the systemic oppression of Black people in America. Instead, she prefers to refer to America as having a "caste" system.


VOICEMAILS

Ch. 10: Thoughts on the bonus material - Kim from Montana


FINAL COMMENTS

Ch. 11: Final comments


TAKE ACTION!

Fight for $15 in the Senate: 202-224-3121 (voice) or 202-224-3091 (tty)

Fight for H.R. 1 - For the People Act in the Senate: 202-224-3121 (voice) or 202-224-3091 (tty)

Fight for George Floyd Justice in Policing Act in the Senate: 202-224-3121 (voice) or 202-224-3091 (tty)

Fight to pass the BREATHE Act (read our activism segment): Email members of Congress and more

Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman 


MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):

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

SHOW IMAGE: 

Description: Black chalkboard background with the word "CASTE" written in white

 

Produced by Jay! Tomlinson

Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Listen Anywhere!

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Direct download: 1402_Caste_Air_Date_3-6-21_General_-_3-6-21_17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:28pm EDT

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 us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com 

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!

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