Fri, 16 October 2020
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 BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: GROUND.NEWS/BEST IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES 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. 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. 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 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" 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):
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 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 |
Tue, 13 October 2020
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 BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: GROUND.NEWS/BEST IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES 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. 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! Call: 866-OUR-VOTE | Visit 866OurVote.org 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):
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 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: 1374_Myths_Columbus_American_Exceptionalism_Air_Date_10-13-20_General_-_10-13-20_21.51.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:16pm EDT |
Fri, 9 October 2020
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 BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Ground News IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon 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. Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. For more, visit Bestoftheleft.com/2020Action. 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. 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):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher 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 |
Tue, 6 October 2020
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 BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SEE THROUGH MEDIA BIAS WITH GROUND.NEWS/BEST IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES 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. 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. 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):
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 Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher 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 |
Thu, 1 October 2020
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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher 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 |
Fri, 25 September 2020
Air Date 9/26/2020 Today we present, instead of what was intended to be a rerun episode, Senator Bernie Sanders' major speech on the threat Donald Trump poses to democracy. Plus, new voice messages and a bonus clip in conversation with one of those messages. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Sen Bernie Sanders Addresses the Nation: Trump's Threat to Our Democracy VOICEMAILS Ch. 2: The Progressive Myth - Craig from Ohio Ch. 3: The Nature of the Internet - Jonathan from Florida New bonus clips and voices - Jonathan from Florida Bonus Clip MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1370_Bernie_Speech_Air_Date_9-25-20_General_-_9-26-20_00.05.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Tue, 22 September 2020
Air Date 9/22/2020 Today we take a look at the rising concern over Facebook as more and more negative impacts of the site become evident to an ever-expanding group of concerned people and, more specifically, we show how it is the fundamental business model of Facebook that is at the heart of its problems. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Early Facebook investor Roger McNamee talks about big tech companies are amplifying hate speech and disinformation. He also talks more about his book, ·Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe.· Ch. 2: The Covid Conspiracy Boom on Facebook - On the Media - Air Date 8-19-20 Bob speaks to Fadi Quran about the "superspreader" pages that are amassing these page views, the most popular health conspiracies on Facebook, and whether there's any hope that Facebook will address the proliferation of disinformation on its site. Ch. 3: Beyond the Boycott - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 7-10-20 #StopHateforProfit is an important first step, but we need to go much further. Ch. 4: The Business Model - The Social Dilemma Clip from the docudrama "The Social Dilemma" from the Center for Humane Technology (available on Netflix). 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: When Attention Went on Sale - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 4-28-20 Information system that relies on advertising was not born w/ the Internet. But social media platforms have taken it to an entirely new level, becoming a major force in how we make sense of ourselves and the world around us. Columbia Law Professor Tim Wu. Ramesh Srinivasan (@RameshMedia), Bernie Sanders surrogate and Professor at the UCLA Department of Information Studies, joins us to discuss the politics of technology. Why conversations about technology need to be conversations about power. Ch. 8: Yaël Eisenstat: Dear Facebook, this is how you're breaking democracy - TEDTalks - Air Date 9-8-20 In this bold talk, Yaël Eisenstat explores how social media companies like Facebook incentivize inflammatory content, contributing to a culture of political polarization and mistrust -- and calls on governments to hold these platforms accountable. VOICEMAILS: Ch. 10: Mythology - Alan from Connecticut VOICYMAILS: Ch. 11: Response to Zach the theologian - Nicole Ch. 12: Your argument convinced me - Zach the theologian Ch. 13: White Male Privilege - Heidi FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 14: Final comments on the two major changes happening to the show TAKE ACTION! Fight Systemic Voter Suppression: 1) Confirm Voter Registration & Talk to Purged Voters: National Voter Registration Day Toolkit Call purged voters: Field Team 6 Actions (with Grassroots Democrats HQ) 2) Help People Get Necessary IDs to Vote: 3) Increase Black Voter Turnout: NAACP Black Voices Change Lives 4) Become a Poll Worker: React to Ginsburg's Passing with Action: Volunteer with SwingLeft to Flip the Senate & Target Super States Donate to Targeted Super States via SwingLeft Special Elections (Winner sworn-in in November!): AZ: Unseat McSally. Give to Mark Kelly. (leading by 9% points) (CPR Rating: Leans D) GA: Unseat Loeffler. Give to Rev. Raphael Warnock. (down by 4% points) (CPR Rating: Lean R) Tightening Polls Toss Ups: MT: Unseat Daines. Give to Steve Bullock. (down by 1% point) GA: Unseat Perdue. Give to Jon Ossoff. (down by 2% points) IA: Unseat Ernst: Give to Theresa Greenfield. (leading by 3% points) ME: Unseat Collins. Give to Sara Gideon. (leading by 5-7% points) NC: Unseat Tillis. Give to Cal Cunningham. (leading by 6% points) CO: Unseat Gardener. Give to John Hickenlooper. (leading by 7% points) Close Polls Lean R & Likely R: AK: Unseat Sullivan. Give to Dr. Al Gross. (tied) SC: Unseat Graham. Give to Jaime Harrison. (down by 1% points) TX: Unseat Cornyn. Give to MJ Hegar. (down by 2% points) KS: Open seat. Give to Bollier. (down by 2% points) EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE 7 Years of Gutting Voting Rights (Brennan Center for Justice) In 2013 the supreme court gutted voting rights – how has it changed the US? (The Guardian) Here's *exactly* how Democrats win the Senate (CNN) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1369_Facebook_Air_Date_9-22-20_General_-_9-22-20_21.55.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:23pm EDT |
Fri, 18 September 2020
Air Date 9/18/2020 Today we take a look at some of the dynamics at play for some of the most vulnerable people in America who are doing much of the most essential work under the most precarious circumstances Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Essential and Unprotected Part 1 - FRONTLINE, PBS - Air Date 7-22-20 They've been keeping America fed throughout the pandemic · and they say they·ve had to choose between their health and their jobs. Ch. 2: COVID-19 Presents Major Economic Burden for Domestic Workers - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-7-20 COVID-19 Presents Major Economic Burden for Domestic Workers In recent months, even as some industries have gradually reopened, many domestic workers are still losing jobs and wages due to the pandemic. Ch. 3: Essential and Unprotected Part 2 - FRONTLINE, PBS - Air Date 7-22-20 They've been keeping America fed throughout the pandemic · and they say they·ve had to choose between their health and their jobs. Millions of Americans who are out of work don·t receive unemployment benefits. That·s by design. Today, we·ll look at the history of the United States· unemployment insurance system Ch. 5: Why “essential” workers are treated as disposable - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 5-20-20 We call them heroes, we label them ·essential,· and we clap for their brave efforts -- even tho with doctors and nurses, these are the people who are putting their own lives at risk to keep our society functioning day in and out amid the worst crisis Ch. 6: Voting Is Not Enough: Take Part in National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 22nd via @NatlVoterRegDay @SEIU - 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. Millions of Americans who are out of work don·t receive unemployment benefits. That·s by design. Today, we·ll look at the history of the United States· unemployment insurance system How Labor Organizing Can Help Women and People of Color Unemployed Due to COVID-19 The economic crisis has disproportionately hurt women and people of color VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Moving beyond the myth of the melting pot - Erin from Philadelphia Ch. 10: Moving beyond the 'empirical' point of view - Chris from Littleton, CO FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the ironic origins of two of America's most cherished cultural pillars TAKE ACTION Table of voter registration deadlines by state & type (Business Insider) Visit NationalVoterRegistrationDay.org (@NatlVoterRegDay) for details on the Sept. 22nd day of action / Watch the kick off event Visit SEIU2020.org to join the union's 2020 election activities Get the VoteJoe relational voting app: Text APP to 30330 EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE How to Vote in the 2020 Election Project (FiveThirtyEight) Labor union unveils $150M campaign to help defeat Trump (AP) Barack Obama Stars in Snapchat PSA Aimed at Younger and First-Time Voters (AdWeek) Pandemic upends traditional voter registration efforts ahead of November election (CBS) Voter Registrations Are Way, Way Down During The Pandemic (FiveThirtyEight) What you need to know about voting absentee in Alabama (Al.com) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1368_COVID_Labor_Air_Date_9-18-20_-_9-18-20_19.02.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:47pm EDT |
Tue, 15 September 2020
Air Date 9/15/2020 Today we take a look at two of America's oldest institutions which are both under attack, the US Post Office and the Census. The clear through-line of the attacks on both is a classic struggle over power. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The Long, Slow Chipping Away of the USPS - On the Media - Air Date 8-21-20 According to New Republic staff writer Alex Shephard, when journalists start talking about public sector programs like the postal service, they tend to be sucked into a partisan, ideological narrative. Ch. 2: A wildcat strike in 1970 solved the last crisis at USPS - The Real News - Air Date 8-24-20 Labor activist Paul Prescod gives context to the fight over the future of the post office. Historian Philip Rubio, who teaches at North Carolina A&T State University and worked as a mail carrier for two decades, says decades of political interference have caused a "manufactured crisis" at the U.S. Postal Service. "The damage has been done," Ch. 4: Crisis At The Post Office - Planet Money - Air Date 8-21-20 The fight over the US Postal Service is a lot bigger and goes back a lot further than the appointment of Louis DeJoy. It's a fifty-year-old battle between public service and private enterprise. 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: Liz OuYang on Census Sabotage - CounterSpin - Air Date 8-14-20 We’ll talk about the White House’s transparent campaign to sabotage the census with civil rights attorney Liz OuYang. Ch. 7: Census Suppression & Why It Matters - The Daily Show with Trevor Noah - Air Date 7-15-20 Dulcé Sloan meets voter suppression’s nasty cousin, census suppression, and talks to Dr. Jeanine Abrams McLean, Stacey Abrams’s sister, about the 2020 census and the fight to get Black folks accurately represented via the Fair Count organization. Ch. 8: Why The Census Matters - Another Way, by Lawrence Lessig - Air Date 1-30-20 Adam Eichen is joined by Beth Huang, executive director of Massachusetts Voter Table. The two discuss how the decennial census works, why it is so important, the difficulties involved in enumeration, and what groups are doing to ensure an accurate count. VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: White people are tired of living up to the myth - Scott from Arizona Ch. 10: Voicemail Description – Person from City, State FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the importance of a racial understanding of economic policy and contrasting two foundational myth TAKE ACTION Explore and share the "How to Vote in the 2020 Election" Project (FiveThirtyEight) Remember & Share These Voting Best Practices: 1. Request your absentee ballot ASAP! RIGHT NOW! 2. When you have your ballot, vote ASAP but follow ballot rules to the letter to avoid rejection! 3. If you don't want to mail your ballot, find local ballot drop boxes through your state's Secretary of State website or by calling your local election office. Find my state or local election office 4. Track your ballot online to ensure it was received and accepted! To find the tracker, first find your state or local election office Voting in person is still an option, but be prepared for people to disobey health rules, and for long lines and reduced polling places. Find your polling place
EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE Voter Registration Deadlines (Vote.org) Voting by mail in a pandemic: A state-by-state scorecard (Brookings) How to Vote by Mail in All 50 States (Vice) The Most Important Mail You'll Ever Send: A Ballot (NPR) In battlegrounds, absentee ballot rejections could triple (AP) If You Can Grocery Shop in Person, You Can Vote in Person (The Atlantic) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1367_Post_Office.Census_Air_Date_9-15-20_-_9-15-20_20.00.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:01pm EDT |
Fri, 11 September 2020
Air Date 9/11/2020 Today we take a look at the easily predictable, yet growing, eviction crisis in America that is entirely thanks to a political and economic system that is structurally incapable of functioning for the benefit of people over profit. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 BECOME A MEMBER! (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Ali Velshi Explains The Looming Eviction Crisis - MSNBC - Air Date 7-21-20 Ali Velshi breaks down why millions of Americans could be forced out of their homes Ch. 2: The Evictions Cliff Part 1, The Cost of Housing - Off Kilter - Air Date 7-18-20 Dan Threet of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and Jay Willis, senior contributor for The Appeal. Ch. 3: There Is An Eviction Crisis, How Can We Fight Back? - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 7-11-20 There Is An Eviction Crisis, How Can We Fight Back? Ch. 4: Heartbreaking CNN Segment Highlights Eviction Crisis - The Rational National - Air Date 9-3-20 CNN puts a face to the eviction crisis that could hit 30-40 million Americans by the end of 2020. Tara Raghuveer, director of the campaign for a Homes Guarantee and founding director of KC Tenants. Ch. 6: Voting Is Not Enough: Help Unhoused, Poor and Low-Income Voters Access the Ballot - 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. 7: Elizabeth Warren Talks Pending Eviction Crisis in America - NowThis - Air Date 7-25-20 ‘This coming eviction crisis is a racial justice crisis’ — Sen. Elizabeth Warren explains why the looming eviction crisis could be devastating for communities of color. Ch. 8: Can Trump Really ‘Stop Evictions?’ - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-2-20 A Trump administration order could allow many renters to avoid eviction through Dec. 31 Ch. 9: There Is No Ethical Capitalism - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 9-4-20 Understanding the amorality of capitalism through a structural lens VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: Thoughts on the frames through which we see the world - Naomi from Canada FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the dominant culture, national myths and the dominance of whiteness TAKE ACTION! Join The Poor People's Campaign's "We Must Do M.O.R.E." Effort "We Must Do M.O.R.E" Digital Toolkit Watch the "We Must Do M.O.R.E." Moral Monday Mass Assembly on 9/14 at 7pm ET on Facebook National Low Income Housing Coalition: National Federal Eviction Moratorium & Toolkit Nonprofit VOTES: Voting information pertaining to unhoused people National Coalition for the Homeless "You Don't Need A Home to Vote" Manual Get involved in the "You Don't Need a Home to Vote" Project National Housing Law Project Resources for People Facing Eviction During the Pandemic National Homelessness Law Center 2020 Election Guide EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE How the COVID-19 housing crisis could affect voter participation (Fast Company) Evictions Across US Raise Concerns About Voting Process (Voice of America) How The Eviction Crisis Could Compound Voter Suppression Come November (Huffington Post) Housing advocate on what to do if you’re being evicted: ‘You have rights’ (CNBC) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE "IMG_0344" from Chicago Right to Recovery Caravan Rally by Ervin Lopez on Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, increased contrast, brightness and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1366_Eviction_Crisis_Air_Date_9-11-20_-_9-11-20_19.01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Tue, 8 September 2020
Air Date 9/8/2020 Today we take a look at the dynamics of the white nationalist movement, authoritarian psychology, the legacy of Richard Nixon and the uncertainty of a peaceful election. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Chauncey and Tim Wise discuss the rise of white supremacy and fascism in America. Black grew up in a family of white nationalists, with David Duke as his godfather. But he renounced those views in college and recently has been involved in Black Lives Matter protests. "Everyone has a moral choice to decide," he says. Ch. 3: Trump Caravans and the Threat of Sectarian Violence Part 1 - The Muckrake Podcast - Air Date 9-1-20 Right Wing vigilantism turns to roving bands of MAGA supporters driving into cities and doling out violence. Ch. 4: Can We Stop Trump From Playing Dictator? - Thom Hartmann Program - Air Date 8-11-20 The single most consistent defining characteristic of an emerging dictatorship in a country that started as a democracy is that the dictator regularly holds elections and always wins, because he uses the instruments of government to make sure he wins. Ch. 5: Voting is Not Enough - Get Involved In The Ground Game NOW - 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. As President Trump is set to accept the Republican Party's formal renomination for president amid ongoing scandals and multiple crises, we speak with John Dean, who served as the White House counsel for President Richard Nixon from 1970 to 1973. Ch. 7: Trump Caravans and the Threat of Sectarian Violence Part 2 - The Muckrake Podcast - Air Date 9-1-20 Right Wing vigilantism turns to roving bands of MAGA supporters driving into cities and doling out violence. Ch. 8: Democracy Is On The Ballot - Strange Days with Fernand Amandi - Air Date 8-21-20 Will fascism + white supremacy be the new normal if Joe Biden loses the election? Jason Stanley explains to #StrangeDaysPodcast, How Fascism Works. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on the debate between voting emotionally or as a tool toward a theory of change TAKE ACTION! GOTV! Grab some friends & get involved with: NAACP's Black Voices Changes Lives EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE The pandemic is forcing Democrats to ask: How important is door-knocking, anyway? (Vox) The Shocking Upset That Shows How Democrats Can Crush Trump (Daily Beast) It’s a lot harder to get out the vote during a pandemic (Marketplace) Swing Left: The 2020 Super States (Swing Left) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1365_Authoritarian_Election_Air_Date_9-8-20_-_9-8-20_19.41.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:51pm EDT |
Sat, 5 September 2020
Air Date 9/5/2020 Today we take a look at the protests and counter-protests roiling the nation and recognize the conspiracy-laden fundamentalism of the far-right that is fueling the violence. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Marjorie Cohn on Portland Secret Police - CounterSpin - Air Date 7-24-20 While we wait to see if corporate media can decide which optic is an optic too far, we talk about the legal, constitutional elements of the fight for our right to protest, including against the forces that are sent to police the protesting. Marjorie Kohn. Ch. 2: Kenosha - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 08-30-20 John Oliver discusses a week that saw the Republican National Convention, a horrific series of shootings in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a strike in professional sports -- three stories that are really one story, about race in America. President Trump claims without evidence that anti-fascists are inciting riots at protests against police brutality but has downplayed groups like the “boogaloo” movement, which are using the protests as cover to carry out violence, even murder. Ch. 4: Trump Cheers On Violent Terror - The Young Turks - Air Date 9-1-20 Trump is promoting violence in the United States. Ana Kasparian and Cenk Uygur discuss on The Young Turks. Ch. 5: Voting is Not Enough: Become a Poll Worker - 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. 6: Trump Caravans and the Threat of Sectarian Violence - The Muckrake Podcast - Air Date 9-1-20 Right-Wing vigilantism turns to roving bands of MAGA supporters driving into cities and doling out violence. The way white moms in Portland are being treated has long been the norm for BIPOC people. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Rewriting the American myth - Erin from Philadelphia FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments asking for your thoughts on our national myths and origin stories or about the stories that other cultures tell themselves TAKE ACTION! Become a Poll Worker: WorkElections.com Spread the word/join the recruitment campaigns: Power the Polls (@powerthepolls): Help recruit the next generation of poll workers to power the November Election. The Poll Workers Project (@PollProject): Volunteer to be a poll worker and become part of the movement to help everyone vote this November The Poll Hero Project (@pollheroproject): Recruiting thousands of college and high school students to be paid poll workers to make the 2020 election a success! More Than A Vote (@morethanavote): Fighting against voter suppression. Recruiting poll workers in heavily Black districts across the country. EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE States scramble to recruit thousands of poll workers amid pandemic shortage (CNN) Coronavirus creates election worker shortage ahead of November (Politico) Wanted: Young People To Work The Polls This November (NPR) The Poll Workers Project is seeking younger generation to work at the polling precincts (The State News) NBA star LeBron James' group plans effort to recruit poll workers for November (NBC News) Poll Worker Shortages and Potential Solutions (Canvass from NCSL) Florida Hit by Poll Worker Shortage (WFLA) Want to Help Our Community Vote This Year? Be a Poll Worker (HRC, Advocate) From 47 Primaries, 4 Warning Signs About the 2020 Vote (NY Times) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE "March for Justice" Springfield, OR by David Geitgey Sierralupe, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped, increased brightness & contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1364_Sectarian_Violence_in_the_Streets_Air_Date_9-5-20_-_9-5-20_16.08.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:05am EDT |
Tue, 1 September 2020
Air Date 9/1/2020 Today we take a look at the concerns being weighed in the debate over returning to in-person learning as the beginning of the school year gets underway. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES There are a bunch of problems that have to be solved in order to open schools safely. But the president is incapable of solving them. He just wants them open, so that people can go back to work, and so things can be "normal,” so he can get reelected. As the world and the United States shatter the daily records of COVID-19 infections, President Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos continue to push for public schools to reopen in the fall without a plan to adhere to CDC guidelines. Ch. 3: D.C. Teachers Fight for Distance Learning in the Pandemic - The Intercept - Air Date 8-3-20 After city officials in Washington D.C. weighed a plan to send teachers back to the classroom as part of a hybrid learning plan, the Washington Teachers Union mobilized a week of actions to push for virtual learning in the fall. Ch. 4: COVID-19 Will Devastate Schools... And Already Is... - Thom Hartmann Program - 8-4-20 After thinking they had COVID-19 under control, Israel reopened only to find out that schools are the perfect playground for such an insidious virus, schools spread to homes, to businesses, and created new epicenters. In America, it could be worse. Ch. 5: Kids Positive for Coronavirus After ONE DAY in School - David Pakman Show - Air Date 8-7-20 Kids start testing positive for coronavirus after one day back in school as the entire school year is now in question. Ch. 6: The Long-Brewing Crisis in Higher Education - On the Media - Air Date 8-28-20 Over the past few weeks, colleges and universities across the United States have re-opened for the fall, despite the public health risks associated with doing so. And the risks have borne out Ana Kasparian and new co-host Nando Vila dunk on the ludicrous arguments for reopening schools. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Mail-in ballots in Washington don't require a stamp anymore - Kate from Spokane, WA Ch. 9: The importance of understanding systems protecting themselves - V from Central New York FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on Yascha Mounk’s incredibly ironic article preaching the importance of defending the falsely accused MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE "Iowa Teacher Drive for Lives" by Phil Roeder, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped & increased contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1363_Back_to_school_Air_Date_9-1-20_-_9-1-20_21.14.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:04pm EDT |
Tue, 25 August 2020
Air Date 8/25/2020 Today we take a look at the long history and motivations for voter suppression, explain why it tends to help one party over the other and why vote-by-mail is the best solution to the majority of our voting problems. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Jay explains that voter suppression is like pointillism in that it can only be understood by taking a wide enough view
Ch. 3: The pointillism of voter suppression (continued)
Ch. 4: Victoria Bassetti of the Brennan Center on the myth of widespread voter fraud - @DecodeDC - Air Date 10-20-16
Ch. 7: Carol Anderson on the Realities of Voter Suppression - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-12-18
FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments TAKE ACTION! Know Your Voting Rights & Make a Plan (ACLU) Let People Vote - State-by-State Rules & Options (ACLU) Volunteer for a 2020 Voter Protection Team (FairFight) Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: "December 10 March for Voting Rights" by Michael Fleshman |Changes: cropped | License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1362_Politics_is_Pointallism_Back_Up_to_See_Things_Clearly_Voter_Suppression_-_8-23-20_01.03.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Wed, 12 August 2020
Air Date 8/12/2020 Today we take a look at Restorative Justice as an antidote to a wide range of injustices we face, from mass incarceration to having a toddler throw a cheerio at your forehead and much of what lies in between. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Prison abolitionist Mariame Kaba wants us to explore some truly radical notions. Hear her dismantle what she calls the current "criminal punishment system" and instead employ the ideology of restorative justice. Ch. 2: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 1 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20 Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice. Prison abolitionist Mariame Kaba wants us to explore some truly radical notions. Hear her dismantle what she calls the current "criminal punishment system" and instead employ the ideology of restorative justice. Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered Ch. 5: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20 Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice. Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered Danielle discusses the alternative options to a violent prison system with community interactions over punishment. When people feel responsible and connected it really changes their lives. Restorative justice works in schools. Our system is a goliath, but we are a million sparks to break it down. Ch. 9: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 3 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20 Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice. Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered What does restorative justice look like? Community-driven repair, making sure the victims and perpetrators work together, rather than punishing both parties. Bob discusses the problems with prisons and the alternatives to mass incarceration with Danielle Sered Ch. 13: The transformative power of restorative justice Part 4 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-18-20 Studies show restorative justice programs leave survivors more satisfied, cut recidivism rates, and cost less. sujatha baliga is the director of the Restorative Justice Project at Impact Justice. VOICEMAILS Ch. 14: Even the clip out of context gave enough context - Dave from Olympia, WA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 15: Final comments on the one thing I know about all of your friends MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1361_Restorative_Justice_Air_Date_8-12-20_-_8-12-20_20.37.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:25pm EDT |
Sat, 8 August 2020
Air Date 8/8/2020 Today we take a look at the concept of defunding the police; what it means, what it doesn't and what the goals of the movement are. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Race, Police, & The Pandemic - FRONTLINE - Air Date 6-2-20 Jelani Cobb describes how the relationship between black Americans and the police has become a “barometer” for race relations in the country and that explosive tensions are “overwhelmingly” in response to an issue of police use of force. Ch. 2: Panel Discussion on Radical Police Reform - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-10-20 Trevor hosts a panel on movements to radically reimagine policing in the U.S. with Patrisse Cullors, Josie Duffy Rice, Sam Sinyangwe, Mychal Denzel Smith and Alex S. Vitale. Ch. 3: The Racial Justice Uprising in the U.S. is Taking Hold Overseas - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-8-20 Explaining that an overburdened police system that takes on way too much, including much that is outside the realm of their training, is something that no one should want. Ch. 4: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale - The Bastani Factor, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20 Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it. Ch. 5: Defunding the Police Is Only the Beginning - The Mother Jones Podcast - Air Date 6-17-20 Josie Duffy Rice joins Jamilah King for a discussion about the recent police killing of Rayshard Brookes in Atlanta, the deep racist and classist structural issues with policing in America, and why defunding the police is only step one. Ch. 6: Defund Police What It Means & How It Would Really Work - News Beat - Air Date 6-16-20 In the wake of the police slaying of George Floyd in Minneapolis, protesters have not only flooded the streets, but they're actively pushing reforms that go well beyond traditional solutions. Ch. 7: How to Defund the Police - Boom! Lawyered - Air Date 6-11-20 Racism is baked into the U.S. model of policing. More and more people are starting to believe that no amount of "reform" will help; a full tear-down is required. But what does "defunding the police" actually mean? Ch. 8: Is It Time To Defund the Police? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-11-20 Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss the future of policing and community-oriented systems of public safety in the United States. Ch. 9: The Politics of "Defund the Police" - Politics with Amy Walter, The Takeaway - Air Date 6-12-20 Congress is reckoning with how to respond to the protests and calls for police accountability. Two national reporters join to discuss the Justice in Policing Act of 2020. Ch. 10: We Can't Let The Uprising Get Co-opted - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 6-10-20 Notes on the uprising and how we move forward without allowing the forces of neoliberalism to co-opt the movement. Call on Local Officials to #DefundthePolice via Indivisible Amid a worldwide uprising against police brutality and racism, we discuss the historic moment with legendary scholar and activist Angela Davis. VOICEMAILS Ch. 13: Taken on a journey - Nick from California FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 14: Final comments puncturing the myth of the individuality of whiteness TAKE ACTION LOCAL: DEFUND THE POLICE Call on Local Officials to #DefundthePolice via Indivisible Indivisible Black Lives Solidarity Action NATIONAL: PASS THE BREATHE ACT Learn about and support the BREATHE Act Spread the word about the BREATHE Act Sign on as Community Sponsor of the BREATHE Act ELECTORAL: SUPPORT PROGRESSIVE RACIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE The Movement for Black Lives Introduces the BREATHE Act (Colorlines) What Exactly Does It Mean to Defund the Police? (The Cut, NY Mag,) What Does It Mean to Invest in Black Communities? (The Nation) How to Defund the Police (The New Yorker) How to Make Defunding the Police a Reality (The Nation) The Cities Taking Up Calls to Defund the Police (Bloomberg) Defunding the Police Will Actually Make Us Safer (ACLU) The Black Lives Matter Protests Are Working. Here’s Proof. (HuffPost) Why We’re Demanding No Cops for Veep (The Nation) Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE “Justice for George Floyd - We Demand Change Now” by Fibonacci Blue (Flickr) | Changes: Cropped | License
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1360_Defund_the_Police_Air_Date_8-7-20_-_8-8-20_14.24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30am EDT |
Wed, 5 August 2020
Air Date 8/5/2020 Today we take a look at the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis at a moment in time when the lessons he has to teach us are as important as when he first learned them himself during the dawn of the civil rights era. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Honoring C.T. Vivian & Congressman John Lewis - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 7-21-20 Today on Sojourner Truth, we honor the lives and legacies of two icons of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States: C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis. Ch. 2: #GoodTrouble ft. John Lewis Part 1 - Lift Every Voice - Air Date 1-15-18 Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis & U.S. Senator Cory Booker talk about the struggle for equality and his integral role in helping bring about the end of segregation in the United States. Ch. 3: CT Vivian What kind of people are you? - Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 7-20-20 Tape of C.T. Vivian, a top lieutenant of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who died on the same day as Lewis, standing up to a sheriff in Selma, Alabama to defend the right to register Black voters. Ch. 4: Into Remembering John Lewis - Into America - Air Date 7-21-20 Over the years, Lafayette watched Lewis grow into a national figure, from leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and being the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington, to becoming the ‘conscience of Congress.' Ch. 5: Remembering Rep. John Lewis - Fresh Air - Air Date 7-20-20 Lewis grew up the son of sharecroppers and later became an associate of Martin Luther King Jr. He spoke with Terry Gross in 2009. Ch. 6: #GoodTrouble ft. John Lewis Part 2 - Lift Every Voice - Air Date 1-15-18 Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis & U.S. Senator Cory Booker talk about the struggle for equality and his integral role in helping bring about the end of segregation in the United States. The legacy of John Lewis — the tireless civil rights leader and longtime representative for Georgia's 5th congressional district, who died Friday after a battle with pancreatic cancer — won't die with him. Ch. 8: John Lewis - The Politicrat - Air Date 7-19-20 Omar Moore speaks about Lewis, his leadership, his days at SNCC, his Congressional leadership, Bloody Sunday in Selma in 1965, the Coting Rights Act, the March on Washington, that Bridge, and what we must do to honor Lewis. Ch. 9: Remembering John Lewis - On Point - Air Date 7-20-20 We look back on the life of John Lewis, the civil rights icon and congressman who dedicated himself to the fight for racial equality. Ch. 10: Barack Obama's eulogy at John Lewis's funeral Mr. Obama praised Mr. Lewis, saying “he as much as anyone in our history brought this country a little bit closer to our highest ideals.” Ch. 11: #GoodTrouble ft. John Lewis Part 3 - Lift Every Voice - Air Date 1-15-18 Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis & U.S. Senator Cory Booker talk about the struggle for equality and his integral role in helping bring about the end of segregation in the United States. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the passing of Michael Brooks and my thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 on the movement for racial justice MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1359_John_Lewis_Air_Date_8-4-20_-_8-5-20_13.09.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:42am EDT |
Mon, 20 July 2020
Air Date 7/20/2020 Systems maintain themselves through the efforts of many moving parts that need not understand their roles in maintaining the system as a whole, only their specialized task. Today, I use a case study incident to show how the system of racism defends itself against attack. Many separate parts, none of which understand how their individual actions connect to the larger system, work in complicated yet predictable ways to carry out this defense of racism much like the many specialized antibodies of an immune system work together to isolate and eradicate threats to the host. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991
MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Introduction to the story of a story Ch. 2: Yascha Mounk on antiracism in America Ch. 3: Jay explains the fraught nature of interracial relationships Ch. 4: Introducing the Education Council Meeting incident Ch. 5: Edward Irizarry speaks about the privilege and racial dynamics of the council Ch. 6: Explaining DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender Ch. 7: Robin Brochi responds to Edward Ch. 8: Tom demands to know what’s racist about holding a brown baby Ch. 9: Additional input from other council members Ch. 10: The story of the story Ch. 11: Recap and wrap up Original meeting video: CEC D2 Working Business Meeting June 29, 2020 16:55 - Edward Irizarry Speech 22:50 - Robin Brochi's Apology 26:25 - Tom Wrocklage asks what about his actions were racist 39:20 - Beginning of segment that is ultimately clipped out of context Tom's I-have-a-black-friend video: My friend from my living room on the June 11th CECD2 meeting FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1358_White_people_talking_about_race_Air_Date_7-20-20_-_7-20-20_16.08.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Fri, 10 July 2020
Air Date 7/10/2020 Today we take a look at the origins and legacy of Manifest Destiny, the historical term most closely tied to our most toxic version of nostalgia: the one longing for America's golden age of genocide Transcript Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Intro contemplating conservative thinking applied to genocide Native American historian Nick Estes explains the crimes against Indigenous people committed by the four presidents whose faces are carved into Mount Rushmore. Ch. 3: The Interest of the White Man demands their extinction - @BackStory - Air Date: 01-19-18 Ed talks with historian Benjamin Madley about the devastating impact of the Gold Rush on California’s native tribes – and how both government officials and everyday citizens justified enslaving and killing native peoples. Ch. 4: Doctrine of Christian Discovery Part 1 - Let’s Talk Native - Air Date 3-18-19 I learned that most educators know nothing about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. How can you teach about colonization, slavery, the American genocide, Westward expansion or imperialism without teaching the origins of it all? Native American historian Nick Estes explains the crimes against Indigenous people committed by the four presidents whose faces are carved into Mount Rushmore. Ch. 6: Doctrine of Christian Discovery Part 2 - Let’s Talk Native - Air Date 3-18-19 I learned that most educators know nothing about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. How can you teach about colonization, slavery, the American genocide, Westward expansion or imperialism without teaching the origins of it all? Ch. 7: Paul Frymer on the building of an American empire - The Dig from @jacobinmag - Air Date 1-30-18 We are living on land from which indigenous people, over hundreds of years, have been violently removed. Almost everyone knows this — yet it’s rarely mentioned in stories that Americans tell themselves about who we are as a country and how we got here. Native American historian Nick Estes explains the crimes against Indigenous people committed by the four presidents whose faces are carved into Mount Rushmore. Ch. 9: Understanding the origins of scalp hunting and "redskins" - Empire Files - Air Date 11-25-15 Abby Martin interviews Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, renowned indigenous scholar and activist, about her most recent book "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States." We call up brilliant scholar Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz to dig into her work, An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the pain caused by the breaking of your shell of understanding MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1357_Manifest_Destiny_Air_Date_7-10-20_-_7-10-20_20.23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:24pm EDT |
Mon, 6 July 2020
Air Date 7/6/2020 Today we take a look at the problems with cops that aren't the obvious, racist problems. We're talking about the rules that help protect bad cops from accountability, the police unions that insist on those rules and the lack of state or national policies that would structurally disincentivize the hiring or continued employment of problem officers. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Race, Police, & The Pandemic - FRONTLINE - Air Date 6-2-20 Jelani Cobb describes how the relationship between black Americans and the police has become a “barometer” for race relations in the country and that explosive tensions are “overwhelmingly” in response to an issue of police use of force. Ch. 2: The Man Who Teaches Our Cops To Kill Part 1 - Behind the Bastards - Air Date 6-1-20 Robert is joined by Jack O'Brien to discuss David Grossman, director of the Killology Research Group. More than a hundred police departments, and thousands of police officers, have taken Grossman’s courses over more than twenty years. Ch. 3: Qualified Immunity and the myth of dangerous traffic stops - Pod Save the People - Air Date 5-26-20 DeRay, Brittany, Sam, and Clint discuss police accountability. Ch. 4: The Man Who Teaches Our Cops To Kill Part 2 - Behind the Bastards - Air Date 6-1-20 Robert is joined by Jack O'Brien to discuss David Grossman, director of the Killology Research Group. More than a hundred police departments, and thousands of police officers, have taken Grossman’s courses over more than twenty years. Ch. 5: Police Unions And Police Violence Part 1 - Planet Money - Air Date 6-5-20 We look at the data connecting police unions and police violence. Ch. 6: Not Just Another Protest - It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders - Air Date 6-5-20 Sam also talks to BuzzFeed News reporter Melissa Segura on her recent reporting about police unions and what they mean for reform. Ch. 7: Police Unions And Police Violence Part 2 - Planet Money - Air Date 6-5-20 We look at the data connecting police unions and police violence. Ch. 8: What Science Says About Police (with John Rappaport) - Pod Save the People - Air Date 6-9-20 This week DeRay sits down with John Rappaport, a law professor and research scholar examining criminal procedures in the justice system. They discuss Rappaport's findings regarding police misconduct and the effects of police behavior on communities. Ch. 9: American Police: 100 years of reform - Throughline - Air Date 6-4-20 Black Americans being victimized and killed by the police is an epidemic. A truth many Americans are acknowledging since the murder of George Floyd, as protests have occurred in all fifty states calling for justice on his behalf. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on the pain and sadness of being lied to by your country MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1356_The_Many_Many_Problems_with_Cops_and_Why_Reform_is_Impossible_-_Air_Date_7-6-2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:27pm EDT |
Mon, 29 June 2020
Air Date 6/29/2020 Today we take a look deeper at the concept of "I can't breathe," going beyond the literal utterances by victims of police brutality and COVID-19 sufferers to the metaphorical epidemic of exhaustion, burnout, depression and disaffection in the US and around the world. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON, SAVE THESE: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Matt Binder discusses the Black Lives Matter protests, the police killing of George Floyd, the media's narrative on the protests, riots, and looting, the "outside agitator" trope, and the looming cloud of the coronavirus pandemic. Writer William C. Anderson on the real theft in capitalist society and the uprisings against it, and his article "Forget 'Looting.' Capitalism Is the Real Robbery" for Truthout. Ch. 3: George Floyd, you, me… us - Jim Hightower - Air Date 6-9-20 There’s a growing understanding that we really are “all in this together,” so we’ve got to stand up for George Floyd, each other… and the America we want. Ch. 4: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 1 - Tysky Sour, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20 Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it. Boston College History Professor Heather Cox Richardson joins Preet to discuss the evolution of the Republican Party, the utility of historical parallels in this time of protest, and the policies that might help heal our nation. Ch. 6: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 2 - Tysky, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20 Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it. “These are not just repeats of past events,” says scholar Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. “These are the consequences of the failures of this government and the political establishment … to resolve these crises.” Ch. 8: The End of Policing with Alex Vitale Part 3 - Tysky, Novara Media - Air Date 6-3-20 Aaron Bastani interviews author of ‘The End of Policing’, Alex Vitale, to ask just how bad law enforcement is in the United States, and what can be done about it. The Uprising and Its Leadership: What Does it Look Like in This Moment? How can leadership lead a social movement to victory? Professor Cornel West calls the U.S. a “predatory capitalist civilization obsessed with money, money, money.” He also makes connections between U.S. violence abroad and at home. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on how we all push ourselves until we can't breathe MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1355_The_Three_Words_That_Define_an_Era_I_Cant_Breathe.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:43pm EDT |
Mon, 22 June 2020
Air Date 6/22/2020 Today we take a look at the history of racist policing which flows seamlessly into our present racist policing which itself flows into Trump's authoritarian glee at the opportunity to consolidate violent, racist power in response to protests against violent, racist power. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: American Police - Throughline - Air Date 6-4-20 Black Americans being victimized and killed by the police is an epidemic. A truth many Americans are acknowledging since the murder of George Floyd, as protests have occurred in all fifty states calling for justice on his behalf. Ch. 2: From slavery to George Floyd: The racist history of U.S. policing - Democracy Now - Air Date 6-10-20 Harvard professor Khalil Gibran Muhammad, author of "The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime and the Making of Modern Urban America," walks through the history of policing from the founding of the United States to today. What if lynching never stopped... and the police took over the job? Ch. 4: Unmasking The 'Outside Agitator' Part 1 - Code Switch - Air Date 6-10-20 Whenever a protest boils up, it's a safe bet that public officials will quickly blame any violence or disruption on "outside agitators." But what, exactly, does it mean to be an agitator? And can these mysterious outsiders be a force for good? Carol Anderson, a professor of African American Studies at Emory University, discusses the Red Scare of 1919 and the echo of it we're seeing today. Ch. 6: Unmasking The 'Outside Agitator' Part 2 - Code Switch - Air Date 6-10-20 Whenever a protest boils up, it's a safe bet that public officials will quickly blame any violence or disruption on "outside agitators." But what, exactly, does it mean to be an agitator? And can these mysterious outsiders be a force for good? Ch. 7: The Man Who Teaches Our Cops To Kill - Behind the Bastards - Air Date 6-1-20 Robert is joined by Jack O'Brien to discuss David Grossman, director of the Killology Research Group. More than a hundred police departments, and thousands of police officers, have taken Grossman’s courses over more than twenty years. Ch. 8: Protests Sweep Across America and Beyond Part 2 - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-9-20 Police get violent with peaceful protesters. Ch. 9: Systemic Exhaustion - In The Thick - Air Date 6-10-20 As thousands of protestors fill the streets, Maria and Julio talk about the #BlackLivesMatter movement, performative allyship, and what it means to abolish the police with Karen Attiah and Dr. Christina Greer. With the threat of widespread military deployment in U.S. cities looming, the president is acting as an authoritarian dictator. Ch. 11: Why Ta-Nehisi Coates is hopeful - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 6-4-20 There is now, as there always is amidst protests, a loud call for the protesters to follow the principles of nonviolence. And that call, as Ta-Nehisi Coates says, comes from people who neither practice nor heed nonviolence in their own lives. Ch. 12: Is This Trump’s Reichstag Fire Moment? Part 1 - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-4-20 President Trump has seized on the nationwide protest movement that followed the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer to advance his most authoritarian political instincts. Fascism scholar Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins Mehdi Hasan to d Ch. 13: The Military Stands Up To Trump - On the Media - Air Date 6-18-20 It began with the President’s notorious bible photo-op, preceded by a military crackdown north of the White House clearing protesters from Lafayette Square. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff later publicly renounced his role in the incident. Ch. 14: Is This Trump’s Reichstag Fire Moment? Part 2 - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 6-4-20 President Trump has seized on the nationwide protest movement that followed the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer to advance his most authoritarian political instincts. Fascism scholar Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins Mehdi Hasan to d FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 15: Final comments on how things are going these days MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1354_Policing_History.Authoritarianism_Air_Date_6-22-20_-_6-22-20_20.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:49pm EDT |
Wed, 17 June 2020
Air Date 6/17/2020 Today we take a look at the uprising sparked by the killing of George Floyd in the context of a world in which that event was just the last straw in an innumerable series of straws. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU’RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: A Decade Of Watching Black People Die - Code Switch - Air Date 5-31-20 The last few weeks have been filled with devastating news — stories about the police killing black people. At this point, these calamities feel familiar — so familiar, in fact, that their details have begun to echo each other. Tamika Mallory: “At this point, we’re looking at a nation and a world that has decided that what we saw happen on camera … is no longer acceptable... people have taken to the streets to demand change." Ch. 3: Trevor Speaks Out About the Murder of George Floyd - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-1-20 Trevor discusses the murders of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, the Minneapolis protests, and how racial injustice and police brutality continue to impact black Americans. Ch. 4: Why The 2020 Anti-Racism Uprisings Feel Different - News Beat - Air Date 6-5-20 A veteran of the 1967 Newark Rebellion discusses George Floyd’s death, the culture of police brutality, and whether today's movement can produce change. Ch. 5: Structural robbery, mass resistance with William C. Anderson - This Is Hell! - Air Date 6-4-20 Writer William C. Anderson on the real theft in capitalist society and the uprisings against it, and his article "Forget 'Looting.' Capitalism Is the Real Robbery" for Truthout. Ch. 6: Uprisings Against Police Killings of Black People - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 6-3-20 After a week of protests, the nationwide (and now worldwide) uprising against racism and police killings of Black people in response to the murder of George Floyd continues to grow. Ch. 7: The thin blue line between looting and standard economics - The Bugle - Air Date 6-6-20 Andy, Hari and Tom react to the protests in the USA. We hear the voices of Floyd’s brother Philonise and Reverend Al Sharpton, who urged those gathered “to stand up in George’s name and say, 'Get your knee off our necks!'” Ch. 9: Protests Sweep Across the Globe - The Daily Show - Air Date 6-9-20 Americans take to the streets in historic numbers to protest police brutality, the demand for books about racism skyrockets, and meaningful police reform catches on. Ch. 10: This Is Not a Game - In The Thick - Air Date 6-12-20 Maria and Julio get into how race and activism show up in sports - historically and in the current Black Lives Matter movement - with Howard Bryant, a senior writer for ESPN and correspondent for NPR’s Weekend Edition. Ch. 11: NFL's Roger Goodell We Were Wrong, #BlackLivesMatter - The Young Turks - Air Date 6-5-20 NFL's commissioner has released a statement saying they were wrong to stop protests. Ch. 12: Amanpour Knows an Uprising When She Sees One - Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 6-9-20 CNN International anchor Christiane Amanpour has seen a lot of unrest around the globe. She says we have to see the George Floyd protests for what they are. An uprising. Ch. 13: The Racial Justice Uprising in the U.S. is Taking Hold Overseas - The Takeaway - Air Date 6-8-20 Many foreign leaders have condemned the killing of George Floyd, but demonstrators outside of the U.S. are also attempting to call attention to racial injustice within their own borders. Ch. 14: Protest, Pain & Hope with Karen Attiah - Stay Tuned with Preet - Air Date 6-4-20 Washington Post Global Opinions editor Karen Attiah discusses the ongoing protests sparked by police brutality, legacies of racial violence in America, and the language we use to speak about inequality. Ch. 15: Roundtable On Police Killings & Global Resistance - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 6-5-20 We look at the international response to the police killing of George Floyd. Countries are now being forced to face their own racism and the inter-relationship between racism and imperialism. Ch. 17: Voices of the uprising - Sojourner Truth Radio - Air Date 6-5-20 Highlighting the voices of protesters TAKE ACTION Join The Movement for Black Lives' SixNineteen mobilization: 6/19 (Juneteenth) through 6/21 Visit SixNineteen.com to find events near you, participate virtually, join the D.C. action, or register your own event Text DEFEND to 90975 to get updates on #SixNineteen and future actions Follow @Mvmnt4BlkLives and use #DefendBlackLives , #SixNineteen , #BlackLivesMatter ,& #DefundthePolice on Twitter EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE #SIXNINETEEN: Movement For Black Lives Calls For Juneteenth Actions (Essence) An American Uprising (The New Yorker) What Exactly Does It Mean to Defund the Police? (The Cut, NY Magazine) America, This is Your Chance (NY Times Op-Ed, Michelle Alexander) Police Erupt in Violence Nationwide (Slate) Freedom to Thrive: Reimagining Safety & Security in Our Communities (Popular Democracy) Resources for White People to Learn and Talk About Race and Racism (Fractured Atlas) A Letter to White People Engaged in Conversations Around the Phrase “Defund The Police” (Medium) Louisville police release the Breonna Taylor incident report. It's virtually blank (Louisville Courier Journal) This Is How Hard It Is to Invest in Black Neighborhoods (Bloomberg CityLabs)
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1353_George_Floyd_Uprising_Air_Date_6-17-20_-_6-17-20_20.37.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:13pm EDT |
Wed, 10 June 2020
Air Date 6/10/2020 Today we take a look at the long arc of racism in America as a primer for many of the topics it would be good for you to be acquainted with as we live through yet another convulsive societal awakening regarding racism and police abuse in our country. If you only ever share one episode of this podcast with friends, family or another else, make it this one. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy IF YOU'RE GOING TO SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Confederacy - @LastWeekTonight with @iamjohnoliver - Air Date 10-09-17 Confederate symbols are still celebrated despite the ugly history they symbolize. John Oliver suggests some representations of southern pride that involve less racism and more Stephen Colbert. Discussing the New York Times story: When Slaveowners Got Reparations Ch. 3: 40 Acres and A Mule, Today with Brian Balogh and William Darity - BackStory - Air Date 5-24-19 “40 acres and a mule” promised ex-slave families 40 acres of tillable land on the southeastern coast. However, after many families had settled on the land, the policy was reversed and the area was reinstated to white farmers and former slave owners. Ch. 4: The history of the raising of Civil War monuments - @offkiltershow - Air Date 8-18-17 Jeremy Slevin speaks with Professor Kirk Savage, an author and expert on civil war monuments, to discuss the troubling history of these monuments. Ch. 5: As Confederate Monuments Come Down, the Struggle Continues - On the Media - Air Date 5-26-17 Bob talks with Malcolm Suber, an historian and co-founder of the group Take 'Em Down NOLA, about the significance of removing monuments to white supremacy, and the work that still remains to be done. “We can’t go on. We cannot pretend that something really destructive, something really corruptive happened when communities came to celebrate this kind of violence. We have to talk about it. We have to acknowledge the wrongfulness of it.” Ch. 7: Study On The Impact Of Nazi Propaganda - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date 06-19-15 Cenk Uygur discusses the power of propaganda. A study has been released which looked into the effect of Nazi propaganda on Germany, particularly it's long-term impact. “We can’t go on. We cannot pretend that something really destructive, something really corruptive happened when communities came to celebrate this kind of violence. We have to talk about it. We have to acknowledge the wrongfulness of it.” Ch. 9: The Great Migration - @DecodeDC - Air Date 5-14-15 Isabel Wilkerson spent 15 years researching and writing her book, “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration.” The book is the story of nearly 6 million African Americans who migrated out of the South. Ch. 10: A Dream Remembered? How we came to revere MLK - @Making_Contact - Air Date 1-17-17 Gary Younge, author of “The Speech” talks about Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and the story behind it. Ch. 11: MLK What They Won't Teach In School - News Beat - Air Date 1-8-18 We take an alternative look at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, examining how the civil rights icon was so much more than simply the “I Have a Dream” soundbite. Ch. 12: Michelle Alexander on The New Jim Crow - Leid Stories - Air Date 8-26-15 Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, discusses in a presentation at the University of Tennessee the policies that produced mass incarceration. Ch. 13: The True Origins of the War on Drugs - News Beat - Air Date 8-9-17 One trillion dollars. That’s how much the United States has spent in the last 40 years on the war on drugs. Currently, more than 450,000 Americans are imprisoned for drug offenses—up from 40,000 in 1980. Ch. 14: Racism vs Prejudice - Kat Blaque - Air Date 10-5-14 Ch. 15: Responding to the black-on-black-crime talking point - About Race - Air Date 9-1-15 Professor Jeanne Theoharis’s new book is titled “A More Beautiful and Terrible History: The Uses and Misuses of Civil Rights History.” It shows how the legacy of the civil rights movement has been distorted and whitewashed for public consumption. Ch. 17: When Is the Right Time for Black People to Protest? - The Daily Show - Air Date 9-25-17 Trevor unpacks the backlash that NFL players, Stevie Wonder and ESPN commentator Jemele Hill received after speaking out against racism. Ch. 18: How whiteness distorts our democracy, with Eddie Glaude Jr. - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 4-4-19 Glaude is the chair of Princeton University’s department of African American studies, the president of the American Academy of Religion, and the author of the powerful book Democracy in Black. Ch. 19: Why We Riot The language of the unheard - NewsBeat - Air Date 12-18-17 MLK, Jr. once referred to “riots” as the “language of the unheard.” The reasons for such rebellions are myriad: political, social & cultural. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1352_Racism_Remix_Air_Date_6-9-20_-_6-10-20_14.12.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:10am EDT |
Fri, 5 June 2020
Air Date 6/5/2020 Today we take a look at the growing importance of China on the world stage and the growing instinct of the American Empire to confront it even while the fundamentals of the strength of the empire slip away. All that with the Coronavirus on top just to make things interesting. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: ExpressVPN.com/LEFT |Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Janine Jackson takes a quick look back at press coverage of China - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-22-20 COVID-19 originated in China and exploded across the US. Today, a look at the leaders of those two countries: What have they done right to contain this pandemic, what have they done wrong, and what haven't they done at all? Ch. 3: Vijay Prashad on China (and Sinophobia) - Behind the News from Jacobin Radio - Air Date 4-24-20 Examining the timeline of China's response to the coronavirus and reporting to the WHO Ch. 4: Global health expert: The WHO deserves our thanks - Democracy Now - Air Date 4-30-20 WHO adviser Lawrence Gostin says the organization has actually done well in the pandemic, despite a minuscule budget and political interference. The US-China relationship will define geopolitics in the 21st century. If we collapse into rivalry, conflict, and politically opportunistic nationalism, the results could be hellish. Ch. 6: China & US relations w/ Kevin Li, Amanda Yee, & Alex Tom - The Red Nation Podcast - Air Date 5-26-20 A critical look at the US imperialist "pivot" to China in a time of pandemic. Ch. 7: US Empire Exploits Covid-19 For More War - Empire Files - Air Date 4-7-20 Abby Martin breaks down all the hidden acts of US foreign policy aggression under the cover of the COVID19 pandemic. Ch. 8: Joe Emersberger on Pandemic Sanctions - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-10-20 The US is imposing devastating economic sanctions on Venezuela and Iran, ensuring that they will have a harder time protecting their citizens from the pandemic. We’ll talk about that with writer Joe Emersberger. Historical context for the drumbeat for another Cold War Ch. 10: America The Farewell Tour w: Chris Hedges - Fortress On A Hill - Air Date 4-15-20 Chris Hedges is a columnist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, a New York Times best-selling author. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1351_China.US_Empire_Air_Date_6-5-20_-_6-5-20_18.51.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:48pm EDT |
Tue, 2 June 2020
Air Date 7/19/2016 Show NotesCh. 3: Song 1: Sur Le Fil - Yann Tiersen Ch. 4: Act 2: Video of and reaction to Philando Castile - Code Switch - Air Date 7-9-16 Ch. 5: Song 2: End of the World - Dan Romer & Benh Zeitlin Ch. 6: Act 3: You can't reignite a fire that never stops burning - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 7-8-16 Ch. 7: Song 3: Turtle (Bonobo Remix) - Pilote Ch. 8: Act 4: Tired of being strong, it's time to fix the system - The Benjamin Dixon Show (@TheBpDShow) - Air Date 7-6-16 Ch. 9: Song 4: North bank upper - Plusplus Ch. 10: Act 5: The fatal shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile - The Daily Show - Air Date 7-7-16 Ch. 11: Song 5: Rain Begins To Fall (instrumental) - Silence Is Sexy Ch. 12: Act 6: ‘Black Lives Matter’ Protesters Respond To Dallas Shooting - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 07-09-16 Ch. 13: Song 6: Silhouette - David Ari Leon Ch. 14: Act 7: Dallas shooter was banned from black activist groups - @CitizenRadio - Air Date 7-12-16 Ch. 15: Song 7: Untitled - Zoe Keating Ch. 16: Act 8: Black Surgeon Who Treated Dallas Officers On Race Relations with Law Enforcement - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date: 07-13-16 Ch. 17: Song 8: A Faraway Home (instrumental) - Silence Is Sexy Ch. 18: Act 9: Scoop Jackson on the unnecessary, yet understood, killings of people and police - @EdgeofSports - w: Dave Zirin - Air Date 7-13-16 Ch. 19: Song 9: Whatchuwando - Krayzie Bone Ch. 18: Act 10: Pastor Michael McBride on what white people can do - Politically Re-Active - Air Date 7-13-16 Ch. 19: Song 10: Adventure, Darling - Gillicuddy Ch. 18: Act 11: People with privilege need to get up and stand shoulder to shoulder - The Read - Air Date 7-13-16 Voicemails Ch. 19: Response to police killing person during standoff - Colin from Cleveland, OH Ch. 20: Examining the police with an analogy with healthcare - Charlie from Cleveland Voicemail Music: Loud Pipes - Classics Ch. 21: Final comments on what white people can do to get involved in the movement for black lives Closing Music: Here We Are - Everyone's in Everyone TAKE ACTION Find Showing Up for Justice actions near you Sign the We Are Here Movement's Racial Justice Moonshot Petition EDUCATE YOURSELF This is What White People Can Do to Support Black Lives Matter (Washington Post) Tim Wise Website (TimWise.com) It's Legal to Kill Black People (Hands Up United) Rewire News - Racism (Rewire.com) Only White People Can Save Themselves From Racism and White Supremacism (Washington Post)
Written by BOTL social media/activism director Amanda Hoffman Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: Rerun_1029_You_cant_reignite_a_fire_that_never_stops_burning_Black_and_Blue_Lives_-_6-2-20_20.37.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:07pm EDT |
Thu, 21 May 2020
Air Date 5/21/2020 Today we take a look at the classic battle between good and... not evil exactly but worse than just 'bad'... 'malicious indifference to suffering in the pursuit of ideology over real-world outcomes' maybe?... as seen through the lens of trying to destroy or save the US Post Office, the battle for basic labor rights and protections and the struggle to define the revolutionary change we are going to experience on the back end of the pandemic for either good or ill. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: USPS - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Air Date 5-10-20 As the U.S. Postal Service faces financial catastrophe, John Oliver discusses why the service is so important, what brought it to this point, and what we can do to help. Ch. 2: Far from a loser, the post office is a money-making operation - Jim Hightower - Air Date 4-21-20 Antigovernment ideologues and privatization dogmatists hate the very word “public” and they’ve long sought to demonize the US Postal Service, undercut its popular support, and finally dismantle it. President Trump has lashed out at the U.S. Postal Service as the pandemic brings it to the brink of collapse and more people than ever are relying on the mail. Ch. 4: Is Postal Banking a Good Idea? - David Pakman Show - Air Date 05-14-18 Audience question: Is postal banking a good idea? Ch. 5: Should Trump be America’s Postal Potentate? - Jim Hightower - Air Date 5-7-20 The humble Post Office is a community fixture, a civic inheritance, a rural lifeline, and one of the last vestiges of a shared civic culture in America. The revolutionary history of May Day is recognized around the world in a way that should inspire workers in the United States to continue their fight. Ch. 7: Mike Elk on Frontline Worker Rights - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-10-20 Mike Elk discusses essential workers and the power of labor and strikes. Ch. 8: Food Workers and the Virus - Belabored by Dissent Magazine - Air Date 5-9-20 We talk with Raj Patel, research professor in the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin and the author of Stuffed and Starved. Ch. 9: Charles Derber Upstairs/Downstairs Economy - Unauthorized Disclosure - Air Date 4-5-20 Charles Derber on whether the pandemic may significantly alter the structure of the economy in the United States. It’s a historic stimulus bill that will finally offer some financial relief to those affected by the coronavirus outbreak. But will Americans be able to prove they’re mature enough to spend it responsibly? Ch. 11: Ricardo Salvador on the Food System & COVID-19 - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-8-20 As for food workers—farm laborers, meatpackers, grocery and restaurant workers—how can they be deemed “essential” and yet treated as expendable? Ch. 12: Demand Congress Pass The #PeoplesBailout via ThePeoplesBailout.org Go to The People’s Bailout dot org to easily write and call your members of Congress demanding they take effective, inclusive, equitable and preventative legislative action. Ch. 13: Coronavirus Capitalism and How to Beat It - The Intercept - Air Date 3-16-20 This video is about the ways the still-unfolding COVID-19 crisis is already remaking our sense of the possible. Ch. 14: The Georgia Experiment - Social Distance - Air Date 4-30-20 Staff writer and Georgia native Amanda Mull join to talk about the political forces pushing to reopen her home state. Ch. 15: A New Economy for a post-COVID world - Progressive Faith Sermons - Dr. Roger Ray - Air Date 5-3-20 As President Trump and many states’ governors are pushing (largely minority) workers to go back to work in unsafe conditions for less than a living wage in the midst of a pandemic, is the word “revolution” too strong to use or is it not quite enough? FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 16: Final comments on the best-laid intentions TAKE ACTION! Write & Call Your Members of Congress & MORE at ThePeoplesBailout.org Follow @_PeoplesBailout on Twitter Spread the word with #PeoplesBailout on social media EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE The Bailout is Working - For the Rich (ProPublica) Retail workers at Amazon and Whole Foods coordinate sick-out to protest Covid-19 conditions (The Guardian) For immigrants without legal status, federal coronavirus relief is out of reach (Vox) Essential workers still lack basic safety protections on the job (Vox) Millions Of Americans Have Lost Health Insurance As Unemployment Soars (NPR) Vote safely by mail in November? Not so fast, say Republicans (The Guardian) Republicans plan to spend at least $20 million to combat voting rights lawsuits in 2020 (Vox) Want To Jump-Start The Economy? Include A Green New Deal In The Stimulus Package (Forbes) Elizabeth Warren and Ro Khanna Unveil Essential Workers Bill of Rights (Warren.senate.gov) Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Ed Markey to introduce a Senate bill to give Americans $2,000 a month until the coronavirus crisis ends (Business Insider)
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1350_USPS.Labor.Economics_Air_Date_5-3-20_-_5-21-20_15.44.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:23pm EDT |
Fri, 15 May 2020
Air Date 5/15/2020 Today, Amanda and I discuss the new film Executive Produced by Michael Moore, Planet of the Humans. We try to hit as many topics as we can but do not claim this is an exhaustive list of problems with the film. In short, the film tries to make a few good points but they are completely drowned in a sea of misinformation potent enough to send climate deniers into a joyous tizzy. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy | DemandJustice.org/Best SHOW NOTES 00:00:00 Ch. 1: Intro and Index
Articles for Further Reading (Or Just to Marvel at the Sheer Number of Them) Planet of the humans: A reheated mess of lazy, old myths, Ketan Joshi This is where hard work got us (another post about the bad film), Ketan Joshi The great giving up (and the film that made it worse), Ketan Joshi 6 Reasons Why “Planet of the Humans” is a Disaster of Misinformation, Ben Wehrman 10 Reasons « Planet of the Humans » Gets Everything Wrong on Climate, Benjamin Tincq Why “Planet of the Humans” is crap, Tom Athanasiou, EcoEquity Film Review: Forget about PLANET OF THE HUMANS by Jeff Gibbs and Michael Moore by Neal Livingston Michael Moore produced a film about climate change that’s a gift to Big Oil, Leah Stokes Planet of the Humans Comes This Close to Actually Getting the Real Problem, Then Goes Full Ecofascism, Brian Kahn, Gizmondo Inside Clean Energy: 6 Things Michael Moore’s ‘Planet of the Humans’ Gets Wrong, Dan Gearino, Inside Climate News A Bomb in the Center of the Climate Movement’: Michael Moore Damages Our Most Important Goal, Bill McKibben, Rolling Stone POTH Traffics in Myths, Errors, and Dangerous Misdirection, John Rogers, Union of Concerned Scientists Planet of the Humans: Let’s just have a think…, Dave Borlace, Just Have a Think (note: a video response) Michael Moore’s ‘Planet of the Humans’ Film Trashes Clean Energy, Offers Zero Solutions, Sally Ho, Green Queen The Important Debate POTH Misses, Kate Aronoff, New Republic Michael Moores New Film Turns Heroes into Villains and Villains into Heroes, Dr. Michael Mann, Newsweek The absurdity of releasing Planet of the Humans in April 2020 #POTH: Michael Moore’s (@MMFlint’s) false choice & a lesson in how not to build a movement How Did Michael Moore Become A Hero to Climate Deniers and the Far Right? (George Monbiot, The Guardian) Extinction Rebellion Response (Twitter) Sunrise Movement's Response (Twitter) George Monbiot's Breakdown of the #PopulationGrowth in Response (Twitter thread) Joanne Doroshow, Michael Moore's Former Fact Checker, Responds (Facebook) MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: Bonus_Show_208_Public_-_5-15-20_16.30.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Thu, 7 May 2020
Air Date 5/7/2020 Today, Amanda and I discuss the dangerous, pervasive epidemic of hope fueled by desperation spreading throughout the country that is leading people to self-destructive thoughts and actions. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Dr. Celine Gounder talks to Peter Staley and Mark Harrington, members of Act Up, co-founders of the Treatment Action Group, and dedicated HIV/AIDS activists who know firsthand what it is like to live through a large-scale pandemic. Ch. 2: The placebo reject Ch. 3: Waiting For a Game-Changer - On The Media - Air Date 5-6-20 Derek Lowe, the organic chemist behind the science blog In the Pipeline, urges caution. He speaks with Bob about how to report on the so-called "game-changer" drugs, and where he believes reporting on the "race for a cure" falls short. Ch. 4: Profiteering off of the desperation of those with rare diseases Dr. Wen gives her unique insight into the dilemma that Fauci and Birx face in dealing with an inarguably crazy president. Ch. 6: Strategic lying to save the lives of the irrational and those with whom they come in contact MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook! |
Sun, 3 May 2020
Air Date 5/3/2020 Today we take a look at the unique, profound dysfunction at the heart of the train wreck that is Trump's response to the Coronavirus. Plus, we explore the death cult that is the group of people still supporting the president. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Memory Hole - On the Media - Air Date 4-18-20 McKay Coppins [@mckaycoppins], staff writer at The Atlantic, on the latest pivots in the Trump administration's ever-evolving "disinformation architecture." Mehdi talks with Glenn Kirschner about Trump's inaction and misinformation that is leading to deaths. We look at how President Trump led the country to this point with Eric Lipton, lead author of The New York Times’s explosive new exposé, “He Could Have Seen What Was Coming: Behind Trump’s Failure on the Virus.” Ch. 4: Warnings To The White House - Frontline - Air Date 4-10-20 Trump and the government's response to the Pandemic are explored. Ch. 5: Explaining why he can't do that but just did anyway - The Bugle - Air Date 4-18-20 The answer to everything strange in America is slavery. In The Fifth Risk, Lewis portrayed Donald Trump as a man totally ignorant of and disinterested in the actually functioning of the federal government. President Donald Trump says he will cut U.S. support for the World Health Organization. Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of The Lancet medical journal, called it a “crime against humanity.” Ch. 8: Bleach? Nevermind - The Bugle - Air Date 4-25-20 Andy, Nish and Hari attempt to make sense of another week of transatlantic buffoonery. Ch. 9: Is the Trump Cult a Death Cult? - Deconstructed with Mehdi Hasan - Air Date 3-25-20 The Atlantic’s Adam Serwer joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss the President’s continuing refusal to take the Covid-19 pandemic seriously. Jared Yates Sexton reflects on his childhood and life in Trumplandia and the power that Trump’s cult holds over so many white right-wing so-called “Christians.” Tim Wise reflects on how only white men such as Donald Trump and his cabal could still be viewed as competent given their gross and willful negligence in how they chose to (not) respond to the pandemic. Joshua Kahn Russell joins us to analyze the reopen America protests. Kurt Andersen, the author of Fantasyland, explains what happens when the departure from empirical, reality-based thought plays out during a global pandemic. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 14: Final comments on my use of The Al Franken Show MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1349_Coronovirus_Trump.Followers_Air_Date_5-3-20_-_5-4-20_12.32.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Wed, 29 April 2020
Air Date 4/29/2020 Today, we discuss clips that highlight two of the most powerful American myths that consistently drive us into calamitous territory: the primacy of market-based solutions and hyper-individualism Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Public safety is built on latent capacity. We pay for people and equipment to stand idle, over-prepared for emergencies. We’ve left no latent capacity in health care. Ch. 2: A whole new problem with a profit-driven health care system Ch. 3: Pandemic, Protests and Profits - Reveal - Air Date 4-25-20 Protesters around the country are pushing to loosen stay-at-home orders, even though health experts say that could lead to a spike in coronavirus cases. Some Amazon workers say not enough is being done to protect them. Ch. 4: A pandemic of individualism TAKE ACTION! MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook! |
Tue, 21 April 2020
Air Date 4/21/2020 Today we take a look at the ways that COVID-19 are impacting the most vulnerable communities the worst and how our legacy of discrimination is being put on full display. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: ExpressVPN.com/LEFT SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Race and Risk - Coronavirus Fact vs Fiction - Air Date 4-9-20 CNN's Chief Medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks down the various factors and demographics that may make some people and communities more susceptible. The south, rural America and black Americans are all at higher risk during the pandemic. A closer look at how and why the U.S.’s coronavirus outbreak is disproportionately hurting the black community. The south, rural America and black Americans are all at higher risk during the pandemic. Milwaukee’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Jeanette Kowalik, discusses the Wisconsin Supreme Court's reckless disregard for public safety as they force the state to conduct in-person voting. Dr. Ibram X. Kendi discusses what the data tells us about race and coronavirus in America and draws historical parallels between the Trump administration response and the Mississippi flood of 1927. Ch. 7: “I will not apologize for my needs” Part 1 - Off-Kilter - Air Date 3-27-20 With the ongoing debate around health care rationing and ventilator shortages amid COVID19, Rebecca talks to Ari Ne’eman, Alice Wong, and Sam Bagenstos about the importance of disability non-discrimination in health care. Ch. 8: Discounting the disabled and all those with pre-existing conditions - CounterSpin - Air Date 4-3-20 Janine Jackson takes a quick look back at AP‘s coronavirus boilerplate. Ch. 9: “I will not apologize for my needs” Part 2 - Off-Kilter - Air Date 3-27-20 With the ongoing debate around health care rationing and ventilator shortages amid COVID19, Rebecca talks to Ari Ne’eman, Alice Wong, and Sam Bagenstos about the importance of disability non-discrimination in health care. Ch. 10: Janine Jackson takes a quick look at scapegoating China - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-27-20 Stoking anti-Chinese sentiment from the top down. Ch. 11: A Virus Doesn't Discriminate - Coronavirus Fact vs Fiction - Air Date 3-27-20 The coronavirus pandemic has fueled a surge in racism against Asian-Americans around the country. Ch. 12: Civil Rights and Coronavirus - Epidemic - Air Date 3-27-20 Vanita Gupta discusses the responsibility the media has in reinforcing anti-Chinese xenophobia. VOICEMAILS Ch. 13: Check your privilege - Alan from Connecticut FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 14: Final comments on who stoicism is for MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1348_Coronovirus_Racism_Air_Date_4-21-20_-_4-21-20_17.32.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:02pm EDT |
Thu, 16 April 2020
Air Date 4/16/2020 Today, Amanda and I discuss a few of the aspects of life during a pandemic that's causing mental fog and affecting our work. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: We all make mistakes but we’re making a lot more of them right now Ch. 2: The Burnout Generation Ch. 3: Survival Mode Ch. 4: Hidden Mental Health Toll of Coronavirus with Alisa Kriegel - WhoWhatWhy - Air Date 3-22-20 The COVID-19 pandemic is going to have a huge toll on mental health, what can we do to mitigate the damage? Ch. 5: Soft Launch of my secret project Ch. 6: Showing the ShowSharer™ MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook! |
Sun, 12 April 2020
Air Date 4/12/2020 Today we take a look at the way mass incarceration is coming back to bite the US as jails, prisons and immigrant detention centers are becoming Petri dishes for the coronavirus that will help perpetuate the pandemic as well as non-virus related deaths throughout the population. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Prisons and Jails Are a Coronavirus Time Bomb - Deep Background with Noah Feldman - Air Date 3-24-20 Homer Venters, the former Chief Medical Officer for the NYC Jail system, says that we need to stop the spread of coronavirus in prisons, jails, and detention centers. Alarm is growing about the safety of more than 37,000 people held in immigrant detention centers and private jails that contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, where it is nearly impossible to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Ch. 3: Coronavirus Behind Bars: Crisis In New York Part 1 - News Beat - Air Date 4-8-20 Rikers Island now has more than 200 coronavirus cases and recorded its first COVID-19-related death last weekend. Advocates warn that anyone held in the jail is in mortal danger. Ch. 4: COVID-19 and the border - The Weeds - Air Date 4-7-20 Dara, Jane, and Matt on the intersection between the pandemic and Trump's border crackdown. These community bail funds are freeing people by paying bail and bond and are also fighting to abolish the money bail system and pretrial detention. Ch. 6: No Hierarchy of Humanity Part 1 - Off-Kilter - Air Date 3-20-20 Tom Jawetz and Emily Galvin-Almanza on the steps leaders need to take to reach the nation’s 5,000 prisons, jails, and immigrant detention facilities. Ch. 7: Dispatches from People Stranded in Place - The United States of Anxiety - Air Date 4-3-20 WNYC Investigative Reporter Matt Katz brings us calls from inside immigration detention centers. Ch. 8: The Emergency in Our Jails - Social Distance - Air Date 4-8-20 Everyone is being ordered to social distance. Except those who are being ordered into places where that’s impossible. Jim and Katherine talk with Conor Friedersdorf about what can be done. Ch. 9: No Hierarchy of Humanity Part 2 - Off-Kilter - Air Date 3-20-20 Tom Jawetz and Emily Galvin-Almanza on the steps leaders need to take to reach the nation’s 5,000 prisons, jails, and immigrant detention facilities. Advocates say marginalized communities are going to suffer the worst from the consequences of a broken economy, neglect, and a decaying social safety net. VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: Reverse seasonal affective disorder - Arkle Ch. 12: This too shall pass - Annie from Florida FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 13: Final comments on hidden Negative Visualization and the elephant in the room Limerick of the day from @Libericks TAKE ACTION Donate to The National Bail Fund Network's COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund Find other ways to help and get involved through the hashtag #FreeThemAll EDUCATE YOURSELF Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2020 (Prison Policy Initiative) Detaining the Poor (Prison Policy Initiative) Rikers Reports Its First COVID-Related Prisoner Death (NY Mag: Intelligencer) Andrew Cuomo Has Learned Nothing From the Coronavirus Catastrophe at Rikers (NY Mag: Intelligencer) Fear Among Immigrant Detainees Spreads As Coronavirus Outbreaks Hit ICE Detention Centers (Buzzfeed News) Immigrant detainees in Massachusetts are fighting to be released in the pandemic (Vox) 'Terrified of dying': Immigrants beg to be released from immigration detention as coronavirus spreads (USA Today)
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE: "Prison is No Place for a Pandemic" by: Micah Bazant (@micahbazant), Artist in Residence @fwdtogether
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1347_Coronovirus_Prison.Immigrations_Camps_Air_Date_4-11-20_-_4-12-20_15.02.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:21pm EDT |
Wed, 8 April 2020
Air Date 4/8/2020 Today, Amanda and I discuss the extremely counterintuitive practice of Negative Visualization and how it could be one of the most powerful tools to help you feel better about your circumstances and the state of the world during the pandemic crisis. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Discussing the book “A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy” and the practice of Negative Visualization
Ch. 2: Take it like a Stoic coping in the time of coronavirus - Ideas - Air Date 4-3-20
Ch. 3: Discussing how stoicism has impacted us personally MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
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Sat, 4 April 2020
Air Date 4/4/2020 Today we take a look at many of the economic angles of the COVID-19 pandemic including the role of the shock doctrine in the wake of the coronavirus, calls for a socially just economic recovery, calls for the elderly to be turned into Soylent Green and the biggest Reverse Robin Hood bailout of all time. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Author, activist and journalist Naomi Klein says the coronavirus crisis, like earlier ones, could be a catalyst to shower aid on the wealthiest interests in society, including those most responsible for our current vulnerabilities. Ch. 2: Prof. Richard Wolff on Pandemic Economics - The Zero Hour - Air Date 3-20-20 Prof. Richard Wolff explains the failure of capitalism to prepare or respond to the pandemic
Ch. 4: AOC on a Socially Just Pandemic Response - Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 3-31-20 Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez talks about the federal relief package which is to include cash payments to everyone, as well as rent and mortgage relief Ch. 5: An economic crisis like we’ve never seen - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 3-23-20 Annie Lowrey on the coronavirus depression Ch. 6: Jim Naureckas on COVID-19 - CounterSpin - Air Date 3-20-20 The coronavirus is highlighting existing faults and fissures in US society. Stark evidence of government priorities and their impact is coming fast and furious. Ch. 7: Is the cure worse than the disease? - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 3-26-20 Are we overreacting to coronavirus? An economist and a bioethicist weigh in. Ch. 8: The Cyanide for Septuagenarians Movement - The Bugle - Air Date 3-27-20 A look at the growing movement to ritually sacrifice the elderly and otherwise vulnerable Ch. 9: The Economic Impact of COVID-19 - Deep Background with Noah Feldman - Air Date 3-16-20 Stefanie Stantcheva, Professor of Economics at Harvard, discusses the economic harms of COVID-19. Ch. 10: Trump Shows How Woefully Unprepared He Is For Coronavirus - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-26-20 Commenting on an article from Matt Stoller on the changing nature of our economy Ch. 11: Stephanie Kelton MMT, the Crisis, and the Real Economy - The Zero Hour - Air Date 3-28-20 Stephanie Kelton explains the role of Modern Monetary Theory in the governmental response to the pandemic and economic collapse For more on those bailouts and who benefits, we speak with Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize-winning economist, Columbia University professor and chief economist for the Roosevelt Institute. Ch. 13: US news update! - The Last Post - Air Date 3-23-20 Explaining the brutal nature of American individualism in an age of pandemic Ch. 14: The End of the Status Quo - Progressive Faith Sermon - Air Date 3-29-20 The virus did not so much create new problems as it poured gasoline on existing problems with health care, the income gap, foreign policy, prison policies, and the environment. We have the opportunity to forge a better world after COVID-19. Ch. 15: The Reverse Robin Hood Bailout - Intercepted - Air Date 4-1-20 Journalist David Dayen, executive editor of the American Prospect, breaks down the corporate interests and powerful people who stand to gain the most from the looting of taxpayer funds. VOICEMAILS Ch. 16: Getting depressed in the summer - Craig from Ohio Ch. 17: Health center update - Alan from Connecticut FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 18: Final comments on the phrases that obscure our reality because you don’t really hate Mondays MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1346_Coronovirus_Economics_Air_Date_4-3-20_-_4-4-20_12.31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:32am EDT |
Wed, 1 April 2020
Air Date: 4-1-20
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook! |
Wed, 1 April 2020
Air Date 6/11/2019 Today we take a look at Modern Monetary Theory and the neoclassical economics it is looking to replace. It’s very important to understand the logistical and political mechanisms by which money for progressive policy priorities would be appropriated by Congress and the debate over MMT gets to the core of those issues and seeks to change the paradigm we use to think about government spending. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES There’s a pattern to the Republicans’ selective concern about increasing the deficit, and it all depends on who holds the power. When you look at the behavior of people in politics, they don’t really care about the national debt as much as they like to ta Is government debt real? Is anything real? Professor Stephanie Kelton gives Nick and Goldy a master class on the hottest idea in economics right now: Modern Monetary Theory. Ch. 3: Why should we care about deficits? Part 2 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 2-20-19 Stony Brook University’s Stephanie Kelton, an influential proponent of Modern Monetary Theory, and Jason Furman, President Barack Obama’s chief economist, discuss whether we should worry about government deficits and if so, when? Stephanie Kelton is here to break it all down - the national deficit, the nature of money itself, federal spending, and why it’s time to stop comparing it to a household budget. Ch. 5: Why should we care about deficits? Part 3 - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 2-20-19 Stony Brook University’s Stephanie Kelton, an influential proponent of Modern Monetary Theory, and Jason Furman, President Barack Obama’s chief economist, discuss whether we should worry about government deficits and if so, when? Prof Richard Wolff warns about the asymmetric politics of increasing and decreasing government spending Stephanie Kelton is here to break it all down - the national deficit, the nature of money itself, federal spending, and why it’s time to stop comparing it to a household budget. Ch. 8: Dealing with the politics of managing Modern Monetary Theory - Planet Money - Airdate 9-26-18 We must take the fingerprints of Congress off the economy in order to manage inflation concerns. Discussing the conclusions to be drawn from the case for Modern Monetary Theory made by Stephanie Kelton VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: Impeachment would be symbolic - Jesse from Boston Ch. 11: Impeach but keep trump - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 12: Making the case for impeachment - Todd from Utah FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments summing up my major takeaways from researching MMT that I think we should all keep in mind MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE: John Laurits - JohnLaurits.com
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: Rerun_1280_Modern_Monetary_Theory_Air_Date_6-11-19_Ad_Free_-_4-1-20_19.53.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:45pm EDT |
Thu, 26 March 2020
Air Date 3/26/2020 Today we take a look at the toll the pandemic is taking on mental health and offer a wide range of coping mechanisms to help get everyone through. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Trumps Dumbest Statements on the Pandemic - The Majority Report with Sam Seder - Air Date 3-18-20 Sam breaks down the failure of the Trump admin. Ch. 2: A Slight Temporary Relief - Social Distance - Air Date 3-18-20 Lori Gottlieb of "Dear Therapist" talks us through how to stay sane. Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby shares some therapeutic practices to get through the pandemic. Ch. 4: Tips for surviving isolation! (Tinder Update) - The Last Post - Air Date 3-20-20 Tinder in an age of Coronavirus. Dating, Jane Austen style. Ch. 5: Adam Grant On the frontlines and in peoples' minds - Epidemic - Air Date 3-24-20 Understanding the psychological elements at play during the course of a pandemic Ch. 6: Dealing with COVID-19 with Buddhist Jack Kornfield - The Tim Ferriss Show - Air Date 3-12-20 Tim and Buddhist Jack Kornfield discuss mentally dealing with the pandemic. Ch. 7: Cüking - The Bugle - Air Date 3-20-20 Exploring new art forms from home. Ch. 8: Coping During COVID-19 - Happier with Gretchen Rubin and Liz Craft - Air Date 3-14-20 Gretchen Rubin and Liz Craft discuss coping mechanisms for the pandemic and social distancing. Ch. 9: How To Preserve Your Mental Health - Coronavirus Daily Briefing - Air Date 3-19-20 Preparing for the pandemic is not just about protecting yourself physically but preparing yourself mentally. Ch. 10: Tips for surviving isolation! - The Last Post - Air Date 3-20-20 A few tips for what you can do to stave off boredom at home. Ch. 11: "And the People Stayed Home" by Kitty O'Meara - Common Censored - Air Date 3-16-20 Eleanor shares the viral silver-lining poem of the pandemic. VOICEMAILS Ch. 12: The peaceful upside - James from Sacramento, CA Ch. 13: A trip to the grocery and liquor store - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 14: Bread & Roses & Roger too - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 15: Solidarity forever - Eammon from Orange County, California FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 16: Final comments with nothing to add MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1345_Coronovirus_Coping_Air_Date_3-26-20_-_3-26-20_20.29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Fri, 20 March 2020
Air Date 3/20/2020 Today we take a look at the social safety net we need in the face of Coronavirus and the forces preventing us from having it. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Some suddenly realize that we need a real social safety net Labor Department data says that one in four workers have no access to paid sick leave, including two-thirds of lowest earners. The U.S. is one of the only wealthy countries that does not require employers to offer its workers paid sick leave. Author Naomi Klein and Jeremy Scahill discuss the bipartisan ruling coalition that created and supported a health system where profits are more important than public health In a modern, functioning, democratic society, how should a public health crisis be handled? And what would America's response to the coronavirus pandemic look like if we had a universal healthcare system such as Medicare For All? Ch. 5: Society Run By Criminal Rackets Not Great For Public Health - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-15-20 In this Majority Report clip, Kevin McCarthy is sure everything is going to be fine. Ch. 6: The coronavirus election - The Weeds - Air Date 3-17-20 Ezra Klein and Matt Yglesias discuss Donald Trump’s disastrous coronavirus speech and dueling pandemic response plans from Sanders and Biden. We play highlights from the debate and get responses from scholars Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Misrepresenting Biden voters - Erin from Philadelphia FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on the nature of the cliff that we’re all on the edge of TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF Calm - Take a Deep Breath: A compilation of free meditations, stories to go to sleep to, calm music, soundscapes, movements & stretches, meditations for kids, mindfulness tips and resources, and more.
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1344_Coronovirus_Safety_Net_Air_Date_3-19-20_-_3-20-20_19.52.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Sat, 14 March 2020
Air Date 3/14/2020 Today, Amanda and I discuss the emotional toll of dealing with a pandemic, some facts about how math works in cases of exponential growth, the unfortunate truth about what we should all be doing right now, the predictable amorality of the health insurance and Pharma companies, the unconscionable propaganda from Trump and his supporters and the aspects of humanity that are revealed when tested. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Our BAD week Ch. 3: Individualistic advice in a time of need for social cohesion Ch. 4: Young and unafraid of the pandemic? Good for you. Now stop killing people Ch. 6: Pandemic Propaganda - On the Media - Air Date 3-13-20 Ch. 7: Don’t be a hoarder Ch. 9: The hand-washing advice the mainstream media doesn’t want you to know Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook! |
Wed, 11 March 2020
Air Date 3/10/2020 Today we take a look at Democratic Socialism and how to explain it because socialism and the freedoms it provides are a lot more American than we tend to think. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Spencer Cox discusses what democratic socialism means in action. Ch. 2: Move Over Socialism Democrats Need to Reclaim the Word "Freedom" - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 3-18-19 Among Democrats, there is a big debate about the word Socialism but should Democrats be talking about the word freedom instead? Ben Dixon breaks down a clip from MSNBC and what they get wrong about democratic socialism. Ch. 4: Jackson Mississippi's Socialist Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba - Backstory - Air Date 4-26-19 A conversation with the mayor of a southern town looking to make it the most radical in the nation Ch. 5: Capitalism vs Socialism - Progressive Faith Sermons - Air Date 9-1-19 "Socialism" has become a political scare word used to frighten voters away from progressive programs intended to expand health care coverage, make higher education available to lower-income families, and to raise the minimum wage to a living wage. Ch. 6: Who’s Really Afraid of Socialism? - Deconstructed - Air Date 2-6-19 To discuss America’s long-held resistance to socialism and its current rise in popularity, Mehdi Hasan is joined by Washington Post columnist Elizabeth Bruenig. The world is changing and we need to make the world work for more people. If we do nothing the world will end, but we have so much to gain. A promised land is just beyond the horizon. Ch. 8: Talking Democratic Socialism with Bhaskar Sunkara - Hear the Bern - Air Date 6-25-19 Bernie Sanders gives a democratic socialist speech and Bhaskar Sunkara helps break it down. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on the lasting effects of propaganda and the coming revolution MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE "Medicare for All Rally," Molly Adams, Flickr | License | Modifications: Cropped & increased contrast
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1343_Democratic_Socialism_Air_Date_3-10-20_-_3-11-20_11.37.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:09am EDT |
Sat, 7 March 2020
Air Date 3/7/2020 Today we take a look at the Coronavirus through the lens of the systems it is affecting including the incompetence of a government that doesn't believe in governing, the dangers of the lack of universal access to medical care and the interdependency of our economies regardless of the inevitable racism that flares up in times of panic. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES We speak with Laurie Garrett, former senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations and a Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer. She is the author of several books, including “Betrayal of Trust: The Collapse of Global Public Health.” “The core principle of any of us who have a platform...is to be transparent and clear about what the science says and what the risks might be. And right now, that basic threshold has not been met.” David Dayen, from The American Prospect, joins Ring of Fire’s Sam Seder to discuss the real story behind the coronavirus and how middlemen are destroying the prescription drug market. Ch. 4: Coronavirus: The Virus That Can Become a Pandemic - Thom Hartmann - Air Date 1-29-20 The New CoronaVirus out of China could turn into a pandemic and without Universal Healthcare. Americans could face the worst of it. Ch. 5: Lead Health Official GRILLED On Coronavirus Vaccine Cost - The Majority Report - Air Date 2-28-20 When you really dig into our public health policy, you begin to realize how messed up we are in the face of a possible health scare. Ch. 6: Coronavirus: Is the Climate Plague Here? - The Real News - Air Date 2-14-20 Jane C. Hu talks about the rise of xenophobia as the virus spreads. Ch. 7: COVID-19 and Protective Face Masks - Past/Present - Air Date 2-24-20 In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss COVID-19 and the history of protective face masks. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Coronavirus and the election - George from Tonawanda, NY Ch. 9: Comments on DNC machine - Alan from Connecticut FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on catching flies with honey MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1342_Coronavirus_Air_Date_3-6-20_-_3-7-20_11.37.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Tue, 3 March 2020
Air Date 3/3/2020 Today we take a look at the election through the lens of billionaire politics, from the candidates in both parties to the heads of media organizations to the way a pro-billionaire mentality trickles down to the establishment class on the media and Democratic Party. And what has all of this money been able to buy in terms of opposition research and narrative building against Bernie Sanders? Red-baiting at its most naked and pathetic. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES Seth takes a closer look at some pundits and members of the Democratic establishment panicking after Bernie Sanders won the Nevada caucus in a landslide. The embarrassing journalistic choices by the mainstream media in their coverage of the primary elections. Ch. 3: Michael Bloomberg Is Buying the Election - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 2-19-20 Intercepted investigates the multitude of problematic and harmful aspects of Michael Bloomberg. Ch. 4: The Billionaire Election with Anand Giridharadas - Democracy Now - Air Date 2-26-20 Anand Giridharadas discusses Bloomberg buying his way to the Democratic nomination A debate on Bernie Sanders and democratic socialism featuring two well-known economists, Paul Krugman and Richard Wolff. Jeremy discusses the establishment's resistance to Bernie. Ch. 7: The state of the race - The Bugle - Air Date 2-29-20 A comprehensive explanation of the state of the Democratic Primary race VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Get a message going! - Jeff from Charlotte, NC Ch. 9: What do we do if Bernie gets screwed over again? - Anonymous FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on navigating the post-primary election landscape MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1341_Bernie.Bloomberg_Air_Date_3-3-20_-_3-3-20_21.32.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Fri, 28 February 2020
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. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher and Facebook!
Direct download: 1340_Immigration.White_Supremacy_Air_Date_2-28-20_-_2-28-20_17.44.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Tue, 25 February 2020
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 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. 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):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher 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 |
Sat, 22 February 2020
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 MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK SHOW NOTES 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 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):
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 Podcasts | Spotify | +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 Podcasts, Stitcher 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 |
Wed, 19 February 2020
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 USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES 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. Mehdi and Noura Erakat discuss Israel and Palestine and if Israel is even a democracy anymore. Rashid Khalidi and Mehdi Hasan discuss the peace plan the pushes further oppression upon the Palestinian people. Margaret and Phyllis Bennis discuss the Trump/Netanyahu deal and their work to consolidate their power and eliminate dissent. Alex Kane discusses the US's imperialist support of Israel oppressing Palestine. Noura Erakat discusses the Trump administration further legalizing Israel's apartheid regime against Palestinians. 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):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1337_Israel_Peace_Plan_Air_Date_2-19-20_-_2-19-20_18.57.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Sat, 15 February 2020
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 SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK 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. 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? 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):
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 | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1336_Trade_Agreements_Air_Date_2-15-20_-_2-15-20_20.17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Tue, 11 February 2020
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):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 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 |
Sat, 8 February 2020
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 USA | Amazon CA | Amazon 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):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1335_World_Islamophobia_Air_Date_2-7-20_-_2-8-20_18.23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Wed, 5 February 2020
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 USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES 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. 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):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1334_Behavior_Modification_Air_Date_2-5-20_-_2-4-20_20.31.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT |
Sun, 2 February 2020
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. 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 USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) 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 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):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1333_Anger_Forgiveness_Grace_Air_Date_2-1-20_-_2-2-20_18.54.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:17pm EDT |
Wed, 29 January 2020
Air Date 1/29/2020 Today we take a look at the flurry of controversy around the Democratic Primary race, once again exposing multiple rifts within the party along both ideological and gender lines. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Debates and the Candidates Position on War - Democracy Now - Air Date 1-15-20 The Democratic Debates got a lot whiter, and they share jabs about how much they support war. Ch. 2: The Big White Wave - In The Thick - Air Date 1-14-20 Discussing the impact of voters of color on the primaries and how money in politics reinforces the dominance of white politicians Ch. 3: Warren, Sanders and the Question of Sexism - On the Media - Air Date 1-17-20 Rebecca Traister is a writer at The Cut where she wrote an article responding to the incident called “The Third Rail of Calling ‘Sexism’.” Here, she speaks with Brooke about the trickiness of talking about sexism without falling victim to it. Ch. 4: Can a Woman be President? - Call Your Girlfriend - Air Date 1-24-20 A nuanced discussion of how to talk about sexism within Democratic circles while understanding some of the contextual forces at play. Ch. 5: Hillary Clinton Is Not Going Away - The Young Turks - Air Date 1-21-20 Ana and Cenk discuss Hillary Clinton's documentary where she drags Bernie and Progressives. Michael Moore reviews the facts about Bernie Sanders' support of Hilary Clinton as the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in 2016 VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: We're the bully in the playground - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 8: Two-faced politicians - Naomi from Canada FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on how tomorrow’s leaders are made MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/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: 1332_Democratic_Primary_Air_Date_1-28-20_-_1-29-20_13.51.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:47pm EDT |
Sat, 25 January 2020
Air Date 1/25/2020 Today we take a look at the climatic, political and social dynamics at play that have helped set the country of Australia ablaze both literally and figuratively Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Australia’s grim warning to the world: our dangerous, climate-altered future is here, right now. Ch. 2: Listener connections to the Australia Fires Part 1 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-14-20 Umair Irfan talks about the environmental and human costs of the fire, its connection to climate change, and why any Australians are frustrated with how their politicians are responding to the disaster. Diane talks with David Wallace-Wells, deputy editor at New York Magazine and author of “The Uninhabitable Earth.” Michael Mann on Australia’s grim warning to the world: our dangerous, climate-altered future is here, right now. Ch. 5: Climate Change, News Corp, and the Australian Fires - On the Media - Air Date 1-15-20 Damien Cave is the New York Times bureau chief in Sydney, and he recently wrote about "How Rupert Murdoch Is Influencing Australia's Bushfire Debate." Ch. 6: Australian Fires and the Culture Wars - Behind the News, Jacobin Radio - Air Date 1-13-20 Writer Jeff Sparrow on the Australian fires. Diane talks with David Wallace-Wells, deputy editor at New York Magazine and author of “The Uninhabitable Earth.” Ch. 8: The Green News Report - Air Date 1-14-20 Australia’s catastrophic bushfires cause $2 billion in damages; 2019 was the second hottest year ever recorded globally; PLUS: 150 arrested at Jane Fonda’s ‘Fire Drill Fridays’ climate protest Ch. 9: Listener connections to the Australia Fires Part 2 - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 1-14-20 Umair Irfan talks about the environmental and human costs of the fire, its connection to climate change, and why any Australians are frustrated with how their politicians are responding to the disaster. The crisis in Australia & moving toward a GND. VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: Hacking your home screen - Annonymous from Connecticut Ch. 12: Liberals and Progressives need to be a united front - Heather from Colorado FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 13: Final comments on why any coherent theory of change should bring progressives and Democrats together into a unified force MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/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: 1331_Australia_Bushfires_Air_Date_1-25-20_-_1-25-20_18.02.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:21pm EDT |
Wed, 22 January 2020
Air Date 1/22/2020 Today we take a look at the history of US tensions with Iran and the reality that it has been the irrationality of multiple Republican administrations working hand-in-glove with the far-right government of Israel that has thwarted any chance of peace. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The US and Iran: A Brief History with Hussein Banai - BackStory - Air Date 1-10-20 BackStory delves into the long history between Iran and the US following the assassination of Soleimani. Ch. 2: America Exists To Make War with Lawrence Wilkerson - Democracy Now - Air Date 1-13-20 Amy Goodman talks with Lawrence Wilkerson about the endless war machine of US imperialism in Iran. Ch. 3: Iran with Mehdi Hasan Part 1 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 1-14-20 Jeremy Scahill hosts a discussion about the state of Iran and what the US has done. Amy Goodman and Sarges Bajoghli discuss the consequences of the assassination of Soleimani. Ch. 5: Hurtling Toward Catastrophe with Nathan Robinson - On the Media - Air Date 1-10-20 Experts discuss the Iran situation and how we got to the brink of war. Jeremy Scahill hosts a discussion about the state of Iran and what the US has done. Ch. 7: Danny Sjursen on Iran and War - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 1-11-20 RJ Eskow talks with Danny Sjursen about Iran and how the military approaches Trump. Ch. 8: US and Iran with Mohammad Marandi - Unauthorized Disclosure - Air Date 1-12-20 Iran's reaction to the US assassinating their top General was quite restrained. Ch. 9: No War With Iran Jan. 25th International Day of Action via @CODEPINK - Best of the Left Activism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 10: Iran with Mehdi Hasan Part 2 - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 1-14-20 Jeremy Scahill hosts a discussion about the state of Iran and what the US has done. VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: We need more and better candidates - Dave from Olympia, WA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the dynamics of presidential candidates including “bench” and “wave” candidates TAKE ACTION! Find a Jan. 25th "No War With Iran" International Day of Action rally near you Tell your members of Congress to support the Senate War Powers Resolution EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE Why Iran's Qassem Soleimani was on a not-so-secret trip to Iraq when he was assassinated (Business Insider) Trump authorized Soleimani's killing 7 months ago, with conditions (NBC News) Trump’s team insists Soleimani was an “imminent” threat. Just don’t ask for details. (Vox) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/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: 1330_Iran_Escalation_Air_Date_1-22-20_-_1-22-20_22.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:08pm EDT |
Sat, 18 January 2020
Air Date 1/18/2020 Today we take a look at The Afghanistan Papers which reveal in stark detail much of what the anti-war movement has known or strongly suspected since the beginning. Going beyond the scope of The Pentagon Papers of the Vietnam War era, The Afghanistan Papers feature interviews and documentation from top-ranking officials admitting from the start that they had no idea what they were doing in Afghanistan. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Headlines: The Afghanistan Papers - Democracy Now - Air Date 12-10-19 Breaking the news of The Afghanistan Papers Ch. 2: The "Pentagon Papers" Of Our Time with Craig Whitlock - On the Media - Air Date 12-20-19 Bob Garfield talks with Craig Whitlock about the Afghanistan Papers and the comparison to the Pentagon Papers. Ch. 3: They Lied To Us All Along with Danny Sjursen - The Real News with Marc Steiner - Air Date 12-15-19 Marc Steiner talks with Danny Sjursen about the lies of war and the lack of accountability for leadership. Brian talks with Craig Whitlock about the Afghanistan Papers and the history of the endless war on terror. Ch. 5: The Afghan Pentagon Papers - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 12-14-19 Michael Brooks breaks down the history of the modern military establishment. Ch. 6: The Afghanistan Papers - Eyes Left with Spenser Rapone and Mike Prysner - Air Date 12-16-19 Spenser and Mike bring context to the Afghanistan Papers and delve into the history of the endless war. An in-depth discussion of the history and corruption of the Afghanistan war. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: I didn't realize I was a socialist - Sarah from Cool, CA Ch. 9: Balancing policy and identity - Pat from Chicago FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on making diversity part of our process of learning and growing MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
"Afghanistan War Anniversary", Jayel Aheram on Flickr / License / Changes: Zoomed in and cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1329_The_Afghanistan_Papers_Air_Date_1-17-20_-_1-18-20_11.34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am EDT |
Tue, 14 January 2020
Air Date 1/14/2020 Today we take a look back at the year 2010 in our annual 10-years-past retrospective to see what we may learn. 2010 was an enormous year of news and I've been working on this episode so long that I can hardly remember life before I started. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Andrew Bacevich on Afghanistan - Bill Moyers Journal - Aired 5-15-10 Ch. 2: Congrats to Wikileaks! - Progressive Point of View - Aired 8-4-10 Ch. 3: Credit where credit is due - Rachel Maddow - Aired 9-4-10 Ch. 4: Obama Admin- Torture Not Illegal, Just A "Disagreement" - The Young Turks - Aired 3-27-10 Ch. 5: What's Next For Campaign Finance? - Bill Moyer's Journal - Aired 9-12-10 Ch. 6: Corporate Personhood - The Floodgates were Opened Today - Thom Hartmann - Aired 1-27-10 Ch. 7: Dems Must Fight Back on the Filibuster - Colbert Report Ch. 8: Robert Knutter and on healthcare - Bill Moyer's Journal - Aired 1-23-10 Ch. 9: For he's a jowly good fellow - Colbert Report - Aired 1-3-10 Ch. 10: Obama's signing speech - Countdown - Aired 3-31-10 Ch. 11: The Un-Tea party movement - Rachel Maddow - Aired 4-25-10 Ch. 12: Obama crushes house GOP - The Young Turks Ch. 13: Elizabeth Warren on financial reform - Colbert Report - Aired 5-6-10 Ch. 14: Financial Reform Bill is a Joke -- Economic Collapse Coming - The Young Turks - Aired 6-3-10 Ch. 15: Bet Against The American Dream - This American Life Ch. 16: Israel does something crazy/frustrating - The Bugle - Aired 6-17-10 Ch. 17: Joe Biden Hits New Low Defending Israeli Murder - Matthew Rothschild - Aired 6-17-10 Ch. 18: Obama Mute on Israeli Aggression - Matthew Rothschild - Aired 6-17-10 -0:08-0:17 Ch. 19: Scapegoating Immigrant Children Now - The Progressive - Aired 9-7-10 Ch. 20: Republican Wants Illegal Immigrant Camps - The Young Turks - Aired 9-7-10 Ch. 21: Papers please amendments - Rachel Maddow - Aired 5-11-10 Ch. 22: BP oil spill – The Progressive Ch. 23: Test of functioning media and politics - Rachel Maddow - Aired 6-15-10 Ch. 24: Strike it mucky! - The Bugle - Aired 6-23-10 Ch. 25: BP and the oil spill - The Now Show - Aired 7-1-10 Ch. 26: Bush-like missteps - The Daily Show - Aired 6-26-10 Ch. 27: Arne Duncan on US education system - Colbert Report - Aired 4-11-10 Ch. 28: Release the Kagan - The Daily Show - Aired 7-13-10 Ch. 29: Largest ever tax hike - Media Matters Minute - Aired 7-29-10 -0:45 Ch. 30: History made - Sanders speech - Countdown - Aired 12-16-10 Ch. 31: Pro-Gay Groups 'Desperate' For Obama To Take Action - NPR - Aired 12-11-10 Ch. 32: Beck vs MLK - Media Matters Minute - Aired 8-29-10 Ch. 33: Sanity/Fear protest of the absurd – NPR - Aired 11-16-10 Ch. 34: Religious and ethnic intolerance in the election - Rachel Maddow - Aired 11-4-10 Ch. 35: Yes we can, but - Le Show - Aired 11-10-10 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 36: Final comments, last day of working at CCAN - Comments Ch. 37: Real job coming to an end, increasing episode output immediately Ch. 38: Over the Health Care Hump, on to other topics - Aired 4-6-10 MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/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: 1328_2010_Retrospective_Air_Date_1-12-20_-_1-14-20_20.42.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:41pm EDT |
Thu, 9 January 2020
Air Date: 1/6/2019 Today, due to my current bout of perpetual-rake-in-the-face, I share a selection of honorable mentions from the 2009 retrospective show Bonus Clips: Introduction to SERE - Rachel Maddow Timeline summary of torture memos and fallout - Rachel Maddow Liz Cheney talks torture with the complicit media - The Young Turks Mancow gets waterboarded - The Young Turks Cheney testing the constitution - Rachel Maddow Correcting the record on Jim Cramer at CNBC - Daily Show Franken Kicks Conservative Ass - The Young Turks Obama Pwns Himself on Signing Statements - The Young Turks Correcting the record on Jim Cramer at CNBC - Daily Show Glenn Beck loses his mind talking about healthcare - The Young Turks Colbert on Glenn Beck's 9/12 project - Colbert Report High tech culture - On the Media Stephen Colbert study analyzed - On the Media Fox News The New Liberals (Craig T Nelson) - Daily Show Pizza Party - Slate
Leave a message at 202-999-3991
Produced by: Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes!
Direct download: Rerun_Bonus_127_Honorable_Mentions_Retrospective_2009_Air_Date_1-9-20_Ad_Free_-_1-9-20_20.18.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:54pm EDT |
Fri, 3 January 2020
Air Date 3/1/2019 Today we take a look at the social benefits of high taxation as the US gears up for our first genuine debate on raising taxes in a long time with an eye toward the life-improving programs that money could fund. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Dean Baker on Taxing the Rich - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 2-7-19 We’ll talk about some of the proposals to reduce wealth and income inequality—what they can and can’t do, and why we need them all—with economist Dean Baker Ch. 2: Bruce Bartlett explains the GOP Starve the Beast strategy - Pitchfork Economics - Airdate 1-29-19 Reaganomics and the destructive power of austerity. We need a strong and vocal socialist left to pull the conversation back to the left. Ch. 3: Democrats are Eisenhower Republicans - The Zero Hour w @RJEskow - Air Date 9-9-17 Explaining how the GOP went from the party of fiscal responsibility to the opposite and why the Democrats took up the task themselves How did Nordic countries become what they are today? They've worked to eliminate poverty and produce an alternative vision of economies. Workers are happier and more productive. Ch. 5: How to Be Happy - Freakonomics Radio - Airdate 1-2-19 Looking at Gross Domestic Product versus Gross National Happiness and how Nordic countries have built the social trust to afford sweeping social programs Why is America the way it is? Reagan. We were heading the way of Nordic economies but Reaganomics put America on the economic defense, regressing our progress. VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: The dynamics of supporting candidates - Dave from Olympia, WA Ch. 8: Was Harris treated differently because of her minority status? - Marguerite from Fortuna, CA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on the racial and gender dynamics of covering and criticizing presidential candidates MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 23125320The20Joy20of20Tax2028Comparing20the20US20and20Scandinavian20Systems29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Tue, 31 December 2019
Air Date 2/5/2019 Today we take a look at the history of FDR's "Four Freedoms" and "Economic Bill of Rights" that laid the groundwork for the fight for economic freedom for all that continues to this day. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Harvey Kaye, "The Fight for the Four Freedoms" - Book TV - Air Date 5-11-14 Harvey Kaye examines the progressivism of the Roosevelt-era and argues that a reminder of the "four freedoms" could address today's political and social issues. Ch. 2: What Ted Cruz Doesn't Get About 'Freedom' - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 7-21-16 Thom talks about Ted Cruz's speech at the Republican Convention and compares his definition of 'freedom' with the way it was described by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Ch. 3: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 1 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18 F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented. Ch. 4: Fighting for the Four Freedoms - @BillMoyersHQ And Company - Air Date 4-15-14 Historian Harvey J. Kaye talks about how FDR was able to mobilize Americans to create "the strongest and most prosperous country in human history." Explaining that libertarian thinking doesn't incorporate the existence of economic coercion Ch. 6: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 2 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18 F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented. Ch. 7: Bernie Sanders & FDR's Second Bill of Rights - Berniementum - Air Date 8-12-15 President FDR's Second Bill of Rights speech - January 11, 1944 Sen. Bernie Sanders speech at the National Press Club - Mar. 9, 2015 Music - "There is Romance" by Imcompetech University of Wisconsin Professor Harvey J Kaye author of Fight for the Four Freedoms: What Made FDR and the Greatest Generation Truly Great, explains Ronald Reagan and the great pushback against a progressive America Ch. 9: An Overdue Second Bill of Rights Part 3 - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-7-18 F.D.R. recognized that the original bill of rights would not be enough to make all American’s truly free and proposed an economic bill of rights. Of the eight amendments he proposed in 1944, seven are still waiting to be implemented. VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: Sanders rant on his supporters hatred of female politicians - Jason from Chicago FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments in which I resolve the dispute over whether Bernie Sanders supporters are sexist or not MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 23124720The20Fight20for20the20Four20Freedoms2028FDR20vs.20Libertarianism29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Fri, 27 December 2019
Air Date 2/1/2019 Today we take a look at the warring factions of progressive and conservatives who are all trying to amend the constitution in various ways. Some progressives want to call for a Convention of States to propose an amendment, as do some conservatives, while others are calling for an amendment but would rather it go through the Congress for reasons that will be explained. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: We the People Amendment - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 4-28-15 Thom Hartmann talks with David Cobb, National Spokesperson-Move to Amend Website: www.movetoamend.org, about an amendment in The U.S House that would end 'corporate rule'. Ch. 2: The Liberty Amendments Explained Article V Convention of States - Hip Hughes - Air Date 8-15-18 A look at the Constitutional process of starting a Constitutional Convention by the states. And a straight forward focus on Mark Levin's proposed "Liberty Amendments" and the Convention of States pushing for a Constitutional Convention. We host a debate on whether the push for a constitutional amendment is the best path to overturning Citizens United. We speak to Mark Schmitt, a senior fellow at the Roosevelt Institute and John Bonifaz, co-founder and director of Free Speech for People. Ch. 4: The Balanced Budget Amendment Escape Clause - The New American Video - Air Date 4-3-17 The escape clause of a proposed Balanced Budget Amendment gives Congress the authority to not balance the budget while in a national state of emergency. Constitutional expert Robert Brown points that the U.S. is in a constant state of emergency for almost Ch. 5: Cenk DEBATES Constitutional Amendment To Fight Corruption Part 1 - @TheYoungTurks - Air Date 7-8-18 Cenk Uygur joins a panel discussion about the pros and cons of calling for an Article 5 convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to fight money in politics and overturn the Citizens United decision. Ch. 6: Mark Levin, Constitution Article V, and the Liberty Amendments - WesternFreePress - Air Date 7-11-13 Mark Levin shows how the state legislatures, with no permission required from the feds, can amend the US Constitution. It's right there in Article V, and the historical record shows that the Founders meant for that Article to be used in a time like ours. Ch. 7: Cenk DEBATES Constitutional Amendment To Fight Corruption Part 2 - @ TheYoungTurks - Air Date 7-8-18 Law Professor, Ken Chestek, explains the nuts of bolts of going forward with an Article V Convention strategy Ch. 8: Liberals, Conservatives Team Up To Overturn Citizens United - Rebel HQ - Air Date 9-21-17 TYT's Eric Byler talks to Jeff Clements, president of American Promise, an all-volunteer organization working toward a Constitutional Amendment to Overturn "Citizens United." VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Shutdown - Alan from Connecticut FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments with my main takeaways about the state of the campaign for the 28th amendment MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 23124620To20amend20or20not20to20amend20and20if20so2C20how_2028Article20V20Convention29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Tue, 24 December 2019
Air Date 1/22/2019 Today we take a look at socialism in America from our often violent response to the concept in the wake of the Russian Revolution through the recent revival in interest, driven primarily by the younger generation today Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Red Dawn Americans and the Bolshevik Revolution - @BackStory - Air Date 11-9-17 One hundred years ago, Vladimir Lenin and his Bolshevik Party seized power in a revolution that would change the world. Today we explore how that distant revolution had an immediate impact in the United States. Ch. 2: What the Russian Revolution Proved Possible - Empire Files - Air Date 12-18-17 To understand the context of this first socialist experiment, how it happened and what caused the many problems it faced, Abby Martin sits down with Brian Becker, a long-time socialist organizer. Ch. 3: America’s Unofficial Religion - The War On An Idea Part 1 - Empire Files - Air Date 11-27-17 Everyone in the United States knows that “socialist” or “communist” is considered a bad word. How did things get that way? Abby Martin explores the history of anti-communism in America and the heavy repression of an idea that became an unofficial religion Ch. 4: "Socialism" in the Air - On the Media - Air Date 7-27-18 The word "socialism" has been trending, appearing on op-ed pages, FOX News, ABC's The View and beyond. In this word watch, Bob speaks with another self-described socialist, Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan Robinson Ch. 5: Americans are ready for socialism - @ThisIsHellRadio - Air Date 3-13-18 Columnist Elizabeth Bruenig looks beyond the failures of liberalism, to the possibilities of socialism. Elizabeth wrote the op-ed “It’s time to give socialism a try” at the Washington Post. In this interview with Professor of Economics Emeritus (University of Massachusetts), Marxist economist and founder of Democracy at Work, Richard D. Wolff, we talk to him about Capitalism and Socialism. Ch. 7: Why Are People Talking About Socialism? with Paul Jay - @TheRealNews - Air Date 1-2-19 Explaining why socialisms time may have come - the failures of capitalism Prof. Richard Wolff explains some tenets of how a modern socialists system could work Ch. 9: America’s Unofficial Religion The War On An Idea Part 2 - Empire Files - Air Date 11-27-17 Capitalism can no longer compare itself with the dysfunctional Soviet Union but can only be compared to itself and it's failures Bonus Clips: Fox & Friends Have TOTAL Meltdown Over Socialism - Majority Report (@MajorityFM) - Air Date 8-6-18 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments wrapping up conservative arguments against socialist programs MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/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: 23124320The20story20of20Socialism20in20America.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Sat, 21 December 2019
Air Date 12/21/2019 Today we take a look at the GOP through modern history to understand how they came to be what they are and how the impeachment is throwing this reality into such sharp relief. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: What the framers didn't foresee was Mitch McConnell - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 10-26-19 A thought on why it’s Mitch McConnell, not Donald Trump, who poses the core threat to our constitutional structure. Ch. 2: What’s wrong with the Republican Party? - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 11-23-19 Thomas Mann, co-author of It’s Even Worse Than It Looks joins me to discuss how the Republican Party became the institution on display in this process. Ch. 3: The GOP's Ultimate Defense Keeping America Tuned Out - On the Media - Air Date 11-22-19 David Roberts, a writer covering energy for Vox, on the "epistemic crisis" at the heart of our bifurcated information ecosystem. Nicole Hemmer, the brilliant historian of conservative media, joins to discuss how Fox News and the larger conservative media-verse protects Trump but also lures him into disaster. Ch. 5: Comparing the pubic opinion timeline from Nixon to now - Impeachment Today - Air Date 12-18-19 The second time the US impeached a president, it was Richard Nixon. And we all know how that turned out — except we don’t. Princeton history prof Kevin Kruse gives us the tour. Noah Feldman is a Harvard Law professor and one of the constitutional scholars who testified at the House Judiciary Committee’s hearing. He joins me to talk about what he saw, what he learned, and the Republican argument that truly scared him. Ch. 7: Trump impeached - Impeachment Updates from The Washington Post - Air Date 12-19-19 The House of Representatives voted last night to impeach President Trump on charges that he abused his office and obstructed Congress, branding an indelible mark on the most turbulent presidency of modern times. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 8: Final comments on the end of the year, the end of the impeachment investigation and what we are looking ahead to next year MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE: "He's Number One: Trump Leads GOP Field in New Poll," Mike Licht, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped and blurred top and bottom
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1327_Impeachment_GOP_Air_Date_12-20-19_-_12-21-19_16.55.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Tue, 17 December 2019
Air Date 12/17/2019 Today we take a look at the history of impeachment starting with the crafting of the language in the constitution and on to how the impeachment process has played out over time. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 Take our audience survey: http://survey.libsyn.com/hippiesympathizer EPISODE SPONSORS: Bombas.com/LEFT | Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Impeaching Other Presidents - Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 12-7-19 Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Kate Shaw, a professor of law at Cardozo Law School and the co-director of the Floersheimer Center for Constitutional Democracy. Ch. 2: Lessons From That Other Impeachment - On the Media - Air Date 12-6-19 Bob interviews Brenda Wineapple, author of The Impeachers: the Trial of Andrew Johnson and the Dream of a Just Nation. She describes our country's first presidential impeachment as a divisive, acrimonious one. Princeton history professor Kevin Kruse joins Mehdi Hasan to discuss what the current congress can learn from the historical examples of Bill Clinton, Richard Nixon, and Andrew Johnson. Ch. 4: John Dean On The Impeachment Comparisons - On the Media - Air Date 11-15-19 Brooke speaks to Nixon's former White House counsel John Dean to get his reflections on what other meaningful comparisons there are between these proceedings and the ones against Clinton and Nixon. Ch. 5: Tom Brokaw Remembers Watergate - Article II Inside Impeachment - Air Date 11-16-19 Brokaw discusses his time covering the fall of President Nixon and the parallels to today, as the nation watches the impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump unfold. VOICEMAILS Ch. 6: Let them gather information - Jeff from New York Ch. 7: Why I became a member - Alan from Connecticut FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 8: Final comments on why it’s worth it to try to do the right thing TAKE ACTION! **TONIGHT (TUES. DEC. 17th): National "Nobody Is Above The Law" Protests Planned for Night Before House Impeachment Vote** Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1326_Impeachment_History_Air_Date_12-17-19_-_12-17-19_22.40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:24pm EDT |
Fri, 13 December 2019
Air Date 12/13/2019 Today we take a look at the impeachment story through the lens of the last six years of history between Russia and Ukraine from the annexation of Crimea to election tampering and all that followed. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Bombas.com/LEFT | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!) SHOW NOTES Bonus Clip: Does the GOP have Putin envy? - All In with Chris Hayes - Air Date: 03-04-14 Ch. 1: The Ukraine story is a Russia story Part 1 - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 10-26-19 Evelyn Farkas, the Pentagon’s former point person on Russia and Ukraine, talks about the Russia-Ukraine crisis Trump exploited. Ch. 2: The Backstory - Rubicon: The Impeachment of Donald Trump - Air Date 11-29-19 Brian Beutler and The Atlantic’s Frank Foer discuss the true origins of the Ukraine scandal, and how they fit into a much larger story of global corruption. Ch. 3: The Ukraine story is a Russia story Part 2 - Impeachment, Explained - Air Date 10-26-19 Evelyn Farkas, the Pentagon’s former point person on Russia and Ukraine, talks about the Russia-Ukraine crisis Trump exploited. Ch. 4: The Origins of The Ukraine Corruption Conspiracy Theory - On the Media - Air Date 11-8-19 How John Solomon from The Hill helped catapult completely fabricated conspiracy theories all the way to the White House. Ch. 5: Impeachment Inquiry - The Washington Post - Air Date 12-3-19 Rosalind S. Helderman traces the origin of Rudolph W. Giuliani’s involvement in Ukraine. Ch. 6: The Prehistory of the Ukraine Scandal - Impeachment A Daily Podcast - Air Date 11-11-19 Our guest, Philip Bump, Washington Post national correspondent takes us through Paul Manafort, the Russian annexation of Crimea, and a few Ukraine's problematic prosecutors that led up to the events we're still learning about. Why won't Republicans stop talking about the debunked theory that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election? FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 8: Final comments on our end-of-year membership drive Bonus Clip: The articles of impeachment have arrived - The Daily DC Impeachment Watch - Air Date 12-10-19 Democrats claim President Trump committed two 'high crimes and misdemeanors' - abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. TAKE ACTION! Sign Up for National "Nobody Is Above The Law" Protests Planned for Night Before House Impeachment Vote (*Vote Date TBA*) Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE: "Trump-Ukraine controversy", Trending Topics 2019, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped and more white added to the top and layered other images at top
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1325_Impeachment_Ukraine_Air_Date_12-13-19_-_12-13-19_18.40.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Tue, 10 December 2019
Air Date 12/10/2019 Today we take a look at the labor movement as energy and power continue to build and more workers continue to strike to demand better conditions for themselves and all of society in an intersectional movement for social justice. Though not much thanks can be given to either political party. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!) SHOW NOTES Steve Greenhouse discusses the history of union organizing and the current state of unions in the GM strike. Ch. 2: Past and Present of Collective Action with Jane McAlevey - On The Media - Air Date 9-20-19 Jane McAlevey discusses the power of labor in reshaping inequality. Mary Kay Henry discusses the possibilities of a strong labor force in shaping society. Ch. 4: State of Labor with Kate Bronfenbrenner - Counterspin - Air Date 9-6-19 Kate Bronfenbrenner discusses the possibilities of the power of labor and the role of the gig economy. Amy Walter talks with several experts about the history of labor resistance and their ties to the Democratic Party Mary Kay Henry discusses the possibilities of a strong labor force in shaping society. VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Share in the profits by lowering costs - Bud from Boise Ch. 8: Pulling people to the left - Corey from New Jersey Ch. 9: Thanks for important conversations - Jake from the UK FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on how Republicans have become what they defend Limerick of the day from @Limerick_News MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE SEIU Protest by Spot Us, Flickr | License | Changes: Cropped
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1324_Labor_Unions_Air_Date_12-10-19_-_12-10-19_17.45.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Sat, 7 December 2019
Air Date 12/7/2019 Today we take a look at the reaction to decades of the fetishization of privatization in the form of a reinvigorated movement for public ownership of institutions meant to serve the public such as utilities, banks, train systems and so on. But this isn't your grandfathers' top-down public ownership, the new movement has bottom-up, accountable, democratic control of institutions at the very core of its mission. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES PG&E declared bankruptcy amid a number of lawsuits related to the wildfires. We speak with California Congressmember Ro Khanna, who is calling for the California state government to take over control of PG&E. Ch. 2: When Power Goes Out, Who Is Held Accountable? - Building Local Power - Air Date 10-31-19 PG&E’s negligence and how a distributed energy system could avoid future outages and detrimental fire damage. Ch. 3: Public Ownership 2.0 - Weekly Economics - Air Date 2-18-19 Public ownership is back on the agenda. But if privatization has failed, what kind of public ownership should replace it? Ch. 4: From Private Profits to Public Alternatives - The Next System Podcast - Air Date 1-24-19 The conversation runs the gamut from the pitfalls of the privatization of goods and services to the social benefits of public ownership and envisioning democratic governance thereof. Ch. 5: The Future of Banking - Ralph Nader Radio Hour - Air Date 6-29-19 Ralph welcomes Walt McRee President of Public Banking Associates, who explains how public banks should be the future of banking. Ch. 6: Trinity Tran on Public Banking - CounterSpin - Air Date 10-11-19 Trinity Tran, co-founder and lead organizer for Public Bank LA and a founding member of the California Public Banking Alliance. Ch. 7: Who’s Afraid of Public Ownership? - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 1-28-19 Laura in conversation with Thomas Hanna, research director at The Democracy Collaborative and author of “Our Common Wealth: The Return of Public Ownership in the United States”. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Knowing the history of pitching men against the patriarchy - Shannon from The Bronx Ch. 9: Society going in a good direction - Shannon from The Bronx FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on building a wholistic feminism MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1323_Public_Ownership_Air_Date_12-6-19_-_12-7-19_16.55.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Wed, 4 December 2019
Air Date 12/4/2019 Today we take a look at some solutions to our social media problems of fake news, propaganda and hate in all forms spreading like wildfire through society Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!) SHOW NOTES Amy Walter interviews several experts about the role of big tech in politics and policy in our society. Ch. 2: FaceBOO - BackTalk with Dahlia and Amy - Air Date 10-31-19 Dahlia and Amy discuss Zuckerberg and Facebook and their unstoppable capitalist power and right-wing centrism. Kate Klonick discusses AOC questioning Zuckerberg about Facebook's role in free speech and politics. Aza, Tristan and Guillaume Chaslot discuss the vicious internet algorithms that are draining the life of humans. Amy Walter interviews several experts about the role of big tech in politics and policy in our society. Aza, Tristan and Yael Eisenstat discuss the massive power Facebook has over the lives and policies of the American people. VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Christian missionary colonization - Heather from Colorado Ch. 8: The curation is needed - Mark in Colorado Ch. 9: Monthy contributor - Mark in Colorado Ch. 10: First-time monthly member - Stacy from San Francisco Bay Area FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on how human curation is like Tinkerbell MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1322_Regulating_Social_Media_Air_Date_12-3-19_-_12-4-19_17.06.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Wed, 27 November 2019
Air Date: 6–21-2019 SHOW NOTES 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 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 W Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu step in a pile of native cultural appropriation and then slowly, messily wade their way out of it 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 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):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1283_Native_Peoples_Representation_Air_Date_6-21-19_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:04am EDT |
Wed, 27 November 2019
Air Date: 4–16-2019 SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: American Indians Confront “Savage Anxieties” - Moyers and Company - Air Date 12-26-14 Bill speaks with Robert A. Williams Jr., a professor specializing in American Indian law, about how deals such as the one with Rio Tinto are a part of American Indian’s tragic history of dispossession. Ch. 2: What we inherit: Explaining intergenerational trauma - Code Switch - Air Date 6-6-18 The story of one family's struggle to end a toxic cycle of inter-generational trauma from forced assimilation. Getting back to their Native Alaskan cultural traditions is key. Ch. 3: Sexual Violence and Native American Genocide - @Making_Contact - Air Date 11-26-13 Andrea Smith, author of “Conquest: Sexual Violence and Native American Genocide” explains the connection between violence against women, and the colonization of native lands and bodies. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is a major issue because of racism. Acquittals for murdering Native people occur because of racism. Racism is systemic, historic and the norm in the US and Canada. Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 6: Jenni Monet on Indigenous Journalism - CounterSpin (@FAIRmediawatch) - Air Date 1-24-19 Corporate media’s lack of interest in indigenous issues, and their ahistorical, distorted view of them when they do cover them, are long overdue for a change. Ch. 7: Beyond Tragedy: The living history of Native America - Ideas from CBC Radio - Air Date 2-20-19 This idea of history as tragedy is something that Ojibwe writer David Treuer tries to undo in The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee. He argues that Indigenous peoples have always found ways to adapt, and that's exactly what they're doing now. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Disagreeing on arguments against a female presidential candidate - Stacy from San Francisco Bay Area FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments sharing some voices of Native people giving their perspective on the burning of Notre Dame cathedral TAKE ACTION! Tell Congress to Pass/Reauthorize: Learn more at MontanaMMIW.com & on Twitter: #MMIW #MMIWG EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE A missing sweater tells the story of missing Indigenous women (Indian Country Today) Savanna's Act is Back (Splinter) States weigh bills addressing Native deaths, disappearances (AP) House Passes Bill Protecting Domestic Abuse Victims; GOP Split Over Gun Restrictions (NPR) Montana Senate Betrays Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (Splinter) Tester reintroduces “Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment” Act (KRTV) Lisa Murkowski Revives Bill Targeting Missing And Murdered Native Women (Huffington Post) Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Episode Image: Slowking4 via commons.wikimedia.org
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1265_Native_Peoples_Modern_Life_Air_Date_4-16-19_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:03am EDT |
Wed, 27 November 2019
Air Date: 2–26-2019 Today we take a look at the process of systematic, government-sponsored genocide against the native peoples of North America that kicked off the wealth-accumulating, territory-expanding American empire we know and love today Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 SHOW NOTES Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz describes the process of coming to understand that there is an alternate history of the United States and explains how she tried to convey that new understanding in her book "An Indigenous People's History of the United States." Ch. 2: American expansion and violence against Native Americans - @BackStory - Air Date: 01-19-2018 Ed talks with historian Benjamin Madley about the devastating impact of the Gold Rush on California’s native tribes – and how both government officials and everyday citizens justified enslaving and killing native peoples. We explore how the media discusses the issue of BDS and the broader topic of Palestinian liberation with guest Steven Salaita. Ch. 4: Understanding the origins of scalp hunting and "redskins" - Empire Files - Air Date 11-25-15 Abby Martin interviews Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, renowned indigenous scholar and activist, about her most recent book "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States." Ch. 5: Paul Frymer on the building of an American empire - The Dig from @jacobinmag - Air Date 1-30-18 We are living on land from which indigenous people, over hundreds of years, have been violently removed. Almost everyone knows this — yet it’s rarely mentioned in stories that Americans tell themselves about who we are as a country and how we got here. Ch. 6: America's Distribution of Violence - @Intercepted w: @JeremyScahill - Air Date 2-14-18 Jeremy Scahill talks with Nikhil Singh, professor of social and cultural analysis and history at New York University, about his new book "Race and America’s Long War.” VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Life as a charter school contractor - TJ from Scottsdale Ch. 8: Reaction to candidate spotlight episode - Conner from Worcester, MA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments explaining the shortcomings of the Candidate Spotlight episode and how it was made BONUS CLIP: Senator Kamala Harris live in the studio - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 1-24-19 MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1252_Native.Imperialism_Air_Date_2-26-19_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:02am EDT |
Wed, 27 November 2019
Air Date: 11–27-2018 SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: A Code Switch Thanksgiving Feast - Code Switch - Air Date 11-21-17 Exploring the conflicting narratives of American Thanksgiving. We speak with indigenous historian and activist Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. She is the author of "An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States" and co-author of "All the Real Indians Died Off: And 20 Other Myths About Native Americans." Ch. 3: The stolen sisters Part 1 - In the Thick - Air Date 9-18-18 Maria and Julio speak about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement with Annita Lucchesi, a Southern Cheyenne cartographer who has built the largest database of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Ch. 4: Indigenous DNA - Science for the People - Air Date 1-5-17 Kim TallBear, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples Technoscience, on her book "Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic Science." Ch. 5: The stolen sisters Part 2 - In the Thick - Air Date 9-18-18 Maria and Julio speak about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement with Annita Lucchesi, a Southern Cheyenne cartographer who has built the largest database of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Ch. 6: It's not just about the blood - Code Switch - Air Date 2-6-18 If you're Native American, who or what gets to define your identity? We dive into an old system intended to measure the amount of "Indian blood" a person has. Native Americans across the country are criticizing Senator Elizabeth Warren’s decision to use a DNA test to assert her Native American heritage. We host a roundtable discussion of Native American activists and journalists to respond. Indigenous historian Nick Estes discusses the ongoing attacks on native people, voter disenfranchisement, the Red Power movement and the latest on the fight against major oil and gas pipelines.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: The dangers of over-secrecy - Abdul from DC Ch. 10: Final comments on #StandWithMashpee
TAKE ACTION! Tell your members of Congress to support the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Reservation Reaffirmation Act (H.R. 5244 / S. 2628) Learn more and find out how to support the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Share the tribe’s video on social media Amplify the #StandwithMashpee hashtag EDUCATE YOURSELF The true story of the first Thanksgiving and what it meant (Opinion | Boston Globe) Mashpee Wampanoag Confront 'Loss Of Self-Governance' After Interior Department Reversal (WBUR, Here & Now) This Thanksgiving, The Trump Administration Is Taking Land From The Tribe That Welcomed The Pilgrims (Huffington Post) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1230_Native_People_Thanksgiving_Air_Date_11-27-18_-_11-26-19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:01am EDT |
Wed, 27 November 2019
Air Date: 10–5-2018
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Indigenous Peoples Day - Progressive Faith Sermons w @RevDrRay - Air Date 10-23-16 The origin stories we tell ourselves and the importance of understanding that the words we use change the way we think. Ch. 2: The Truth of Jesuit-Catholic Christopher Columbus - The Canary Effect (Documentary) The documentary film, The Canary Effect, follows the terrifying and horrific abuses instilled upon the Indigenous people of North America and details the genocidal practices of the US government and its continuing effects on present-day Indian country. Ch. 3: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE- New York’s Battleground Races! - Best of the Left Activism Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. Ch. 4: Columbus Day - Why are we Celebrating? - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 10-13-09 Thom Hartmann, reading a portion of his book "The last hours of ancient sunlight" about some of the atrocities of Christopher Columbus Ch. 5: Indigenous Peoples Day VS Columbus Day - @theyoungturks - Air Date: 09-04-17 Los Angeles just changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, here's why everyone else should also. Hosted by NerdAlert's Kim Horcher. Ch. 6: Reframing Columbus Day - Pod Save the People - Air Date 10-10-17 A discussion to reframe and understand the debate over Columbus Day Ch. 7: Christopher Columbus Was A Demon by Hari Kondabolu - Totally Biased - Air Date: 10-12-12 Hari Kondabolu discusses his hatred of the demon Christopher Columbus. Ch. 8: Discussing how to move beyond Columbus Day - In the Thick - Air Date 10-9-17 Maria Hinojosa and Julio Ricardo Varela lead a conversation about the change away from Columbus Day with Mitch O’Farrell, council member of LA’s 13th district, and Chrissie Castro, vice chairwoman of the Los Angeles Native American Indian Commission.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: We need an election day holiday - Nate from Vacaville, CA Ch. 10: Final comments on the Powerline series from Outside/In
THE MIDTERMS MINUTE REGISTER TO VOTE: RocktheVote.org/register-to-vote/ CONFIRM VOTER REGISTRATION: RocktheVote.org/resources/am-i-registered-to-vote/ CHECK VOTING DATES & POLICIES: RocktheVote.org/voting-information/ VOTER ID INFO/HELP: VoteRiders & 866ourvote.org Get Involved/Resources: THE MIDTERMS MINUTE H.Q. NEW YORK BATTLEGROUNDS: NY Important Dates: Register, have your application postmarked, or have made an in-person request by October 12th. Absentee ballot options and deadlines are complex, visit elections.ny.gov website for that information. U.S. HOUSE NY-11: Max Rose Swing Left NY-11 | Red to Blue NY-11 NY-19: Antonio Delgado Swing Left NY-19 | Red to Blue NY-19 NY-22: Anthony Brindisi Swing Left NY-22 | Red to Blue NY-22 NY-27: Nate McMurry Researched & Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions): Opening Theme: Loving Acoustic Instrumental by John Douglas Orr Lakal - Speakeasy Voicemail Music: Low Key Lost Feeling Electro by Alex Stinnent Closing Music: Upbeat Laid Back Indie Rock by Alex Stinnent
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/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: 1216_Columbus_Day_Air_Date_10-5-18_-_11-26-21_02.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT |
Mon, 25 November 2019
Sponsored: Today we feature a full episode of Brave New Words focusing on one of the most pressing issues for Americans: access to medicine and the fight against Big Pharma. Brave New Words is a new, limited series podcast about the power of changing the narrative of the political arguments we have, using those new narratives to drive major progressive wins around the world and create real change. Search for Brave New Words wherever you get your podcasts or find the show at BraveNewWordsPod.com
Additional Praise for Brave New Words: Jee Kim, Executive Director, Narrative Initiative “Anat has the unique ability to take thorny challenges and offer concrete ways to address them. She makes narrative change accessible and compelling.”
Celinda Lake, Democratic pollster and strategist “As a veteran of issue and electoral campaigns for progressive causes and candidates, I can think of no better person to walk us through the words that have won us critical victories than Anat. The lessons and the unparalleled strategic insights she draws apply to persuasive communication across a range of issues."
Ian Haney López, author Merge Left and Dog Whistle Politics "Messaging is an art and a science. Few combine these as brilliantly as Anat Shenker-Osorio. Her captivating podcast is a master class in how to tell the truth that can set us free."
Heather McGhee, Former President of Demos "Shanker-Osorio’s message advice is the best around. She understands not just what words test well but what stories will move people into action, and has become the secret weapon of winning progressive campaigns worldwide."
Michael Podhorzer, Senior Advisor to the President, AFLCIO; Founder of the Analyst Institute "Anat consistently uncovers messages that both persuade and help mobilize working people. The insights offered in these episodes are critical for anyone who works in progressive politics or just has an interest in making this country more just, prosperous and democratic."
Dorian Warren, President of Community Change “To win a better world we need better stories and more support for change. Anat is a warrior for both – her tools are data, passion, wisdom and an indomitable commitment to listening to and learning first from those most left behind on this planet.”
Direct download: Bonus_Brave_New_Words_-_Access_to_Medicines_Air_Date_11-25-18_-_11-25-19_11.52.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Sat, 23 November 2019
Air Date: 11/23/2019 Today we take a look at just a few forms the decolonization movement is taking from finance to cartography to the internet and beyond. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Laura speaks to Edgar Villanueva, about being one of the very few indigenous people working in grant-making, and ask what he thinks Native American traditions have to teach philanthropy. His latest book is "Decolonizing Wealth" Ch. 2: Decolonizing philanthropy - Native America Calling - Air Date 12-13-18 Edgar Villanueva, author of “Decolonizing Wealth,” questions the wisdom of accepting funds from philanthropic endeavors built by corporate giants whose business is in direct conflict with Native sovereignty and sustainability. Ch. 3: Decolonize the Internet - Tiny Spark - Air Date 3-8-19 The internet is very white male-biased, it's important to find and prop up all other voices. Ch. 4: Decolonizing Maps - Native America Calling - Air Date 8-28-19 Indigenous Map making is a greatly different experience from what western colonialism forces people to use. Maps can tell a story, and engage with people. Ch. 5: Decolonization Is For Everyone with Nikki Sanchez - TEDx Talks - Air Date 3-12-19 Nikki Sanchez shares her vision of a world where we listen and care and stop dehumanizing people. VOICEMAILS Ch. 6: Hoping to save a life - James from Sacramento, CA Ch. 7: Wealth tax for the children - Chris from San Diego FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 8: Final comments on the tragedy of wealth and the difference between aggregation and curation Limerick of the day from @Limericking MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE dignidadrebelde | Flickr | License | Changes: Added credit
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1321_Native_Decolonization_Air_Date_11-23-19_-_11-23-19_18.11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Wed, 20 November 2019
Air Date: 11/20/2019 Today we take a look at how Neoliberalism was born, how it was maintained and why it is on the verge of collapse. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism. Ch. 2: Too Hot For School with Jane McAlevey - On the Media - Air Date 9-20-19 The climate protests and collective action of today mirror the same crises and protests of the FDR era. Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism. Ch. 4: How whiteness distorts our democracy, with Eddie Glaude Jr. - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 4-4-19 Glaude is the chair of Princeton University’s department of African American studies, the president of the American Academy of Religion, and the author of the powerful book Democracy in Black. Nick and his guests discuss the history, the cultural and economic impact of neoliberalism. Chuck and Adam discuss neoliberal policy, culture and systems that keep us in massive inequality and divided from each other. Talk on how Neoliberalism will come to an end Chuck and Adam discuss neoliberal policy, culture and systems that keep us in massive inequality and divided from each other. VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: SAD Solidarity - Jesse from Boston Ch. 10: I feel it too - Erin from Philadelphia Ch. 11: Sunshine policy - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 12: Take a walk! - Linda from New Jersey FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 13: Final comments on emotional vomiting MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1320_End_of_Neoliberalism_Air_Date_11-19-19_-_11-20-19_21.29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Fri, 15 November 2019
Air Date: 11/15/2019 Today we take a look at the proposals from Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders for a Wealth Tax and how those proposals run afoul of not just Republican Fats Cats but Democratic Fat Cats as well Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Bombas.com/BEST | Forecast Fest Podcast (Wherever you get your podcasts) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) *No Topics Poll this week, but we just want to say THANK YOU to all of our Patrons, both old and new! This show is simply not possible without your support! We're incredibly grateful.* SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: A Wealth Tax For American Progress - Jim Hightower - Air Date 10-24-19 The rich are different from us, but their psyches are fragile. Ch. 2: Wealth Tax with Michael Linden - Off-Kilter with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 10-4-19 Rebecca and Michael discuss how a wealth tax would be a great start to reducing inequality and building a thriving economy, Sam discusses the media propping up billionaires as the oppressed in light of Bernie's plan for a wealth tax. Ch. 4: Elizabeth Warren Has Democrats Shaking - The Young Turks - Air Date 10-10-19 Cenk, Hasan and Brett discuss Elizabeth Warrens plans to make corporations accountable to the American public. Ch. 5: Warren, Sanders and Big Donors with Jeet Heer - Start Making Sense - Air Date 10-30-19 Jeet and Bob discuss Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. Brian chats with Zack about the top 2020 candidates and who big donors are supporting. Ch. 7: Winners Take All with Anand Giridharadas - Strange Days with Fernand Amandi - Air Date 9-26-19 Fernand and Anand discuss the role of corporate billionaire philanthropy in maintaining power structures. Ch. 8: Wall Street Democrats Show Their True Colors - The Zero Hour with RJ Eskow - Air Date 10-1-19 RJ discusses the difference between Warren and Bernie, but Wall Street hates them all the same. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on seasonal depression MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1319_Democrats_and_Plutocrats_Air_Date_11-15-19_-_11-15-19_20.10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT |
Tue, 12 November 2019
Air Date: 11/12/2019 Today we take a look at some of the ways that conservative policies, willed into existence almost exclusively by white people, measurably hurt people and shorten life expectancies, including those who most fervently support the self-destructive policies. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES ‘People are voting for these policies that are shortening their own life spans.’ — Author of 'Dying of Whiteness' Jonathan Metzl argues that the politics of racial resentment is killing Americans in the heartland. Ch. 2: Slavery and the Lack of Universal Healthcare - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 8-20-19 Jeneen Interlandi, New York Times editorial board member and staff writer for the New York Times Magazine, talks about the intersection of race and lack of universal healthcare in America. Ch. 3: An Incredible Con - Slate Presents: The Queen - Air Date 5-20-19 For presidential candidate Ronald Reagan, Linda Taylor epitomized the brokenness of the federal bureaucracy and the broader trend of poor people getting rich off the public dime. Ch. 4: Dying of Whiteness with Jonathan Metzl - Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes - Air Date 3-26-19 Jonathan Metzl writes that the policies promising to Make America Great Again, policies rooted in centering and maintaining the power of whiteness, are shortening the lives of the white Americans who vote for them. Ch. 5: Greater than Fear - Brave New Words - Air Date 9-6-19 In 2018, progressives in Minnesota won across races, defining what it means to be “Minnesotan” through an aspirational narrative of multi-racial populism. Tim speaks with Dr. Jonathan Metzl, a professor of sociology and psychiatry at Vanderbilt University, and the author of the new book, Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment is Killing America’s Heartland. Ch. 7: People seeking asylum - Brave New Words - Air Date 9-6-19 Over the last few years, facing a conservative and openly xenophobic administration, human rights advocates mounted and won four campaigns challenging offshore detention of people seeking asylum. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: What was I thinking back then, gosh what am I thinking now? - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 9: Pre-recorded bullshit ads - Dave from Olympia, WA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on learning to be wrong and the sad future of podcasting MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1318_Racism_Kills_Whites_Air_Date_11-12-19_-_11-12-19_19.29.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EDT |
Fri, 8 November 2019
Air Date: 11/16/2018 Today we take a look at the system of patriarchy from the perspective of how it negatively impacts men in our culture, thereby demonstrating the need for feminism to advocate for all those negatively impacted by patriarchy, regardless of gender Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: What Is the Patriarchy? | Feminist Fridays - @marinashutup - Air Date 11-02-14 An overview of patriarchy with a focus on how it hurts everyone, not just women. Ch. 2: Fight Club and Toxic Masculinity - Folding Ideas - Air Date 8-22-15 Justin Baldoni wants to start a dialogue with men about redefining masculinity - to figure out ways to be not just good men but good humans. In a warm, personal talk, he shares his effort to reconcile who he is with who the world tells him a man should be. Ch. 3: Justin Baldoni: Why I'm done trying to be "man enough" - @TEDTalks - Air Date 12-4-17 Justin Baldoni wants to start a dialogue with men about redefining masculinity - to figure out ways to be not just good men but good humans. In a warm, personal talk, he shares his effort to reconcile who he is with who the world tells him a man should be. Ch. 4: Do Videogame Stereotypes Hurt Men? - PBS Game:Show - Air Date 08-2-13 Games continue the cultural narrative of big and strong men, "manning up" and being the hero. As you play, you kill hundreds or thousands of other men, without regard for the emotional toll on one's psyche. Ch. 5: What Men Do With Their Pain - On The Media - Air Date 5-4-18 Michael Kimmel, a scholar of masculinities studies at Stony Brook University, on the source of this shared frustration — which he calls "aggrieved entitlement" — and about the steps forward for a society that still misunderstands so much about gender. Ch. 6: Tony Porter: A call to men - @TEDTalks - Air Date 12-10-10 Tony Porter makes a call to men everywhere: Don't "act like a man." Telling powerful stories from his own life, he shows how this mentality, drummed into so many men and boys, can lead men to disrespect, mistreat and abuse women and each other.
VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Thoughts on privacy and violence - Erica from Illinois
Ch. 8: Final comments om where feminism went wrong and why we need to fight for everyone hurt by the patriarchy, regardless of gender
THE POST-MIDTERMS MINUTE ('cause they aren't over...) Help Stacy Abrams in Georgia Gov Recount Help Bill Nelson in Florida Sen Recount Help Andrew Gillum in Florida Gov Recount Mississippi Sen. Run Off Nov. 27th: Help Mike Espy Win! Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman
MUSIC:
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: Rerun_1228_Patriarchy_hurts_men_Air_Date_11-16-18_Ad_Free_-_11-8-19_20.34.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EDT |
Tue, 5 November 2019
Air Date: 11/5/2019 Today we take a look at the many protests ongoing around the world with a very strong through-line of demands to reverse austerity, lessen inequality, and improve public services, all hallmarks of neoliberal economic policies Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT | Forecast Fest Podcast (Wherever you get your podcasts) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: International Protests - Democracy Now - Air Date 10-9-19 through 10-30-19 A summary of the international protests as of October 30 2019 Ch. 2: October Uprisings in Chile with Pablo Abufom - Jacobin Radio with Suzi Weisman - Air Date 10-30-19 Suzi talks with Pablo Abufom about the uprising in Chile and the conditions that led to the protests. Michael discusses the Global Protests and the anti-austerity energy behind them. Ch. 4: Protestors Run Over By Chilean Government - The Young Turks - Air Date 10-23-19 The Young Turks discuss neoliberal austerity measures and the media's misrepresentation of the issues involved in reporting Chile. Ch. 5: Chile Rises Up with Bree Busk - This Is Hell - Air Date 10-30-19 Church and Bree discuss the feminist movement, the problematic media, capitalism and hope for Chile. Michael and Artesia discuss the global mess that is imperialist neoliberalism and the protestors who resist. VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Health care needs to go far beyond insurance - Trey from Corvallis Ch. 8: I'd join if I weren't giving all my money to the Bernie Sanders campaign - Chris from San Diego FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on health, health care and assholism MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE Carlos Figueroa, Wikimedia Commons / License / Changes: Cropped vertically and horizontally Photo Description: Protests in Chile 2019, Plaza Baquedano, Santiago, Chile
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1317_International_Protests_Air_Date_11-5-19_-_11-5-19_19.16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT |
Fri, 1 November 2019
Air Date: 11/1/2019 Today we take a look at how the debate over our health care system has been framed and how we should frame it. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: BetterHelp.com/BOTL | Forecast Fest Podcast (Wherever you get your podcasts) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) VOTE IN THE WEEKLY SHOW TOPICS POLL SHOW NOTES We speak with Janet Golden, professor emerita at Rutgers University-Camden and a historian of U.S. medicine Ch. 2: Best arguments for Medicare for All - The Young Turks - Air Date 4-30-19 The fundamental moral underpinning for why we need a Medicare for All system Ch. 3: 3rd Democratic Debate Medicare for All as the Bogeyman? - The Real News - Air Date 9-13-19 We take a closer look how candidates discussed the healthcare issue. Our panelists are Osita Nwanevu, Helena Olea, and Jacqueline Luqman, with Greg Wilpert as host. Ch. 4: Matt Bruenig’s case for single-payer health care - The Ezra Klein Show - Air Date 8-12-19 Matt Bruenig, the founder of the People’s Policy Project, is firmly in support of true single-payer. No compromise, no chaser. Ch. 5: Democrats Talk Healthcare - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-16-19 Dem Debate: "Disingenuous" Attacks on Medicare for All Distract from Cost of Today's Broken System Join the campaign to pass local resolutions demanding Medicare for All! Ch. 7: Healthcare: America Taken Hostage - Progressive Faith Sermons - Air Date 10-21-19 We need candidates for president to stop lying and start having compassion regarding our health care system. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Critiquing Johann Hari - Dave from Olympia, WA Ch. 9: Challenge pledge - Todd from Utah FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on Johann Hari’s story and Todd’s Patron challenge Ch. 11: Limerick of the Day from @Limericking TAKE ACTION! Pass a local #MedicareforAll Resolution in your town or city! Watch the Week of Action Town Hall with Reps. Pressley and Omar EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE Nationwide Campaign Urges Cities and Towns to Pass Resolutions Supporting Medicare for All (Common Dreams) Massachusetts Unions Vote to Vet Presidential Candidates on Medicare for All, Breaking with Labor's Top Brass (The Intercept) Elizabeth Warren’s plan to pay for Medicare-for-all, explained (Vox) Ady Barkan: Elizabeth Warren’s Plan Is a Massive Win for the Medicare for All Movement (The Intercept) Bernie Sanders’s Medicare-for-all plan, explained (Vox) Two Leading Economists Say Medicare for All Would Give Workers 'Biggest Take-Home Pay Raise in a Generation'(Common Dreams) Researchers Detail How Slashing Pentagon Budget Could Pay for Medicare for All While Creating Progressive Foreign Policy Americans Want (Common Dreams) Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE: Senate Democrats, Flickr / License / Changes: Cropped vertically and horizontally, enhanced brightness, contrast, and saturation
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1316_Health_Care_Messaging_Air_Date_11-1-19_-_11-1-19_22.24.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT |
Tue, 29 October 2019
Air Date: 10/29/2019 Today we take a look at some of the main characters that make up the Trump administration to get a sense of who they are, where they're coming from and how they're working tirelessly to ruin everything good about our government and find brand new ways to be terrible Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: BetterHelp.com/BOTL | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) BONUS LIMERICK! Trump went to a World Series game and was booed by the crowd, including chants to “Lock Him Up!”: "A leader who's typically viewed As being repugnant and crude And went to a game Expecting some fame To bolster his ego, was booed" SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Rudy Giuliani - Past Present - Air Date 10-15-19 The crew discusses the political history of Rudy Giuliani and he's always been a snake. Ch. 2: Unitary Executive Theory with Charlie Savage - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 2-27-19 Jeremy Scahill and Charlie Savage discuss Bill Barr and Trump and their takeover of the Dept of Justice. Sam discusses Bill Barr and his role in corruption in the Trump administration. Pompeo has a history of making Islamophobic statements. He’s also been a major ally to the billionaire right-wing Koch brothers. Aaron Glantz discusses how Steven Mnuchin profited from ruining people's lives. Ch. 6: Mike Pence with Tom LoBianco - BradCast with Nicole Sandler - Air Date 10-1-19 Nicole chats with Tom LoBianco about the dangerous "Christian" Mike Pence. VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: My puddle of grey is confusing - Erin from Philadelphia Ch. 8: The impact of election 2000 - Holly from San Francisco Ch. 9: Broadcast stations selling ad space full of lies - Chris from San Diego FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on the legality of running political ads with lies Ch. 11: Limerick of the Day from @LouC17 EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE 'A threat to democracy': William Barr's speech on religious freedom alarms liberal Catholics (The Guardian) Bill Barr’s First Epistle to the Heathens (The New Republic) William Barr Is Neck-Deep in Extremist Catholic Institutions (The Nation) Mike Pence's problem with science (CNN) The Danger of President Pence (The New Yorker) Mike Pence: power, religion and America's 'shadow president' (The Guardian) The Decline and Fall of Rudy Giuliani (GQ) Where Did Rudy Go? (The Atlantic) Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1315_Trumps_Inner_Circle_Air_Date_10-29-19_-_10-29-19_18.59.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00pm EDT |
Fri, 25 October 2019
Air Date: 10/25/2019 Today we take a look at the complicated series of forces driving the protests in Hong Kong that span the ideological spectrum. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: BetterHelp.com/BOTL | Forecast Fest (Available where you get your podcasts) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) VOTE IN THE WEEKLY SHOW TOPICS POLL SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Will China crack down on Hong Kong? - The Inquiry - Air Date 6-25-19 Pro-democracy protesters worry that this is being eroded as the Communist party is trying to bring it further under its influence. Complicating matters is Hong Kong’s significant but shrinking economic importance to China. We break down the protests in Hong Kong. Carl Zha provides a primer on what has unfolded with the protests in Hong Kong. Ch. 4: Fighting for the Future of Hong Kong - The Laura Flanders Show - Air Date 10-9-19 The historic demonstrations began in June as a response to the proposal of an extradition agreement with Mainland China. All these months later, the issues have become a lot bigger getting to the heart of the meaning of democracy and Chinese Imperialism. Carl Zha provides a primer on what has unfolded with the protests in Hong Kong. China held its largest military parades ever in Beijing this week to mark 70 years of Communist rule. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, police escalated violence Tuesday by firing live ammunition at demonstrators for the first time in the months-long protests. VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Don't let the older generations off the hook - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 8: We are in this together - James from Sacramento, CA Ch. 9: Pitching in - Erica from Illinois FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on the tradition of progressive media supporters getting nicknames MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
SHOW IMAGE: KOKUYO, Wikimedia Commons / License / Changes: Cropped vertically and horizontally
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1314_Hong_Kong_Protests_Air_Date_10-25-19_-_10-25-19_20.39.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00pm EDT |
Tue, 22 October 2019
Air Date: 10/22/2019 Today we take a look at why the concept of prison abolition isn’t as scary as it sounds, the answer to the question of what would replace prisons and why you’re wrong for even asking that in the first place. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: BetterHelp.com/BOTL | Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Mariame Kaba discusses prisons, justice and the systems in place that do more harm than good. Marc, Michelle and Vonya discuss the mass incarceration state and what actions are needed to change our systems. Mariame Kaba discusses prisons, justice and the systems in place that do more harm than good. Prisons on America are massive, and mass incarceration is a system of control. Marc, Michelle and Vonya discuss the mass incarceration state and what actions are needed to change our systems. Prisons on America are massive, and mass incarceration is a system of control. Elites like to think they are making progress with small steps towards justice, but we have been criminalized black lives for centuries under white supremacy, tweaking and reforming isn't going to accomplish anything. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Show more important than privacy - David from Gaithersberg FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments explaining the coming fiscal cliff the show faces EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE The Prison Abolition Syllabus "(modeled after #FergusonSyllabus, #Charlestonsyllabus, #WelfareReformSyllabus and Trump Syllabus 2.0) seeks to contextualize and highlight prison organizing and prison abolitionist efforts from the 13th Amendment’s re-articulation of slavery to current resistance to mass incarceration, solitary confinement, and prison labor exploitation." The Police Can’t Solve the Problem. They Are the Problem. (NY Times Op-Ed by Derecka Purnell & Marbre Stahly-Butts) Some Prison Abolition-Focused Orgs/Groups/Activists to Follow on Twitter: Black and Pink National: @BLACKandPINKOrg Critical Resistance: @C_Resistance Harvard Prison Divestment Campaign: @HarvardPDC Derecka Purnell: @dereckapurnell Prof. Ibram X. Kendi: @DrIbram Law for Black Lives: @Law4BlackLives Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1313_Prison_Abolition_Air_Date_10-22-19_-_10-23-19_12.11.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm EDT |
Fri, 18 October 2019
Air Date: 10/18/2019 Today we take a look at the recent developments between Turkey and Syria and the role Trump played in allowing Turkey to effectively invade Syria and extend its border. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: BetterHelp.com/BOTL | Blinkist.com/BEST | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Trump Abandoned Kurds, Genocide To Follow - Democracy Now! - Air Date 10-10-19 Turkey has launched an aerial and ground assault on northern Syria targeting Kurdish-controlled areas. The offensive began Wednesday, just days after President Trump ordered U.S. troops to fall back from their positions on the Turkish-Syrian border. The U.S. is deeply involved in the region surrounding Syria. Its actions helped lay the groundwork for the current struggle faced by the Kurds. As Trump gives the green light for a Turkish invasion of Rojava, we ask David Graeber what hope there is left for Syrian Kurds. Ch. 4: Why We Should Have Solidarity With Rojava - The Michael Brooks Show - Air Date 10-14-19 Michael discusses Turkey's impending ethnic cleansing of Kurds and Rojava. As Trump gives the green light for a Turkish invasion of Rojava, we ask David Graeber what hope there is left for Syrian Kurds. Ch. 6: Wasteland of Corruption with Kamran Matin - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 10-16-19 Jeremy Scahill and Kamran Matin discuss the Kurds, and the corruption of the politics of the era. What is going on with the Kurds and Turkey and Syria? Michael and Dhene Bajalan break it down. Ch. 8: Wasteland of Corruption - Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill - Air Date 10-16-19 Jeremy Scahill and Kamran Matin discuss the Kurds, and the corruption of the politics of the era. VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: The Empathy Tax as a speech pathologist - Alice Ch. 10: Experience in the workforce - Heather from Texas Ch. 11: Thoughts on being a logical empath - Quai from North Carolina FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the empathy tax, the cease-fire and Trump’s letter EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE A Look At The History Of The U.S. Alliance With The Kurds (NPR) The U.S. Is Now Betraying the Kurds for the Eighth Time (The Intercept) ‘This is not a cease-fire,’ Turkey FM Cavusoglu insists, contradicting Mike Pence on Syria (NBC News) Curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1312_Turkey.Syria.Kurds_Air_Date_10-18-19_-_10-19-19_12.47.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm EDT |
Tue, 15 October 2019
Air Date: 10/15/2019
EPISODE SPONSORS: Bombas.com/BEST | Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES One in eight young people have a mental health problem. One big problem is access to treatment. Mental health services are underfunded, leaving many people stuck on waiting lists. Ch. 2: From Stigma to Oppression - Off-Kilter with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 5-31-19 Mental Illness is very common in the US, from burnout to anxiety to depression to suicide, and our systems don't support proper care. Ch. 3: Neoliberalism Is Creating a Mental Health Crisis - @Thom_Hartmann - Air Date 02-08-18 Neoliberalism, the belief that markets are democratic and that what works for them, works for all parts of society, isn't working for working people. Neoliberalism is creating a mental health crisis in America and around the world! Ch. 4: David Graeber Bullshit Jobs - Novara Media with James Butler - Air Date 2-1-19 David Graeber discusses neoliberalism, bullshit jobs, capitalism and the value of labor. Ch. 5: On Bullshit Jobs with David Graeber - This Is Hell - Air Date 5-14-18 David Graeber and Chuck discuss bullshit jobs, financial feudalism, the ruling class and human instinct. Ch. 6: Uncovering the Causes of Depression with Johann Hari - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-19-19 The biological makeup of humans has not changed for many centuries, but depression, anxiety and addiction are on the rise. Sam and Johann discuss. Ch. 7: Why You Are Depressed and Anxious with Johann Hari - TED Talks Daily - Air Date 9-18-19 Johann Hair discusses the causes of rising depression and anxiety because of the modern capitalist neoliberal world. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 8: Final comments wrapping up MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1311_Neoliberalism_Mental_Health_Air_Date_10-15-19_-_10-16-19_13.56.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Fri, 4 October 2019
Air Date: 10/4/2019 Today we take a look at this whole impeachment kerfuffle I’ve been hearing about. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991 EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) (No topics poll this week. BotL is on its first-ever real vacation next week!) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Whistleblower Complaint Shows Abuse of Office with James Risen - Democracy Now - Air Date 9-27-19 Nearly 90% of House Democrats now support impeachment. On Thursday, a declassified version of a complaint by an anonymous whistleblower was released, detailing his concerns about Trump’s July phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky. Ch. 2: We've Got Impeachment - Intercepted with Ryan Grim - Air Date 10-2-19 James and Ryan talk about Biden's role in Ukraine and the whistleblower. Ch. 3: How The Bidens Got Involved with Adam Entous - On The Media - Air Date 9-27-19 Interviews about the messy impeachment process and how we got here. Ch. 4: Impeachment, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow - Backstory - Air Date 9-27-19 The Backstory crew discusses current and past impeachment situations. Ch. 5: Bigly Liddle Lies - Sanity Cast with John Fugelsang - Air Date 10-1-19 John breaks down everything happening around impeachment. Ch. 6: Impeachment Legalities with Walter Dellinger - Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick - Air Date 9-28-19 Walter and Dahlia break down what exactly is happening during the impeachment whirlwind. Jonathan talks with Maxine Waters about the importance of impeaching Trump. Ch. 8: Impeachment At Last with Jeet Heer - Start Making Sense - Air Date 9-29-19 Jeet Here discusses what has led to impeachment and what it will look like moving forward. The Nation's national correspondent John Nichols says that history shows impeachment has changed the political future, and thinks it is part of a struggle we should not shy away from. VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: 9-11 (ep 1308) - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 11: Evidence-based thinking - Roger Ray from Springfield, MO FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the latest news on Trump’s impeachment in limerick form TAKE ACTION! INDIVISIBLE: "Activists nationwide are joining together to make a unified demand of our representatives during the October recess (September 30-October 15): Go back to Washington, do your jobs, and take a vote to impeach Trump as soon as possible." Find a Town Hall Event with Your Congressperson During the Congressional Recess Demand Your Representative Support Impeaching Donald Trump EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE It's Time For Everyone to Join the Impeachment Fight (Crooked Media) 9 questions about the Trump-Ukraine whistleblower scandal you were too embarrassed to ask (Vox) The whistleblower complaint, annotated (CNN) Trump call summary shows he pressed Ukrainian president to probe Biden (CBS) Read the Text Messages Between U.S. and Ukrainian Officials (The New York Times) Impeach Donald Trump (The Atlantic, March 2019) Do Americans Support Impeaching Trump? (FiveThirtyEight) Perilous times for Trump: By 45%-38%, Americans support impeaching him over Ukraine allegations, poll finds (USA Today) How Trump's Ukraine call could violate campaign finance laws (Associated Press) 50 Moments That Define an Improbable Presidency (The Atlantic) Here’s why Trump’s poll numbers are defying the impeachment mess (CNBC) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1310_Impeachment_Air_Date_10-04-19_-_10-4-19_22.05.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Tue, 1 October 2019
Air Date: 10/1/2019 Today we take an unflinching look at two of the major sources of anxiety in modern life, Donald Trump and the climate crisis, and some of what we can do to find a degree of calm. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Sheldon Solomon discusses why humans are so prone to following leaders to trigger their fear response. Dr. Bandy Lee warns that Trumps mental health is a threat to world peace, and discusses that sick societies produce sick leaders. Renee Lertzman, who works to understand the psychology of how we deal with environmental issues. Her words are especially useful in this time of shared anxiety and concern and uncertainty. Ch. 4: Is Trump A Disease with Dr. Bandy Lee - Trumpcast with Virginia Heffernan - Air Date 7-10-19 Virginia Heffernan talks to Dr. Bandy Lee, psychiatrist at Yale University, for a deep, compelling new take on the long debate about Trump’s mental fitness. Ch. 5: From Stigma to Oppression - Off-Kilter with Rebecca Vallas - Air Date 5-31-19 Mental Illness is very common in the US, from burnout to anxiety to depression to suicide, and our systems don't support proper care. Ch. 6: Are You Feeling Climate Grief? - Eaarth Feels with Rose and Christine - Air Date 8-23-19 Rose and Christine discuss the climate crisis and the strain our mental health is under - and the possibilities. We talk to renowned psychiatrist Allen Frances about his latest book Twilight of American Sanity: A Psychiatrist Analyzes the Age of Trump. VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: Experience with 9/11 and learning about Islam - Heather from Texas Ch. 11: Home run race relation example - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 12: 9/11 and Columbine - Erin from Philadelphia Ch. 13: Millennial depression - Corey from New Jersey FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 14: Final comments on a big announcement regarding steps being taken toward maintaining good mental health MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1309_Mental_Health_Trump.Climate_Air_Date_10-01-19_-_10-1-19_20.16.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Fri, 27 September 2019
Air Date: 9/27/2019 Today we take a look at the legacy of 9/11; the war on terror, the PATRIOT Act, our collective PTSD and our desperate clinging to American Exceptionalism™ Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Blinkist.com/BEST | Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) VOTE IN THE WEEKLY SHOW TOPICS POLL
SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The long war on terror - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 9-11-19 Discussing the military legacy of 9/11, the war on terror, and the Middle East. On the 18th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, a new book recasts one of America's darkest days in strikingly personal terms by weaving together survival stories in minute-by-minute detail. The mainstream corporate media is one of the chief propagators of American exceptionalism and innocence...the narratives of American exceptionalism and American innocence work together to serve white supremacy, empire, capitalism, and the US war machine. Ch. 4: Endless war authorized by the AUMF on 9/14/11 - Project Censored - Air Date 6-25-19 Jon Gold on the lingering impact of the AUMF Ch. 5: First-hand accounts of the post-9/11 wars - Home of the Brave - Air Date 7-9-19 Alan Chin talks about his experience covering wars since 9/11. Ch. 6: The cost of America’s post-9/11 wars - This is Hell - Air Date 12-17-18 Political scientist Neta C. Crawford examines the brutal, ongoing human cost of America's wars. Neta is author of the paper "Human Cost of the Post-9/11 Wars: Lethality and the Need for Transparency" Ch. 7: The legacy of the PATRIOT Act - Pod Save the People - Air Date 8-13-19 DeRay, Clint and Sam discuss how the PATRIOT Act targets drug use more than terrorism Ch. 8: A Theory of ISIS with Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou - Jacobin Radio - Air Date 3-13-19 The terrorists and the national security states waging war against them are dependent upon one another, and together have created a more violent, divided and alienated world. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on dealing with the emotional damage of childhood MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1308_9.11_Air_Date_9-27-19_-_9-27-19_19.19.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Tue, 24 September 2019
Air Date: 9/24/2019 Today we take a look at the 2020 electorate. Not the election, not the candidates, the electorate - the people voting. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Babbel.com | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: The New Voters of 2020 with Steve Phillips - Start Making Sense with Jon Wiener - Air Date 5-8-19 We need to consider the voters and the changes in the electorate since 2016. Especially significant: young people of color. When it comes to elections there’s always a key voting bloc that gets the media attention. If candidate X wins the FILL IN THE BLANK they’ll win the election. Latino, White, Working Class, but never Black, and that needs to change. Alicia Garza discusses research and advocacy organization dedicated to transforming black communities, talks about surveying 31,000 black voters in an attempt to understand what "black voters want" from a presidential candidate. Ch. 4: Young Voter Turnout Surges - Election Ride Home - Air Date 4-24-19 Youth voter turnout is way up. Ch. 5: Hispanic Population At An All-Time High But Growth Is Slowing - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-11-19 We analyze the U.S. Hispanic population demographically, economically, and politically, and look into what this means for the Latino vote in 2020. Ch. 6: Electoral motivations of Evangelical Christians - Pod Save the People - Air Date 7-29-19 DeRay, Brittany, Sam and Clint discuss a survey of evangelical Christians on their perspectives of a changing America Ch. 7: American Evangelicals with Bob Roberts - Interfaith Voices - Air Date 6-6-19 Bob Roberts discusses the divide in the Evangelical religion between generations and how much more inclusive younger evangelicals are. Young Republicans want climate action, but they disagree with how to do it. When it comes to elections there’s always a key voting bloc that gets the media attention. If candidate X wins the FILL IN THE BLANK they’ll win the election. Latino, White, Working Class, but never Black, and that needs to change. Ch. 10: The Voter Blame Game - #sundaycivics with L. Joy Williams - Air Date 8-5-19 The voter blame game has begun with talking heads blaming voters who stayed home in 2016 for Trump’s win. But shaming voters is not a winning strategy, only voter engagement produces voter turnout VOICEMAILS Ch. 11: Analyzing the corporate structure - Dave from Olympia, WA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on seating black people at a restaurant and Bernie’s grumpy attitude Bonus Clip: Bernie and Black Voters with Malaika Jabali and Wendy Muse - The Dig from Jacobin Radio - Air Date 5-30-19 Contrary to conventional wisdom, Sanders isn’t unpopular with Black voters. In fact, he has done rather well with young Black people. But to win the primary and beat Biden, he must do a lot better. MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1307_Electorate_Air_Date_9-24-19_-_9-24-19_20.53.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Tue, 17 September 2019
Air Date: 9/17/2019 Today we take a look at the lives and legacies of the Koch Brothers. Or, put more pointedly, we look at how two decedents of a bonafide conspiracy theorist have almost single-handedly doomed us to endure runaway climate chaos while suffering from severely degraded labor standards and a broken democracy. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Babbel.com | Madison-Reed.com/LEFT | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content!) Donate to the Our Running for Answers Team to Support the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Christopher Leonard on Secret History of Koch Industries - Democracy Now - Air Date 8-27-19 How David and his brother Charles Koch transformed the American economy and political system, from funding climate change deniers to fighting organized labor. Ch. 2: David Koch Dead at 79 - The Young Turks - Air Date 8-23-19 David Koch has permanently clocked out from corruption. Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola, and Dan Evans, hosts of The Young Turks, break it down. Leonard explains how Charles Koch and his political network were able to amass so much power and influence over American life. Ch. 4: Documentary: Trump, Koch Brothers and Their War on Climate Science - The Real News - Air Date 4-5-19 Narrated by Danny Glover, A documentary special reveals how climate change science has been under systematic attack; the multi-million dollar campaign allowed a climate change denier to be elected president The Koch brothers transformed an obscure oil company based in Wichita into a $110 billion colossus, and reshaped the Republican Party—but failed to prevent Trump from becoming president. Leonard explains how Charles Koch and his political network were able to amass so much power and influence over American life. Christopher Leonard joins Sam to discuss his new book The Secret History of Koch Industries and Corporate Power in America. Ch. 8: Christopher Leonard On The Koch Brothers - Live at Politics and Prose - Air Date 9-6-19 Christopher Leonard speaks about his book Kochland, and answers questions from the audience. VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: Thoughts on Larry Krasner, the Philadelphia DA - Erin from Philadelphia FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on strategies to be as effective as possible during the upcoming elections MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher| Spotify| Alexa Devices| +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1306_Kochland_Air_Date_9-17-19_-_9-17-19_18.23.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Fri, 13 September 2019
Air Date: 9/13/2019 Today we take a look at the history and the process of the building of an American empire that currently spans the globe but allows as few people of color to vote as possible. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Bombas.com/BEST | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) VOTE IN THE WEEKLY SHOW TOPICS POLL! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Daniel Immerwahr: Empire State of Mind Part 1 - On the Media - Air Date 8-22-19 The history of US imperialism — and why the familiar US map hides the true story of our country. With Northwestern University historian Daniel Immerwahr, author of How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States. Ch. 2: Doctrine of Christian Discovery - Let’s Talk Native - Air Date 3-18-19 I learned that most educators know nothing about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. How can you teach about colonization, slavery, the American genocide, Westward expansion or imperialism without teaching the origins of it all? Ch. 3: Harvest of Empire Part 1 - Making Contact - Air Date 6-25-19 It's not just jobs and prosperity that draw immigrants to the United States. Many Latin American’s were brought here, or forced to come by dangerous or deadly conditions. And the US often had a role in creating those crises. Journalist Todd Miller (@memomiller) joins Sam to discuss his new book, "Empire of Borders: The Expansion of the U.S. Border Around the World." Ch. 5: Harvest of Empire Part 2 - Making Contact - Air Date 6-25-19 It's not just jobs and prosperity that draw immigrants to the United States. Many Latin American’s were brought here, or forced to come by dangerous or deadly conditions. And the US often had a role in creating those crises. Ch. 6: Daniel Immerwahr: Empire State of Mind Part 2 - On the Media - Air Date 8-22-19 The history of US imperialism — and why the familiar US map hides the true story of our country. With Northwestern University historian Daniel Immerwahr, author of How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States. Ch. 7: Blood, lies and the American empire - This is hell - Air Date 5-13-19 Black Agenda Report's Danny Haiphong traces a 300 year history of fake news in America. Danny is author of the book American Exceptionalism and American Innocence: A People's History of Fake News—From the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Gun responsibility vs naked evil - Dave from Olympia, WA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on this weeks topics poll MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher| Spotify| Alexa Devices| +more Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1305_Empire_Air_Date_9-13-19_-_9-13-19_17.49.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Tue, 10 September 2019
Air Date: 9/10/2019 Today we take a look at the economic indicators portending a recession, the global impacts of Trump's trade war with China and then look ahead to what policies progressives should be ready to implement when the next inevitable recession eventually hits. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Babbel.com | Madison-Reed.com/LEFT| Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Economy About To Crash, Senator Warren Sounds the Alarm - The Young Turks - Air Date 7-22-19 Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Monday predicted an imminent economic crisis unless the Trump administration and Congress quickly pass legislation to regulate the financial sector and significantly reduce middle-class household debt Ch. 2: Should We Be Worried About A Recession with Nancy Cook - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-23-19 The ongoing trade war with China, a weakened global economy, and a lack of investment by companies indicates that a recession might be looming. Ed sits down with CAP Senior Economist Gbenga Ajilore to discuss warning signs in the economy, what they might mean, as well as some of the contributing factors. Ch. 4: Dr. Gerald Horne On China Tariffs and Trade Wars - Sojourner Truth - Air Date 6-3-19 Dr. Gerald Horne discusses Trump's trade war with China and the impact on US and China's economies. International economist Mary Lovely discusses the ways in which Trump’s tariffs are affecting the economy and what the future could look like. Ch. 6: Trumps Trade War - Frontline PBS - Air Date 5-10-19 The inside story of President Trump’s gamble to confront China over trade. Reporting from the U.S. and China, FRONTLINE and NPR investigate what led the world’s two largest economies to the brink, and the billions at stake Connie explains what policy proposals and political infrastructure will successfully orient our recovery from the next recession toward economic outcomes that reduce, rather than boost, wealth inequality around racial and gender lines. VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Vote by mail why don't you? - Chris from San Diego Ch. 9: Nancy's my hero - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 10: Medicare doesn't pay for everything - Jeff from Charlotte, NC FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on Vote-By-Mail and IMPROVED Medicare For All MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher| Spotify| Alexa Devices| +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1304_Trade_War.Recession_Air_Date_9-10-19_-_9-10-19_19.38.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Fri, 6 September 2019
Air Date: 9/6/2019 Today we take a look at the fact that our election system is designed to fail in ways that undermine the legitimacy of our elections and, by extension, our entire democracy. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Blinkist.com/BEST | Election Ride Home| Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) VOTE IN THE WEEKLY SHOW TOPICS POLL SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Holes and Gaps: Where Our Voting Systems Fail Part 1 - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-3-19 Even as our national focus has turned towards cyber threats, vulnerabilities in our election systems abound -- from outdated voting machines and hack-able technology to lack of paper back-ups and no procedural standards across states or even counties. Capital One exposed the personal financial records of more than 100 million people — underscoring yet again the insanity of relying on proprietary, hackable computer systems "overseen" by ordinary county clerks to safeguard free and fair elections. Ch. 3: VIDEO: Voting Machine Switches Votes - David Pakman Show - Air Date 8-28-19 Multiple Mississippi voting machines are caught flipping votes just as we've seen many times before Ch. 4: Voting machine errors in Georgia seen as part of biggerproblem - The Rachel Maddow Show - Air Date 8-27-19 Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, talks with Rachel Maddow about the need for states like Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi to upgrade their voting systems to avoid undermining faith in elections Ch. 5: Holes and Gaps: Where Our Voting Systems Fail Part 2 - The Takeaway - Air Date 7-3-19 Even as our national focus has turned towards cyber threats, vulnerabilities in our election systems abound -- from outdated voting machines and hack-able technology to lack of paper back-ups and no procedural standards across states or even counties. Take action! Click the title and/or scroll down for quick links and resources from this segment. A growing chorus of cybersecurity and voting systems experts are warning against new, unverifiable touchscreen voting systems known as Ballot Marking Devices VOICEMAILS Ch. 8: Go green - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 9: Distrusting the press - Dave from Olympia, WA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on the legitimate concerns about voting from the disability community TAKE ACTION! Understand your state and local elections & take action: 1. Learn About Your State Election Policies&Voting System Paper Trail Requirements 2. Learn How Your State’s Election Administration Officials Are Put in Office& Fight to Unseat Those Not Actively Advocating for Hand-marked Paper Ballots 3. Attend Your Local Town/City/County Public Meetings and Advocate for Hand-marked, Voter-verifiable Paper Ballots. 4. Learn From/Get Involved With: The Brennan Center for Justice EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE Vote Flipping Claims Underline Urgent Need to Fix Voting Machines (The Brennan Center) The scramble to secure America’s voting machines (Politico) How Officials and Citizens Can Protect the Integrity of Their Elections(City Lab) Groups push lawmakers for hearings on voting machine security(The Hill) Voters say touchscreen machines switched their votes in nine Mississippi counties (Salon) Georgia’s New Voting Machines Must Be Ready for 2020 Primary, Judge Says(The Wall Street Journal) A Top Voting-Machine Firm Calls for Paper Ballots(Wired) Voting Machine Security: Where We Stand Six Months Before the New Hampshire Primary(The Brennan Center) Researched and written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher| Spotify| Alexa Devices| +more Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1303_Voting_Machines_Air_Date_9-6-19_-_9-7-19_10.04.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00pm EDT |
Tue, 3 September 2019
Air Date: 9/3/2019 Today we take a look at the attacks on the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants by the fascist government of Brazil and the protests and worldwide boycotts springing up in response Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Election Ride Home Podcast| Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content)
SHOW NOTES Maria Luise Mendonca lays it all out about the corruption from Bolsonaro and global corporations that have led to the amazon's destruction. Guardiola and Daniel discuss the policies behind the Amazon's destruction and Bolsonaro's capitalist imperialism. Michael Brooks breaks down just how messed up the burning Amazon situation is. Glenn Greenwald breaks down the corruption in Brazil and how its getting worse. Ch. 5: Smoke From A Thousand Miles Away with Brian Mier - This Is Hell - Air Date 8-24-19 Brian Mier discusses the terror of dark skies during the middle of the day from fires a thousand miles away. Ch. 6: Protests and Climate Change - Green News Report - Air Date 8-27-19 A summary of the protests in response to the amazon fires. There are massive fires and massive protests for the Amazon. VOICEMAILS Ch. 10: Justice or revenge? - Alan from Connecticut Ch. 11: Supporting independent media and getting involved - Nancy from San Francisco Ch. 12: Capitalism and the corporate structure vs conservation of nature - V from Central New York FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 13: Final comments on capitalism and the corporate structure as a cancer on nature READ THE COMPLETE ACTIVISM SEGMENT TAKE ACTION: Participate in "Act for the Amazon" protests, Thursday, September 5th DONATE to organizations protecting indigenous rights and the rainforest on the ground, such as Amazon Watch& Rainforest Alliance If you eat meat, east LESS of it and BOYCOTT Brazilian beef companies (Marfrig Global Foods, JBS, and Minerva Foods) that also operate and produce beef brands in the US (Note: The US banned fresh beef imports from Brazil in 2017, but these Brazilian companies produce US beef brands too. Don't support them.) Details in activism blog post. Commit yourself to the CLIMATE MOVEMENT: take part in the Global Climate Strike on 9/20-27th EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE Brazilian indigenous peoples propose boycott(The Ecologist) Here's what you can do to help the burning, ravaged Amazon rainforest(Business Insider) Brazilian indigenous people speak out as Amazon fires rage (PBS Newshour) Naomi Klein: The Amazon Is on Fire—Indigenous Rights Can Help Put It Out(Common Dreams via Boston Globe) Raoni Metukire: We, the peoples of the Amazon, are full of fear. Soon you will be too(The Guardian) Brazilian businesses fear backlash over Amazon crisis(Financial Times) Written & curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
EPISODE IMAGE: Source: Frame from "Carbon monoxide from Amazon fires.gif," NASA
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher| Spotify| Alexa Devices| +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1302_Amazon_Fires_Air_Date_9-3-19_-_9-3-19_19.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Fri, 30 August 2019
Air Date: 8/30/2019 Today we take a look at the strategies being developed to mitigate and adapt to climate chaos while centering social justice in our planning Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) VOTE IN THE WEEKLY SHOW TOPICS POLL! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Life After Carbon with Peter Plastrik and John Cleveland - Infinite Earth Radio - Air Date 2-25-19 What do cities look like today? What do they need to look like in the very near future? Innovation is needed. We need radical transformation and integration of rural and urban. Ch. 2: Adapting to Climate Change - The Brian Lehrer Show - Air Date 4-24-19 Jeffrey Ball, lecturer at Stanford Law School, scholar-in-residence at Stanford’s Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance, and writer on energy and the environment, talks about the complications of try to adapt to climate change. Ch. 3: The Land Politics of Solar Energy - The Real News - Air Date 8-25-19 Dustin Mulvaney examines the complicated environmental impact—and political economy—of U.S. solar projects, and explains his hopes for the industry's future Ch. 4: Climate Safe Infrastructure with Cris Liban - Infinite Earth Radio - Air Date 10-17-18 Sustainable infrastructures must be implemented with the goal of helping the marginalized and reducing inequality. Investments in communities and people to get us to work and reduce the dangers of climate change. Dr. Jesse Keenan, from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, recently published a book Climate Adaptation Finance and Investment in California. Topics include adaptation finance, understanding ‘maladaptation’, social equity and much, much more! Ch. 6: Designing Our Communities for Justice - The Next System Podcast - Air Date 5-30-19 This week we are discussing how to design communities for justice, in particular as communities seek to respond to challenges of climate change, with new projects from transit to infrastructure. VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Thoughts on the Democratic party dispute - V from Central New York Ch. 8: Thoughts on the new energy from the youth of America - Vance from Oregon FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 9: Final comments on the slow progressive takeover and the power of having a good story to tell MUSIC:
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher| Spotify| Alexa Devices| +more Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1301_Climate_Infrastructure_Air_Date_8-30-19_-_8-30-19_19.15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Tue, 27 August 2019
Air Date: 8/27/2019 Today we take a look at the movement to elect progressives to the position of chief prosecutors in cities across the country in an effort to curb mass incarceration and bring a real understanding of justice back to our justice system Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Babbel.com | Madison-Reed.com (Promo Code: LEFT) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Principles to Change Prosecution Part 1 - Criminal Injustice with David Harris - Air Date 3-5-19 Taking a look at some of the "Law and Order" prosecutors who have been replaced recently by more progressive-minded administrators Ch. 2: The New American Prosecutor with Rashad Robinson - Justice in America - Air Date 9-5-18 Josei and Clint discuss progressive prosecutors with Rashad Robinson. Ch. 3: Philly's New Progressive DA Is Not Playing Around - The Young Turks - Air Date 3-20-19 Cenk discusses DA Larry Krasner and his work to remove power from the police state in Philadelphia. Miriam Krinsky discusses the role of mass incarceration in US society and the work to make communities safer without prison. Ch. 5: The Progressive Prosecutor Wave is Rising - On The Media - Air Date 7-26-19 Brooke discusses the powerful role the prosecutor has in the justice system and what can be done to change mass incarceration. Shannon Silva discusses what restorative justice can look like as an alternative to mass incarceration VOICEMAILS Ch. 7: Insurance company limits my drug choice and denied my emergency room stay - Scott from Mount Juliet, TN Ch. 8: We need wages up to support independent media - Zach from Atlanta Ch. 9: Thanks for voicemails - Dave from Olympia, WA FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the value of donation, for the love of voicemails and the results of last week’s poll TAKE ACTION! Get involved in Real Justice PAC Follow @RealJusticePAC on Twitter Follow Prosecutor Adam Foss on Twitter EDUCATE YOURSELF & SHARE Read "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander Read "Locking Up Our Own" by James Forman Jr. Read "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson Read "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates Written & curated by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher| Spotify| Alexa Devices| +more Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1300_Progressive_Prosecutors_Air_Date_8-27-19_-_8-27-19_18.20.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Fri, 23 August 2019
Air Date: 8/23/2019 Today we take a look at the lengths the Democratic leadership will go in an attempt to silence the emerging progressive movement within their ranks and how all of this is self-defeating if one actually cares about general Democratic principles rather than just maintaining power for power's sake. Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Babbel.com | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) VOTE IN THE WEEKLY SHOW TOPICS POLL! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Pelosi Waging War On AOC's Squad - No Filter - Air Date 7-16-19 Nancy Pelosi's outburst proves her disdain for the newly elected women of color in Congress. Silencing dissent is a sign of fascism, and so much of the media and political worlds are complicit. The Squad is pushing against the establishment. Blue Dog Dems don't like it and are tearing them down just like Trump is. Ch. 4: Pelosi Attacks Only Making The Squad More Powerful - The Majority Report - Air Date 7-18-19 Pelosi isn't up on the new generations and doesn't care about what working-class people want. Silencing dissent is a sign of fascism, and so much of the media and political worlds are complicit. Israel sparked outrage Thursday when it banned two freshman Democratic congresswomen of color — Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota — from entering the country. Ch. 7: Buttar Primarying Pelosi - Ring of Fire - Air Date 8-10-19 Shahid Buttar, candidate for U.S. Congress (CA12), joins Sam Seder, to talk about why he is running to unseat Nancy Pelosi. Silencing dissent is a sign of fascism, and so much of the media and political worlds are complicit. VOICEMAILS Ch. 9: A personal and economic argument in favor of universal health care - V from Central New York Ch. 10: Just gained a new listener - Linda from New Jersey FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 11: Final comments on the political theories of a 10-year old and this weekend’s topic poll options MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher| Spotify| Alexa Devices| +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1299_Democrats_Establishment_vs_the_Squad_Air_Date_8-23-19_-_8-24-19_10.22.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
Tue, 20 August 2019
Air Date: 8/20/2019 Today we take a look at the El Paso and Dayton shootings by connecting the dots between white supremacy, misogyny, privilege and power Be part of the show! Leave a message at 202-999-3991
EPISODE SPONSORS: Babbel.com | Madison-Reed.com (Use Promo Code: LEFT) | Clean Choice Energy SHOP AMAZON: Amazon USA | Amazon CA | Amazon UK MEMBERSHIP ON PATREON (Get AD FREE Shows & Bonus Content) SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: El Paso and Dayton and White Supremacy - Democracy Now - Air Date 8-5-19 Trump's words are having deadly consequences. El Paso and Dayton are white nationalist terrorism and misogyny. Ch. 2: Domestic Terrorism in El Paso with Bob Moore - In The Thick - Air Date 8-6-19 The El Paso and Dayton shootings are being supported by their communities. Trump and the FBI don't address white terrorism. Ch. 3: Never-ending Gun Violence - Bradcastwith Brad Friedman - Air Date 8-5-19 Brad discusses the mass shootings and the politicians who prevent any action from being taken Ch. 4: The Past and Present of Gun Control - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-9-19 Amy discusses the mass murders in Dayton and El Paso with congress members. Chris discusses the shootings, Trump, 8chan, white supremacy and trauma. Ch. 6: The Danger of Linking Mental Illness to Mass Shootings - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-7-19 Trump is parroting conservative talking points about video games and mental health in response to the mass shootings. Ch. 7: Physical and Psychological Toll of Surviving a Mass Shooting - The Takeaway - Air Date 8-6-19 Survivors of shootings suffer massive trauma. The Dept of Justice doesn't fight white supremacy. Ch. 8: 8chan Down with Dale Beran - Doomed with Matt Binder - Air Date 8-9-19 Matt discusses 8chan with Dale Beran, and the radicalization of white men on the internet. Ch. 9: White Cowards Cites Native Mistake In Manifesto - Lets Talk Native with John Kane - Air Date 8-6-19 John Kane discusses the cowardice of the white terrorists and the history of white supremacy against indigenous people and people of color. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 10: Final comments on recent and future activism fighting for critical gun laws TAKE ACTION! Call on the Senate to Pass HR8: Text the word CHECKS to 644-33 Tell Walmart to stop selling guns & violent apparel: WalmartMustAct.org Encourage all presidential candidates to participate in the Presidential Forum on Gun Safety on Oct. 2nd in Las Vegas Spread the word about ¡YA BASTA! Latinos Rise Against Gun Violence and Hatetour in Texas Spread the word about High School Voter Registration Week - September 23-27th Researched & written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman MUSIC(Blue Dot Sessions):
Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher| Spotify| Alexa Devices| +more Check out the BotL iOS/AndroidApp in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com
Direct download: 1298_Shootings_White_Supremacy_Air_Date_8-20-19_-_8-20-19_21.48.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT |
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