Capitalist Media Monopolies Are the Enemy of Democracy
We continue a series of discussions about the basics of Marxism, focusing today on the corporate-owned media. The majority of the media in the United States is owned by five giant corporations -- What does this tell us about the so-called “free press”? Richard Wolff is the co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work and the author of many books, the latest being “The Sickness is the System: When Capitalism Fails to Save Us from Pandemics or Itself”. You can check out his work at rdwolff.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.
5 Aug 202138min
People's Struggle Forces Biden to Extend Eviction Moratorium
Today's episode covers the struggle to stop the impending massive wave of evictions. After public outrage and protest, including a sit-in outside Congress led by Rep. Cori Bush, Biden relented and extended the eviction moratorium. Brian is joined by Lee Camp, host of the TV show Redacted Tonight and author of the book Bullet Points & Punch Lines. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.
4 Aug 202141min
Fightback! 8 Million families facing eviction and foreclosures
On today's "In the News" roundtable, Brian Becker, Esther Iverem, Nicole Roussell and Walter Smolarek discuss how the Democratic Party leadership in Congress and the Biden administration are failing to act in the face of impending mass evictions. They also discuss the grassroots movement against evictions -- including the sit-in outside Congress by Rep. Cori Bush, the latest from the Olympics, the surge in Covid infections, Peru’s new left wing government, and more. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.
3 Aug 202155min
China's Foreign Policy: Complete Series + Bonus Content (1949-Today)
As the U.S. war machine ramps up aggression towards China, understanding the history of the country's engagement with the world is more crucial than ever. This multi-part series takes an in-depth look at the history of China's foreign policy since the 1949 revolution brought the Communist Party to power. This series is now seamlessly combined into this one episode file, with bonus content including immersive archival recordings and original music. Brian is joined by Kenneth Hammond, a Professor of East Asian and Global History at New Mexico State University and an activist with the organization Pivot to Peace. Part 1: 1949-1959 - Starts at 0:00:00 Part 2: 1959-1965 - Starts at 0:57:18 Part 3: 1965-1975 - Starts at 1:50:40 Part 4: 1975-1989 - Starts at 2:38:15 Part 5: 1989-1995 - Starts at 3:40:09 Part 6: 1995-2010 - Starts at 4:02:07 Part 7: 2011-2021 - Starts at 5:00:52 Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.
31 Jul 20216h 8min
China's Foreign Policy Part 7, 2011-2021: US "Pivots to Asia" and Xi Jinping Takes the Reins
Today's episode is the seventh in a multi-part series that takes an in-depth look at the history of China's foreign policy. During the Obama administration, US imperialism adopts the "Pivot to Asia" strategy and makes China its top target. At the same time, Xi Jinping becomes China's president and navigates China's rise. Brian is joined by Kenneth Hammond, a Professor of East Asian and Global History at New Mexico State University and an activist with the organization Pivot to Peace. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.
29 Jul 20211h 5min
As Millions face a wave of evictions: Marx’s Theory of Rent
Today we continue a series of discussions about the basics of Marxism — a method for understanding and changing the world used by many of the great revolutionaries of modern history. Brian and Prof. Wolff discuss rent, evictions and social programs under capitalism. With the CDC’s eviction moratorium set to expire, millions are now facing homelessness because they cannot pay rent. And why do governments controlled by the ultra-rich sometimes decide to institute measures that alleviate the suffering of workers? Richard Wolff is the co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work and the author of many books, the latest being “The Sickness is the System: When Capitalism Fails to Save Us from Pandemics or Itself”. You can check out his work at rdwolff.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.
28 Jul 202131min
The People of the U.S. Oppose the Blockade of Cuba
On today's "In the News" roundtable, Brian Becker, Esther Iverem, Nicole Roussell and Walter Smolarek discuss how people in Cuba and their supporters around the world are stepping up mobilizations in defense of the country’s independence as the U.S. government announces more sanctions. They also discuss the legacy of civil rights legend Bob Moses, the renewed spread of COVID across the country, and more. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.
27 Jul 20211h
Brian Becker Seminar #7: The CIA, The Media, And The Cuban Revolution (Preview)
In this July 2021 patrons-only seminar, Brian and the crew discuss the role of the CIA in media, the lies in the mainstream media, and the role of alternative media. Brian discusses the current moment in Cuba and the history of the revolution, as well as stories from the fight for the release of the Cuban Five. Check out the preview now and subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest! Links mentioned in the show: BreakThrough News just did a long interview with Eugene Puryear about what's going on in Ethiopia: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDTmNZFaoLU Cuban President Diaz Canel’s speech from July 17: www.cubadiplomatica.cu/en/articulo/s…revolutionary Carl Bernstein Rolling Stone article about journalists on CIA payroll: danwismar.com/uploads/Bernstein%…%20and%20Media.htm
26 Jul 202111min
