The Real Story: The Next Pandemic
Life Expectancy in the United States had suffered its largest one year drop since the end of World War II. Covid deaths moving toward 500,000. Covid is not over but another pandemic is sure to follow. When? No one knows. But will the US be ready? Brian Becker is joined by KJ Noh. He’s a peace activist and scholar on the geopolitics of Asia, and he’s a frequent contributor to Counterpunch and Dissident Voice.
19 Feb 202148min
Capitalism in Crisis: An Absurd & Deadly System
Brian and Prof. Wolff discuss how deeply dependent big banks and corporations are on government assistance, the rise in speculation on "junk bonds", the organizing drive by workers at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama, and more. Richard Wolff is the co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work and the author of many books, the latest being “The System is the Sickness: When Capitalism Fails to Save Us from Pandemics or Itself”. You can check out his work at rdwolff.com.
17 Feb 202137min
In the News: Did Impeachment Make Trump Weaker or Stronger?
On today's "In the News" roundtable, Brian Becker, Nicole Roussell, Esther Iverem and Walter Smolarek discuss the conclusion of Trump's second impeachment trial and what lasting effects it may have on national politics. The panel also discusses how U.S. capitalism continues to fail to tackle the pandemic, Biden administration foreign policy, the attack on the independent media outlet Newsclick, and more.
17 Feb 202148min
The Real Story: Blood on the Tracks -- A Vietnam Veteran's Battle Against Empire
On this episode we are joined by Brian Willson, a Vietnam veteran, writer, lawyer and a peace activist. On September 1, 1987, Brian lost his legs while participating in a peaceful act of civil disobedience at a railroad track at the Concord Naval Weapons Station to block the shipment of weapons to the terrorist Contra fighters in Nicaragua, and has continued his fight against U.S. empire.
11 Feb 202136min
Capitalism in Crisis: The Phony Debate
As Congress continues to deliberate over a new economic stimulus plan, more and more people are focusing on the outrageously low minimum wage. Brian and Prof. Wolff discuss this issue and what it tells us about the capitalist system. Richard Wolff is the co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work and the author of many books, the latest being “The System is the Sickness: When Capitalism Fails to Save Us from Pandemics or Itself”. You can check out his work at rdwolff.com.
10 Feb 202137min
In the News: Trump and Right Wing Privilege
On today's "In the News" roundtable, Brian Becker, Nicole Roussell, Esther Iverem and Walter Smolarek discuss the beginning of Trump's impeachment trial, climate change, the latest on the pandemic, the election in Ecuador, mass protests in Haiti, and more.
10 Feb 20211h 12min
The Real Story: Biden Targets China
Will the U.S. continue under Biden to push towards confrontation with China? As the Biden administration takes the reins, what will change about U.S. policy towards China, and what will remain the same? Kenneth Hammond, a Professor of East Asian and Global History at New Mexico State University and an activist with the organization Pivot to Peace, discusses these questions and more with Brian.
4 Feb 202154min
Capitalism in Crisis: GameStop Insurgency -- Myths and Facts
Shockwaves hit Wall Street banks and hedge funds in the face of a Reddit-based insurgency of day traders who targeted financial giants. Brian and Prof. Wolff examine the role played by speculation, the stock market and financial bubbles in capitalism. Richard Wolff is the co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work and the author of many books, the latest being “The System is the Sickness: When Capitalism Fails to Save Us from Pandemics or Itself”. You can check out his work at rdwolff.com.
3 Feb 202134min
