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Gaslit Nation
MAGA Incites Violence on Campus
May 8, 2024
Campus protests influenced by MAGA, Biden halts arms to Israel, Giuliani back at coup plotting, and Ivanka Trump aiming for White House return. Podcast discusses historical context of protests, defending democracy, and the importance of peaceful resistance against authoritarian threats.
44:54
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Quick takeaways
- MAGA influenced witch-trial hearings to pressure universities on federal funding and sending in troops.
- Campus protests advocate for peace amidst excessive police force, echoing the anti-war sentiments.
- Importance of civil disobedience and peaceful dialogue in maintaining protest integrity and fostering constructive engagement.
- Campus demonstrations reveal broader political agendas aligning with authoritarian leaders and strategic maneuvers by Trump allies.
- Urgency to combat authoritarian tactics, safeguard democracy, and mobilize grassroots efforts for systemic change.
- Efforts beyond campus activism target global humanitarian crises and promote civic engagement for inclusive democracy.
Deep dives
Violence Erupts in Campus Protests
Amid campus protests, Dartmouth College professor Annalise Orlek was arrested by police, sparking controversy over law enforcement's actions. The protests aimed to support students peacefully until authorities intervened. The protests, reminiscent of the Vietnam War era, have seen over 1,000 arrests and excessive police force. Instances of professors being physically restrained by officers have raised concerns of violent crackdowns.
Strategic Manipulation and Division Tactics
Amid campus unrest, manipulation by GOP members like Mike Johnson has been observed. Strategies to stoke chaos and polarization, fueling violence and unrest, have been allegedly orchestrated by Republican figures aligned with Israeli policies. The violent turn in protests is attributed to incitement and pressure campaigns, reflecting a deliberate effort to disrupt peace.
Call for Peace and Ending Genocidal Wars
The focus of the campus protests is rooted in anti-war and pro-peace sentiments, aiming to stop genocidal conflicts like the one in Israel. Advocates emphasize the need to cease the bloodshed and work towards sustainable peace. While acknowledging varying perspectives within the protests, the overarching goal remains halting the devastation and trauma caused by ongoing conflicts.
Importance of Civil Disobedience and Dialogue
Amid calls for peace, the importance of civil disobedience and non-violent protest strategies is stressed. Encouraging dialogue and peaceful demonstrations while avoiding violent confrontations is key to maintaining the integrity of the movements. The significance of universities fostering an environment of free expression and peaceful dissent is highlighted to ensure constructive engagement.
Political Maneuvering and Global Implications
The campus protests are intertwined with wider political agendas, including potential alignments with authoritarian leaders like Netanyahu and strategic maneuvers by Giuliani and Trump allies. The demonstrations reflect a complex interplay of national and international politics, impacting issues beyond campus borders. The broader context underscores the global reverberations of the protests.
Action Plan for Democracy Protection
In response to escalating concerns, a call to action to safeguard democracy and combat authoritarian tactics is emphasized. Engaging in strategic initiatives, such as fundraising for key battleground states and supporting progressive causes, is seen as crucial to countering divisive narratives and preserving democratic principles. The urgency to mobilize grassroots efforts for systemic change and electoral integrity is highlighted.
Global Humanitarian Crises and Collaborative Solutions
Beyond campus activism, efforts to address humanitarian crises globally are underscored. Initiatives supporting aid for conflict zones, like Gaza, and critical endangered species, such as orangutans, are encouraged. Collaborative efforts to provide essential resources and support highlight the interconnectedness of global challenges and the need for collective action.
Community Engagement and Citizenship Empowerment
Promoting civic engagement and empowering individuals, especially the youth, to participate in political processes is advocated. Encouraging young candidates to run for office, supporting voter registration drives, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities are seen as vital steps towards fostering inclusive democracy. The focus on community-driven initiatives reflects a commitment to grassroots activism and social change.
Narrative Framing and Media Dynamics
The role of media framing and narrative construction in shaping public discourse is highlighted. Concerns about biased reporting and the influence of media outlets on public perception are raised. Emphasizing the importance of critical media literacy and responsible journalism, the discussion delves into the impact of media narratives on societal divisions and political realities.
Reflection on Constitutional Rights and Policy Advocacy
Conversations around constitutional rights, including reproductive rights and democratic principles, are integral to political discourse. Advocacy for women's reproductive rights, access to justice, and upholding the rule of law is underscored. Engaging in policy advocacy and supporting key legislation vital to safeguarding civil liberties is positioned as essential in advancing progressive values.
Collective Resilience and Democratic Strengthening
In an era of political turbulence, emphasizing collective resilience and democratic fortification is paramount. Calls for unity, strategic activism, and mobilizing resources to uphold democratic institutions are central themes. Strengthening electoral systems, fostering civic participation, and advancing progressive causes are envisioned as critical steps for safeguarding democracy and fostering social progress.
5.
Upholding Peaceful Resistance Against Threats on Campus and Global Civil Society
8min
Overlooked in the campus protests is the witch-trial hearings by MAGA Mike Johnson’s House that bullied university presidents and scrutinized their federal funding, pressuring them, as Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton famously wrote in the Newspaper of Power, to “send in the troops.” Ultimately, the responsiblity falls on campus leadership, with several schools, like Rutgers University and Northwestern University, choosing a peaceful approach, reminding us that another world, free of police brutality, is possible.
Following the anniversary of the Kent State massacre on May 4th, Gaslit Nation looks at the campus protests, reminding everyone that peaceful protest and civil disobedience won hard-fought progress in America’s history. Biden recently stopped a shipment of arms to Israel, thanks to the growing pressure. We also check-in on the coup, out in the open, against our democracy, with Rudy Giuliani trying once again to exhort Ukraine to invent dirt on Biden. This is what led to Trump’s first impeachment. He’s back at it, because Giuliani, along with all the rest of the coup plotters, were never punished.
This week’s bonus show, available to subscribers at the Truth-teller level and higher on Patreon, looks at the latest reports that Ivanka Trump, after failing to make Nikki Haley the nominee, wants back on the Trump campaign and the White House. Expect to see Ivanka speaking at the RNC in July, wearing a pair of earrings you can buy from her own personal brand for $199.99! We also answer questions from our listeners at the Democracy Defender level and higher–so subscribe today to join the fun at Patreon.com/Gaslit!
Thank you to everyone who supports the show – we could not make Gaslit Nation without you!
Show Notes:
Donald Trump's new FBI director pick has Russian ties of his own: Christopher Wray looks good on paper, but his law firm represents Russian-controlled oil companies. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/06/08/trump-new-fbi-director-chris-wray-russian-ties-rosneft-gazprom-column/102603214/
FBI Director nominee removed reference to case involving Russian government from law firm bio
https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/20/politics/kfile-fbi-nominee-law-firm-bio/index.html
FBI Nominee Christopher Wray Earned $9.2 Million at Law Firm Since January 2016 Ethics disclosures detail his work at King & Spalding and list around 20 pages of assets
As corporate lawyers in 2016, Wray and Rod Rosenstein’s top deputy, Rob Hur, probed the Blackwater founder’s paramilitary aircraft plans. What happens now?
https://theintercept.com/2018/03/19/erik-prince-frontier-services-group-chris-wray-fbi/
Russia Questions Loom for Trump FBI Pick
https://www.thedailybeast.com/russia-questions-loom-for-trump-fbi-pick
Trump’s Arrest, Kissinger’s War Crimes, and The Long Hunt for Justice
https://www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-transcripts-20/2023/06/14/trumps-arrest-kissingers-war-crimes
Rudy Giuliani Wants to Do the Exact Thing That Got Trump Impeached Giuliani called for Republicans to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
https://newrepublic.com/post/181095/rudy-giuliani-trump-impeached-zelenskiy-biden
What Columbia Should Have Done Instead of Brutalizing Its Student Protesters Two other universities showed that the school clearly had other options.
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/05/columbia-student-protests-nypd-shafik-escalation.html
The US universities that allow protest encampments – and even negotiate While semesters at other schools speed toward a violent close, several universities have sought a more amicable solution https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/04/universities-allow-student-campus-protest-encampments
Were 'Snipers' on Roofs at Gaza Student Protests? What to Know
https://www.newsweek.com/snipers-roofs-gaza-student-protests-indiana-ohio-1895314
Cop Slammed Emory Professor’s Head Into Concrete, Then Charged Her With Battery
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/cop-slammed-emory-professor-head-195707606.html
NYPD officer fired gun while clearing Columbia protest
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68947267
‘It wasn’t equal:’ Counter-protesters overwhelm pro-Palestinian students at the University of Mississippi https://mississippitoday.org/2024/05/02/it-wasnt-equal-counter-protesters-overwhelm-pro-palestinian-students-at-the-university-of-mississippi/
US soldier was arrested in Russia last week, officials say
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/05/06/politics/us-soldier-arrested-russia
Giuliani wants to pressure Ukraine to invent sandal on Biden: https://twitter.com/RonFilipkowski/status/1785050398266474644
Tucker Carlson’s Kremlin Propaganda Tour: https://twitter.com/United24media/status/1785353424726380615
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