New Witch Hunt Demonizes Peace with China, w/ Vijay Prashad & Manolo de los Santos
Aug 20, 2023
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Vijay Prashad and Manolo de los Santos discuss the new witch hunt against peace activists opposing the growing danger of war with China. They critique the media's role in fueling tensions and highlight the catastrophic consequences of a conflict between the US and China. The importance of unity in fighting against racism and fascism is emphasized, along with the need for mature discussions about China and US relations. Listeners are invited to join the campaign for defending free speech and democratic rights.
There is a new witch hunt against peace activists and the left due to the growing danger of military confrontation with China.
The New York Times plays a significant role in promoting the new McCarthyism, contributing to the demonization and racism towards Chinese Americans.
Deep dives
The Danger of New McCarthyism and Witch Hunts Against Peace Activists and the Left
There is a growing danger of military confrontation with China, and as a result, a new witch hunt against peace activists and the left has emerged. Liberal and conservative media outlets are attempting to intimidate and isolate those who oppose US war-mongering foreign policies. However, this repression has sparked a mass movement of solidarity from thousands of individuals, hundreds of organizations, and various movements worldwide. This united front sends a resounding message that the new wave of McCarthyism and witch hunts will not be accepted.
The Role of the New York Times in Promoting New McCarthyism
The New York Times, often considered the newspaper of record and a liberal outlet, has played a significant role in promoting the new McCarthyism targeting peace activists and critics of US foreign policy, including Chinese Americans. They have been identified as initiators and promoters of this dangerous narrative. By spreading false allegations and targeting those who oppose war and advocate for peace, the New York Times contributes to the demonization and racism towards Chinese Americans, thereby damaging the culture of free speech and intellectual debate.
The Need for an Adult Conversation About China-US Relations
It is essential to have an adult conversation about China and US relations. This conversation should include discussions about the benefits and challenges of trade with China, the possibility of collaboration, and the need for resolving conflicts through peaceful means. People with different perspectives should come together to engage in open dialogue, focusing on facts and informed opinions rather than resorting to baseless accusations and demonization. Opening up spaces for these conversations, such as in the opinion pages of mainstream media outlets, can contribute to a more informed and balanced understanding of China-US relations.
Defending Democratic Rights and Building a United Front
In the face of the new McCarthyism and witch hunts, it is crucial for progressives, anti-war activists, and those advocating for peace and social justice to stand united. It is not only about defending one's own rights and beliefs but about actively working towards a better society. By joining together, spreading awareness, signing petitions, and engaging in collective action, people can challenge and push back against the forces that seek to silence dissent and perpetuate fear and division. Organizing campaigns, like McCarthyism is back, together we can stop it, provides a platform for building a strong united front against these oppressive tactics.
Seventy-five years ago, a witch hunt was launched in the United States against peace activists and leftists who opposed the growing danger of war with the Soviet Union. Today, as the United States has adopted major power conflict with China as its main military priority, and the danger of military confrontation with China grows, there is a new witch hunt against peace activists. But people are fighting back all around the globe.
Brian Becker is joined by Manolo De Los Santos, the co-executive director of The People’s Forum in New York, and Vijay Prashad, the Executive Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research, Chief Editor of LeftWord Books, and a prolific author, most recently publishing a new book with Noam Chomsky called “The Withdrawal: Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and the Fragility of U.S. Power.”
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