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Behind the Bastards
It Could Happen Here Weekly 168
Feb 8, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Spencer Sunshine, an expert on neo-Nazism, delves into the dark legacy of the neo-Nazi text 'Siege' and its influence on modern extremist ideologies. Argavan Salis and Kaveh Hoda highlight the significant impacts of Trump's funding cuts on healthcare, especially regarding marginalized communities. Nevdon Jamgothian analyzes Azerbaijan's manipulative tactics at COP29, shedding light on greenwashing amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Together, the guests explore the interconnectedness of extremism, healthcare, and international politics.
03:42:14
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Quick takeaways
- International volunteers in Myanmar are pivotal in combating dictatorship, underscoring the importance of solidarity against fascism.
- Women's participation in Myanmar's revolution highlights evolving social roles, yet persistent patriarchal challenges necessitate ongoing gender equality advocacy.
- The political landscape in Chinland illustrates the complexity of ethnic struggles for autonomy amid a protracted fight against oppression.
- The COP29 conference in Azerbaijan serves as a stark reminder of greenwashing amid ongoing human rights violations against Armenians.
- Jon Stewart's return to The Daily Show rejuvenates political commentary, blending humor with insightful discussions on contemporary issues.
- Dr. Laurie Santos' happiness guides aim to provide listeners with practical strategies for emotional wellness, reflecting a growing mental health focus.
Deep dives
Super Bowl 59 Pre-Game Concert
The Super Bowl 59 pre-game tailgate concert features Post Malone performing live from New Orleans, bringing a vibrant music experience to the event. this year, fans can enjoy the concert by tuning in to iHeart Radio or watching on YouTube just before the big game. The excitement around the tailgate concert highlights the significant connection between music and sports, creating an engaging atmosphere for fans. This performance is a part of the broader Super Bowl celebration, distinguishing it as a key element in the overall festivities.
BetMGM Sportsbook Promotional Offer
Sports fans are encouraged to get involved in the excitement surrounding Super Bowl Sunday with BetMGM Sportsbook's promotional offer. New users can sign up and receive up to $1,500 in bonus betting credits if their first bet loses. This opportunity promotes responsible gambling practices while enhancing the Super Bowl experience for bettors. It emphasizes how sports betting is becoming increasingly popular as fans engage with the game on multiple levels.
Jon Stewart’s Return to The Daily Show
Jon Stewart is back on The Daily Show, bringing his signature humor and insight to contemporary issues. Alongside correspondents and contributors, the Ears Edition podcast offers a unique take on politics and entertainment, making it an engaging companion for listeners. The inclusion of exclusive content like in-depth interviews adds value for fans tuning in. Stewart's return signifies a much-anticipated revival of resonant commentary on pressing social topics.
The Happiness Lab's How-To Guides
Dr. Laurie Santos announces a series of guides focused on enhancing happiness through actionable steps in her podcast, The Happiness Lab. Aimed at supporting listeners in 2025, these guides will provide simple yet effective strategies distilled from expert insights. Each episode addresses common emotional challenges, offering tips that are easily applicable to everyday life. This initiative represents a growing interest in mental health resources that are practical and accessible.
Emerging Conflicts in Myanmar
A significant discussion highlights the involvement of international volunteers in Myanmar's ongoing struggle against dictatorship and fascism, particularly through the formation of the Anti-Fascist Internationalist Front (AIF). This organization reflects a growing interest in internationalist movements that are willing to contribute to local struggles against oppression. However, the nature of these engagements raises questions about the role and impact of foreign volunteers in complex conflicts. The conversation emphasizes the need for solidarity and genuine partnerships in resisting fascism globally.
Challenges Faced by Female Fighters
The discussion also delves into the challenges faced by women fighters in Myanmar's revolution, drawing comparisons to the experiences of women in historical movements like Rojava. New social structures and roles are evolving amid the struggle, but remnants of patriarchy still pose significant obstacles. The revolution's dynamic nature offers a chance for empowerment and change, yet the legacy of traditional gender roles continues to linger. Activists underscore the importance of promoting gender equality within revolutionary contexts to reshape future societies.
Political Landscape of Chinland
The ongoing political landscape in Chinland reflects the complexities of the revolution as various ethnic groups and factions navigate their future amid the struggle against dictatorship. The historical context of the armed resistance shows that the fight for autonomy and self-determination has marked the region for decades. Despite significant achievements in territorial control, challenges remain in fostering unity among factions and addressing the needs of diverse communities. Chinland's evolving situation symbolizes the broader fight against oppression and the ongoing quest for justice.
Global Attention Amid Local Struggles
Amid the local struggles in Myanmar are emerging international responses, with attention drawn to the violence and oppression faced by the people. The conversation highlights how awareness can transform into solidarity and shape collective action. However, the efficacy of global support and its forms remains subject to ongoing debate and analysis. The situation in Myanmar reveals the complexities of geopolitical dynamics and the need for nuance in understanding how local contexts intertwine with global movements.
Controversial COP29 Conference
The recent COP29 conference in Azerbaijan raises critical questions about environmental policies amidst a backdrop of conflict and genocide. The Azerbaijani government's efforts to present itself as a responsible actor on climate action starkly contrasts the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Armenians. The use of such international platforms for propaganda purposes underscores the need for vigilance in recognizing greenwashing tactics. COP29 exemplifies the intersection of environmental, political, and humanitarian crises.
International Involvement in the Conflict
International relations have significantly influenced the dynamics of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, revealing the complexities of alliances and geopolitical interests. Notably, the role of Turkish support for Azerbaijan and Israeli arms sales highlights the intersections of economic motivations and military strategies. Armenian experiences and narratives challenge simplistic portrayals of the conflict as merely historical or ethnic. The nuanced involvement of external actors exemplifies how global politics shapes local struggles for autonomy and recognition.
Prospects for Peace and Stability
The prospects for peace and stability in the region remain fragile as Azerbaijan's aggressive rhetoric escalates. The looming threat of further military action against Armenia signifies ongoing volatility. Vulnerable populations in affected regions continue to face dire humanitarian crises, and international efforts to mediate peace appear tenuous. The situation calls for renewed focus on dialogue and cooperation in seeking sustainable resolutions.
All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file.
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The Internationalists Fighting Fascism in Burma
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(Maybe Don't) Read Siege
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How Trump is Killing Science (And You)
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Greenwashing Genocide In Artsakh
-
Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #2
You can now listen to all Cool Zone Media shows, 100% ad-free through the Cooler Zone Media subscription, available exclusively on Apple Podcasts. So, open your Apple Podcasts app, search for “Cooler Zone Media” and subscribe today!
Sources/Link:
(Maybe Don't) Read Siege
Greenwashing Genocide In Artsakh
Donations:
VOMA
https://www.voma.center/en
VOMA is a non-governmental movement that aims to strengthen the defenses of the Republic of Armenia through preparing Armenians and Diaspora to face the immanent threat of invasion by Azerbaijan and Turkey. A defensive organization only.
Kooyrigs
https://kooyrigs.org
Kooyrigs is a women-led organization and NGO. Focused on supporting Armenia and Artsakh refugees through various humanitarian projects, especially in the areas of education, healthcare, and emergency relief efforts.
Pahapan Development Foundation:
http://www.pahapan.org/en/
Donations go toward supporting and developing Tavush: there are about 10000 children who live under regular shootings by Azeri troops in 23 borderline villages of Tavush region. This organization helps their safety as well as implementing social, cultural and educational programs.
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
https://www.himnadram.org
This fund is one of the main sources of support for Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, focusing on community development, health, education, and infrastructure.
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU)
https://www.agbu.org
AGBU is one of the largest Armenian-American organizations that provides support for educational, cultural, and social welfare initiatives in Armenia and globally.
Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR)
https://www.farusa.org
FAR focuses on providing relief to vulnerable populations in Armenia, supporting programs in health, education, and economic development.
Paros Foundation
http://parosfoundation.org/available-projects/
Donations can contribute to a number of humanitarian missions they have in Armenia. You can choose to support individual projects or donate to the foundation in general.
Armenia Fund
https://www.armeniafund.org
A wide ranging charity for infrastructure projects, educational scholarships, and providing aid to vulnerable populations.
Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund
https://armenianwoundedheroes.com
This fund provides direct support to Armenian soldiers who have been injured in the line of duty, offering medical assistance and helping them reintegrate into society.
Tumo Center for Creative Technologies
https://www.tumo.org
Tumo is an innovative educational program that provides free tech and creative skills to young people in Armenia. Donations help support the growth of this pioneering center and its ability to empower youth with skills in areas such as animation, coding, game development, and design.
Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC)
https://www.avc.am
AVC connects volunteers with opportunities in Armenia to support a variety of causes, from community development to disaster relief. Donations help fund the ongoing programs and volunteer recruitment.
The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF)
https://coaf.org
COAF supports rural communities in Armenia with educational, healthcare, and technological programs.
Armenian Red Cross Society
https://www.redcross.am/en/home.html
The Armenian Red Cross provides critical humanitarian assistance in Armenia, offering emergency relief, health services, and disaster response.
IMAST
https://imast.am/
IMAST helps Armenian non-profits with micro-donations for individual projects from wildlife to health to community building.
Other:
One Armenia
https://www.onearmenia.org
A travel group that features local travel opportunities with local people. Promoting responsible travel.
Hike Armenia
https://hikearmenia.org/
Learn4Artsakh
https://learn4artsakh.org
Instagram: @learn4artsakh
Learn4Artsakh is a leftist platform dedicated to providing educational resources about Artsakh’s history, culture, and people.
Books:
The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide by Peter Balakian
The Caucasian Knot: The History and Geo-politics of Nagorno-Karabagh, by Patrick Donabedian & Claude Mutafian
Available on learn4artsakh.com
My Brother’s Struggle:
A great book by the brother of a complicated Armenian revolutionary who grew up in California.
Available on learn4artsakh.com
AVOID anything by Thomas de Waal
News sites:
https://armenianweekly.com/
https://evnreport.com
https://hetq.am/en
Videos:
White Phosphorus in Artsakh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjwzHkyGYQA&rco=1
Armenia: The Fall of Nagoro-Karabagh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tld7Vz42QSI
Articles:
Cultural destruction by Azerbaijan
https://hyperallergic.com/482353/a-regime-conceals-its-erasure-of-indigenous-armenian-culture/
Azeri War Crimes
https://azeriwarcrimes.org/
An archive of evidence of war crimes, ethnic cleansing and human rights violations committed by Azerbaijan. Not for the faint of heart.
University Network for Human Rights
https://www.humanrightsnetwork.org/we-are-no-one
How Three Years of Atrocities Led to the Ethnic Cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenians
Azerbaijan’s Ethnic Hatred Theme Park
https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-karabakh-theme-park-armenia-ethnic-hatred-aliyev/31217971.html
History of Artsakh
https://www.armenianmuseum.org/artsakh
Armenian Genocide Historical Overview
https://genocideeducation.org/background/brief-history/
Artwashing and Sportswashing by Azerbaijan:
https://hyperallergic.com/615519/artwashing-a-dictatorship/
Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #2
https://apnews.com/article/trump-netanyahu-washington-ceasefire-1c8deec4dd46177e08e07d669d595ed3
https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-lackeys-general-services-administration/ https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-lieutenant-gsa-ai-agency/
http://wired.com/story/elon-musk-government-young-engineers/
https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-associate-bfs-federal-payment-system/ https://www.reuters.com/world/us/musk-aides-lock-government-workers-out-computer-systems-us-agency-sources-say-2025-01-31/
https://x.com/USAO_DC/status/1886537850390483276
https://bsky.app/profile/josephpolitano.bsky.social/post/3lhfjn7ires2h https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/02/politics/usaid-officials-leave-musk-doge/index.html
https://bsky.app/profile/chadloder.bsky.social/post/3lhc52j6kns2d https://apnews.com/article/trump-musk-gsa-terminate-office-leases-f8faac5e2038722f705587c8dd21ab26?user_email=dabc81d5ec766cfb0c88230c077bd88afdc57894c6b8dcdfcf8102146e6c
https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/research-and-publications/quick-facts/Fentanyl_FY23.pdf
https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/frontline-against-fentanyl
https://x.com/nayibbukele/status/1886606794614587573?mx=2
https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/el-salvador/
https://www.theverge.com/news/605483/shein-temu-amazon-trump-tariffs-de-minimis-exemption
https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/03/americas/mexico-military-migrants-killed-int-latam/index.html
https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/denver-health-pauses-gender-affirming-surgeries-minors-federal-funding/73-e61f598b-e32d-474e-94b4-4b11d4c5c8af
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/nyregion/nyu-langone-hospital-trans-care-youth.html
https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/school-systems-across-us-declare
https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025/02/04/nyc-parents-push-for-statement-from-schools-chancellor-opposing-trump-executive-order-on-race-gender/
https://www.seattleschools.org/news/commitment-to-sps-students-staff-and-families/ https://bsky.app/profile/erininthemorning.com/post/3lhh7qpjygk27
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode