TMBS ReAir 133 - #Trump, #China, & Virus-Stage Capitalism ft. Abby Martin & Liz Franczak
Jan 8, 2024
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Abby Martin discusses how the US is using the pandemic to target Venezuela. There is a breakdown of COVID Capitalism and its goal to maintain current power dynamics. Liz Franczak questions reality versus conspiracy and if Cuomo has a piercing. The episode also covers the blame game, Whole Foods workers strike, global crisis and acts of bravery, and the limitations of conspiracy theories.
The Trump administration's aggressive actions in Venezuela, including imposing sanctions and offering a bounty on President Maduro, continue a long-standing policy initiated under the Obama administration.
US sanctions on Iran, coupled with military pressure, have severely impacted the country's ability to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and access essential medical supplies, revealing the hypocrisy and dangers of US foreign policy in the Middle East.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the failures of the for-profit healthcare system in the US, emphasizing the need for structural reforms and a grassroots movement to challenge the current world order.
The economic stimulus measures in the US and the UK prioritize businesses over individuals, leaving people without sufficient resources, job security, and healthcare, highlighting the need for a more humane and rational approach to economic support.
Deep dives
US Empire's Aggression in Venezuela
This summary discusses the Trump administration's escalating aggression in Venezuela, highlighted by the imposition of a $15 million bounty on President Maduro. It emphasizes that the Trump administration's actions are a continuation of the aggressive sanctions policy initiated under the Obama administration in 2015, which has caused severe economic damage. The summary also points out the extraordinary measures taken by the Maduro government to combat the pandemic, including rent freezes, wage guarantees, and direct cash injections into the economy. The summary concludes by highlighting the need for global solidarity and a grassroots movement to challenge US imperialism and advance progressive policies.
The Brutality of US Sanctions on Iran
This summary highlights the devastating impact of US sanctions on Iran, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes that the US is exploiting the crisis to further their imperialist goals, blocking emergency loans and medical supplies for Iran. The summary also mentions the military threats towards Iran and the aggressive military exercises with other countries in the region. It emphasizes that the US sanctions, coupled with military pressure, have put Iran in a dire position, hindering their ability to effectively combat the pandemic. The summary concludes by pointing out the hypocrisy and dangers of US foreign policy in the Middle East.
The Challenges of COVID Capitalism
This summary highlights the failures of the US healthcare system, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the inequality and inadequacy of the for-profit healthcare system, which prioritizes profitability over national planning and public health. The summary also discusses the economic challenges of COVID capitalism, where the focus has been on propping up markets and assets rather than implementing structural reforms. It argues that the crisis exposes the contradictions and hypocrisy of the current world order and calls for grassroots political consciousness campaigns to mobilize labor and anti-war movements for transformative change.
Who Eats First under the Stimulus Bill
This summary examines the economic stimulus measures implemented in the US and the UK, focusing on the prioritization of businesses over individuals. It highlights how aid is often channeled through businesses, making individuals reliant on their employers for benefits and financial support. The summary argues that this approach is detrimental as it leaves individuals without sufficient resources, job security, and healthcare during the crisis. It criticizes the profit-driven nature of both societies and emphasizes the need for a more humane and rational approach to economic stimulus.
Significance of Workers' Mobilization
Workers recognizing their value and importance in society are mobilizing and fighting back, as seen with Amazon workers and frontline workers in grocery stores. This challenges the attempt to maintain a system that obscures the worth and importance of workers through COVID capitalism. There is a potential for capitalism to emerge from the crisis even stronger, perpetuating a social divide between an underclass exposed to workplace endangerment and overwork and a socially isolated population. However, it is crucial to remain aware and prepared for this potential, as workers hold the fundamental power in society.
Challenges to Traditional Conspiracy Theories
The belief that Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide is questioned as it requires accepting that the US government would assassinate its own prisoner. People sometimes struggle to accept conspiracy theories that challenge their belief in the state's capacity to act efficiently and strategically. The difficulty lies in reconciling the idea that the state can perpetrate such actions with the faith and trust placed in institutions. It also highlights the limitation of a linear conspiracy narrative that attributes too much power and efficiency to the state.
The Need for Discipline and Reconnecting
The current situation calls for discipline and reconnection amidst increasing alienation and reliance on technology. Building routines, connecting with others, and developing self-discipline are crucial to maintaining mental well-being and effectiveness during these challenging times. It is necessary to break out of the toxic discourse and infighting that has characterized the left, and instead, adopt a mindset that recognizes the changing political landscape and the importance of unity and collective action in shaping a better future.
Shoutout to workers standing up against the exploitation during the pandemic.
Abby Martin (@abbymartin) joins us to talk about how the US is using the crisis to target Venezuela and how it is using sanctions to pursue empire.
During the GEM, (@DavidGriscom) breaks down the fundamental goal of COVID Capitalism, to maintain the current power dynamics.
Liz Franczak (@liz_franczak) breaks down the crucial questions does Cuomo have a piercing? And how can we bridge the gap between reality and conspiracy?
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TMBS ReAirs come out every Tuesday here and on The Michael Brooks Show YouTube Channel. This program has been put together by The Michael Brooks Legacy Project. To learn more and rewatch the postgame and all other archived content visit https://www.patreon.com/TMBS
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The TMBS ReAir project was created to give people who discovered Michael's work towards the end of his life or after his passing a weekly place to access his work without feeling overwhelmed by the volume of content they missed, as well as continuing to give grieving friends, family and fans their Tuesday evenings with Michael.
While the majority of the content and analysis on TMBS has stayed relevant and timeless, please remember some of the guest's work and subject matter on the show is very much linked to the time when the show first aired. The appearance of some guests on TMBS does not constitute an endorsement of those guests’ current work.
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