All Over the Place with Dara Starr Tucker EP 76 | Dr. Jason Johnson on the L.A. Protests
Jun 14, 2025
Dr. Jason Johnson, a Morgan State University professor and MSNBC analyst, dives deep into the chaos of current events in America. He discusses the militarization of protests in Los Angeles, drawing historical parallels to past struggles for civil rights. Johnson calls out creeping authoritarianism and stresses the dangers of apathy among citizens. With insightful commentary on the importance of civic engagement, he urges listeners to stay informed and actively participate in democracy, underscoring that engagement goes beyond voting.
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US City Occupation as Authoritarianism
- Dr. Jason Johnson calls the deployment of federal troops in Los Angeles an outright occupation driven by political motives.
- This move exemplifies creeping authoritarianism under the current U.S. administration.
Authoritarianism's Slow Normalization
- Life under authoritarianism still includes daily joys but restricts personal freedoms progressively.
- The slow normalization of these constraints is a key danger to democracy, warns Dr. Jason Johnson.
Universal Threat to Civil Liberties
- Threats to civil liberties to any group eventually affect everyone.
- Black and Latino communities alike face dangers from harsh enforcement and surveillance.