4/4/22: Amazon Labor Union, Ukraine Strategic Shifts, Russian Economic Outlook, Media Corruption, Chris Smalls Interview, & More!
Apr 4, 2022
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Christian Smalls, President of the Amazon Labor Union and a pivotal figure in the first successful Amazon warehouse unionization, discusses the monumental victory of the union and the company's counteractions. He emphasizes the grassroots strategies that helped workers overcome corporate tactics. The conversation also touches on the current situation in Ukraine, Russia's resilient economy amidst sanctions, and the ethics of media coverage. Smalls advocates for community support and solidarity in fighting for workers' rights against corporate interests.
The focus of the conflict in Ukraine has shifted to the eastern region, particularly Donbass, and potential concessions from Zelensky may be sought for a ceasefire.
Accusations of war crimes by Russian and Ukrainian forces underscore the brutality of war, urging caution in approaching these claims and considering the complexities of the conflict.
The media's calls for military intervention in Ukraine, exemplified by Ali Velshi of MSNBC, fail to assess the risks and consequences associated with direct involvement.
The limited support from Democrats in Congress, despite AOC's public congratulations, reveals a lack of commitment to labor rights and calls into question their supposed support for working families.
The Amazon labor union victory in Bessemer signifies a turning point for the labor movement, with potential to reshape American labor and create a more democratic society.
Deep dives
Refocusing the Fight in Eastern Ukraine
The fight in Ukraine has shifted to the eastern region, particularly the Donetsk area. Ukrainian forces are clearing individual localities as Russian forces withdraw from the northwest of Kiev. The focus now is on securing the Donbass region and potentially seeking concessions from Zelensky in exchange for a ceasefire.
Putin's Bind and Zelensky's Balancing Act
Putin is in a difficult political bind, as he cannot successfully secure a national mobilization without being honest about the nature of the conflict. Zelensky faces a challenge in selling a negotiated settlement to the Ukrainian public, who believe they can win the war. The next phase of the conflict will likely unfold in eastern and southern Ukraine.
Accusations of War Crimes
There have been accusations of war crimes by both Russian and Ukrainian forces, highlighting the brutality that can emerge in the midst of war. It is important to approach these accusations with caution, recognizing that war can bring out the worst in individuals. The media coverage of these war crimes has sparked calls for direct intervention, particularly from MSNBC's Ali Velshi, who openly advocates for military involvement.
Media's Irresponsible Calls for Intervention
The media's calls for intervention, particularly by Ali Velshi of MSNBC, are irresponsible and fail to consider the risks and consequences of direct military involvement. Velshi's emotional plea for action does not take into account the potential for a nuclear exchange or the complexities of navigating a conflict of this scale. It is essential to balance humanitarian concerns with a realistic assessment of the potential outcomes of military intervention.
AOC criticised for attending Met Gala but skipping Amazon union rally
AOC faced criticism for attending the Met Gala while not showing up at an Amazon union rally, despite her opposition to Amazon's plans to build a new factory. Some argue that her actions do not align with her supposed support for working families.
Mixed support for unions from Democrats
While some progressive Democrats, such as AOC, have publicly congratulated the workers for their victory in the Amazon union battle, the overall support from Democrats in Congress has been limited. Only a minority of Democrats have spoken up in favor of the workers, indicating a lack of commitment to labor rights.
Republicans' lack of support for unions
Not a single Republican in Congress has publicly acknowledged or expressed support for the landmark victory in the Amazon union battle. This highlights the GOP's limited commitment to labor unions and their tendency to focus more on cultural issues than on workers' rights.
The Power of Unions: A Step towards Real Democracy
Unions are crucial for the working class to have power and organized political influence. The Amazon labor union victory in Bessemer, Alabama, represents a turning point for the labor movement, driven by the radicalization of young workers who demand real power and control in their workplaces. The success in Bessemer has sparked interest and support from workers across the country and even globally, with many other Amazon facilities expressing interest in forming ALU (Amazon Labor Union) chapters. The ALU's hyper-local focus and adaptation to regional cultures have helped in their organizing efforts, and they are ready for the next vote in the LDJ5 warehouse. However, the fight is not over, as Amazon is expected to continue its union-busting tactics. The success of the ALU has the potential to reshape the American labor movement and create a more democratic society.
The Corrupt Revolving Door between Media and Government
The unethical revolving door between government officials and media outlets is highlighted by the recent news that White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki is in advanced negotiations for a media job with MSNBC's streaming platform, Peacock, while still serving as the chief spokesperson for the President of the United States. This phenomenon, also seen with other former government officials joining media networks immediately after leaving office, raises concerns about objectivity and corruption. While the media would usually scrutinize such actions, there appears to be a double standard and selective outrage. The fusion between media and government perpetuates a state TV-like environment, and capitalism's influence is evident as these networks pivot towards streaming platforms. This underscores the need to challenge and change the mainstream media landscape, creating a more independent and accountable source of information.
Krystal and Saagar talk about the Amazon Labor Union victory, the company's fight back against the workers, media freakout, Ukraine updates, hawkish rhetoric, Russia's economy, cable news corruption, Taylor Lorenz blackmail, fake friends of workers, and an interview with Christian Smalls!
