On this edition of Parallax Views, another year has passed and longtime listeners will know what that means: a look back at the news that DIDN'T get adequately covered by the corporate press. Yes, it's that time again. The annual Project Censored check-in to Parallax Views. This time we have not one but two guests from Project Censored: the returning Mickey Huff and first-time guest Shealeigh Voitl. We'll look back at the state of the media ecosystem in a turbulent year that ended with Donald Trump being elected President for a second time. We'll look at the problem of junk food news, important stories that haven't received their due coverage in the news, and much more in this conversation!

On this edition of Parallax Views, last week President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he'd like to "clean out" war-torn Gaza. He suggested Egypt or Jordan take Palestinian refugees. Joining us to discuss Trump's floated idea of "cleaning out" Gaza is the Quincy Institute's Dr. Annelle Sheline. Dr. Sheline made headlines during the Biden-era because she resigned from the State Department over that administration's handling of Gaza. In this conversation Dr. Sheline will explain why Trump's "cleaning out Gaza" idea is concerning, not least of which because it would amount to ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza. She will also delve into how carrying out the idea would impact the peace between Israel and Jordan. In the latter portion of the program, we'll discuss the potential factional disputes in Trump's administration over U.S. foreign policy as it relates to the Middle East.

On this edition of Parallax Views, Antiwar.Com's Dave DeCamp joins the show to discuss Trump's appointment of Michael DiMino, a former CIA analyst and fellow at the realist and restraint think tank Defense Priorities, to head up Middle East policy at the Pentagon. DiMino, if his past comments are any indication, wants U.S. involvement in the Middle East to be drastically reduced. We'll also Trump envoy Steve Witkoff (specifically in relation to Gaza and Iran), Trump redesignating Cuba as a state sponsor of terror, Trump's comments about possible military intervention to deal with Mexican drug cartels, Trump's controversial statements about Greenland and the Panama Canal, and much more.

In this hard-hitting episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, we welcome Chris Gunness, former Director of Communications and Advocacy for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), to discuss Israel's controversial ban on UNRWA and its far-reaching consequences for both Palestinians and Israelis. With the Knesset's legislation poised to expel UNRWA from Jerusalem and restrict its humanitarian operations, the episode delves into the grave repercussions of this move, including its impact on over 63,000 Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem and the broader implications for regional stability. Gunness breaks down how this decision not only undermines UNRWA’s vital services, such as education, healthcare, and food aid, but also sets the stage for the de facto annexation of Jerusalem in violation of international law, as highlighted by the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) recent ruling. Tune in for a compelling discussion that unpacks the complex layers of this issue and why it’s not only a humanitarian crisis but also a political and moral one that could harm not only Palestinians but also Israel itself. We will discuss Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem in the course of this conversation and Chris will answer questions about some of the attacks that have been made on UNRWA in the past year. This is a must-listen episode for those seeking a deeper understanding of the intersection between international law, humanitarian aid, and the ongoing conflict in Israel-Palestine. Don’t miss it!

Victor Pickard, a renowned media policy expert and author, dives into America's troubled media landscape, particularly during the Trump era. He discusses the corrosive impact of media oligarchy on democracy and highlights the rise of news deserts as a threat to civic engagement. Pickard advocates for public funding of media and explores how reforming local journalism could restore integrity. The conversation also critiques sensationalized coverage and emphasizes the urgent need for ethical journalism to empower informed citizens.

Arno Rosenfeld, a reporter for The Forward, shines a light on the controversial Project Esther by the Heritage Foundation. He discusses how the project positions pro-Palestinian activism as a source of antisemitism, linking it to high-profile figures like George Soros. Rosenfeld critiques the project's conspiracy-laden approach, noting the divergence from traditional Jewish institutions in combating antisemitism. The conversation also navigates the complexities of Jewish identity and the evolving political landscape, urging a nuanced understanding of these sensitive issues.

In this fascinating discussion, Michael Meeropol, son of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, advocates for his mother's exoneration. He reveals insights from a newly declassified NSA memo purportedly proving Ethel's wrongful conviction for espionage. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Rosenberg case, including the controversial role of Judge Kaufman and the emotional journey of their sons. Meeropol emphasizes the ongoing quest for justice against systemic injustices amidst the chilling climate of the McCarthy era.

You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, Nikolas Schreck of the controversial cult deathrock/experimental band Radio Werewolf returns to discuss Wally George. For those unfamiliar, Wally George was the host of The Hot Seat, a popular talk show that aired in Southern California in the 80s into the 90s and even the 2000s before his passing. Dubbed the "Father of Combat TV", George provided a carnival-esque show which revolved around his shouting matches with various guests. On-air he presented himself as a conservative firebrand, complete with a John Wayne photo on his desk and an enlarged picture of a Space Shuttle blasting off behind him with the word "USA #1" written beneath. He'd bring on guests he deemed "sickos" and "freakos" including Satanists, marijuana legalization proponents, and, of course, liberals. In other words, Wally George pioneered the "Own the Libs" schtick/gimmick of Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, and figures today like Ben Shapiro as well as being a precursor to the combative-and-chaotic talk show trash TV format of shows programs like the Jerry Springer Show. In recent years, there's been comparisons made between Wally George and President-elect Donald Trump, with most pointing out how both used a vulgar, combative style to appeal to their audiences. In fact, in 2016 Talking Points Memo referred to Wally George as the "Archeo-Trump". Nikolas Schreck, who was a practicing occultist whose band Radio Werewolf courted controversy, was a perfect fit for Wally George's The Hot Seat and he became a multi-time guest on the program. As such, Nikolas will be able to share his insight into Wally George and his audience. Some of those insights reveal George to be a consumate entertainer with a great deal of talent in terms of being able to provide a circus-like spectacle to his audience. However, Nikolas also notes a dark side to the kind of politics-as-entertainment Wally George brought to the table. In addition to Wally George and the parallels between Wally George and Donald Trump, Nikolas and I will also discuss the Satanic Panic and his analysis of how it connects to QAnon. As someone who was in the thick of the Satanic Panic, Nikolas has a great deal to say on this subject and will detail how he and his former wife have been targetted by QAnon. We will also discuss his analysis of Trump and MAGA, the vulgarian showbiz of GOP politics, the broken American male and the misogyny of right-wing influencers like Andrew Tate, the degeneration of American political discourse, why Schreck views Trump more as a Boss Tweed figure than a fascist, and much, much more.

Nina Burleigh, an award-winning investigative journalist and bestselling author, dives into the chaotic potential of a second Trump presidency and the bizarre dynamics of the modern GOP. She discusses her insightful piece, 'Trump 2.0: Here Comes the Night,' and reflects on the grotesque excesses of contemporary politics detailed in her Substack blog, American Freakshow. Nina also previews her new novel, Zero Visibility Possible, which tackles themes of disinformation and societal madness in today's America.

Journalist Patrick Hilsman, known for his work on conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, discusses leaked documents suggesting secret dealings between Assad's regime and Israel. These documents raise questions about the authenticity of regional alliances, especially regarding Hezbollah and Iran. Hilsman delves into the intriguing Israel-Russia relationship, particularly the influence of Israeli drone technology on Russian military tactics. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of Israel's export of surveillance technologies to authoritarian regimes, hinting at complex geopolitical relationships.