Varn Vlog

In a thought-provoking discussion, Colin Bodayle, a doctoral student at Villanova University specializing in Marx and Heidegger, reveals the disturbing links between Martin Heidegger's philosophy and fascism. He critiques how Heidegger’s concepts of authenticity and Dasein fundamentally support a fascist worldview. The conversation dives into the selective editing of Heidegger's manuscripts, the mystification around his Nazi past, and explores connections between German thinkers and far-right ideologies. Bodayle emphasizes the importance of confronting these uncomfortable truths in academia.

Donald Parkinson, a member of the Marxist Unity Group and editorial board member of Cosmonaut Magazine, dives into the parallels between today’s political climate and 19th century France. He discusses the allure of right-wing populism for some leftists, exploring the dangerous alliances reminiscent of General Boulanger. The conversation highlights the internal conflicts in the MAGA movement and critiques the historical debates among socialists regarding these alliances. Parkinson also examines the implications of rising socioeconomic dissatisfaction and the evolving nature of political dynamics today.

Dr. Vanessa Wills takes us on an intellectual journey through the heart of Marx's ethical vision – perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of his revolutionary philosophy. As we trace her path from anti-war activism to Marxist scholarship, Dr. Wills demolishes the persistent myth that Marx had no ethics or moral framework. Instead, she reveals how his entire project was fundamentally concerned with human flourishing, dignity, and liberation.The conversation cuts through decades of academic confusion to show how Marx's dialectical method allows us to understand apparent contradictions in his thought. Yes, he rejected abstract moralizing, but simultaneously offered a profound critique of capitalism rooted in human needs and capacities. This isn't inconsistency – it's the recognition that ethics emerge from material conditions while simultaneously guiding our transformation of those conditions.We explore how Marx's understanding of human nature as dynamic and social challenges both liberal individualism and crude collectivism. The false opposition between individual and society dissolves when we recognize that genuine individuality can only flourish through rich social relations. Capitalism's claim to champion the individual rings hollow when we see how it systematically destroys actual human beings while claiming to celebrate abstract individualism.Perhaps most urgently, Dr. Wills explains how Marx's ethical vision speaks to our current crises of ecological destruction, social alienation, and political fragmentation. From the commodification of identity in social media to the resurgence of rigid gender roles, modern phenomena reflect the contradictions Marx identified. His materialist approach doesn't abandon ethics but grounds them in the real conditions and potentials of human existence.This conversation invites us to rediscover Marx not as a cold determinist, but as a thinker whose commitment to human flourishing offers a framework for addressing our most pressing ethical questions. By understanding exploitation, alienation, and commodification as barriers to our collective survival and development, we gain new tools for imagining and creating a world where human dignity isn't just proclaimed but materially possible.Send us a text Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon

In this conversation, legal expert Elijah Emery sheds light on the troubling expansion of executive power in the U.S. He argues that recent administrations have increasingly governed through executive orders, bypassing Congress's legislative authority. Emery discusses the misuse of emergency powers for tariffs, defiance of court rulings, and even deportations without due process, all suggesting a breakdown of constitutional governance. With civil society beginning to organize legal resistance, the dialogue emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and the preservation of democratic checks.

Behind the celebrated image of Jimmy Carter as a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian lies a presidential legacy that demands closer examination. This revealing conversation with historian Robert Buzzanco challenges the sanitized narrative of Carter's presidency, exposing how he functioned as a crucial transitional figure between postwar liberalism and the full flowering of neoliberalism under Reagan.Buzzanco methodically dismantles popular misconceptions, documenting how Carter accelerated Cold War tensions rather than reducing them. While Nixon had pursued détente with both China and the Soviet Union, Carter reversed course, supporting the genocidal Khmer Rouge, working with apartheid South Africa against liberation movements in Angola, and initiating support for the Mujahideen fighters who would later evolve into Al-Qaeda. These military interventions reveal a hawkish president whose actions directly contradict his later humanitarian image.On the domestic front, Carter's presidency marks the beginning of neoliberal economic policies that would reshape American society. His administration aggressively pursued deregulation across multiple industries, appointed inflation hawk Paul Volcker to the Federal Reserve, sidelined labor unions, and rejected government intervention when factories closed in the Rust Belt. These policies accelerated the decline of working-class living standards and laid the groundwork for Reagan's more explicit dismantling of the New Deal consensus.Perhaps most strikingly, Carter's political transformation after leaving office represents one of the most remarkable second acts in American political history. The same man who collaborated with China to punish Vietnam later won the Nobel Peace Prize and wrote "Palestine Peace, Not Apartheid." Understanding this contradiction helps illuminate broader patterns in American politics, where Democratic administrations have repeatedly embraced corporate-friendly policies while facing pressure to move rightward after electoral defeats.Have we been too quick to sanitize Carter's legacy because of his admirable humanitarian work? What does this selective memory tell us about our political culture? Listen now to this thought-provoking deconstruction of a presidential legacy that continues to shape our world today.You can find Robert Buzzanco's work:https://www.counterpunch.org/2023/03/02/jimmy-carter-is-a-liberal-saint-now-was-a-war-criminal-then/https://afflictthecomfortable.org/https://creators.spotify.com/pod/dashboard/episodesSend us a text Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon

Borna Radnik, PhD, a philosopher and Marxist, dives deep into Hegel's intricate ideas on freedom and its evolution through history. He contrasts Hegel's views with those of Kant and Rousseau, highlighting freedom as a collective struggle rather than an individualistic pursuit. Borna emphasizes the importance of temporality in understanding freedom and critiques contemporary movements against utopian ideals. He connects Hegelian thought to modern social movements, illustrating its relevance to ongoing struggles for justice and recognition.

Is U.S. foreign policy under President Biden really different from Trump's approach? Join us as we welcome Daniel Bessner from the American Prestige podcast to unravel this and other pressing questions, with a bold examination of leftist perspectives on international relations. We scrutinize the position of Palestine within American leftist discourse and consider whether shifts in younger generations' opinions might eventually sway U.S. foreign policy. Student protests and divestment movements are powerful in their own right but how much can they truly influence the political machinery? Our exploration doesn't stop at foreign policy. We delve deep into the political climate of today, dissecting the peculiarities of the right-wing dynamics and the enduring shadow of Cold War liberalism. What do political promises from the late 2000s tell us about the current state of political engagement and identity? We discuss how social media has crafted new narratives and ask if the retreat from active political involvement signifies a broader societal disillusionment. Join us as we question whether the decline in religiosity and the popularity of socialism among youth signal a major ideological shift or just fleeting trends.Finally, we tackle the pressing issue of AI's impact on labor, considering how white-collar jobs could face the same fate as blue-collar roles did with automation. The role of AI in reshaping the future of work is undeniable, but what are the implications for both labor and capital? We close our discussion by reflecting on the decline of humanities in universities and the shifting global power dynamics, contemplating the end of the 20th-century academic ideal and the rising influence of regional powers. Don't miss our comprehensive analysis as we navigate these complex topics with insights from our esteemed guest, Danny Bessner.Send us a text Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon

Sudip Bhattacharya, a former journalist and Rutgers scholar, dives into the shifting landscape of socialist strategy after Trump. He tackles the complex interplay between class consciousness and anti-DEI rhetoric. Bhattacharya explores the Republican Party's evolving ideology and stresses the need for unity within the Democratic Socialists of America. Their conversation highlights the importance of grassroots activism and the delicate balance between identity politics and working-class narratives. Personal anecdotes and discussions on global solidarity add depth to this critical dialogue.

What if decadence reveals the truths about our societal structures? The hosts dissect Samir Amin's unfinished work, examining the intersection of Marxism and critiques of decadence theory. They tackle alarming literacy rates in elite education, reflecting on broader societal decay. The discussion pivots to cultural narcissism and the complexities of historical narratives across empires. From anti-imperialist ideologies to modern warfare in North Korea, they navigate through political intricacies and challenge traditional frameworks that shape our understanding of history and society.

In this insightful discussion, Joshua Citarella, an author and creator focused on political ideologies, dives deep into how fandom culture is reshaping political activism. He emphasizes the rise of young activists leveraging their passions for social change and the challenges they face with superficial engagement. The conversation highlights the need for genuine connections in activism, the impact of digital narratives on political identities, and the intricate link between fandoms and contemporary ideologies. It's a fascinating exploration of how culture and politics intertwine in today's digital landscape.