CounterPunch Radio

This week Eric discusses threats to the planet and human civilization with regular CounterPunch contributors Robert Hunziker and John LaForge. First, Eric welcomes back to the show environmental journalist Robert Hunziker to discuss climate change, the latest research from the Arctic, and ways of reorienting our thinking to tackle these immense problems. The discussion touches on the record warmth of January and February, the melting Arctic and Antarctic ice, and the interconnected nature of the global ecosystem. Eric and Robert also discuss lifestyle modifications, new technology, and the importance of these issues to millennials as they have families of their own. In the second part of the show Eric sits down with John LaForge to talk about Fukushima five years later, and the active threat of nuclear power to the environment, and life on this planet. They talk the conspiracy of silence over Fukushima, the “ticking time-bomb” at Indian Point (New York), and the political and economic obstacles to shutting down the nuclear facilities. John and Eric also discuss potential solutions, and the state of the anti-nuke movement. Musical Interludes: Gospel Beach – “California Steamer” Ali Farka Toure – “Soya” Chumbawamba – “Enough is Enough” The post Robert Hunziker & John LaForge – Episode 33 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes two great guests to the program. First, Eric sits down with the inimitable George Galloway to talk war, betrayal, and the Empire’s ceaseless adventures in regime change. They discuss the culpability of the US, UK, and Europe in the death and destruction in the Middle East, the use of terrorism as a potent weapon of war, as well as the refugee crisis and the rise of racist and fascist sentiment in Europe. George also briefly touches on his campaign for mayor of London against both the Conservative and Labour candidates. In the second part of the show Eric welcomes writer and political analyst Daniel Patrick Welch to the show. Eric and Dan go back and forth on racism, white supremacy and the necolonial attitudes bubbling to the surface in light of the refugee crisis. With references ranging from “Blazing Saddles” to “Seinfeld,” they manage to have a little fun while exploring an issue that is of the utmost importance to contemporary politics and activism. Intro & Outtro: David Vest – “Freight Train Rollin'” Interlude: Billy Bragg & Wilco – “All You Fascists” The post George Galloway & Daniel Patrick Welch – Episode 32 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric sits down with philosopher, filmmaker, and author of the new book “Exposing Lies of the Empire,” Andre Vltchek, for a colorful discussion on culture and politics, imperialism, and the reality of the Global South. The conversation opens with an exploration of the role of art and literature in shaping politics and ideology, and how that has increasingly become lost in an ever more commodified and compartmentalized political culture. Eric and Andre then discuss the nature of contemporary imperialism and how it manifests itself in today’s world. They go into many examples of Global South resistance to the Empire, why it’s important to support independent peoples and nations, and the necessity of maintaining an international perspective without falling into the trap of neocolonial arrogance so often exhibited by the “first world left.” These and many other topics in this week’s CounterPunch Radio. Intro and Outtro: David Vest – “Freight Train Rollin'” Interlude: Wire – “I Am the Fly” The post Andre Vltchek – Episode 31 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric sits down with journalist Diana Johnstone, author of the new book <a href=”https://www.counterpunch.org/product/queen-of-chaos/”>Queen of Chaos: The Misadventures of Hillary Clinton</a> available from CounterPunch Books. Eric and Diana discuss the myriad ways in which Hiillary Clinton has made herself into the embodiment of the military-industrial complex and the Empire, including her unabashed warmongering, shameless love affairs with Saudi Arabia and Israel, and continued belligerence toward Russia. Johnstone argues that Clinton represents an imminent threat to not just the United States, but the entire world, and that her worldview is as insidious as it is incompatible with peace. The conversation touches on Yugoslavia, Libya, and Honduras in order to illustrate Clinton’s cynicism, pathological lying, and complete disregard for human suffering. All this and much more in this wide-ranging interview. Intro and outtro: David Vest – Freight Train Rollin’ Interlude: The Mekons – Last Night on Earth The post Diana Johnstone – Episode 30 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric sits down with political analyst and writer Pascal Robert to discuss author Ta-Nehisi Coates’ recent attacks on Bernie Sanders and what they tell us both about Coates and the presidential election. Eric and Pascal discuss the issues of race and class, and why interrogating those issues is critical to examining Coates’ recent writings, as well his individual social position in relation to the power structure. The second half of the show is an in depth dialogue about a variety of issues related to the 2016 campaign including whether Bernie Sanders actually has a chance to win, the outcome the political and financial establishment are pushing for, Hillary’s scandal-plagued campaign, and any potential unexpected developments between now and primary season. All this and much more on CounterPunch Radio this week. Intro and outtro: David Vest – Freight Train Rollin’ Interlude: Marcel Cartier – I’m a Socialist The post Pascal Robert – Episode 29 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric sits down with Steven Donziger, the US spokesman and legal adviser for the Ecuadorian communities suing Chevron over its gross environmental pollution since the 1960s. The case has made international headlines as it is the first of its kind to see indigenous communities winning a judgment against an oil company for environmental degradation. Eric and Steven discuss the specifics of the case and the ways in which Chevron has attempted to use legal maneuvering and trickery to avoid paying a massive settlement to those affected. The conversation also touches on the parallels between this case and others, as well as the long-term effects of the damage caused by Texaco/Chevron. All this and much more in this important episode of CounterPunch Radio. Intro and outtro by David Vest. The post Steven Donziger – Episode 28 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

Eric is back from Venezuela this week and oh, the places he’s gone, the stories he’ll tell. Eric welcomes his fellow traveler, activist and political analyst Caleb Maupin, to discuss their experiences in Venezuela during the all-important legislative elections. Eric and Caleb talk about their impressions of the country and the economic crisis afflicting it, as well as recounting their various conversations with ordinary Venezuelans. The discussion touches on everything from geopolitics to the mentality of Venezuelans on Election Day, examining the role of the economic and psychological war waged by the US against the Bolivarian government. Eric and Caleb also provide their analysis of the future for the country with a right wing National Assembly, the potential for open conflict in Venezuela and throughout South America, and much much more in this wide-ranging conversation. Intro and outtro – “Freight Train Rollin'” by David Vest Musical Interlude – “Work Like Chavez” by Rebel Diaz The post Caleb Maupin – Episode 27 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes to CounterPunch Radio author, political analyst, and regular CounterPunch contributor John Wight to discuss recent developments in Syria, and the regional geopolitics that inform all events in the Middle East. Eric and John go in depth on the downing of the Russian jet by Turkey, and what that means for the ongoing war in Syria. They address a wide range of issues from the interplay between Wahhabi extremism and the Muslim Brotherhood, to the political development, and regional significance, of Egypt. The conversation also touches on the economic motivations of the interested parties, the role of Israel, Obama vs the Neocons, British politics as related to the war on Syria, and much much more. This far-ranging interview is yet another example of the kind of thing you just don’t find outside CounterPunch. Intro/Outtro: “Freight Train Rollin'” by David Vest Interlude: “Where Were You” by The Mekons The post John Wight – Episode 26 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show political analyst and human rights activist Ajamu Baraka to discuss Turkey’s recent downing of a Russian jet in Syria. Eric and Ajamu examine the details of the incident and the political fallout from it. They discuss how Russia might respond and how this changes (if at all) the ongoing war in Syria, including Russia’s active involvement. Ajamu also explains his reading on the larger political and geopolitical issues stemming from the downing of the jet. All this and much much more this week on CounterPunch Radio. Intro/Outtro: “Freight Train Rollin'” by David Vest Interlude: “I’m a Socialist” by Marcel Cartier The post Ajamu Baraka – Episode 25 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

This week, Eric sits down with two amazing and inspiring teachers tirelessly working to defend public education from the neoliberal assault being waged against it. First, Eric welcomes to the program Jia Lee, an educator, activist and candidate for President of UFT (United Federation of Teachers) representing the Movement of Rank and File Educators (MORE). Eric and Jia discuss why she became a conscientious objector to standardized testing, the importance of democratizing and radicalizing the teachers union, and the ways in which public schools have been attacked, undermined, and corporatized. In the second part of the show, Eric sits down with educator and advocate Mercedes Schneider who is the author of two important books: A Chronicle of Echoes: Who’s Who in the Implosion of American Education and Common Core Dilemma: Who Owns Our Schools?. Eric and Mercedes examine the rise of charter schools, the de-professionalization of teaching, the insidious effect of Teach for America on the profession, and much more. Musical interlude: “Chicago Teacher” by Rebel Diaz Intro and Outtro: “Freight Train Rollin'” by David Vest The post Jia Lee & Mercedes Schneider – Episode 24 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.