CounterPunch Radio

This week Eric welcomes author and journalist Madhusree Mukerjee to the program to discuss her groundbreaking 2010 book “Churchill’s Secret War: The British Empire and the Ravaging of India During World War II.” Madhusree discusses her personal and ideological motivations for writing the book, as well as exploring what the Bengal famine and British imperial policy say about the nature of imperialism and colonialism in India and throughout the world. Eric and Madhusree also bring the issues forward our time by probing how the same agricultural policies, engendered by capitalism and profit, are helping to exacerbate poverty, dispossession, and environmental degradation today. Eric and Madhusree don’t shy away from debating the legacies of Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose, and the role of India and the emerging non-Western powers today. In the second part of the show, Eric is joined by Danny Haiphong, a Boston-based political activist and columnist for Black Agenda Report, to discuss his recent piece on self-determination and political movement-building in the US and the Western world. The conversation touches on current trends, as well as historical exemplars such as the Black Panther Party. Eric and Danny also examine what revolutionary movement-building requires, and what it will look like given the current political and economic climate. All this and much more on this week’s CounterPunch Radio. Musical Interludes: “Jara cafe te more te bose acho” by Unknown & “Sove Peyi Mwen” by Freedom Intro and Outtro: “Freight Train Rollin'” by David Vest The post Madhusree Mukerjee & Danny Haiphong – Episode 23 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

<a href=”https://www.counterpunch.org/product/support-this-podcast”>support this podcast, donate today</a><p>This week, Eric welcomes two brilliant guests to the show. First, Eric speaks with Don DeBar, independent broadcaster and Senior Producer at Community Public Radio (CPRmetro.org). Eric and Don discuss the state of the independent media, and how it has been rapidly transformed in recent years. Don presents an inside account of the corporate takeover and purge of Pacifica Radio and its NYC flagship station WBAI, pulling back the curtain on how Pacifica operates, and why some of its good work has come to be overshadowed by the bad, especially when it comes to issues of war and peace. Eric and Don also touch on the war in Libya and how that exposed much of the media for being aligned with the US-NATO war agenda. In the second half of the show, Eric welcomes Laura Carlsen, Director of the Americas Program at the Center for International Policy to the program. Eric and Laura discuss the 2014 Ayotzinapa massacre of student teachers in Mexico, and the obvious government cover-up of the incident. Laura explains what happened in late September 2014, what the circumstances were leading up to the massacre, and the inconsistencies in the initial government investigation. Eric and Laura also discuss neoliberalism and privatization, and how this massacre should be understood as part of a broader political process ongoing in Mexico with direct US involvement. Musical interlude from Boukman Eksperyans – “Jou Nou Revolte” Intro & Outtro from David Vest The post Don DeBar & Laura Carlsen – Episode 22 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

<a href=”https://www.counterpunch.org/product/support-this-podcast”>support this podcast, donate today</a><p>This week, Eric sits down with CounterPunch Editor and political kidney-puncher Jeffrey St. Clair who spins yarns about the early days of CounterPunch and the inimitable Alexander Cockburn, who himself makes a special appearance in this week’s episode in the role of angry thundercloud. Eric and Jeffrey discuss the quietus of journalism and, consequently, the importance of CounterPunch upholding the tradition and legacy of oppositional reporting and analysis. Jeff explains how Bill Clinton and the corporate Democrats served to consolidate the programs and policies of Reagan and the neocons, and how dear comrade Bernie, aka Chairman Sanders, is not exactly a leftist breaking from the party, but more like the party breaking left for a fleeting moment. Eric and Jeff discuss the environment, Gang Green, and the collapse of social movements, while also waxing poetic on the importance of culture in politics. Oh, and also, CounterPunch asks for money. Give us your money. One of us, one of us! Gooble gobble. Gooble gobble. Intro and Outtro from David Vest. Musical interlude from The Mekons. The post Jeffrey St. Clair – Episode 21 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

<a href=”https://www.counterpunch.org/product/support-this-podcast”>support this podcast, donate today</a><p> After a short absence, Eric is back this week with author, labor journalist, and all around enemy of the bosses David Macaray. Grab your hammers and sickles boys and girls as Eric and David discuss the state of labor unions, the importance of militancy and political education, international solidarity, and many other topics to get your pinko commie juices flowing. They debate whether organized labor should try to resuscitate the Democratic Party, or simply poke its corpse with an agitator’s stick. The conversation touches on the role of teachers in the labor movement, internationalism and labor history, as well as what independent organizing by unions would actually look like today. From the halls of Richard Trumka to the shores of the LAUSD, this week’s CounterPunch Radio leaves no stone unturned…except for those being turned by scab labor…they can go to hell. Intro and outtro by David Vest. Musical interlude from Billy Bragg. The post David Macaray – Episode 20 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

<a href=”https://www.counterpunch.org/product/support-this-podcast”>support this podcast, donate today</a><p> This week, Eric has an in depth conversation with economist Michael Hudson, author of the new book <a href=”https://www.counterpunch.org/product/killing-the-host-digital-book/”>Killing the Host: How Financial Parasites and Debt Bondage Destroy the Global Economy</a>. Eric and Prof. Hudson discuss the evolution of finance capital from its humble parasitical beginnings to the comprehensive global network of economic tapeworms and barnacles that it is today. They examine neoliberal terrorism, how debt is used as a weapon, and the disastrous effects of the financialization of the real economy. Hudson outlines the relationship between the parasites and their bloodsucking policies of austerity, providing insight using the example of Latvia, where he witnessed first hand the smash-and-grab nature of such prescriptions. Plus, Eric and Michael touch on Obama as Wall Street errand boy, the importance of left economic organizing, and much much more. Musical interlude from the exciting new band <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/GospelbeacHband?fref=ts”>GospelbeacH</a>, and intro and outtro from David Vest. The post Michael Hudson – Episode 19 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

<a href=”https://www.counterpunch.org/product/support-this-podcast”>support this podcast, donate today</a><p> This week Eric and his guests discuss Ukraine and Syria, two war zones on the front lines of imperialism today. First, it’s protests and clashes and fascists (oh my!) as Eric sits down with international relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda to examine the latest developments in the “New Ukraine.” Eric and Mark talk about the violence on the streets of Kiev and what it means for the future, while plumbing the icy depths of the coldly pragmatic mind of Putin as they discuss Russia’s strategy in Donbass. As they say in Game of Thrones, “Winter is coming,” and with no gas, no money, and a disgruntled military and Nazi paramilitaries, it could prove to be a very cold, and very long, winter in Ukraine. In the second half of the show, Eric welcomes to the program activist Jay Tharappel, fresh off his visit to Syria. Jay describes daily life in the country, his charity work on behalf of the Syrian people and, like Blanche DuBois on the road to Damascus, the kindness of strangers. Eric and Jay discuss the realities of war, left imperialist gamblers, and the curious case of the migrant crisis. All this and more on Episode 18 of CounterPunch Radio. Intro and outtro music provided by David Vest, interlude by Billy Bragg & Wilco. The post Mark Sleboda & Jay Tharappel – Episode 18 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

<a href=”https://www.counterpunch.org/product/support-this-podcast”>support this podcast, donate today</a><p>This week Eric and his guests mark the ten year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by reflecting on its lasting impact and the political lessons it has taught. First, Eric chats with CounterPunch contributor and Editor-in-Chief of News Junkie Post Gilbert Mercier about his experiences in New Orleans in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Gilbert recounts his personal stories, what he witnessed in the city, and the political context within which Katrina should be understood. Eric and Gilbert discuss the sick logic of disaster capitalism, and the brutality and rot of Empire. Next, Eric welcomes author and filmmaker Daniel Wolff to the program to discuss his work with Jonathan Demme on the film “I’m Carolyn Parker,” as well as his book “The Fight for Home: How (Parts of) New Orleans Came Back.” Daniel tells about the making of the film, the human side of the Katrina story, and the attempt to shape a narrative of both tragedy and hope. Eric and Daniel also examine New Orleans as a template for destruction and ehtnic cleansing from the inner city to the Middle East and everywhere in between. Finally, Eric sits down with author and activist Jay Arena to discuss the current political struggle in New Orleans, the pernicious impact of corporate funded NGOs, and the importance of radical grassroots activism. Jay is the author of the important 2012 book “Driven from New Orleans: How Nonprofits Betray Public Housing and Promote Privatization.” Eric and Jay outline the causes of the political crisis, the corporatization and privatization of the city, and much more. As always, intro and outtro from <a href=”https://www.davidvest.ca/”>David Vest</a>. Musical interludes from Billie Holiday & Louis Armstrong, and Dr. John. The post Daniel Wolff, Jay Arena & Gilbert Mercier: Episode 17 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

<a href=”https://www.counterpunch.org/product/support-this-podcast”>support this podcast, donate today</a><p>This week Eric welcomes political commentators Margaret Kimberley and Sukant Chandan to the program. First, Eric chats with Margaret Kimberley, editor and columnist at Black Agenda Report about the growth of #BlackLivesMatter, the controversy surrounding the confrontation with Bernie Sanders and its aftermath, and the importance of the movement’s dissociation from the Democratic Party. They also touch on the situation in Ferguson and the necessity of incorporating a critique of imperialism into the #BlackLivesMatter movement. In the second part of the show, Eric sits down with political commentator and organizer Sukant Chandan to deconstruct the situation in Libya, as well as the general state of imperialism in Africa and Asia: What are its tactics? How have they shifted? How do we move forward in opposing it? Eric and Sukant take on the issues of African “migrants,” the spread of death squads, and the importance of creating unity among imperialism’s victims around the world. Intro and outtro provided by <a href=”https://www.davidvest.ca/”>David Vest</a>. Musical interlude by Ali Farka Touré. The post Margaret Kimberley & Sukant Chandan: Episode 16 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

<a href=”https://www.counterpunch.org/product/support-this-podcast”>support this podcast, donate today</a><p>This week, CounterPunch Radio host Eric Draitser welcomes two more outstanding guests to the program. In the first half of the episode, Eric chats with award winning syndicated political cartoonist and author Ted Rall about the controversy surrounding his recent firing by the LA Times on bogus charges made by the LAPD. Eric and Ted discuss the circumstances of his firing, the LAPD’s lies, and the stupidity and arrogance of LA Times management in siding with the cops. Eric and Ted examine the larger context of this story, including how it is an indictment of the corporate media which, once again, reveals itself as a servant of power. Ted also talks about his brand new book about NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, scheduled for release in a few days. In the second part of the episode, Eric welcomes environmental journalist and regular CounterPunch contributor Robert Hunziker to the program to discuss climate change and the precarious state of our planet. Robert and Eric talk about the state of the arctic, the terrifying implications of the loss of arctic sea ice and methane release, and much more. Robert also dispells some of the myths perpetrated by the climate change skeptics, and provides his perspective on Fukushima, the global water crisis, and a number of other issues. All this and more in this wide-ranging interview. As always, intro and outro music from <a href=”https://www.davidvest.ca/”>David Vest</a>, with an interlude from Billy Bragg and Wilco. The post Ted Rall & Robert Hunziker – Episode 15 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

<a href=”https://www.counterpunch.org/product/support-this-podcast”>support this podcast, donate today</a><p>This week, Eric Draitser chats with two brilliant guests about war and peace, imperialism, and the state of a very troubled world. First, Eric sits down with renowned author and peace activist David Swanson to discuss George Clooney, Africa, and the white man’s military-industrial burden. Eric and David highlight the hypocrisy of celebrity activism, neo-colonial superiority complexes, and the unmistakable barbarism that passes for presidential leadership in the US. They also touch on the moribund anti-war movement, the rotten smell of the Democratic Party, and why we should continue to organize. The second half of the program features London-based journalist and political analyst Hafsa Kara-Mustapha talking about North Africa and some of the recent developments there. Eric and Hafsa go in depth about Algeria, its strategic and geopolitical importance, and the terrorism it has faced for more than two decades. They examine the situation now, and what it tells us about the future of the region. They also touch on the ongoing tragedy of Libya, the deceptive coverage of the situation in Tunisia, and much much more. Episode 14 of CounterPunch Radio features, as always, intro and outtro music from <a href=”https://www.davidvest.ca/”>David Vest</a>, and interlude music by <a href=”https://www.mekons.de/mekonhom.htm”>The Mekons</a>. The post David Swanson & Hafsa Kara-Mustapha: Episode 14 appeared first on CounterPunch.org.