Democracy Now! Audio

Quinn Slobodian, a Boston University historian, discusses his upcoming book on Elon Musk and critiques capitalism's far-right influences. Rupa Maria highlights healthcare inequities and links them to systemic racism. Alison Gavani dives into the public health impact of ongoing budget cuts, while Raz Baraka shares his fight for progressive reforms as Newark's Mayor. Tiago Avila sheds light on the humanitarian mission to Gaza with the Freedom Flotilla, illustrating the intersection of political activism and health care challenges.

Akeem Browder, the older brother of Kalief Browder and co-founder of the Campaign to Shut Down Rikers, joins filmmaker Sisa Bueno, director of the film For Venida, For Kalief. They discuss Kalief's tragic legacy after his time in solitary confinement and his mother Venida's poignant poetry. The conversation dives into the impact of their experiences and the ongoing efforts to close Rikers Island. They also reflect on the historical activism surrounding the prison system and the urgent need for systemic reform in criminal justice.

Carol Cadwalader, an award-winning investigative journalist known for her work on the Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal, dives into the rise of the 'broligarchy.' She explores how tech billionaires are intertwining with government power, raising concerns for democracy and civil liberties. The discussion also highlights critical humanitarian crises, including the devastating impact on Gaza's healthcare infrastructure and the ongoing struggles for Palestinian rights. Cadwalader emphasizes the dangers of surveillance and data misuse in today's political landscape.

Carole Cadwalladr, an award-winning investigative journalist known for her work on the Cambridge Analytica scandal, dives deep into the repercussions of unregulated tech giants such as OpenAI and Palantir. She discusses the alarming misuse of data to influence democracy, especially during the Brexit campaign. Cadwalladr highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI and data privacy, urging the need for strict regulation. She also emphasizes exploring alternatives to Big Tech that prioritize user privacy, championing citizen-led initiatives.

Karen Howe, an insightful journalist and author, joins climate activist Greta Thunberg and Oxfam’s Mahmoud Asaka to discuss pressing humanitarian issues. They detail the dire situation in Gaza, underscoring the challenges of aid delivery amid ongoing conflicts. Thunberg emphasizes the link between climate justice and social equity, while Howe draws parallels between AI development and historical colonialism, highlighting ethical concerns. Asaka shares personal stories from the field, advocating for urgent international action to address the suffering of civilians.

Karen Hao, an acclaimed journalist and author of "Empire of AI," sheds light on the alarming rise of AI colonialism. She discusses the deceptive portrayal of AI as a job replacement, exposing its emotional impact in critical sectors like healthcare and law. The conversation dives into OpenAI's mission amid fierce competition, emphasizing the socio-political repercussions of AI policies. Hao also highlights grassroots resistance against corporate exploitation and advocates for democratic governance in AI, illustrating how community-led initiatives can reclaim agency.

Gerline Joseph, co-founder of Haitian Bridge Alliance, shares insights on the humanitarian crisis in Haiti amid mercenary involvement and deportations. Adriana Jaso highlights community resistance against ICE raids in San Diego and the fears facing immigrant communities. Silky Shah discusses the urgencies of abolition in immigrant justice and the implications of detention. Meanwhile, McKenna Kelly explores the intersection of technology, surveillance, and immigration policy, urging for systemic reforms to address these pressing issues.

Daniel Levy, President of the U.S. Middle East Project and former Israeli peace negotiator, shares insights on the complex dynamics of the Gaza conflict and the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Zahra Imam, newly graduated chaplain from Harvard, discusses her powerful commencement speech addressing social justice. Victoria Rose, a British surgeon, recounts her experiences volunteering in Gaza, emphasizing the dire humanitarian challenges and the critical need for aid amidst a health crisis. Together, they shed light on activism, resilience, and the international response to these pressing issues.

Ellen Schrecker, a historian specializing in McCarthyism's impact on academia, shares insights on today's oppressive university climate mirroring that era. Elizabeth Goytin discusses the legal implications of Trump's tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein emphasizes the tension between executive power and judicial oversight. The discussion also delves into electoral integrity, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and ongoing struggles for academic freedom, revealing critical socio-political dynamics of our time.

This discussion features Jamil Jaffer, Director at the Knight First Amendment Institute, and Nadav Wyman, Executive Director of Breaking the Silence, alongside Jeremy Scahill of DropSite News. They delve into U.S.-Israel relations, focusing on a new aid plan bypassing the UN amidst a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Key topics include allegations of Israel using human shields and the complexities of ceasefire negotiations influenced by Trump. They also highlight the judicial responses to immigration policies affecting international students and the chilling of academic freedom.