Democracy Now! Audio

Pramila Jayapal is a Congressmember from Washington State and former head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, while Rebecca Grant is an author and journalist focused on reproductive rights. They discuss the Supreme Court's ruling allowing states to defund Planned Parenthood, jeopardizing healthcare access for low-income women. The conversation also highlights the human impact of immigration policies through personal stories of asylum seekers, emphasizing the ongoing struggles and resilience within the abortion access movement amidst legislative challenges.

Sonny Singh, a Brooklyn-based Sikh American musician and trumpet player, shares his journey from immigrant struggles in North Carolina to musical activism. He discusses his album 'Sage Warrior' and its roots in Sikh resilience and community solidarity. Singh highlights music's power as a form of resistance, intertwining traditional songs with spiritual teachings. He reflects on his transformative music tour that brought revolutionary love to marginalized spaces and explains his evolution from corporate labor rights advocate to a passionate artist advocating for social change.

Join Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor, Gilbert Ashkar, a seasoned expert in international relations, and Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine pioneer, as they dive into pressing issues. They tackle the contentious vaccine debate amid U.S. political turmoil and discuss the rise of activist movements pushing for wealth redistribution. The guests emphasize the urgent need for affordable childcare and progressive tax reforms while critiquing anti-vaccine sentiments impacting public health. Insights on revitalizing democratic principles to prioritize people over corporate influences complete this thought-provoking discussion.

Mark Bronner, a dedicated doctor volunteering in Gaza, shares the harrowing realities of the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the dire conditions facing children and the urgent need for support. Jonathan Hernandez, a passionate council member from Santa Ana, discusses the shocking arrest of Narciso Barranco and its broader implications for immigration policies, shining a light on the struggles of immigrant families. Together, they highlight the pressing issues of health and justice in a world rife with conflict and instability.

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President at the Quincy Institute and author focusing on diplomacy, discusses escalating tensions between Israel, Iran, and the U.S. He sheds light on military actions and humanitarian crises in Gaza. Zohran Mamdani, a New York Assemblymember and mayoral candidate, emphasizes economic justice in his campaign amidst the NYC mayoral primary. Ro Khanna, representing Silicon Valley, advocates for Congressional authority over military actions, pushing for transparency in U.S. military engagements and critiquing the influence of super PACs.

Hossein Massavian, a visiting research collaborator at Princeton, formerly represented Iran in nuclear negotiations, while Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate and Palestinian protest leader, advocates for rights amid conflict. They delve into U.S. military operations against Iran, discussing implications of strikes on nuclear sites without congressional approval. Khalil shares his experience post-release from detention and the powerful student-led protests for Palestinian rights at Columbia, highlighting the intersection of activism and foreign policy.

Mahmoud Khalil shares his emotional reunion with family after over 100 days in ICE detention. He reflects on the profound impact of his activism for Palestinian rights, stating he will continue to speak out despite threats. The story highlights the resilience of individuals facing political persecution and the collective support from communities advocating for human rights. Khalil's release raises important questions about First Amendment rights and the challenges faced by activists, shedding light on the connection between immigration and civil liberties.

In this discussion, Chase Strangio, the first openly trans attorney to argue before the Supreme Court, shares insights on a recent ruling affecting trans youth healthcare, revealing its emotional toll on families. Alistair Kitchen recounts his dramatic detention at a U.S. airport due to his pro-Palestine activism, highlighting issues of civil rights. William Hartung critiques U.S. military strategies and foreign policies, emphasizing the complex ethical implications, while the group delves into the intersecting struggles for LGBTQ rights and global humanitarian crises.

Clint Smith, a poet and author of 'How the Word is Passed,' explores America’s reckoning with slavery, highlighting Juneteenth's complex history. He advocates for inclusive education that confronts painful realities. Rhiannon Giddens, a groundbreaking musical artist and Pulitzer Prize winner, discusses her opera 'Omar,' inspired by the life of enslaved scholar Omar ibn Said. She also shares how the tragic story of Kalief Browder influenced her powerful new song, intertwining themes of resilience and the urgent call for justice in artistic expression.

In this episode, guests Mohamed Mirandi, a professor and nuclear deal negotiator, Akbar Shahed Ahmed, a diplomatic correspondent, Masab Abutoha, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet from Gaza, and Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller, delve into critical global issues. They discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran and its humanitarian impacts on Gaza. Lander shares his experience of being arrested by ICE, highlighting immigration enforcement challenges. The conversation underscores the dire need for awareness and action on social justice and the complexities of foreign policy.