Democracy Now! Audio

In a compelling discussion, Josh Paul, a veteran State Department official, shares his experiences resigning in protest against U.S. arms sales to Israel amid escalating violence in Gaza. Tracy A. Curry, an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker, reflects on the legacy of Hurricane Katrina, intertwining it with the current humanitarian crisis and systemic failures in disaster response. The conversation highlights urgent global issues, wealth disparity, and the dire need for genuine political reforms, emphasizing the interconnectedness of crises worldwide.

Jordan Flaherty, an independent journalist and author based in New Orleans, joins Chris Brown, president of the gun violence prevention organization Brady. They tackle urgent topics like the tragic shooting of children in Minneapolis, underscoring the pressing need for gun control. Flaherty reflects on Hurricane Katrina’s legacy, discussing its impact on vulnerable communities and ongoing struggles in New Orleans. Together, they emphasize the systemic failures in emergency responses and the necessity for legislative change to address these critical issues.

Ahmed Al-Farah, head of pediatrics at Nasser Hospital, shares heartbreaking accounts of starvation and health crises in Gaza amidst ongoing conflicts. Aya Ibrahim, a former senior White House advisor, discusses the tensions and divisions within the Democratic party regarding military aid and foreign policy resolutions. Jeremy Edwards, experienced in FEMA, highlights the challenges of presidential influence over policy and its repercussions on disaster preparedness. Their insights paint a poignant picture of current humanitarian and political turmoil.

Join Francesca Albanese, U.N. Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, as she discusses the tragic attack on Nasser Hospital in Gaza and the urgent call for accountability. Chicago Alderman Byron Ciccio-Lopez shares insights on how President Trump's actions are affecting local communities and the fight against rising authoritarianism. The conversation also highlights the plight of journalists caught in conflict and the need for solidarity among community organizations to fight back against oppressive practices.

Tess Ingram, spokesperson for UNICEF, discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine is declared as children suffer. Chris Newman, legal director of NDLON, shares insights on Kilmar Abrego Garcia's unjust deportation saga and its impact on families. Mohamed Shahada, from Gaza, provides firsthand accounts of the devastation caused by Israeli airstrikes, including the tragic loss of journalists. They tackle urgent issues of immigration, civil rights, and the desperate need for international action to address these crises.

David Daly, a senior fellow at FairVote and voting expert, discusses the alarming effects of gerrymandering on democracy. Shahid Goreshi, a former State Department press officer, shares his poignant condolences for Palestinian journalists lost in recent violence. Democratic Texas state representative Trey Martinez Fisher reflects on his dramatic flight from the state to oppose unfair redistricting. The conversation dives into pressing issues like voter rights, humanitarian crises in Gaza, and the urgent need for community engagement in defending democracy.

In a thought-provoking dialogue, Lonnie Bunch, the first African American head of the Smithsonian and historian, discusses the clash between President Trump's historical interpretations and the museum's mission. He highlights the importance of storytelling to confront racial injustices, sharing the inspiring legacy of Mamie Till Mobley. Bunch delves into pivotal moments like the Greensboro Woolworths sit-in and explores the architectural vision for a museum committed to non-linear narratives about slavery. His insights underscore the vital role of community engagement in honoring complex histories.

Mimi Syed, an emergency medicine physician with experience in Gaza, shares harrowing accounts of the humanitarian crisis and challenges in providing healthcare amidst conflict. Maryam Barghouti, a Palestinian journalist, discusses the impact of Israeli policies on Palestinian statehood, revealing personal stories of peril. Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, critiques political influences on historical representation, highlighting the significance of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in preserving narratives of justice and activism.

David Kirkpatrick, an investigative reporter for The New Yorker, reveals how Donald Trump may have profited upwards of $3.4 billion during his presidency, including insights into shady financial connections. Kea Chatterjee, leading D.C. statehood advocacy, discusses the political tensions stemming from federal interventions. Eunice Cho dives into the plight of immigrant detainees at the ACLU's 'Alligator Alcatraz,' highlighting the urgent need for better rights and legal representation amidst troubling detention conditions.

Denis Pilash, a Ukrainian political scientist and editor, along with John Mearsheimer, a renowned political science professor, dive into pivotal discussions about the Ukraine-Russia conflict. They analyze recent diplomatic maneuvers involving European leaders and potential peace negotiations, while addressing the humanitarian crises engulfing Gaza and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The conversation also covers domestic issues in the U.S., like voting practices and workers' rights, drawing connections between global and local tensions.