The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

The hosts delve into Trump's ultimatum plan for Gaza and assess its implications for Palestinian responses. They analyze the behind-the-scenes formation of the proposal, including edits from Netanyahu and the reactions of Arab states. Key highlights reveal the plan's vagueness, particularly regarding Palestinian sovereignty and potential displacement. The discussion touches on the opposition from Israeli right-wing factions and examines Hamas's cautious response amidst the ongoing geopolitical tension.

Mike Prysner, a military veteran and anti-war organizer, dives into the controversial deployment of U.S. military forces in American cities, labelled by Trump as a crusade against 'the enemy within.' He highlights the troubling use of national guard troops as political distractions and the increasing normalization of military presence domestically. Prysner also discusses the implications of new Pentagon policies, reforms targeting diversity, and the environmental impact showcased in his film, Earth's Greatest Enemy, revealing a multifaceted crisis within the military.

In this discussion, Prof. Richard Wolff, an economist and co-founder of Democracy at Work, examines the profound impact of AI on labor and society. He warns that AI, while promising efficiency, is mainly benefitting capitalists who prioritize profit over public good, raising risks of economic crash. Wolff proposes a bold alternative: worker-controlled AI which could lead to shorter workdays without wage loss. He argues for democratizing technology to empower workers and reshape our economic landscape.

Eugene Puryear, a political activist and co-host of The Freedom Side LIVE, dives into the alarming tactics of the Trump administration to suppress dissent through Project 2025. He discusses the ongoing criminalization of leftist organizations and draws parallels to historical political crackdowns like McCarthyism. Puryear emphasizes the unpopularity of Trump's policies and warns against self-censorship, advocating for the importance of free speech in driving social change. He calls for organized resistance to protect democratic rights.

Professor Richard Wolff, an economist and co-founder of Democracy at Work, joins Brian Becker to analyze the potential for a new economic crash reminiscent of 1929. They discuss capitalism's chronic boom-and-bust cycles and compare current stock market behaviors to past crashes. Wolff highlights the disconnect between soaring stock indexes and stagnant incomes, warning that extreme wealth concentration poses risks to consumer spending. He explains how minor market shocks can trigger significant downturns and the implications of government bailouts on future economic stability.

Hosts dive into the Trump administration's controversial designation of 'Antifa' as terrorists, claiming it's a tactic to undermine free speech. They analyze how the assassination of Charlie Kirk is being used as a pretext for a new wave of McCarthyism. The discussion also sheds light on Israel's alarming military actions in Gaza, including advanced robotic warfare and the humanitarian crisis unfolding there. Global reactions, calls for ceasefires, and protests against these actions round out this intense and thought-provoking conversation.

Professor Richard Wolff, author and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the dire state of the U.S. economy, revealing how systemic issues inherently lead to cycles of crisis. He highlights the paradox of a booming stock market alongside rising unemployment and calls for a shift away from capitalism. Wolff discusses the alarming concentration of wealth among the top earners and connects economic disparities to societal instability. He also touches on global politics' role in economic crises, emphasizing the need for transformative solutions.

Richard Wolff, an author and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the startling statistics that reveal 75% of Americans no longer believe in the American Dream. He discusses the widening wealth gap and its implications on economic security for working-class families. Wolff challenges the myth that hard work leads to success, highlighting systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups. The conversation emphasizes a shift from individualism to a collective understanding of responsibility in addressing inequality and advocating for social justice.

Manolo De Los Santos, Executive Director of The People’s Forum, talks about the rapidly escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. He highlights how millions of Venezuelans are rallying together in military drills to defend against perceived threats from U.S. warships. The conversation dissects the Trump Administration's rhetoric around narcotics trafficking, presenting it as a pretext for aggression aimed at controlling Venezuela's vast oil reserves. De Los Santos sheds light on how criticisms of the Maduro government are uniting citizens in the face of U.S. imperialism.

Massive ICE raids at auto and food production facilities have ignited a stir in U.S.-South Korea relations. These harsh enforcement actions impact both workers and executives, emphasizing the urgent need for a united labor movement. Protests against the detentions showcase solidarity between the working class and immigrant communities. Meanwhile, a significant military parade in China, attended by leaders from Russia, Iran, and North Korea, signals a growing coalition opposing U.S. hegemony amid escalating geopolitical tensions.