The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

The hosts dissect the portrayal of the Gaza war by the New York Times and other mainstream media, revealing how they weave a false narrative. They discuss Trump's involvement in the ceasefire and the exchange of prisoners, highlighting the complex dynamics at play. With the Israeli government struggling to control the narrative, the discussion explores the media's role in shaping public perception. Tune in for a deeper dive into the implications of these narratives and their impact on the understanding of the conflict.

The podcast dives into the recent Gaza ceasefire, exploring the conditions that led to this significant development. Thousands of Palestinians are returning to their homes amidst the devastation. The discussion highlights U.S. influence in the cessation of hostilities, particularly analyzing Trump's assertive role. The hosts examine the dynamics of back-channel negotiations and the pivotal shift in American policy that compelled action. It's a thought-provoking conversation about power, geopolitics, and the human cost of conflict.

Claudia De la Cruz, Executive Director of IFCO and 2024 presidential candidate for the Party for Socialism & Liberation, dives deep into U.S. imperialism's war mentality towards Venezuela. She discusses the alarming impacts of ICE raids on all working-class communities and highlights the need for unity against rising authoritarianism. Claudia details the U.S.'s resource-driven motives for intervention in Venezuela and connects it to the harmful effects of sanctions on both Venezuela and Cuba. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots solidarity to combat imperialism.

In this discussion, economist Richard Wolff, a professor and co-founder of Democracy at Work, delves into the chaos of the government shutdown and its serious impact on workers. He emphasizes the necessity of a mass labor fightback against systemic injustice. Wolff also highlights the broader U.S. economic decline and its international repercussions, touching on Italy's general strike and the failures of American politicians to safeguard social programs. He critiques the Democratic response as ineffectual and addresses rising social tensions and the growing acceptance of socialist ideas.

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.