The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

Brian Becker went on a four-city speaking tour this month. This is his talk at the first stop on the tour on September 14 in Denver, CO, with a packed house at the Denver Liberation Center. This episode is a preview of the full talk that is available for Patrons in the TSP community. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest of this episode, support the show, join our monthly patron-only Q&A seminars, and access the highly valuable archive of years of socialist analysis.

On today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the looming government shutdown and what it shows about the U.S. capitalist system. Is it a stable democracy if it can't stay open? Why aren't lawmakers using the clear solutions at hand? Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Walter Smolarek, editor of Liberation News, joins Brian Becker to discuss the potential escalation of the Ukraine war, the emergence of new global alliances, the unexpected turns in the proxy war with Russia, Biden's change in rhetoric, and the devastating consequences of Libya's regime change. They also delve into the US strategy in the Middle East and North Africa.

This podcast discusses the criminal inaction of the White House and Congress in addressing inflation and rising costs of basic goods. It explores the impact of inflation on workers' wages and living standards, the correlation between war spending and inflation, and the burden of economic crises on the working class. The episode provides insights on interest rates, 'shrinkflation,' and the need for transformative change.

Leaders of North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela have recently met with their counterparts in Russia and China, signaling shifts in global politics. The podcast explores the historical context of these relationships, the impact of the Korean War on sovereignty, and the parasitic nature of South Korea's development. It also discusses the China-Venezuela strategic partnership, US military strategy towards China, China's resistance against foreign colonial powers, and the US Joint Chiefs of Staff's plan to drop nuclear bombs on China and North Korea in 1953.

Professor Richard Wolff discusses the possibility of a massive strike by autoworkers demanding fair pay and protection from mass layoffs. The podcast explores the challenges facing the auto industry, the resurgence of the labor movement, and the impact of economic competition. It also highlights the struggles of auto workers and the potential of worker co-ops to empower workers.

The podcast discusses U.S. media coverage of Medicare costs and the Ukraine war, the U.S. pivot toward war with China, Putin and Kim Jong Un meeting, and the rising cost of car insurance. It explores the role of US corporate media as a propaganda machine and advocates for a socialist program to address challenges of bourgeois democracy. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of alternative media in countering propaganda and highlights China's progress and the United States' preparations for war.

Prof. Richard Wolff discusses the intense labor struggles against inequality and corporate greed happening nationwide. Topics include workers fighting back, potential strike at the Big Three automakers, unionization efforts at Starbucks, challenges faced by workers forming unions, and the impact of new technology on employment.

Brian Becker is joined by Walter Smolarek, the editor of Liberation News, to discuss the high number of casualties in the Ukraine war. They explore the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential resolutions, China's motives behind the Belt and Road Initiative, and the implications of the BRICS summit. They also touch on the changing geostrategic landscape and the transition of liberals in the US towards supporting militaristic policies.

Prof. Richard Wolff discusses the expansion of BRICS with six new members and its potential challenge to the dominance of Washington and Wall Street. The podcast explores the historical pattern of dominant powers, the impact of de-dollarization on poor countries, the erosion of US global dominance, and the changing global economy.