The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

In this engaging discussion, Professor Richard Wolff, author and co-founder of Democracy at Work, delves into Donald Trump's declaration of a police state in D.C. He highlights the irony of this move amid low crime rates and critiques the real intentions behind it. Wolff connects the militarization of policing to broader issues of civil liberties and authoritarianism. The conversation also touches on the historical significance of leftist movements, racial dynamics in society, and the contentious symbolism of Confederate statues, illuminating America’s ongoing social divisions.

Before we can change the world, we have to understand how change occurs. Today's episode features a recording of our host Brian Becker teaching at the Summer School for Socialism, a class series hosted by The People's Forum in New York City. The class module in today's episode is titled "Change is Possible." How do systems of power rise and fall? Brian introduces the Marxist method for understanding how societies change.Join the The Socialist Program community at http://www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

In this engaging discussion, Prof. Ken Hammond, an expert in East Asian and Global History, sheds light on China's rise as a global power and the U.S.'s perception of it as a threat. He delves into the intriguing move to open 1,000 new Marxist schools, emphasizing the complexities of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Topics include the impact of Xi Jinping's policies on economic inequality, shifting perceptions of the U.S. among young Chinese, and the challenges of urbanization and environmental sustainability. Hammond's insights illuminate China's unique political landscape and cultural identity.

The podcast dives into the historical complexities of the Korean War and the unfulfilled promise of a peace treaty. It critiques U.S. media narratives about North Korea while highlighting the ongoing struggles and resilience of countries affected by imperialism. The discussion emphasizes North Korea's diplomatic goals, showing its focus on normalized relations rather than denuclearization. Moreover, it challenges misconceptions about the DPRK, advocating for a reassessment of military threats and U.S. expenditures in the context of global peace efforts.

Mass arrests of immigrants in the United States, massive starvation imposed on the people of Gaza. The Trump administration is on a rampage, but there is a growing nationwide fightback movement.Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at www.patreon.com/TheSocialistProgram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content, and help keep this show on the air.

Richard Wolff, an esteemed economist and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the dark side of profit-driven healthcare. He critiques how profit motives undermine public welfare, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. The discussion highlights Cuba's impressive healthcare successes under socialism, contrasting them with U.S. shortcomings. Wolff emphasizes that access to healthcare should be a fundamental right, advocating for a reevaluation of our economic systems to prioritize public good over corporate greed.

ICE conducted one of the largest raids since Trump took office in Ventura County, California, with agents chasing farmworker Jaime Alanis off a roof to his death and arresting over 360 people. Those arrested included U.S. citizens, moms, and veterans. Now organizers have successfully mobilized a large network of volunteers to fight back against the ICE campaign of terror.Brian Becker is joined by Lainy Yompian and Ryan Drury of VC Defensa, the network in Ventura County, California that has organized the network and hotline to respond to ICE raids and follow them around town.Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed Trump’s evisceration of the Department of Education this week through mass layoffs. Fellowships and sponsorships to fund student research are getting cut while student debt is growing. Professor Richard Wolff breaks down the potential impacts on the U.S. economy and society, the history of the federal education system in the U.S., and the root causes of Trump’s attacks on education.Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.Join the The Socialist Program community at https://www.patreon.com/TheSocialistProgram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

The right-wing Supreme Court gave the go-ahead for Trump to carry out the mass firings of hundreds of thousands of federal workers. More than 200,000 have already been fired or forced out as Trump carries out the Project 2025 plan to radically re-shape the form of government in the United States. The violent ICE assault against immigrant families is part of that plan.Brian Becker and Professor Richard Wolff discuss what happens to the economy when those cuts hit and the layoffs continue. They also discuss why the ruling class is freaking out about NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to tax the rich by just 2% more and make buses free and provide affordable housing for New Yorkers.Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.Join the The Socialist Program community at https://www.patreon.com/TheSocialistProgram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

Donald Trump’s Tax bill has passed. It constitutes a massive transfer of wealth from working class and poor people to the already very very rich. Israel continues to massacre Palestinians lining up to receive food in Gaza. And Donald Trump has announced that a ceasefire is near. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at www.patreon.com/TheSocialistProgram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content, and help keep this show on the air.