Current Affairs

Lindsey Boylan, a former aide to Governor Andrew Cuomo and the first to publicly accuse him of harassment, sheds light on Cuomo's dangerous patterns of abuse. She compares his authoritarian tactics to those of Donald Trump, detailing how Cuomo weaponized state resources to silence critics. Boylan also discusses the manipulation of COVID narratives and the tragic consequences of Cuomo's decisions on vulnerable populations. With Cuomo now a frontrunner for New York mayor, Boylan's urgent warning emphasizes the risks of allowing such behavior to persist.

Lindsay Boylan, a former aide to Andrew Cuomo who publicly accused him of sexual harassment, shares her firsthand insights on Cuomo's troubling legacy. The conversation dives into allegations of a toxic work environment and the chilling tactics used to silence dissent. They discuss Cuomo's disastrous handling of the COVID-19 crisis, including the mismanagement of nursing home data. Boylan also critiques the moral silence of Democratic leaders and the dangers of allowing someone with Cuomo's history to re-enter political office.

In this discussion, Richard Wolff, host of Economic Update and author of multiple books on economics, takes listeners on a deep dive into the complexities of capitalism. He argues that economics is intentionally obfuscated, hindering public understanding. Wolff critiques the myth of capitalism's prosperity, revealing its roots in instability and inequality. He analyzes America’s imperial decline and challenges the economic narratives fueling anti-immigrant sentiments, emphasizing the positive impact of immigrants on the economy. A thought-provoking exploration of power dynamics and economic truths!

Amy Goodman, a trailblazing journalist and host of Democracy Now!, shares insights into Noam Chomsky's critique of U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing its relevance today. Bev Stohl reflects on personal anecdotes from her time working with Chomsky at MIT, revealing his warmth and humor. Greg Grandin provides historical context, examining how Chomsky's ideas challenge mainstream narratives. Victor Pickard discusses the media's role in shaping public perception, highlighting the need for critical engagement with journalism. Together, they uncover the enduring legacy of Chomsky's activism in today's political landscape.

John Cassidy, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Capitalism and Its Critics,' dives into the multifaceted critiques of capitalism throughout history. He highlights the evolution of criticism from economic figures like Adam Smith and Karl Marx, and shines a light on often-overlooked female critics like Joan Robinson and Rosa Luxemburg. Cassidy explores the complex relationship between capitalism and technology, critiques from the right, and the urgent need for a re-evaluation of capitalism's future amidst modern socio-political challenges.

The podcast dives deep into the Democratic Party's self-inflicted wounds, highlighting a troubling disconnect between party elites and everyday voters. Critics argue that Joe Biden's presidency is just a symptom of larger issues within the party, emphasizing how insiders evade accountability. There's a notable contrast between the party's defense of Biden and the electorate's dissatisfaction. The discussion also exposes media complicity in obscuring these failures, showcasing a complex landscape of political delusion.

Chas Freeman, a retired Foreign Service officer and former Assistant Secretary of Defense, shares his extensive knowledge on U.S. diplomacy. He critiques America's approach to global conflicts, arguing against the 'China threat' narrative and emphasizing the complexities of U.S.-China relations. Freeman discusses how U.S. actions have worsened the Russia-Ukraine crisis and calls for a more balanced strategy in the Middle East, urging a shift away from enabling Israel's expansionist policies to foster true peace.

Ted Rall, an influential political cartoonist and author of "What’s Left: Radical Solutions for Radical Problems," discusses the shortcomings of the Democratic Party in representing true leftist ideals. He emphasizes the need for a cohesive left-wing movement that prioritizes healthcare, livable wages, and social justice. Rall critiques the disproportionate military spending while advocating for reallocated resources to combat homelessness. With humor and insight, he explores how simplifying complex ideas can broaden the appeal of leftist policies to Americans seeking meaningful change.

In this engaging discussion, journalist and lecturer Natasha Hakimi Zapata explores solutions to social and economic challenges facing the U.S. Drawing from her book, she highlights inspiring successes like the UK’s NHS for universal healthcare, Norway’s paid parental leave, and Singapore’s innovative public housing. Zapata also examines Estonia’s digital democracy and Uruguay’s green energy initiatives. Her insights prompt a thought-provoking question: are Americans ready to fight for the transformative changes already seen around the globe?

Dive into a critical analysis of the Israel-Palestine conflict as a prominent commentator's viewpoint is put under the microscope. Explore how misinformation shapes narratives, with misrepresentations of Palestinian leaders' stances being highlighted. The podcast emphasizes the importance of sourcing and evidence in geopolitical discussions, challenging the legitimacy of claims made by self-proclaimed experts. It's a thought-provoking exploration of truth, credibility, and the complexities of modern conflicts.