It Could Happen Here

The hosts dive into the haunting parallels between Italy's Years of Lead and today's political violence in the U.S. They explore the organized terror campaigns of the past versus the chaotic, online-driven attacks we see now. Special attention is given to incidents like the Charlie Kirk shooting and the concerning rise of conspiracy theories. The dialogue touches on the normalization of state-sponsored doxing and the troubling rhetoric that intertwines civil society with governmental power. It's a thought-provoking look at violence's evolution in modern politics.

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Bridget Todd, a podcast host and cultural critic known for her work on "There Are No Girls on the Internet," converses about the implications of Trump's emergency order expiration for D.C. She discusses how this policy masked heightened immigration enforcement and how D.C.'s lack of statehood increases its vulnerability. The conversation touches on misconceptions about immigrant communities and the political dynamics surrounding crime in the city. Todd also highlights the community's activism, culture, and the fight for self-determination amidst a changing policing landscape.

A deep dive into the memes and disinformation swirling around a recent assassination attempt reveals a chaotic landscape of political affiliations. The hosts dissect how online communities shape narratives, emphasizing the need for critical thinking in this climate of misinformation. They explore the suspect's background, revealing insights into domestic terrorism's roots in family and social media dynamics. With sharp commentary on the complexities of ideology and political violence, the discussion stresses the importance of discerning fact from fiction in a polarizing world.

The conclusion of 'Hermetica' reveals a society grappling with climate change and pandemics. Characters confront chilling memories while navigating an oppressive reality, sparking themes of agency and identity. The struggle for autonomy against authoritative constraints highlights the illusion of freedom in a controlled environment. Emotional turmoil between confinement and the desire for connection unfolds, leading to powerful realizations about rebellion and self-liberation. Ultimately, characters embark on journeys toward introspection and acceptance, intertwining spirituality with contemporary themes.

Dana El Kurd, a political analyst and professor specializing in Palestinian politics, joins Prop, a rapper known for addressing racism through his art, and Cooper Quinton, a technologist focused on digital privacy. They dive into the complexities of Palestinian statehood, critiquing superficial international recognition while highlighting local aspirations. The conversation also explores the dangers of digital surveillance technology and corporate influence in social governance, ultimately advocating for community-driven solutions to pressing societal issues.

The discussion kicks off with the shocking assassination of a political figure at a public event, raising questions about gun laws and political violence. Insights into Jeffrey Epstein's controversial connections emerge through his birthday book, filled with unsettling relationships. The hosts also explore a raid on a Hyundai plant, issues of immigration, and the DOJ's consideration of a trans gun ban that adds layers to current tensions. Meanwhile, the spread of misinformation during crises and its political ramifications are critically examined.

Dana El Kurd, a political science associate professor and expert on Palestinian politics, delves into the recent moves by countries like France and the UK to recognize Palestine as a state. She highlights the skepticism among Palestinians about these declarations, noting they often fail to lead to genuine sovereignty. El Kurd critiques the superficial nature of such recognitions, discusses the complexities of the Oslo Accords, and emphasizes the disconnect between leadership and public sentiment in the Palestinian quest for true statehood.

Garrison talks with Cooper Quinton, a Senior Staff Technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, who digs into the troubling implications of Paragon’s Graphite spyware. They discuss how this technology invades the privacy of activists and journalists, the misinformation surrounding its capabilities, and the ethical concerns of government contracts with surveillance firms. Practical digital security measures are shared, emphasizing the need for enhanced protection in an age of invasive technology.

The discussion dives into the Abundance movement, revealing its ties to influential figures like Peter Thiel and the Koch Brothers. A critical exploration of technology's role as a 'Trojan horse' for advancing ideologies unfolds, questioning its ethical implications. The podcast critiques how landlords exploit algorithms to manipulate rental prices, despite market fluctuations. It also examines the rise of 'network states' and their potential threat to democracy, advocating for collective action against privatized governance.