It Could Happen Here

Humanitarian advocate Charles McBryde joins Robert and Shereen to discuss the importance of military aid to Ukraine and ways to support Ukrainian independence. They highlight countering Russian propaganda, media bias, the forgotten war, unrealistic expectations, and the significance of US aid and citizen engagement in Ukraine.

Former senior border patrol agent discusses complicity of border patrol in Texas' treatment of migrants, challenges in locating migrant deaths in Texas, lack of empathy in current agents, concerns about Biden's open borders policy and border patrol union's security designation, negative portrayal of BP Union on Twitter, importance of educating Americans on the asylum system.

Lydia and Ben from Doughnut Workers United discuss Blue Star Doughnut's campaign of fear, intimidation, and retaliation against union organizers. Topics include frustrations with the work environment, nurses being made to work while sick, disturbing incidents mishandled by management, unexpected changes in work schedules, union support and job loss, manipulative schedules leading to organizers quitting, company's excuses for layoffs, and the significance of word-of-mouth support.

The hosts discuss the book 'The House of Surrender' by Laurie Penny and read an excerpt. They also talk about the importance of asking for money and promotions. A peculiar case of Schmidt with odd behavior is mentioned. The narrator reflects on their mission to help Schmidt despite reports about his behavior. They discuss Schmidt's surrender and therapy. The episode wraps up with the speaker introducing their podcast show and mentioning sponsors.

Topics discussed in this podcast include Texas defying the federal government, the connection between fear-mongering, advertising, and right-wing influencers, preparing food for the apocalypse, the mindset of caravan participants, misconceptions of a civil war, obstacles in accessing gender-affirming care, misinformation in anti-trans and anti-abortion legislation, opposition to Ohio's ban on gender affirming care, the power of organizing, campaigns to influence trans healthcare bans, controversial figure Ken Zucker, detransitioning and bias in trans healthcare, the lack of support for detransition and retransition, building a safe world for trans people, decriminalizing drugs in Oregon, perceptions of crime and drug use, the impact of drug criminalization, advocacy for realistic fixes to the drug problem, drones in law enforcement, controversy and transparency in Chula Vista's surveillance drones.

The podcast explores the rise of drone policing, focusing on the Chula Vista Police Department in California. It discusses the benefits of drone technology for law enforcement and raises concerns about their use in mental health evaluations. The chapter also discusses advancements in police drone programs, privacy concerns, and a court case related to the deployment of drones by law enforcement agencies.

City defense attorney Grant Hartley discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the decriminalization of drugs in Oregon. Topics include the high rate of drug addiction, the need for adequate support and treatment services, and alternative solutions to prevent drug-related crimes. The chapter also explores the motives of law enforcement, ways to fight against re-criminalization, and resources for addiction recovery.

In part 2, Ky and Lee discuss how anti-trans groups influence medical organizations like WPATH, exploit detransition narratives, and dehumanize trans individuals. It also touches on personal experiences with gatekeeping in trans healthcare and the impact on vision issues.

Mia talks with Ky and Lee from Health Liberation Now about anti-trans bills in Ohio and the strategies detrans terf groups use to restrict trans healthcare. They discuss gender-affirming care restrictions, misinformation in anti-trans groups, Janice Raymond's impact, proposed bills in Ohio, and the power of influence and organizing for change.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's confrontation with the federal government and the real humanitarian crisis at the border are discussed. Right-wing grifters exploiting the situation, testing the limits of authority, and the harm caused by divisive politics and grifting in advertising are explored. The idea of convoys to the Texas border is mocked, and the mindset of caravan participants and potential threats are examined. Governor Abbott's secret cave war and the importance of mutual aid and humanizing migrants are also highlighted.