WHAT IS POLITICS?

Today, free markets are championed as the foundation of capitalism, while socialists argue that free markets cause growing inequality and exploitation of the working classes, and thus need to be constrained by the state, or else abolished entirely. But in the 19th century, it was socialists who touted the wonders of the market and decried state interference with free trade, which they blamed for causing the inequality and oppression of the working classes. This is the introductory episode in a series aimed at “flushing the toilet of the left,” which will demonstrate that it’s the rules of unlimited property rights, backed by the state, that are the cause of inequality, exploitation, and lack of freedom, while the market is simply a form of democratic decision-making, which is entirely compatible with socialism and socialist ideals. TO SUPPORT MY EXISTENCE (I do not monetize my channel, and increasingly depend on donations to do this!): PAYPAL ONE TIME OR MONTHLY DONATIONS PATREON PER EPISODE DONATIONS KO-FI ONE TIME OR MONTHLY DONATIONS TRANSCRIPT (COMING SOON) BIBLOGRAPHY VIDEO VERSION RSS FEED tweeter ALL MUSIC BY STARSIXNINE   0:00 Intro: Property rights lead to dictatorship unless constrained by democracy 1:36 the Matthew Effect 3:23 Markets vs capitalism and unlimited property rights 4:20 Adam Smith vs economics 101 6:03 Mercantilism vs. markets 7:13 Smith’s free market as an equalizing force 8:40 Adam Smith vs unlimited private property rights 9:12 The state forms to protect the wealthy from the poor 9:38 Property as power: rent and enclosure 12:15 Contracts as coercion by property owners, backed by the state 14:34 Contracts between equals 15:35 Contracts between unequals: master and hireling 16:29 Adam Smith: prophet of socialism 17:55 Thomas Hodgskin: property rights as modern feudalism 19:42 The Labour movement and Adam Smith 20:48 From free market socialism to communism in the era of laissez-faire 23:59 Marx and Bakunin: anti-market socialists 26:12 Summary / next time   https://archive.org/download/17-adam-smith-vs-karl-marx/17%20-%20ADAM%20SMITH%20VS%20KARL%20MARX.mp3

The discussion tackles innovative solutions to the housing crisis, emphasizing the power of no-equity cooperatives. A real-life example showcases affordable living conditions in Montreal, presenting a model that can be replicated. Barriers like high land costs and financing options are tackled, proposing a government role in funding co-ops. Ideas like converting rentals into co-ops and managing inflation through government strategies highlight the practicality of these solutions. Ultimately, it's a call to action for communities to embrace cooperative housing.

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Dive into the lives of fellahin, the peasants constituting 70% of late 19th-century Palestine, and their early clashes with Zionist immigrants. Explore the Bedouin culture, foundational to Arab civilization, and discover why these groups are often overlooked in mainstream narratives. The podcast unravels the Ottoman influence, the population dynamics, and the social structures that shaped Palestinian society before the 1948 war. Gain insights into localism, gender roles, and the deep emotional ties to land that defined their existence.

Dive into the intriguing concept of the 'Abundance Agenda' and how it potentially impacts the U.S. housing crisis. Explore the connection between wealth, deregulation, and the role of powerful donors in shaping housing policies. Through satire, discover the parallels drawn between elitism and societal issues, including a critique of bureaucracy. Unpack rising anti-elite sentiment and its implications for democracy, along with discussions about controversial housing taxes in California. This analysis offers a thought-provoking look at the complexities of housing in America.

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The outdated left-right political spectrum misrepresents modern dynamics, as elites distort its meaning to maintain power. The podcast exposes how this confusion fuels inequality and threatens democracy. It argues for a move away from superficial identity politics to a focus on genuine economic equality. The hosts discuss the contradictions in political figures' agendas and highlight the deceptive nature of right-wing populism. Finally, they stress the importance of organized movements to reclaim political identities and ensure voting aligns with economic interests.

The podcast delves into the surge of nationalist and populist right movements globally, connecting it to rising economic inequality and stagnant leftist responses. It questions why the far left isn't seeing the same success, focusing on how elite interests exploit nationalism to distract from social issues. The discussion critiques economic policies benefiting the wealthy, the disconnect between political narratives and everyday experiences, and the historical manipulation of nationalism as a tool for distraction.

Dive into the fascinating historical narrative of Jewish life in Europe and its pivotal role in the rise of Zionism. The discussion navigates the complexities of anti-Semitism, class structure, and cultural struggles, revealing hidden stories often overlooked by both sides. Explore how nationalism intertwined with economic hardships shaped Jewish identity and migration patterns. The critique of simplistic views on Zionism and colonialism invites a deeper understanding of power dynamics, encouraging a re-evaluation of contentious perspectives.