The REAL Martin Luther King

with Professor Tony Monteiro

This week, as America marks the birthday of one of its greatest leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Eric sits down with Professor Tony Monteiro to discuss King’s life and legacy.  Specifically, Eric and Tony examine who King really was by destroying the false narrative that has been constructed by the ruling class.  They discuss MLK’s intellectual development and those who had a great influence on his thought and action as well as some of the challenges he faced in his struggle.  Eric and Tony ground their analysis in the political and discursive issues of King’s time and relate them directly to the major events and struggles of today.  Most importantly, they place King in a historical context and explain the various ways in which King was truly a great American revolutionary.

Tony Monteiro is Professor of African-American Studies at Temple University.  He is a veteran political activist and organizer as well as an internationally renowned scholar of W.E.B. DuBois.  Professor Monteiro is also the Associate Director of the Institute for the Study of Race and Social Thought at Temple University.

• 1. Syria  -  Damascus’s suburbs now controlled by government
• 2. Mali  -  Rebels in Mali vow revenge at ‘heart of France’
• 3. Egypt  -  Economic problems could decide Egypt elections
• 4. Around the Americas  -  Bolivia slams US over ‘irrefutable evidence’ of meddling
• 5. Wall St. Crimes  -  US banks agree an $8.5 billion foreclosure settlement
• 6. Under the Radar  -  CIA drones have already killed at least 40 since start of the year

American Nightmare: Racism and the Prison-Industrial Complex

with Solomon Comissiong

In this week’s episode, Eric examines one of the most complex and misunderstood issues in America today: the prison-industrial complex and its relation to deeply rooted racism in this country.  Eric touches on the various ways in which mass incarceration and the prison system is perpetuated and used as a weapon against the poor and primarily people of color.  He analyzes the profit factor, denouncing the dishonest nature of the prison system as little more than a source of cheap labor.  He also discusses the effect on young people whose lives are utterly destroyed by this system.

Eric’s guest this week is Solomon Comissiong - professor, author, activist. Solomon and Eric touch a number of issues including the “New Jim Crow” and the ways in which the corporate media frames the discussion on this issue. Also, they get into some of the hidden sociological forces at play in this issue. Eric and Solomon cover a wide range of topics in this lengthy and detailed conversation.

As much of Latin America braces itself for the possibility of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s death, observers around the world would do well to note the stark contrasts that exist within the region.  On the one hand, there are the ALBA (Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas) countries, united by Chavez in their rejection of US imperialism and neoliberal capitalism.  On the other hand, there are those countries which are still very much living under the hegemony of the United States.  In El Salvador, this means subservience to Washington and international investors who seek nothing less than total control of that nation’s economic destiny.  This attempt at economic monopolization can be summed up with one word: privatization.  It is precisely this strategy with all the union-busting, wage gouging, and propaganda disinformation that it entails, that is rearing its ugly head in El Salvador. [read entire article]

In today’s Episode:

• 1) Fiscal Cliff  -  Your fiscal cliff deal cheat sheet
• 2) Syria  -  Taftanaz air base in Syria site of intense battles between regime and rebels
• 3) Iraq  -  Maliki and Sadr trade warning as 17 Iraqis are killed in Iraq
• 4) Egypt  -Egypt opposition probe: Mohammed ElBaradei, Amr Moussa, Hamdeen Sabahi face treason investigation
• 5) Sudan  - 22 killed, 25 injured in clashes between Sudan’s tribe, South Sudan’s SPLA
• 6) Around Africa  -  US deploying troops to 35 African countries
• 7) Under the Radar  -  Obama signs the NDAA 2013 without objecting to indefinite detention of Americans

“Consensus and Collaboration: The Fiscal Cliff and the Privatization of the Postal Service”

with Jamie Partridge

In this week’s episode, Eric examines the “fiscal cliff” deal struck between Republicans and Democrats with particular attention to the more insidious aspects of the legislation. He explains how this is merely a way to create the illusion of positive change while masking the fact that it is yet another giveaway to Wall St. and the ruling class. Eric analyzes some of the less publicized elements of the bill including tax breaks and subsidies to giant corporations and yet another veiled attack on the middle class. Additionally, Eric investigates the continued bipartisan assault on the US Postal Service as both parties attempt to privatize this venerable American institution, bust the postal workers union and corporatize yet another public institution. Eric also sits down with Jamie Partridge of Community Postal Workers United, one of the brave activists who lead a hunger strike in Washington to draw attention to this critical issue.

This week’s elective conference of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa highlighted what has become an ever more apparent and painful reality to working people in that country and political observers around the world – the revolution of 1994 effected little more than cosmetic change.  The ruling class in South Africa, though fronted by black faces, continues to work in the service of Western finance capital and the neoliberal agenda, lining their own pockets while the streets, mines, and slums ring with the cries of the workers and the poor demanding justice. [read entire article]

Capitalism in Crisis?

with Richard Wolff

This week, Eric sits down for an extended conversation with Richard Wolff, one of America’s leading economists and critics of the economic system.  Prof. Wolff explains why his critique is of capitalism itself and not merely its contemporary manifestation.  He and Eric examine the current “debate” regarding the so-called “fiscal cliff” and how this is merely austerity by another name.  Prof. Wolff provides his interpretation of the various strategies used by either side in propping up this economy while also explaining how there could be a third way, one that is focused on solutions not beholden to the current economic order.  He and Eric also analyze the nature of class and how class analysis is not only relevant but necessary in the United States of the 21st Century.

Richard Wolff is Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is currently Visiting Professor at the Graduate Program in International Affairs at The New School in New York.  His work appears regularly in The Guardian and Truthout.org.

Visit his website rdwolff.com as well as the website for his new project DemocracyAtWork.info.

Eric interviews Jamie Partridge, one of the activists leading a hunger strike in Washington to protest the bipartisan attack on the US Postal Service.  Eric and Jamie discuss the reasons behind this attack as well as its connection to a broader austerity agenda.  Jamie explains some of the specific cuts being made, including the Obama-supported move to eliminate Saturday delivery which would cost tens of thousands of jobs.  Eric and Jamie also examine the closure of mail sorting facilities, the privatization of mail trucking and the general attempt to bust the postal workers union.

Jamie Partridge is one of the founders of Community & Postal Workers United.  He is a retired letter carrier and postal activist based in Portland, Oregon.

Visit cpwunited.com for more details on how you can get involved.

In today’s episode:

• 1. Syria (On the Ground)  -  War in Syria is becoming sectarian, U.N. panel says
• 2. Syria (Russia’s Role)  -  Russian warships set sail to Mediterranean amid possible Syria evacuation
• 3. South Africa  -  Nationalisation: ANC means business
• 4. Egypt  -  Egypt opposition rejects talks on constitution with Constituent Assembly
• 5. U.S. Labor  -  Despite exemptions, police and firefighters show labor solidarity in Michigan right-to-work battle
• 6. Under the Radar  -  Sudan thwarts fresh coup attempt - Reports

“Rejecting Compromise, Committing to Action”

Presenting David Swanson

This week Eric has the pleasure of having an in-depth conversation with blogger, author, and activist David Swanson. David and Eric discuss the mythology of the fiscal cliff and the propaganda and lies of both major parties. Additionally, they examine the delusions and self-deception of many Americans who, consciously or unconsciously, legitimize and perpetuate the status quo. Eric and David also critique American militarism and imperialism, particularly those who remain willfully ignorant as to what our “elected” leaders are doing in our name. One of the major themes of the conversation is how to organize resistance to all these forces; how to become leaders of a real movement for change that can exist outside the dominant two-party paradigm.

Eric Draitser

StopImperialism.com

The complexities of the Arab Spring and the struggle for political freedom throughout the Arab world should not obscure what has now become an absolutely essential understanding for all anti-imperialists: the Muslim Brotherhood is one of the most powerful weapons of the Western ruling class in the Muslim world. While that may be a difficult pill for some to swallow for emotional or psychological reasons, one need look no further than the insidious role the organization is playing in Syria and the abuses of power and human rights of the government of Egypt. (read entire article)

In today’s episode:

• 1. Syria  - US to arm Syrian rebels?
• 2. Egypt  - Egypt suspends tax rises, putting IMF loan at risk
• 3. Bahrain  - Shiite protestors demand Bahrain PM’s ouster
• 4. Austerity in Europe  - Greek opposition leader calls for European debt conference
• 5. Under the Radar  - Venezuela’s Chavez’s cancer returns, leaves Vice-President in charge

In today’s episode:

• 1. U.S. Labor Struggle  -  Port-strike talks continue even on Sunday, but stalemate goes on
• 2. Syria  -  Turkey scrambles jets as Syrian warplanes bomb border region
• 3. Egypt  -  Opposition marches to presidential palace against new charter
• 4. Iran  -  US boosts number of spy drone flights over Iran
• 5. Under the Radar  -  US set to establish new spy network as big as CIA: report

In today’s (50th)  episode:

• 1. Syria (On the Ground)  -  Syrian internet goes dark
• 2. Syria (International)  -  The war for Syria is also a war for Iraq
• 3. Iraq  -  Iraq bombings target Shi’ite areas
• 4. Congo  -  Congolese M23 rebels say leaving positions in Goma
• 5. Under the Radar  -  Argentine bonds rally as U.S. ruling quells default fears

In today’s episode:

• 1. Egypt  -  Morsi power grab: Crisis end ‘imminent,’ Ahmed Mekki, Egypt minister, says
• 2. Syria  -  FSA insurgents blow up mosque in Aleppo
• 3. Iraq  -  Iraqi army, Kurds continue buildup in disputed region
• 4. Greece  -  Most Greeks want the Euro, oppose austerity: poll
• 5. Under the Radar  -  BP seeks deal with Nord Stream to bring Russia gas to UK

In today’s episode:

• 1. Israel-Gaza  - Egypt PM says Gaza truce deal may be close
• 2. Syria  - Syrian Islamists reject Western-backed opposition
• 3. Iran  - US says illegal exports to Iran increasing
• 4. Myanmar  - Obama’s Myanmar speech sends message to North Korea
• 5. Sudan  - Power struggle in Khartoum
• 6. Under the Radar  - Insider killing of Marine detailed

In today’s episode:

• 1. Syria  -  Syrian rebels to get unified command
• 2. Iraq  -  Free Iraqi Army inspired by Syria war
• 3. Yemen  -  Yemenis hold huge anti-US rally in Sana’a over drone attacks
• 4. Argentina  -  A wrong turn in Buenos Aires
• 5. Anti-GMO Movement  -  New “GMO Inside” campaign denounces corporate disinformation campaign that defeated California’s Prop 37
• 6. Under the Radar  -  Iran issues a warning for America after attacking spy drone

In today’s episode:

• 1. Syria  -  Syrian suffering: ‘Rebels armed with US-made missiles’
• 2. Turkey  -  Turkey seeks NATO deployment of Patriot missiles on Syria border
• 3. Pakistan  -   Obama victory infuriates Pakistani drone victims
• 4. China  -  Hu Jintao dashes hope for political reform
• 5. Under the Radar  -  Putin ousts defense chief, longtime ally

In today’s episode:

• 1. Syria  -  Syria rebels pessimistic on mediator’s ceasefire plan
• 2. Lebanon  -  Anti-Syria rally held in Lebanon on ‘day of rage’ over bombing
• 3. Libya  -  26 killed, scores injured in clashes in ex-Gaddafi bastion
• 4. Iran (Terror & Propaganda)  -  Two police killed in suicide attack near Iranian mosque
• 5. Iran (Economics)  -  Iran, Egypt to resume trade ties
• 6. Energy & Pipelines (Central Asia)  -  South Stream might be completed before Nabucco
• 7. Energy & Pipelines (International)  -  BP signs landmark deal to sell TNK-BP stake to Rosneft
• 8. Under the Radar  -  100 thousand-strong ‘anti-cuts’ demonstration in London

In today’s episode:

• 1. Venezuelan Elections  - Venezuela’s presidential elections: An imperfect victory
• 2. Austerity in Europe  - EU, IMF give Greece until October 18 to implement reforms
• 3. Syria (On the Ground)  - Turkish president urges international action on Syria
• 4. Syria (Propaganda)  - David Ignatius: In Syria, a revolt’s extremist threat
• 5. Bahrain  - Bahrain court denies bid for activist’s release
• 6. Under the Radar  - IMF forecasts for Iran show limited sanction hit

Venezuela goes to the polls this Sunday in an election many are calling a referendum on President Chavez and his policies.  Although there is surely such a dimension, the significance of the elections goes far beyond political opinion and partisan bickering, striking at the heart of the Venezuelan state.   This is because these elections will be used as a front for an attempt to overthrow, by brute force if necessary, the democratically elected government and put in its place a government more amenable to US interests.  If this sounds familiar, it should.  This is precisely the same tactic tried in 2002 in a US-instigated coup that, though it briefly deposed Chavez, ultimately failed.  Now, ten years later, the US imperialist ruling class is prepared to try their hand at regime change in Venezuela once more. (read entire article)

1. In today’s episode:
2. 1. Austerity in Europe  -  ‘NO’! Thousands flood Madrid in second day of anti-cuts demos
3. 2. Syria  -  Syria rebels struggle to advance in new Aleppo offensive
4. 3. Iran  -  Netanyahu: ‘Clear red line’ needed to stop Iran’s nuclear program
5. 4. Pakistan (Diplomacy)  -  Pakistan endorses drones, rejects method: Khar
6. 5. Pakistan (Balochistan)  -  Quelling conspiracy in Balochistan
7. 6. Oil, Gas & Pipelines  -  Russia, Venezuela set up joint venture to develop Orinoco Oil Belt
8. 7. Under the Radar  -  3-D printing: A technology on the make?

In today’s episode:

• 1. Syria  -  FSA moves HQ from Turkey to Syria to prepare offensive against Assad
• 2. Libya  -  Government issues order to disband Libya forces
• 3. Iran  -  Iran accuses IAEA of passing nuclear secrets to Israel
• 4. Russia  -  With aid cutoff, Kremlin recalibrates
• 5. Sudan  -  South Sudan accepts African Union proposal over Abyei with mixed reactions
• 6. China (Economic Relations)  -  Nicaragua, Hong Kong company ink inter-oceanic canal plan
• 7. Under the Radar  -  Japan sends envoy to China to sort out spat over disputed islands

In today’s episode:

• 1. Syria  -  Syria army kills insurgents in Aleppo
• 2. Venezuela  -  Former US ambassador outlines post-election interventions against Venezuela
• 3. Nigeria  -  Boko Haram: Nigerian military ‘kills top militant’
• 4. Russia  -   Putin agrees: USAID meddling in Russian politics
• 5. Greece  -  Greece sells off family silver to cut debt
• 6. US Labor  -  Chicago teachers strike shows teacher accountability at charters differs from union-contract schools
• 7. Under the Radar  -  Bin Laden driver suspected of organizing killing of US ambassador in Libya

The ongoing overt and covert war against Iran, instigated by the United States and Israel primarily, seeks to isolate Iran politically, militarily and, most importantly, economically.  The Western imperialists have as their goal no less than full-scale war with Iran, a key regional power and one that the United States has failed to control or otherwise manipulate since the revolution of 1979.  Their attempts to demonize Iran as an international pariah and an irrational actor on the world stage have been repeatedly thwarted, most recently at the Non-Aligned Movement summit in Tehran, where two thirds of the world stood alongside Iran in condemning the sanctions imposed by the US and its European allies.  (read entire article)

In today’s  episode:

• 1. Mideast Protests  -  U.S. officials: Lengthy stay, additional U.S. forces possible in Libya
• 2. Syria  -  Increased numbers of ‘foreign elements,’ jihadi groups operating in Syria
• 3. Iran & the IAEA  -  Iran’s nuclear chief harshly criticizes atomic agency, United States
• 4. Chicago Teachers Strike  -  CPS fails to get immediate court order ending teachers strike
• 5. Under the Radar  -  US wades into China-Japan island dispute with missile shield

• 1. Syria (Diplomacy)  -  Egypt to host regional meeting over Syria crisis
• 2. Syria (On the Ground)  -  Syria rebels execute soldiers in battleground Aleppo
• 3. Iraq  -  Iraq’s vice president calls death sentence ‘unjust’
• 4. Russia  -  Russia’s trade with Asia-Pacific region to be more than with EU in 10 years
• 5. Pakistan  -  US says Haqqani designation not about sending message to Pakistan
• 6. Chicago Teachers Strike  -  In standoff, latest sign of unions under siege
• 7. Under the Radar  -  Egyptian protestors scale US embassy wall in Cairo to condemn film

Eric is joined by John Lindsay-Poland to discuss the Caravan for Peace, whose upcoming events in New York and Washington DC are an attempt to raise awareness about the human cost of the so-called “War on Drugs”. Lindsay-Poland spent time traveling with the Caravan this summer; he gives a first-hand account of his experiences here. Also, John and Eric discuss the School of the Americas (aka WHINSEC) and its relation to some of the most brutal practices still ongoing in Latin America. Additionally, John discusses the Fellowship for Reconciliation (FOR) Colombia and how people can get involved with this organization.

John Lindsay-Poland is the Research and Advocacy Director at the Fellowship for Reconciliation (FOR) Colombia. He is also a representative of and participant in the Caravan for Peace which will be in New York City on September 6-7 and Washington DC September 10-12. Visit the website at CaravanForPeace.org

Eric sits down with political writer Diana Johnstone to discuss a variety of issues related to subversion, propaganda and US imperialism.  Diana explains her recent article “The Decline of Political Protest” which examines the decline of Amnesty International into little more than an extension of the State Department and US intelligence.  Also, Eric and Diana analyze the continued destabilization of Russia and constant anti-Putin demagogy in the context of the US agenda.  Additionally, they discuss the truth of the US aggression against Yugoslavia and the geopolitical reasons behind it.

Diana Johnstone is a political writer based in Paris, France.  Her book Fools’ Crusade: Yugoslavia, NATO, and Western Delusions is one of the foremost works that deconstructs and refutes the mythology surrounding the war in the Balkans as created by the Western media.  She is a frequent contributor to Counterpunch.org, GlobalResearch.ca and other sites.