1.6M
Downloads
1369
Episodes
Nignorance from across the diaspora. We discuss politics and pop culture from a left perspective. Enjoy and tell a friend.
Episodes
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Immigration Under Biden/Harris
Introduction
As the Democratic National Convention concludes tonight in Chicago, the party's platform is crystal clear: preventing the return of Donald Trump at all costs. But as we look toward the future, critical questions remain. What, if anything, will fundamentally change under a potential Kamala Harris administration, especially when compared to another term for Joe Biden? And what has really changed under Biden’s leadership?
Take immigration, for example. The Biden administration halted the construction of Trump's infamous border wall and temporarily ended the "Remain in Mexico" policy, only to restart it again under pressure. In major metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago, immigration has become a potent political weapon used against the Democratic Party—cities that once proudly declared themselves "sanctuary cities" now find themselves overwhelmed by the influx of migrants, a crisis exacerbated by Republican governors like Ron DeSantis, who have strategically relocated thousands of undocumented immigrants to these urban centers. While these political maneuvers play out, a legitimate and significant increase in migration to the U.S. Southern border continues.
Historically, immigration has been a bipartisan issue focused on determining the "right kind of immigrant" who should be allowed to enter. How does the Biden administration's "Build Back Better" immigration policy stack up against Trump’s hardline approach? And what should we expect from Kamala Harris if she becomes president? If Trump returns to office, could we see the largest jobs program since the New Deal, but this time focused on mass deportation?
Tonight, we're joined by lawyer and author of *Borderlines,* Dan Melo, to explore these pressing questions and more.
Sunday Aug 25, 2024
Sunday Aug 25, 2024
Read the New Economic Bill of Rights Comic here: https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/economic-bill-of-rights-comic?fbclid=IwY2xjawEzmsFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaVTRIxhpn5QhTzpH0EDfD2UzZ34r7k1mr7NlTTOevkiESD8DPS9M1eGBg_aem_i6TbzKTrWCL1SXtMAG9NJQ
New Economic Bill of Rights
Introduction
In a time when the promises of democracy and economic security seem increasingly out of reach for many, Harvey J. Kaye’s work serves as a crucial reminder of the progressive potential embedded in American history. In his book, *The Four Freedoms: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Evolution of an American Idea,* Kaye revisits FDR’s 1941 State of the Union address, where Roosevelt articulated the Four Freedoms—freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. These principles were not merely rhetorical; they laid the groundwork for the New Deal and shaped the social contract between the American government and its citizens.
Now, in collaboration with the Letterhack, Kaye has reimagined this legacy through the comic *The Economic Bill of Rights,* a modern-day call to action that seeks to rekindle the radical spirit of the New Deal era. This vision of economic justice and social democracy is not just a relic of the past but a roadmap for the future—a future where, as Kaye asserts, "the American people might rise up and demand a government that truly represents them."
Today, we delve into Kaye's argument for why these freedoms are more relevant than ever and discuss how the Left can leverage this historical framework to advance a progressive agenda in the 21st century.
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Welcome to a special birthday edition of This Revolution podcast, hosted by Jason Myles, who celebrates his 47th birthday in style. Joined by the voice of reason, MT, and a host of guests, including the enigmatic "Quinn-turn," the conversation takes unexpected turns, from the peculiarities of breakdancing PhDs to the hilarity of technical difficulties.
Jason and his guests dive into the cultural impact of breakdancing, the authenticity of TikTok influencers, and the societal shift towards instant validation in the internet age. With a mix of humor and insight, the episode explores the commodification of personal lives and the importance of individualism.
Featuring surprise appearances by Frenchie, Dr. Claw, and Toure Reed, this episode is a whirlwind of laughter, reflections, and birthday wishes. Tune in for a rollercoaster of topics, from nostalgic tech memories to the significance of waiting and patience in today's fast-paced world.
Don't miss this lively and unfiltered celebration, where the lines between serious discussions and comedic banter blur, making for an unforgettable birthday special!
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Read Christian's work here: https://catalyst-journal.com/2024/06/the-cargo-cult-of-woke
The Cargo Cult of Woke
Introduction:
Eight years ago, the term "woke" was popularized in mainstream culture through Childish Gambino’s hit song, where it signaled an awareness of social injustices, particularly those perpetuated by systemic racism. “Stay woke” meant staying alert to the potential dangers posed by institutional powers. However, in recent years, "woke" has undergone a significant transformation, morphing from a call to consciousness into a shorthand for a new kind of political correctness—one that gives off a radical sheen, but is without true class politics.
In his latest article for *Catalyst Magazine*, "The Cargo Cult of Woke," Christian Parenti examines how this shift in meaning reflects broader cultural and political changes. Parenti argues that what we now call "woke" culture is less about genuine social change and more akin to a "cargo cult"—a symbolic performance of radicalism that ultimately serves to reinforce the status quo rather than challenge it. As Parenti writes, “Woke politics is not the politics of emancipation; it is the politics of submission, disguised as resistance.”
Thank you guys again for taking the time to check this out. We appreciate each and everyone of you. If you have the means, and you feel so inclined,
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Listen to the 1977 playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1gKJPho9NU5BnUjtui5bTE?si=ddccd3dbc8a249ec
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Monday Aug 19, 2024
J. and MT discuss what people get wrong about the Australian breakdancing sensation RAYGUN, what Black culture is and isn't, then the show goes off the rails.
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Get Matt's Book here: https://www.routledge.com/The-Political-Theory-of-Liberal-Socialism/McManus/p/book/9781032647234
In today's hyper-political climate, people often claim sharply defined political identities, with "liberal" frequently used as a pejorative in far-left and socialist circles rather than as a descriptor for those who align themselves with leftist ideals. This makes Matt McManus's choice of terminology in his latest book, *Liberal Socialism*, particularly provocative for many on the left.
McManus challenges these rigid categorizations by exploring the potential synthesis of liberal and socialist principles. He argues that "liberalism and socialism are not necessarily in conflict, but can instead complement each other in the pursuit of a more just society." This nuanced perspective invites readers to rethink the boundaries of leftist thought, pushing beyond the conventional disdain for liberalism in radical circles.
As McManus writes in his book, "To achieve a truly democratic society, we must embrace the best of both liberal and socialist traditions, recognizing that each has something vital to contribute to the fight against inequality and oppression."
In this episode, we'll dive into McManus's arguments, examining why his concept of *Liberal Socialism* might be more relevant now than ever, even if it raises eyebrows among those who consider themselves staunch socialists.
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Welcome to another episode of THIS IS REVOLUTION>podcast, where we delve into the complexities and absurdities of our modern world. Today, we have a special guest who thrives at the intersection of satire and social commentary—YouTuber JREG. Known for his sharp wit and keen insight into the chaotic nature of political discourse, JREG has carved out a unique space in the digital landscape, challenging us to reconsider our perspectives through humor and satire.
With a channel that explores everything from the radicalization of political ideologies to the nuances of internet culture, JREG’s work invites us to reflect on the absurdity of the systems that govern our lives. As we navigate through these turbulent times, his content resonates with a growing audience seeking clarity and comedic relief amidst the noise. Today, we will explore JREG's creative process, his views on the current state of political discourse, and the role of satire in shaping public opinion.
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Read Ben's article in Damage Magazine here: https://damagemag.com/2024/07/30/left-identitarianism-is-also-a-mirror-world/
Diaganolists, Doppelgangers, and Left Liberal Identitarians: A Review of the New Naomi Klein Book Doppelganger
---
The concept of a doppelganger is often reserved for the realm of science fiction and noir thrillers, but in politics, the idea of a doppelganger holds its own peculiar intrigue. Here at This is Revolution, we've encountered our own version of a doppelganger—a show that shares some surface-level similarities, like having Black men and the word "Revolution" in its title. However, upon closer inspection, these similarities begin and end with the name.
Over the years, I've noticed people confusing the two shows, likely because the other show began with a completely different name and was eventually forced to change it. If you're really paying attention, you’d see that the radical rhetoric they espouse is more of a theatrical performance, wrapped in a contrarian nature and a penchant for identity politics.
Ben Burgis, in his recent piece for Damage Magazine titled "Left Identitarianism is also a Mirror World," addresses this phenomenon. He describes a political “diagonalism” that superficially mirrors the Left but aligns with drastically different political priorities. This doppelganger of the Left is a shadowy reflection—using its rhetorical notes for opposing ends.
Burgis writes about how this diagonalism is “anti-war” when it comes to Democratic actions in Ukraine but reveres Trump despite his aggressive foreign policy moves. They claim to support free speech and oppose Big Tech, but not to the extent of democratizing these platforms—just reshaping them to fit their agenda, with a preference for billionaires like Elon Musk over Mark Zuckerberg.
This so-called “anti-establishment radicalism” that echoes the rhetoric of the Left is, in reality, a mirror doppelganger serving the interests of the bosses and the Republican Party. It is a critical examination of how political narratives can be co-opted, leaving behind a superficial resemblance that betrays its origins.
Let's delve into this discussion on political doppelgangers and explore how they influence public perception and political discourse.