“Unmasking Empire” with Glen Ford
This week Eric sits down with journalist and commentator Glen Ford to discuss a number of key political and geopolitical issues. Eric and Glen examine the ongoing political theater surrounding the Benghazi attacks, providing their analysis of the real story that is being suppressed. They also provide their analysis of US imperialism in Africa, using Libya as a starting point, expanding the discussion to include other parts of the continent. Additionally, Glen presents his perspective on the continuing imperialist aggression against Syria and the possible motivations for the US. In the second part of the interview, Eric and Glen shift to focus on domestic issues, with particular attention to Obama’s complete disregard and contempt for the Black community. Glen explains how the first black president has effectively criminalized black liberation ideology and used the power of the police state and corporate media machine to suppress dissent. All this and much more…
Glen Ford is the Executive Editor of Black Agenda Report. He has spent more than 40 years as a journalist and activist, documenting and speaking out against racism, injustice, and imperialism. He is the host of Black Agenda Radio on the Progressive Radio Network and the newly created Black Agenda TV. Find all his work at BlackAgendaReport.com.
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“Gitmo, Syria, and Beyond” with Eugene Puryear
This week, Eric sits down with activist and organizer Eugene Puryear to discuss a number of important issues. First, Eric and Eugene discuss the ongoing hunger strike at the Guantanamo concentration camp and the continued use of torture by the US authorities. Eugene also informs listeners about the demonstration he has helped organize in Washington for May 18th demanding the closure of Guantanamo and the end of systematic torture. Eric and Eugene also discuss the US-sponsored destabilization of Venezuela and the nature of the imperialist ruling class in the United States. In addition, they examine the current situation in Syria and the role of the United States in perpetuating this conflict for geopolitical reasons.
Eugene Puryear is an activist and organizer with the ANSWER Coalition. He was the Vice Presidential candidate from the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) in 2008. Eugene has helped organize demonstrations against the Israeli blockade of Gaza, the use of torture by the United States, and countless other important political and social causes. He is based in Washington DC.
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“Free Mumia Now!” Johanna Fernandez
This week, Eric sits down with Johanna Fernandez to discuss the importance of Mumia Abu-Jamal and the movement to free him. Eric and Johanna examine some of the most critical details of the case while, at the same time, focusing on Mumia’s significance in the struggle for peace and social justice. Prof. Fernandez provides some of the relevant historical context that both explains why he is important, and why the white establishment in Philadelphia feared (and continues to fear) him. Additionally, Eric and Johanna broaden the discussion into an analysis of come of the most important struggles today, including the fight to end mass incarceration and police brutality. Finally, they discuss Mumia’s uncompromising stances on issues of imperialism and why, were he free today, we’d have a much better chance of mounting effective resistance.
Johanna Fernandez is a Professor of History at Baruch College – CUNY. Prof. Fernandez is a co-coordinator of Educators for Mumia Abu-Jamal. She is also the writer and producer of “Justice on Trial: The Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal.”
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“In Defense of Teachers” with Nick Penkovsky
This week Eric sits down with attorney Nick Penkovsky who has represented a number of New York City public school teachers. Eric and Nick discuss the political and legal attacks on teachers as they are deprived of due process and other Constitutional rights. Nick explains the recent history of this phenomenon and describes the way in which the whole hearing process is essentially fraudulent. Additionally, Eric and Nick examine various examples in which corporations and their political servants use “education reform” to destroy teachers and make billions in profits through the privatization of education. Eric details his first-hand experience with, and knowledge of, the Common Core Standards, proposed as part of Obama’s so-called “Race to the Top” and how they benefit corporations at the cost of our children’s learning. All this and much more…
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“Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil” with Stephen Lendman
This week, Eric sits down with journalist and blogger Stephen Lendman to discuss some of the most pressing political and economic issues of the first part of 2013. Eric and Stephen provide their analysis of the legacy of Hugo Chavez and the elections in Venezuela which, at the time of the interview, had not yet taken place. They also examine the use of anti-Semitism as a weapon to marginalize critics of Western imperialism like Hugo Chavez. In addition, Eric and Stephen examine the global economic situation in terms of austerity and the role of the IMF in legitimizing and perpetuating the power of Western finance capital. They also critique the so-called “alternative” media for their unabashed servitude to corporate power and the imperial system. All of this and much more!
Stephen Lendman, BFP contributing author & analyst, was born in 1934 in Boston, MA. He received a Harvard BA in 1956 and a Wharton MBA in 1960. Since 2005, Mr. Lendman has been writing on vital world and national topics, including war and peace, American imperialism, corporate dominance, political persecutions, and a range of other social, economic and political issues. He hosts The Progressive Radio News Hour on The Progressive Radio Network. Visit Mr. Lendman’s blog site here. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net
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“More than Music” with Rebel Diaz
This week, Eric sits down with hip hop artists Rebel Diaz for a wide-ranging discussion about music, art, politics, and much more. Eric and the guys (RodStarz & G1) discuss the political and class nature of hip hop and why we should be wary of romanticizing hip hop and its legacy. They also tell us about the Rebel Diaz Art Collective and the politically motivated assault against the space and themselves as community organizers and leaders. Additionally, Eric and Rebel Diaz explore the legacy of Hugo Chavez and the global impact he had. Specifically, they examine the importance of the Bolivarian Revolution both in the context of Latin America and poor people around the world.
Rebel Diaz is an independent hip hop group based in the South Bronx, New York City. They are activists and organizers, as well as widely respected performers with fans all over the world. Follow all their work at rebeldiaz.com. Donate to their IndieGoGo campaign here http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/i-am-rdac-bx.
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“Imperialism & Islamophobia” with Dr. Chandra Muzaffar
This week, Eric sits down with Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, scholar, academic, and President of the International Movement for a Just World. Eric and Dr. Muzaffar discuss the current political landscape in Malaysia as the country moves toward elections. Additionally, Dr. Muzaffar places Malaysia and Southeast Asia more generally, into the proper geopolitical and economic context, explaining the significance of the region in world economic development. They also examine the strategic development of China and the US “pivot” policy, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership as one of the many tools used to stifle China. Dr. Muzaffar and Eric also discuss Islamophobia and destroy the mythology used to demonize Islam while, at the same time, critiquing the discourse of the “Clash of Civilizations” as merely the facade for a new stage of Western imperialism.
Dr. Chandra Muzaffar is an internationally renowned scholar and public intellectual. He is the founder and President of the International Movement for a Just World. He is the author of a number of books including “Global Ethic or Global Hegemony?” and “Religion & Governance”.
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“Demanding Peace & Rejecting Propaganda” with Cindy Sheehan
This week, Eric sits down with peace activist and author Cindy Sheehan. Eric and Cindy discuss the legacy of Hugo Chavez and the future of Venezuela. In addition, Cindy recounts her interactions and friendship with Hugo Chavez, talking about Chavez the leader and Chavez the man. Eric and Cindy examine the many accomplishments of the Bolivarian Revolution, both in terms of the anti-imperialist foreign policy and domestic policy of poverty reduction. Also, Eric and Cindy have a detailed conversation about the controlled “alternative” media and the way in which it serves finance capital and entrenched power. Beyond Venezuela though, Eric and Cindy discuss the current situation in Syria and the way in which it is depicted in the media as well as a number of other issues.
Cindy Sheehan is a world renowned peace activist and author of Revolution, A Love Story and Peace Mom. She hosts her own show Cindy Sheehan’s Soapbox which can be found on her website cindysheehanssoapbox.blogspot.com. Follow Cindy as she rides her bicycle across the US demanding peace and an end to the empire.
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“Fukushima: 2 Years Later” with James Corbett
Earlier this month marked the two year anniversary of the disaster at Fukushima. Despite the fact that so much time has passed, we still have very few answers to the multitude of questions and concerns that the incident raised. Joining Eric on the program this week is independent journalist James Corbett, founder of FukushimaUpdate.com and CorbettReport.com. Eric and James discuss the literal and figurative fallout from the disaster and the role of the Japanese and US governments in covering up the truth of the situation. Living in Japan, James is able to provide unique perspectives and insights into the thoughts and attitudes of the people of Japan as well as explain for listeners some of the domestic politics surrounding the issue. Eric and James also analyze the ways in which this issue is far from resolved as the world teeters on the brink of a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions. Additionally, James and Eric discuss the future of energy in Japan and around the world as millions finally begin to wake up to the dangers of nuclear power and those who profit from it.
James Corbett is an independent journalist and founder of CorbettReport.com. He is a contributor to BoilingFrogsPost.com as well as a number of other news outlets. Based in Japan, James Corbett is one of the indispensable figures in the alternative media, shattering the lies and mythologies fed to people by the corporate media. Follow his work at http://CorbettReport.com
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“The New Asia: Power and the Pivot” with Nile Bowie
This week, Eric chats with independent journalist and photographer Nile Bowie about some of the major issues and conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region. Eric and Nile discuss the unrest and violence in the Sabah province of Malaysia and the political context of the conflict in relation to both Malaysia and the Philippines. They also examine the current situation with North Korea and the question of whether or not the DPRK will follow the path of economic progress or hold fast to their political isolation. Additionally, Eric and Nile analyze the territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the larger geopolitical context of that issue, as well as the political transition in China and how that will impact their foreign and domestic policies. Lastly, they detail the horrific Trans-Pacific Partnership and the way in which the United States is using it to exert control over a region increasingly more reliant upon Beijing.
Nile Bowie is an independent journalist and photographer based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His work has appeared in many international news outlets including Russia Today, Asia Times, Counterpunch, Press TV, New Straits Times, and many more.
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