Briahna Joy Gray

Introduction to Current Events

- The discussion opens with references to two significant topics currently trending on the internet, one being an article about Matt Iglesias and the other concerning a tweet about the CEO of United Healthcare.
- The speaker indicates that the article criticizing Iglesias has garnered substantial support from the public, although Iglesias himself does not share this sentiment.
- The speaker also addresses backlash received over a tweet that commented on the death of the United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, which has sparked controversy and discussion online.

Commentary on Brian Thompson's Death

- The speaker reflects on the nature of life advice, suggesting that individuals should aim to live in a way that leaves a positive impact on others, contrasting this with the public's reaction to Thompson's death.
- The speaker notes that many people did not express sadness over Thompson's death, attributing this to the suffering inflicted by his actions and the operations of United Healthcare.
- The discussion highlights a stark difference in public sentiment, where reactions to Thompson's death included laughter and celebration rather than mourning, leading to a broader commentary on the morality of individuals in positions of power.
- The speaker mentions the social media backlash, particularly on platforms like Facebook, where comments celebrating Thompson's death were so numerous that they prompted United Healthcare to disable comments on their posts.

Public Sentiment Toward Health Insurance Companies

- The conversation shifts to the broader public sentiment regarding health insurance companies, particularly focusing on the negative experiences shared by individuals who have dealt with United Healthcare.
- The speaker emphasizes that many people have personal horror stories about their interactions with health insurance, highlighting the frustrations and challenges they face when seeking care.
- Comments from various individuals illustrate the widespread dissatisfaction with the practices of private insurance companies, which often prioritize profit over patient care.
- The speaker argues that the negative public perception of United Healthcare is not solely a product of leftist sentiment but reflects a genuine frustration shared by many Americans who have suffered due to the company's policies.

Critique of Ben Shapiro's Reactions

- The speaker discusses Ben Shapiro's reaction to the public sentiment surrounding Thompson's death and the implications of his comments about socialist leeches, questioning the sincerity of Shapiro's outrage.
- The dialogue touches on Shapiro's longstanding avoidance of direct debate with the speaker, suggesting that his criticisms stem from an inability to engage with the arguments presented.
- The speaker clarifies that their position is not one of celebrating death, but rather a commentary on the moral implications of a person's life choices and their impact on public perception.

Discussion on the Nature of Political Commentary

- The conversation transitions to a critique of Matt Iglesias, focusing on his influence within Democratic circles and the problematic nature of his analyses.
- The speaker argues that Iglesias's commentary often lacks depth and dismisses the concerns of those who disagree with him, which can be detrimental to political discourse.
- The discussion includes a critique of Iglesias's tendency to portray himself as a rational thinker while undermining the emotional responses of others, particularly those advocating for more progressive policies.
- The speaker expresses concern that Iglesias's approach contributes to a culture of elitism within political commentary, where dissenting opinions are marginalized.

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Discourse

- The role of social media in amplifying public sentiment is discussed, highlighting how platforms like TikTok and Twitter have become spaces for collective expression of frustration towards health insurance practices.
- The speaker notes that many comments reflect a shared understanding of the struggles faced by individuals in dealing with health insurance companies, indicating a broader societal issue rather than isolated incidents.
- The dialogue emphasizes that the responses to Thompson's death are not merely political but represent a genuine outcry against systemic injustices perpetuated by the health insurance industry.
- The speaker concludes that the public's reaction is rooted in real experiences and frustrations, challenging the notion that these sentiments are simply the result of leftist trolling.

Current Affairs editor & chief and co-author of new book, The Myth of American Idealism with Noam Chomsky, Nathan Robinson, returns to Bad Faith to discuss his latest takedown piece -- this time of Slow Boring centrist writer Matthew Yglesias. But first, Nathan addresses taking heat for his take on health insurance CEO Brian Thompson's assassination, & Brie makes Nathan do unpaid labor as her therapist.

Introduction of Professor Rob Larsson

- The podcast welcomes Professor Rob Larsson, who is an Economics professor at Tacoma Community College.
- Larsson is also the author of several notable books, including "Bit Tyrants" and "Mastering the Universe," which explores the wealth of the ruling class and its implications.
- The discussion begins with an inquiry into the motivations behind Larsson's decision to write "Mastering the Universe."

Context of Wealth Inequality

- The conversation references the wealth gap highlighted during the Occupy Wall Street movement and the subsequent political campaigns of Bernie Sanders in 2016 and 2020.
- Larsson emphasizes the growing concern regarding wealth concentration, particularly in light of recent statements made by Sanders addressing the oligarchic structures within the U.S.
- He articulates that the issues of climate change, wars, and social injustices can largely be traced back to a small elite class that holds significant power and wealth.

Wealth Distribution Statistics

- Larsson provides statistics on wealth distribution, noting that the wealthiest 1% of U.S. households owned approximately 35% of the national wealth as of 2022.
- He discusses the historical context of wealth concentration, comparing current figures to those from the Gilded Age, highlighting that wealth inequality has reached alarming levels.
- The professor explains that wealth, rather than income, is a more critical measure for understanding who holds power in decision-making processes within the economy.

Stock Ownership and Economic Influence

- Larsson elaborates on the concentration of stock ownership, revealing that the top 1% owns about 40% of all traded stocks in the United States.
- The discussion highlights how corporate profits and stock market successes primarily benefit this wealthy elite, while the broader population sees minimal gains.
- He points out that most working-class wealth is tied to home ownership rather than stock investments, which further alienates them from the perceived economic prosperity.

Political Discourse and Economic Reality

- The podcast addresses the disconnect between economic statistics that suggest prosperity and the lived experiences of working-class individuals who face ongoing struggles.
- Larsson critiques the narrative promoted by some economists that suggests the economy is thriving, despite the reality of working-class suffering from inflation and wage stagnation.
- He argues that the political elite often misinterpret or ignore the economic hardships faced by the average voter, leading to misguided electoral strategies.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Economy

- Larsson discusses the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that welfare measures during this time significantly boosted working-class incomes.
- He explains that the reopening of the economy before supply chains were stabilized contributed to inflation, exacerbating existing economic disparities.
- The conversation also touches on how sanctions against Russian oil following its invasion of Ukraine have affected global energy prices, further complicating the economic landscape.

Critique of Corporate Media and Political Strategies

- Larsson critiques corporate media's portrayal of economic issues and how it influences public perception and political discourse.
- He emphasizes the need for a genuine populist approach that addresses the concerns of the working class rather than relying on superficial economic data.
- The discussion also highlights the failures of the Democratic Party to effectively communicate economic policies that resonate with the average voter.

The Role of Labor Movements

- Larsson advocates for a revitalization of labor movements as a means to challenge the existing power structures and push for economic reforms.
- He points out that a strong labor movement can provide a counterbalance to the influence of wealthy corporations and political elites.
- The professor argues that building solidarity among workers is essential for achieving meaningful change in economic policy.

Call for Expropriation and Economic Transformation

- Larsson concludes with a provocative call for expropriation, suggesting that the wealth of the ruling class must be redistributed to create a more equitable society.
- He draws parallels between historical expropriations and the current need to address the systemic inequalities perpetuated by the wealthy elite.
- The discussion emphasizes that without addressing the root causes of wealth inequality, any attempts at reform will be insufficient.

Conclusion and Reflections on the Future

- Larsson reflects on the challenges facing progressive movements in the current political climate, particularly the need for bold action in the face of entrenched interests.
- He expresses hope for a future where labor movements can regain strength and effectively advocate for the working class.
- The podcast wraps up with a discussion on the importance of informed activism and the role of individuals in pushing for systemic change.

Economics professor Rob Larson joins Bad Faith to discuss how the ruling class have turned an ostensible Democracy into an oligarchy, and what to do about it. How unequal is America/the world really, and will anything short of expropriation cure a system so broken and unequal, that at least one American has taken to vigilante justice?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/22959214

Briahna Joy Gray is filling in for Katie Halper.

Katie Halper and Aaron Maté go over the worst moments of the Sunday morning news shows that they watch so you don’t have to.

If it's Monday Morning, it's #mondaymourning

Immigration journalist Arizona Luminaria returns to Bad Faith to talk about what changes the incoming Trump administration will bring to US immigration policy, thoughts on the Democratic Party (and Kamala Harris') right-tilt on immigration, and how a populist, worker-center left should address labor concerns related to a growing immigration population.

2024 Green Party presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein returns to Bad Faith for a two hour breakdown of what really happened on election day. She addresses the gap between CAIR poll estimates of Green Party vote turn out and post-election results, our country's inability to conduct ballot tracking, and whether the party will pursue a recount as they did in 2016. Moreover, Dr. Stein addresses pervasive criticism from the corporate center and the left, including concerns that the party is two "top town," lacking labor roots, and needs to be overhauled. Finally, what's next for the Greens?

Investigative journalist & author of One Nation Under Blackmail Whitney Webb joins Bad Faith to talk about the recent Trump cabinet picks, the dominant role tech CEOs & the deep state are playing in American "democracy," Jeffery Epstein and Israel's grip on American politics and more. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of subjects deemed too conspiratorial for the mainstream press, and too important to ignore.

Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author, and minister Chris Hedges returns to Bad Faith for a left-focused deep dive into what happened on election night, what's next for the left, and the role spirituality may play in creating a sense of community that some are finding in the Joe Rogan media environment.

So, Trump won. We've assembled some of my favorite leftists to unpack why. Host of the Katie Halper Show and co-host of Useful Idiots Podcast, Katie Halper, weighs in on the left's predictions about the impact Gaza might have on this election, and takes down the mainstream media narratives that emerged immediately following Trump's win. Independent journalist Zaid Jilani hails from swing state Georgia, offers a unique perspective on the state, as well as the choice to prioritize identity politics over the material needs of voters. Last but not least, journalist Malaika Jabali offers insights from on the ground reporting in Wisconsin-- a state that ended up being an under observed harbinger of the future of the Democratic Party.

Attorney, writer and podcast host Esha K joins Bad Faith for a deep dive into how the US government has used culture to surreptitiously influence the politics of Americans. From funding art styles through patronage at major museums, to consulting on action movies, to recruiting artists to do world wide tours showcasing American "equality," the government's interest in influencing culture raises questions about how invested the left should be in recruiting popular figures to advance our message.

@briebriejoy

The journalist asks if the U.S. has any leverage over Netanyahu as he blocks aid and escalates the war but the better question is “why is America in on it”?

[Article Image, headline: "Blinken Approved Policy to Bomb Aid Trucks, Israeli Cabinet Members Suggest" [Yaniv Cogan | Oct 06 2024]

@yashar

NEW

On 60 Minutes, Vice President Kamala Harris is asked if the United States lacks influence over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

[Video link: https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1842943273419300864/vid/avc1/720x1280/sACuMX6XWiVOSefx.mp4]

Source: https://x.com/briebriejoy/status/1842961399758372913

UC Santa Barbara Professor and 2024 Green Party Vice Presidential nominee Dr. Butch Ware joins Briahna Joy Gray on Bad Faith for an extensive conversation that includes behind-the-scenes insights into his viral interview on the Breakfast Club, why Ta-Nehisi Coates' CBS interview on Palestine has made such a splash, and how the Green Party plans to grow and win beyond the current campaign cycle.

Critical Black Studies scholar of political theory, political economy, intellectual history, and political and historical sociology, Dr. CBS, returns to Bad Faith two years after offering up her predictions on what at 2024 Kamala run would look like. She offers her perspective on Kamala endorsements from the radical Black left, including Angela Davis, Jill Stein and Bruce Ware's viral performance on The Breakfast Club -- a major Black radio station, Ta-Nehisi's return to political writing in the form of an anti-Zionist cover story for New York Mag, and more. Dr. CBS & Brie end the episode in an extended debate about the theory of change the left should adopt in the wake of the Squad's "inside strategy" failing.

Historian of Middle East History, Dr. Assal Rad, joins Bad Faith to talk about how international law, the Uncommitted movement, and the fourth estate are failing to create impose accountability on Israel as it escalates violence in the region.

Socialist former Seattle City Council member and founder of Workers Strike Back Joins Bad Faith to download about the Harris/Trump debate, and to provide a “fact check” on the Gaza misinformation included therein. Kshama also discusses the killing of American demonstrator Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who Kshama knew personally from her engagement in left-politics in Seattle.

@briebriejoy

‼️More than Labor (w/ @Shut_downAmazon)‼️

"We got AI that's about to eliminate 45% of jobs in the next few years -- 50% of jobs. Where is the sense of urgency that you get from the Democrats right now? So we need something different. We need a labor party."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZzQs3fDgrs

[Video link below]

Screenshot:

Direct video link: https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1834353781267468289/pu/vid/avc1/1280x720/JDxjAR4q-_uqPS_y.mp4

Source: https://x.com/briebriejoy/status/1834355686421017069

@briebriejoy

Wondering why Kamala Harris keeps saying we should have the "most lethal" military? She's the leading recipient of defense industry campaign contributions this cycle.

The current Defense Secretary was on the Raytheon board. They're openly campaigning for every vote but yours.

[Screenshot of Open Secrets section of Top Defense Recipients, Harris is Rank 1 with $1,362,095 and Trump is Rank 2 with $821,493]

Screenshot:

Source: https://x.com/briebriejoy/status/1834657364026573255

Duke Professor of Public Policy, economics, & African American studies, William Darity, is probably the most cited scholar on the issue of the racial wealth gap and reparations. So what does he make of Kamala's agenda for Black America & the state of reparations discourse now post 2020? With more and more Arab and Muslim voters threatening to withhold their votes over the siege in Gaza, why has there never been an "abandon Dems" movement over the party's broken promises to Black Americans? What types of policies would and wouldn't close the racial wealth gap, and why isn't the wealth tax discussed more frequently in these terms?

Quick Summary:

1. The speaker reflects on a previous conversation regarding Barack Obama and critiques the expectations placed on his presidency, particularly from the Black community.
2. They emphasize that having a leader who looks like the population does not guarantee advocacy for their interests.
3. The discussion references Kamala Harris and her comments about not solely focusing on Black issues, suggesting a broader trend in representation not equating to advocacy.
4. The speaker expresses low expectations for both Obama and Harris, arguing that historical patterns in leadership indicate that appearances do not ensure commitment to community issues.
5. They stress the importance of substantial policies rather than identity alone in addressing systemic disparities.
6. The conversation touches on the lack of specific policies from Harris for the Black community while acknowledging that policies benefiting Black families would also benefit society as a whole.
7. The speaker critiques Harris's proposed mortgage supplement for first-time homebuyers as an inadequate solution to the racial wealth gap.
8. They discuss the complexities of homeownership and its role in addressing the racial wealth gap in America, noting that homeownership has been romanticized without providing complete solutions.
9. The speaker highlights the significant wealth disparity between Black and white Americans, which remains a critical issue in discussions about economic equality.
10. They suggest that substantial policy changes, including direct payments to Black Americans whose ancestors were enslaved, are necessary to effectively tackle the wealth disparity.

@briebriejoy

This is outrageous. The whole world can see what's happening in the West Bank, but the Biden/Harris administration plays dumb -- just as they have for nearly a year as the largest recipient of US welfare in the world conducts a genocide in Gaza.

No primary = no accountability at the ballot box. Very accountability from the MSM. And a left neutered by lesser of two evilism.

@AssalRad

Reporter: UN Secretary described [🇮🇱] operation in the West Bank as a dangerous development, what do you say

Pentagon: We are aware IDF is conducting operations in West Bank but we don’t have understanding of what that exactly is

Don’t they talk to their Israeli counterparts every day?

[Video link below]

Screenshot:

Direct video link: https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1829240637797044224/vid/avc1/822x456/mToNbDGS2pS7kjn2.mp4

Source: https://x.com/briebriejoy/status/1829245353742209310

@briebriejoy

Harris's answer to the question "would you do anything differently" on Israel is Zionist bingo:

1. Lie about mass rape on 10/7
2. Passive/active voice: Israelis are "massacred" but "far too many Palestinians have died"
3. Israelis have "right to defend themselves" Palestinians have "right to dignity."
4. Two state solution

Top line take away: She affirms there will be no weapons embargo.

Nothing will fundamentally change.

@halalflow

HORRIFIC. It's extremely clear that Kamala Harris would do the same as what Biden is doing on Gaza: "Would you do anything differently? For example, would you withhold some U.S. weapons shipments to Israel?"

Kamala Harris: "I'm unequivocal and unwavering in my commitment to Israel's defense and its ability to defend itself.and that's not gonna change."

"But no change in policy in terms of arms and so forth?"

Harris: "No, we have to get a deal done."

[Video, link below]

Screenshot:

Direct video link: https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1829335212293050368/pu/vid/avc1/1280x720/hlBqml4RK6mKIrpx.mp4

Source: https://x.com/briebriejoy/status/1829337804880367914

Last week, most eyes were glued to the Democratic National Convention programing: The Lil Jon roll call, AOC proclaiming that Harris is working "tirelessly" for a ceasefire, JB Pritzker bragging that he is a better billionaire than Trump, and Harris proclaiming hers will be the most "lethal" military ever. But the Green Party also had its own nominating convention, which prioritized the issues that once defined the Bernie left. This week, two Green Party National Co-Chairs --Margaret Elisabeth and Craig Cayetano -- join Bad Faith to weigh in on the DNC and contrast it with the Green Party's organizational structure, provide additional insight into why Cornel West may have decided to run as an independent, the new Green Party VP, & whether Uncommitted is wasting their leverage. They also take on the growing volume of anti-Green propaganda shared by high profile liberal accounts like George Takei's. Is the Green Party really doing nothing between presidential elections?

Consumer advocate, former Green Party presidential candidate, & author Ralph Nader returns to Bad Faith with Briahna Joy Gray to cut through the media gaslighting about Harris "fighting tirelessly" for a ceasefire and to respond to an online-left that has been successfully wooed by "vibes" to embrace Kamala despite her commitment to providing arms to a genocidal state.

@briebriejoy

The more I think about it, the more I think it’s one of the darkest & most destructive bits of gaslighting abt this genocide I’ve seen yet.

[Image of screenshot of tweets, @NathanJRobinson reply to @Phil_Lewis_]

@NathanJRobinson

This is false, it's propaganda, and it's making people misunderstand the issue. The Biden administration could have imposed a ceasefire anytime it wanted to. The only reason there isn't one is that Biden has made sure Israel has no incentive to agree to one.

@Phil_Lewis_

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says Kamala Harris is "working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bringing hostages home." #DNC

[Image of AOC speech at DNC Convention]

Source: https://x.com/briebriejoy/status/1825969634018996680

Dr. Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute returns to Bad Faith to explain how the Israel's assassination of of Hamas top ceasefire negotiator, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran reflects Israel's lack of good faith and threatens broader regional war. Why does Israel want war with Iran, what are the current risks of escalation in the region? Also, what should we make of Trump's recent meeting with Netanyahu?