Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael
A podcast where politics, history, and culture are examined from perspectives you may not have considered before. Call it a parallax view.
Fri, April 25, 2025
Follow the Money: The Think Tank Funding Tracker w/ Ben Freeman & Nick Cleveland-Stout
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views with J.G. Michael , we explore the powerful financial forces behind Washington D.C.’s most influential think tanks—and how those funding streams may shape U.S. foreign policy and defense strategy. Joining us are Ben Freeman and Nick Cleveland-Stout of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft to discuss their eye-opening project: the Think Tank Funding Tracker (TTFT) . The TTFT is designed to bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the world of policy influence, exposing the financial ties between think tanks and their funders. Specifically, we look at three major sources of funding: U.S. government funding, led by the Department of Defense Foreign government contributions, including major donors like Saudi Arabia and Qatar Defense contractor money, with Northrop Grumman leading the charge Think tanks play a vital role in shaping public policy through research, analysis, and recommendations. But as Ben and Nick explain, financial backing can create conflicts of interest and biases that may influence the narratives and policy prescriptions these institutions offer. Some think tanks rank high in transparency—others, particularly those with more hawkish foreign policy stances, score a troubling zero. We also address the issue of “dark money” think tanks, declining public trust, and how the TTFT includes concrete policy recommendations to encourage better disclosure practices. The conversation highlights the need for vigilance in understanding who is funding the experts shaping public debate and decision-making. One key case study we explore is the Atlantic Council, a major D.C. think tank whose funding sources exemplify the complex web of influence at play in the policy space. If you’re interested in U.S. foreign policy, military-industrial complex dynamics, Middle East geopolitics, or political influence in Washington, this is a must-listen episode that breaks down the often unseen forces shaping global affairs. For more information please read Quincy Brief #68: Big Ideas and Big Money: Think Tank Funding in America .
Thu, April 24, 2025
Shoot Pro Wrestling Revives Catch-as-Catch-Can Style w/ Jake Shannon, Pat Miletich & Matt Granahan
On this special episode of Parallax Views , we enter the world of Shoot Pro Wrestling (SPW)—a new promotion looking to bring the raw intensity and legitimacy of catch-as-catch-can wrestling back to the forefront of combat sports and professional wrestling. Joining the conversation are three key figures behind the SPW movement: – 🧠 Jake Shannon, catch wrestling historian and founder of Scientific Wrestling – 🥊 Pat Miletich, UFC legend, coach, and one of the original hybrid fighters in American MMA – 🤼 Matt Granahan, colorful grappling promoter and self-proclaimed "King of Connecticut" Together, we dive deep into the lineage of catch wrestling, tracing its influence on both modern MMA and professional wrestling, and how SPW aims to resurrect this foundational style—not as a nostalgic throwback, but as a vital evolution of shoot-based combat. Highlights from the conversation include: – The roots of SPW’s ruleset in the philosophy and techniques of the legendary Karl Gotch, as Jake Shannon explains how Gotch’s vision is now being implemented in real-world matches. – Pat Miletich’s reflections on how catch wrestling shaped his fighting style and mindset, and why he believes it instills a toughness many athletes can greatly benefit from. – Pat’s firsthand account of being at the Tokyo Dome when Kazushi Sakuraba defeated Royce Gracie, and Jake discusses how Sakuraba’s iconic declaration after that historic match—“Pro Wrestling is Strong!”—relates to Shoot Pro Wrestling's attitude and ethos. – A discussion of fighting spirit, its philosophical importance, and how it manifests in catch wrestling’s brutal simplicity and mental discipline. – Matt Granahan makes a big announcement about Shoot Pro Wrestling's women’s division, marking a new chapter for female competitors in the catch lineage. – A lively pitch to both pro wrestling fans and MMA fans on why Shoot Pro Wrestling offers something radically different: real grappling, no gimmicks, no predetermined outcomes—just pure, unfiltered combat with roots in both strategy and skill. - An exploration of how foundational catch wrestling is to both MMA and pro wrestling. Although much has been made of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's influence on the combat sports landscape, as it should, the impact of catch wrestling on combat sports deserves greater recognition. - Talking about catch wrestling as a science and a system - Pro wrestling legend Larry Zbyszko's involvement in the Shoot Pro Wrestling venture. This episode explores the tension between tradition and innovation and why catch wrestling—often unfairly overshadowed by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and theatrical pro wrestling—may finally be getting its due in the form of an exciting new promotion dedicated to the grappling fighting style. For fans of mixed martial arts histo
Wed, April 16, 2025
Grappling With Grapplevision: An Unstructured Deep Dive Into the Phantom Funhouse of Pro Wrestling
On this edition of Parallax Views , the biggest wrestling event of the year is only days away: WrestleMania. Billed as the "Showcase of the Immortals," WrestleMania is the marquee event of World Wrestling Entertainment and has been going strong for over 40 years. On April 19th and 20th, WWE will present WrestleMania 41 . Yes—FORTY-ONE. Ahead of the big event, I spoke with Gary from the YouTube channel Grapplevision —one of the most unique and compelling voices in pro wrestling media today. While most wrestling YouTubers focus on current events or canonical moments like the Montreal Screwjob, Hulk Hogan’s heel turn, or Mick Foley’s infamous fall off the Hell in a Cell, Grapplevision dives into the ghosts and glitches of wrestling history. It's a channel immersed in what you might call phantom histories : forgotten figures, obscure promotions, uncanny storylines, and the lingering specters of wrestling’s carny roots. What sets Grapplevision apart is its unmistakably hauntological aesthetic—think VHS degradation, lost tapes, and late-night public access weirdness. The channel’s documentaries are layered with analog textures and deep archival digs, evoking the era of tape trading and underground fandom. In many ways, it feels less like a recap or explainer and more like a séance conducted with a turnbuckle and a cathode-ray screen. From the blurred lines of shoot vs. worked fights (explored in the "Wrestling Gets Real" series), to Japanese deathmatch icon Atsushi Onita’s exploding barbed wire spectacles, to strange pop culture crossovers featuring Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and Jim Varney’s Ernest P. Worrell— Grapplevision chronicles the strange, forgotten, and surreal corners of the squared circle. All this with an intro that cheekily nods to David Cronenberg’s Videodrome . In this sprawling, four-and-a-half-hour conversation, you'll hear from someone who's not only been inside the industry but has also taken on the role of archivist and cultural historian. Even if you’re not a wrestling fan, there's something here for anyone interested in performance, memory, mythology, and media.
Tue, April 15, 2025
On the Joe Rogan Experience's Dave Smith-Douglas Murray Debate w/ Ralph Leonard
On this edition of Parallax Views , host J.G. Michael welcomes back writer and commentator Ralph Leonard to unpack his recent UnHerd article, "Dave Smith–Douglas Murray Debate Highlights Right-Wing Fault Lines." In this wide-ranging conversation, Leonard breaks down the recent viral Joe Rogan-hosted debate between anti-war libertarian comedian Dave Smith and neoconservative public intellectual Douglas Murray — a fiery exchange that has become a flashpoint for deeper tensions within the contemporary Right. Leonard and Michael explore how the Israel-Gaza conflict has brought long-simmering ideological contradictions on the Right to the surface, pitting libertarian anti-interventionism and populist anti-elitism against the hawkish commitments and institutional allegiances of neoconservatism. They discuss the dynamics of the debate itself — from Murray’s criticisms of Rogan's platforming of uncredentialed “armchair experts” and conspiratorial thinkers to Smith’s defense of the democratic value of non-expert participation in public discourse. The episode also dives into the broader ecosystem of the “podcast bros” — the rise of Rogan-style infotainment as a dominant force shaping public opinion, its appeal as anti-establishment counterprogramming, and its vulnerabilities to pseudoscience and ideological echo chambers. Leonard offers a nuanced take, arguing that while the Rogan-verse isn’t above critique, it still offers a space for airing out dissent and confronting controversial issues in ways legacy media often avoids. Together, Leonard and Michael navigate the complicated cultural terrain where influence, ideology, and epistemology collide — from libertarian anti-interventionism to the moral and strategic blind spots of neoconservatism — offering listeners a critical lens through which to understand not just one debate, but the fracturing landscape of the Right in 2025.
Thu, April 10, 2025
Weapons Sales Trump Human Rights in U.S. Foreign Policy w/ Dr. Annelle Sheline
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Quincy Institute's Dr. Annelle Sheline, a frequent guest on the program and a former Biden-era State Dept. official who resigned over the U.S. handling of Gaza, returns to discuss her briefing "Under Primacy, Weapons Sales Will Always Supersede Human Rights" . But first we discuss the article she recently co-wrote for Responsible Statecraft entitled "Trump drops news bomblet: Direct US-Iran talks this Saturday" . The conversation begins with a discussion of Netanyahu's meeting with Donald Trump earlier this week and some talk about the upcoming talks between the U.S. and Iran. We then get into the main event of this conversation: the ways in which weapons sales have trumped human rights rhetoric in U.S. foreign policy. For as much as the United States has often talked about human rights, it has often sold weapons to autocratic human rights abusers. We'll discuss a number of historical moments related to this including the assassination of Salvador Allende and the bloody Chile coup of 1973, Jimmy Carter vs. Ronald Reagan on human rights & U.S. foreign policy, the Iran-Contra affair, the legacies of the Cold War and the Global War on Terror, how wars abroad often lead to repression at home (and concerns about Trump's plans for pro-Palestinian voices in America), bridging the gap between human rights and realism/U.S. national interests, a brief look at the Leahy Laws, sanctions and weapons sales, the U.S.'s unconditional support of Israel's actions in Gaza as undermining claims to defending human rights, and much, much more.
Thu, April 10, 2025
Politicide: War, Memory, and Control in Gaza w/ Geoffrey Aronson
On this edition of Parallax Views, Geoffrey Aronson, a noted analyst Middle East affairs and formerly the director of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, returns to discuss his latest Responsible Statecraft piece entitled "Israel's plan for Gaza is clear: 'Conquest, expulsion, settlement'" . One of the key aspects of Geoffrey's analysis in said article is that Israel is currently pursuing a policy of "politicide", or, as he puts it, "destroying for all time any Palestinian hope for sovereignty west of the Jordan River." We'll be delving into elements of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that long predate the events of October 7th and what has transpired since. For example, Geoffrey will takes us back to 2005 when then Israeli Prime Minister evacuated Israeli settlers from Gaza. We'll also discuss the resurgent right-wing in Israel and its aims in Gaza, how the so-called "Day After" in Gaza is today, a brief excursion into what is happening in Syria and the weakness of Arab states (and what that means), and much, much more.
Thu, April 10, 2025
An Inside View of the Luna Hearing on the JFK Assassination w/ Jim DiEugenio
In this episode of Parallax Views, returning guest and veteran JFK assassination researcher Jim DiEugenio joins us to unpack the recent developments in the long-running battle over JFK assassination records. We dive into the legacy of President Trump’s January 2025 executive order concerning the JFK files and discuss the implications of the recent congressional hearing led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna — to which Jim himself testified! Jim, who was in attendance at the Luna hearing, shares his firsthand impressions of the proceedings and what they may signal for the future of the JFK Records Act. But this conversation goes beyond the question of conspiracy: we explore the broader stakes of transparency, institutional trust, and the historical significance of declassified documents — including revelations like Operation Northwoods, which had nothing to do with the assassination itself but emerged from the Assassination Records Review Board process and reshaped how we understand Cold War covert operations. Whether or not you believe there was a conspiracy to kill JFK, the questions raised by these files and the government’s resistance to disclosure remain urgent. Tune in for a timely conversation on truth, secrecy, and why history still matters — no matter how long ago it happened. And yes, we'll address conservative pundit Ben Shapiro's angry dismissal of anyone interested in the assassination because it happened "a long time ago". Additional topics covered include: - Oliver Stone, the attacks on his movie JFK months before the film was even released, and the role of the Vietnam war in shaping Oliver Stone as a filmmaker and a human being. - CIA spymaster James Jesus Angleton's chilling quote about the CIA: “If you were in a room with them, you were in a room full of people that you had to believe would deservedly end up in hell. I guess I will see them there soon.” - The release of the unredacted Schlesinger Memo and what it tells us about covert operation during the Cold War. Learn what it is and how it enhances our understanding of a moment in history and politics. - The surprise appearance of John Davisson, a senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington, who raised privacy concerns related to information in the recently released documents. - Jim's thoughts on Democrats' lack of interest in the hearing and why he thinks Democrats are passing up a big opportunity with it - And much more!
Wed, April 09, 2025
Trump’s Tariffs, Trumponomics vs. Bidenomics, & More w/ Doug Henwood
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Left Business Observer's Doug Henwood, host of the influential radio program Behind the News, returns to the program to discuss Trump's tariffs, Bidenomics vs. Trumponomics, the legacy of the anti-WTO/anti-globalization protests of the late 1990s, and much more! Literally a half hour before Doug and I began recording Trump announced a 90-day pause on some of his tariffs . We'll be discussing what Doug sees as Trump's nostalgia about a romanticized 1950s America and how he believes that is driving Trump's policies in many ways. Doug talks about what he sees as the nonsensical nature of Trump's tariffs and how stocks shot up immediately after Trump announced the 90-day pause. Although sometimes there's more noise than signal when looking at the stock market, in this case the response of the stock market over the past week has reflected very real economic anxieties. He also notes that the bond market has been reacting strangely in the past week in a way that is worrying. Doug notes that we'll likely see prices increase in May and June and discusses the effect these tariffs will have on those at the bottom of the income distribution. All of this will factor into Doug's analysis of why he thinks Trump has announced a 90-day pause on some tariffs. We'll also discuss in-depth the pros and cons of Bidenomics and then look at that in comparison to Trumponomics. We'll discuss industrial policy, ways of bringing back manufacturing to the U.S. in a productive rather than destructive manner, and we'll look at the effect of tariffs on poorer countries like Vietnam or Cambodia. We'll also discuss how there's been a wide backlash against Trump's tariffs from across the political spectrum including libertarians like Thomas Sowell, CNBC's Jim Cramer, and even some protectionists. Doug Henwood sums up the backlash as being driven ultimately by the crudeness of the tariff policy. The conversation will also delve into Trump's romanticism about the 19th century U.S. economy, the legacy of the anti-WTO/anti-globalization protests of the late 90s, the potential of a pro-trade internationalism that isn't neoliberal and is informed by socialist or left-wing concerns, the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the Biden team's failure to tout the positive aspects of Bidenomics, Trump's anti-libertarian streak, DOGE, the misanthropy of the Silicon Valley right-wing, comparing and contrasting the Ralph Nader and Donald Trump views on foreign trade, and much, much more!
Wed, April 09, 2025
Trump's Tariffs and Its Geoeconomic Implications w/ Karthik Sankaran
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Quincy Institute's Karthik Sankaran—writer, analyst, and longtime observer of global macroeconomic trends—joins the program to unpack the Trump administration’s sweeping new tariff policy. Billed as a "reciprocal tariff" strategy, the move abandons long-held trade norms like Most Favored Nation (MFN) status in favor of a confrontational approach that targets countries based on bilateral trade deficits with the U.S. We'll end begin by discussing the logic and methodology that Karthik believes are driving the Trump tariff policies. We'll also delve into why the tariffs have been criticized across the board by neoliberals (of which Karthik describes himself as), right-wing libertarians like Thomas Sowell, and even progressively minded protectionists. The conversation will also delve into an area of particular interest to Karthik: how this will effect the Global South. We'll also delve into what the tariffs mean for U.S. foreign policy and international relations, why Brazil may come out of this better than other countries, what the tariffs mean for Europe and the EU, nearshoring vs. off-shoring and how nearshoring could be beneficial to Mexico, the U.S. move towards economic protectionism even under Biden, and what the tariffs mean for China. Also, Karthik will address listeners that disagree with his neoliberal worldview. Karthik describes himself as a "Neoliberal Peacenik". Whether or not you agree with his overview worldview, hopefully you'll find it interesting and informative.
Wed, April 09, 2025
Harvard’s Faculty Dismissals & the Assault on Free Inquiry in Higher Ed w/ Jonathan Feingold
On this edition of Parallax Views , legal scholar and Boston University Law professor Jonathan Feingold joins us to discuss a growing crisis in higher education: the escalating assault on academic freedom. At the center of this episode is the recent dismissal of Dr. Cemal Kafadar and Dr. Rosie Bsheer—faculty leaders of Harvard's Center for Middle Eastern Studies—following politically charged accusations related to programming on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Feingold, a member of Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff-Boston Area , breaks down why these dismissals are not just isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of repression targeting scholars and students advocating for Palestinian human rights. We dig into the weaponization of antisemitism discourse, the chilling effect on scholarship, and how elite institutions like Harvard are capitulating to pressure from right-wing forces and donor lobbies—including those aligned with Trump’s authoritarian cultural agenda. This story isn’t just about Israel-Palestine. Even for those uninterested in debates over Israel-Palestine, the implications of this case are far-reaching. It raises urgent questions about academic freedom, free speech, and free inquiry in American universities. What happens when controversial topics become grounds for dismissal? How do elite institutions navigate the tension between political pressure and intellectual autonomy? And what does this say about the health of democratic discourse in higher education? This episode is not just about one controversy at Harvard—it’s about the future of the university itself.
Tue, April 08, 2025
Netanyahu in D.C., Israel's Actions in Gaza, Civilizational States, & Saudi Leverage w/ James Dorsey
Recorded: 4-7-2025 On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist James M. Dorsey of the Turbulent World w/ James M. Dorsey Substack returns for another Middle East update. In this conversation we go over the visit Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is making to Washington D.C. to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit will reportedly entail discussion focused on Israeli hostages in Gaza as well as U.S. tariffs. This comes on the heels of Netanyahu facing re-emerging politically turmoil domestically Israel. Netanyahu is complaining more and more of a "leftist deep state" in Israel and the U.S (see also: this report from The Times of Israel) . Additionally, hundreds of thousands are fleeing the southern Gazan city of Rafah due to airstrikes and a deadly assault on medics in Gaza . Israel has had to walk back its account of how the assault on those medics happened as video of it has emerged . We'll be discussing all of this on the show as well as the relationship between Trump and the Gulf States, specifically Saudi Arabia and the UAE. What does this mean for Israel (and the Palestinians)? We'll discuss what leverage the Saudis may have in regard to what happens next in Gaza. We'll also discuss Turkey-Israel relations and Syria. And, of course, Iran will play into the discussion. And we'll delve into the rise of civilization-states, the difference between nation-states vs. civilizational states, and the battle of narratives between Israelis and Palestinians. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael!
Tue, April 08, 2025
Rafah Reduced to Rubble as Turmoil in Israel Ratchets Up: Reflections from an Israeli w/ Ori Goldberg
Recorded 4/7/2025 On this edition of Parallax Views, Israeli commentator Ori Goldberg returns to the show to discuss the latest development in Gaza and Israel. This conversation came about due to the horrific stories coming of the southern Gaza city Rafah and touches upon that as well as the political turmoil currently bubbling to a fever pitch in Israel. J.G. specifically reached out to interview Ori in the hopes of trying to make sense of what is happening on the ground. Abstractions are often attendant to discussions of Israel/Palestine, but the human cost cannot be forgotten. That is what led to this discussion, and it proved difficult on some level due to the intense nature of the horrors we've seen in the past year and a half whether it be the events of October 7th or the scenes coming out of Rafah. Ori's approach is highly reflective in nature and as such has a certain unique quality. Whether you agree or disagree with Ori's thinking, this is hopefully going to be a powerful discussion.
Fri, April 04, 2025
A Brief History of Civil Society in Israel w/ Dahlia Scheindlin
On this edition of Parallax Views, host J.G. Michael engages renowned Israeli pollster Dahlia Scheindlin in a revealing discussion on the evolution of Israeli civil society and its dynamic relationship with both Palestinian civil society and internal societal shifts within Israel. Drawing from her insightful essay, “The Rise, Weakening, and Resurgence of Civil Society in Israel,” Dahlia navigates the complex interplay of historical, political, and social forces that have shaped civic life in the region. - Internal Transformation: Explore how the transition to the Likud government in the 1970s led to the weakening of Israel's welfare state, creating a vacuum that civil society eagerly filled with new social and political initiatives. - Historical Perspectives: Trace the development of Israeli civil society from its Zionist origins through the transformative eras of the Oslo Accords and beyond, while examining how these shifts have paralleled, intersected, and at times clashed with Palestinian civic movements. - Interplay of Resistance and Repression: Learn how grassroots resistance against occupation as well as anti-democratic movements in Israel has fueled a dynamic interplay between Israeli and Palestinian civil societies, fostering both collaboration and contention in the quest for justice and democratic reform. - Legislative and Social Backlash: Understand the impact of autocratic policies and legislative attacks under Netanyahu’s government, which not only suppressed dissent but also galvanized a renewed civic activism among diverse groups. - Turning Points and Future Prospects: Delve into the dramatic civic mobilization following the events of October 7, 2023, and explore what this resurgence means for the future of democratic engagement and cross-community solidarity in a divided society. This episode offers a compelling narrative that weaves together historical context, political resistance, and the powerful role of civic action in shaping both Israeli and Palestinian futures. We will also discuss Dahlia's recent trip to the United States, where she is currently on a speaking tour. Additionally, Dahlia and will discuss into the gap between the perspectives of diaspora populations vs. those living in Israel/Palestine. You can currently obtain an ebook download of Suppressing Dissent, which features Dahlia's essay, for FREE at the Carnegie Endowment website. Contributors include such previous Parallax Views guests as Nathan J. Brown, Dana El Kurd, and Dahlia Scheindlin as well as Lara Friedman, Marwa Fatafta, Yael Berda, Jessica Buxbaum, and many others.
Tue, March 25, 2025
A Conservative's Take on the Mahmoud Khalil Detainment w/ Andrew Day
On this edition of Parallax Views, Andrew Day—senior editor at The American Conservative and contributing fellow at Defense Priorities—joins the show to unpack his provocative article, “Mahmoud Khalil, Viewed From the Right.” In our conversation, Andrew explains why he believes MAGA conservatives must oppose the arrest and potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and green card holder whose First Amendment rights are at stake. Andrew details how the Trump administration’s use of a 1952 immigration statute to target Khalil’s protest activities not only oversteps constitutional protections but also sets a dangerous precedent for conservatives. He argues that even those who challenge Khalil’s views must uphold free speech and that Khalil's detainment has less to do with being a threat to "U.S. foreign policy" than the fact he was protesting Israel. We will also discuss billionaire Trump back Miriam Adelson and pro-Israel affinity group advocacy in the U.S., disagreements that exist in the American conservative movement over the U.S. strikes against the Houthis in Yemen and concerns about the renewed potential for a conflict with Iran,
Tue, March 18, 2025
The Boys Are Not Alright: Alienated Masculinity and the Crisis of America's Working Class Men in w/ Alex Gendler and Ryan Zickgraf
On this edition of Parallax Views, we dive into the struggles facing men in modern society with two insightful guests: Alex Gendler, author of "The New Superfluous Men" in American Affairs Journal , and Ryan Zickgraf, author of "Working-Class Men Are Not Okay" in Jacobin . Gendler unpacks the incel phenomenon, exploring how economic shifts, social alienation, and demographic imbalances have contributed to a growing class of men who feel expendable in a post-industrial world. Meanwhile, Zickgraf examines the deeper crisis afflicting working-class men—rising mortality rates, economic precarity, loneliness, and the erosion of traditional support networks. Are these issues cultural, political, or economic at their core? How do they fit into broader discussions about gender, class, and social discontent? And what solutions—if any—exist for reversing these trends? All that and more on this thought-provoking episode of Parallax Views.
Thu, March 13, 2025
Suppressing Dissent: Shrinking Civic Space, Transnational Repression and Palestine–Israel w/ Zaha Hassan & Yousef Munayyer
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's Zaha Hassan returns to the program alongside first-time guest Yousef Munayyer, a Senior Fellow at the Arab Center Washington D.C., to discuss the new book she co-edited with H.A. Hellyer entitled Suppressing Dissent: Shrinking Civic Space, Transnational Repression, and Palestine-Israel . Yousef is a contributor to the Suppressing Dissent and, amongst other things, he will discuss his piece in the book entitled "Closing Spaces Beyond Borders: Israel’s Transnational Repression Network". Zaha will discuss a number of topics related to the book as well including her contribution, co-written with Layla Gantus, called "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Impact of Israel’s Occupation and Palestinian Authoritarianism on Community Organizing and NGOs". The conversation will begin, of course, with a discussion of a case that makes this book timelier than ever: the detainment of Columbia University pro-Palestinian student protester Mahmoud Khalil by the Trump administration. From there we will discuss such issues as the Israeli-based NSO Group's infamous Pegasus spyware being used against Palestinian civil society organizations, the long shadow of the Oslo Accords, the interplay between the Israeli occupation and the governance in Gaza and the West Bank, revisiting Zaha's paper on the Human Rights-centric approach to dealing with Israel/Palestine , the debanking of Palestinian civil society individuals and organizations, the Palestinian Authority vs. Palestinian civil society, and much, much more. You can currently obtain an ebook download of Suppressing Dissent for FREE at the Carnegie Endowment website. Contributors include such previous Parallax Views guests as Nathan J. Brown, Dana El Kurd, and Dahlia Scheindlin as well as Lara Friedman, Marwa Fatafta, Yael Berda, Jessica Buxbaum, and many others.
Tue, March 11, 2025
Elbridge Colby & the GOP Foreign Policy Shake Up, Trump's Israel Bear Hug?, Mahmoud Khalil's Detainment, & the Syria Information War Shell Game w/ Matthew Petti
On this edition of Parallax Views, Matthew Petti, an assistant editor at Reason magazine whose beat is national security issues, returns to the program to discuss his recent articles "Bipartisan war hawks go after Trump defense pick Elbridge Colby" , "Is Trump borrowing Biden’s ‘bear hug’ approach to Israel?" , and "Who is the Palestinian Columbia student detained for his protest activity?" . We'll also discuss the situation in Syria, specifically the uprising and massacre of Alawite civilians in the past week. In regards to Syria, we'll dissect the information war shell game that's currently taking place and how various actors including Israel, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the Arab Gulf States are all pushing certain narratives in relation to Syria's transitional government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa (formerly Abu Mohammad al-Julani). In the first portion of our conversation, we look at the confirmation hearing of Elbridge Colby, who has been nominated by President Donald Trump to be his Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Although Colby belongs to the world of defense intellectuals and is not a dove by any stretch, some of his views have a pro-restraint bent that have come under fire from both Republicans and Democrats. Republican Senator Tom Cotton, in particular, appears to take issue with Colby, specifically Colby's views on the Middle East (Colby wants to wind down U.S. involvement in the region), and is alleged by a number of Trump allies to have been behind a recent whisper campaign against Colby. We'll examine the realist camp of figures who have been given positions within the Trump administration thus far and JD Vance and Marco Rubio's allusions to realist foreign policy views since Trump's election. We'll also discuss how the other side of the coin when it comes to this embrace of realism by elements of the Trump administration and MAGA. Namely, the increasing talk of consolidating U.S. power in its geographic sphere of influence (ie: all the talk of making Canada the "51st State"). Petti will also go over Colby's hawkish views on China, specifically in relation to Taiwan, and how his views have changed over the years. In the latter portion of the conversation, we'll discuss Petti's notion that Trump's may well be employing the "bear hug" strategy with Israel that many claimed Biden was using during his administration in light of the Gaza War. Petti makes the case that Biden did not actually apply the bear hug strategy, but that Trump may actually be using it. On one hand, Trump is
Thu, March 06, 2025
TERRIFIER's Lauren LaVera & a Demonic Pregnancy Collide in Body Horror Comedy THE FETUS w/ Joe Lam
On this edition of Parallax Views, Terrifier 2 & Terrifier 3 's star final girl, Lauren LaVera, has a new fright flick, The Fetus , coming out on March 7th that'll combine comedy and body horror! And it'll also feature horror icon Bill Moseley, know for his roles as the brutal killer Otis Driftwood in Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses & The Devil's Rejects and the demented Choptop in Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 , in a deliciously macabre role as a blind veteran with psychotic side. As you can probably surmise from the title, the movie will tackle pregnancy horror and creature feature thrills vis-à-vis a demonic baby. If you're a fan of 80s horrors like John Carpenter's The Thing or Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street , you'll be glad to know that the movie relies heavily on practical creature effects. It also promises to be a timely fright flick in light of the debates the rage on in American culture over abortion. Joining us to discuss the movie is the film's director, Joe Lam. We'll talk about the experience of working with Lauren LaVera and Bill Moseley, the long process of writing the movie, the influence of Orson Welles' Citizen Kane on Joe, the film's use of practical effects and the award-winning work of Alex Rojas on the creature effects, the decision to release The Fetus unrated and increasing obsolescence of the MPAA ratings system in the age of streaming, thoughts on Sean Baker's Oscar speech in which he made a call for defending independent film and movie theaters in an age where both are under threat, balancing comedy/humor and horror, the importance of story and character development in Joe Lam's approach to horror, and much, much more!
Thu, February 27, 2025
Sumūd: A New Palestinian Reader w/ Malu Halasa
"It’s astonishing to me that, despite the blizzard of barbarism currently being visited on them, Palestinians continue to produce such stunning writing. This excellent compilation is essential reading.” The above are the words of praise Brian Eno, long-time activist and one of the most consequential musicians of our time (as evidenced by his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Roxy Music; and that doesn't even touch on his contributions to electronica and ambient music), heaped on Sumūd: A New Palestinian Reader . Co-edited by Malu Halasa and Jordan Elgrably of The Markaz Review, a literature and arts from the center of the world and the diasporas of the Middle East and North Africa, this volume gives voice to the culture of Palestinians and its relationship to political resistance. On this edition of Parallax Views, Malu Halasa joins us to discuss Sumūd: A New Palestinian Reader and the collection of poetry, visual art of all kinds (from conceptual art to posters), literary criticism, and even speculative fiction/science fiction contained within it. Although many, especially since the war in Gaza, have become aware of the political dimensions of the Palestinian people, Sumūd: A New Palestinian Reader highlights the cultural dimension that is sometimes overlooked. However, that is not to say that the poltiical dimension is ignored in book. In fact, Sumūd: A New Palestinian Reader illustrates the connection, the ties that bind, between the cultural and the political for Palestinians. Contributors to the book include Israeli New Historian Ilan Pappe, noted Gaza expert Sara Roy, Palestinian-American poet Noor Hindi, Paris-based journalist Olivia Snaije, British-Palestinian writer Ahmed Masoud (whose speculative fiction/sci-fi short story "Application 39" is featured in the book and a topic of discussion in our conversation), Gaza's Theater for Everybody founder Hossam Madhoum, and many, many more! We'll discuss a number of topics in this conversation including Gaza, political resistance, Palestinian humor, allowing Palestinian voices to speak for themselves, and much, much more!
Wed, February 19, 2025
The Forbidden Garden: The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice w/ Simon Parkin
On this edition of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael , award-winning journalist and author Simon Parkin joins us to discuss his latest book, The Forbidden Garden: The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice . This gripping true story explores the incredible sacrifice of scientists at the world’s first seed bank, who risked—and even gave—their lives to protect a vast collection of plant biodiversity during the brutal Siege of Leningrad in World War II. We dive into the differing scientific views of pioneering botanist and geneticist Nikolai Vavilov and Soviet agronomist Trofim Lysenko, whose controversial theories led to disastrous agricultural policies and whose influence in the Soviet Union did Vavilov no favors. In the latter part of the conversation, Parkin shares insights from his work as a video game journalist, addressing concerns about the "Fortnite-ification" of the gaming industry—where games are increasingly developed as just monetized content rather than as artistic experiences. We also discuss his Atlantic article, " How a School Shooting Became a Video Game" , which covers The Final Exam , a controversial video game designed to raise awareness about school shootings. Created by Change the Ref, an organization founded by Manuel and Patricia Oliver after their son Joaquin was killed in the 2018 Parkland shooting, the game forces players to experience the horror of a school shooting scenario—not for shock value, but to confront the grim reality of gun violence in America. Tune in for this powerful discussion on history, science, video games, and social issues—only on Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael .
Thu, February 13, 2025
Fan Film Offers Sequel to 80s Cult Classic Slasher MY BLOODY VALENTINE w/ Tom Smith & Rachel Keefe
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, it's Valentine's Day Parallax Views special! And to celebrate the J.G. decided to dig up an interview that was previously unreleased related to holiday. In 1981, George Mihalka's Canadian slasher My Bloody Valentine hit theaters. In the years since it has become a cult classic, enough so, in fact, to get a Hollywood remake in 2009 directed by Wes Craven protege Patrick Lussier & starring heartthrob Jensen Ackles from the hit TV show Supernatural . The original movie, in which a town known as Valentine Bluffs experiences a series of murders seemingly committed by a vengeful, deranged miner known as Harry Warden, has never received a proper sequel. Fans of the movie, however, came together to get a professionally done, feature-length fan sequel. It's called Valentine Bluffs: A My Bloody Valentine Fan Film and even features a guest starring performance from Troma's Lloyd Kaufman as the Mayor of Valentine Bluffs. It features all the bloody mayhem one would expect from a sequel to My Bloody Valentine , and, best of all for fans of 80s horror, features lovingly made practical effects rather than CGI. In this previously unreleased interview, I speak with director and special effects artist Tom Smith and lead actress Rachel Keefe about Valentine Bluffs: A My Bloody Valentine Fan Film in-depth! You can view the fan film for free on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIIOv49awUU . Near the end of the conversation Rachel talks about her upcoming role in Joe Lam's horror movie The Fetus . As it turns out, The Fetus is set to be released next month, March 2025, and, in addition to Rachel Keefe, stars Terrifier 2 and Terrifier 3's Lauren LaVera as well as genre stalwart Bill Moseley from Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses , The Devil's Rejects , and Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre ! All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Wed, February 12, 2025
Project Censored's State of the Free Press 2025 w/ Mickey Huff & Shealeigh Voitl
On this edition of Parallax Views, another year has passed and longtime listeners will know what that means: a look back at the news that DIDN'T get adequately covered by the corporate press. Yes, it's that time again. The annual Project Censored check-in to Parallax Views. This time we have not one but two guests from Project Censored: the returning Mickey Huff and first-time guest Shealeigh Voitl. We'll look back at the state of the media ecosystem in a turbulent year that ended with Donald Trump being elected President for a second time. We'll look at the problem of junk food news, important stories that haven't received their due coverage in the news, and much more in this conversation!
Fri, February 07, 2025
Trump's Call for "Cleaning Out" Gaza w/ Dr. Annelle Sheline
On this edition of Parallax Views, last week President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he'd like to "clean out" war-torn Gaza. He suggested Egypt or Jordan take Palestinian refugees. Joining us to discuss Trump's floated idea of "cleaning out" Gaza is the Quincy Institute's Dr. Annelle Sheline. Dr. Sheline made headlines during the Biden-era because she resigned from the State Department over that administration's handling of Gaza. In this conversation Dr. Sheline will explain why Trump's "cleaning out Gaza" idea is concerning, not least of which because it would amount to ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza. She will also delve into how carrying out the idea would impact the peace between Israel and Jordan. In the latter portion of the program, we'll discuss the potential factional disputes in Trump's administration over U.S. foreign policy as it relates to the Middle East.
Thu, January 23, 2025
Trump's Middle East Policy Chief Wants U.S. Out of the Region? + More Foreign Policy News w/ Dave DeCamp
On this edition of Parallax Views, Antiwar.Com's Dave DeCamp joins the show to discuss Trump's appointment of Michael DiMino, a former CIA analyst and fellow at the realist and restraint think tank Defense Priorities, to head up Middle East policy at the Pentagon. DiMino, if his past comments are any indication, wants U.S. involvement in the Middle East to be drastically reduced. We'll also Trump envoy Steve Witkoff (specifically in relation to Gaza and Iran), Trump redesignating Cuba as a state sponsor of terror, Trump's comments about possible military intervention to deal with Mexican drug cartels, Trump's controversial statements about Greenland and the Panama Canal, and much more.
Tue, January 21, 2025
Former UNRWA Chief Spokesperson on the Implications of Israel's UNRWA Ban w/ Chris Gunness
In this hard-hitting episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, we welcome Chris Gunness, former Director of Communications and Advocacy for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), to discuss Israel's controversial ban on UNRWA and its far-reaching consequences for both Palestinians and Israelis. With the Knesset's legislation poised to expel UNRWA from Jerusalem and restrict its humanitarian operations, the episode delves into the grave repercussions of this move, including its impact on over 63,000 Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem and the broader implications for regional stability. Gunness breaks down how this decision not only undermines UNRWA’s vital services, such as education, healthcare, and food aid, but also sets the stage for the de facto annexation of Jerusalem in violation of international law, as highlighted by the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) recent ruling. Tune in for a compelling discussion that unpacks the complex layers of this issue and why it’s not only a humanitarian crisis but also a political and moral one that could harm not only Palestinians but also Israel itself. We will discuss Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem in the course of this conversation and Chris will answer questions about some of the attacks that have been made on UNRWA in the past year. This is a must-listen episode for those seeking a deeper understanding of the intersection between international law, humanitarian aid, and the ongoing conflict in Israel-Palestine. Don’t miss it!
Sat, January 18, 2025
Our Broken Media System in the Era of Trump & How It Could Be Fixed w/ Victor Pickard
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, Victor Pickard, C. Edwin Baker Professor of Media Policy and Political Economy at the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communication and Co-Director of the Media, Inequality & Change Center at said school, joins the show to discuss America's broken media ecosystem in the age of Donald Trump. Much of this conversation will be based around an article Pickard wrote for Election Analysis immediately after the 2024 Presidential election entitled "Under media oligarchy: Profit and power trumped democracy once again" . We will also discuss way that American media could be repaired today, how we can fix the media ecosystem, and the promise of Indymedia models for reviving journalism and reporting in the United States. Some other issues covered throughout the course of our conversation include: public funding of media, the BBC vs. American media, news deserts and the consequences of the decline in local newspapers/outlets, and much, much more.
Thu, January 16, 2025
The Heritage Foundation's Project Esther & Antisemitism + Outlining Fault Lines in American Jewish Political Life w/ Arno Rosenfeld
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, Arno Rosenfeld, a reporter for one of America's most prominent Jewish publications, The Forward, joins the show to discuss his reporting on the right-wing, conservative think tank The Heritage's Foundation's Project Esther. Laid out as a plan to combat antisemitism, some have noticed the Project Esther seems to promote a conspiracy theory around the causes of antisemitism that is itself pulling from antisemitic conspiracy tropes. According to Project Esther, pro-Palestinian activism and antisemitism is the result of a "Hamas Support Network". In a PowerPoint presentation Project Esther point towards Jewish figures like billionaire George Soros and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as the "masterminds" of cabal fueling antisemitism today. Beyond the conspiratorial nature of this claim and the fact that it's arguably promoting an antisemitic conspiracy theory itself, Rosenfeld has reported on how the Heritage Foundation's approach to combatting antisemitism differs from that of Jewish institutions and discusses how American Jewish institutions have been wary to endorse the Heritage Foundation project. These are Rosenfeld's reports on Project Esther: "Project Esther docs describe conspiracy of Jewish ‘masterminds’ " " Scoop: Heritage Foundation plans to ‘identify and target’ Wikipedia editors – The Forward " We will discuss the second article mentioned above and the concerns that the Heritage Foundation's plans of targeting Wikipedia editors has raised. Additionally, Arno and I will delve into the fault lines that exist in American Jewish political life today. This will make up the second half of our conversation and delves into the differences between legacy American Jewish institutions (what Jewish journalists like Rosenfeld and JTA's Ron Kampeas have called the American Jewish Establishment) and American Jews as a whole. This leads to a discussion of how American Jews are not a monolith. We will also discuss the impact of newer, counter-institutions like J Street on American Jewish political life, divisions in the American Jewish community over how to fight antisemitism, and much, much more.
Wed, January 15, 2025
Declassified Memo Shakes Up Conventional Understanding of Rosenberg Spying Case w/ Michael Meeropol
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, is a recently declassified NSA memo the smoking gun document that proves Ethel Rosenberg was wrongfully convicted and executed for the charge of being a Soviet spy? That's the contention of her sons Michael and Robert Meeropol. Michael Meeropol joins the program to take us through exactly what this declassified memo says and what it means for the conventional understanding of the Julius and Ethel Rosenberg espionage case. For those unfamiliar, on June 19th, 1953, during the era of Joe McCarthy and the Red Scare, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed by electric chair at New York's Sing Sing Prison after being convicted of spying on behalf of the Soviet Union. They became the first Americans executed on espionage charges during a peacetime period in the United States. Since then, the Rosenberg's sons, the aforementioned Michael and Robert Meeropol, have sought to find out the truth about their parents and whether they were wrongfully convicted and executed. In the intervening years the question of Julius Rosenberg's guilt has been answered. Simply put, he did engage in espionage for the Soviet Union. The case of Ethel Rosenberg, however, has not been so clear cut. Now, the previously mentioned NSA memo that was recently declassified appears to be powerful evidence in favor of her innocence. In addition to discussing what is in this memo, Michael and I will also discuss his experiences growing up under the long shadow of his parents' espionage charges, the collaboration between liberals and right-wing anti-communists during the Red Scare, Michael's review of a biography about Judge Irving R. Kaufman (the judge who sentenced the Rosenbergs), and much, much more.
Mon, January 13, 2025
Combat TV Pioneer Wally George, the Vulgarian Showbiz of GOP Politics, QAnon & the Satanic Panic, & the Age of Trump w/ Nikolas Schreck
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, Nikolas Schreck of the controversial cult deathrock/experimental band Radio Werewolf returns to discuss Wally George. For those unfamiliar, Wally George was the host of The Hot Seat, a popular talk show that aired in Southern California in the 80s into the 90s and even the 2000s before his passing. Dubbed the "Father of Combat TV", George provided a carnival-esque show which revolved around his shouting matches with various guests. On-air he presented himself as a conservative firebrand, complete with a John Wayne photo on his desk and an enlarged picture of a Space Shuttle blasting off behind him with the word "USA #1" written beneath. He'd bring on guests he deemed "sickos" and "freakos" including Satanists, marijuana legalization proponents, and, of course, liberals. In other words, Wally George pioneered the "Own the Libs" schtick/gimmick of Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, and figures today like Ben Shapiro as well as being a precursor to the combative-and-chaotic talk show trash TV format of shows programs like the Jerry Springer Show. In recent years, there's been comparisons made between Wally George and President-elect Donald Trump, with most pointing out how both used a vulgar, combative style to appeal to their audiences. In fact, in 2016 Talking Points Memo referred to Wally George as the "Archeo-Trump" . Nikolas Schreck, who was a practicing occultist whose band Radio Werewolf courted controversy, was a perfect fit for Wally George's The Hot Seat and he became a multi-time guest on the program. As such, Nikolas will be able to share his insight into Wally George and his audience. Some of those insights reveal George to be a consumate entertainer with a great deal of talent in terms of being able to provide a circus-like spectacle to his audience. However, Nikolas also notes a dark side to the kind of politics-as-entertainment Wally George brought to the table. In addition to Wally George and the parallels between Wally George and Donald Trump, Nikolas and I will also discuss the Satanic Panic and his analysis of how it connects to QAnon. As someone who was in the thick of the Satanic Panic, Nikolas has a great deal to say on this subject and will detail how he and his former wife have been targetted by QAnon. We will also discuss his analysis of Trump and MAGA, the vulgarian showbiz of GOP politics, the broken American male and the misogyny of right-w
Thu, January 09, 2025
REPLAY: Nina Burleigh on Trump 2.0, the GOP's American Freakshow, & Her Novel Zero Visibility Possible
NEW EPISODES OF PARALLAX VIEWS WILL RESUME NEXT WEEK WITH THE FIRST POST-HOLIDAY/NEW YEAR'S SHOWS! IN THE MEAN TIME ENJOY THIS RECENT EPISODE! You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recording Date: 11-25-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, author and investigative journalist Nina Burleigh returns to discuss a potpourri of topics related to upcoming 2nd Trump Presidency after the 2024 election defeat of Kamala Harris. Nina is currently a contributing editor and writer at The New Republic and has authored such books as Virus: Vaccinations, the CDC, and the Hijacking of America's Response to the Pandemic , Golden Handcuffs: The Secret History of Trump's Women , and, most recently, her first novel, Zero Visibility Possible . The conversation initially came about due to Nina's New Republic piece, "Trump 2.0: Here Comes the Night" . We'll discuss what she expects out of Trump's second Presidency as well as some recent pieces from her Substack blog American Freakshow , which chronicles the carnival-esque grotesquerie and excess of the 21st century GOP. Additionally, Nina will preview her new novel, the aforementioned Zero Visibility Possible , which deals with the madness of America in an age of fake news, mass violence, disinformation, and the breakdown of consensus reality. In terms of Nina's American Freakshow blog we'll discuss her articles " Predators’ Ball" , about the creeps who Trump have surrounded himself around (with a particular focus in this conversation on Trump's Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth), and "God and Guns in Pennsylvania" , in which Nina goes over her experiences attending a Pennsylvania MAGA rally. Interestingly, said rally has ties to Rev. Sun Myung Moon and the Moonies and one of its key speakers was Sebastian Gorka, who is set to play a role in the Trump administration as counter-terrorism chief. In this regard we'll delve into the Moonie off-shot group AR-15 and look at Sebastian Gorka penchant for wearing symbols related to Hungarian fascism. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Thu, December 19, 2024
Leaked Documents Indicate Secret Dealings Between Assad & Israel w/ Patrick Hilsman
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recorded: 12-18-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Patrick Hilsman, an editor at Turning Point Magazine, joins the show to discuss recent reports of leaked documents discovered after the overthrow of Assad in Syria that seem to reveal collaboration between the Assad regime and Israel. Although the documents have not been verified, the way the are written indicate they are either authentic or a carefully-crafted, elaborate hoax. Hilsman argues that if they are fake, and that is possible, they were written by someone incredibly well-researched. Hilsman will go into why there's some plausibility to the documents and how they relate to his reporting on the use of Israeli drones by Russia in, paradoxically, Syria itself. We'll go deep into the Israel-Russia relationship and how they have worked with each other over the years, especially in regard to weapons. In this regard Patrick recommends the book The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World . We'll also cover some odds and ends in both the Israel-Russia connections and how the relate to the leaked documents regarding Syria and Israel. Specifically, Patrick mention the Israel-Russia deconfliction line in relation to this story. The documents indicate that there were secret dealings between the Assad regime and Israel that were harmful to the Assad regime's ally Iran. Patrick will also discuss his time in Syria reporting on the first battle of Aleppo in 2012 and his experiences there. We'll also delve into the problems with overly conspiratorial ways of thinking when talking about international relations, the oversimplicity of "good guys vs. bad guys" when discussing nation-states and nation-state alliances, Israel's actions in Gaza, and much more. Guest Bio: Patrick Hilsman is a journalist and researcher who has covered the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. He has been published by The Intercept, The Daily Beast and has had recent film work featured on PBS. He was a researcher for the Al Jazeera Documentary “the search for Assad’s executioners”
Thu, December 19, 2024
The Great New Jersey Drone Invasion! w/ Matthew Petti
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recorded: 12-18-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, a separate portion of the recent conversation between J.G. and Reason Magazine's Matthew Petti is presented. In the course of their most recent conversation, J.G. and Petti ended up talking about the recent flap of mysterious drone sightings that have occurred in New Jersey and seemingly spread to other states like Pennsylvania. These drone sighting and the sensationalistic response to them are akin to the UFO sightings of old, conjuring up a slew of conspiracy theories and, arguably, mass panic. Chief among those conspiracy theories is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is behind the drones. From Matthew's recent Reason Magazine piece entitled "No, an Iranian ‘mothership’ isn't attacking New Jersey with UFOs" : Something weird is going on in New Jersey, and it's not just the swamp gas. Residents across the state have been calling in nighttime sightings of unidentified flying objects for the past month, including over military bases and President-elect Donald Trump's golf course. Neither local police nor the feds can explain what is going on—but Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R–N.J.) believes he has the answer. "Iran launched a mothership, probably about a month ago, that contains these drones. It's off the east coast of America," the congressman told Fox News on Wednesday, citing "sources who can't reveal who they are." Then he hedged his bets, saying that the "drones should be shot down, whether it was some crazy hobbyist that we can't imagine, or whether it is Iran, and I think it very possibly could be." So, the conspiracy theories have already started. We'll talk about that, but we'll also have a more general discussion about drones, drone hobbyists, the legal issues around shooting down drones, and much more!
Thu, December 19, 2024
Analysis of Syria, Gaza/Palestine, Iran, Israel, Turkey, & More! w/ Matthew Petti
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recorded: 12-18-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, Reason Magazine's Matthew Petti makes his long-awaited return to Parallax Views to discuss all things currently transpiring in the Middle East. We of course, look at Syria, but this episode also features more talk of Gaza and the continued bombardment of Gaza by Israel than the last few episodes that have dealt more exclusively with Israel/Palestine and Gaza. Matthew will offer his take on how the U.S. should approach the new regime in Syria and we'll delve into his thoughts on Jolani and HTS. Is Jolani truly reformed from his jihadist days? Time will tell, but Petti argues that his and HTS's history should not be whitewashed. We'll also discuss the Islamic Republic of Iran for a good portion of the conversation and the problems it has been facing, not the least of which is its weakening regionally by the overthrow of Assad in Syria. However, Matthew argues that the regime in Iran has been facing other problems as well and questions its adaptability in 2024 and beyond. Turkey will also come up in this conversation and we'll go pretty in-depth on a number of other topics as well. In particular, Matthew will expound on what he sees as the U.S.'s desire to replace the "Axis of Resistance" with an "Axis of Submission" (or Axis of Misery) that demands Arab populations and particularly Palestinians submit to U.S. and Israeli demands regardless of whether they are unfair to said populations. In this regard we'll discuss the Abraham Accords. We'll also discuss the Washington D.C. foreign policy blob and neoconservative triumphalism amongst other matters. At the end of the conversation Matthew will discuss some of his media criticism, specifically his latest Reason piece "CNN presented Syrian jailer Salama Mohammad Salama as a torture survivor" .
Thu, December 19, 2024
Analysis of the Syria Situaiton & What It Means for the Region's Players w/ George Meneshian
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recorded: 12-18-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, the coverage and analysis of the situaiton unfolding in Syria continues, this time with George Meneshian, an Athens-based policy analyst specializing in the Caucasus and MENA. Meneshian bring his knowledge of the Caucasus and MENA to the table to explain what the downfal of Bashar al-Assad and his replacement of the Jolani-led HTS means for the regions. Meneshian offers a crash course in what needs to happen now for Syria to be stable, what the U.S. and European role should be in dealing with HTS, concerns about HTS and Jolani's Islamist and jihadist past, Turkey's regional ambitions, what the situation in Syria means for Armenia and Azerbaijan, what the downfall of Assad means for Palestinians, the events that were set in motino by the Hamas October 7th attack of 2023, Israel's actions in post-Assad Syria and occupation of the Golan Heights, Turkey and the Kurdish Question, Iran, and much, much more.
Thu, December 19, 2024
Iran in the Crosshairs + Trump's Neocons w/ James Carden/Syria & the Caucasus w/ Eldar Mamedov
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recorded: 12-18-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, in the first segment of the show James W. Carden, a contributing editor to The American Conservative and a former adviser to the U.S. State Department, returns to discuss his article "Iran: America’s Next War Of Choice" , co-authored with Col. Douglas MacGregor, and "How the Neocons Won the Transition" . We'll delve into what the overthrow of Assad means in relation to a weakened Iran. James believes we are closer than ever before to a potential conflict with Iran as Israel's Netanyahu and neoconservative ideologues in Washington D.C. are chomping at the bit for regime change in Iran. We'll also discuss the Israel-Turkey relationship and how that relationship may become more contentious over Syria, however Carden notes that, for the time being Turkey and Iran will cooperate with each other against their shared enemy of Iran. We'll also discuss a key player in Trump's transition team, Howard Lutnick, and how he seems to have his fingers all over Trump's rather neoconservative and foreign policy hawk appointments for the 2nd Trump administration. In the second segment of the show, international relations analyst Eldar Mamedov returns to discuss what the overthrow of Assad means for the Caucasus, with a particular focus on Armenia and Azerbaijan. With Iran's power now weakened in the region, Armenia has a lot to worry about from Azerbaijan, a country that says it wants "peace" with Armenia but only on its' own rather maximalist terms that are not going to be accepted by Armenia. We'll also discuss how the U.S. should respond to the new leadership in Syria, specifically the Islamist HTS led by Jolani, and what must be avoided to prevent instability in Syria. Moreover, Eldar and I will go over what Turkey's ambitions in Syria and the region are under the leadership of Erdogan.
Mon, December 16, 2024
Trump & the America First Policy Institute + the MAGA Media Ecosystem w/ Tina Nguyen
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recorded: 11-14-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, Tina Nguyen, author of The MAGA Diaries: My Surreal Adventures Inside the Right-Wing (And How I Got Out) and the resident "MAGA Whisperer" at Puck News, joins the show to discuss elements of her book, specifically the MAGA media ecosystem (ie: Tucker Carlson, amongst others), as well as the think tank she believes deserve more attention than Project 2025: the America First Policy Institute. Given that Linda McMahon, a key player at AFPI, is heading up the Trump transition team I reached out to Tina to discuss her thoughts on AFPI and how it fits into Trump's plans for his 2nd term. Tina argues that the Heritage Foundation, which drafted Project 2025, is an older institution than Trumpism with a conservative agenda that has been around for decades prior to Trumpism. AFPI, on the other hand, is a new institution and one that is grounded less in a decades-spanning conservative agenda and more in loyalty or fealty to President-elect Donald J. Trump himself. She says that while Heritage Foundation/Project 2025 figures will have a role in the Trump administration, it will be loyalists from AFPI that will be doing the management of much of the administration on behalf of Trump. All of this analysis is based on Nguyen's own contact with the MAGA world. We discuss all that and much more in the conversation on this edition of Parallax Views!
Mon, December 16, 2024
Syria and the Great Game w Charlotte Dennett
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recorded: 12-11-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, journalsit and lawyer Charlotte Dennet returns to the program to discuss her book Follow the Pipelines: Uncovering the Mystery of a Lost Spy and the Deadly Politics of the Great Game for Oil , which features a forward by her brother, the late American philosopher and cognitive scientist Daniel C. Dennett. Previously, Charlotte, alongside Gerard Colby, co-wrote a book that has been mentioned previously on the program, Thy Will Be Done: The Conquest of the Amazon: Nelson Rockefeller and Evangelism in the Age of Oil . Follow the Pipelines came about as a result of Dennett's search for answers about the death of her father, Daniel Dennett, who was the U.S.'s master spy in the Middle East. Dennett died in a plane crash that remains shrouded in mystery. This led Dennett to uncover the world of what she calls "The Great Game for Oil". We discuss the relationship between war and oil pipelines in this conversation. Although Charlotte and I have discussed Follow the Pipelines before, this conversation will focus more on Syria and the Great Game in light of the overthrow of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. For your benefit, Charlotte has provided maps from her book that will aid in understanding the conversation:
Thu, December 12, 2024
Syria, U.S. Foreign Policy, and the Geopolitical Uncertainties of Our Current Moment w/ Graham E. Fuller
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recorded: 12-11-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, J.G. reached out to a very interesting political analyst in his continued coverage of the situation in Syria with the fall of Bashar al-Assad and the ascendancy of the Islamist HTS led by Abu Muhammed al-Jolani. Graham E. Fuller specializes in long-range forecasting of geopolitics. In fact, Fuller is a former vice chair of the National Intelligence Council at CIA responsible for long-term forecasting. He also served as a CIA operations officer overseas for two decades, with much of his time being spent in the Middle East. He served as the CIA Station Chief in Kabul and is the author of such books as A World Without Islam (2010) and The Future of Political Islam (2003). He is a noted analyst on Islamist movements and continues to write extensively on issues pertaining to U.S. foreign policy, the Middle East, and geopolitics. Graham joined me for a conversation about Assad's overthrow and what it means for various geopolitical players including the U.S. Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the Gulf states. We ended up having a more broad discussion that led into many different areas including: - Explaining the phenomena that has come to be known as "Political Islam" sans the tabloid clickbait that has unfortunately something attended the non-academic literature on the topic - Graham's critique of John Mearsheimer's Realist school of thought in regards to international relations. Graham believes there is great value in Mearsheimer's analysis, but makes the case that Realism as a school of thought is too often mechanistic and deterministic in how it perceives the course of geopolitical trends - The U.S.'s endless "Search for Enemies" and the consequences that approach to foreign policy creates, in relation to, for example, the U.S.-China relationship - The question of HTS and its leader Abu Muhammed al-Jolani; how will the govern?; HTS's administration of Idlib; how al-Jolani is, in the immediate, approaching the West and Israel - Israel and Turkey's strikes in Syria; Turkey's geopolitical concerns over the Kurds in Syria; the far-right elements that have been unleashed in Israel, especially since the October 7th, 2023 attack and how that effects both Israel and the Middle East more broadly - And much, much more!
Thu, December 12, 2024
The U.S. Economy, Syria, Ukraine/Russia, Israel, & Europe Amidst Trump 2.0 w/ Amb. Patrick Theros/Syria News w/ Dave DeCamp
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recorded: 12-11-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, Ambassador (ret.) Patrick Theros returns to discuss the coming 2nd administration of President-elect Donald J. Trump in relation to the U.S. economy, the overthrow of Assad and the situation in Syria, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Israel/Palestine, and the future of Europe. At the beginning of the conversation Amb. Theros explains what he thinks cost the Democrats the 2024 election. He makes the case that the Democrats failed to appeal what voters were most concerned about and threw too much money at political consultants who weren't able to lead the Democrats to victory. In this regard, Theros criticizes the approach of wonks. He also argues that a number of culture war issues (ie: woke, trans issues, etc.) did not resonate during this election & the Democrats did not do enough to explain to voters why Biden's economic policies were a long-term good. We then moved onto discussing the Trump's stated economic policies, particularly his plans for mass deportations of illegal/undocumented immigrants & tariffs. Theros argues that these two specific policies are at cross-purposes with each other. He also discusses Trump's tax cut plans. From there we move onto international relations and foreign policy. Theros gives his take on the Syria situation (the overthrow of Assad by Syrian rebels) as well as Israel and Turkey, both U.S. allies, could come into conflict over based on what is currently been reported about Israeli strikes there. We will discuss the dynamics influencing both Turkey's Erdogan and Israel's Netanyahu and how this could lead to some real geopolitical tumult in the region. Theros also offer his take on the Russia/Ukraine conflict, and offers what he believes is Trump's plan for ending the conflict and bringing about negotiations. We discuss EU and NATO's eastward expansion and how the approach of EU/NATO eastward expansion played into Putin's hands. However, Theros argues that Putin's amassing of military forces along the border and eventual invasion of Ukraine changed the paradigm. As much as one can criticize how NATO and the EU approached dealing with Russia in the past, Theros argues Russia crossed a line with its actions involving Ukraine in a way that cannot be rationalized by the EU/NATO eastward expansion discourse. This leads us into a conversation about the future of Europe and increased defense spending in Europe. In the course of our co
Wed, December 11, 2024
Assad's Fall, Israel's Continued Bombardment of Gaza, and U.S. Foreign Policy w/ Annelle Sheline
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recorded: 12-10-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, the Quincy Institute's Annelle Sheline returns to discuss overthrow of dictator Bashar al-Assad in Syria, U.S. foreign policy, and Israel's continued bombardment of Gaza. This is the first time Dr. Sheline has been back on the show since resigning from the State Department over the Biden administration's policies on Gaza. We'll discuss this uncertain moment in the Middle East where U.S. policy has gone wrong in the Middle East and beyond, Turkey, the U.S. and Israel's strikes in Syria; the Syrian rebel faction Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that has taken the Syrian capital of Damascus; Assad's dictatorship; U.S. double standards about international law in relation to Israel's action in Gaza; the possibility of continued conflict in Syria despite Assad's overthrow; the Kurds in northeastern Syria; concerns about Trump and Middle East policy under his administration; Iran and discourse around the "Axis of Resistance"; and much, much more.
Tue, December 10, 2024
The Geopolitical Implications of the Assad Regime's Fall in Syria w/ Wahid Azal
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, independent scholar and political commentator Wahid Azal, founder of the Fatimiya Sufi Order, returns to discuss the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad government in Syria by Syrian rebels groups, most notably the HTS led by Abu Muhammad al-Jolani. This conversation deal specifically with the geopolitical implications of Assad's fall & Azal's contention that this marks the beginning of the end for the Islamic Republic of Iran and a death blow to the "Axis of Resistance" (Syria, Hezbollah, Iran). We'll also discuss concerns Azal has pertaining to the Syrian rebels and jihadism as well as looking at the role of Turkey in Syria and the broader Middle East. The Abraham Accords, Israel, Gaza, the Gulf monarchies, NATO and the U.S., Islamism, imperialism, and much more will also be covered in this conversation.
Mon, December 09, 2024
"A Profound Shift in the Regional Strategic Order": Syria & Assad's Overthrow w/ Steven Simon
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our coverage of Syria and the toppling of the Assad regime. Time the Quincy Institute's Steven N. Simon, who covered Syria on the NSC for Presidents Clinton and Obama, discusses the winners and losers in lieu of Assad's overthrow. The big winner according to Steven Simon? Israel. And the big losers? Russia and Iran. We'll also discuss the Syrian rebels who were pivotal in the events that have transpired, specifically the Islamist HTS led by Muhammad al-Joulani. Additionally, Steven will give his thoughts on both the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump's response to this moment that Steven calls "a profound shift in the regional strategic order" for the Middle East. And, of course, we will be discussing such topics as Israel's deployment of troops in the Golan Heights, Erdogan's Turkey and the situation of the Kurds in northern Syria, and much, much more.
Sun, December 08, 2024
Assad Toppled by Syrian Rebels in a Tectonic Shift for the Middle East w/ James Dorsey
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recording Date: 12-08-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, Bashar al-Assad has fled Syria as the country's rebels have taken over the capital, Damascus. Assad has been President of Syria since 2000. His toppling at the hands of Syrian rebels, most notably Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham led by Abu Mohammed al-Golani, represents a historic moment both for Syria, which has been ravaged by a civil war since March 2011, and the wider Middle East. What does this mean for all the various players in the region such as Iran, Turkey, the U.S., Russia, the Kurds, Islamic State, and, perhaps most importantly, Syria itself? In order to answer some of these questions, journalist, scholar, and frequent Parallax Views guest James M. Dorsey returned to the program to unpack this historic moment. We'll discuss the potential scenarios for Syria's future, the question of HTS and its relationship to ultra-conservative Sunni Islam, jihadism, the winners and losers in this moment of Syria's history, the Syrian Civil War, Obama's record in Syria, U.S. President-elect Trump's comments that the U.S. should not get involved in Syria going forward, and much, much more!
Sun, December 08, 2024
Emmanuel Macron & the French Government's Collapse w/ Marlon Ettinger & Olly Haynes
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recording Date: 12-07-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, the past week on Wednesday the French government effectively collapsed when a no-confidence vote at the National Assembly toppled Prime Minister Michael Barnier. Not since 1962 has a moment of akin to this one happened in the French political scene. Joining J.G. to unpack it all are journalist and friend of the show Marlon Ettinger as well as Olly Haynes, who alongside Marlon co-hosts the FLAP24 (French Legislative Assembly Podcast 2024; formerly FLEP24). We'll discuss a number of issues related to this historic moment including France's President Emmanuel Macron blaming a "coalition of the irresponsible" for the no-confidence vote (in other words, blaming the far-right and far-left), Barnier's austerity budget, the authoritarian streak and "Jupiterian" ethos of Macron, Marine Le Pen and the National Rally (formerly the National Front), the French left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the failures of Emmanuel Macron, challenging the narrative of Macron as a centrist liberal, and much, much more. Will also discuss Marlon's recent op-ed in the New York Times entitled "Marine Le Pen Is Holding France Hostage" .
Thu, December 05, 2024
Nina Burleigh on Trump 2.0, the GOP's American Freakshow, & Her Novel Zero Visibility Possible
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Recording Date: 11-25-24 On this edition of Parallax Views, author and investigative journalist Nina Burleigh returns to discuss a potpourri of topics related to upcoming 2nd Trump Presidency after the 2024 election defeat of Kamala Harris. Nina is currently a contributing editor and writer at The New Republic and has authored such books as Virus: Vaccinations, the CDC, and the Hijacking of America's Response to the Pandemic , Golden Handcuffs: The Secret History of Trump's Women , and, most recently, her first novel, Zero Visibility Possible . The conversation initially came about due to Nina's New Republic piece, "Trump 2.0: Here Comes the Night" . We'll discuss what she expects out of Trump's second Presidency as well as some recent pieces from her Substack blog American Freakshow , which chronicles the carnival-esque grotesquerie and excess of the 21st century GOP. Additionally, Nina will preview her new novel, the aforementioned Zero Visibility Possible , which deals with the madness of America in an age of fake news, mass violence, disinformation, and the breakdown of consensus reality. In terms of Nina's American Freakshow blog we'll discuss her articles " Predators’ Ball" , about the creeps who Trump have surrounded himself around (with a particular focus in this conversation on Trump's Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth), and "God and Guns in Pennsylvania" , in which Nina goes over her experiences attending a Pennsylvania MAGA rally. Interestingly, said rally has ties to Rev. Sun Myung Moon and the Moonies and one of its key speakers was Sebastian Gorka, who is set to play a role in the Trump administration as counter-terrorism chief. In this regard we'll delve into the Moonie off-shot group AR-15 and look at Sebastian Gorka penchant for wearing symbols related to Hungarian fascism. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Mon, December 02, 2024
US House Passes Act That Jeopardizes Free Speech w/ Chip Gibbons/U.S. Foreign Policy and Europe w/ Anataol Lieven
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Chip Gibbons Interview Recorded 11/25; Anatol Lieven Interview Recorded 11/26 On this edition of Parallax Views, in the first half of the program, Chip Gibbons, Policy Director of Defending Rights and Dissent, joins the program to discuss H.R. 9495 or the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act and its passage in the Congress' U.S. House of Representatives. The bill has been criticized on the grounds that it will trample on free speech, specifically in regard to pro-Palestinian protests. According to Defending Rights and Dissent, "This bill allows the Secretary of the Treasury to unilaterally strip tax-exempt status from nonprofits deemed 'terrorist supporting' without meaningful due process." Find out more about the bill and why Defending Rights and Dissent argues the bill is neo-McCarthyite in this segment of the program and the press release below: "Defending Rights & Dissent Condemns Passage of H.R. 9495 - Defending Rights & Dissent" In the second portion of the program, Anatol Lieven of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft returns to discuss U.S. foreign policy and the future of Europe, with a particular focus on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. With a second Trump Presidency now inevitable, it seems increasingly likely that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will happen sooner rather than later, especially if Trump decides that the U.S. will not continue arming Ukraine. What would these negotiations look like? Will parts of Ukraine be annexed? Will the two countries' maximalist demands be whittled down during negotiations? What is the future of Europe and should Europe re-arm? All of these questions, as well as the issue of climate change as a national security threat will be covered. Additionally, Anatol and I will delve into the scare concerning Russia ICBMs from last week and what it says about the conflict and where it is at right now. EDIT: In the interlude before the Lieven interview I mention annexation of Gaza and the West Bank. I'm not arguing an official annexation has happened, although many would argue that de facto annexation has been happening. There are elements of Israel openly calling for annexation.
Thu, November 28, 2024
A Scandalous ODNI Snafu Reveals Gov't Abuse of FOIA Exemptions + Trump, Civil Liberties, & Mass Deportation Plans Past & Present w/ Patrick Eddington
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, former CIA analyst and Cato Institute fellow Patrick G. Eddington, who specializes in issues related to homeland security and civil liberties, returns to the program to discuss a scandalous snafu on the part of the Office of National Intelligence in relation to questions of PRC espionage (specifically the issue of whether or not the PRC has made recruiting Chinese Americans for spying activities) that illustrates a massive government abuse of Freedom of Information Act Exemptions. The whole story was detailed in Patrick's Antiwar.Com article "PRC Espionage: Are Chinese Americans Their Top Recruitment Targets?" . In the second part of our conversation we delve into what a second Trump term will potentially mean for civil liberties in the United States and have a in-depth discussion about Trump's mass deportations plans for undocumented migrant/illegal immigrants. Back in August, Patrick wrote a piece for The Bulwark entitled "Trump Could Do a Mass Deportation. We’ve Done It Before." . We delve into the history of mass deportation plans than have been done in the past with a focus on Eisenhower as well as the crackdowns on German Americans during World War I. We'll also mention issues related to the internment camps of WWII and how they not only targeted Japanese American, but also German- and Italian Americans. Patrick will help us delve into the Alien Enemy Act which has been cited by Trump and his advisers already. Additionally, Patrick will comment on Kentucky Senator Rand Paul's criticisms of Trump wanting to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Also discussed in the course of this conversation is neo-McCarthyism and the China Initiative of the first Trump Presidency, threats to civil liberties in a second Trump term, the expansion of Presidential/Executive Branch powers over the years and its consequences, the January 6th insurrection/riots, and much, much more.
Thu, November 28, 2024
A British Perspective on the 2024 Election w/ Ralph Leonard
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views (recorded 11-11-24), self-described conservative Marxist Ralph Leonard joins the show to discuss the 2024 U.S. Presidential election and his article "Old-school Leftism is going extinct in the Democratic Party" about the passing of the Bernie Sanders moment and why he believes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Squad won't generate the same energy as Sanders' did in 2016 or 2020. Much of the conversation will focus in on how President-elect Donald Trump managed to obtain the votes of a multiracial coalition that included black and latino men as well as white men and women. We'll delve into the nationalism underpinning Trump's coalition and how it is not explicitly ethno-nationalism but rather civic nationalist in a way that made a multiracial coalition possible for MAGA. We'll discuss the discourse Trump crafted around the border and Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric. Leonard also notes how horrible he finds Trump's deportation rhetoric but delves into why many voters opted for it. We'll also discuss the 2024 as the first "post-woke" election for the Democratic Party. That is to say that Kamala Harris did not run on a "woke" platform and actually ran away from it. We'll also discuss foreign policy, Israel/Palestine, Trump as a carny barker, the "Is Trump a Fascist?" debate, JD Vance, and more. Additionally, we will delve into Ralph's views on Marx and Marxism, what people don't understand about Marxism, Marxism as an emancipatory project, and how both the Democratic and Republican Parties in the U.S. are creatures of the ruling class (or capital) rather than the working classes. All that and much more.
Wed, November 20, 2024
Trump, U.S. Foreign Policy, & Middle East Chaos w/ Jon Hoffman + What Realism & Restraint Conservatives Want Out of Trump's Foreign Policy w/ Curt Mills
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views it's a double feature delving into the question of Donald Trump and U.S. foreign policy as we head into the 2nd Trump Presidency. In the first segment, the Cato Institute's Jon Hoffman return to discuss his Responsible Statecraft article "Trump now faces 'out of control' conflict in the Middle East" . We'll delve into the problems that Hoffman argues at the heart of the bipartisan consensus in U.S. foreign policy and why a change of direction is needed, especially in regard to Israel/Palestine. We'll discuss Israel's wars in Gaza and Lebanon, Hezbollah continued stiff resistance to Israel despite the assassination of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, the return of Hamas in areas of Gaza that Israel has claimed to have cleared of its influence, Israel's stated objective of total elimination of Hamas and why some argue this objective is not achievable, the situation in the West Bank, the need for a new political equilibrium to solve the Israel-Palestine conflict and achieve peace, Iran and Israel's tit-for-tat exchanges with each other and the possibility of further dangerous escalation, the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia and what it may mean for the second Trump administration's foreign policy agenda, Trump's hawkish nominations (Mike Waltz, Pete Hegseth, etc.), reckless in both Israel and the U.S.'s policies in the Middle East, the Biden administration's approach to Israel and Gaza, the crisis of humanitarian aid being in relation to Gaza, U.S. arms to Israel, J.D. Vance's comments that American and Israeli interests do not always align (especially in relation to Iran), the role of policy inertia in how the U.S. approaches the Middle East, Jon's argument for U.S. disentanglement and de-prioritization of the Middle East, and more! In the second segment of the show (starts around 36:16), Curt Mills, executive director of The American Conservative , joins the show to discuss what realism and restraint minded conservatives want out of the 2nd Trump administration's foreign policy agenda. In the beginning of the conversation will discuss the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy and how the realist viewpoint fell out of favor after the Cold War. In particular Curt will talk about the period of the Reagan years to the neoconservatives of the George W. Bush administration. We'll also discuss what realism & restraint in U.S. foreign policy thought entails and how the realist and restraint movement is a broad tent that's encompasses element
Tue, November 19, 2024
The Failure of Centrist Democrats, Trump's Shock-&-Awe Strategy, Mafia Governance, & the Mirage of MAGA's Antiwar Posture w/ Jeet Heer
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michae , journalist and political commentator Jeet Heer of The Nation returns for a deep dive into the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the failings of centrist Democrats, and the implications of a potential second Trump administration. Key topics discussed include: Bernie Sanders' Warning: Jeet Heer echoes Bernie Sanders’ critique that Democrats have abandoned the working-class vote. The conversation explores how the party’s failure to promote antitrust actions, like those spearheaded by Lina Khan, and Kamala Harris’s outreach to billionaires such as Mark Cuban, have alienated voters. Trump’s Anti-System Appeal: Heer analyzes Donald Trump’s resonance with anti-system politics in contrast to Democrats’ status-quo messaging, which he argues doomed Harris's campaign. We also discuss the Harris campaign going after the votes of moderate Republicans and cozying up to Liz Cheney (and getting an endorsement from Dick Cheney). Shock-and-Awe Nominations: The discussion examines Trump’s picks for key positions—Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, Tulsi Gabbard as DNI, Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, and RFK Jr. at HHS—and their potential to destabilize the political landscape. Jeet also gives his view on the strategy undergirding Trump's picks Mafia Governance and NATO: Jeet predicts that a second Trump term would involve a governance style favoring loyalists, with significant repercussions for NATO and European allies. Freedom of Speech Under Siege: Heer warns that free speech could be the first casualty of a second Trump term, with centrists potentially supporting crackdowns on pro-Palestinian protesters. The MAGA Antiwar Mirage: Trump’s antiwar rhetoric is dissected as a façade, with Heer pointing out hawkish tendencies toward Mexico and Ukraine within MAGA ranks. The episode opens with a reflection on Antonio Gramsci’s famous quote about living in "a time of monsters," setting the tone for a discussion on the political chaos of the present moment. Jeet also provides a historical perspective, linking Trumpism to the conspiratorial tendencies of the 20th-century Old Right and groups like the John Birch Society. This thought-provoking conversation unpacks the stakes of 2024, from systemic political failures to the looming threats of authoritarianism and international instability under a second Trump administration.
Mon, November 18, 2024
The Cognitive Infiltration of Alternative Media w/ Robbie Martin
You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, Robbie Martin, filmmaker behind the documentary A Very Heavy Agenda about the history of neoconservatism & co-host with Abby Martin of Media Roots Radio, returns to discuss the 2024 election and its fallout with a particular focus on what Robbie perceives as the psyop-ing or cognitive infiltration of so-called alternative media. Robbie expresses his annoyance with the state of alternative media and what he sees as alt media figures who claim to be antiwar and against the mainstream, but are smuggling pro-war, hawkish views into the political arena while claiming to be against U.S. militarism and interventionism. We'll also delve into the parallels between this cognitive infiltration of alt media and the trajectory of the 9/11 Truth movement. Robbie and I also discuss the state of conspiracy culture, RFK Jr.'s leaked call with Trump before he suspended his campaign in the 2024 election, the paranoid climate in the post-Jeffrey Epstein moment, antisemitism in alt media, nationalist sentiments in alt media, Trump's foreign policy record in his first term (arming Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, Ukraine and Russia, reneging on the JCPOA deal with Iran and assassinating Gen. Qassem Soleimani of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps., Latin America), the influence of Tucker Carlson, Trump's hawkish appointments (confirmed and unconfirmed at time of recording; Pete Hegseth, Marco Rubio, Mike Waltz, et al.), antiwar Libertarians getting sucked into the right-wing's culture war, the mainstream media's turn on Joe Biden,
Fri, November 15, 2024
2024 Election Post-Mortem and Why the Democratic Party Lost w/ Josh "Ettingermentum" Cohen
On this edition of Parallax Views, popular election analyst Josh Cohen aka Ettingermentum returns to breakdown the 2024 election, its outcomes, and just why exactly the Democratic Party lost the Presidency, House, and Senate. We'll look at where the Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party campaign went wrong in their race against Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Josh will discuss why he believes Joe Biden played a big role in the the defeat of Democrats along with Kamala Harris's inability to differentiate herself from Biden. We'll also talk about the Harris campaign as the Democrats' first "post-woke" campaign, the issue of inflation and the economy's role in the 2024 election, Gaza and the Uncommitted campaign, and what the future may hold for the Democratic Party (we'll talk about Gretchen Whitmer, Andy Beshear, and the wide-open field for Democrats as well as the emergence of the post-Obama Democratic Party in the aftermath of this election). Josh's main analysis: bottom line, Democrats were self-indulgent and arguably played things too safe in a time where they needed to creatively respond to the situation in America. Some other issues covered in the course of our conversation include: - Democrats trying to appeal to moderate Republicans (as seen by the Harris campaign cozying up to Liz Cheney) in this election cycle - Comparing Trump's win to the victories for abortion rights at the state level; are we really seeing a cultural shift to the right-wing; why was the Dobbs decision not enough for Democrats to win nationally? - Criticism of the analysis being provided by figures like Matthew Yglesias and James Carville in relation to the election; the role of figures like Yglesias in the tone of the Democrats' overall campaign in the election cycle - The border and immigration in relation to the 2024 election - Israel/Palestine and the Gaza crisis as a wedge issue for Democrats - The shattering of Joe Biden's reputation in the past 4 years and his low-approval ratings - Comparing Democratic candidates that won their election bids in 2024 to the ones that lost - Josh addresses the criticism that the results of the 2024 election had nothing to do with the economy because "the economy is fine"; the average Americans dissatisfaction with the current macro-economic environment - Democrats' loss of ground in New York - And more!
Thu, November 14, 2024
The Economy and the 2024 Election w/ Stephen Semler/A 2024 Election Post-Mortem w/ Daniel Bessner
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our post-mortem of the 2024 election with two separate and distinguished guests. In the first segment, Stephen Semler of the date-based political blog Polygraph joins the show to discuss his articles "A couple charts to explain a Harris loss" and the facetiously titled "'The economy is fine'" . Stephen delves into how the economy played a role in this election, and addresses criticisms by some pundits that economic anxieties could not have played a role in the election because the economy is doing well by some metrics and statistics (for example: low unemployment, a booming stock market, etc.). We'll delve into the difference between the economy and average American's economic well-being, and we'll look at two graphs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Census Bureau that deal with food insecurity and poverty to further elucidate Stephen's analysis. We'll also delve into Biden's Build Back Better and American Rescue Plans and how certain elements of Bidenomics in spring of 2022 got sidelined in a way that may have led to economic whiplash for American voters. In the second segment of the show, Daniel Bessner, known for his work at the Quincy Institute and Jacobin as well as co-hosting the left-leaning foreign policy/international relations podcast American Prestige, returns to the program to give his own analysis of the 2024 election's outcome and what he expects from a 2nd Trump Presidency. We'll discuss the feeling that there's been a more muted response to this election that in 2016, the question of Trump and fascism and why Danny prefers to discuss Trump as a reactionary populist with authoritarian inclinations, Trump as a PT Barnum-esque carny barker character mixed with shades of Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall, Trump and his promises of mass deportation, what Trump means for climate change, populism and anti-establishment backlash in the 2024 election, what Danny expects out of Trump's foreign policy (with regards to Ukraine and Russia, China, Iran, and Israel/Palestine), and, most significantly, the crisis of liberalism. In regard to the crisis of liberalism we'll mention Francis Fukuyama's "End of History" hypothesis, the decline of civic institutions since the 1960s (and maybe even before), Clinton-era liberalism (colored by the primacy of Third Way neoliberalism in the Democratic Party) vs. FDR's New Deal liberalism, the liberal international order and great power politics, and much, much more.
Wed, November 13, 2024
The 2024 Election, Why Kamala Harris Lost, and What to Expect from the 2nd Trump Presidency w/ Dr. Jack Rasmus
In this insightful episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael , political economist Dr. Jack Rasmus joins J.G. to dissect the reasons behind Donald Trump’s unexpected victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. The discussion is centered around Dr. Rasmus's article, "Why Trump Won—And Some Consequences," which explores the economic and political factors that led to Trump’s victory in both the electoral college and the popular vote. Rasmus presents an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic discontent that propelled Trump’s victory, offering a fresh perspective on the frustrations and disillusionment affecting American voters today. Dr. Rasmus argues that economic policies affecting the middle and working classes, alongside concerns over inflation, job stability, healthcare, and childcare costs played a pivotal role in the 2024 election. Dr. Rasmus addresses the now already common retort the economy could not have driven the outcome of the 2024 election due to the stock market booming, low unemployment rates, lowering of inflation, and a good GDP. He argues that media accounts of the economy have often cherry-picked statistics and do not necessarily deal with the economic well-being of average Americans. He offers statistic in support of his claims and makes the case for why many Americans felt their economic well-being was under siege. A key aspect of this discussion centers on why Kamala Harris lost, with Dr. Rasmus exploring what he terms “The Humphrey Effect.” Similar to Hubert Humphrey’s inability to distance himself from Lyndon B. Johnson’s policies during the 1968 election, Harris struggled to differentiate her platform from President Joe Biden’s. Rasmus argues that voters saw Harris as an extension of Biden’s policies rather than a fresh alternative, which weakened her appeal. Additionally, Dr. Rasmus contends that Harris’s focus on issues like the January 6th insurrection and identity politics, though central to her campaign, did not resonate with a wide swath of voters. Many Americans, rightly or wrongly, felt these issues were disconnected from their immediate economic concerns. Instead, inflation, job instability, and healthcare affordability were front and center for voters struggling to make ends meet. According to Rasmus, Harris’s perceived failure to address these economic pocketbook issues head-on left many working-class and middle-class voters disillusioned and created an opening for Trump to campaign on issues like no-taxes on tipping, etc. In a second Trump presidency, Dr. Rasmus expects sweeping economic and social policy changes that will impact Americans across various income brackets. Trump’s approach will likely center on increased tariffs, which, while meant to protect American industries, may raise consumer prices, impacting the pocketbooks of average Americans—though no
Wed, November 13, 2024
The Anti-Politics Moment and the 2024 Election w/ The Rabble Report's Tyler Joseph
In this episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael , J.G. sits down with Tyler Joseph, co-host of the Rabble Report YouTube show, to examine the surprising results of the 2024 election, where Donald Trump achieved a historic victory over Kamala Harris, becoming the first Republican in 20 years to secure the popular vote. Tyler delves into the anti-politics phenomenon—an intensifying public disillusionment with political institutions that’s shaping how Americans vote. They discuss how figures like Trump and Obama have harnessed this discontent to their advantage, tapping into an electorate increasingly skeptical of political institutions. Beyond just examining the 2024 election, Tyler explores the role of anti-politics in the decline of civic institutions and the rise of social atomization, as communities fragment and people become more isolated. Join the conversation as J.G. and Tyler assess how anti-politics and the erosion of civic trust are reshaping America’s political and social landscape in the wake of this unprecedented election. We also delve into the overlap between anti-politics and anti-corruption rhetoric, the difference between anti-politics and anti-politicians, the pandemic, Bernie Sanders, abortion protections being won in many states despite the victory of the GOP at the national level, Joe Rogan and politics, the American voter and ideological incoherence, Jimmy Carter's "great malaise" speech, the American public and the immigration debate, New Jersey's Senate-elect Andy Kim's recent references to anti-politics, culture wars and politicians trying to game anti-politics to their own ends, the Ross Perot Presidential campaign in the 1990s and its relationship to anti-politics, George Galloway's The Worker's Part of Britain, and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance party in Germany, and more
Thu, November 07, 2024
HALLOWEEN HANGOVER: Pop Life - Two Dudes in the Cheap Seats: Horror Tropes w/ Jason Myles & Toure Reed
I'll be back with the fallout from the election next week. But until then here's a Halloween Hangover episode of the show that consists of my appearance on Jason Myles' Pop Life. Toure Reed also joined the program. We talked about teen-campers in the woods horror movies from FRIDAY THE 13TH and SLEEPAWAY CAMP franchises to more obscure titles like THE BURNING, MADMAN, and CHEERLEADER CAMP. Toure gave his thoughts on Joss Wheadon's CABIN IN THE WOODS and its tongue-in-cheek "meta" approach to horror. Realize everyone is burned out from the election, so hopefully this episode will be some type of reprieve.
Tue, October 29, 2024
Exploring the History and Joys of Horror Comic Books w/ Stephen Bissette
For the grand finale of this year’s Parallax Views Halloween-themed series, host J.G. Michael dives deep into the world of horror comics with none other than Stephen Bissette, legendary artist and penciler from Alan Moore’s iconic Saga of the Swamp Thing . In this episode, Bissette reveals the eerie origins and turbulent history of horror comics, starting with the foundational impact of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine and its most well-known cover artist, Basil Gogos, which captivated a generation of horror enthusiasts. From there, the conversation explores the 1950s moral panic that vilified horror comics, leading to the creation of the restrictive Comics Code that effectively snuffed out horror comics for decades. Bissette and Michael delve into the legendary horror tales published by Warren with Creepy and Eerie , as well as EC Comics' iconic titles like Tales from the Crypt and Vault of Horror . The conversation highlights artists who shaped the genre, including Wally Wood and Gene Colan, whose work on Tomb of Dracula remains a horror classic. We also delve into the connection between the 60s/70s counterculture, underground comix, and horror comics by discussing the way in which horror comics were available in places like headshops in the 70s and how artists like the great Richard Corben of Heavy Metal fame worked in both the underground comix and horror comics spaces. Moving into his own groundbreaking work, Bissette discusses his boundary-pushing horror anthology series Taboo , a space where comics could embrace uncensored horror storytelling. They also explore Bissette’s acclaimed run on Swamp Thing , with a particular focus on the legendary issue "The Anatomy Lesson." Bissette recounts how the eerie villain Jason Woodrue, aka the Floronic Man, came to feature as the main antagonist in the first arc of his Swamp Thing and shares how he modeled the character's unsettling look on Peter Cushing’s portrayal in Hammer’s Frankenstein films. The conversation also covers the rebirth of gothic horror in the late 1950s, the cultural fascination with giant monster sci-fi films in the early 50s, and the impact of censorship in comics, drawing fascinating parallels to contemporary book bans by Christian nationalist groups. With an exploration of censorship's effects, the genre's evolution, and chilling themes still relevant today, this episode is packed with rich insights for horror lovers and comics fans alike.
Sun, October 27, 2024
Making Movies Based on True Crimes & Serial Killers w/ Chuck Parello (Publicist for HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER; Director of HENRY II, ED GEIN, & THE HILLSIDE STRANGLER)
In this Halloween "spooky season" episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael , we delve into the unsettling world of true crime cinema with Chuck Parello, a filmmaker renowned for his work on notorious serial killer films. Parello began as the publicist for John McNaughton’s groundbreaking and controversial Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer , which faced a grueling battle with the MPAA that refused to grant it an R-rating despite extensive cuts. J.G. and Chuck discuss the haunting power of Henry , the terrifyingly quiet portrayal of the titular character by Michael Rooker, and how the film isn’t a straightforward biopic of infamous killers Henry Lee Lucas, who came to be known as "The Confessions Killer" for fabricating many of his claims in exchange for special privileges, or Otis Toole but rather a unique examination of monstrous characters. Chuck then details his own sequel, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Part II , where Henry is drawn into the world of arsonists, shedding light on the creative origins of that choice. The conversation continues with Chuck’s film Ed Gein , which diverges from fictionalized films inspired by the Butcher of Plainfield—such as Psycho , The Texas Chainsaw Massacre , and Silence of the Lambs —and instead stays grounded in the actual life and psyche of Ed Gein. Featuring Steve Railsback, known for his unnerving performance as Charles Manson in the 1970s TV miniseries Helter Skelter , Railsback’s portrayal of Gein is both unsettling and oddly tragic, showcasing a different side of the infamous killer. Chuck and J.G. also discuss The Hillside Strangler , a disturbing portrayal of Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono's deadly partnership, in which C. Thomas Howell and Nicholas Turturro take on chilling roles as the murderous cousins whose combined force drove them to escalate their crimes in late 1970s Los Angeles. Further, Chuck shares insights on his upcoming project on the Sunset Strip Killers/The Sunset Slayers (Doug Clark and Carol Bundy) and how he was originally was slated to direct the 2002 Ted Bundy biopic before Oingo Boingo’s Matthew Bright ended up with the job. They tackle ethical questions surrounding the portrayal of real-life killers, the potential for exploitation, and the cultural obsession with true crime, shedding light on the complex responsibilities of filmmakers in this genre. This episode is a must-listen for fans of horror, crime thrillers, and serial killer cinema, as it examines the artistry and ethics of bringing these haunting real-life tales to the screen.
Sat, October 26, 2024
The History of the 80s Halloween Cult Classic NIGHT OF THE DEMONS & Its Sequels w/ Chris MacGibbon
Get ready for a spine-tingling dive into 1988’s cult horror classic Night of the Demons on the latest episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael! Kicking off the Halloween “spooky season” series, J.G. welcomes Chris MacGibbon of the Spooky Picture Show , a die-hard fan and researcher of Night of the Demons . Chris has delved deep into the film’s eerie legacy, speaking with the cast, unearthing behind-the-scenes stories, and contributing to the Blu-ray releases of Night of the Demons and its sequels. Together, they discuss what makes this iconic film—and its sequels and remakes—so unforgettable in horror history. Tune in as they explore everything from the haunting atmosphere and cult following to the demon-filled, blood-curdling thrills that keep fans returning to this Halloween favorite year after year. Among the topics covered: - The making of NIGHT OF THE DEMONS (1988), which was filmed on a low-budget over a few weeks with some of the shooting taking place in gangland territory - The on-set romance between special effects artist Steve Johnson and scream queen Linnea Quigley (who plays Suzanne in the film) after Johnson had to create a mold of Linnea's breasts - Australian director Brian Trenchard-Smith's NIGHT OF THE DEMONS 2; although the first movie had comedic elements, NIGHT OF THE DEMONS 2 dove into full-on horror farce territory - The strange and troubled history of NIGHT OF THE DEMONS 3 in Canada and its connections to the children's horror TV shows Are You Afraid of the Dark ? and Goosebumps - The rather disliked 2009 remake/reimagining of NIGHT OF THE DEMONS starring American Pie 's Shannon Elizabeth, Freddy Vs. Jason 's Monica Keena, and Terminator 2 's Edward Furlong - How NIGHT OF THE DEMONS director Kevin S. Tenney ended up working on the film after making the cult classic Witchboard - Republic Pictures and the unexpected success of Night of the Demons on the home video market - Amelia Kinkade, the actress who plays the goth-girl-turned-demon-possessed-villain-of-the-series Angela, and her other life as a pet psychic; also discussion of her awesome dance scenes in Night of the Demons and Night of the Demons 2 where she dances to the gothic post-punk band Bauhaus and the death metal band Morbid Angel! - And more!
Sun, October 20, 2024
Guns, Girls, and Greed: I Was a Blackwater Mercenary in Iraq w/ Morgan Lerette
In this episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael , we dive into the world of private military companies (PMCs) with Morgan Lerette, author of Guns, Girls, and Greed: I Was a Blackwater Mercenary in Iraq . Morgan shares his firsthand experiences as a Blackwater mercenary in Iraq, offering candid thoughts and criticisms of Blackwater's controversial activities and its founder, Eric Prince. We explore Blackwater mercenaries' interactions with Iraqi civilians, diplomats, and fellow contractors, as well as Morgan's broader critiques of the PMC industry. The conversation also touches on journalist Jeremy Scahill's journalism that specialized in heavily criticizing Blackwater, along with unique anecdotes like female military personnel tanning around Saddam Hussein's palace, the day-to-day life and drudgery of a Blackwater employee, Christmas in Baghdad, how Morgan helped put a grifter who claimed to be a CIA operative in jail, and Iraqi kids selling Morgan bootleg copies of Star Wars movies and adult. Don't miss this in-depth discussion on the gritty realities of war, mercenary culture, and the ethics of private military operations.
Tue, October 15, 2024
The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial w/ David Lipsky
On this edition of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael , we dive into the world of climate science and denial with acclaimed author David Lipsky, discussing his latest book, The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial . Lipsky's narrative unravels the journey from the early days of climate awareness to the rise of misinformation and denialism that has shaped public perception and policy today. Lipsky explores the prophetic warnings of global warming, like the New York Times' 1956 prediction of parrots in the Antarctic, and the contrasting spectacle of Senator James Inhofe's 2010 igloo on the Washington Mall, mocking climate change with a sign reading, "Al Gore's New Home: Honk If You Love Climate Change." The discussion highlights the groundbreaking work of James Hansen, an academic at Columbia University who was an important voice warning the world about the dangers of climate change and serves as one of the real life heroes in Lipsky's book. We delve into Hansen's involvement in the Pioneer Venus project and how research into Venus's atmosphere helped scientists understand the catastrophic potential of a runaway greenhouse effect—a scenario he feared could threaten Earth’s future, driving him to speak out for the sake of his grandchildren. We also delve into the role of big business in science denial, with a focus on the tobacco industry and the Phillip Morris Science Action Plan. Lipsky illustrates how tactics developed by the tobacco industry to spread doubt about the dangers of smoking were later adapted to promote climate denial. Companies used these methods to create uncertainty around the scientific consensus on global warming, employing PR strategies that aimed to manipulate public perception. Lipsky brings to light the financial interests and industries that fueled climate denial propaganda, referencing the controversial 2007 documentary The Great Global Warming Swindle . He introduces the concept of "The 25," the key figures in climate denialism, a term inspired by Steven Milloy's admission that there were only "25 of us" fighting against climate science. Lipsky traces how these denialists, some with backgrounds in defending tobacco, transitioned to spreading disinformation tied to the oil industry. The episode also touches on Lipsky's thought-provoking hypothesis about societal complicity in climate denial. While J.G. Michael suggests that powerful entities like the oil industry and groups such as the Moonies were actively pushing climate skepticism, Lipsky adds that society at large may have subconsciously wanted the denialists to be right because of our dependence on fossil fuels. He suggests that instead of taking collective action, we find it easier to blame oil companies and denialists, ignoring our own unwillingness to make lifestyle changes. This, however, is not to say that Lipsky let's oil companies and interest groups off th
Thu, October 10, 2024
REPLAY (DUE TO HURRICANE MILTON): The RealPage Scandal, the Emerging AI Price Fixing Dystopia, and the Importance of the Antitrust Movement w/ Lee Hepner
Recovering from Hurricane Milton. Please accept my apologies for not being able to post a new episode. I am safe but need a few days of mental vacation giving the nerve-wracking past few days. On this edition of Parallax Views, we delve into the explosive story of a software company and corporate landlords accused of engaging in a criminal conspiracy to artificially jack-up prices in the U.S. rental housing market. Lee Hepner of the American Economic Liberties Project joins the show to discuss the scandal-plagued software company RealPage and algorithmic price-fixing in the U.S. rental housing market as well as what was recently described in The Atlantic as the emerging "AI Price Fixing Dystopia". We'll talk about how the relationship between vacancies and rental prices has changed since the introduction of software of the kind RealPage is selling, the significance of the RealPage antitrust case, and how scandals like this tie into the issue of evictions and homelessness. We'll also delve into broader issues related to cartels and the threat monopoly capital poses to U.S. consumers, the Google antitrust lawsuit and Judge Amit Mehta ruling that Google is a monopolist in violation of antitrust laws, the significance of the Google antitrust lawsuit and what could come of it, the Federal Trade Commision's Lina Khan and Department of Justice Jonathan Kanter & the antirust project, how price fixing also ties into food and airline prices, countering anti-antitrust propaganda, the concept of "greedflation" as the cause of inflation, and much, much more.
Sun, October 06, 2024
A Critique of Anne Applebaum's Autocracy, Inc. w/ Samuel McIlhagga
On this edition of of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael , British reporter and book critic Samuel McIlhagga joins to dissect Anne Applebaum's latest work, Autocracy Inc. , and his critique of it in his Jacobin article, "Anne Applebaum’s Dystopia of Rules." Together, they explore Applebaum's analysis of rising authoritarianism, her framing of the battle between democracy and autocracy, and how her perspective may overlook key complexities. McIlhagga challenges Applebaum's conclusions while agreeing with some parts of her general analysis, offering a deeper critique of the political narrative she builds, particularly in the context of global politics today. Amongst the topics we cover are NATO, multipolarity and the concept of the multipolar world, France's Emmanuel Macron and European intellectuals/political figures preparing for a world where Europe won't be able to rely on the U.S. (especially in the case of a 2nd Donald Trump Presidency in the White House), autocratic states that are U.S. allies vs. autocratics states that are U.S. enemies, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Latin America, the post-WWII order, geopolitical tensions, thinkers adjacent to Applebaum like Timothy Snyder, the Middle East, Israel/Palestine, Russia, Ukraine, and much, much more.
Tue, October 01, 2024
A Critique of Rachel Maddow's PREQUEL w/ Brandan P. Buck
In this episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael , historian Brandan P. Buck discusses his Reason magazine article, "Rachel Maddow's Prequel Is a Deceptively Framed History of the Radical Right." Buck critiques Maddow's portrayal of a Nazi Fifth Column attempting to influence America in the lead-up to WWII, arguing that while Nazi spies and groups like the Silver Shirts existed, their influence on U.S. non-interventionist sentiments is overstated. Citing sources like noted Holocaust historian Deborah Lipstadt’s book Beyond Belief , Buck challenges Maddow’s claims. He also emphasizes how antiwar opinions in the U.S. were shaped by the American experience of WWI and argues that Maddow does not highlight how that experience informed anti-interventionist sentiments prior to U.S. entry into WWII. Additionally, the episode explores Maddow's overestimation of groups like the Silver Shirts and the American Bund, whose actual membership was far smaller than her claims of widespread influence. This is not a defense of anti-interventionism during WWII but a critique of media oversimplification and historical distortion. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of U.S. antiwar movements, media narratives, and the importance of accurately framing historical events.
Wed, September 25, 2024
We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite w/ Musa al-Gharbi
In this episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael , host J.G. Michael interviews sociologist Musa al-Gharbi about his upcoming book We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite . The conversation focuses on the woke vs. anti-woke culture wars, exploring the work of French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu and his concept of symbolic capital. Al-Gharbi explains how symbolic capital, a form of social and cultural influence, plays a crucial role in shaping the ideologies and actions of today’s elites in the woke debates. And he does not limit this to people who define themselves as "woke", but also those who define themselves as "anti-woke". This hopefully insightful discussion sheds light on the contradictions and complexities of the cultural elite and their influence on modern political and cultural discourse. If you're interested in understanding the deeper sociological factors driving the woke vs. anti-woke divide, this episode may be of interest. Pre-Order Musa's book here: https://musaalgharbi.com/2021/05/05/book-announcement-we-have-never-been-woke/
Fri, September 20, 2024
Israel/Palestine, Christian Zionism, and the Effort to Build Bridges Between Palestinian Activists & Evangelical Christians w/ Gregory Khalil
In this episode of Parallax Views , host J.G. Michael engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Palestinian American activist Greg Khalil, president and co-founder of the Telos Group. The discussion dives into the complex dynamics of the Israel/Palestine conflict, with a special focus on Christian Zionism and the Telos Group's efforts to build bridge between Palestinian activists and Evangelical Christians. Khalil offers insights into how faith, politics, and activism intersect in the region, challenging traditional narratives and exploring the role Evangelical Christian communities can have in peacebuilding initiatives. Tune in to explore how Telos is fostering understanding, promoting justice, and encouraging meaningful dialogue across deep-rooted divisions. Listeners will learn how the Telos Group came to be through an unlikely alliance between Khalil, a Palestinian American activist and lifelong Democrat, and Todd Deatherage, a conservative, evangelical Christian who worked at the State Department in the years of the George W. Bush Presidency. We'll learn about their efforts at peacemaking as well as dissecting how not all the evangelical community aligns with the politics of notable Christian Zionists like John Hagee.
Fri, September 13, 2024
The Hamilton Scheme: An Epic Tale of Money and Power in the American Founding w/ William Hogeland
On this edition of Parallax Views, historian William Hogeland joins the show to discuss his book, The Hamilton Scheme: An Epic Tale of Money and Power in the American Founding. Hogeland offers a critical examination of Alexander Hamilton, challenging the romanticized image of this influential Founding Father. The conversation explores Hamilton’s ambitious economic plans and his efforts to consolidate power through financial institutions, shedding light on the often-overlooked power struggles that shaped the early United States. As previously noted, Hogeland challenges the romanticized image of Hamilton, popularized by the hit musical Hamilton, and critiques the "Cult of Hamilton" that has emerged in recent years. The discussion explores Hamilton’s consolidation of power through financial institutions, his alliance with figures like Robert Morris—another Founding Father of the United States and a war profiteer—and the class struggles of the founding era, positioning "The Hamilton Scheme" against the working class of the era. Additionally, Hogeland critiques mainstream liberal "Obamaist" civics and the dominance of Clinton-era Third Way neoliberalism in the Democratic Party, particularly during Barack Obama's presidency, when economic policy was heavily influenced by figures like Tim Geithner. In this conversation, you'll find out how Hogeland views his book as "implicitly a thoroughgoing critique mainly from the left of mainstream liberal Obamaist civics regarding the US founding". The discussion also touches on the progressive vision of 18th century Christian, farmer, and activist Herman Husband, a stark contrast to Hamilton’s economic ideas, and how historians since WWII, like Douglas Adair, have downplayed class-oriented interpretations of America's founding in favor of the ideas and virtues of the Founders. We'll also discuss Hamilton's vision for an activist government vs. Herman Husband's vision for an activist government, Gore Vidal's take on Alexander Hamilton in his historical novel Burr , the neocons and Clinton Democrats that have embraced Hamilton in recent decades, neocons vs. paleocons/liberations on Hamilton, Charles Beard and revisionist historians on the American founding, and much, much more!
Tue, September 10, 2024
The Mainstream Media's Coverage of the Gaza War & Anti-Palestinian Bias w/ Dr. Assal Rad
In this powerful episode of Parallax Views , host J.G. Michael speaks with Dr. Assal Rad about the mainstream media’s portrayal of the Gaza War and the ongoing anti-Palestinian bias in news coverage. Together, they break down the key narratives shaping how the public perceives the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how media outlets like the New York Times are influencing those perceptions. Highlights include: Media Bias in Gaza War Coverage: How mainstream media, particularly U.S. outlets, frame the conflict and marginalize Palestinian voices. Leaked NYT Memo: Analyzing The Intercept's explosive reporting on the leaked New York Times memo advising reporters on words to avoid when covering the Gaza War and how it shapes understanding of Israel's actions in Gaza. John Oliver’s Criticism of Gaza War Coverage: Why it’s a problem that a comedy show like Last Week Tonight is offering more critical coverage than respected news publications like the New York Times . The Killings of Shireen Abu Akleh & Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi: Discussing the deaths of these journalists and what it reveals about the media’s handling of violence against Palestinians and, in the case of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, an American citizen. Also noted is the fact that Eygi is not the first American citizen killed in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rachel Corrie is also covered in this regard. Impact of Language in Conflict Reporting: How the framing of words and phrases influences global perception and policy. Diversionary Tactics in Discourse Around Israel/Palestine and Gaza: The use of deflection techniques to shift attention away from criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza and focus on other narratives, such as accusations of antisemitism or emphasis on Hamas. Conflating Criticism of Israel with Antisemitism: How framing any critique of Israeli actions during the Gaza War as antisemitism undermines genuine efforts to combat antisemitism and stifles meaningful discussion about human rights. Blaming Iran for the Gaza War: Why portraying Iran as the puppet-master behind the continuation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a problematic narrative that oversimplifies the situation and distracts from the core issues driving the Gaza War. We talk about the concept of the "Axis of Resistance" in this regard and what it is and isn't. Dr. Rad provides insight into how media bias affects public understanding of the Gaza War and what can be done to promote more balanced, human-centered reporting. This episode offers a critical examination of media coverage during one of the most significant ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Fri, September 06, 2024
Havana Syndrome Hoax?: Mass Panic, Shoddy Journalism, Media Sensationalism, and 60 Minutes w/ Robert E. Bartholomew
On the edition of Parallax Views, sociologist Robert E. Bartholomew, co-author of Havana Syndrome: Mass Psychogenic Illness and the Real Story Behind the Embassy Mystery and Hysteria , returns to discuss the story that won't die: Havana Syndrome. Bartholomew dives deep into his recent Skeptical Inquirer piece, "Smoke and Mirrors: The 60 Minutes ‘Breakthrough’ on Havana Syndrome Exposed," critically analyzing the recent media coverage surrounding Havana Syndrome, particularly the claims made on CBS's 60 Minutes . During the discussion, Bartholomew breaks down the historical context of mass psychogenic illness and applies it to the mysterious symptoms experienced by U.S. diplomats and intelligence officers. He challenges the popular narrative attributing the syndrome to foreign attacks and explores how misinformation, hysteria, and media sensationalism may have played a significant role in shaping public perceptions. The episode sheds light on the evidence, or lack thereof, surrounding the Havana Syndrome phenomenon and emphasizes the importance of scientific skepticism when dealing with high-profile public health scares. Listeners interested in media criticism, psychological phenomena, and the intersection of science and public discourse will find this episode to be a compelling dive into the real story behind the embassy mystery. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that questions mainstream narratives and urges listeners to think critically about sensationalist headlines.
Fri, August 30, 2024
The Problem of the Revolving Door Phenomena and Matthew Yglesias's Strange Defense of It w/ Henry Burke
On this edition of Parallax Views, Henry Burke of the Revolving Door Project joins the show to discuss an article he co-wrote with Max Moran for The American Prospect entitled "What We Talk About When We Talk About the Revolving Door" . Burke offers a critical examination of the revolving door phenomenon, where government officials transition into lucrative positions in the private sector and vice versa, often leading to conflicts of interest and the perpetuation of corrupt corporate practices. The conversation explores the urgent need to crack down on these unethical practices that undermine democracy and public trust. Burke and J.G. Michael also discuss journalist Matthew Yglesias' recent defense of the revolving door, and the criticisms Burke and Moran have of Yglesias' perspective. Ultimately, Burke argues that we need to challenge the normalization of the revolving door and calls for greater accountability in both corporate and governmental spheres. Other subjects that get mentioned on this episode include: populism vs. faux populism, Kamala Harris and her promises to go after price-gouging in regard to groceries, the targeting of Chairperson of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Gary Gensler by corporate interests, the crypto industry, the Biden administration and progressive economic policies, and much more!
Wed, August 21, 2024
Project 2025 as Pax Romana, Militarization & the War on the Poor, the Christian Nationalist Agenda, & More w/ Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis
On this edition of Parallax Views, Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival and director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice at Union Theological Seminary. Rev. Dr. Theoharis delves into her recent article for TomDispatch, The Nation, and Counterpunch, where she critiques the Heritage Foundation's controversial Project 2025, likening it to an American version of Pax Romana. Key topics include the rise of right-wing Christian Nationalism, the conflict between the Christian Left and the Christian Nationalist agenda, and the implications of Project 2025 for labor rights and the working class. The conversation also covers the intersection of militarism, the war on the poor, the ongoing crisis in Gaza, and bipartisan support for the military-industrial complex, which diverts resources from critical needs like healthcare and affordable housing. Additionally, the episode examines the influence of Pax Americana and parallel rises of Christian Nationalism and neoliberalism in the United States. We'll also discuss the social justice work that the Poor People's Campaign and Kairos Center are engaged in, especially during this year's election season.
Mon, August 19, 2024
Israel's Black Panthers: The Radicals Who Punctured a Nation's Founding Myth w/ Asaf Elia-Shalev
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency's Asaf Elia-Shalev joins the show to discuss his riveting book, Israel's Black Panthers . This episode uncovers the untold story of Israel's Black Panthers, a radical Mizrahi movement from the 1970s, drawing critical parallels between the FBI's COINTELPRO and the Israeli security state's targeting of the Panthers. The discussion highlights the intense conflicts between Israel's Black Panthers and figures like Meir Kahane, Golda Meir, and the police, including the significant events of The Night of the Panthers and Operation Milk . Listeners will gain insights into the racism faced by Mizrahi Jews, the internal conflict between Mizrahi and Ashkenazi Jews, and how the Mizrahi community's political alignment shifted towards the right-wing Likud Party under Menachem Begin. The episode also explores the complex relationship between Israel's Black Panthers and Palestinians, and shines a spotlight on Reuven Abergel, one of the movement’s key co-founders. Essential listening for anyone interested in Middle Eastern history, social justice, and the dynamics of political activism.
Sat, August 17, 2024
Techno-Authoritarianism, Balaji Srinivasan's Network State, and the Big Tech Oligarchs Backing MAGA w/ Gil Duran
On this edition of Parallax Views, San Francisco-based journalist Gil Duran, a former communications director for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein & Kamala Harris (during her time as Attorney General), joins the show to discuss the big tech oligarchs backing Donald Trump, JD Vance, and MAGA this election season and their strange, science fiction-sounding techno-authoritarian vision for America. Gil Duran recently wrote two pieces in The New Republic that will form the basis for this conversation. The first, "Where J.D. Vance Gets His Weird, Terrifying Techno-Authoritarian Ideas" , deals with JD Vance and the figure of Mencius Moldbug aka Curtis Yarvin, both of whom have a conneciton to Peter Thiel. Moldbug/Yarvin, for the uninitiated, is a key figure in the formation of what's come to be known as "Neo-Reaction" (NRx). Yarvin has promoted many ideas over the years, including the creation of corporate-controlled sovereign "realms" such as an imagined version of San Francisco called "Friscorps". These realms would essentially serve as panopticon-esque Orwellian surveillance systems. For example, in regard to his concept of Friscorps, Yarvin writes: “All residents, even temporary visitors, carry an ID card with RFID response. All are genotyped and iris-scanned. Public places and transportation systems track everyone. Security cameras are ubiquitous. Every car knows where it is, and who is sitting in it, and tells the authorities both.” We'll delve into Yarvin's ideas about patchworks, his strange writings about using humans as biodiesel fuel, and, most importantly, how his RAGE (Retire All Government Employees) plan bears similarties to Project 2025. And yes, as previously mentioned, we'll discuss how both Vance and Yarvin are tied to Peter Thiel. The second article, also from The New Republic, that informs much of Gil and I's discussion is entitled "The Tech Baron Seeking to Purge San Francisco of 'Blues'" . That piece deals with the figure of venture capitalist Balaji Srinivasan and his rather right-wing, techno-authoritarian vision for San Francisco vis-a-vis a concept called the Network State. We'll delve into Srinivasan's ideas about the Network State as well as a concept he refers to as "techno-Zionism" and the conflict between what he calls the gray tribe (tech-loyalists) and the blue tribe (liberal voters). According to Duran, Srinivasan's vision involves purging Blues from San Francisco. “Take total control of your neighborhood. Push out all Blues. Tell them they’re ... unwelcome,” Srinivasan says, "Just as Blues ethnically cleanse me out of San
Fri, August 16, 2024
Starvation Being Used as a Weapon of War in Sudan w/ Stan Cox
On this edition of Parallax Views, Stan Cox, a regular contributor at TomDispatch and the author of The Path to a Livable Future: A New Politics to Fight Climate Change, Racism, and the Next Pandemic and The Green New Deal and Beyond: Ending the Climate Emergency While We Still Can , joins the show to discuss the article he recently co-wrote with Priti Gulati Cox entitled "Starvation in Sudan" . We discuss the way in which both the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) paramilitaries and the government-backed SAF (Sudanese Army Forces) in Sudan having been using starvation as a weapon of war. Now, starvation is in full effect in Sudan with the Sudanese people caught in the middle of the RSF and SAF. It is, in a word, a massive humanitarian crisis that the U.S. has done little to stop. Even much needed humanitarian aid is not getting into Sudan at this point. Many Sudanese have already been displaced and the situation is getting worse by the day.
Wed, August 14, 2024
The RealPage Scandal, the Emerging AI Price Fixing Dystopia, and the Importance of the Antitrust Movement w/ Lee Hepner
On this edition of Parallax Views, we delve into the explosive story of a software company and corporate landlords accused of engaging in a criminal conspiracy to artificially jack-up prices in the U.S. rental housing market. Lee Hepner of the American Economic Liberties Project joins the show to discuss the scandal-plagued software company RealPage and algorithmic price-fixing in the U.S. rental housing market as well as what was recently described in The Atlantic as the emerging "AI Price Fixing Dystopia" . We'll talk about how the relationship between vacancies and rental prices has changed since the introduction of software of the kind RealPage is selling, the significance of the RealPage antitrust case, and how scandals like this tie into the issue of evictions and homelessness. We'll also delve into broader issues related to cartels and the threat monopoly capital poses to U.S. consumers, the Google antitrust lawsuit and Judge Amit Mehta ruling that Google is a monopolist in violation of antitrust laws, the significance of the Google antitrust lawsuit and what could come of it, the Federal Trade Commision's Lina Khan and Department of Justice Jonathan Kanter & the antirust project, how price fixing also ties into food and airline prices, countering anti-antitrust propaganda, the concept of "greedflation" as the cause of inflation, and much, much more.
Tue, August 13, 2024
The Last of the First Israeli Anti-Zionists: A Conversation w/ Moshe Machover About Israel, Jabotinsky's Iron Wall, Colonialism, and Matzpen
On this edition of Parallax Views, a few short months ago I had the opportunity to speak with Moshe Machover amidst the horrors we are seeing in Gaza. for the unfamiliar, Moshe Machover has become known as "The First of the Last Israeli Anti-Zionist". Born in Tel Aviv when Israel was still British Mandate Palestine, Machover was one of the founders of Matzpen, Officially known as the Socialist Organisation in Israel, Matzpen were a group of Israelis who broke away from Maki, the Israeli Communist Party. Matzpen believed in radical, left-wing, revolutionary politics and were proponents of anti-Zionism from a socialist perspective. On September 22, 1967, three months after Six-Day War that ended with the Israeli capture and occupation of the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, an ad appeared in the pages of the Israeli publication Haaretz. A Declaration of only 52 words in length, it read: Our right to defend ourselves from extermination does not give us the right to oppress others. Occupation entails foreign rule. Foreign rule entails resistance. Resistance entails repression. Repression entails terror and counter-terror. The victims of terror are mostly innocent people Holding on to the occupied territories will turn us into a nation of murderers and murder victims Let us get out of the occupied territories immediately. The ad was accompanied by a number of signatures, including Moshe Machover. In this conversation we'll discuss that declaration as well as Machover's analysis of influential Revisionist Zionist Vladimir Jabotinsky's seminal text The Iron Wall . Machover wrote a translation of the infamous Jabotinsky essay for Jewish Voice for Labour that can be read here . In addition to discussing Matzpen, the 1967 Declaration that appeared in Haaretz, and Jabotinsky's Iron Wall we will also delve into why Moshe, as a socialist, opposes Zionism and his socialist analysis of Israel in relation to the phenomena of colonialism. Moshe describes colonization as "like a gas" that seeks to occupy all available space and continually expand.
Sun, August 11, 2024
The OKC Bombing, Fed Shenanigans & Entrapment Plots, Right-Wing Hawks Co-Opting of Antiwar Politics, Peter Thiel & the Oligarchic War Machine, & More w/ Scott Horton
On this edition of Parallax Views, Scott Horton of the Scott Horton show and author of such books as Fool's Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan and Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terrorism returns to discuss the ongoing fundraising campaign for his non-profit, The Libertarian Institute . We talk about a number of issues including the OKC bombing, Waco, federal entrapments plots, the co-opting of antiwar politics by right-wing hawks-posing-as-doves, Peter Thiel and the oligarchic war machine, where Scott disagrees with realist John Mearsheimer's assessment of conflict between the U.S. and China, and much, much more. This is a pretty free-flowing conversation that goes down some interesting avenues, particularly if you're interested in the OKC bombing and Waco, but also for the criticisms Scott makes of the National Conservatism movement that previous guests on Parallax Views such as Kelley Vlahos and James W. Carden have made recently.
Fri, August 09, 2024
"Storm the Capitol" Turns the January 6th Insurrection Into a Board Game w/ Walker and Z. Behl
On this edition of Parallax Views, Creamhound's Walker and Z. Behl joins the show to discuss their TrueAnon-approved, controversy-stirring, and darkly humorous board game Storm the Capitol . Described cheekily as "Insurrection in a Box!", Storm the Capitol allows you to relive the madness of the January 6th Capitol attack as either a MAGA "patriot" that needs to help Donald Trump "Stop the Steal" or a member of the Capitol police trying to stop them. Needless to say, some have been offended by the game, even assuming that it's a pro-MAGA board game. A look at the game, however, reveals that it's a satirical poke-in-the-eye to our politics-as-pro-wrestling media circus spectacle with its darkly, even gallows-esque, sense of humor rather than an endorsement of MAGA or the January 6th insurrection. We'll discuss the game, its mechanics, how it came to be during the days of the pandemic, the reactions to and controversy stirred up by the game, the lameness of moral tut-tutting about the game, the influence of punk rock on the game, and some of the game's jokes about QAnon, MAGA's alleged obsession with Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's feet, indie rockers (cough... Ariel Pink... cough) who participate in the January 6th Capitol attack, the QAnon shaman, and more. Yes, a lot of horrible things happened on January 6th. But it was also a day where a guy dressed in face paint carrying a spear and animal headdress stormed the capitol building. It was like something out of a David Lynch movie. A completely surreal, absurd moment in American history. And there's something darkly comical about that absurdity. Which is what made it perfect fodder for a satirical board game. We'll discuss all that and much more on this edition of the show.
Thu, August 08, 2024
Judge Declares Google a Monopolist in Major Antitrust Victory w/ Emily Peterson-Cassin/Waffle House Workers Organize to Fight Unfair Labor Policies w/ Macy Stacher
On this edition of Parallax Views, Emily Peterson-Cassin of the Demand Progress Education fund joins the program in the first segment to discuss the landmark decision made in the Google antitrust lawsuit that saw a judge declare that Google is a monopolist. This is a major win for the antitrust movement and those seeking to challenge monopoly capitalism in America. We'll discuss what this means as well as why anti-trust is important for consumers and workers as well as society as a whole. Additionally, we'll discuss the billionaire attacks on FTC chair Lina Khan by billionaires like Reid Hoffman who dislike her antitrust agenda. Recently, Hoffman donated millions to the Kamala Harris campaign and then went on TV to talk about how he'd like to see Khan sacked form the FTC. Supporters of Khan have accused using his status as a mega-donor to curry favor with the Harris campaign in the hopes that a Harris administration will repay him by removing Khan from her position. We'll discuss all of this as well as the work Khan and Jonathan Kanter of the DOJ's Antitrust Division have done over the past four years of President Joe Biden administration. We'll also discuss how Khan, Kanter, and others have inspired a new generation of antitrust enthusiasts that want to break up concentrated corporate power's grip on America. In the second segment of the show, The American Prospect's Macy Stacher joins the show to discuss his article, " Waffle House Workers Challenge the Southern Economy" . Waffle House workers are fighting back against ridiculously low, non-livable wages as well as lack of safety at their jobs, wage theft, meal deductions policies, and, overall, labor policies of the Jim Crow-era that have persisted in today's American South. You may have heard about the phenomena of "Waffle House Fights" that go viral on Twitter and garner chuckles in social media, but what is happening to Waffle House workers who face safety risk and a lack of concern from corporate office in Atlanta when it comes to their needs and rights is no laughing matter. We'll discuss how the Union of Southern Service workers are changing all that and the struggles that Waffle House workers like Cindy Smith, who is prominently featured in Macy's article, face regularly. Macy will also explain how the Atlanta HQ of Waffle House locked out protesting workers and threw out their petition. But even with all the grimness of what these workers face, we'll also delve into the successes they've been able to achieve especially in regard to wages recently. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Wed, August 07, 2024
Exposing the Grotesqueries of American Political Life Through Cartoons w/ Eli Valley
On this edition of Parallax, "America's angriest political cartoonist" Eli Valley joins the show to discuss his upcoming book The Museum of Degenerates: Portraits of the American Grotesque , available for pre-order now from OR Books , and his savage comics/cartoons that offer biting, scathing, acidic critiques of American political life and public figures like Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, Ben Shapiro, Joshua Shapiro, Abe Foxman, and many others. Although the focus of this episode isn't on Israel/Palestine and what is happening in Gaza or the West Bank specifically, it certainly lingers in the background and informs the discussion given how Eli's own views on the matter. In this conversation we'll discuss the influence of horror comics like EC Comics' Tales from the Crypt & the pulp-noirs of the 20th century on his cartoon style, Jewish authenticity and the influence of Jewish culture and intellectual thought on Valley's work, the Jewish American radical/progressive tradition, Netanyahu's speech to Congress, the rage that informs Eli's cartoons, right-wing American Jewish public figures aligning themselves with antisemites, the ADL, the role of the grotesque aesthetic in Eli's work, Eli's infamous cartoon lampooning Meghan McCain's appropriation of Jewish identity, Joshua Shapiro comparing pro-Palestinian protesters to the KKK, the Jewish American right-wing vs. Jewish American progressives, misconceptions people have about Eli's work, the disingenuousness of claims that Tim Walz was chosen a Kamala Harris' VP pick over Shapiro because of the antisemitism in the Democratic Party, has Eli paid a price for the approach he's taken to political cartoon (and, if so, has that price been worth it), and much, much more! A sampling of Eli Valley's cartoons. These lampoon, in order, Donald Trump, Ben Shapiro, Joshua Shapiro, and Meghan McCain:
Tue, August 06, 2024
Venezuela's Election, Maduro, and What the U.S. Gets Wrong About Venezuela & Chavismo w/ Alejandro Velasco
On this edition of Parallax Views, New York University Gallatin School of Individualized Study's Prof. Alejandro Velasco, author of Barrio Rising: Urban Popular Politics and the Making of Modern Venezuela , joins the show to discuss the controversial Venezuela elections and the ways in which analysis of the elections and the modern history of Venezuela from U.S. commentators of the Left, the Rigth, and the Center has proven facile. Prof. Velasco, argues that the picture is more complex than either those on the Right who believe Maduro is being couped by an orchestrated color revolution, those on the Right who believe Biden's easing of sanctions has led Nicolás Maduro to consolidate more power in Venezuela, and Centrists who argue all Venezuela's problems are contingent on the legacy of Hugo Chavez. The recent Venezuelan election resulted in much controversy, with even Chavistas being upset with Maduro and footage of resident of the Venezuelan barrios, the urban streets from which Chavismo have traditionally garnered much support from ordinary people, dissenting after the election results were announced. The election results which led to Maduro being declared victorious are believed by a number of different parties. The Carter Center, for example, has said that the elections "cannot be considered democratic". Protest have erupted in the streets of Venezuela's capitol, Caracas. Given the history of coup attempts in Venezuela, many Leftists in the U.S. and internationally the controversy around this election is actually just U.S.-directed dirty tricks. Prof. Velasco offers a different analysis while also directly addressing the problems with the virulently anti-Chavista elements that lay the blame for all of this on the deceased Chavez. We'll discuss all of this as well as the effect of U.S. sanctions in Venezuela, how Maduro ignored warnings from left-wing economists about how his policies would cause inflation in Venezuela, why Prof. Velasco takes issue with historian and pundit Anne Applebaum's analysis of Venezuela and Hugo Chavez, how this year's election in Venezuela is different than previous elections, the National Electoral Council and the lack of precinct-by-precinct data released in the aftermath of this election, Hugo Chavez's concept of a "socialism for the 21st century", misperceptions about private property in Venezuela, Venezuela's economy and oil, Chavez vs. Maduro, the continuities between Chavez and Maduro and the even more important differences between Chavez and Maduro, material incentives for the Maduro government clinging to power, police raids and discontent in Venezuela, and much, much more.
Sat, August 03, 2024
Beyond the Water's Edge: How Partisanship Corrupts U.S. Foreign Policy w/ Paul R. Pillar
NOTE: Record 5/29; Released 8/2/24; subject matters deal with history as well as current events that are still unraveling before us now; also Producer's Credits on this episode were recorded in July so if you are a new $10 or above tier subscriber on Patreon you'll hear your producer's credit on the next episode. On this edition of Parallax Views, Paul R. Pillar, a 28-year veteran of the CIA and a non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, returns to discuss his incredibly interesting book, Beyond the Water's Edge: How Partisanship Corrupts U.S. Foreign Policy . You're probably thinking that's an incredibly academic title that indicates a rather dry survey of how Republicans and Democrats have handled U.S. foreign policy over the years in ways that were more driven by ideological concerns rather than National Security interests. But while Pillar's book is a scholarly examination of those issues, one should not mistake the book for being a boring look at these matters. Which is to say that Pillar exposes all kinds of skullduggery related to how political partisans, especially on the Republican side of the spectrum but also encompassing the Democratic Party as well, when it's come to U.S. foreign policy over the years. Case in point: there's an entire section on the October Surprise. For those unfamiliar the October Surprise was an alleged plot by the Ronald Reagan campaign to pay of the Iranians to not release the hostages of the Iran hostage crisis until after the election in order to sabotage Jimmy Carter's reelection chances. Paul and I will cover that as well as skullduggery related to Richard Nixon and the Vietnam war. And by the end of the conversation, we'll delve into the ideological underpinning of the neoconservatives that made up the George W. Bush administration and pushed America into the Iraq War. Additionally, we'll discuss Donald Trump, Russiagate, George HW Bush's showdown with AIPAC on Israel, how Wilson and FDR dealt with WWI and WWII, Israel/Palestine, and a number of other issues. I won't give away all the subjects we cover because this is one you really just need to listen to.
Thu, August 01, 2024
Critiquing Lichtman's Presidential Election Prediction Model, Will "Rust Best or Bust?" Hold in Future Elections, & Whose the Best VP Pick for Kamala Harris? w/ Lars Emerson
On this edition of Parallax Views, I was asked by a listener to have a guest on that could offer a critique of Lichtman, who appeared on my show recently, and his model. So on this edition of the program, The Postrider's Lars Emerson joins the show to discuss Allan Lichtman's 13 Keys to the White House model for predicting Presidential elections. The Postrider is a small media outlet run by two American University alumni, but has recently gained some attention for their critique of Lichtman's model. We'll discuss the nature of their critique in this model. Additionally, Lars and I will discuss his writing on the "Rust Belt or Bust" mentality talked about by Democrats during election seasons dn whether this will hold true in coming elections, especially by the 2030s. We'll also discuss the Sunbelt in this regard. And finally, we'll talk about the Postrider's tool for determining what potential Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate would make for the strongest ticket alongside Harris this election. Links: Allan Lichtman is Famous for Correctly Predicting the 2016 Election. The Problem? He Didn’t (thepostrider.com) Letter: Allan Lichtman’s Response (thepostrider.com) Is the Biden Campaign Really Relying on the Debunked 13 Keys to Make This Decision? (thepostrider.com) When Will the Rust Belt’s Electoral Supremacy End? (thepostrider.com) Is the Rust Belt Still the Lowest Hanging Fruit for Biden? (thepostrider.com) The 2024 (Emergency) Democratic Vice Presidential Power Index (thepostrider.com)
Wed, July 31, 2024
Donald Trump's Pro-Corporate Agenda and the Hidden System Redistributing Wealth from the Many to the Few w/ David Cay Johnston
On this edition of Parallax Views, Pulitzer Prize winning reporter David Cay Johnston has becomes widely known for his reporting on Donald Trump. He first reported on Donald Trump in 1988 and his since written three books on the former President: The Making of Donald Trump (2016), It's Even Worse Than You Think: What the Trump Administration is Doing to America (2018), and The Big Cheat: How Donald Trump Fleeced America and Enriched Himself and His Family (2022). Before writing those books on the MAGA movement leader, however, David wrote about what he refers to as the "hidden-in-plain sight system we have that takes from the money and redistributes to the very few". Turns out, there's a connective tissue between Davide's books on Trump and his reporting on that hidden system. Namely, David says, Trump is the embodiment of that system. In this interview, David and I will delve into how his books Temples of Chance: How America Inc. Bought Out Murder Inc. to Win Control of the Casino Business (1992), Perfectly Legal: The Covert Campaign to Rig Our Tax System to Benefit the Super Rich—and Cheat Everybody Else (2003), Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Americans Enrich Themselves at Government Expense and Stick You With The Bill (2007), The Fine Print: How Big Companies Use "Plain English" to Rob You Blind (2012), and Divided: The Perils of Our Growing Inequality (2014). We'll delve into Trump's pro-corporate, anti-working class agenda; some of the specific mechanism that have been used to make massive wealth transfer to the rich at the expense of the working class and poor since Reagan; the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025; the Build the Wall charity scam; President Joe Biden, the U.S. economy, inflation, job creation, and wage increases; Trump's views on minimum wage not being pro-worker; Trump's reverse Robin Hood tax policy and tax cuts to the rich; the problem with big mainstream media today and why the legacy media outlets don't intensively cover issues effecting everyday Americans enough; the warping of the campaign finance system since the Watergate scandal; how the donor class became so powerful in the American political system; a history lesson going back to the Civil War through to the Nixon years and beyond on how we got to this moment; the Supreme Court decisions that helped shaped politics in favor of big business; the poverty found in low-tax societies and David's reporting on "hidden taxes" in Singapore; the modern world's need for investments in public infrastructure and the creation of common wealth that benefits all; issues facing the education system today and how failing literacy rates in America are ruining the American political system; China's innovations in education and what it means for America; and much, much more! This is by far the best interview of had with David Cay Johnston.
Tue, July 30, 2024
The Billionaires vs. FTC Chair Lina Khan & the Antitrust Movement w/ David Dayen/A Closer Look at Trump Loyalist Russ Vought & His Agenda w/ Chris Lewis (FIXED)
UPDATE: Intro fixed; made a mistake in editing some of the extracted audio that's used to introduce the first segment. Brief sample from another show that I edited incorrectly and ended up being longer than it was supposed to be. On this edition of Parallax Views, another double feature with two guests. First up, if there's any interview you listen to on my show this week make it this one, folks. David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect and author of Monopolized: Life in the Age of Corporate Power , joins the show to discuss his important article "The Corporate Wishcasting Attack on Lina Khan" . Lina Khan was apponted by President Joe Biden to chair the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In this role Khan, alongside the Antitrust Division of the Justice Department's Jonathan Kanter and others, has attempted to take on big tech, corporate power, and monopoly capitol in America. Billionaire LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman is apparently not happy about this because after donating $8.6 million to Super PACs supporting Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris has claimed Khan is “waging war on American business” and pushed for a Harris administration to dump her as FTC chair. Dayen and I will discuss why billionaires like Hoffman are so opposed to Harris and those who support strengthening antitrust laws and their enforcement in the U.S. We'll also discuss what Dayen argues the billionaire anti-antitrust crowd are leaving out about how Khan's agenda benefits working people over corporate profits. Although some reports indicate that Harris is skeptical of Khan's antitrust agenda and may as a result remove her, Dayen cautions that we don't know what a Harris administration will do with the antitrust agenda that has been ushered in by the Biden administration in recent years. Nonetheless, he argues that supporters of the antitrust movement should mobilize in support of Lina Khan now. Recently, a number of organizations, including the AFL-CIO and NAACP, signed a letter in support of Khan . At the end of the conversation we also discuss Dayen's latest article in "The Only Member of Congress Who Has Worked for Kamala Harris" in which he interviewed former Rep. Katie Porter who worked with Kamala Harris about her thoughts on how Harris will deal with big business and corporate interests. In the second segment of the show, the Revolving Door Project'
Tue, July 30, 2024
Is the Consensus on the U.S.-Israel Relationship Fracturing? w/ Eli Clifton/A Conservative Critique of National Conservatism w/ James W. Carden
On this edition of Parallax Views, a double feature edition of the show featuring returning guests Eli Clifton and James W. Carden. First up, Eli Clifton joins the show to discuss his article in The Guardian entitled "Netanyahu is presiding over a sharp decline in the US’s pro-Israel consensus" . We discuss Netanyahu's speech to Congress and the fact that almost of the Democrats in Congress did not attend. We'll also discuss Republican figures like Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Thomas Massie introducing conservatives to a more critical/skeptical view of the reigning U.S. consensus on the U.S.-Israel special relationship. It leads us to the question: Will this U.S. consensus change in the future due to fracture in the Democratic Party on Israel over its conduct in Gaza as well as potentially emergent fractures in the GOP over unconditional U.S. support for Israel? In the second segment of the show, James W. Carden, a former advisor to the State Department and a regular contributor to The American Conservative , joins the show to discuss article he recently co-wrote with former Trump appointee Col. Douglas MacGregor entitled "Neoconservatism by Another Name" . We'll discuss the movement known as "National Conservatism" that has been backed by prominent figures like Peter Thiel and JD as well as its origins in the form of an Israeli philosopher, Yoram Hazony, who was a youthful admirer of the late far-right wing American-born Israeli political extremist Rabbi Meier Kahane. Carden discusses this from a particular perspective. He himself is a conservative. But he's put off by both the hawkish tendencies of National Conservatism on China and Iran and very akin to that of the Bush-era neoconservatives of the Wolfowitz Doctrine and the Project for a New American Century, and what he judges to be their desires for a "theocratic revolution". He also argues that NatCons would do well to distinguish between patriotism and national, and offers an analysis of why ethno-nationalism, on even simply pragmatic grounds, is a fool-hardy endeavor for conservatives to pursue and would be disastrous in America. Moreover, James will go over the interest NatCons have in Israel and Hungary as a model for their vision of America, and why this will not work for the U.S. We'll also go over what could be described as "Caesarist" tendencies within the National Conservatism and adjacent integralist movements, as pointed out in 2021 by Rod Dreher, and his views on the NatCons interest pushing for, again, what he judges to be a plan for Christian theocracy in the United States.
Sun, July 28, 2024
Strike Kills 12 Druze Children in Israeli-Occupied Golan Heights; Will It Lead to Feared Israel-Hezbollah War? w/ Ori Goldberg
On this edition of Parallax Views, Israel commentator Ori Goldberg joins me from Tel Aviv to discuss the rocket that hit a soccer field in the Druze village of Majdal Shams within the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel has blamed the attacked on a Hezbollah strike. Hezbollah denied being behind the attack. Speculation arose that it was actually due to a malfunction of Israel's Iron Dome. That said, there is evidence that this was likely a Hezbollah rocket. In any case, 12 Druze children perished due to the rocket. At the funeral for the dead children, members of the Druze community protested the presence of Israeli ministers. Meanwhile, a number of Israelis are turning "We Are All Druze Now" into a slogan as fears of a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah grow. Ori offers his thoughts on the incident, and makes the case that the deaths of the Druze children was likely accidental based on Hezbollah past history and concerns that any false move could start a war. He DOES NOT deny that Hezbollah conducted strikes. Nor does he seek to deny the tragedy of children being killed. Additionally, he questions/challenges the conspiracy theories arising that this was an Israeli false flag and gives his reasons for believing this is not the case. With that in mind, he cautions against drawing any firm conclusions about whether this was a mistake or intentional until there is further investigation. Ori also argues that this will not lead to a war between Israel and Hezbollah because, in his analysis, neither the IDF or Hezbollah want a full-blown war at this time. In addition to all of this we'll also discuss the death of Mohammad Bhar, a young Palestinian man afflicted with autism and Down syndrome who was mauled by an Israel Defense Forces attack dog and bled out in the aftermath. Moreover, we will discuss the Israeli psyche at this moment, the situation of the Bedouin and Druze minorities in Israel and discrimination against them, the Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People that was passed by the Israeli Knesset in 2018, why Ori believes the Gaza war is slouching towards an inevitable close/end, Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to U.S. congress, post-war Gaza and "The Day After", Netanyahu announcing the he's "postponing" the departure of sick children from Gaza who need life-saving therapy because of the Majdal Shams indecent, the blowing up of Rafah's water reservoir, Israeli hopes of introducing "de-radicalization" into Gazan education post-war, and much, much more.
Sat, July 27, 2024
13 Keys to the White House: A Model for Predicting Presidential Elections w/ Allan Lichtman/Russia & Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Crimes w/ Kateryna Busol
On this edition of Parallax Views we've got a double feature. In the first half hour of the program historian Allan Lichtman of American University discusses his The Keys to the White House model for predicting Presidential election. This model has proven extremely robust at getting election predictions right and is based on 13 true/false statements about the candidates and/or their parties preceding the election. According to the model, "If five or fewer of the following statements are false, the incumbent party is predicted to win the election. If six or more are false, the incumbent party is predicted to lose." We'll discuss a number of issues related to this election including Joe Biden recently dropping out of the election and Kamala Harris becoming the presumptive Democratic Party Presidential candidate. What does it entail for the election? Find out in this conversation with Allan Lichtman! In the second segment of the show, a segment yours truly recorded a few months ago with Ukrainian lawyer Kateryna Busol. In a recent edition of the Journal of Genocide Studies, Busol penned a peice entitled " When the Head of State Makes Rape Jokes, His Troops Rape on the Ground: Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Russia’s Aggression against Ukraine ". We'll be discussing the issue of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in relation the Russo-Ukrainian war, the worrying rhetoric of Timofey Sergeytsev's " What Should Russia Do With Ukraine? " that was published in Russian state-owned outlet RIA Novosti, reparations for victims of CRSV, Kateryna's work on destruction of cultural heritage in war, and the importance of applying international law to other issues like the Gaza War.
Fri, July 26, 2024
Netanyahu Goes to Washington w/ James Dorsey
On this edition of Parallax Views, James M. Dorsey, whose commentaries can be read at his Turbulent World w/ James M. Dorsey Substack , give one of his regular visits to discuss the latest in regard to the Middle East and Israel/Palestine. This time we examine Israeli Prime Minister's visit to Washington D.C. where he gave a speech to Congress that received multiple standing ovations despite the heavy criticisms Netanyahu has come under for both how the war in Gaza has been conducted and the safety of hostages. Pro-Palestinian activist and hostages' families alike protested Netanyahu's visit. We'll discuss all of that as well as James's upcoming book The Battle for the Soul of Islam , the two-state vs. one-state solution, his views on the Confederation solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (and why he believes it looks good on paper, but has obstacles), the calculus of Netanyahu's speech to Congress, what a second Trump term may mean for Israel, the Israeli far-right, the settler movement, land swaps in relation to solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, presumptive Democratic Presidential candidate/current Vice President Kamala Harris and her rhetoric on Gaza, and much, much more.
Fri, July 26, 2024
Netanyahu Goes to Washington While the Humanitarian Crisis Rages in Gaza and Congress Cheers w/ Abdelhalim Abdelrahman
On this edition of Parallax Views, Palestinian Muslim writer Abdelhalim Abdelrahman, who has written for such publications as The New Arab, The Hill, and MSN, joins the show to discuss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington D.C. to speak to Congress. Netanyahu received a standing ovation from Congressmen and Congresswomen who attended, with the notable exception of Rep. Rashida Tlaib who held up a sign that read "War Criminal". Interestingly, a number of top Democrats declined to intend, including Nancy Pelosi, who called Netanyahu's speech was "by far the worst presentation of any foreign dignitary invited and honored with the privilege of addressing the Congress of the United States". Meanwhile protests raged outside and a flag-burning, which has taken up much media attention, took place. Additionally, Gaza still faces a humanitarian crisis. Palestinians in Gaza face a dire situation, as exemplified by the tragic death of a 24-year old Gazan man named Mohammad Bhar. Bhar was afflicted with autism and Down's syndrome. He was killed last week after bleeding out from being bitten by an Israeli army dog as reportedly screamed "enough my dear, enough" and/or "let go my love, enough". Worth noting as well, is the fact that it was not only pro-Palestinian activists protesting Netanyahu's D.C. visit. Families of hostages also protested, believing that Netanyahu has exploited them for politics and not done enough to secure the hostages from the October 7th. Hamas attack. In other words, there are a lot of matters to discuss in this conversation. Abdelhalim covered all these issues with me as well as: - The Palestinian Authority - The letter Mahmoud Abbas sent to Donald Trump after the attempted assassination on Trump's life and Donald Trump's seemingly warm, positive feelings (at least in past rhetoric and response to the letter) to Abbas - Elements of the American conservative movement moving away from Israel on "America First" grounds - Thoughts on whether Kamala Harris will take a different approach to Gaza and the West Bank than President Joe Biden - Empathetic rhetoric vs. actual concrete policy that Palestinian American want to see - Abdelhalim's thoughts on the plight of the October 7th hostages - The Fatah-Hamas unity deal that was signed in Beijing - Abdelhalim's personal feelings on the Uncommitted movement and his frustration with the Democratic Party - The Occupation of the West Bank and the issues of annexation and settlement expansion - The question of "syn
Wed, July 24, 2024
The Pentagon's $280 Million Gaza Pier Boondoggle w/ Stephen Semler
On this edition of Parallax Views, Stephen Semler of the Security Reform Policy Institute joins us to discuss the Biden administration and the Pentagon's $280 million Gaza floating aid pier boondoggle that promised to get much needed humanitarian aid to Gazans who are now facing hunger/starvation during the Israeli bombardment. The pier became operational in May but was shut down this month, July, in what appears to have been a massive waste of time and resources that didn't even help the Palestinians of Gaza. Stephen, it turns out, was warning about the Gaza pier in Responsible Statecraft back in June when he wrote the article " Washington is not telling truth about the Gaza pier ". Friend of the show and multi-time guest Kelley Vlahos also warned of the piers problems alongside others. There were logistical issues amongst much else that was criticized. We'll dive into what happened with the Gaza pier as well as discussing PR stunts and "Humanitarian Theater" being played out during the Gaza war, hunger/starvation in Gaza, the U.S. ignoring Human Rights Watch reports when it comes to the Gaza war but not the Russo-Ukraine war, Palestinian American congresswoman Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Congress, potential Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate Gov. Josh Shapiro and his reaction to pro-Palestinian protests, free speech and crackdowns on protesters, Donald Trump and the American right-wing's hawkishness on China, thoughts on Kamala Harris as it relates to U.S. policy on Israel/Palestine, families of hostages being held by Hamas protesting Netanyahu's visit to Congress, Palestinians being held in Israeli administrative detention, and much, much more!
Tue, July 23, 2024
Silicon Valley Elites Rally Behind Trump w/ Jacob Silverman
On this edition of Parallax Views, freelance journalist Jacob Silverman, co-author with actor Ben McKenzie (TV's The O.C. & Gotham ) of Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud , joins the show to discuss his article in The Nation entitled " It’s Official: Silicon Valley Is Fully MAGA-Pilled ". With Peter Thiel associate JD Vance being unveiled as Trump's Vice President pick and Elon Musk officially throwing his endorsement to Donald Trump after the attempted assassination of the former President, this topic is timelier than ever. But Peter Thiel and Elon Musk are far from the only Silicon Valley elites to throw their weight behind Trump's campaign. They've been joined by Marc Andreassen, David Sacks, Shaun Maguire, and Joe Lonsdale. In this conversation will discuss why rich Silicon Valley power players are getting on the MAGA train. Amongst some of the topics covered in this conversation: libertarianism and the Silicon Valley ideology, the late David Golumbia's The Politics of Bitcoin: Software as Right-Wing Extremism , corporate tyranny, Thiel associate Curtis Yarvin aka Mencius Moldbug, Mark Cuban's comments about how Silicon Valley's power player may be getting behind trump as a "bitcoin play", America PAC and crypotcurrency lobbying/lobbyists, cryptocurrency-related organizations like Coinbase and Ripple Labs, the crypto PAC known as Fairshake that's interested in "installing crypto-friendly politicians and ousting those the industry views as a threat", JD Vance, Sam Bankman-Fried, right-wing faux populism, the Silicon Valley right-wing's fascination with J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings , artificial intelligence, Silicon Valley apocalypticism, and much, much more!
Tue, July 23, 2024
JD Vance, Phony Populism on the Right, the Republican National Convention, and Democratic Party Messaging w/ Ben Burgis
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ben Burgis, Jacobin columnist and host of the Youtube show Give Them an Argument, returns to discuss a potpourri of topics and revisit his 2022 article in The Daily Beast entitled "J.D. Vance’s Unbelievably Phony Populism" . And, yes, we'll also cover Joe Biden dropping out and his apparent replacement in the race, Kamala Harris. Where should the Democrats go next if they hope to win? And what should Democratic Party messaging be as we head into the heart of election season? We'll also discuss the Republican National convention including the circus like inclusion of pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan and the speech made by Teamsters union leader Sean O'Brien that has sparked much debate. We'll talk the records of Josh Hawley and JD Vance, rhetoric vs. records, fake antiwar sentiments amongst Republicans (and the hawkish elements in the GOP saber-rattling for a war with Iran and China), Biden's immigration record, Gaza, antitrust lawsuit and labor in the era of the Joe Biden Presidency, the GOP's deregulatory agenda and the impacts it'll have on workers, Ron DeSantis' assault on worker's rights in Florida, forever chemicals (PFAS) and Project 2025, Josh Hawley's copyright reform BUT only to target Disney, why JD Vance doesn't support the pro-labor PRO Act and Ben's response to that, the opioid epidemic and deaths of despair, and much, much more!
Sat, July 20, 2024
The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 and the Council for National Policy Network w/ Anne Nelson
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Anne Nelson, author of Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right , returns to the show to discuss her piece in The Washington Spectator entitled "Project 2025: The Latest Plot Against America" . Nelson gives rundown of what conservative think-tank The Heritage Foundation's 900-page document "Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise" is all about and what Project 2025 entails for worker's rights, LGBTQ+ people, the economy, food safety, the environment, and more if it is implemented during a second Donald Trump Presidency, in full or part. We'll also discuss Nelson's research into the umbrella network of the American right-wing known as the Council for National Policy, a secretive organization that brings together right-wing billionaires, conservative Catholic, evangelical Christian nationalists, and other elements of American right-wing into a formidable network. The CNP was at the heart of her previously mentioned book Shadow Network and offers a glimpse into the American right-wing's machinations and maneuverings since its founding by conservative activist Paul Weyrich and Left Behind author Tim Lahaye in the era of the Ronald Reagan Presidency. We'll also manage to briefly discuss Catholic right-wing movements like the Opus Day and their relationship to the Supreme Court. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Fri, July 19, 2024
Israel's Knesset Votes Against 2 State Solution, Would Proportional Representation Solve the US's Tribe & Clan Wars?, SCOTUS's Historic Trump V. US Decision, Biden Dropping Out? w/ Amb. Patrick Theros
On this edition of Parallax Views, Amb. Patrick Theros returns to discuss his The National Herald op-eds "Be Careful What You Wish For…" and "Tribe and Clan Wars – Is Proportional Representation the Solution?" . At the beginning of the show, however, we discuss the Israeli Knesset's ruling against a two-state solution in the Israel/Palestine conflict. What does it actually mean and entail? We'll also discuss the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, what the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict means for the U.S. and its standing in the world, Israel's lack of a vision for the future beyond war, and related subject. Then, at around the fifteen minute mark, we will turn our attention to United States domestic politics. Firstly, we'll discuss the American two-party system and how the country's tribal war, between a Democratic "blue tribe" and a Republican "red tribe", are actually not an accurate depiction, in Amb. Theros' estimation, of the political landscape. Instead of just tribal war, Amb. Theros argues, we have clan wars. In other words, voters that are only concerned with specific issues fighting for those issues within the two-parties and often feeling dissatisifed within those parties when other factions win greater favor. This has manifested in the Republican Party, Amb. Theros say, in the abortion debate and in the Democratic Party in regard to the pro-Palestinian activists in the party who are upset with the Biden administration's handling of Gaza. We will also discuss the historic Supreme Court decision in Trump v. United States and the unprecedented power it gives to the President. Moreover, we'll discuss how this could come back to haunt Republicans. Finally, we will delve into the issue of Biden's performance at the first Presidential debate with Trump and whether or not he should drop out of the election.
Mon, July 15, 2024
Laughing All the Way to Freedom: The Americanization of a Russian Emigre
On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. Emil Draitser returns to discuss his latest book Laughing All the Way to Freedom: The Americanization of a Russian Emigre . Growing up in a Jewish family in Soviet Union-era Odessa, Emil came to the United States in the 1970s and began a new life in America. His previous books Shush! Growing Up Jewish Under Stalin: A Memoir, Farewell, Mama Odessa: A Novel, and In the Jaws of the Crocodile: A Soviet Memoir are a trilogy that chronicles his experiences in both the Soviet Union and the U.S. Laughing All the Way to Freedom continues that exploration of Emil's experiences, specifically as an emigre. What does it mean to be an emigre from another land with a different culture? And when does one truly become American, in a cultural sense, once they've settled in the U.S.? In this conversation we discuss issues that face emigres like culture shock, Russian humor and Emil's appearance on the Merv Griffin show discussing the subject of Russian humor, working as a satirical writer in Russia, the power of humor to soften barriers between people, the Russian bombing of Odessa and Emil's feelings of PTSD over the Russo-Ukrainian war, what does Americanization mean and what is the road to Americanization, mass emigration from the Soviet Union and the parallels with the biblical story of Exodus, how Americans born of Russian descent view America and the differences between their understanding of America and their parents' understanding of America, America's core values as understood by a Russian emigre, the concept of freedom and law in relation to both America and Russia, and much, much more.
Thu, July 11, 2024
Operation Debt Day: End Veteran Debt! w/ Jerry Ashton
On this edition of Parallax Views, former Navy journalist and ex-debt collector Jerry Ashton joins the show to discuss the End Veteran Debt campaign. As previously mentioned, Jerry was a debt collector, but Occupy Wall Street changed all of that. Inspired by the Occupy movement, Jerry went from being a debt collector to a "debt for-giver" and helped co-found the RIP Medical Debt (now known as Undue Medical Debt) 501 charity. Now he's turned his attention to the issue of veterans' debts. Believe it or not many veterans from the U.S. armed forces face debt struggles and the VA is unable in many circumstances to provide all that it can for them. As such, Jerry and other have started what they call "Operation D-Day". Not D-Day as in WWII, however. But rather Operation Debt Day to help veterans with their debts. Find out all about it on this edition of Parallax Views!
Sun, July 07, 2024
Parallax Vlog - Project 2025 and the Presidential Election (Segment Only - Full Episode on Patreon)
For those that don't know, Parallax Views has a monthly (sometimes bi-monthly) Patreon exclusive show known as the Parallax Vlog, a crossover show between Parallax Views and Youtube's Varn Vlog, in which C. Derick Varn and I discuss current events and culture. As I've been under-the-weather from a case of food poisoning, I thought I'd offer a preview of the Patreon content by publishing the opening segment of the latest Parallax Vlog in which Derick and I discuss Project 2025, my interview with Adolph Reed, and the upcoming U.S. Presidential election. We'll get into Derick's thoughts on Project 2025, the failures of the Democrats when they're in power, the judicial coup we've seen take place in the U.S., and much, much more. Check out the full show (which will be released in the next day or so) at: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews
Fri, June 28, 2024
"Vote for the Crook: It's Important": The 2024 Election w/ Adolph Reed
On this edition of Parallax Views, activist, organizer, academic, and political commentator Adolph Reed, an American professor emeritus of political science at the University of Pennsylvania, joins the program to discuss his article for The Nation entitled " Why I’m Voting for the Enemy ". Reed has been a longtime critic of the mainstream or corporate wing of the Democratic Party and its embrace of neoliberalism. He was a rather vocal critic of Barack Obama. And he hasn't been afraid to vote for third party candidates like Ralph Nader in the past. As such, he cannot be accused of always towing a strict "vote for the lesser of two evils" line that other Leftist intellectuals like Noam Chomsky & Howard Zinn have sometimes been criticized as promoting. However, in 2016, Reed penned a piece entitled " Vote for the Lying Neoliberal Warmonger: It's Important " during the tumultuous Presidential election. In that op-ed, Reed outlined why he was voting for Hillary Clinton. Needless to say, the article was a bit provocative for elements of the Left that have sought a break from the Democratic Party. Although Reed has likewise been critical of the Democratic Party for many of the same reasons given by those elements of the Left, he nonetheless viewed Donald Trump as a severe, perhaps even existential, threat that needed to be defeated. The same sentiments can also be found in the more recent The Nation piece Reed penned about the 2024 election. In this conversation we'll cover a number of different issues including electoral fetishism in both its mainstream and Left-wing variants, the need for politics and organizing beyond the electoral realm, the working class and the professional managerial class, the pro wrestling concept of "kayfabe" and why it interests Reed as a political scientist, The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 (or the Presidential Transition Project) and what it indicates about a second Trump Presidency, and much, much more.
Mon, June 24, 2024
Life as a Film Critic/Movie Reviewer + The State of Film Criticism & the Movie Industry Today w/ Albert Lanier
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Albert Lanier, a multi-time guest on the show, just started a Substack called The Final Cut . This new venture from Lanier is a return to his roots. Although he's become known, especially to listeners of this show, for his thoughts on true crime cases and politics, in a previous life he was a film critic/movie reviewer. He even contributed to Ain't It Cool News! And over the years he had an opportunity to meet Hollywood players ranging from Nancy Kwan to Roger Corman. In this conversation, Lanier and I will discuss his work writing about cinema and his experiences going to film festivals. But we'll also discuss his thoughts on the state of the movie industry and the state of film criticism as well. In particular, we will look at the decline of film criticism and what phenomena such as film-focused, anti-woke, culture war Youtube channels have on film criticism as well as the impact of Movie Tok on film criticism and how we understand and appreciate cinema. We'll also discuss the cycles of the film industry, the importance of overseas markets to Hollywood, and much, much more.
Thu, June 13, 2024
DEFAMATION: Revisiting the Controversial Israeli Documentary on Antisemitism w/ Yoav Shamir
On this edition of Parallax Views, in 2009 a documentary came out entitled Defamation . Directed by Israeli filmmaker Yoav Shamir, the film sought to explore the phenomena of antisemitism, the perceptions of what is an isn't antisemitic, the question of whether criticism of Israel is the same as antisemitism (or, in the words of many Israel supporters "The New Antisemitism" that seeks to dress hatred of Jews up in a critique of Israeli and its policies), and related issues. The genesis of Defamation begins with Shamir's previous documentary, the equally controversial Checkpoint . Checkpoint took a "fly on the wall" approach to examining the interactions between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian citizens along the border of the occupied territories. Despite the cinema verite fly on the wall" approach of the film, some felt that it painted a slanted, negative picture of Israel that in turn led to accusations that Shamir was the "Israeli Mel Gibson". Gibson, of course, had at that point been known for having an antisemitic outburst after a DUI arrest and, before that, his 2004 film The Passion of the Christ was heavily criticized as promoting hatred of Jewish people in its depiction of Christ's death. Yoav Shamir, was surprised that anyone would call him the "Israeli Mel Gibson". He also had not experienced antisemitism himself as someone who lives in Israel. So he ventured out to embark on a journey that would take him from the Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights, where race relations between Jewish and Black residents have long been troubled, to Ukraine and even Poland. He met with the Anti-Defamation League's Abe Foxman and was given unprecedented access to the Anti-Defamation League's office where he got a rare inside look of their operations. Additionally he spoke Jewish academic and noted critic of Israel Norman Finkelstein and the international relations scholar John Mearsheimer, who alongside Stephen Walt co-wrote the book The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy . And he went with a group of young Israelis to a state-funded trip to Israel in which teenaged Israelis learn about the horrors of the Holocaust in Poland. What Shamir's documentary shows, however, is up for the viewer to decide. From Shamir's purview, victimhood narratives are holding Israel, and perhaps even the Jewish people more broadly, back. However, his documentary nonetheless paints a poignant picture of all its major players and humanizes all the participants from Abe Foxman to his polar opposite Norman Finkelstein. There's moments of the film that are dramatic, but also uneasy moments of what can only be described as comedy or farce, such as when two young Israelis on the Poland trip mistakenly assume that the Polish men they approached in the street were calling them cuss words (it turns out the men simply did not know the
Wed, June 12, 2024
Inside Erik Prince's Secret Chat Group & Its Gallery of Hawkish Far-Right Power Players w/ Ken Silverstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, investigative journalist Ken Silverstein returns to the show hot off the major story he broke for The New Republic last week: "Off Leash: Inside the Secret, Global, Far-Right Group Chat | The New Republic" . Ken has blown the lid off a secret chat group created by Erik Prince, the founder of the controversial private military company Blackwater, that includes a who's who of influential figures of the global right-wing including Congressman Ryan Zinke, Congressman Mark Green, Tucker Carlson, Gen. Michael Flynn, and many others. Silverstein's reporting on this provides an insight into where a number of major figures, including some with intelligence and military connection, stand in 2024 behind-closed-doors on issues ranging including Iran, the Israel-Hamas War/Gaza War, Israel/Palestine, MAGA vs. the Democratic Party, U.S. foreign policy, and much, much more. He's found communications that reveal what friend of the show, American Conservative contributor, and Senior Advisor at the Quincy Institute Kelley Vlahos describes as a "batshit crazy chat group that includes Erik Prince, Lara Logan, and every rightwing grifter, politician, influencer, ex-military psycho" that want to "nuke, napalm, and 'take out' everyone." There was even discussion in the group of rounding up the American right's domestic enemies for Nuremberg-style tribunals. And, on the U.S. foreign policy front, there were calls for covert assassination of political leaders from countries seen as adversarial to the U.S. There were even inclinations in the chat group towards the idea of using nuclear weapons against Gaza. There's also some opaque discussion of Erik Prince having "the right people in place" to deal with Iran, which many of the members of Off-Leash have hawkish foreign policy views on, and some rather interesting discussion pertaining to the plane crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Talk of the need for a MAGA "revolution" and fighting against a cabal of Marxists, Islamists, and globalists that many members of the chat view as destroying the U.S. and Western civilization are also prominent in the communications that Silverstein uncovered. We'll discuss all of this and much more in the conversation, but its highly recommended you consult both Ken's original report on this for The New Republic AND his Washington Babylon Substack which will be covering this further going forward . You'll also hear us discuss Donald Trump and domestic repression, Russiagate, the RFK Jr. connection to Off-Leash, Ken's thoughts on President Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump, an
Tue, June 11, 2024
The Manichean Psychology of Hasbara Culture w/ Yakov Hirsch
On this edition of Parallax Views, recorded in May, a lengthy, almost 3 hour conversation with Yakov Hirsch. You can Yakov's writings at his new Substack here . Although Hirsch is perhaps best-known as professional poker player, he has in recent years began commenting on the psychology of what he calls "Hasbara Culture". Hasbara, for those unfamiliar, is more or less a term that means propaganda and apologia for the state of Israel. Hirsch's concept of hasbara culture, however goes far beyond that. He argues that prominent commentators in the U.S. like Bari Weiss, Eve Barlow, Brett Stephens, and The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg have come to internalize hasabara so much that it has become a culture, a mindset, an identity in and of itself that distorts reality in ways that are harmful to not only Palestinians but also Jews, both in Israel and abroad. Hirsch's thinking on these matters first came to prominence through and article he wrote for Tablet Magazine entitled "Hasbara Culture and the Curse of Bibi-ism" . Although Tablet is a generally understood as a right-wing and adamantly pro-Israel publication, it nonetheless viewed 's commentary and thoughts on the concept of hasbara culture relevant and important. Hirsch argues that his examination of this hasbara culture is not about left-wing vs. right-wing or even pro-Israel vs. anti-Israel but instead an attempt to look at a phenomenon that is denying ground-level realities in favor of an alternate reality that exists only in the minds of its proponents. Among the topics discussed in this conversation are Benjamin Netanyahu as the embodiment of hasbara culture; sacred macho victimhood and victimhood discourses; Anti-Antisemitism; the Daniel Goldhagen vs. Christopher Browning debates on the Holocaust (Goldhagen's Hitler's Willing Executioners vs. Browning's Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland ); Hannah Arendt and the trial of Adolf Eichmann; cognitive empathy and how it is shut down by hasbara culture; the ideology of hasbara culture; the Gaza War and Israel/Palestine; "Never Again" journalists; the "real world" vs. the "separate reality" of hasbara culture; the concept of betrayal in hasbara culture discourse; the Iran nuclear deal and Bibi-ist ideology; John Kerry's warning to Israel about needing to understand the perception of Palestinians; Peter Beinart's The Crisis of Zionism and the significance of Beinart's witnessing the tears of a Palestinian child in the West Bank crying out for his father; the pro-Palestinian protests happening across college campuses; hasbara culture's cultivation of narratives and tactics o
Sun, June 09, 2024
House Commitee on Education and the Workforce Investigation Echoes HUAC and the Era of McCarthyism w/ Sahar Aziz
On this edition of Parallax Views, Rutgers University's Director of the Center for Security, Race, and Rights, Sahar Aziz, returns to the program to discuss the recent House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearings on antisemitism and why they resemble something more akin to the McCarthyite witch hunts of the House on American Activities during the Cold War than an honest effort to combat antisemitism. These hearings, she argues, are more about shutting down political criticism of Israel than fighting antisemitism. We'll also delve into some of the key points covered in Sahar's book The Racial Muslim: When Racism Quashes Religious Freedom and discuss the Islamophobia-industrial complex that's especially been prevalent in America since 9/11 and the Global War on Terror. Moreover, Prof. Aziz will offer her thoughts on the Anti-Defamation League, which has received harsh criticism in recent years with Jonathan Greenblatt at its head, and its activities against pro-Palestinian and Arab American political activists. Most importantly, however we focus on how the House Commitee on Education and the Workforce investigations into antisemitism, which involves figures like Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Virginia Fox, have attacked the Center for Security, Race, and Right as well as academics like Noura Erakat and Juan Cole. Sahar will address some of the allegations made by the House Commitee against CSRR and delve into how this is connected to broader Republican Party efforts to tamper down academic freedom and discourse (ie: how it connects to GOP attacks on DEI and CRT, right-wing promotion of book-banning, etc.).
Thu, June 06, 2024
Israel's Covert War Against the ICC w/ Meron Rapoport
On this edition of Parallax Views, Israeli investigative reporter Meron Rappaport joins the show to discuss a MAJOR story he helped break last week with 972 Magazine, Local Call, and The Guardian: Israel's Covert War Against the ICC. According to the bombshell reporting Meron and others have done, Israel has engaged in a nearly long surveillance program against the International Criminal Court. Surveillance was aimed at both current chief prosecutor and his predecessor Fatou Bensouda. Additionally, Palestinian human rights groups like Al-Haq, Addameer, Al Mezan, and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) were targets of surveillance and there are connections to the controversial and scandal-besieged Israeli private cyber-intelligence firm NSO Group's Pegasus spyware to this story. This story includes allegations of illegal activity, intimidation, and blackmail. Read the story HERE: Surveillance and interference: Israel’s covert war on the ICC exposed We'll discuss a numbe of issues-related to this story including how figures at the highest-levels of Israel's government, specifically Benjamin Netanyahu, figure into the surveillance program as well as the military (ie: IDF) and intelligence services (ie: Shin Bet) tie into it as well. Moreover, we'll look at how Israeli officials were initially enthused about Karim Khan taking over as chief prosecutor at the ICC until "everything changed" with the October 7th Hamas attack and the Gaza War. At the beginning of the conversation Meron will give his thoughts on the state of the Israeli free press in light of the recent attack on Haaretz's Tel Aviv headquarters where the main doors of the HQ's entrance were smashed . In the final portion of the conversation Meron discusses the Land for All movement that he helped cofound which offers a Confederation approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many argue that the Confederation approach amounts to a push for a de facto one-state solution, but figures like Dahlia Scheindlin as well as Meron argue that it is actually a two-state solution for the 21st century that addresses the failures and missteps of the Oslo generation. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Wed, June 05, 2024
How Activists Scored a Victory for the #CeasefireNow Movement in California w/ Mirvette Judeh
On this edition of Parallax Views, longtime California-based progressive activist Mirvette Judeh tells the story of her only political journey and how she and a group of activists scored a victory for the the #CeasefireNow movement that is seeking to make calling for a ceasefire in Gaza a priority in California Democratic Party politics. Mirvette recently penned a piece that appeared in Antiwar.Com entitled "Our Fight To Get the Democratic Party To Call for a Ceasefire in Gaza" in which she chronicles how the fight to get proper recognition of the Palestinian plight in a call for ceasefire resolution. We'll also discuss Mirvette's experiences as a Palestinian, her family's experiences under the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, what "Free Palestine" means for her and what she wants for the Palestinian people, her experiences at the UCLA encampment and what she witnessed there, the "Progressives Except for Palestine" problem, antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia, the brutal nature of Israel's assault on Gaza and the cultural destruction it has wrought on Palestinian society, the importance of speaking to Palestinian voices, settler violence in the West Bank and pogroms against Palestinians in the West Bank, feelings of being portrayed by fellow Democrats who she's worked with over the years when it comes to the past 8 months of Israel's assault on Gaza, why she doesn't refer to what's happening as the "Gaza War", land theft and resource access in Israel/Palestine, Rashida Tlaib and other politicians standing up for Palestinians at this moment, problematic language in the original ceasefire language that Mirvette and other activists fought to change, and much, much more!
Tue, June 04, 2024
US Officials Throw Military Vets Under the Bus to Excuse Israel's Conduct in Gaza + US's $320 Million Gaza Pier Boondoggle w/ Kelley Vlahos + Iraq War Combat Veteran James R. Webb
On this edition of Parallax Views, are major US officials like National Security Spokesman John Kirby, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, and Sen. Ted Cruz throwing US military veterans under the bus in an attempt to excuse Israel's conduct in Gaza? This became a question for some after John Kirby said "We did it to" in Iraq and Afghanistan in response to a question about Israel's conduct in Gaza. In the first segment of the show, The Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft's Kelley Vlahos returns to the program to discuss her piece in The American Conservative entitled "‘We Did It Too’: The Ugliest Excuse for Israel " . Kelley interviewed military veterans like Ret. Col. Douglas MacGregor and Ret. Lt. Col. Daniel Davis to get an idea of what men who served in the armed forces may be thinking of the statements being made by Kirby, Milley, and others about Israeli military conduct and comparing it to US military adventures in Iraq and Afghanistan. We'll also discuss the $320 million dollar boondogle that was the Gaza pier project and how that's ended on a rather sour note. In the second segment of the program, James R. Webb, son of Sen. Jim Webb and a former combat veteran in the Iraq War and Marine service infantryman from 2005-2010, returns to offer his own commentary on Kirby's comments, the Gaza war, reports of Israeli soldier's taking lewd pictures of themselves posing with stolen Palestinian Gazan women's underwear, the nature of atrocities and how they happen in warfare, lack of discpline as a driving factor in atrocities, the slogan that "Israel is the most moral military in the world" above and beyond the US military, Benjamin Netanyahu's lack of strategy in the current war, how atrocities and mass civilian casualties can create future security threats/terrorist threats, the IDF, Jim's experiences in Ramadi, a rather funny anecdote about Jim's father's reaction to the Rambo movie sequels, misperceptions about American military veterans, Fallujah and use of excessive force/brutality in war, and much, much more!
Mon, June 03, 2024
A Comprehensive Look At the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict & Where It Is Headed w/ Hussein Ibish
On this edition of Parallax Views, a MASSIVE, wide-ranging conversation with Hussein Ibish, a Senior Resident Scholar at The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington and a contributor to publications like The Atlantic and the UAE's The National, that delves into the history of the Israel/Palestine conflict and where it is headed. We go through the diplomatic failures, the formation of Israeli and Palestinian national identities, the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush era efforts to bring about a political solution, the 2000 Camp David Summit and its controversies, the ongoing Occupation by Israel of Palestinian territories since 1967, the BDS movement and why Hussein considers "Divestment" to be where activists should focus their energies as opposed to "Boycott" and "Sanctions", the two-state solution vs. the one-state solution, riparian rights (ie: issues related to water) concerns related to a two-state solution, the rise and fall of the American Task Force on Palestine, Condoleezza Rice's forgotten approach to Israel/Palestine in the Bush years, Elliot Abrams and how pushes for a two-state solution have been diminished by shifting focuses of administrations over the years, Israeli and Palestinian competing narratives over 1948 (for one it meant independence; for another it meant destruction and the "Nakba" or "Catastrophe"), Hamas and the psychology of rage in Gaza, the Israeli operation in Rafah, cycles of violence, Israeli obstinance and the one-state reality, Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud Party, the Gaza War, terrorism and how Israel's current approach is creating a recruitment boom for Hamas, the power asymmetry in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), the potentially for explosive violence in the West Bank to lead to an ethnic cleansing campaign, Hussein's close friend the late Christopher Hitchens and Hitchen's stance on Palestine, and much, much more. A note that this was recorded on 5/29/24.
Thu, May 30, 2024
The ICC, ICJ, and Israel/Palestine w/ Heidi Matthews/A History of Foreign Bribery from Koreagate & Abscam to the Recent Indictments of Sen. Menendez & Rep. Cuellar w/ Brett Heinz
On this edition of Parallax Views, Osgoode Hall Law School of York international law scholar Prof. Heidi Matthews joins us in the first segment to discuss the ICC (International Criminal Court) and its announcement that it will seek arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders like Yahya Sinwar in relation to the Gaza War. We get into the nitty gritty of what this means for Israel/Palestine and discuss issues such as genocide, war crimes, the breaking news that Israeli intelligence has been engaged in a nearly decade long covert war against the ICC , the massacre in Rafah, international humanitarian law and international criminal law, and much, much more. In the second segment of the show, Quincy Institue for Responsible Statecraft intern Brett Heinz joins the show to discuss his Responsible Statecraft piece "Foreign bribery in Congress: 'The way business is done'?" as well as the Quincy brief he co-wrote with Ben Freeman entitled "Subsidizing the Military-Industrial Complex: A Review of the Secretary of Defense Executive Fellows (SDEF) Program" . Recently, two Congressmen, Rep. Henry Cuellar and Sen. Bob Menendez, were indicted on charges of foreign bribery. But that's only the tip of the iceberg, argues Brett Heinz. We look at foreign bribery scandals from Koreagate to Abscam up to the present day and Heinz offers insight into what is needed to combat this problem in the halls of Congress and the political system in America more broadly.
Wed, May 29, 2024
The Uncommitted Campaign & Student Encampments w/ Elektra Kostopoulou and Kale Yost
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Uncommitted movement, which seeks to push Democratic voters to vote "Uncommitted" rather than "Joe Biden" in the Democratic primaries over Biden's policies on Israel/Palestine and the Gaza War, has been in the news lately alongside the student encampments and Gaza War protests. The movement has garnered much criticism, but what's it all about? Uncommitted New Jersey's Elektra Kostopoulou and Rutgers University graduate and student encampment participant Kale Yost joined me on this edition of the show for a free-flowing dialogue about the Uncommitted campaign and the student encampments that are in making headlines.
Sun, May 26, 2024
The "Day After" in Gaza is Today, the "Day After" in Gaza is Yesterday: The Failures of U.S. Diplomacy and the Legacy of Israeli Policy Since 1967 w/ Geoffrey Aronson
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Middle East Institute's Geoffrey Aronson returns to the program to discuss his Responsible Statecraft article "There is no 'plan for Palestine' because Israel doesn't want one" . Also relevant to this conversation is a piece I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading that Geoffrey wrote for his Substack entitled "The Second War for Palestine" . Elements of that Substack piece are covered here, but there's more in there that we couldn't get to in our time together. The majority of this conversation deal with the United States under the Biden administration's talk of the needs for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict with the creation of a Palestinian state, presumably administred by the Palestinian authority. Problem is, according to Aronson's analysis of the history, that Israel doesn't want that. Thus U.S. talk of the "Day After in Gaza" scenario becomes irrelevant because Israel, whether under Benajmin Netanyahu or a potential successor like Benny Gantz, is not interested in the advice the U.S. is offering. We will also delve into Israeli strategy since 1967, with a particular focus on the words and thinking of the late Foreign Affairs Minister of Israel Moshe Dayan. We'll talk about the failure of the Oslo process, how the day after in Gaza looks like both today and yesterday, the "Three Wars" Israel is fighting right now, the West Bank, strategies of management vs. seeking a long-term solution, Islamist movements like Hamas and the strategy of dividing Palestinians, and much, much more.
Thu, May 23, 2024
The State of the Israeli Psyche and Society w/ Ori Goldberg
On this edition of Parallax Views, Israeli commentator Ori Goldberg, who has become well-known since the Gaza war began for his criticisms of Netanyahu and the state, or mindset, of Israeli society since October 7th. In a previous life he was a Middle East scholar who specialized in studying Iran. We start the conversation off with that as Ori gives his thoughts on the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and comments on the adaptability of the Islamic Republic in face of crisis. From there we shift to a conversation about the state of Israeli society today. Before October 7th much was made about the internal divisions in Israeli political life that has been summed up as a battle between a secular state of Israel vs. a religious state of Judea embodied by the far-right coalition created by Benjamin Netanyahu. Then the Hamas attack of October 7th happened. And in Ori's estimation it has led to a surfacing of something almost mythical in regard to the Israeli identity. In the course of our conversation Ori attempts to articulate the mindset that and structural make-up of Israeli society and the Israeli psyche. This leads us to a discussion of supremacist beliefs in Israeli society and how Israel sees itself in relation to the world. He argues that his country must go through a reckoning and transformation for a viable future. But he does not argue this from the frame of a mundane political analysis. Rather he seeks to offer what he believes is an intimate and intense portrait of Israel at this moment. Ori will also offer his thoughts on the dehumanization of Palestinians in Israel and how the process dehumanization degrades and dehumanizes even the perpetrator of it. Finally he comments on his statement that, in Israel, "Palestinian blood has become cheaper than air." Ori paints a grim picture of where Israel is at as a society, but maintains that he is optimistic about change and transformation.
Tue, May 21, 2024
Analysis of ICC Charges, Regional Dynamics in the Gaza War, Abbas as an Obstacle to Palestinian Unity, Long-Term Israel-Palestine Resolution, & Israel's AI War Machine w/ Mouin Rabbani
On this edition of Parallax Views, noted Dutch-Palestinian Middle East analyst and Jadaliyya magazine co-editor Mouin Rabbani took time out of his busy schedule to discuss a number of topics related to the Gaza War and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict more broadly. We begin the conversation by delving into the news of the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli leaders as well as Hamas leaders like Yahya Sinwar. From there we branch out into a discussion of Mouin's contribution to the recent OR Books anthology DELUGE: Gaza and Israel from Crisis to Cataclysm . In this regard, Mouin delves into the regional dynamics at play with regard to the Gaza War and argues that the often-repeated analysis that Hamas committed the Oct 7th attack in order to sabotage Saudi-Israeli normalization is in fact wrong. He'll also discuss his analysis of what he believes were the motivations behind the Oct 7th attack. Additionally, Mouin and I discuss the issue of propaganda and how to cut through it when examining the Israel/Palestine conflict, the two-state solution's feasibility, prerequisites for a long-term solution to the broader conflict, Israel's us of artificial intelligence in warfare, the Palestinian Authority's Mahmoud Abbas as an obstalce to ending Palestinian divisions, and more.
Mon, May 20, 2024
Israel/Palestine & the Myths and Realities of the 2000 Camp David Summit w/ Prof. Jeremy Pressman
On this edition of Parallax Views, the University of Connecticut's Prof. Jeremy Pressman, Director of Middle East Studies at UConn and author of The Sword is Not Enough: Arabs, Israelis, and the Limits of Military Force , joins the show to discuss the myths of the 2000 Camp David Summit and Taba talks. During recent appearances in media programs such as Morning Joe w/ Joe Scarborough , former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton brought up the old trope that "the Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity" that is often invoked when discussing PLO leader Yasser Arafat and the 2000 Camp David Summit. This is used to say that Arafat failed the Palestinian people and "rejected an offer". It's also a talking point used to justify use of military force rather than pursuing a political solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. It forecloses on the possibility of a diplomatic solution or peace being achieved by saying the Palestinians are "not ready" for peace. Prof. Jeremy Pressman wrote a researched, footnoted piece entitled "Visions in Collision: What Happened at Camp David and Taba?" that pushes back on this oversimplified narrative of the Clinton-era diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Palestinians. We'll dig into all the different areas of the 2000 Camp David Summit as well as dealing with the pre-history of it, specifically the Oslo Accords and the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin. We'll also compared Camp David to the Abraham Accords, cycles of escalatory violence, land swaps and the two-state solution, the Confederation model and the arguments against the two-state solution, the power asymmetry between Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. concessions made by the Palestinians in negotiations, and much, much more.
Sat, May 18, 2024
The History of Communism in Israel/Palestine w/ Prof. Joel Beinin
On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. Joel Beinin joins the program to discuss his July 2023 972 magazine essay "A century after its founding, the Israeli Communist Party is at a crossroads" . In said essay, Prof. Beinin gives a history of Communism and the Communist Party in Israel/Palestine that offers an insight into how the Left dealt with issues such as Zionism, anti-Zionism, Arab nationalism, partition, imperialism, and colonialism as they related to Israel/Palestine and the Middle East during the 20th century. In our conversation Prof. Beinin will give a history on the Communist Party in Israel/Palestine that delves into the splits between Palestinian and Israeli in this history as well as how the Soviet Union, the Cold War, the aftermath of the Holocaust, Egyptian President Abdel Nasser and Arab anticommunism, the formation of Hadash (The Democratic Front for Peace and Equality) in Israel, the Suez Crisis of 1956, the Communist Party successful mobilization against Israeli Minister of Agriculture Moshe Dayan's proposed Consolidation of Lands Law in the 1960s, and more. We'll also discuss the failings of the Communist Party in Israel/Palestine and the lessons that can be gleaned from those failings for the Left today in regard to Israel/Palestine.
Thu, May 16, 2024
A Former Advisor to Palestinian Negotiators Weighs in on Israel/Palestine, Gaza, the West Bank, UNRWA, and More w/ Leila Hilal
On this edition of Parallax Views, Leila Hilal, an international human rights lawyer and the former co-director of the New America Foundation Middle East Task Force, joins the show to discuss her experiences as an advisor to Palestinian negotiators, Israel/Palestine, Israel's assault on Gaza, the situation in the West Bank and settler violence, misunderstandings about UNRWA, the U.S.'s refusal or inability to reign in Israel during this war, dynamics of extremism and containment, Yasser Arafat and the PLO in the era of the Oslo Accords, risks of regional war and the recent confrontation between Israel & Iran, the role of the Arab world in Israel/Palestine going forward, the "Palestinian Never Miss an Opportunity to Miss an Opportunity" trope and dehumanization of Palestinians, the recent settler attack on an aid truck, the one-state reality and Palestinians' struggle for bare life survival/search for dignity in the West Bank, the Second Intifada's effect on Palestinians and Israelis, and much, much more.
Tue, May 14, 2024
Author Rifk Ebeid On Writing Palestinian Children's Books, Palestinian Identity & Narratives, & Her Animated Children's Short Film I AM FROM PALESTINE
On this edition of Parallax Views, Palestinian children's books author Rifk Ebeid, author of Baba What Does My Name Mean?: A Journey to Palestine , You Are the Color , and Birthday Kunafa , joins the show to discuss her books, Palestinian identity and experience, and her animated children's short I Am From Palestine . We'll also discuss how one of her books was censored a Philadelphia library, the need for Palestinians to know their stories and identity, suppression of Palestinian identity, positive and negative feedback she's gotten on her children's books, thoughts on the Gaza protests, centering Palestinian voices, the Nakba ("The Catastrophe" or 1948 Palestinian expulsion) and the Naksa ("The Setback" or the 1967 Palestinian expulsion), Rifk's awareness of her Palestinian identity even going back her early childhood, Ron DiSantis and Republican book banning efforts, the absurdity of being theatened by a children's book, Rif's work in speech language pathology, censorship, and a number of other topics.
Tue, May 07, 2024
Understanding Israel/Palestine at This Crucial Juncture w/ Khalil Sayegh
On this edition of Parallax Views, Israel has commenced its operation in Rafah. As this was happening I was interviewing Khalil Sayegh, a D.C.-based Palestinian Christian who was born and raised in the Gaza Strip. Khalil is also the co-founder and President of the Agora Initiative, a non-profit that works to promote democracy in the Middle East. Khalil gives a crash course in the Palestinian perspective on Israle/Palestine in the course of our conversation starting with a discussion of his own background and experiences as a Palestinian who grew up in Gaza. We also end up discussing issues related to how the Palestinian cause, the quest for Palestinian self-determination, can advance forward in these turbulent, uncertain, and grim time of war and bombardment. Among the topics covered are: the need for external pressure to be put on Israel, Israeli obstinance on a two-state solution, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, Marwan Barghouti, Zionism and anti-Zionism, diplomacy, the Occupation, the West Bank, the shrinking Israeli left, Benjamin Netanyahu, the problem with thinking that a figure succeeding Netanyahu such as Yair Lapid or Benny Gantz will immediately lead to optimal outcomes, the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement, the Nakba and Palestinian displacement, Israeli maximalism, and much, much more!
Mon, May 06, 2024
Israel and Attacks on Writers & Journalists w/ Jordan Elgrably/Israel Vs. Al Jazeera & the Implications for Press Freedom w/ Kevin Gosztola/Reflections on the Protests Past & Present w/ Jonah Raskin
On this edition of Parallax Views, we've got a trouble feature. First, Jordan Elgrably of the Marza Review and editor of the new volume Stories from the Center of the World: New Middle East Fiction joins the show to discuss Israel and attacks on writers and journalist past and present who forward Palestinian perspectives. We'll also talk about Gaza as a laboratory for laboratory for repressive, surveillance technologies that are then later used in the U.S.; racist depictions of Arabs and Palestinians in U.S. media and the professional Islamophobia industry; social media, the attacks on TikTok, and the way social media has advanced Palestinian perspectives; the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh; and much, much more! In the second segment of the show, reporter Kevin Gosztola from The Dissenter joins us to discuss his latest article "Israel Could Ban Other Media After Banning Al Jazeera" . We discuss the raid of Al Jazeera and the 45-day band being placed on the news organization shortly after World Press Freedom Day. In the third and final segment of the show, Jonah Raskin, a legendary figure from late 60s/70s left-wing counterculture and activism, speaks with us about his Counterpunch op-ed "Columbia Protests Now and in ‘68" . What are the parallels between the days of rage that were the 1960s and 1970s, when FBI COINTELPRO thought to disrupt student activism and the National Guard was sent in to put down protesters in what became known as the Kent State Massacre, and the incredible moment of protest arising on today's college campuses around the issue of Gaza?
Fri, May 03, 2024
Reporting on the UCLA Protests w/ Mel Buer/Congress Passes the Antisemitism Awareness Act w/ ADC's Chris Habiby/The Campus Protests, Antisemitism Awareness Act, & Related Issues w/ Richard Silverstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, a triple feature on campus protests and the Antisemitism Awareness Act that just passed Congress. First up, Mel Buer, a staff writer for the The Real News, joins us hot off her Democracy Now appearance to discuss her on-the-ground experiences and reporting on the UCLA Gaza protests. Then, Chris Habiby joins the show to discuss the Antisemitism Awareness Act bill that just passed in Congress and other legislation that could muffle Palestinian and Arab voices in America. And, finally, Richard Silverstein of the Tikun Olam blog joins returns to discuss the campus protests and what he refers to as the powerful backlash alliance against them, the ADL's Jonathan Greenblatt, Bill Aickman, Israel-Russia relations and the Russian oligarchs in Israel, his message to liberal Zionists, and much, much more.
Tue, April 30, 2024
Academic Freedom, Viewpoint Discrimination, and Israel/Palestine w/ Jodi Dean
On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. Jodi Dean, who was recently relieved of teaching duties after the publication of her Verso blog post "Palestine speaks for everyone" on April 4th, 2024. In said piece she described the sight of Hamas paragliders breaking through Israel's air defenses to get into Israel as "exhilarating". Although many have condemned her blog post, even a number of commentators who disagree with her, chief among them Sohrab Ahmari of Compact Magazine, have argued that relieving Dean of her academic duties amounts to viewpoint discrimination that goes against standards of academic freedom. This is the basis for the conversation. This is sure to be one of the most controversial episodes of Parallax Views to date. I encourage my listeners to read Dean's original blog post as well as the piece it was responding to: Judith Butler's October 19th, 2023 London Review of Books essay "The Compass of Mourning" . Another piece that I would argue is necessary reading for this episode is Judith Butler's response to Jodi Dean that is also at Verso's blog entitled "There Can Be No Critique" . My primary reason for reaching out to Prof. Dean was in regard to academic freedom and the issue of viewpoint discrimination. If speech has ideational content, it should be debated freely in the halls of academia no matter how much we may disagree with said content. Since October 7th, I have strived to be sensitive when discussing anything related to Israel/Palestine especially as someone who has friend in both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It is my hope that listeners will engage with me in respectful dialogue and critique of this episode but also my episodes in general. Your feedback is welcome.
Fri, April 26, 2024
The Turbulent World - April 2024 Update on Iran & Israel, Gaza Protests, Extreme Rhetoric in Israel, Israel's Information War, Benjamin Netanyahu, and More w/ James M. Dorsey
On this edition of Parallax Views, Middle East scholar Prof. James M. Dorsey of The Turbulent World w/ James M. Dorsey Substack blog returns for another update on the situation of Israel/Palestine and the broader Middle East. This hour and a half conversation delves into many different areas including: - The Gaza War - Violence in the West Bank - The past month of tensions between Iran and Israel starting with Israel's attack on an Iranian consulate compound and Iran's strike in response; the Biden administration's response to the Iran attack; the 7-year-old Bedouin girl injured in the Iranian strike - The U.S. foreign policy establishment and Iran hawks - The Gaza protests at Columbia University and other campuses around the U.S. - Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his policy on Palestine, and related matters related to Bibi - Will the situation of Gazans really fundamentally change in a post-Netanyahu Israel? - Khan Younis mass graves allegations - UNRWA situation and Israel's information war (which Dorsey argues Israel is losing) - The different flavors of both Zionism and anti-Zionism; militant anti-Zionism vs. conciliatory anti-Zionism - The genocide discourse, legal definition of genocide, and war crimes/human rights violations - Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Hamas, and the Arab street - Nancy Pelosi's conspiracy theory about Gaza protests being tinged by the influence of foreign powers - Personal anecdote from James about an experience he had involving Zbigniew Brzezinski and Iran - Extreme rhetoric within Israel, especially amongst elements in Israel's army and amongst religious leaders; Rabbi Mali's comments suggesting the Israel kill Palestinian women to prevent the births of future Palestinian boys - And much, much more
Wed, April 24, 2024
Dear Palestine: A Social History of the 1948 War w/ Prof. Shay Hazkani
On this edition of Parallax Views, the University of Maryland's Prof. Shay Hazkani, a former Israeli journalist turned historian, joins the show to discuss the major themes of his book Dear Palestine: A Social History of the 1948 War and documentary The Soldier's Opinion in light of the Gaza War, settler violence in the West Bank, and the October 7th Hamas attack. Prof. Hazkani provides a fresh, illuminating perspective on the 1948 Arab-Israeli War that contributes a great deal to discussion of Israel/Palestine. Specifically, he takes the approach of looking at how non-elites, especially soldiers, viewed/perceived the war compared to elites on both the Israeli and Arab sides of the conflict. We'll delve deep into this as well as Prof. Hazkani's battles with the Israeli Supreme Court over the fight to declassify documents in Israel's archives; how Prof. Hazkani's work overlaps with that of the Israeli New Historians like Benny Morris, Avi Shlaim, and Ilan Pappe (as well as how it differs from those works); propaganda and the mythologies of war (and how said propaganda and myths are generated); some of the myths that Prof. Hazkoni specifically busts in the book; the damage books like Joan Peters' From Time Immemorial have caused to properly understanding Israel/Palestine; the Arab Liberation Army; how then-recent American Jewish immigrants perceived events unfolding at the time compared to Jews who had immigrated prior; and much, much more. And yes, we will discuss all of this within the context of the current Gaza War and violence in the West Bank. Prof. Hazkoni will delve into his fears about what is transpiring currently, especially with regards to messianic right-wing elements in Israeli society like the Religious Zionists, as well as how the parallels between 1948 and today. All that and more on this must-listen edition of Parallax Views!
Tue, April 23, 2024
Columbia U Protests + the Kent State Massacre, Project Censored's State of the Free Press 2024, Forever Chemicals, & Remembering Daniel Ellsberg w/ Mickey Huff
On this edition of Parallax Views, Project Censored's Mickey Huff joins us to discuss Project Censored's State of the Free Press 2024, the media watchdog group's annual round-up of the most censored news stories in the United States. However, rather than just a straight rundown of this year's annual Project Censored offering, Mickey and I use this conversation to take the opportunity to discuss the recent controversy over the Columbia University pro-Palestinian Gaza protests, John Fetterman's comparing those protests to the Charlottesville "Unit the Right" rally, and Senator Tom Cotton calling for vigilante violence against protesters. With calls for the National Guard to be brought to Columbia University to put an end to the protests, Mickey and I reflect on the Kent State Massacre of 1970, the anniversary of which will be on May 4th. Additionally we'll discuss: - Mainstream media coverage of the Gaza war as well as the leaked New York Times memo telling journalists to avoid words and phrases like "genocide", "ethnic cleansing", and "occupied territories" when covering Israel/Palestine-related issues. - The importance of the right to protest to a functioning democracy - The lack of trust in corporate media and the worrying state of journalism today - Remembering Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg - Project Censored's coverage of PFAS or toxic "forever chemicals" and why this environmental story needs more coverage - And much, much more EDIT - NOTE: I used the term "outside agitators" at some point in the conversation when I was thinking more about isolated bad apples and agent provocateurs. Misuse of words on my part.
Wed, April 17, 2024
Applying the Lessons of the French Evisceration of Algeria to the Gaza War w/ Sean Tomilson
On this edition of Parallax Views, Sean Tomilson, a PhD candidate in Middle Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Arizona, a graduate of West Point, and a U.S. Army veteran, joins the show to discuss his March 2024 Responsible Statecraft piece entitled "What the French evisceration of Algeria has to do with Gaza today" . We'll discuss the "Philippeville massacre" of 1955 and the reaction to it during the Algerian War of Independence and its parallels with the October 7th Hamas attack and Israel's response to it. Sean argues that the military logic of "total victory" may not be achievable for Israel in Gaza and that there's many lessons to be gleaned from the French experience in Algeria in this regard. We'll also look at the systemic roots of both conflicts and the errors made strategically by France in regards to Algeria. What can this tell us about the Israel-Palestine conflict and how Israel has waged its military operations in Gaza since October 7th? Also, where does the logic of total victory lead and how can the brutal civilian causalities inflicted actually inflame future conflict? All that and more on this edition of Parllax Views.
Tue, April 09, 2024
Examining Biden's Policies on Economics, Gaza, and the Border Heading Into Election Season w/ Karen Dolan/How Autocrats Seek Power w/ Richard Abel
On this edition of Parallax Views, in the first segment Karen Dolan, a Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies who heads of said institute's Criminalization of Race and Poverty project, stops by to discuss Biden's policies in relation to the economy, the border/immigration, and Gaza/Israel-Palestine. In the course of this segment we'll delve into where Biden appears to be leaning into the progressive base's goals and where he is wildly out-of-step with the progressive base. During the conversation Karen and I go through her two most recent articles: "Parsing Biden’s 2024 State of the Union Address" and "Biden’s populist budget marks the overdue end of trickle-down economics" . Some of the key issues we cover our green energy policy, corporate price-gouging, inflation, child tax credits, the Pentagon budget, taxation of the wealthy, and more. In the second segment of the show, UCLA law professor Richard Abel, known for his work on apartheid South Africa (his work was even promoted by Nelson Mandela!), joins the show to discuss his trilogy of books on autocrats and autocracy. The third entry in this series Prof. Abel has penned is entitled How Autocrats Seek Power: Resisting Trump and Trumpism and deals heavily with the events of and leading up to the January 6th insurrection. We'll discuss a number of issues, have a respectful back-and-forth about the U.S.'s own relations with autocratic states that the U.S. consider allies, get Richard's thoughts on people who are conscientiously abstaining from voting for Joe Biden over Gaza, chat about Trump and conspiracy theories, and much, much more. Prof. Abel will also talk about his work criticizing the Bush and Obama administration during the War on Terror and why he considers Trump more dangerous than previous presidential administrations.
Fri, April 05, 2024
Inside the World of Deathmatch Wrestling w/ Mike Krueger
On this edition of Parallax Views, we delve into the controversial world of deathmatch wrestling with deathmatch wrestler Mike Krueger. For those unfamiliar with deathmatch wrestling, it is by far the most extreme variant of professional wrestling imaginable. When watching a deathmatch promotion like Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), Xtreme Pro Wrestling (XPW), Underground Empire Wrestling (UEW), or any number of others similar promotions you can expect to see things that you'd never see in a mainstream pro wrestling promotion like WWE. This includes wrestler diving off balconies into glass, wrestler being thrown into flaming tables, and competitors using objects like light tubes and barbed wire bats as weapons. It is, in other words, the "outlaw" form of pro wrestling that is often heavily criticized for it's blood-n-guts gruesomeness. And yet, deathmatch wrestling has cultivated a rather diverse audience. On one hand there's the "anti-woke" fans of Rob Black's notorious XPW. On the other there's Game Changer Wrestling, which has become popular especially with some in the LGBTQ+ community for its inclusiveness. Additionally, despite its violence, deathmatch wrestling also has some famous fans. The Muslim gonzo punk novelist Michael Muhammad Knight, for example, is on record as being a fan of legendary deathmatch wrestler Necro Butcher. And then there's the RackaRacka Brothers aka Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou, known for directing last year's A24-distributed sleeper horror hit Talk to Me , who are not only making a documentary on deathmatch wrestling, but have actually participated in deathmatches. And they aren't the only celebrities who have been involved in deathmatch wrestling. Actor David Arquette, known for the Scream movies (as well as his infamous stint in mainstream wrestling as the short-lived World Heavyweight champion of WCW), did a deathmatch with one of the genre's biggest names: Nick Gage. Additionally, rock stars like Glenn Danzig, Korn's Jonathan Davis, Slayer's Kerry King, and former Danzig bassist Josh Lazie as well as rap duo the Insane Clown Posse made appearances or were involved with XPW in the late 90s/early 2000s. The deathmatch performance art shows of New York's Casanova Valentine have gained the attention of punk rock and urban hipster youths at bars. And VICE has tackled the topic in multiple documentaries, most notably in in season 3 of the popular TV show Dark Side of the Ring's "The Ultra-Violence of Nick Gage" episode. Violent as it may be, deathmatch wrestling is, against seemingly all odds, arguably breaking through to the mainstream. The widely listened to Joe Rogan Experience podcast devotin
Wed, April 03, 2024
Is the U.S.-Israel Special Relationship a Strategic Liability? w/ Jon Hoffman
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jon Hoffman, policy analyst in defense and foreign policy at the Cato Institute, joins the show to discuss his Foreign Policy article "For America, Israel Is a Liability, Not an Asset" . Hot off his appearance on MSNBC discussing said article, Hoffman joined me to go further into the main points that he raises throughout the piece. Specfically, Hoffman argues that is time for the U.S. to reconsider its special relationship with Israel. He argues that it has become detrimental to both the U.S. and Israel. This is not, to say, however that Hoffman thinks we should have no relationship with Israel. Instead he argues, as other such as Matthe Yglesias have also done, that it is time for a normalization of the U.S.-Israel relationship. The current nature of the special relationship, he argues, does not serve American interests and does harm to U.S. foreign policy and stability in the Middle East. We delve into such issues as the Gaza War, Israel's lack of an endgame strategy beyond "eliminating Hamas" in regards to Gaza, fury against the U.S. and Israel by the Arab streets in the region, how unconditional support for countries like Israel and Saudi Arabia can undermine belief in the U.S.-led "international rules-based order", the nature of the U.S.-Saudi relationship and oil, the argument that Israel is the U.S.'s necessary "eyes and ears" in the Middle East, the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and pro-Israel lobbying efforts, how the special relationship may be empowering right-wing figures like Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu TO THE DETERIMENT of Israel itself (this is likely a key point for people who would dismiss Hoffman's piece as an anti-Israel screed; it isn't regardless of what one's views of Israel and the Gaza War are), what normalization of relations between the U.S. and Israel would look like, and much, much more.
Mon, April 01, 2024
"White Rural Rage" Book Receives More Criticism from a Scholar It Cited w/ Kristin Lunz Trujillo/Culture Warriors Push Propaganda About Haiti Crisis w/ Patrick MacFarlane
On this edition of Parallax Views, Kristin Lunz Trujillo, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of South Carolina, joins the show to discuss her Newsweek op-ed "'White Rural Rage' Cites My Research. It Gets Everything About Rural America Wrong" . Like previous guest Prof. Nicholas F. Jacobs , Trujillo has a critique of Paul Waldman and Tom Schaller's new book White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy . Given that the book has been covered in various media outlets as of late, Trujillo's critique seems relevant, especially as many Democrats and Democratic Party strategists may take the book to heart despite the problems with the way it cites research. Trujillo and I get into the problems with both the blanket demonization of rural America as well as the romanticization of it. We'll also delve into the problems with the books depiction of rural American politics, a subject that Trujillo specializes in researching. We'll look at the rural America in relation to Christian nationalism and QAnon conspriacy theories as well as delving into how media creates a certain image of rural America that flattens our understanding of rural Americans and their voting habits. All that and more on this edition of the show! In the second, short-but-sweet bonus segment of the show The Libertarian Institute's Patrick MacFarlane joins the program to discuss the right-wing culture warriors pushing stories about Haitian cannibal gangs in light of the crisis in Haiti and how these stories may not be true and actually serve as war propaganda. In particular we hone in on the claims around Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier as detailed in his article "Culture Warriors Spread Disinfo on 'Haitian Cannibals'" .
Fri, March 29, 2024
Prominent Jewish Americans Sign Letter Opposing AIPAC w/ Alan Minsky
On this edition of Parallax Views, last week a number of prominent Jewish Americans came together to sign an open letter voicing opposition to AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and its influence on both major American political parties. A statement in the leader reads, "Given that Israel is so isolated internationally that it could not continue its inhumane treatment of the Palestinians without U.S. political and military support, AIPAC is an essential link in the chain that holds in place the unbearable tragedy of Israel/Palestine. In coming U.S. elections, we need to break that chain in order to help free the people of Israel/Palestine to pursue peaceful coexistence." This open letter comes at a crucial time given Israel's war in Gaza and mounting concerns over the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians at this very moment. Prominent signees include actors Elliot Gould and Wallace Shawn, journalist Martin A. Lee, playwright Tony Kushner, and previous Parallax Views guests such as Ariel Gold, Dave Zirin, Mitchell Plitnick, and Samuel Moyn. Given AIPAC activities against progessive candidates in the Democratic Party, this letter should catch the eye of progressive voters and activists. Alan Minsky, executive director of Progressive Democrats of America and one of the main forces behind the letter, joins the show to discuss the letter, AIPAC, and related issues. Full text of the open letter below: A Statement from Jewish Americans Opposing AIPAC’s Intervention in Democratic Party Politics We are Jewish Americans who have varying perspectives. We’ve agreed to come together to highlight and oppose the unprecedented and damaging role of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and allied groups in U.S. elections, especially within Democratic Party primaries. We recognize the purpose of AIPAC's interventions in electoral politics is to defeat any critics of Israeli Government policy and to support candidates who vow unwavering loyalty to Israel, thereby ensuring the United States' continuing support for all that Israel does, regardless of its violence and illegality. Given that Israel is so isolated internationally that it could not continue its inhumane treatment of the Palestinians without U.S. political and military support, AIPAC is an essential link in the chain that holds in place the unbearable tragedy of Israel/Palestine. In the coming U.S. elections, we need to break that chain in order to help free the people of Israel/Palestine to pursue peaceful coexistence. In the same 2021-22 election cycle in which AIPAC endorsed Republican extremists and dozens of Congress members who’d voted against certifying Biden’s victory over Trump, the AIPAC network raised millions from Trump donors
Sun, March 24, 2024
Jonathan Glazer's Oscar Speech, Its Parallels to Vanessa Redgrave's 1978 Oscar Speech, & the Meaning of THE ZONE OF INTEREST w/ Corey Atad
On this edition of Parallax Views, freelance writer Corey Atad, who has written in such publications as Esquire, Slate, Hazlitt, and The Baffler, joins the show to discuss his piece in Welcome to Hellworld on Jonathan Glazer's Oscar speech and the reaction to said speech . Glazer decided to bring up the Gaza War when accepting the award for his Holocaust drama The Zone of Interest . He was accused of saying he was "refuting his Jewishness and the memory of the Holocaust" even though the clip was taken out of context. What he said was actually a commentary on the hijacking of Jewish identity and Holocaust memory for political purposes (which is what he sought to refute), a warning/call to resistance against dehumanization. As Glazer explained, he felt that Zone of Interest was not just a film about the past, but also the present. In other words: we need to be aware of where dehumanization has led in the past and where it could lead in the present. Glazer also made reference to Israel's Occupation of Palestinian territories during this speech. This has all sparked backlash and the aforementioned distortion of Glazer's words. A letter signed by at least a thousand people in Hollywood (some, like Jennifer Jason Leigh, recognizable, but many not) denouncing Glazer. Other, such as playwright Tony Kushner and the Auschwitz Memorial director Piotr Cywiński, have come to Glazer's defense. Corey joins the show to give his take on the speech as well as to offer his commentary on The Zone of Interest and relaying the tale of actress Vanessa Redgrave's 1978 Oscar speech which cause a similar controversy when she called out the extremist Jewish Defense League (referring to them as "Zionist hoodlums). We'll also delve into The Zone of Interest from the perspective of Hannah Arendt's "banality of evil" concept, Corey's criticism of The Zone of Interest , and the themes of alienation at the heart of The Zone of Interest 's story centered on Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss, his wife Hedwig, and their family against the backdrop of the Third Reich's exterminatory horrors. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Sat, March 23, 2024
Gaza War Update w/ Prof. James M. Dorsey
On this edition of Parallax Views, Middle East scholar Prof. James Dorsey, the man behind The Turbulent World w/ James M. Dorsey blog and Substakc, returns for a Gaza War update. We discuss the clans in Gaza that may or may not end up collaborating with Israel against Hamas and their own unsavory nature, the bombing of Gaza and its infrastructure like hospitals, Israel's information war, Benjamin Netanyahu, Joe Biden's vision for the Middle East and the political obstacles he faces, the 1948 war and what came after it, the two-state vs. one-state solution, and much, much more. NOTE: There's some audio crackle that couldn't be fixed in post on this episode. I hope you will find it listenable anyways.
Wed, March 13, 2024
Schaller & Waldman's "White Rural Rage" Thesis Misuses Data to Push an Unhelpful Narrative w/ Prof. Nicholas F. Jacobs
On this edition of Parallax Views, Colby College's Prof. Nicholas F. Jacobs, co-author with Daniel M. Shea of The Rural Voter: The Politics of Place and the Disuniting of America , joins the show to discuss his piece in The Daily Yonder entitled " New Book on Rural America Started with a False Conclusion, Then Looked for Evidence" . Jacobs offers a damning critique of the hot new book White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy by Paul Waldman and Tom Schaller. Waldman and Schaller's book, which has garnered a lot of media coverage in outlets like MSNBC and The Washington Post, posits that the biggest threat facing democracy is the rage of white rural voters who they are more bigoted, xenophobic, prone to anti-government violence, believing in conspiracy theories like QAnon, and more than other portions of the population. Jacobs isn't in the business of giving a defense of rural America. That's not his interest as an academic. He is, however, perturbed by claims made in Waldman and Schaller's book because, he argues they misuse data and survey research in a way that is harmful to discourse about the current American political landscape, voter attitudes, and the urban-rural divide. Moreover, he argues that Waldman and Schaller's books fan the flames of right-wing talking points about Democrats and resentment against rural populations. But most of all he focuses on the issues with the data itself that's presented in the book. Get ready for a blow-by-blow breakdown of White Rural Rage on this edition of the program.
Tue, March 12, 2024
Europe Must Look Beyond the U.S. for Its Future in a Changing World + Biden, Netanyahu, and the Gaza War w/ Amb. Patrick Theros
On this edition of Parallax Views, Amb. Patrick Theros of the Gulf International Forum returns to discuss his The National Herald op-ed "Europe Must Take Charge of Europe" . Amb. Theros argues that a combination of U.S. public attitudes on foreign policy (particularly amongst, but not limited to Republicans; namely, what Theros sees as the return of isolationist attitudes of the 1930s) and the U.S. foreign policy spreading itself too thin means that Europe must take charge of its own future going forward rather than relying on U.S. assistance. This gets into a discussion of NATO, the specter of another Trump Presidency in the U.S., France's President Emmanuel Macron and his vision for Europe, the Ukraine-Russia war, and much, much more. We'll also talk a bit about the war in Gaza, President Biden, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the latter half of the program. And we'll discuss isolationism vs. pro-restraint views in foreign policy, the issue of the U.S. not using diplomacy as a tool in its arsenal nearly enough, the disaster of Libya, and more. NOTE: Messed up on the Producer's Credits on this one and put an older version of it in. This has been rectified with the correct Producer's Credits.
Mon, March 11, 2024
The Death of Film Criticism and the Infantilization of Cinema (+ Oscar Talk) w/ Jim DiEugenio
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jim DiEugenio, writer of Oliver Stone's JFK Revisited and co-author of The JFK Assassination Chokeholds: That Prove There Was a Conspiracy , returns to discuss the death of film criticism as well as the rise of Marvel/DC superhero movies and what he judges to be their negative impact on the movie landscape. Although he's known to most as a JFK assassination researcher, Jim has also for many years been a film critic and has an insight into the golden era of film critics that included such names as Pauline Kael, Andrew Sarris, Dwight MacDonald, and John Simon among others. In the course of our conversation we talk about such classic films as Lawrence of Arabia , Sam Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch , Michael Antonioni's Blow-Up , and Bonnie and Clyde among many others. We'll discuss the Golden Era of New Hollywood from the mid-60s to the mid-70s and why Jim mourns the loss of this era of film and film criticism. Additionally, Jim will give his take on the latest Oscar-nominated movies like Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer , the Emma Stone vehicle Poor Things , and Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon . And he'll explain why he thinks the film critics Ebert and Siskel, with their show At the Movies , hurt film criticism. All that and much more!
Mon, February 26, 2024
The Islamophobia Network and the Israel-Palestine Discourse w/ Sahar Aziz and Mitchell Plitnick
On this edition of Parallax Views, ReThinking Foreign Policy's Mitchell Plitnick and Sahar Aziz of the Center for Security, Race, and Rights join the show to discuss their recent report Presumptively Antisemitic: Islamophobic Tropes in the Palestine-Israel Discourse . Sahar Aziz is the author of the book The Racial Muslim: When Racism Quashes Religious Freedom and has done extensive work on the issue of Islamophobia. Together with Mitchell Plitnick, known for his work on U.S. foreign policy related to Israel/Palestine, they are taking on the connection between Islamophobia and the silencing of Arab voices on the issue of the Israel-Palestine conflict. This has an impact on the Israel-Palestine discourse. We'll also delve into the forces at play in promoting Islamophobia and, more specifically, what is often referred to as the Islamophobia network in the U.S. In relation to all of this we will discuss the terrorist trope, Orientalism, President Joe Biden's approach to the Gaza War, and more.
Thu, February 22, 2024
Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America w/ Josie Riesman
On this edition of Parallax Views, Vince McMahon, the former chairman and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), was the most powerful man in all of professional wrestling (or, as he likes to call it, "sports entertainment"). Now though McMahon is completely out of WWE after horrific allegations of sex trafficking and abuse of a former employee, Janel Grant. It's not the first time controversy has follow McMahon or WWE. There's also the case of Rita Chatterton, a former WWE referee who accused McMahon of rape, and the ring boys scandal, in which WWE employees Mel Phillips and Terry Garvin (as well as Pat Patterson) were accused of being involved in a pedophile sex ring within the company. In lieu of the latest accusations, I reached out to Josie Riesman, author of the book Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America , to discuss McMahon and the wrestling empire he built over the years as well as how it relates to issues like robber baron-style capitalism and labor exploitation. We'll also, of course, discuss the sex scandals mentioned above as well as diving into the early history of Vince McMahon, who initially grew up in poverty with an abusive stepfather. Moreover, we'll delve into the relationship between Vince and his biological father Vince McMahon Sr. and how the book is also about father/son relationships. Other issues discussed include: - Vince McMahon Sr. (Vince's father) and the FBI tapes in which he threatens pro wrestler Dr. Jerry Graham - The issue of "independent contractor" status in pro wrestling and how it could be seen as labor exploitation - The wrestling term "kayfabe" and why Josie believe the concept needs to be studied outside of a pro wrestling cotnext; Josie's concept of neokayfabe, omerta in pro wrestling, and the "protect the business" dictum - Tom Cole and the ring boys scandal - Vince McMahon's wife, Linda McMahon - And much, much more!
Thu, February 15, 2024
BEST OF: The Enduring Legacy of V, the Hit Sci-Fi TV Series That Used the Alien Invasion Trope to Explore the Dangers of Fascism w/ Kenny Johnson
On this edition of Parallax Views, 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the release of V: The Original Miniseries. A two-part sci-fi television event that brought in around 33 million homes, V was ostensibly the story of reptilian alien invading earth to steal it's resources and turn the human population into a food source. However, beneath the surface it acted as a parable about how fascism and authoritarianism can take hold in a country. In fact, it was inspired by Sinclair Lewis' classic novel It Can't Happen Here and was initially not about malevolent extraterrestrial invaders at all. In this conversation we discuss how V came to be, the conspiracy theorists who take the miniseries and it's reptilian invasion literally and Kenny's response to them, V as a parable about fascism, Kenny's work with Vincent Price on An Evening With Edgar Allen Poe , what Kenny thinks of being compared to The Twilight Zone's Rod Serling due to his interest in sci-fi that deals with social issues, the TV how Alien Nation , the cast of V (which included such names as Marc Singer of The Beastmaster franchise, Robert Englund of Freddy Krueger fame, Jane Badler, Andrew Prine, and many others), the Holocaust and how it tied into the story of V, racism and diversity and the way those topics figured into V, Kenny's sequel novel to V entitled V: The Second Generation , the possibility of a big screen movie remake of the miniseries, looking back on V in the era of Trump (and anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theories), V's dealing with the topic of anti-science sentiments and how they can be damaging to society, the way in which V is about two powerful women (the heroine Juliet and the villainous reptilian alien Diana), the cinematic quality of V and its European theatrical release, the studio's lack of faith in V and belief that it's dealing with social issues of the time would be too intellectual for American audiences, and much, much more!
Sat, February 10, 2024
Israel/Palestine, the Gaza War, and Rebel Governance in the Middle East w/ Abdalhadi Alijla
On this editiion of Parallax Views, Writer and researcher Abdalhadi Alijla, author of Trust in Divided Societies and co-editor of Rebel Governance in the Middle East , joins the show to discuss his perspective on Israel-Palestine and the Gaza War from his perspective as both a researcher and writer on the region as well as someone who was born in Gaza. We'll also be discussing the aforementioned book Rebel Governance in the Middle East and examine groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Ajiljla will also look at the effect of the war on Israel as well as Palestinians, the response of the Global South to the war, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's strategy, the risks of regional war, how the war could have an impact on the U.S. Presidential election, Jordan and Egypt in relation to the current war, forced migration of Palestinians and Egyptian security concerns, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States (including most especially Qatar) in relation to the war, talk of the resettlement of Gazans by Israeli political figures, Israel's political scene and the Israeli far-right, one state vs two state solution, the IDs issued to Palestinians by Israel, the one state reality and the Occupation, the issue of human dignity in regards to Israel-Palestine, misperceptions about the Palestinian people and the specter of antisemitism, and more. NOTE: RECORDED 1/31/24
Tue, February 06, 2024
The Confederation Model Approach to Israel/Palestine w/ Josef Avesar
On this edition of Parallax Views, Josef Avesar of the Israeli-Palestinian Confederation joins the show to discuss not the one-state or two-state solutions to the Israel-Palestine conflict, but instead the Confederation approach to the issue. This is a very basic introduction to the Confederation model for Israel/Palestine that proposes a common government alongside Israeli and Palestinian governments. Hopefully, if this episode gains traction we can have another conversation with listener questions. In any case, it is important to think about ways that this issue can be solved. Especially in light of the October 7th Hamas attack AND the ensuing Gaza War that has seen Israel's bombing of Gaza kills tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians. After 75 years of war and conflict, Avesar argues that seeking peace is the realistic approach whereas the argument that peace is not possible is actually the naive approach. We will discuss all this and much more in this fascinating conversation. Although many argue that the Confederation model is a defacto one-state solution others argue that it's a compromise between the two-state solution and the one-state democratic solution. We'll get into Josef's views, his own views on Zionism, his debate with Alan Dershowitz about Zionism, the criticisms he's received over the confederation approach, the simulations that IPC does, and much, much more.
Tue, January 30, 2024
Free Your Mind!: Giovanni 'Tinto' Brass, 'Swinging London' and the 60s Pop Culture Scene w/ Simon Matthews
On this edition of Parallax Views, Simon Matthews, author of Free Your Mind!: Giovanni 'Tinto' Brass, 'Swinging London' and the 60s Pop Culture Scene , joins the show to discuss the life and career of European filmmaker Tinto Brass. Brass is perhaps most well-known today for his erotic/softcore features as well as the epic, star-studded effort Caligula (starring Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren among others), that was re-edited at the behest of Penthouse's Bob Guccione to the point of butchering Brass' original vision. Matthews, however, hones in on the works of Brass as they relate to the the era of mod culture in the days of London's swinging 60s. With a foreward by the legendary actor Franco Nero, Free Your Mind! explores such Brass efforts as Nerosubianco (aka Attraction ), The Howl , The Vacation , and The Dropout and their relation to 60s pop culture and counterculture. We'll also be discussing such Tinto Brass movies as the controversial Salon Kitty about Nazi Germany (part of the Nazi chic boom of the 60s/70s film industry), the spaghetti Western Yankee , and Brass in relation to contemporaries like Russ Meyer and John Waters. We'll look at the politics of Tinto Brass and why his filmography, especially in Britain, has been overlooked. If you're unfamiliar with Tinto Brass this will fill you in on an interesting auteur in the world of filmmaking who hasn't gotten his proper due despite working with heavyweight actors like Vanessa Redgrave and the aforementioned Franco Nero. We'll also discuss the unmade films of Tinto Brass including the adaptation of Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange that he almost made and a project that never materialized with Jim Morrison of the legendary rock 'n' roll band The Doors. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Fri, January 26, 2024
The Future of Israelis & Palestinians Are Intertwined: Peter Beinart on His Belief in a Single Democratic State, Gaza, and More
On this edition of Paralalx Views, Peter Beinart, the Editor-at-Large for Jewish Current and author of The Beinart Notebook Substack, joins the show to discuss his views on Israel/Palestine amidst the war in Gaza. In his 2020 Jewish Currents article "Yavne: A Jewish Case for Equality in Israel-Palestine" , Beinart definitively moved on from his two-state solution position on Israel/Palestine by declaring, "The two-state solution is dead. It’s time for liberal Zionists to abandon Jewish–Palestinian separation and embrace equality." In other words, he became a proponent of a One Democratic State solution for Israel/Palestine that advocates equal rights for Palestinians and Israelis alike. Beinart's positions sent shockwaves through the Israel/Palestine discourse due to his high-profile as a journalist and commentator. He joined me on this edition of the show to discuss why he sees the fates and futures of Palestinians and Israeli Jews as being intertwined. We'll discuss how he came to his positions and his own intellectual evolution as well as his writings addressing subjects like the American Jewish Establishment (no, he's not talking about an antisemitic conspiracy theory, but rather the institutions that make up the American Jewish community), the dual loyalty trope, antisemitism, anti-Palestinian bigotry, and much, much more. And, of course, amidst this discussion the issue of the war in Gaza and Israel's bombardment of Gaza, which has claimed an estimated 25k+ Palestinian lives, after the October 7th Hamas attack will be part of the conversation. Peter will also offer his thoughts on pushes for a ceasefire, the beliefs of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, what he believes needs to change about U.S. policy on Israel/Palestine, and a potpourri of other topics as well.
Wed, January 24, 2024
Diplomacy, Israel/Palestine, and the Action Biden Must Take on Gaza w/ Amb. Patrick Theros
On this edition of Parallax Views, retired diplomat Patrick Theros, who served as the United States Ambassador to Qatar from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a Strategic Adviser for Gulf International Forum, joins the show to discuss Israel/Palestine and the war in Gaza from a diplomat's perspective and his Responsible Statecraft piece "Who’s the superpower around here?" . We discuss what Biden must do in this situation not just for the sake of Palestinians, but also Israelis. Theros argues that if a President isn't willing to take the risk of making difficult decisions then what is the point of being President. He also laments the lack of diplomatic thought in approaching the Middle East arguing that you have to understand the perspective of the various players in the region and in many cases people do not do this. We also discuss how the GCC Gulf states have responded to the Gaza war, Iran in relation to the Gaza war, actions of past presidents like Eisenhower and HW Bush in regard to Israel/Palestine, Bill Clinton and Camp David 2000 (and the often repeated but contested claim that Arafat turned down a fair and generous offer), and much, much more.
Tue, January 23, 2024
The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War w/ Jeff Sharlet
On this edition of Parallax Views, last month I spoke to journalist Jeffrey Sharlet, known for his books on the Christian Nationalist movement ( The Family and C Street ; the former has been made into hit Netflix documentary miniseries), to discuss his latest work The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War . The book is a series of essays exploring the chaotic moment that Sharlet calls the "Trumpocene" and delves into everything from the January 6th insurrection and death of Ashli Babbitt to the Men's Rights Movement. Given he New Hampshire primary on January 23rd, I felt that now was the perfect time to release this prescient conversation. In this conversation we cover a number of topics including: - The "F Word"; or fascism - The rise of the far-right in the U.S. and its global ascendancy - Trump and Gnosticism; Jeff's citing of the Gnostic poem "Thunder Perfect Mind" in relation to the Trump/MAGA movement phenomena - Jan 6th and the death of Ashli Babbit; what drove Ashli Babbit into Trumpism and the MAGA movement? - QAnon and the power of narratives in mobilizing the American right-wing - Revisiting Jeff's groundbreaking journalism on The Family, C Street, the Council for National Policy (CNP), and Christian Nationalism - Christian Nationalism and Trumpism as radical reinterpretations of Christianity; the Church itself as not being the be-all-end-all of Christian Nationalism (it's much bigger than that) - Jeff's experiences reporting on the MRA movement and the ways in which they start with some true observations (men have high suicide rates, custody issues, etc.) that are chucked away in favor of misogny and all-out attacks on feminism (even though some of their initial observations can also be found amongst feminist works such as Susan Faludi's Stiffed: The Betrayal of the American Man ) - And more!
Mon, January 22, 2024
Israel, Democracy, Israeli Public Opinion Polling/Surveys, and the Confederal Approach to Israel/Palestine w/ Dahlia Scheindlin
On this edition of Parallax Views, Israeli pollster, political consultant, and political scientist Dahlia Scheindlin joins the show to discuss a number of topics ranging from the war in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian to her new book The Crooked Timber of Democracy in Israel: Promise Unfulfilled . Dahlia is also one of the main voices that has written about the confederation approach to Israel/Palestine. We will discuss what the confederation approach is, why Dahlia doesn't believe it is a one-state solution by another name (and why it actually fits into a two-state solution approach for the 21st century), how it could potentially work (especially in regard to Jerusalem) and the promise Dahlia finds in it, and more. Dahlia will also discuss her polling/survey research on Israeli public opinion, her work with Palestinian pollsters, and Israeli public opinion of the Occupation.
Thu, January 18, 2024
What History Says About How the Gaza War Will End w/ Ian Lustick
On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. Ian S. Lustick, author of Paradigm Lost: From Two-State Solution to One-State Reality , returns to discuss his TIME Magazine op-ed "History Tells Us How the Israel-Hamas War Will End" . Looking back at previous Israeli wars, such as the Israeli-Lebanon war of 2006, Prof. Lustick discusses what he believes will bring about the end of the current war and how the U.S. and President Biden will factor into the equation. He also gives a history lesson the trajectory of Zionist/Israeli political thought over the years, with a particular focus on comparing and contrasting Revisionist Zionist Ze'ev Jabotinsky and the party seen as his ideological heir, Likud (currently led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu). Israel, he argues, has moved beyond a key element of Jabotinsky's "Iron Wall" strategy for dealing with Israeli-Arab/Israeli-Palestinian hostilities. NOTE: THIS WAS RECORDED BEFORE SEN. BERNIE SANDERS' BID TO PROBE ISRAEL OVER HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS (noted because this is mentioned at the end of the interview)
Wed, January 17, 2024
RFK Jr.'s Former Foreign Policy Advisor James R. Webb on Gaza, Risks of Regional War, Israel/Palestine, and U.S. Foreign Policy
On this edition of Parallax Views, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s former foreign policy advisor James R. Webb, son of Sen. Jim Webb, joins the show to discuss U.S. foreign policy, Israel/Palestine, Gaza, Yemen, Iraq, and the risks of the current Middle East turmoil escalating into a very nasty regional war. Webb recently resigned from RFK Jr.'s campaign over Gaza (you can read his resignation letter here ). James served a Marine infantryman from 2005-2010 and has worked on the Hill, bringing him into contact with politicians like Bernie Sanders and working with Rand Paul. He'll bring those experiences to this conversation.
Thu, January 11, 2024
The Sordid Saga of Jeffrey Epstein Revisited w/ Nick Bryant, the Reporter Who Published Epstein’s Little Black Book
On this edition of Parallax Views, Nick Bryant, the reporter who published Epstein's Little Black Book full of names and addresses of Epstein's associates, joins the show to discuss the sordid sagas of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in light of the recent unsealed documents related to the case. For some time now Bryant has been reporting on issues related to sexual political blackmail as cases of child sexual exploitation like the Jerry Sandusky scandal. In his first book, The Franklin Scandal: A Story of Powerbrokers, Child Abuse and Betrayal, Bryant delved into the murky waters of the Franklin Community Federal Credit Union scandal that included allegations of child prostitution rings being ran by then rising GOP star Lawrence E. King. As I note in the conversation, I found Bryant's book on the subject more substantial than the other well-known book on the topic, Senator John W. DeCamp's The Franklin Cover-Up: Child Abuse, Satanism, and Murder in Nebraska . Since that book, Bryant has also written or co-written two other books dealing with the phenomena of sexual political blackmail, The Truth About Watergate: A Tale of Extraordinary Lies & Liars and Confessions of a D.C. Madam: The Politics of Sex, Lies, and Blackmail (w/ Henry W. Vinson). He's also, as previously stated, played a role in drawing attention to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, like Maria Farmer and Virginia Giuffre, by publishing Epstein's little black book, writing a basic primer on the Epstein/Maxwell sagas for ScheerPost entitled "The Jeffrey Epstein Cover Up: Pedophilia, Lies, and Ghislaine Maxwell" , and directing the501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization Epstein Justice .
Tue, January 09, 2024
Dimes Square Demons w/ Matthew Gasda
On this edition of Parallax Views, playwright Matthew Gasda joins the show to discuss his Compact Magazine piece "Downtown Demons" about micro-celebrities and micro-cultures in New York went from rebellious parties during the pandemic to feeding political nihilism in the guise of far-right politics. Matthew is the author of the play "Dimes Square" and discusses the scene culture of Manhattan during the pandemic in this regard. Those with and interest in the culture and trollish politics that have emerged out of Manhattan in the past few years through podcasts, events, and Peter Thiel money, may want to give this a listen. Matthew argues that the trollish politics of the scene culture can evolve into something much more dangerous and bleak in the course of conversation and we also manage to tie-in the pro wrestling idea of "kayfabe" into our discussion of meme culture, micro-celebrity podcasters, and the like.
Thu, January 04, 2024
The Necessity of Exile: Essays from a Distance (On Zionism, Israel, Anti-Zionism, Jewish Identity, and More) w/ Shaul Magid
On this edition of Parallax Views, Shaul Magid, author of Meir Kahane: The Public Life and Political Thought of an American Jewish Radical , returns to discuss his latest book, The Necessity of Exile: Essays from a Distance . In said series of essays Shaul explores Jewish identity, Israel, Zionism, anti-Zionism, Jewish intellectual history, and more from a provocative but thought-provoking manner that even manages to delve into his own intellectual evolution going back to his youthful involvement in Israeli counterculture. At much of the core of the book are the questions: "Has Zionism exhausted itself?" and what exactly is the importance of Exile in Jewish culture and thought. We'll also delve into the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movements and the Jewish community's response to it, Shaul's critique of liberal Zionism, the idea of "counter-Zionism", the Gaza war and the October 7th Hamas attack, settler-colonialism and Shaul's critique of pro-Israel voices using the rhetoric of "freeing Palestinians from Hamas" since the war began, and much, much more.
Tue, January 02, 2024
The Curious Case of the Attack on Jerusalem’s Armenian Community (+ Discussion of the Occupation, the Two-State Solution, One-State Reality, and More) w/ Daniel Seidemann
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jerusalem-based attorney Daniel Seidemann, known for his participation in in numerous Track II talks on Jerusalem between Israelis and Palestinians, joins the show to discuss the plight faced currently by the Old City of Jerusalem's Armenian Christian community amidst the chaos Israel has found itself in since the October 7th Hamas attack and Israel's war in Gaza. It's a strange story of suspicious activities and subterfuge that, as Daniel notes, could be write out of a movie or a mystery crime-thriller novel. A shady real estate developer and other actors have brought about an existential crisis for those living in the Armenian Quarter. It's a complex tale that we'll unravel involving real estate, Jewish and Israeli-Arabs, the extremist settler movement, the nature of life in Jerusalem, and more. In addition, Daniel and I will talk about the two-state solution, why remains a two-stater, the need to end Israel's Occupation of Palestinian territories (and how the Occupation is harmful to Israel), the one-state reality, a meeting Seidemann had with John McCain in 2015, and much, much more.
Sun, December 31, 2023
The No-State Solution: A Jewish Manifesto w/ Prof. Daniel Boyarin
On this edition of Parallax Views, historian of religion Prof. Daniel Boyarin joins the show to discuss his fascinating book The No-State Solution: A Jewish Manifesto . A self-described "diasporic rabbinic Jew", Boyarin grapples with Jewish identity contra both Zionism and cosmopolitanism, in the process making a radical for a Jewish nationhood without the nation-state in the form of the Jewish diaspora. This conversation, recorded in October, is a fascinating conversation that delves into Boyarin's intellectual evolution from his early days supporting socialist Zionism to eventually abandoning Zionism altogether. In addition to discussing both Zionism and anti-Zionism, Boyarin expresses his skepticism of cosmopolitanism, at least as it is often thought of in Western capitalist society, as well as trying to discover a Jewish peoplehood that is distinct from Zionism. And yes, we do discuss the Oct. 7th Hamas attack and Israel's bombing of Gaza since that time which has now claimed over 20,000 Gazans lives. Boyarin will also give his thoughts on where he and his friend the philosopher Judith Butler converge as well as where they part ways, the ideas of Simon Dubnow and Jewish autonomism, his personal belief that Zionism has been a catastrophe for the Jewish people, the possibility of a nationalism that avoids the "poison" of the state, the importance of the Jewish diaspora to his book and its thesis, thoughts on the Jewish protests against Israel's bombardment of Gaza, and much, much more!
Fri, December 29, 2023
The Gaza War, Israel & the 1948 Expulsion of Palestinians, the Suppression of the Tantura Massacre, and More w/ Ilan Pappe
On this edition of Parallax Views, we dive into Israel/Palestine history, including such troubling topics as the Nakba (the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in 1948) and the Tantura Massacre (as well as it's suppression in Israel and Israeli academia), with noted historian Ilan Pappe. Alongside figures like Benny Morris and Avi Shlaim, Pappe was one of the Israeli "New Historians" who shed light on aspects of Zionist and Israeli history (specifically the founding of Israel) that challenged conventional/traditional narratives. Joining me as a guest co-host on this edition of the program is "Karl Barx" (or Bassam) of the West Bank Robbery podcast. The conversation begins with Prof. Pappe offering his thoughts on the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza which has claimed 20,000+ lives. We then delve into Prof. Pappe's journey away from political Zionism and taking a critical approach intellectually to the history of Israel and its policies. In this we regard, we end up discussing the impact of Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon, the first Intifada, and Prof. Pappe's service in the IDF. During the course of our conversation, we also cover: - Propaganda, dehumanization of Palestinians, and the ways in which propaganda lays upon layers of history - What has changed in Israeli narratives before the October 7th Hamas attack and now? - The argument that once Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud Party are gone the Israeli center or Israeli left will be able to change the Israel/Palestine situation in a radical way - Laying out the two camps within elite Israeli politics; the Israeli messianic far-right (the state of Judea) vs. secular Zionists (the state of Israel); how do Palestinians see the internal political dynamic between the two camps? - Prof. Pappe's archival work as a historian; the documents he went through showing evidence of the ethnic cleansing/expulsion of of Palestinians in 1948; declassification laws in Israel; the "Village Files" and their importance to Prof. Pappe's scholarship; suppression and reclassification of historical documents; the importance of copying and preserving documents; the importance of juxtaposing different archives - Plan Dalet or Plan D as the blueprint for the destruction of Palestinian villages and the expulsion of Palestinians in 1948; Direct Orders documentation and the specific importance of Order #40 of 1948 in relation to Israeli settlements and what is happening in Gaza today; the names of Israeli operations in the 20th century and why the specific names are important in regards to what they tells us about Israeli policy towards Palestinians
Thu, December 28, 2023
The Transformation of the Israel-Palestine Conflict and the Erosion of the Two-State Paradigm w/ Amb. Karim Haggag
On this edition of Parallax Views, Amb. Karim Haggag, Amb. Karim Haggag joins us to offer his thoughts and commentary on Israel/Palestine and the Gaza War with a particular focus on the transformation of the Israel-Palestine conflict over the past three decades, the dangers of the current moment, the divisions in the Palestinian national movement, the Israeli settlement project and the influence of the far-right in Israel, the existential narratives at work in both Israeli and Palestinian political and social life, and the erosion of the two-state solution paradigm. Karim Haggag served for twenty-five years in Egypt’s diplomatic corps, is a former Egyptian Press & Information Office Director, a professor of practice at the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the American University in Cairo, and co-managing editor of the Cairo Review of Global Affairs and director of Masters of Global Affairs. Other topics covered in the course of our conversation: - Israel's 2018 Jewish State Law, the rise of the messianic Jewish far-right in Israel and the mainstreaming of expulsioninist rhetoric in Israel, and Palestinians fears of a new Nakba (referring to the 1948 expulsion of Palestinians) - The Israeli intelligence ministry concept paper that lays out a program for pushing Palestinians from Gaza into Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and how Egypt & President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's objections to this plan - El-Sisi's core considerations: 1.) not wanting Egypt to be party to another expulsion of Palestinians (we discuss this in relation to criticisms arguing that Egypt simply doesn't want to accept refugees), 2.) the security threat potentially posed by such an expulsion (ie: if Gazans are pushed into the Sinai so too will Hamas) - Criticism of Israel's lack of clearly stated strategic goals in the current war beyond "the destruction of Hamas", the logic of Israel's previous "mowing the grass" military approach to the conflict in the past and its failure, and the maximalist approach Netanyahu is taking to the Gaza War - The failure Western diplomatic approach to the conflict and the assumption that there will be a "Day After" scenario where Hamas is destroyed - Entrenched divisions in the Palestinian national movement between Hamas and Fatah - The Camp David 2000 Summit that brought together Bill Clinton, Ehud Barak, and Yasser Arafat in peace talks; the narrative that Arafat passed up a "generous offer" from Israel - And much, much more!
Wed, December 27, 2023
The Israeli Bombardment of Gaza and Genocide w/ Raz Segal
On this edition of Parallax Views, we return after a Christmas break to continue coverage of the Gaza War and Israel/Palestine. In recent days Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, and publications like The Jerusalem Post have talked about plans for a "voluntary migration" of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and trying to get other countries in the region to "absorb" displaced Gazans. As comments like these continue to be made and the bombing of Gaza goes on, destroying the 25-mile strip of land and its infrastructure, Palestinians warn that this all amounts to a second Nakba, referencing the 1948 expulsion of Palestinians from their homes and society. Before the holidays, I spoke with Holocaust and genocide studies scholar Raz Segal, an Israeli historian, about a piece that he wrote in October 2023 for Jewish Currents entitled "A Textbook Case of Genocide" . Segal argues that Israel's action in Gaza do, in fact, amount to a genocidal assault on Gaza and that multiple statements from various Israeli officials shows the intent. This conversation should be especially relevant in light of Netanyahu's most recent statements. We discuss international law, Prof. Dov Waxman's criticism of Raz's Jewish Current piece, misunderstandings of what genocide is, settler colonialism, other genocides and ethnic cleansings in history, the protests against Israel's current approach to Gaza, and much, much more.
Wed, December 20, 2023
Israel/Palestine from a DSA Perspective w/ Yaseen Al-Sheikh/Further Thoughts on Gaza w/ Filmmaker and Activist Frank Barat
On this edition of Parallax Views, a double feature continuing our coverage of Israel/Palestine. First up, Democratic Socialists of America member and Jacobin contributor Yaseen Al-Sheikh (aka Y.L. Al-Sheikh) joins the show to discuss the DSA perspective on the Gaza War and Israel/Palestine. We'll also be hearing Yaseen's perspective as a Palestinian. And yes, we do cover the controversy around the DSA that has arisen in the media since the October 7th Hamas attack. On the second segment of the show, Bassam of the West Bank Robbery podcast joins as special guest co-host to speak with Belgium-based French author, filmmaker, and longtime pro-Palestinian activist Frank Barat. Frank has interviewed such influential figures as philosopher Judith Butler, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, and Israeli historian Ilan Pappe on issues related to Israel's bombing of Gaza and Palestinian liberation. Frank will talk about his involvement with the Palestinian cinema/film community, his work with the Russell Tribunal on Palestine, and more. Please check out Frank's work: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC71XS626j36e2HSXoEyJnBA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4frankbarat/
Mon, December 18, 2023
Israel’s Bombing of Gaza, Henry Kissinger’s Booger-gate Moment, Alexander Cockburn Vs. the Israel Lobby Revisited, & Sen. Bob Menendez Skullduggery w/ Ken Silverstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, muckraking journalist Ken Silverstein, the man who covers the seedy, sleazy side of beltway politics he calls "Washington Babylon, returns to discuss a potpourri of topics. We begin with a discussion of the Israeli bombardment of Gaza that has occurred in response to the Oct. 7th Hamas attack and has incurred a terrible loss of Palestinian civilian lives. Ken is openly calling it a genocide. We discuss why as well as his feelings about all of that has occurred in the past few months with regards to Israel/Palestine from his perspective as an antifascist Jew. We then switch to number of different topics including the role Ken played in publicizing and popularizing the now infamous photos of the recently deceased Henry Kissinger seemingly picking his nose in public and eating his boogers. We also revisit the story of Ken's late friend/collaborator, former Counterpunch head honcho, and Village Voice "Beat the Devil" columnist's Alexander Cockburn's troubles with the Israel Lobby. We look at this story in the context of criticism of Israel in the current day and fears of criticism being shutdown. Before closing out Ken tells us about his latest story for The New Republic, Did "Bob Menendez’s Donors Know They Were Paying for $64 Steaks?" , and how politicians live the luxurious high life thanks to the failures of campaign finance law.
Fri, December 15, 2023
Israel’s Failed Bombing Campaign in Gaza and the Logic of Terrorism w/ Prof. Robert A. Pape
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our coverage of the Gaza War and Israel/Palestine. Robert A. Pape, a Professor of Political at the University of Chicago specializing in international security studies (and author of such books as Cutting the Fuse: The Explosion of Global Suicide Terrorism and How to Stop It with James Feldman; Dying to Win: The Strategic Logic of Suicide Terrorism , Bombing to Win: Air Power and Coercion in War ) joins the show to discuss his Foreign Affairs piece "Israel’s Failed Bombing Campaign in Gaza: Collective Punishment Won’t Defeat Hamas" . We discuss why, based on Pape's research, the likely outcome of Israel's bombardment of Gaza, which has claimed thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians, will result in radicalizing more Palestinian/bolstering support for Hamas. We'll also discuss the problems with Israel's justification for the nature of it's bombing campaign (specifically its invocation of the Allied bombing of Dresden and Hamburg in WWII), the Israeli concept paper that argued for pushing Gazans into Egypt's Sinai, the bait-and-bleed strategy of terrorism (in which a violent non-state actor seeks to engender and extreme response from a state actor in order to bolster support for itself), the Abraham Accords, and much, much more.
Thu, December 14, 2023
Networked Tribal Warfare, Israel, and the Gaza War w/ John Robb
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our coverage of the Gaza War w/ guest John Robb, proprietor of the Global Guerrillas blog and author of The Next Stage of Terrorism and the End of Globalization . Robb has been arguing as of late that Israel has lost the information war long-term on Israel/Palestine and that this is due to the open-source, tribal network warfare employed by critics of the Israeli state. He points towards a dramatic shift in how those under the age of 40 view Israel. In other words, support for Israel among the youth is cratering. Robb will explain his views on networked tribalism which involves three key ingredients: empathy triggers, moral framing (tribal pattern matching), and fictive kinship. This, he says, has allowed critics of Israel to make gains in the information war over Israel/Palestine. We'll also discuss the issues of antisemitism, attempts to conflate antisemitism and antizionism, the campus free speech debate over free speech, American hedge fund manager Bill Ackman's crusade against pro-Palestinian campus activists, Candace Owens' hosting Norman Finklestein on her show, Ben Shapiro, how pro-Israel advocates could conceivably even lose segments of right-wing support, manufactured hate crime incidents, and much, much more.
Tue, December 12, 2023
Two Perspectives on Henry Kissinger w/ Michael Desch and Tim Shorrock
On this edition of the Parallax, we go over the life and career of controversial diplomat Henry Kissinger, who passed away at the age of 100 on November 29th, 2023. Although hailed by many in the U.S. Establishment as one of the most important minds in international relations and diplomacy through the 20th century, many on the Left (and even, as we shall see, some on the Right) take a more critical view of Kissinger. Namely, many left-wing activist and commentators, including, most famously, the late Christopher Hitchens, have argued Kissinger was a war criminal. In the first segment of the show, Michael C. Desch, Packey J. Dee Professor of International Relations at the University of Notre and founding director of the Notre Dame International Security Center, discusses Kissinger from an realist perspective. Kissinger, as anyone familiar with him will know, is often considered one of the prememinet realist school of international relations figures of the 20th century. Desch, however, argues otherwise making the case that Kissinger was only an "occassional realist". In this conversation we delve into what realism is, the rift between Kissinger and his realist mentor Hans Morgenthau over Vietnam, why Desch thinks realist's should look towards Morgenthau more than Kissinger for foreign policy realism, the accusation that realism is social darwinism applied to nation-states, conservatism and realist thought, a realist perspective on the overthrow of Chilean President Salvador Allende, the conflict between big L Liberalism and realism, the Thucydides quote "the strong do what they cand and the weak suffer what they must", balance of powers and realism as a theory of peace rather than war, and much, much more. In the second segment, journalist Tim Shorrock, Spies for Hire: The Secret World of Intelligence Outsourcing , returns to discuss Henry Kissinger and his bloodstained legacy in international relations and foreign policy from an anti-imperialist perspective, Tim offers a scathing critique of Kissinger's life and career from Kissinger's involvement in Vietnam, the bombing of Cambodia, the overthrow of Chilean President Salvador Allende, the East Timor massacre, and more. We'll also delve into Kissinger and President Richard Nixon opening up the U.S.-China relationship in the 1970s, which many assess as one of the more positive moments in Kissinger's career. We also delve into why Kissinger is so well-regarded in the U.S. Establishment. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Mon, December 11, 2023
The ADL’s Forgotten Spy Ring Scandal and the South African Apartheid Regime w/ Mark Ames
On this edition of Parallax Views, Mark Ames, journalist and co-host of the popular podcast Radio War Nerd w/ John Dolan (aka Gary Brecher), joins the show to discuss his 2014 NFSFWCORP piece "The Kings of Garbage, or, The ADL Spied on Me and All I Got Was This Lousy Index Card" . Due to his anti-apartheid activism at Berkeley, Mark Ames found out in the 90s that he'd been spied upon by the ADL. His file listed him marked him as a "Pinko". This leads us into the story of Roy Bullock, an investigator who spied on anti-Apartheid activists for the Anti-Defamation League and the South African apartheid regime. Working with SFPD intelligence officer Tom Gerard (who also had a spooky background involving CIA dirty wars in Latin America), Bullock was involved in all kinds of skullduggery, including a case that almost led to the murder of a Simon Wiesenthal Center researcher so that an ADL researcher could take his job and make some extra cash. It's a wild story that involves a spy ring within the ADL spying on American anti-apartheid activists. This also takes us into a discussion of how the Irwin Sewell and the ADL had dossiers on antifascist researchers like Chip Berlet of Political Research Associates, the relationship between Israel and South African apartheid, the ADL's shift from focusing on far-right movement like the John Birchers to left wing activists in Berkeley and Arab Americans, the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee and the car bombing assassination of Palestinian activist Alex Odeh, Abe Foxman (national director of the Anti-Defamation League from 1987 to 2015), the FBI (and LA Times?) vs. the ADL, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt's embrace of Elon Musk (and curious comments comparing him favorably to noted antisemite Henry Ford), ADL spying on black Americans like former Congressman Ron Dellums, the ADL as part of the National Security State, philosemitic antisemitism, Israel as being its own worst enemy, the canceling of author and journalist Vincent Bevins in Germany, and more.
Fri, December 08, 2023
Gaza and the Hundred Years’ War on Palestine w/ Rashid Khalidi
On this edition of Parallax Views, historian Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University and author of The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017 and Palestinian Identity: The Construction of Modern National Consciousness , joins the show to discuss the Gaza War and the paradigm shift he beleives it has brought about. We are in a "new era", Prof. Khalidi argues. We also discuss the Biden administration's response to the bombing of Gaza. We also delve into the histories of Zionism, the state of Israel, and the Palestinian identity. Additionally, Prof. Khalidi comments on the settler-colonial paradigm and the controversies around it. Prof. Khalidi also addresses what he sees as the biggest misunderstandings and misconceptions people have about the Palestinian perspective and gives his thoughts on the October 7th Hamas attack, the 2018 Israeli Nation-State Bill, and more.
Thu, December 07, 2023
Gaza, War Crimes, and International Law w/ Kenneth Roth
On this edition of Parallax Views, Kenneth Roth, former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch from 1993-2022, joins the show to discuss the Israel-Hamas or Gaza War from an international law perspective with a focus on the issue of war crimes. We begin the conversation by discussing HRW's notable report on Israel and apartheid, which focused on the West Bank, from a few years ago. From there we delve into the question of war crimes in relation to the Israeli bombing of Gaza. Kenneth Roth will address the responsibilities of a country engaged in a war, the "Hamas uses human shields argument" employed by pro-Israel voices when Israel is criticized for disproportionate civilian casualties, the Oct. 7th Hamas attack, the question of genocide, the importance of international law and human rights in the 21st century, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza (lack of clean water and food), and much, much more.
Wed, December 06, 2023
Bombshell Reporting on Israeli Intelligence Failure & Bombing of Gaza w/ Dave DeCamp/Israel’s War Against Hamas w/ David C. Hendrickson/Iran’s Response to the Gaza War w/ Muhammad Sahimi
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our coverage of the Gaza War with three different segments and guests. First up, Antiwar.Com's news editor Dave DeCamp joins the show to discuss the bombshell reports by the New York Times and Israel's 972 magazine related to the war. NYT reported recently that Israel ignored vital intelligence, specifically the blueprints for a major attack, in the lead-up to the October 7th attack. Meanwhile, 972 reports on the use of AI systems to hit non-military targets in Gaza; 972 referred to it as a "massive assassination factory). We'll discuss the significance of these two stories as well as the Biden administration's response to the war and what may be going on behind the scenes. In the second segment of the show, David C. Hendrickson, the president of the John Quincy Adams Society and professor emeritus of political science at Colorado College (and author of such books as Republic in Peril , Peace Pact , Union, Nation, Empire , and most recently Freedom, Independence, Peace: John Quincy Adams and American Foreign Policy ) returns to give his take on the Gaza War, the Biden administration's response to it, the Israeli intelligence failure of October 7th, the massive casualties inflicted on innocent Gazans, the different varieties of international relations realism, John Mearsheimer Vs. Henry Kissinger and liberal realism vs. a crude "the strong do what they can, the weak suffer what they must" realism, dissent in the State Dept. over the Gaza War, Benjamin Netanyahu, Eisenhower vs. Israel (and George HW Bush vs. Israel), Obama's problems with Netanyahu, the lack of security around Israel's southern border before October 7th, and much, much more. In the final segment of the show, Muhammad Sahimi, a contributor to Responsible Statecraft and Antiwar.Com, joins the show to discuss the Islamic Republic of Iran's response to the Gaza War and the differences in approach between the hardliner and moderate/pragmatist factions in Iran when it comes to the war, the U.S. role in the Middle East, Israel, and related issues. NOTE: In the conversation with Prof. Hendrickson I misquote Thucydides. He wrote "The strong do what they can, the weak suffer what they must" not "The strong do what they can, the weak do what they must".
Wed, December 06, 2023
The Occupation of the West Bank w/ Dana El Kurd and Diana B. Greenwald
On this edition of Parallax Views, we turn from our coverage of the Gaza War and to cast a vital eye on the ongoing Israeli Occupation in the West Bank and the explosion of settler violence that has exploded there in the past two months. Prof. Dana El-Kurd, author of Polarized and Demobilized: Legacies of Authoritarianism in Palestine and assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at University of Richmond. and Prof. Diana B. Greenwald, author of the upcoming book Mayors in the Middle: Indirect Rule and Local Government in Occupied Palestine and assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at the City College of New York, join the show for an in-depth discussion of the situation in the West Bank and the plight of Palestinians there. The situation in the West Bank and settler violence supported by Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir remains an important issue when discussing Israel/Palestine at this current moment of crisis. We hope you find this show informative.
Tue, December 05, 2023
Netanyahu’s Doctrine, Attacks on the Press, and Embrace of Elon Musk + Israeli Left vs. International Left w/ Haaretz Contributor Etan Nechin
On this edition of Parallax Views, freelance journalist and Haaretz contributor Etan Nechin joins the show to discuss the doctrine of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bibi's attacks on the Israeli press (including Haaretz), consolidation of media in Israel, support of the Occupation, embrace of Elon Musk and the Israeli far-right, reframing of what pro-Israel means, and more. We'll also discuss the Israeli far-right's attacks on hostages' families since the October 7th Hamas attack, Etan's thoughts on the Israeli left and his critique of the international left, the Gaza war, the situation of the Jewish diaspora, parallels between the MAGA right and the Israeli right, the settler movement, the Biden administration, and much, much more. This was recorded on 11-28-2023.
Wed, November 29, 2023
Israel-Hamas Hostage/Prisoner Swap, Israel Administrative Detention for Palestinian Prisoners, From the River to the Sea Debate, and Related Issues w/ Louis Fishman
On this edition of Parallax Views, scholar Louis Fishman, associate professor at Brooklyn College, City University of New York and author of Jews and Palestinians in the Late Ottoman Era, 1908-1914: Claiming the Homeland , joins the show for to discuss the latest news in Israel/Palestine, specifically the Israel-Hamas hostage/prisoner swaps and the issue of administrative detention of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. We'll also discuss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the "From the River to the Sea" slogan debate, free speech and the one state solution vs. two state solution debate, Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti and the "Bargouhti Card", the Gaza War, the Oct. 7th Hamas attack, ceasefires and the possibility of the war continuing, and much, much more.
Tue, November 28, 2023
Terror in the Mind of God, Or: Religious Violence from Hamas to the Messianic Israeli Settler Movement w/ Prof. Mark Juergensmeyer
On this edition of Parallax, Dr. Mark Juergensmeyer, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Global Studies, Sociology, and affiliate of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, joins the program to discuss his classic 2000 book Terror in the Mind of God: The Global Rise of Religious (now in its fourth edition) in light of the October 7th Hamas and news reports of violent Israeli settlers wreaking havoc in the occupied West Bank. We discuss Mark's concept of cosmic war as an animating force for young men, misconceptions about the type of young attracted to religious violence and terrorism, Israeli terrorist Dr. Baruch Goldstein, Dr. Juergensmeyer's experiences with Hamas leaders, the final words audio tapes of Hamas combatants before their martyrdom and what they reveal, Timothy McVeigh and far-right terrorism, 9/11 the Bush administration's War on Terror folly in Afghanistan and Iraq, and much, much more.
Mon, November 27, 2023
Armenians Under Threat in Jerusalem + Spyware and the Lebanese Security State w/ Anas Ambri
On this edition of Parallax Views, The New Arab Investigative Unit's Anas Ambri joins the show to discuss his articles "Rothman: The investor that angered Jerusalem's Armenians" , "Ben-Gvir associate, settlers intimidate Jerusalem Armenians" , and "Spyware brokers and Lebanon’s surveillance state" . We delve into the Armenians in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem that are under threat from the mysterious Australian real estate investor Danny Rothman (aka Danny Rubinstein) and armed Israeli settlers. In the latter portion of the program, we delve into HackingTeam, spyware, and its role in the Lebanese army and Lebanese security state.
Sat, November 25, 2023
The Gaza War, the Question of Genocide, and Israel’s Messianic Far-Right Golem w/ Prof. Omer Bartov
On this edition of Parallax Views, renowned Holocaust historian and genocide scholar Dr. Omer Bartov, Samuel Pisar Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University, joins the program to discuss the Gaza War and the question of genocide in relation to both the October 7th Hamas and the Israeli bombardment of Gaza. Other topics broached include: - The nature of the Occupation and how occupations effect both the occupied and the occupier; Israel/Palestine and fears of a second Nakba or ethnic cleansing of Palestinians - The Jewish parable of the Golem of Prague, the Israeli far-right as a Frankenstein's monster that must be deactivated, and the messianic, supremacist vision of figures like the Israeli politician Itamar Ben-Gvir and violent settlers in the West Bank - The open letter Prof. Bartov and other scholars like Christopher Browning on the misuse of Holocaust memory; "An Open Letter on the Misuse of Holocaust Memory" (The New York Review of Books) - Will change happen when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's is out of office? - The UN definition of genocide; war crimes and crimes against humanity; disagreements with genocide scholar Dirk Moses - Risks of the current situation evolving into a genocide - And much, much more!
Thu, November 23, 2023
The Gaza War, Militarism & the Rise of the Right in the U.S. & Israel, & the ADL w/ Jeet Heer
On this edition of Parallax Views, The Nation magazine's National Affairs correspondent Jeet Heer joins the show to discuss the Gaza War and his article "Why the Anti-Defamation League Loves Certain Bigots" . Recently, the ADL's Jonathan Greenblat embraced Twitter/X's Elon Musk, despite Musk's spreading of antisemitic conspiracy theories, because Musk said that words and phrases like "decolonization" and "from the river to the sea" would result in banning from the platform. We will discuss that as well as the more checkered elements of the Anti-Defamation League's history such as the Roy Bullock spying scanadal involving the South African apartheid regime and the case of the Los Angeles 8 (7 Muslim men and one Kenyan woman). We'll also talk about the Gaza war, insurgencies and how counter-insurgency wars are fought, the parallels between the rise of the far-right in the U.S. and the far-right in Israel, and much, much more!
Thu, November 23, 2023
Argentina’s President-Elect Javier Milei’s Hawkish Foreign Policy w/ Eldar Mamedov
On this edition of Parallax Views, foreign policy commentator Eldar Mamedov, a contributor to Responsible Statecraft and Eurasianet, joins the show to discuss the rather hawkish foreign policy inclinations of Argentina's President-elect Javier Milei. We will also discuss MAGA populism's embrace of Milei, who seeks to take a metaphorical chainsaw to the entirety of the Argentinian state apparatus, and the arguments made by figures like Sohrab Ahmari against that embrace. Some issues discussed: potential for Milei to isolate Argentina form both South America and the world, potential impact on relations between Argentina and Brazil, Milei's views on China and Israel, and more. There's also a brief side-discussion on Nagorno-Karabakh and U.S.-Azerbaijan relations.
Wed, November 22, 2023
The Horror! The Horror! A Film Fanatic’s Obsession With the Cinema of the Macabre w/ Dennis Daniel
On this edition of Parallax Views, we take a break from current events coveage to present a Halloween Hangover episode featuring Dennis Daniel on his book The Horror! The Horror! A Film Fanatic's Obsession With the Cinema of the Macabre . A lifelong horror movie fan and monster kids, Dennis Daniel has contributed to such publications as Deep Red , Delirium , and Cinema Macabre . We end up discussing not only his lifetime love of horror but also the underground tape trading culture of the pre-DVD/Bluray era, the role Dennis played in a fiasco where Charlie Sheen mistook an underground Japanese horror movie for a snuff film, the poetic horror of French filmmaker Jean Rollin, the schlock-tastic Italian cinema of Bruno Mattei, the wild and weird world of Jess Franco films and his muse Lina Romay, the 1930s adaptation of Frankenstein starring Boris Karloff as the Monster, and much, much more!
Tue, November 21, 2023
Armenians Under Threat from Israeli Settler Extremists in Jerusalem w/ Prof. Bedross Der Matossian
On this edition of Parallax Views, Armenian Christian in the Old City of Jerusalem are purportedly under threat from Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir-backed settler movement as per reporting from The Armenian Weekly and The New Arab . Additionally, statements have been released by the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem and the Christian Scout Groups of Jerusalem. Dr. Bedros Matossian of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln joins us to discuss this troubling situation which involves settler extremists as well as a company known as Xana Gardens Ltd and its owner Danny Rothman (aka Danny Rubenstein). We also discuss the history of the Armenian people in Jerusalem, the Armenian diaspora and the Armenian genocide, Nagorno-Karabakh, Turkey, The Cow's Garden, and much more. Dr. Matossian's bio: Dr. Bedross Der Matossian born and rasied in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, is Professor of Modern Middle East History and Hymen Rosenberg Professor in Judaic Studies; and Vice Chair of the Department of History at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is a graduate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he began his graduate studies in the Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. He completed his Ph.D. at Columbia University in 2008 in Middle East History in the Department of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies. From 2008 to 2010, he was a Lecturer of Middle East History in the Faculty of History at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His areas of interest include ethnic politics in the Middle East, inter-ethnic violence in the Ottoman Empire, Palestinian history, and the history of Armenian Genocide. Der Matossian is the author, editor, and co-editor of seven books. His latest edited volume, Denial of Genocides in the Twenty-First Century, published by U. of Nebraska Press (2023), documents how modern genocides have adapted with new strategies to augment established modes of denial. A powerful image from the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem taken by the prominent Armenian photographer Garo NalbandIan. Armenian priests standing in front of the tractor that destroyed the wall of the Armenian Seminary. - Dr. Bendross Der. Matossian
Sun, November 19, 2023
Beyond the Genocide Debate: Permanent Security Logic & the Gaza War w/ Dirk Moses/The ”Were the Nazis Better Than Hamas?” Discourse is Distorting Holocaust History w/ Waitman Beorn
On this episode of Parallax Views, the noted genocide studies scholar A. Dirk Moses, author of The Problems of Genocide: Permanent Security and the Language of Transgression , returns to his intervention on the debate about whether or not what is happening in Gaza constitutes a genocide. He recently wrote the piece in the Boston Review entitled "More than Genocide" . In addition to this we also discuss his scathing take on the open letter of solidarity signed by Jurgen Habermas and other major German intellectuals . In the second segment of the show, Dr. Waitman W. Beorn joins the show to discuss how British writer Douglas Murray, fashion model Fabio, and others are distorting Holocaust history by making defenses of the Third Reich in light of the Oct. 7th Hamas attack. These commentators are making the case that the Nazis were "ashamed" of the Holocaust, concealed their crimes as a result, and were remorseful for their action. Dr. Beorn begs to differ and believes this Nazi apology, like the clean Wehrmacht myth, could lead down dangerous paths.
Sun, November 19, 2023
The UN, the Gaza War, Protest, International Law, and the Beginning of the PalCast w/ Helena Cobban
On this edition of Parallax Views, recorded before the news that a deal between Israel and Hamas to reach hostages was announced as being close to being made , Helena Cobban, a non-resident fellow of the Center for International Policy, joins the show to discuss the UN, the Gaza War, international law, Hamas, Israel, and related issues. She also promotes her new podcast, co-hosted by Yousef Aljamal, entitled the Palcast: One World, One Struggle about the Israel/Palestine. Helena Cobban is also the head of Just World Educational . Recorded 11/16/23
Fri, November 17, 2023
Two Jewish Perspectives on American Jewish Political Discourse Before & Since October 7th, Antisemitism, & Israel/Palestine w/ Prof. Dov Waxman & JTA’s Ron Kampeas
On this edition of Parallax Views, two Jewish American perspectives on the Jewish American community's response to 9/11, the issue of antisemitism, and Israel/Palestine. First up, Dov Waxman, director of UCLA’s Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies and the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Chair in Israel Studies, joins the show to discuss the American Jewish community's response to 9/11, defining antisemitism (and why he argues that anti-Zionism is not antisemitism; Waxman was part of the Nexus Task Force that sought to combat antisemitism while arguably having a less broad and potentially politicized definition of antisemitism than the IHRA), his book Trouble in the Tribe: The American Jewish Conflict Over Israel , the idea of exiling anti-Zionist Jewish groups like Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow and why disagrees with it, the debate over the value of the settler-colonial discourse, the different types of Zionism, his feelings on Palestinian anti-Zionist attitudes, and much, much more! In the second segment of the show Ron Kampeas, longtime reporter of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, discuss a number of the topics discussed with Prof. Waxman, but also the March for Israel rally, right-wing antisemitism and criticism of John Hagee's participation in the rally, the involvement of a "peace bloc" at the rally, the Jonathan Pollard spy case, Ron's reporting on the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, remaining objective in reporting on news that oftn hits close to home emotionally, Rashida Tlaib's use of the pro-Palestinian "from the rive to the sea", the murder of Chicago-based Jewish-American community leader Samantha Woll and the rush to assume it was a hate crime (since ruled out by police), differences between Jewish media outlets in both America and Israel, sentiments against Benjamin Netanyahu in the U.S. and Israel, and much, much, more!
Fri, November 17, 2023
Ariel Sharon’s Ghost Haunts Gaza w/ Geoffrey Aronson/Gaza, Permanent War, & U.S. Foreign Policy w/ Paul R. Pillar
On this edition of Parallax Views, this episode is a double feature featuring two experts on U.S. foreign policy, the Middle East, and the Israel/Palestine conflict: Geoffrey Aronson and Paul R. Pillar, both of whom have recent articles in Responsible Statecraft that should be of interest to anyone following the Gaza War. Geoffrey Aronson, the former director for Foundation for Middle East Peace and the editor of the bimonthly Report on Israeli Settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories until June 2014 discusses his piece "The Ghost of Ariel Sharon Hovers Over the Gaza Strip" about how Gaza faces what he calls a "The Future is the Past, The Past is the Future" scenario when the current war ends. He takes us back to the policies of Ariel Sharon, the Prime Minister of Israel in the early 2000's, and offers a grim picture of what Gaza will look like going forward, but also the failure of policies by both Israel and the United States. In the second segment of the show, Paul R. Pillar, an academic and 28-year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency as well as a Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Studies of Georgetown University and a non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, joins the show to discuss his articles "Is Gaza on track for permanent war?" and " With world's focus on Gaza, West Bank conflict brews" . We'll discuss those articles as well as U.S. foreign policy, the October 7th Hamas attack, U.S. foreign policy, and much, much more.
Fri, November 17, 2023
The Potential Coming War in the South Caucasus, Israel’s Arming of Azerbaijan, and the Corruption of U.S. Foreign Policy by Lobbies w/ James W. Carden
On this edition of Parallax Views, James W. Carden, former adviser to the US-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission at the U.S. Department of State, returns to the program to discuss his articles "The Coming War in the Caucasus" (The American Conservative) , "Israel's Other War: Ethnic Cleansing in the South Caucasus" (Antiwar.com) , and "Kurt Campbell: The Lobbyist As Diplomat" . Fears are mounting that the Aliyev regime, with the ever-present hand of Erdogan's Turkey, could soon target southern Armenia only months after the ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. We'll also discuss Israel's role in arming Azerbaijan and the potential geopolitical reasons Israel has for doing so. Moreover, we'll discuss U.S.-Armenia relations, the Azeri lobby and it's influence in Washington, D.C., the resignation of Josh Paul from the State Department over the current Biden policy on the Gaza War, how elements of the so-called dissident wing of the American conservative movement's realism and restraint community have betrayed the plight of Armenian Christians, trauma-specialist Dr. Gabor Mate on Gaza , foreign policy fixture Kurt Campbell and his ties to shadow lobbying efforts, and more!
Wed, November 15, 2023
Israel’s Strategic Culture and Its Failing + Israeli Information Warfare w/ Dr. Andreas Krieg
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. Andreas Krieg, an associate professor in the School of Security Studies at King's College, London and author of Subversion: The Strategic Weaponization of Narratives , joins the show to discuss Israel's strategic culture and its failing. He argues that Israel has responded to the Oct. 7th Hamas attack with strategic ambiguity and is fighting the current war in an outmoded fashion. We also discuss his experience attending a workshop on Hasbara, the nature of Israeli information warfare and synthetic disinformation, the question of whether Hamas can be defeated and the issue of blowback, the IDF's entering the Hamas underground tunnels and the problems that poses for the IDF, how the underground tunnels Hamas is using are likely going to undermine Israeli technological advantage (ie: the issue of low-tech warfare), Israel setting itself up for a long war, the Palestinian insurgency movement and Hamas as an idea, the goal of "eradicating Hamas", the Biden administration, the need for a political solution to the Israel/Palestine and how avoiding it is against Israel's security interests, ceasefire, claims that videos of Palestinian suffering are a fake "Pallywood" production, and much more!
Wed, November 15, 2023
Negotiating with Hamas, the Quest for Peace, & More w/ Israeli Hostage Negotiator Gershon Baskin/The Enduring Global Disorder & Qatar’s Potential Role in Postwar Gaza w/ Jason Pack
On this edition of Parallax Views, a double feature on Israel/Palestine, the Israel-Hamas War, the bombardment of Gaza, the Oct. 7th attack, and related subjects. First up, Israeli hostage negotiator and peace activist Gershon Baskin joins us to discuss his experiences negotiating with Hamas, his harsh criticisms of both Hamas and the Israeli government (especially under Benjamin Netanyahu), what he refers to as the "New Form of Apartheid" in Israel, what it will take to get the hostages back and why that course of action will not be taken, his hopes for a future peace that will allow Palestinians and Israelis to both be offered dignity and a sharing of the land, his recent communications with Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad, and more! In the second half of the program (timestamp: 44:18), Jason Pack, author of Libya and the Global Enduring Disorder and co-host of the Disorder podcast with Alexandra Hall Hall , joins us to discuss his Foreign Policy piece entitled "Qatar Is the Key to Middle East Peace" . Jason argues that a condominium of Arab states led by Qatar are the way forward for stabilizing a postwar Gaza. Qatar, he makes the case, must help take a lead in the administration of a postwar Gaza that will eventually deal with the issue of Palestinian sovereignty. We will also talk about the "global enduring disorder" paradigm for understanding international relations and events.
Tue, November 14, 2023
The Longstanding Hostilities Between the United Nations & Israel w/ Ian Williams
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs' UN correspondent Ian Williams, author of UNtold: The Real Story of the United Nations in Peace and War , joins the program to discuss the longstanding bad blood between the UN and Israel going back to the assassination of UN official Count Bernadotte by the militant Zionist paramilitary group Lehi (also known as the Stern Gang) in 1948. We discuss this in light of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres making statements that drew the ire of Israel and pro-Israel voices as well as Israel's Ambassador to the UN Gilda Erdan wearing a yellow star to the UN, claiming there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and saying the UN is aligned with Hamas. We'll also discuss longstanding issues between the State Department and Israel, AIPAC and pro-Israel lobbying efforts, Christian evangelical support for Israel and how that support is driven by apocalyptic religious views, 20th century Zionist paramilitary groups and terrorism, and more!
Mon, November 13, 2023
The Israeli Covert Op Project Butterfly and the October 7th Intelligence Failure w/ James Bamford
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist James Bamford, known for his groundbreaking investigations into the NSA ( The Puzzle Palace ) and the Iraq War ( A Pretext for War ), returns to the program to discuss his recent The Nation piece entitled "Why Israel Slept" about the October 7th Israel intelligence failure and the Israel covert operation Project Butterfly back by the late billionaire Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson and involving a now defunct Israeli private intelligence firm known as Psy-Group. Psy-Group, for the uninitiated, was also a target of Robert Mueller in the Russiagate investigation. We'll also be going over some of the issues Bamford addressed in his latest book SpyFail: Foreign Moles, Saboteurs, and the Collapse of America’s Counterintelligence . Bamford explains how Project Butterfly used Israeli resources, which could've been used for security in Israel (ie: along the Gaza border), for a cover operation aimed at de-legitimizing pro-Palestinian voices in the United States. Bamford also discusses AIPAC, the Iraq War and neoconservatives, the FBI officials who've voiced frustrations with pro-Israel lobbying groups, the intelligence failure of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel, and much, much more.
Mon, November 13, 2023
The Postwar Future of Gaza Is Likely Dystopian w/ Prof. Nathan J. Brown
On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. Nathan J. Brown, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University and author of six well-received books on Arab politics, joins the show to discuss his grim analysis of postwar possibilities as covered in his Carnegie Endowment for International Peace piece "There Might Be No Day After in Gaza" . We'll also discuss the concept of the one-state reality in Israel/Palestine and why it is different than talking about the one-state solution. Moreover Nathan will explain the situation in the West Bank and the settler violence happening there. Prof. Brown argues that the postwar possibilities for Gaza are dim, and he disagrees with a number of the commentators arguing that the United Nations (UN), Israel, or a multilateral coalition of Arab states including Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar will administer Gaza after the war is over. What he predicts is that Gaza will be turned into a "supercamp" run by camp committee and gangs with periodic attacks by Hamas and raids by Israel.
Mon, November 13, 2023
Israel/Palestine and the Joint Arab League-OIC Summit on Gaza in Riyadh w/ James M. Dorsey
On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. James M. Dorsey of The Turbulent World w/ James M. Dorsey blog returns to discuss the latest development in the Gaza War and the recent joint Arab League-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) summit that brought together Arab and Muslim world leaders like Syria's Bashar al-Assad, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Iran's Ebrahim Raisi, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Salman al Saud, and others together in an emergency meeting about the Israeli assault on Gaza. We'll also discuss the rage in the Arab/Muslim world over the bombing of Gaza and what it could mean for autocrats in the region, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's invocation of Amalek during the Gaza War, the rehabilitation of Assad in the Arab world, perceived U.S. double standards in the Middle East, the censure of Rashida Tlaib, French President Emmanuel Macron's call for the bombing of Gaza to end, and much, much more.
Sat, November 11, 2023
On Gaza, Israel/Palestine, and the Arab World w/ Eric Margolis
On this edition of Parallax Views, the outspoken and often controversial journalist Eric Margolis, who has long covered issues related to the Middle East, South Asia, and Islam, joins the show to discuss his views on the Israel/Palestine situation, the bombing of Gaza, the implications for the U.S. and the Arab world, and much, much more.
Fri, November 10, 2023
Benjamin Netanyahu’s Worrying Use of ”Amalek” in His Gaza War Rhetoric w/ Ariel Gold
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our series on Israel/Palestine, the fallout from the October 7th Hamas attack, and the Israeli bombing of Gaza with Ariel Gold, Executive Director of the Fellowship for Reconciliation. Ariel joins the show to discuss her article "Who’s Drinking Netanyahu’s Genocidal Amalek Kool-Aid?" . She explains what's troubling abut Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's invocation of the biblical story of Amalek and what it entails. We also discuss the Christian Zionism, the Kahanist movement in Israel a far-right Israeli political figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, the debate over if the current bombing campaign in Gaza constitutes a form of genocide or attempted genocide, and much more.
Fri, November 10, 2023
Uses & Abuses of the Settler Colonialist Paradigm, Jabotinsky’s Revisionist Zionism, Israel/Palestine History, Stalin’s Support of Israel, Misunderstanding Fanon?, & the Gaza War w/ Ralph Leonard
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ralph Leonard, a contributor to publications like UnHerd, Sublation Magazine, and Aero Magazine, joins the show to discuss a potpourri of topics related to Israel/Palestine including the uses and abuses of antisemitism, Hamas and the misunderstanding of Frantz Fanon, the Nakba (or Catastrophe) of 1948), the Likud Party and Ze'ev Jabotinsky's Revisionist Zionism, Jabotinsky's Iron Wall essay, what Jabotinsky admits about the grievances of Palestinians that his modern day heirs in the Likud Party don't, Avraham Stern and the Haavara Agreement, the Israeli New Historian Benny Morris and the ethnic cleansing of Palestine, clashing nationalisms in the Israel/Palestine issue, his UnHerd article "Hamas apologists have misunderstood Frantz Fanon" , Zionist paramilitary groups like the Stern Gang & Lehi and Irgun, Jabotinsky Vs. the mainstream left-wing Zionists, the spectrum of Zionist thought historically and the triumph of Revisionist Zionism, Ralph's tweet that "The recent political conflict within Israel has basically been a struggle between the state of Judea & the state of Israel", the "eradicate Hamas" rhetoric used by the Israeli government, the ethics of violence and the debate around armed conflict, Israel's kibbutzim, comparisons between Israel/Palestine & Algeria and Israel/Palestine & Liberia, revenge bombing in Gaza, blowback, the cold realistic strategic view on Israel's Gaza operation, the Palestinians won't be willingly driven into the Sinai and the belief that trying that would lead to stability is foolish, the one-state dystopia vs. the one-state utopia, the fragmentation of Palestinian politics, and more,
Thu, November 09, 2023
How George HW Bush Checkmated the Israeli Right and AIPAC w/ Ettingermentum
On this edition of Parallax Views, political blogger Ettingermentum joins the show to discuss his piece "The President Who Stood Up To Israel and Won" . We discuss President George HW Bush's rocky relationship with then Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir of the Likud Party, the young Benjamin Netanyahu, Bush-era Secretary of State James Baker, AIPAC (American-Israel Public Affairs Commitee), Bush's "New World Order" and the Middle East, how Bush responded to pro-Israel lobbying that painted him as anti-Israel, why Ettingermentum disagrees with the idea that AIPAC cost Bush re-election, Yitzhak Rabin, unconditional support for Israel vs conditional support, Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Israeli far-right, Obama's relationship with Netanyahu, the Camp David 2000 Summit and Clinton official Robert Malley's account of why it fell apart (he claims it wasn't all on Arafat), the October 7th Hamas attack and the Tet Offensive, Netanyahu vs. Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, the Israeli Right's attacks on Israeli intelligence Shin Bet, Israel's unsustainable status quo, claiming they've "gone woke", Benny Gantz, and the real lesson of Bush's checkmating of AIPAC and Shamir. Clarification for James Baker's controversial comments: Did James Baker Really Say ‘F*** the Jews’? New Book Clarifies U.S. Diplomat’s Infamous Quote - U.S. News - Haaretz.com (archive.ph)
Thu, November 09, 2023
Gaza, Israel/Palestine, Palestinian Identity, and What It Will Take to Achieve Peace: Two Perspectives w/ Juan Cole & Shireen Hunter
On this edition of Parallax Views, the coverage of the Gaza War and Israel/Palestine continues in this double feature. First up, Prof. Juan Cole, well-known commentator on the Middle East and South Asia from the Informed Comment blog, gives his commentary on conditions in Gaza, anti-Palestinian racism in America, the Palestinian identity, double standards, whether it is actually possible to eradicate Hamas, Netanyahu's "Annihilate Amalek" rhetoric, and why the cycle of violence will continue short of a Palestinian state being recognized. In the second segment Shireen Hunter, affiliate fellow at the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, joins us to discuss some of the points made in her insightful (some would say prophetic) May 2022 Responsible Statecraft piece "Unresolved Palestinian issue remains a major source of Mideast tension" . We will also discuss the need for a peace to be brought about PRIMARILY by a dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis as opposed to Israelis and other Arab States, Iran, Hezbollah, Syria, the "Axis of Resistance", the cost of occupation, the Al-Aqsa mosque and the role of religion in the current iteration of the Israel/Palestine issue, the need to look at the Israel/Palestine issue as one about land/territory rather than metaphysics, the Palestinian identity, and much, much more.
Wed, November 08, 2023
How New York Aids the West Bank Occupation w/ Chris Gelardi
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Chris Gelardi of New York Focus, the nonprofit publication that asks the questions "Who Runs New York?", joins us to discuss the investigation he co-wrote with Julia Rock entitled "New York’s Ties to Israel Bring the Gaza War Home" . Chris and I delve into the network of nonprofits, major companies, and wealthy individuals in New York who are aiding the illegal settlements in the West Bank. Moreover, we delve into NY political figures like Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Rep. Ritchie Torres and their relationships to Israel and lobbies like AIPAC (American-Israel Public Affairs Committee. Other issues discussed include the DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) pro-Palestine protests, the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction) movement and free speech, lack of media coverage in New York about these issues, and much, much more!
Tue, November 07, 2023
Wall Street Eyeing Israel-Hamas War Profit-Making Opportunity, Monopoly Capitalism and the Weapons Industry, & Middle East Turmoil Risks w/ Eli Clifton
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft's Eli Clifton returns to discuss his latest piece of reporting, co-published by The Gurdian and Responsible Statecraft, entitled "Wall Street eyes big profits from Israel-Hamas war" . We'll also discuss the issue of monopoly capitalism as it relates to the weapons/defense industry, Morgan Stanley and TD Bank, shareholders and the problem with stakeholder capitalism or so-called "ethical capitalism", how the current war in Gaza could have domestic consequences politically at home (especially for Joe Biden's re-election chances), the possibilities of the Israel-Hamas War turning into a broader regional conflict, Hezbollah commander Nasrallah's speech last Friday, and more!
Tue, November 07, 2023
Israel/Palestine, the Gaza War, Intelligence Distortion, and Blowback w/ Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski
On this edition of Parallax views, Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski (Ret.) returns to discuss Israel/Palestine, the bombing of Gaza, U.S. foreign policy, the U.S.-Israel special relationship, blowback and terrorism, the self-perpetuating nature of government power, and her experiences in the Pentagon that led her to blow the whistle on the corruption of military intelligence and creation of a disinformation apparatus by ideological actors in the Office of Special Plans (OFS) in the early years of the George W. Bush administration leading up to the Iraq War.
Mon, November 06, 2023
Hezbollah and the War in Gaza w/ Ali Rizk, Beirut Reporter
On this edition of Parallax views, journalist Ali Rizk joins us from Beirut, Lebanon to discuss the speech given by Hezbollah's Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah this past Friday and his Responsible Statecraft article "Why Hezbollah doesn't want a full-scale war. Yet." . We'll be discussing Hezbollah involvement in the Israel/Hamas War or Gaza War so far as well as the relationship between Hezbollah and Iran (and why Rizk think calling Hezbollah and Iranian proxy is an oversimplification), Hezbollah's relationship with the Houthis in Yemen and Iraqi Shia militias, past tensions between Hamas and Hezbollah (ie: Syria), Hezbollah's redlines, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's change in rhetoric since the most recent visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and whether this means the war is wrapping up, how sectarians are brought together by the Palestine/Palestinian issue, and more.
Sun, November 05, 2023
The Bombing of Gaza, the U.S.-Israel Special Relationship, and the Israel Lobby w/ Amb. Chas Freeman
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ambassador Chas Freeman, a retired diplomat with a stories career and a visiting scholar at the Watson Institute for International Relations and Public Affairs, returns to discuss the bombing of Gaza by Israel in retaliation for the October 7th Hamas attack. We also discuss his critique of the U.S.-Israel special relationship, which he argues is harmful towards to both the interests of the United States and Israel. In the final portion of the conversation Amb. Freeman discusses how pro-Israel lobby elements, namely the Zionist Organization of America, applied a pressure campaign against his being the chair of the National Intelligence Council in the Obama administration. Amb. Freeman's full bio (courtesy the Watson Institute): Ambassador Chas W. Freeman, Jr. is a senior fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, ambassador to Saudi Arabia (during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm), acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and Chargé d'affaires at both Bangkok and Beijing. He began his diplomatic career in India but specialized in Chinese affairs. (He was the principal American interpreter during President Nixon's visit to Beijing in 1972.) Ambassador Freeman is a much sought-after public speaker (see http://chasfreeman.net) and the author of several well-received books on statecraft and diplomacy. His most recent book, "America's Continuing Misadventures in the Middle East" was published in May 2016. "Interesting Times: China, America, and the Shifting Balance of Prestige," appeared in March 2013. "America’s Misadventures in the Middle East" came out in 2010, as did the most recent revision of "The Diplomat’s Dictionary," the companion volume to "Arts of Power: Statecraft and Diplomacy." He was the editor of the Encyclopedia Britannica entry on "diplomacy." Freeman is a former U.S. assistant secretary of defense, ambassador to Saudi Arabia, principal deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs, chargé d’affaires a.i. at Bangkok and Beijing, acting U.S. commissioner for refugee affairs and director of program coordination and development at the U.S. Information Agency. He was the principal American interpreter during the late President Nixon’s 1972 opening of U.S. relations with China. Chas Freeman studied at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Taiwan and earned an A.B. magna cum laude from Yale University as well as a J.D. from the Harvard Law School. He chairs Projects International, Inc., a Washington-based firm that for more than three decades has helped its American and foreign clients create ventures across borders, facilitating their establishment of new busin
Fri, November 03, 2023
Israel-Palestine, the Oct. 7 Intelligence Failure, Gaza, and U.S. Foreign Policy w/ Ex-CIA/State Dept. Analyst Melvin Goodman
On this edition of Parallax Views, former CIA and State Department analyst Melvin A. Goodman, known for his book Whistleblower at the CIA: An Insider's Account of the Politics of Intelligence , returns to the program to discuss a number of issues related to the Middle East, Israel/Palestine, and U.S. foreign policy. We begin the conversation by discussing the nature and potential causes for the Israeli intelligence failure of October 7th, 2023, the day that the Hamas attack occurred. From there we delve into a number of different topics including Goodman's trip to Israel in the 1970s, state terror, Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard, the two-state and one-state solutions, how Republicans deal with Israel as compared to Democrats, Biden's approach to Israel/Palestine, the USS Liberty incident, the bombing/siege of Gaza, pro-Israel lobbying efforts, and much, much more.
Fri, November 03, 2023
Israel/Palestine, U.S. Foreign Policy, and the War in Gaza w/ Col. Lawrence Wilkerson
On this edition of Parallax Views, Col. Lawrence B. Wilkerson, Chief of Staff under Colin Powell during the Bush administration, returns to the show to discuss his thoughts and commentary on the latest Middle East news with a focus on U.S. foreign policy and Israel's bombing of Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas attack of October 7th. We'll be discussing the Biden admin's dealing with the Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden's "bearhug strategy", the far-right nature of the Netanyahu government and figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, neoconservatism and Former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Douglas Feith, the Likud Party, the one-state and two-state solutions, the siege/bombing of Gaza, and, much, much more. This was recorded shortly after Biden called for a "humanitarian pause" to the war.
Fri, November 03, 2023
Israel/Palestine, Gaza, and the Great Game for Oil w/ Charlotte Dennett
On this edition of Parallax Views, our coverage of Israel/Palestine and the bombing of Gaza by Israel in retaliation for the October 7th Hamas attack. Investigative journalist and attorney Charlotte Dennett, the daughter of American master spy Daniel Dennet and author of Follow the Pipelines: Uncovering the Mystery of a Lost Spy and the Deadly Politics of the Great Game for Oil (as well as the co-author, with her husband Gerard Colby, of the classic Thy Will Be Done: The Conquest of the Amazon: Nelson Rockefeller and Evangelism in the Age of Oil ), joins the show to discuss the recent turmoil in the Middle East, specifically in Gaza and Israel, in relation to what has been called "The Great Game for Oil". We discuss oil pipelines, her father Daniel Dennett and Saudi Arabia, oil war history dating back to WWI and WWII, Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, the city of Haifa, geopolitics, the Iraq War, and much, much more. You may find looking at the cover of Charlotte's book as well as the map in this episode description useful while listening to this episode.
Fri, November 03, 2023
The Anti-Defamation League’s Civil Rights Track Record, the Targeting of Arab-Americans, & Israel/Palestine w/ Emmaia Gelman
On this edition of Parallax Views, a short but hopefully informative conversation with Emmaia Gemma, author of the 2019 Boston Review article "The Anti-Defamation League Is Not What It Seems" and an upcoming book on the history of the ADL. Among the topics discussed in this history is the ADL's track record on Civil Rights and its policing of black Civil Rights groups for being "too radical", the ADL spy Roy Bollock, the ADL's history of targeting Arab-Americans dating back to the 1950's, the ADL using "dual loyalty" accusations against Arab Americans, Director of the ADL Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL vetting social media like Youtube and Facebook, and more!
Thu, November 02, 2023
NYPD Using Drone Surveillance Against Pro-Palestinian Protesters + NY State Ties to the West Bank Occupation w/ Ali Winston
On this edition of Parallax Views, investigative journalist Ali Winston, co-author of The Riders Come Out at Night: Brutality, Corruption, and Cover-up in Oakland, returns to discuss recent news about the NYPD using surveillance drones against pro-Palestinian protesters (See: "NYPD used drones for arrests in pro-Palestine protests in NYC" - The New York Post ). Additionally, Ali and I will discuss the state of New York's connections, through various non-profits and LLCs, to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian West Bank. We also discuss the wider problems of NY police corruption dating back to the days of Frank Serpico, NYC Mayor Eric Adams and former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, the possibility of the current Levant War (Israel-Hamas War, Gaza War, etc.) turning into a dangerous regional war, Peter Thiel's Palantir, Chinese surveillance technology being used in the U.S., how the War on Terror came home (ie: the surveillance state), and much, much more. Article referenced in this conversation: "The New Brothels: How Shady Landlords Play a Key Role in the Sex Trade" - New York Times, 11/14/18 "The Prostitution Empire and the Former N.Y.P.D. Detective, Always One Step Ahead of the Law" - New York Times, 9/21/18 "New York Police Say They Will Deploy 14 Drones" - New York Times, 12/4/18 "N.Y.P.D. Will Use Drones to Monitor Labor Day Celebrations" - New York Times, 9/1/23 "New York’s Ties to Israel Bring the Gaza War Home" - New York Focus, 10/19/23 "NYPD used drones for arrests in pro-Palestine protests in NYC" - New York Post, 10/28/23
Mon, October 30, 2023
Corman/Poe: Roger Corman’s Edgar Allan Poe Films + Horror Talk Shop w/ Delirium Magazine’s Chris Alexander
On this spooky season edition of Parallax Views, Chris Alexander of Full Moon Presents Delirium Magazine returns to discuss his new TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD homage movie SCREAM OF THE BLIND DEAD, the Euro-horror of Jess Franco and Jean Rollin, and his two new Headpress books ART! TRASH! TERROR!: ADVENTURES IN STRANGE CINEMA and CORMAN/POE: INTERVIEWS AND ESSAYS EXPLORING THE MAKING OF ROGER CORMAN'S EDGAR ALLEN POE FILMS 1960-1964. We also discuss new horror movie fare like the "revenge-o-matic" SAW X and the Australian demonic possession movie TALK TO ME. At the end we try to figure out a movie that slipped my tongue, I found out after the show that I was thinking of was Full Moon's THE PRIMEVALS. We talk the making of the Roger Corman Edgar Allen Poe movies, the use of Freudian image in Corman's Poe films, THE HAUNTED PALACE, THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM, THE HOUSE OF USHER, THE TOMB OF LIGEIA, the Corman/Poe horror-comedy THE RAVEN, the impetus behind casting Vincent Price in the Poe films, Roger Corman's dabbling in the counterculture and his LSD trip (as well as his counterculture movies like THE TRIP, BLOODY MAMA, and GA-S-S-S-S -OR- IT BECAME NECESSARY TO DESTROY THE WORLD IN ORDER TO SAVE IT), Corman's early years at American International Pictures (AIP) and how his relationship with AIP evolved over time (and where it fell apart), Roger Corman's wife Julie Corman and her contributions to the Corman movie machine, the Vatican's attempts to censor Corman's THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH, and much, much more!
Mon, October 30, 2023
The Art of the Horror Movie Edit w/ Faneditor LastSurvivor
On this edition of Parallax Views, legendary faneditor LastSurvivor joins the show to discuss the horror movie fan edits he's made over the years and the art of the horror edit. Some of LastSurvivor's fanedits include: THE NIGHT OF SAMHAIN - An ambitious fanedit that combines HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH and HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS into one movie in a very unique way! HALLOWEEN: THE NIGHT OF THE BOOGEYMAN - An attempt to edit John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN and HALLOWEEN II into one movie, BUT with around a 90 minute running time common for many movies and slasher films of the 80s. JAW II: THE AMITY HORROR - An edit that attempts to bring out the more slasher-esque elements of JAWS II; the shark is a lot like Jason Voorhees in JAWS II with the setting being the ocean rather than the woods JAWS III: MONSTER - An ambitious edit of JAW III that amps up the B-movie disaster movie element of JAWS III and, amazingly, adds in a new monster to fight Jaws in the finale: Jaws vs. Octopus! FRIDAY THE 13TH PART V: JASON'S LEGACY - An edit of FRIDAY THE 13TH PART V that, through color regrading and trimming of scenes, brings the movie more in line with Joseph Zito's much beloved entry in the cult franchise, FRIDAY THE 13TH PART IV: THE FINAL CHAPTER. HALLOWEEN 5: THE SHAPE OF RAGE and HALLOWEEN HOMECOMING - Two fanfix fanedits that attempt to address the problems of HALLOWEEN 5: THE REVENGE OF MICHAEL MYERS and HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION to make both movies a better viewing experience for fans of the Michael Myers saga! We also discuss the wild JAWS: THE SHARKSPLOITATION edit that faneditor TheManBehindTheMask did (it's literally a grindhouse version of Jaws with an insane twist at the end), David Gordon Green's Halloween trilogy, editing Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN and HALLOWEEN II, the character of Tina in Halloween 5, color regrading and color correction in fanedits, the opening credits of HALLOWEEN 4: THE RETURN OF MICHAEL MYERS, Halloween's Thorn trilogy and similarties with the Druid cult storyline in HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH, the role of pacing in edits, and much, much more!
Sun, October 29, 2023
A Sequel to Wes Craven’s New Nightmare?: Inside Dylan’s New Nightmare w/ Cecil Laird
On this edition of Parallax Views, it's spooky season and we're getting into the Halloween spirit! Cecil Laird of the Youtube channel The Horror Show joins the show to tell us about his fan film, DYLAN'S NEW NIGHTMARE. A sequel to the surprisingly innovative 1994 meta-horror NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET entry WES CRAVEN'S NEW NIGHTMARE, DYLAN'S NEW NIGHTMARE isn't your average fan film. In addition to being made with a rather professional crew and having a slick, pro look, the movie also features a starring turn from Miko Hughes aka Heather Langenkamp's son Dylan in WES CRAVEN'S NEW NIGHTMARE (and also horror royalty due to his childhood turn as the killer toddler Gage in Mary Lambert's adaptation of Stephen King's PET SEMATARY). It tells the story of Dylan's trauma and struggles 30 years after being haunted by The Entity that took the form of horror icon Freddy Krueger in WES CRAVEN'S NEW NIGHTMARE. Dylan is trying to make a career in acting, but The Entity is returning in the form of Freddy Krueger slowly but surely to haunt him. Cecil and I discuss DYLAN'S NEW NIGHTMARE, the possibility of a sequel, our favorite NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET movies, and much, much more! Watch DYLAN'S NEW NIGHTMARE here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51JPiePa5dc
Sat, October 28, 2023
THE BARN Duology Serves Up the Perfect Halloween Double Feature w/ Justin M. Seaman and Zane Hershberger
On this edition of Parallax Views, in 2016 a little regional horror movie called The Barn became and underground hit. Set on Halloween, the movie told the story of a group of teenage pranksters and their encounter with a trio of local legend monsters known as The Boogeyman, Hollow Jack, and the Candy Corn Scarecrow. Featuring guest starring roles from horror icons Linnea Quigley ( Return of the Living Dead , Night of the Demons ) and Ari Lehman (the first Jason from Friday the 13th ), the movie evoked the nostalgia of the old Goosebumps TV series and direct-to-video horror movies you would see in mom 'n' pop video stores in the halcyon days of the early/mid 1990's. Director Justin M. Seaman ended up getting a sequel off the ground that was released in 2022 called The Barn Part II that amped up the gore quotient and featured guest appearances by Doug Bradley (Pinhead from the Hellraiser movie franchise), TV horror host Joe Bob Briggs, Diana Prince (Darcy the Mail Girl from The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs ), Troma's Lloyd Kaufman, and returning performances from "Scream Queen" Linnea Quigley and "First Jason" Ari Lehman. Together, these two movie make for the perfect Halloween double feature this spooky season and Parallax Views is joined by director Justin Seaman and cinematographer Zane Hershberger to discuss this spook-tacular double feature! THE BARN duology has it all: chainsaws, blood, zombies, curses, 90s nostalgia, creepy monsters, practical special effects, Halloween season atmosphere, and much, much more! You can watch THE BARN and THE BARN PART II via a trial subscription to Screambox
Thu, October 26, 2023
EXCLUSIVE: Israel Security Source ”Security Cabinet Orders Murders of Senior Hamas Leaders and Their Families”? w/ Richard Silverstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, Richard Silverstein of Tikun Olam, a blog featuring breaking news the Israeli national security state, returns for a Parallax Views exclusive: Richard relays how an Israeli Security source has told him that the Israeli Security Cabinet has given orders to assassinate not only Hamas leaders like Muhammad Deif and Yahya Sinwar but also their families. We'll also discuss the geostrategic implications of the unfolding Levant War and what it means for Israel/Palestine, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Qatar, the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Moreover, Richard discusses the U.S.-China rivalry moving into the Middle East theater (and the way it brings to mind the Cold War between the U.S. and Soviet Union), the possibility of broader regional war breaking out in the Middle East, and much, much more.
Wed, October 25, 2023
The History of Israel/Palestine, the Motivations of the Hamas Attack, Israel’s Bombing of Gaza, and More w/ Prof. James Gelvin
On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. James L. Gelvin, noted scholar of Middle East history at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and author of The Israel-Palestine Conflict: A History , joins the show to discuss the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attack and Israel's retaliatory bombing of Gaza, but also the broader history of the Israel/Palestine issue/situation/question/conflict. The conversation begins with Prof. Gelvin's analysis of the Israel/Palestine issue and its origins which he argues is about clashing nationalisms rather than religious war or a dispute going back to biblical times. From there he gives his insights into conditions on the ground in Gaza, the question of whether or not U.S. foreign polciy has "kicked the can down the road" on pursuing a diplomatic political solution to Israel/Palestine, the one-state solution vs. the two-state solution, the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, the Oslo Accords, the legitimacy of national identities and their mythologies, the increasingly common argument that the PLO's Yasser Arafat is responsible for the current crisis for "walking away" from a "generous offer" at the 2000 Camp David Summit, the motivations of Hamas, Israel-Saudi normalization, the criticisms right-wing figures like David Horowitz have made of Gelvin's scholarship and his response to those criticisms, Obama and the Asia pivot, the West Bank and Israeli settlements, and much, much more.
Wed, October 25, 2023
Israel/Palestine, Gaza, Hamas, and the Need for a Political Solution w/ William Dowell (Former TIME Magazine Correspondent in Cairo)
On this edition of Parallax Views, WhoWhatWhy's William Dowell, a former TIME Magazine correspondent in Cairo who has also covered such pivotal events as the Vietnam War, the Iranian Revolution, Operation Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and the Civil War in Beirut, join us to discuss his articles "Hiding in the Rubble of Israel and Palestine: Opportunity" and "Biden’s Visit May Have Kept Gaza From Boiling Over". He will also discuss his experiences as a journalist who has interacted with such figures as Yasser Arafat. Moreover, William and I discuss the figure of Hamas military leader Mohammed Masri aka Mohammed Deif, William's analysis of Biden's diplomatic moves in response to the October 7th attack in Israeli and Israel's bombing of Gaza, Hamas as having set "a trap" for Israel that could lead to an Israeli quagmire in Gaza, the possibility of divisions/fissures within Hamas (particularly between its military wing and its political wing), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu's right-wing government, and much, much more.
Wed, October 25, 2023
Israel/Palestine and What Comes After Hamas? w/ Steve Simon
On this edition of Parallax Views, Steve Simon, Professor of Practice in Middle East Studies at the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies of the University of Washington,National Security Council senior director for counterterrorism in the Clinton White House and for the Middle East and North Africa in the Obama White House, and author of Grand Delusion: The Rise and Fall of American Ambition in the Middle East , joins the show to discuss his Foreign Affairs article "What Comes After Hamas?" . We discuss what he sees as being at stake in the current situation in Gaza, the possible "eternal dystopia" facing Gaza, what eradication of means, the role the United Nations could play in a post-Hamas Gaza, and much, much more.
Sat, October 21, 2023
Perspective from Israel: Israel Political Turmoil, West Bank Settlements, Gaza Bombing, Hamas, and More w/ @tamars
On this edition of Parallax Views, Israel/Palestine coverage continues as Israeli Twitter/X user Tamara (@tamars) joins the show for a 3 hour episode providing her perspective from within Israel on political turmoil within Israel, the West Bank settlements, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Benjamin Netanyahu, the bombing of Gaza, Hamas, the October 7th attack, repression of Israeli-Palestinians or Israeli-Arabs, the debate over the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital explosion, the Israeli bombing of a Palestinian church, the relationship between Hamas and the Israeli government (specifically the work visa programs for Gazan), ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel and the harassment of ultra-Orthodox left-wing Israeli Israel Frey, settler violence, and much, much, much
Wed, October 18, 2023
Israel/Palestine, U.S. Foreign Policy Failures, and Gaza w/ Prof. Stephen M. Walt
On this edition of Parallax Views, Stephen M. Walt, Robert and Renée Belfer professor of international relations at Harvard University, joins Parallax Views to discuss the Israel-Hamas War, U.S. foreign policy failures in regards to Israel/Palestine, and his latest Foreign Policy column "Israel Could Win This Gaza Battle and Lose the War" . We also discuss the two-state solution vs. one-state reality (see: Ian S. Lustick's Paradigm Lost: From Two-State Solution to One-State Reality ), misconceptions about Walt's book The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy (co-authored with John J. Mearsheimer), "kicking the can down the road" on the Israel/Palestine Question and its consequences, what the late international relations scholar (and one of Walt's mentors) Kenneth Waltz's would make of currents events involving Israel/Palestine, the Hamas attack of October 7th, Benjamin Netanyahu, the grievances of Palestinians and the reasons for their desire for a Palestinian state, and much, much more!
Wed, October 18, 2023
Huwaida Arraf, Co-Founder of the International Solidarity Movement/Jeff Halper, Head of the Israeli Commitee Against House Demolitions
On this edition of Parallax Views, in the first portion of the program I speak with Palestinian-American lawyer and activist Huwaida Arraf, co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement, to discuss the bombing of Gaza, the October 7th attack, and more. In the second half of the program Jeff Halper of the Israeli Commitee Against House Demolitions and the One Democratic State campaign joins the show to offer his thoughts and commentary on Israel/Palestine.
Tue, October 17, 2023
A Perspective from Palestine w/ Fathi Nimer
On this edition of Parallax Views, Fathi Nimer of Al-Shabaka, the Palestinian Policy Network, joins us from Ramallah to discuss his perspective on the events unfolding in the Middle East, Israel/Palestine, Gaza, the Hamas attack, prospects for a solution, and much, much more.
Sun, October 15, 2023
Netanyahu’s Clampdown on Israeli Dissidents, the History of Hamas, and the Blowback of Netanyahu’s Divide-and-Conquer Strategy w/ Zachary Foster
On this edition of Parallax Views, Zachary Foster of Palestine Nexus joins the show to discuss recent news of the Netanyahu government's crackdown on Israeli dissidents as well as the history of Hamas and how Netanyahu's divide-and-conquer strategy in relations to the Palestinians has arguably led to what those in foreign policy circles call "blowback". We also discuss the plight of Palestinians not only in Gaza, which many describe as an open-air prison, but also the occupied West Bank. Links: Likud Minister Formulates Emergency Regulations to Imprison Citizens Who 'Harm National Morale': Communications Minister Karhi is promoting regulations that would allow him to direct police to arrest civilians, remove them from their homes, or seize their property if he believes they have spread information that could harm national morale or served as the basis for enemy propaganda - Haaretz - October 15th, 2023 For years, Netanyahu propped up Hamas. Now it’s blown up in our faces The premier’s policy of treating the terror group as a partner, at the expense of Abbas and Palestinian statehood, has resulted in wounds that will take Israel years to heal from - The Times of Israel - October 8th, 2023
Sun, October 15, 2023
Israel/Palestine, the Bombing of Gaza, Hamas, and the Danger of Irrationality in the Current Moment w/ Ian S. Lustick
On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. Ian S. Lustick of the University of Pennsylvania and author of Paradigm Lost: From Two-State Solution to One-State Reality joins the show to discuss his Foreign Policy op-ed "Vengeance is Not a Policy" . We discuss Gaza as a prison, the need for historical context in discussing unfolding events, the intelligence/military/operational failure of preventing the Oct. 7th attacks, the dangers of irrationality in responding to unfolding events (and the comparisons being made to 9/11 and the chilling effect on speech and dialogue that happened in America during the War on Terror), the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and why events like that need to be discussed in relation to events unfolding today, Benjamin Netanyahu, the West Bank, and much, much more!
Sun, October 15, 2023
Israel/Palestine, Hamas, the Bombing of Gaza, 9/11, and Blowback w/ Scott Horton
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our coverage of the horrific events unfolding in Israel/Palestine, the comparisons being made between 9/11 and October 7th (and the comparisons to the events that aren't being discussed), the theory of blowback and the thesis of the Adam Curtis documentary THE POWER OF NIGHTMARES as it relates to the unfolding events, Netanyahu's propping up of Hamas in the years leading up to the attack in an effort to divide Palestinians, the siege of Gaza, and much, much more!
Wed, October 11, 2023
The Calculus of Hamas and the Strategy of Atrocity in Warfare w/ Christopher W. Jones
On this edition of Parallax Views, Union University's Christopher W. Jones joins me to discuss the potential calculus of Hamas in their brutal attack over the weekend. Christopher brings his knowledge as specialist in ancient history and ISIS/ISIL aka Islamic State (which he has written about) to this conversation. In the later portion of the discussion we discuss what Christopher calls the "Strategy of Atrocities" as used in warfare as well as the comparisons being made between the tactics of Islamic State and Hamas. In the earlier part of the conversation we discuss calculus of Hamas, normalization of relationships between Arab states and Israel and the role that may have played in motivating the attack, Hezbollah, the Second Intifada, the trained professional military of Hamas, Turkey, Qatar, demographics and the role it could play in this war, and much, much more.
Wed, October 11, 2023
Continued Coverage of Hamas Attack, Israel’s Retaliation in Gaza, and Events Unfolding in the Middle East w/ ReThinking Foreign Policy’s Mitchell Plitnick
Parallax Views continues coverage of the Hamas attack, Israel's retaliation in Gaza, and events unfolding in the Middle East. This time Mitchell Plitnick of ReThinking Foreign Policy joins the program.
Wed, October 11, 2023
Hamas Attack, Israel’s Retaliation in Gaza, and More w/ Abe Silberstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jewish-American journalist Abe Silberstein joins the show to offer his commentary on the events unfolding in the Middle East. This is part of an ongoing series with different guests and was recorded on Monday.
Mon, October 09, 2023
The Hamas Attack, Israel/Palestine, U.S. Foreign Policy, and How Hamas Got Power in the First Place w/ Prof. Stephen Zunes
On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof Stephen Zunes, noted Middle East scholar and politics professor at the University of San Francisco, returns to discuss the latest events unfolding in Israel/Palestine with a focus on the Hamas attack and the Israeli response. Prof. Zunes will also offer a history lesson about how Hamas originally gained power and political prominence in the Middle East. This will include an examination of U.S. foreign policy under George W. Bush. We'll also be discussing a number of other issues such as Iran, the ideology of Hamas, the Israeli far-right, and much, much more!
Mon, October 09, 2023
Hamas’ Unprecedented Attack on Israel and How It May Change Middle East Geopolitics Irrevocably w/ James M. Dorsey
On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. James M. Dorsey of the Turbulent World of MidEast Soccer blog returns to discuss the latest news on Israel/Palestine, specifically the deadly attack on Hamas and what it pertains for the future of Middle East geopolitics. The attack has been described as "Israel's 9/11" and incurred civilian causalities. Among the issues tackled in this conversation: - Hamas' motivations for the attack - Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morrocco, Egypt, and what this means for Middle East relations and the shattering of many notions about geopolitics in the Middle East - Israel cutting off access to water, electricity, and food - Hezbollah in Lebanon - Netanyahu's government focus on the West Bank; failure to prevent attack and intelligence and operational failure - Possibility of escalation into a conflict with Iran - U.S. decision to send an aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean - Israeli far-right ultranationalist movements led by figures like Religious Zionist Party's Bezalel Smotrich and Otzma Yehudit's Itamar Ben-Gvir - Netanyahu's coalition government and the polarization of the Jewish community over the current Israeli government - Effect of Hamas attack: hardening of anti-Palestinian sentiments in Israel while also calling into question the efficacy of Israeli security forces in the public sentiment - Relationship between Hamas and Iran; it hasn't always been a comfortable relationship re: Syria - Hamas was preparing in the open for a moment like this; the explosion between Hamas and Israel should not be surprising, but breaking through the fence into Israel should be; Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri's comments about "total war" over the summer - Question of Saudi recognition of Israel and whether these unfolding events will kill that - Erdogan's Turkey and whether it will try to take a role/position as mediators - Arab social media backlash against Hamas' way of conducting the attack; Turkish support of Israel on social media and the reasons for it - Palestine Authority's Mahmoud Abbas and potential succession struggle - Possible future negotiation between Hamas and Israel? - Difference between Hamas and Fatah - Hamas' miscalculation on two fronts - U.S.-Israel relationship
Fri, October 06, 2023
The Secret History of Watergate: Nixon, Howard Hughes, and Blackmail in Politics w/ Jonathan Marshall
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jonathan Marshall, author of the book Dark Quadrant: Organized Crime, Big Business, and the Corruption of American Democracy , returns to discuss his recent Lobster Magazine piece "The Watergate break-ins and the Howard Hughes connection" as well as, briefly in the latter portion of the program, his scholarly article in the Journal of Cold War Studies entitled "U.S. Cold War Policy and the Italian Far-Right: The Nixon Administration, Republican Party Operatives, and the Borghese Coup Plot of 1970" . Over the years many have pondered the question of "Why" when it comes to the Watergate break-in. What was the motivation, the end goal of breaking into the Democratic National Committee? It's no doubt an important question to ask. What brought down the Nixon administration, however, was the cover-up rather than the crime. So, in many ways, the question has remained unanswered or only speculated. Jonathan Marshall offers his assessment in this conversation in which we delve into what could be called the "Secret History" of Watergate. For Marshall, the motivations for Watergate, can be tied into issues related to money-in-politics, blackmail, and, believe it or not, the figure of the notoriously reclusive 20th century business tycoon Howard Hughes. Marshall takes us through the history of the Howard Hughes empire's attempt to gain political favor, including with regards to his relationship with Richard Nixon over the years. Additionally, Hughes had ties to Larry O'Brien, the then chair of the Democratic National Commitee. It's a story that will lead us down rabbit holes of political subterfuge involving publishers, reporters, political organizers, and other social power players as well as the CIA, Watergate plumber G. Gordon Liddy, and many other. It also, Jonathan argues, has relevance to today. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Wed, October 04, 2023
The Political Right and Equality: Turning Back the Tide of Egalitarian Modernity w/ Matt McManus
On this edition of Parallax Views, Matt McManus, a Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Michigan and the author of The Rise of Post-Modern Conservatism , joins the show to discuss his new book The Political Right and Equality: Turning Back the Tide of Egalitarian Modernity . Matt gives a sweeping history of the political right that tries to grapple, from a left social democratic perspective, with conservative thought since the French Revolution. In doing so Matt gets beyond the talking heads on FOX News or flamboyant characters like Alex Jones and Jordan Peterson, instead focusing on the most serious intellectual elements of the political right and how the left should/can respond to those elements. Moreover, Matt discusses the most reactionary segments of the political right in this conversation and their beliefs. Among the topics discussed in this conversation: - Aristotle and the Aristotelian universe in the political right; order and hierarchy in the thinking of the political right; modernity and the radical break from antiquity - Conservatism's relationship with liberals; conservative discomfort with liberalism - English conservative philosopher Roger Scruton's unpacking of liberalism; Roger Scruton and "The Unthinking Man"; agency and critical thinking as an entitlement of the higher orders of society (within the thought of the political right); - Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France , the sublime quality of the "Sun King", and monarchy - The thought of uber-reactionary Joseph de Maistre and his response to the events of the French Revolution - F.A. Hegel as conservative? and right-wing Hegelianism - Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his turn from Christian socialism to conservatism, his critique of socialism and liberalism in books like Demons , and Fyodor Dostoyevsky Contra Leo Tolstoy - Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment and Dostoyevsky's critique of scientifically-oriented material ontologies and utilitarianism; psychological reactions to ontological materialism - Utopianism vs. Anti-utopianism, hierarchy and social order/organization, and strawman arguments - The political right in the 20th century and particularly after WWII - The far-right and the transition to fascism from its antecedents on the right; anti-democratic thought amongst elements of the political right; blood and soil ideology - Nietzsche and the political right - Edifying myths, cha
Mon, October 02, 2023
Nagorno-Karabakh and the Persecution of Armenians w/ Alfred de Zayas, Former UN Independent Expert on International Order
On this edition of Parallax Views, Alfred de Zayas, a law professor at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and the UN Independent Expert on International Order from 2012-18, returns to the program to discuss the current worrying situation of Nagorno-Karabakh from an international law and human rights perspective. In the course of this conversation de Zayas offers sweeping history of why Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh fear aggression by Azerbaijan enough to flee. We delve into the history of Turkish and Azeri persecution of Armenians going back to the 1915 genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire as well as the Istanbul Pogrom of September 6-7 1955. Additionally, Alfred de Zayas talk about Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine and what he argues is the hypocrisy of the international community on the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Fri, September 29, 2023
U.S. Foreign Policy, Great Power Competition, and the Azerbaijani Ethnic Cleansing of Armenians w/ Mark Movsesian
On this edition of Parallax Views, Mark Movsesian, Director of the Center for Law and Religion at St. John's University, joins us to discuss his Compact Magazine article "The Second Armenian Genocide" . The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has come to a close with Azerbaijan taking control, thus leaving many Armenians to flee the region in what many are calling an ethnic cleansing. Mark argues that these events unfolded due to 21st century Great Power competition and that Armenians are the ones that are paying for it. In relation to this we discuss Russia, Turkey, Israel, and the U.S. in relation to Nagorno-Karabakh. We also delve into why U.S. foreign policy has had so little interest in the plight of Armenians despite claiming to being in favor of human rights and R2P (Responsibility to Protect Doctrine), how this incident and the U.S. response reveals American foreign policy hypocrisy, the belief that Armenia is a puppet of Russia, Russia's issues with Armenia and the end of their peacekeeping efforts in the region, the Armenian genocide of 1915, Azeri lobbying efforts guiding the narrative about Nagorno-Karabakh in the West, the response (or lack of response) to Nagorno-Karabakh by American Christians and secular Leftists, Armenia as the oldest Christian civilizations in the world and the role religion plays in the conflict, Turkey's Erdogan, and much, much more!
Wed, September 27, 2023
Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories w/ Mike Rothschild
On this edition of Parallax Views, Mike Rothschild, a journalist specializing in the topic of right-wing conspiracy culture, joins us to discuss his new book Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories . A follow-up of sorts to his previous book The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAnon Became a Movement, Cult, and Conspiracy Theory of Everything , Jewish Space Lasers delves into the history of virulently antisemitic conspiracy theories concerning the wealthy Rothschild banking family and the popularity of those theories within the American right-wing and it's media ecosystem. How did the Rothschilds become public enemy No. 1 of the fringe right in America? How does the Rothschild conspiracy theory feed into conspiracy theories about George Soros and Black Rock's Larry Fink? And how has the Rothchild conspiracy theory crept from the dark corners of the fringe right into, in many ways, the mainstream of U.S. conservatism? Hopefully this conversation will help answer all of those questions and more! And no, Mike is not related to the famed financial family. In the course of our conversation we'll discuss the history of Rothschild conspiracy theories going back to the era of Napolean and Waterloo, the lucrative grift of antisemitic conspiracy theory peddling, the John Birch Society and Gary Allen's None Dare Call It Conspiracy , the modernist poet Ezra Pound and how his protege Eustace Mullins created an antisemitic narrative around the formation of the Federal Reserve (and how well-known figures like Glenn Beck have picked up on this particular conspiracy theory), the Mormon conspiracy theorist Cleon Skousen and his influence on the American right-wing, David Icke's reptilian conspiracy theories and the New Age/Wellness connection to antisemitic conspiracism, Marjorie Taylor Green's conspiracy theory about the Rothschilds and weather modification, Bill Cooper's UFO conspiracy tome Behold a Pale Horse and the strange hoax known as Quiet Weapons for Silent Wars: An Introductory Programming Manual which claimed to be a top secret document, the Rothschilds and Zionism, Cold War anti-communism and antisemitism, the 1930s movie House of Rothschild starring horror icon Boris Karloff and Hollywood's WWII-era reluctance to alienate Nazi Germany, Nazi propaganda films like The Eternal Jew and Die Rothschilds (aka The Rothschilds' Shares in Waterloo ), how antisemitic conspiracy theories distract from truly addressing issues like wealth inequality, the role American evangelist and 700 Club host Pat Robertson had in promulgating Rothschild conspiracy theories, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, and much, much more.
Mon, September 25, 2023
The Afghanistan Ouroboros, the BCCI, and 9/11 w/ Blowback’s Noah Kulwin
On this edition of Parallax Views, Noah Kulwin joins us to discuss the fourth season of his and Brendan James's highly lauded podcast series Blowback. In previous seasons Noah and Brendan have covered the Iraq War, the Cuban Revolution, and the Korean War. For season four they're tackling the mammoth topic of Afghanistan from the era of the Cold War to the U.S.'s invasion of the country after the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks and eventual withdrawal 20 years later. In the course of our conversation will discuss the covert intelligence network known as the Safari Club and the scandalous Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI), Afghan warlords, the mujahedeen and D.C. foreign policy heavyweight Zbigniew Brezinski, Rambo III, the metaphor of the ouroboros (snake eats its own tail) in Blowback Season 4, the influence of Hideo Kojima's acclaimed video game series Metal Gear Solid on Blowback season 4, Clinton/Bush-era Counterterrorism Czard Richard Clarke's curious comments about 9/11, Peter Dale Scott's The Road to 9/11, conspiracy theories and parapolitics, Steve Coll's Ghost Wars, sources used for Blowback season 4, the deep state, torture programs, al Qaeda, jihadism and intel agencies, Seymour Hersh, the double agent Ali Mohammad, and much, much more!
Thu, September 21, 2023
Liberalism Against Itself: Cold War Intellectuals and the Making of Our Times
On this edition of Parallax Views, Samuel Moyn, Chancellor Kent Professor of Law and History at Yale University, joins the show to discuss his new book Liberalism Against Itself: Cold War Intellectuals and the Making of Our Times . Samuel examines and dissects the beliefs of Cold War intellectuals like Karl Popper, Judith Shklar, Gertrude Himmelfarb, Lionel Trilling, Isaiah Berlin, and Hannah Arendt to argue that liberals of the Cold War in many ways ended up undermining the progressive and Enlightenment principles of the liberal tradition in their attempts to combat communism. In doing so, he makes the case, they helped paved the way not only for modern equivalents/heirs of the Cold War liberalism like Anne Applebaum, Timothy Garton Ash, Paul Berman, Michael Ignatieff, Tony Judt, and Leon Wieseltierm, but also the reigning power of the current neoliberal order and the withering of the welfare state. A note that this conversation is talking about liberals and liberalism in a very academic sense rather than it's colloquial usage. Among the topics discussed are Judith Shklar's After Utopia (and why Shklar is a guiding force throughout Liberalism Against Itself ), Sigmun Freud and the politics of self-regulations, decolonization and paternalisitic racism in the Cold War era, Jonathan Chait's scathing review of Liberalism Against Itself and Samuel's response to it (excluive, thus far, to this show), Patrick Deneen's Why Liberalism Failed and Samuel's critique of the burgeoning postliberal right, thoughts on Sohrab Ahmari's Tyranny Inc. , Karl Popper of The Open Society and Its Enemies fame and the problem his critique of historicism, the Mont Pelerin Society and neoliberalism, F.A. Hayek, Gertrude Himmelfarb and the Christian thinker Lord Acton, the Cold War liberals' critique of romanticism and Samuel's response to it, the Soviet Union and the idea of Progress and who lays claim to it, the concept of emancipation and the French Revolution, and much, much more!
Tue, September 19, 2023
War Made Invisible: How America Hides the Human Toll of Its Military Machine w/ Norman Solomon
On this edition of Parallax Views, longtime antiwar movement voice and peace activist Norman Solomon joins Parallax Views to discuss his book War Made Invisible: How America Hides the Human Toll of It's Military Machine . We also debate/conversate about Ukraine and where things should go from here in regards to the Russian invasion, Ukraine's continued resistance, the question of diplomacy, and how the U.S. should be responding to it as well as how weapons manufacturers on both sides are the biggest victors of the invasion in terms of the weapons sales bonanza it has been for them. Most of the conversation thought is devoted to the nature of the U.S. warfare state and how media has often been complicit in manufacturing consent for U.S. war and military adventurism abroad. Norman also talks about his background, the problem with embedded journalism and how it ends up turning journalists into mouthpieces for the U.S. war machine, the myths of broadcast media ending the war in Vietnam, the nature of propaganda and the use of language in selling and normalizing war and militarism, the War on Terror, Iraq, Afghanistan, drone warfare and the technologies of war, the connection between racism and military adventurism, and much, much more!
Fri, September 15, 2023
Military Carbon Emissions & Congressional Blocking of DoD Emission Reduction Efforts w/ Hanna Homestead
On this edition of Parallax Views, Hanna Homestead, a policy analyst for the Center for International Policy, joins me to discuss the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 in relation to climate change, carbon emissions, and emission reductions efforts. We delve into the Congressional efforts to block Department of Defense emission reduction endeavors and the reasons for that. We also delve into the paradoxical nature of U.S. militarized foreign policy "national interests" doctrine, the Biden administration, third party contractors and the DoD, the need for accountability and transparency measures, 9/11 and the War on Terror in relation to the NDAA, the 2001 and 2003 AUMFs (Authorization for Use of Military Force), Congressional pork barreling, and more!
Thu, September 14, 2023
Unanswered Questions: What the September Eleventh Families Asked and the 9/11 Commission Ignored w/ Ray McGinnis
On this edition of Parallax Views, we just passed the anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. As such this episode is devoted to the subject of 9/11 and the guest is Ray McGinnis, author of Unanswered Questions: What the September Eleventh Families Asked and the 9/11 Commission Ignored . Ray tells the story of the 9/11 Family Steering Committee and the Jersey Girls, a group of widows whose husbands perished in the 9/11 attacks, and their pressure campaigns that led to the formation of the 9/11 Commission. These families, traumatized by the attacks and the loss of their loved ones, sought to have hard questions answered about the 9/11 attacks. Was there a Saudi connection to the events of that day? Why was the United States government unable to prevent the attacks? What led to the failure of response? Who dropped the ball? Simply put, they wanted accountability. McGinnis skillfully tells the story in their book, offering a tale of grassroot citizens activism. In the course of our conversation we'll discuss a number of topics related to these issues including a possible UAE tie to the events of 9/11, Counterterrorism Czar Richard A. Clarke, Henry Kissinger's resignation from the 9/11 Commision and the role the 9/11 families played in that resignation, and much, much more!
Mon, September 04, 2023
No Justice, No Police?: The Politics of Protest and Social Change w/ Matt Clement
After a break due to Hurricane Idalia, Parallax Views is back! Earlier this year I spoke with Matt Clement, editor of the recent zer0 books anthology No Justice, No Police?: The Politic of Protest and Social Change . Matt and I discussed the radical movements seeking to reform or even abolition policing in the U.S. and U.K. since the advent of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement took off. We'll discuss where these efforts are today and the different perspectives on policing, police brutality, police killing, and related topics in this conversation
Thu, August 24, 2023
Tyranny Inc.: How Private Power Crushed American Liberty and What to Do About It (+ Opposing the Eugenicist, Nietzschean Right) w/ Sohrab Ahmari
On this edition of Parallax Views, Sohrab Ahmari of the online magazine Compact joins the show to discuss his intriguing new book Tyranny Inc.: How Private Power Crushed American Liberty--and What to Do About It . Sohrab is a self-described "man of the Right". As such one may expect that Tyranny Inc. is another addition to the growing cottage industry conservative diatribes about "woke capitalism". That's what makes the book so interesting though. Rather than offering an extended invective against "woke capital", Ahmari opts instead to offer a surprisingly materialist-based critical analysis of neoliberal capitalism and the darkest consequences of it. One could easily mistake it for having been written by a left-wing thinker. Ahmari even cites such figures associated with broadly leftist tendencies such as Marxist economic geographer David Harvey and economist J.K. Galbraith. In this conversation we discuss the key points of his book, his hopes for regulation of the corporate power in America going forward (which could be spearheaded by the political odd couple of Elizabeth Warren and JD Vance), capitalism and atomization, regional capital (small business owners) as the power base of the GOP that prevents Republicans from being a truly working class-friendly party, and, in the latter portion of the conversation, Ahmari's laudable, Catholic-driven opposition to the emergent trend of a racist, social darwinist, and eugenicist segment of the right that he calls the "Nietzschean Right".
Mon, August 21, 2023
The Maui Fires and the Grotesque Mismanagement of a Disaster w/ Journalist Albert Lanier from Hawaii
On this edition of Parallax Views, long-time Hawaii-based journalist Albert Lanier makes his return to Parallax Views to discuss the Maui wildfires that have ravaged Lahaina. The death toll is currently at 114 with 800 or more unaccounted for at the time of this episode's release. And that doesn't even get into the financial damages to Maui. Homes have been destroyed and lives displaced. This raises the question: Could this tragedy have been, if not prevented, handled better? Could lives have been saved? Was the response to the Maui wildfires by the Maui Emergency Management and its then chief (now resigned) Herman Andaya profoundly mismanaged? Why were sirens not put into effect? Why were residents left to looking out there windows to realize the fire was happening and run to the harbor? What to make of the Biden administration's and FEMA's response? Or the frankly bizarre conspiracy theories that have already started trying to claim the natural disaster was actually a DEW (Directed Energy Weapons) attack? All this and much more will be addressed on this edition of Parallax Views.
Sat, August 19, 2023
The Year That Broke Politics: Collusion and Chaos in the Presidential Election of 1968 w/ Luke A. Nichter
On this edition of Parallax Views, historian Luke A. Nichter, author of such books as The Nixon Tapes (w/ Douglas Brinkley), The Last Brahmin: Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. and the Making of the Cold War , and Lyndon B. Johnson: Pursuit of Populism, Paradox of Power , joins the show to discuss his new book The Year That Broke Politics: Collusion and Chaos in the Presidential Election of 1968 . Although many think of the 1960s as the "summer of love", it was in truth an era of great turbulence and tumult beyond all the imagery of flower-pop and free love as depicted in pop culture explorations of the era. 1968, in particular, was particularly chaotic year both domestically within the U.S. and internationally. The Vietnam war was raging. It was a time of protests. The assassinations of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy. Lyndon Johnson announced that he would not be seeking another term in office. Riots broke out outside the Democratic National Convention. And an election was in our midst that would see Republican Richard Nixon, Democrat Hubert Humphrey, and pro-segregation third-party candidate George Wallace. Luke will take us through what that year meant political, delve into how LBJ may have dropped out of the race but not out of making political maneuverings, evangelist Billy Graham's only recently discovered role in the election year and the campaigns, what motivated the voters with their decision at the ballot box in 1968, Luke's questioning of the narrative that Nixon's "Southern Strategy" played an outside role in the election outcome, the meaning of 1968 in the age of Trump and in lieu of the 2024 election, Nixon's centrism?, and much, much more.
Wed, August 16, 2023
The Hidden History of American Democracy w/ Thom Hartmann/The Risks of Nuclear War, Oppenheimer, & Reflections on Alamogordo and Los Alamos w/ Ret. LTC. William J. Astore
On this edition of Parallax Views, progressive radio host Thom Hartmann joins the show in the first half for a 30-minute conversation about his latest book The Hidden History of American Democracy . Hartmann argues that if American citizens look back deep into the history of the United States, going back to the Founding Fathers, they will find that "democracy is in our veins" despite the country's many faults over its history. We'll delve into some of the key points of the book, the Constitution, slavery in America, the work of historians Charles and Mary Beard and Thom's criticism of it, and much, much more. In the second segment of the show, Ret. LTC. William J. Astore of the Eisenhower Media Network to discuss the British Medical Journal editorial "Reducing the risks of nuclear war" . William and I will discuss the risks of nuclear war in the 21st century, Oppenheimer, William's reflection on his time spent at Alamogordo and Los Alamos, thought on the recently passed away Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, and much, much more.
Sat, August 12, 2023
The Black Poor, Class, and Affirmative Action w/ Bertrand Cooper
On this edition of Parallax Views, freelancer writer Bertrand Russell joins me to discuss the issue of black poverty, which he grew up in, and his article for The Atlantic entitled "The Failure of Affirmative Action" . This article has led to Bertrand appearing on media outlets like MSNBC and Slate. It doesn't argue that Affirmative Action didn't help black Americans, but rather that Affirmative Action didn't adequately address the plight of the black poor in America. In this discussion we'll discuss how black America isn't a monolith, specifically socioeconomically. This'll lead us to talking about the black poor, black middle, and black upper class. We'll also talk about "class reductionism" and "race reductionism", Bertrand's criticism of black intellectual thought leaders like Ta-Nehisi Coates and Ibram X. Kendi, class interests in the black community, the Netflix show Beef and how it deals with the class in relationship to the Asian-American experience, the racial wealth gap and the work of scholar William "Sandy" Darity, the ADOS (American Descendants of Slavery) movement, Ibram X. Kendi's recent piece "'Working Class' Does Not Equal 'White'" , acknowledging the human elements when discussing class as well race, the "Ambassador" model of having someone from the upper echelons of a marginalized group represent the rest of that marginalized, class tensions in the black community, lack of representation of the black poor in media and academia, Bertrand's personal experience in University as someone who came from a background of poverty, cultural appropriation of the black poor and their experiences, "authenticity" as a social currency and the potential problems with it, and much, much more! Sources: Gen X incarceration rates by race, gender, and parental income https://opportunityinsights.org/paper/race/ Pew Research (2007) surveying value differences among black folks https://pewresearch.org/social-trends/2007/11/13/blacks-see-growing-values-gap-between-poor-and-middle-class/ Pew Research on black intra-group commonality
Tue, August 08, 2023
The Texas Mall Shooting and the Phenomena of Nazis of Color w/ Spencer Sunshine and Isaac
On this edition of Parallax Views, on May 6, 2023 a mass shooting occurred at Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas. Nine people, including the shooter, perished in that incident with others being injured. The perpetrator was a man by the name of Mauricio Garcia. Despite his Latino background, Garcia identified as a neo-nazi. How, some thought, could a Latino man hold the views of neo-nazi, fascist, white supremacists? Antifascist researcher and antifascist skinhead Isaac join me to discuss this incident and, more broadly, their article "Nazis of Color" for the grassroots Unicorn Riot website . As it turns out, Nazis come in many different forms and can be found in Latin America, the Asia and Pacific Islands, and elsewhere. There are even, believe it or not, black Nazi skinheads. What is behind this startling phenomena? We'll discuss all that as well as much more in this conversation including the recent revelations about right-wing commentator Richard Hanania's association with the alt right, how skinhead culture was appropriated by neo-nazis and the history of the "Rock Against Communism" skinhead music movement,
Sun, August 06, 2023
Seeing through the Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth about Marijuana w/ Peter Grinspoon, M.D.
On this edition of Parallax Views, Peter Grinspoon, MD joins the show to discuss his new book Seeing Through the Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles the Truth About Marijuana. Peter is the son of Lester Grinspoon, who was one of the top researchers into cannabis and psychedelics at Harvard. Peter's approach to marijuana is a bit different and unique as he takes aims at the myths perpetuated by reefer pessimists (those who think marijuana is the devil's plant) and cannatopians (those who consider marijuana a no-downsides miracle plant). We'll discuss the effects of marijuana on youths, the question of marijuana and disorders like schizophrenia, the medical benefits of marijuana, a story about Peter hanging out with science popularizer Carl Sagan (Sagan was a friend of the Grinspoon family and a marijuana advocate), thoughts on psychedelic research (and the question of whether Timothy Leary's effect on said research was positive or negative), and much, much more.
Mon, July 31, 2023
The Fourth Turning Is Here: What The Seasons Of History Tell Us About How And When This Crisis Will End w/ Neil Howe
On this edition of Parallax Views, Neil Howe, coiner of the term "Millennial", joins us to discuss his new book The Fourth Turning Is Here: What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End . Howe, alongside his late colleague William Struass, came up with a generational view of history that emphasized history being cyclical rather than linear. This came about when Howe began to wonder about the differences between Baby Boomers and the GI Generation. Strauss and Howe's work has influenced a diverse range of figures including former Vice President Al Gore, progressive radio host Thom Hartmann, and, most infamously, former Trump advisor Steve Bannon (who made a documentary, Generation Zero , that was heavily influenced by the Fourth Turning theory). Neil and I will discuss the ins-and-outs of the Fourth Turning, generational archetypes, community vs. atomization, the decline of academia and academic disciplines, and much, misunderstanding about the Fourth Turning, whether the Howe-Strauss generational theory of history ignores material and identity (like gender) related issues, culture, and much more in this wide-ranging conversation.
Wed, July 26, 2023
Are Business Interests Driving an AI Panic? (+ WGA Strike, ChatGPT Bias, Henry Kissinger, and More) w/ Grant M. Gallagher
On this edition of Parallax Views, Grant M. Gallagher of the upcoming history podcast New Disorder: a History of the 21st Century returns to discuss his June 5th, 2023 Newsweek op-ed "Why AI Panic is Not About Safety" . We delve into how Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI and a signatory of the Center for AI Safety's recent statement about the potential dangers of AI, has been at the forefront of calling for safety regulations in lieu of current concerns about the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies. But is all of this simply about AI safety, or ensuring regulations that are on the terms of and to the benefit of figures like Altman and their companies? Gallagher makes this argument in the op-ed and we delve into it more in this conversation about the AI Panic. This is not to say that there aren't legitimate concerns about AI, but rather that the way concerns about AI is currently being discussed conceal business interests and motivations. We also discuss ChatGPT and its potential biases, the Writer's Guild of America (WGA) strike in Hollywood (which is being driven by fears about AI), Henry Kissinger and the American political establishment, and much, much more.
Sun, July 23, 2023
Exposing SOUND OF FREEDOM, Tim Ballard, and Operation Underground Railroad w/ Damion Moore
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Angel Studios movie Sound of Freedom , starring The Passion of the Christ 's Jim Caviezel and Academy Award-winner Mira Sorvino, has become the sleeper indie hit of the summer. It purports to be based on the true life exploits of Tim Ballard, a former Department of Home Security official, and his fight to save children from the scourge of human trafficking in Colombia. The movie has been described as akin to the First Blood / Rambo movie or the Liam Neeson-starring Taken franchise, but based on a true story. Journalists Damion Moore and Lynn Packer of American Crime Journal, however, have been on the beat with regards to Tim Ballard the organization he co-founded Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.; Ballard has since resigned or, depending on your interpretation, been forced out of the organization) for a number of years now. Their reporting tells a very different story and paints a less flattering picture of Mr. Ballard. Damion Moore joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to unravel the true story of Sound of Freedom and Tim Ballard. We'll be covering the arrest of Earl Buchanan (the basis of the Tim Ballard/Sound of Freedom story), Mormonism, right-wing broadcaster Glenn Beck and his connection to Tim Ballard through the Nazarene Fund, the holes in Ballard's narrative and twisting of the truth, the "Rambo raid" story of Sound of Freedom vs. the reality, Sound of Freedom producer Eduardo Verástegui, how Sound of Freedom could harm/hurt efforts to fight human trafficking, the Jeffrey Epstein case, QAnon, the Wayfair child trafficking conspiracy theory, the Tim Ballard "White Board meeting" and profiteering/money-making, human/child trafficking cases (Elizabeth Frasier and Coco Berthmann), Utah attorney General Sean Reyes and his connections to Tim Ballard, Tim Ballard's during his days in the Department of Homeland Security and President Obama's record of immigrant deportation, American Crime Journal's coverage of the Eliza Bleu case, Tim Ballard's connections to Donald Trump, Tim Ballard and right-wing's "groomer" allegations against trans and LGBTQ+ activists, the problem with sensationalistic and tabloid true crime media and podcasts, and much, much more in this nearly 2 and a half hour conversation! Photo of the Tim Ballard "White Board" referenced in this episode. Thank you Damion Moore.
Wed, July 19, 2023
Israel/Palestine, Violence in Jenin, Israeli Police Murder of an Autistic Man, and the Iraqi Shia Kidnapping of an Israeli-Russian National w/ Richard Silverstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, Richard Silverstein of the Tikun Olam blog returns to discuss the latest news in Israel/Palestine. We beging with a breakdown of the latest Israeli raid on Jenin and it's significance, the U.S. response, the resiliency of Palestinians, and related issues. From there we move onto the troubling story of an autistic Palestinian man who was killed by an Israeli police officer. Charges against said police officer were recently dropped and Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir mocked the dead man's mother calling her a "terrorist". We then wrap up the show with a discussion about Israeli-Russian national and academic Elizabeth Tsukov, who has done pro-Palestinian and human rights work, and her kidnapping by an Iraqi Shia militia. All that and more on this addition of Parallax Views!
Mon, July 17, 2023
Biden Nominee Elliott Abrams, the Iran-Contra Affair, and the U.S. Foreign Policy Blob
On this edition of Parallax Views, Sam Fraser, researcher and senior communications associate at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, joins us to discuss the Biden administration's nomination of Elliott Abrams to the bipartisan United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. A few years ago Abrams, who was at that time appointed as the U.S. special envoy to Venezuela by the Trump administration, was in the news when Rep. Ilhan Omar confronted Abrams on his involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal and human rights abuses in Latin America. Why is a figure like Abrams, who was convicted for his involvement with Iran/Contra, still involved in international relations and U.S. foreign policy? And how do figures like Abrams sticking around effect U.S. relations with Latin American countries? These are just a few of the questions posed in this conversation and Sam's recent article "Biden’s disgraceful nomination of Elliott Abrams" . This conversation will also delve into the history of the Ronald Reagan Presidency and U.S. foreign policy in that era. We'll discuss Iran-Contra for those who need a refresher, atrocities in El Salvador and Guatemala, dirty wars, death squads in Latin America in the 1980s, the Cold War, Abrams' praise for a dictator that's been convicted of genocide, how left-wing movements gain traction in Latin America and how they are suppressed by the right-wing, the military dictatorship of Gen. Fulgencio Batista and the rise of Fidel Castro, Juan Guaido and the failed coup against Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, Brazilian President Lula Da Silva and Operation Car Wash, Hugo Chavez and failed coup attempts against him in the George W. Bush years, Israel/Palestine, the 2007 Gaza War between Fatah and Hamas, the history of the neocons (neoconservatives) and their role in U.S. foreign policy (also: are they still relevant?), lack of accountability in the U.S. foreign policy blob/establishment, Elliot Abrams and the Council on Foreign Relations, the democracy vs. autocracy debate and its contradictions, American exceptionalism and U.S. hegemony, and more!
Tue, July 11, 2023
Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics w/ Geneticist Adam Rutherford
On this edition of Parallax Views, geneticist Adam Rutherford joins us to discuss his new, timely book Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics . British philosopher John Gray, author of Stray Dogs , praised Control saying, "[Rutherford's] scientific demolition of the eugenic project is brilliantly illuminating and compelling. His book will be indispensable for anyone who wants to assess the wild claims and counter-claims surrounding new genetic technologies." Believe it or not, the idea, or pseudoscientific mindset as Rutherford refers to it, of eugenics did not die with WWII and the atrocities of the Nazi Third Reich. In fact, elements of it still linger in the culture today. This is why Rutherford wrote Control , a book that attempts to explore the history of eugenics, the opposition to it, and the scientific problems with it from the perspective of an accomplished geneticist. In this conversation we discuss not only the history of eugenics, but also the opposition to it from Christian like G.K. Chesterton, eugenics and H.G. Wells' The Time Machine , tackling modern eugenicist thinkers like Richard Lynn who offer an intellectual, pseudo-academic sheen to eugenics and the ways in which Rutherford believes we should pushback on their claims, and a even a brief discursion into Adam's work with filmmaker Alex Garland on the Natalie Portman-starring sci-fi movie Annihilation . All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Wed, June 28, 2023
The Enduring Legacy of V, the Hit Sci-Fi TV Series That Used the Alien Invasion Trope to Explore the Dangers of Fascism w/ Kenny Johnson
On this edition of Parallax Views, 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the release of V: The Original Miniseries. A two-part sci-fi television event that brought in around 33 million homes, V was ostensibly the story of reptilian alien invading earth to steal it's resources and turn the human population into a food source. However, beneath the surface it acted as a parable about how fascism and authoritarianism can take hold in a country. In fact, it was inspired by Sinclair Lewis' classic novel It Can't Happen Here and was initially not about malevolent extraterrestrial invaders at all. In this conversation we discuss how V came to be, the conspiracy theorists who take the miniseries and it's reptilian invasion literally and Kenny's response to them, V as a parable about fascism, Kenny's work with Vincent Price on An Evening With Edgar Allen Poe , what Kenny thinks of being compared to The Twilight Zone's Rod Serling due to his interest in sci-fi that deals with social issues, the TV how Alien Nation , the cast of V (which included such names as Marc Singer of The Beastmaster franchise, Robert Englund of Freddy Krueger fame, Jane Badler, Andrew Prine, and many others), the Holocaust and how it tied into the story of V, racism and diversity and the way those topics figured into V, Kenny's sequel novel to V entitled V: The Second Generation , the possibility of a big screen movie remake of the miniseries, looking back on V in the era of Trump (and anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theories), V's dealing with the topic of anti-science sentiments and how they can be damaging to society, the way in which V is about two powerful women (the heroine Juliet and the villainous reptilian alien Diana), the cinematic quality of V and its European theatrical release, the studio's lack of faith in V and belief that it's dealing with social issues of the time would be too intellectual for American audiences, and much, much more!
Mon, June 26, 2023
The Wild World of Pro Wrestling (and Some Politics Talk Too... Plus Freemasonry!?) w/ Kenny ”Starmaker” Bolin
On this edition of Parallax Views, we dive into the wild world of pro wrestling, the parallels it has with politics, and even a diversion into Freemasonry with former pro wrestling manager turned political podcast extraordinaire Kenny "Starmaker" Bolin. Kenny Bolin worked as a heel (bad guy) manager in Ohio Valley Wrestling, the one-time developmental promotion for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) that produced such stars as John Cena, Dave Bautista, Rico Constantino, and Rene Dupree among others. In fact, Bolin was OVW top heel that irked the fans into buying tickets because they hoped to see him get his comeuppance after insulting the audience. Kenny's lived a fascinating life growing up on pro wrestling, becoming a talent in OVW, and making friends like billionaire investor Mark Cuban and former Trump appointed White House Director of Communications Anthony Scaramucci along the way. We begin the conversation by diving into the world of pro wrestling, how tickets are sold, the Memphis territory ran by the late Jerry Jarrett, the infamous feud that took place between comedian Andy Kaufman and wrestling legend Jerry "The King" Lawler in the squared circle, and much, much more. From there we delve into the world of politics, what politics has learned from pro wrestling, and Kenny explains his immense dislike of Donald Trump. Near the end we delve into Kenny background, his experience with Freemasons and racist family members (including a biological father that was a key member of the KKK), thoughts on evangelical Christianity and televangelists, and much, much more!
Thu, June 22, 2023
Cultural Memory, Climate Change, and the Potential Catastrophe of a Digital Dark Age w/ Charles Henry
On this edition of Parallax Views, Charles Henry, President of the Council on Library and Information Resources, joins us to discuss the importance of preserving cultural memory and history in the digital age. Massive amount of information, if not properly maintained in this new digital era, could be lost to the sands of time. This incredible loss of knowledge, like the burning of the Library of Alexandria, would be catastrophic.. Simply put, it would amount to a digital dark age. In this conversation we discuss this issue in-depth as well as how climate change and it's consequences pose an immense threat, even arguably the number one threat, to retaining human knowledge and cultural memory. We also touch upon issues such as film/cinema preservation, the disinformation/misinformation problem, the pros and cons of massive information proliferation in the digital age, the digital age's amplification of marginalized voices, the digital memory hole and the problem with the "once it's on the internet it'll be around forever" mentality, and much, much more!
Mon, June 12, 2023
Media Representation, How AI Can Amplify Bias, and the Problem With The Little Mermaid w/ Marcus Ryder
On this edition of Parallax Views, Marcus Ryder, a media a UK-based representation/diversity expert and Head of External Consultancies for the Sir Lenny Henry Centre, recently gained a bit of notoriety or his critique of Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. In a tweet and blog Ryder critiqued the movie for taking place in the 18th century Carribean, but ignoring the existence of slavery in that period. At the same time he said that he found the film's normalization of black beauty standards, vis-a-vis it's star Halle Berry as the titular character Ariel, and praised the film in other regards. Despite the positive sentiments Ryder expressed in addition to his criticism, the tweet/blog was met with backlash from both people who thought that in critiquing the movie he was downplaying it's importance in regards media representation as well as a multitude of "anti-SJW" voices on social media who saw Ryder's tweet/blog as another chance to push their culture war viewpoints. I'm editorializing a bit here, but I felt that the backlash obscured what Ryder's actual thoughts were and the nature of his criticism. As such I invited him on my show to discuss this as well as his work on media representation, what media representation/media diversity is about, his thoughts about the attacks on media diversity/representation work by some political elements, and more. Much of the conversation centers around what Ryder's work entails and what we mean by media representation/diversity actually means. However, another issue we discuss in great depth is the issue of AI, with a focus on ChatGPT, and how it can actually reproduce or amplify dominant cultural biases and perspectives at the expense of perspectives and way of thinking. The final portion of the conversation deals largely with The Little Mermaid . We also touch upon how class and socioeconomic status should, in Ryder's view, be part of media representation/diversity and how media representation/diversity should aim to be inclusive for all (ie: one type of diversity/representation doesn't have to trump another; taking a holistic approach).
Fri, June 09, 2023
Ukraine/Russia War Update + Wagner Group’s Chief Attacks Russian Military Elites w/ Anatol Lieven
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. Anatol Lieven, the director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, returns to discuss his observations from a recent visit he took to Ukraine. Additionally, Anatol and I delve into Yevgeny Prigozhin, chief of the Russian private military company Wagner Group, and his recent attacks of Russian military elites. Is Prigozhin's attacks indicative of a Russian succession struggle brewing for when Putin is no longer in power? Anatol and I also discuss his views on where the war is headed, how the war has been a failure for Russia, Russian-ethnic Ukrainian support for Ukraine, ethnic tensions in Ukraine caused by the invasion, U.S. foreign policy, the D.C. Blob, Anatol's criticism of pro-Russian opponents of the D.C. foreign policy establishment, and more All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Wed, June 07, 2023
The U.S. & Middle East in a Changing 21st Century Order & the Nation-States Vs. Civilizational States Conflict w/ James M. Dorsey
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. James M. Dorsey of the Turbulent World w/ James Dorsey blog returns with a discussion that begins with Iran's saying it's forming a naval alliance with Gulf States (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates) as well as Pakistan, India, and Iraq. This, however, leads into a larger discussion about the geopolitics of the Middle East and the political battle for the soul of Islam, the shaping of a 21st Century World Order that is emerging before our very eyes, and the conflict between nation state vs. civilizational state modes of thought across the global political chessboard. This is a wide-ranging discussion that covers a massive amount of topics in just under an hour. Dorsey and I manage to discuss all of the above in relation to U.S. foreign policy, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the war that's resulted from it, the Gulf States' relationship with Türkiye and Erdogan, Iran's nuclear capabilities, political reformism and political repression in the Middle East, Indonesia and the battle for the soul of Islam, culture wars in the Arab world, China, U.S. failings in the Middle East, Middle East power rivalries and de-escalation, Israel in a bind, and much, much more!
Sat, June 03, 2023
Ron DeSantis Accused of Campaign Finance Violation; Dark Money & Foreign Influence Lobbying w/ Taylor Giorno
On this edition of Parallax Views, Taylor Giorno, an OpenSecrets reporters specializing in money-in-politics issues such as campaign finance, lobbying, and foreign influence operations, returns to discuss the Campaign Legal Center's allegations that Ron DeSantis, who recently made his bid for the Republican Party candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election, has engaged in a "soft money" campaign finance violation. The Campaign Legal Center has gone so far as to file a complaint with the Federal Election Committee. Taylor explains the ins-and-outs of this story, the complexities of it, and money-in-politics more generally as well as the deregulation of campaign finance oversight. Taylor and I also discuss some of her other areas of interest, specifically development in the NSO Group/Pegasus spyware story, dark money, and foreign influence lobbying. We even manage to discuss the top 10 foreign influence lobbying operations in the U.S. as documented at OpenSecrets. Other topics covered include: - DeSantis accused of transferring money from an old Florida state PAC into the pro-DeSantis Super PAC Never Back Down; the Campaign Legal Center argues this is an illegal violation of campaign finance rules; some discussion of Trump and DeSantis in relation to campaign finance; are the accusations against DeSantis unprecedented?; campaign finance violations is not a partisan affair (it happens within both parties) - The dark money group One Nation and its funneling of millions of dollars into elections - Dark Money and the Koch Brothers; how dark money has evolved past the Koch Brothers and there are new and different dark money players - Sam Banman-Fried, the collapse of FTX, the crypto-currency industry and its lobbying, and money-in-politics - The explosion of money-in-politics since 2010; the Supreme Court, Citizens United, and corporate personhood - The Israeli cyber-intelligence firm NSO Group and the Pegasus spyware scandal; NSO Group spending millions of dollars in lobbying efforts - The case of Ben Swann, a former local FOX and CBS-affiliates TV news anchor who peddled Pizzagate stories and has since become a libertarian media personality; In FARA filings it has been discovered that Swann was the recipient of millions of dollars in money from Russia - The defense contractor/defense sector money being funneled to Congress since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia; the defense industry's line on inflation; defense industry lobbying - OpenSecrets's Foreign Lobby Watch ; Top ten countries involved in foreign lobbying include China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sout
Wed, May 24, 2023
Fred Olen Ray Returns to Discuss Collaborating With Ed Wood, Low-Budget Filmmaking, Wild Tales from 80s Hollywood, & More!
On this edition of Parallax Views, filmmaker Fred Olen Ray returns to discuss his latest work Deep Red , a novel whose origins date back to the 1970s with an unfinished collaboration between Fred and Plan 9 from Outer Space 's Edward D. Wood, Jr. In 1978, shortly before his death, Wood was writing the screenplay for Fred's Beach Blanket Bloodbath , a sci-fi horror tale that would've involved a half man-half fish monster! But that's not all. Fred also some great tales from his filmmaking career including stories from 80s Hollywood and the world of low-budget filmmaking. There's also a great deal of advice here for people may want to get involved in filmmaking or the entertainment industry as Fred discusses working with actors, writing for television, and much, much more. There's also a fair bit of background provided in this conversation about the movies Zombie Death House and Bloody Movie , two obscurities produced by mob-connected film lover Nick Marino that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the world of 80s low-budget genre filmmaking during the VHS boom. Fred and I also talk about his work on Lifetime movies and how they're made, the fanzine culture of yesteryear, 70s/80s cult actress and sex icon Sybil Danning, marketing movies, Fred's Retromedia company and its release of movies, Fred's wacky comedy Bad Girls from Mars and why it's never seen an uncut release (hint: studios not abiding by their contract; we get into the ways some film studios do filmmakers dirty), the killer pumpkin-man movie Jack-O and Fred's wild audio commentary with the director, and more! All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Wed, May 17, 2023
Heavy Radicals: The FBI’s Secret War on America’s Maoists w/ Aaron J. Leonard
On this edition of Parallax Views, Aaron J. Leonard joins us to discuss the new revised and updated edition of his and Conor A. Gallagher book Heavy Radicals: The FBI's Secret War on America's Maoists: The Revolutionary Union/Revolutionary Communist Part 1968-1980 . We delve into the radical left-wing politics of the late 1960s into the 1970s and the influence of Mao Tse-Tung's variant on communist thought on American radicals as well as how revolutionary groups in the U.S. applied theory and praxis in their operations at the time. This leads us into discussions of figures like H. Bruce Franklin as well as the infamous Bob Avakian, Chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA (RCP). It is well-known that the post-WWII era saw the intelligence community become very concerned about radical left-wing politics, specifically the activities of communist groups, in the U.S. during the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Much has been made of J. Edgar Hoover, the House on Un-American Activities Committee, and COINTELPRO in this regard. But Aaron specifically focuses on the FBI's counterintelligence operations against Maoist groups. We discuss the "dirty tricks" that were used against these groups by the FBI at this time. We discuss FBI informant recruiting in the time as well as the specific players involved in activities against U.S.-based Maoist groups. Aaron names names and gives insight into FBI actions against left-wing radical groups in the United States post-Hoover. Additionally Aaron and I discuss the Black Panthers, the media vs. radical activities, the labor movement, conspiracy theories vs. systemic analysis, the evangelical couple that sought to help the FBI by infiltrating the Revolutionary Union, W. Mark Felt (the man who confessed to being "Deep Throat" in the Nixon-era Watergate saga in 2005), the FBI report that referred to the RCP as a "threat of the first magnitude" to the U.S., the concept of the deep state and why Aaron believes there is just the State rather than deep state, the JFK Records Act and how the files released from that has value beyond the questions surrounding the Kennedy assassination itself (ie: files on Fred Hampton, Bob Dylan, etc.), how do you read and evaluate FBI files?, the Fair Play for Cuba Committe, the CIA and Richard Gibson (Codename: Sugar), Donald Wright, why is Maoism neglected when looking at the history of the New Left?, COINTELPRO and the Ad Hoc Commitee, the FBI's war against radical folk musicians and Aaron's latest books Whole World in an Uproar: Music, Rebellion and Repression – 1955-1972 and The Folk Singers and the Bureau: The FBI, the Folk Artists and the Suppression of the Communist Party, USA-1939-1956 , Pete Seeger and the radical nature of much 20th century folk music, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and what Aaron refers to as the "so
Fri, May 12, 2023
I’ll Burn That Bridge When I Get To It! Heretical Thoughts on Identity Politics, Cancel Culture, and Academic Freedom w/ Norman Finkelstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, rabble-rousing, gadfly academic Norman Finkelstein joins us to discuss his new book I'll Burn That Bridge When I Get to It! Heretical Thoughts on Identity Politics, Cancel Culture, and Academic Freedom . Norman is probably most well-know for his work on Israel/Palestine, but in his latest work takes on the question of what's alternately been called "cancel culture", "woke culture", or "identity politics" while also addressing his own cancellation as an academic over his work on Israel/Palestine and asking whether or not it was justified. In this conversation Norman and I discuss a number of topics including the issues of gender and sex, the identity politics of White Fragility author Robin DiAngelo, Ibram X. Kendi and Kendi's fascination with Black Panther turned Republican Reaganite Eldridge Cleaver, the ruling class and identity politics, the cult of personality around President Barack Obama, the weaponization of identity politics on both the left and the right, bourgeois democratic values, Democracy Now's Amy Goodman, Obama's white speechwriters and the presentation of Obama to the public, the brushing aside of class issues in media, and more!
Mon, May 08, 2023
True Blue: White Unionists in the Deep South during the Civil War and Reconstruction w/ Clayton J. Butler
On this edition of Parallax Views, Clayton J. Butler joins us to discuss his book True Blue: White Unionists in the Deep South During the Civil War and Reconstruction . Butler explains how certain contingent of Southerners, for a variety of reasons, chose to remain loyal to the North during the Civil War and Reconstruction period. The reasons for this, however, may surprise modern audiences. It was not necessarily that these Southerners were against slavery. In fact, some supported the North because they believed that the war would bring about the end of slavery as an institution in the South. Meanwhile, others were "True Blue" due to an understandable resentment for the plantation aristocracy which sought to exert oligarchic control in the South. In our conversation we delve into all of these issues as well as why the topic, particularly when it comes to Unionists in the Deep South, is often underdiscussed or left relatively unexamined amongst many historians. We also discuss the "Lost Cause" narrative/myth in the South as well as the importance of discussing the Reconstruction period, which saw many gains for black freed men who'd formerly been enslaved by Southern plantation owners, after the Civil War and how it ended. Clayton's book deals with the Unionists of the First Louisiana Cavalry, First Alabama Cavalry, and Thirteenth Tennessee Union Cavalry and examines why these men chose to ally themselves with the North and African Americans during the war. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Mon, May 01, 2023
Spyfail: Foreign Spies, Moles, Saboteurs, and the Collapse of America’s Counterintelligence w/ James Bamford
On this edition of Parallax Views, legendary journalist James Bamford, known for his books The Puzzle Palace and Body of Secrets that lifted the veil of secrecy around the National Security Agency (NSA) as well as his critical exploration of the Bush-era Iraq War/War on Terror A Pretext for War , joins us to discuss his latest book Spyfail: Foreign Spies, Moles, Saboteurs, and the Collapse of America's Counterintelligence . For those interested in the subject of spycraft and it's implications/consequences this is a wide-ranging and comprehensive conversation that is worth a listen. James and I delve into such subjects as the leak of U.S. cyberweapons by an entity known as The Shadow Brokers (TSB) and how it nearly had apocalyptic consequences, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israeli spying operations in the United States, the stealing of massive amounts of classified materials by former Booz Allen Hamilton contractor Hal Martin, Hollywood movie producer Arnon Milchan and Israeli nuclear smuggling, Russiagate and the Maria Butina affair, and, perhaps most explosively, the portions of Bamford's book dealing with alleged collusion between Israel's Netanyahu government and the Trump campaign during the 2016 election (read more about this specifically in Bamford's The Nation article "The Trump Campaign's Collusion With Israel" ).
Fri, April 28, 2023
The British Marxist Historians w/ Harvey J. Kaye
On this edition of Parallax Views, historian and sociologist Prof. Harvey J. Kaye returns to discuss the new edition of his 1984 book The British Marxist Historians . In said book, Prof. Kaye delved into how E.P. Thompson, Maurice Dobb, Christopher Hill, Eric Hobsbawn, and Rodney Hilton offered material analyses on a variety of historical matters that challenged conventional notions held by many other historians. In doing so they also took a heterodox approach to Marxism. In this conversation we explore the contributions of the British Marxist Historians and the ways in which they offered an innovative "history from the bottom up" approach to understanding the past. Harvey and I discuss: - Eric Hobsbawn's defense of the Luddites, the radical machine breakers who jobs were lost in the industrial age - The value of the English Marxist historians today and addressing criticisms that Marxism's usefulness as a form of analysis has dried up - Kaye's thoughts on and criticism of the work of The People's History of the United States historian Howard Zinn - The role Anthony Giddens, a founder of the "Third Way" political position, in the publication of The British Marxist Historians - Neoliberalism, class struggle, the working class, the ruling class, the base/superstructures discourse, and Marxist analysis of history - And much, much more!
Wed, April 26, 2023
Amityville: An Origin Story w/ Jack Riccobono
On this edition of Parallax Views, filmmaker Jack Riccobono joins us to discuss his new MGM+ documentary miniseries Amityville: An Origin Story . Given the glut of Amityville movies, books, and documentaries that have come out through the years one could be forgiven for assuming Amityville: An Origin Story would be just another retread of the same old territory. After all, the Amityville name has now inspired such direct-to-video/streaming flicks as Amityville Cop , Amityville Moon , Amityville in Space , and, believe it or not, Amityville Vibrator . In that way many have come to view anything with the Amityville moniker to be a joke. Amityville: An Origin Story , however, manages to defy expectations and offer a fresh, even thought-provoking perspective on the infamous house on 112 Ocean Avenue by exploring how The Amityville Horror , from the brutal DeFeo family murders to the alleged haunting of the Lutz family and all the books and movies that followed, became a pop culture phenomena that's seared into the collective consciousness of America. Jack and I discuss many different facets of the docuseries including: - The culture of the 70s: rise of interest in occultism, mass institutional distrust due to the Vietnam War and Watergate, the popularity of horror movies like The Exorcist , Rosemary's Baby , and The Omen ; how this all created the perfect storm for The Amityville Horror to make an impact on the zeitgeist - The brutal family annihilation murder of the DeFeo Family and its perpetrator Ronald DeFeo, Jr.; family dysfunction and family disintegration in the stories of both the DeFeo and the Lutz families; the lingering questions about possible organized crime/mob ties to the DeFeo Murders; the rare archival interviews of Ronald DeFeo, Jr. contained in Amityville: An Origin Story ; discussion of Amityville II: The Possession , the cult horror movie based on the DeFeo murders; Amityville: An Origin Story 's interview with Diane Franklin, who played Ronald DeFeo, Jr.'s sister Dawn DeFeo in Amityville II: The Possession ; Amityville: An Origin Story 's exclusive interview with Tommy Maher, a personal friend of Ronnie DeFeo, Jr. - The alleged haunting of the Lutz Family; paranormal investigator and famed ghost hunter Hans Holzer's thoughts on the Amityville House; Christopher Quaratino, son of Kathy Lutz, and the secrets of his stepfather George Lutz; why the documentary goes beyond asking the old question of whether the Amityville Haunting was "real" or a "hoax"; The Amityville Horror and the birth of the "Based on a True Story" marketing; demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, now famous for being the basis of
Thu, April 20, 2023
We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland w/ Fintan O’Toole
On this edition of Parallax Views, Fintan O'Toole, long-time journalist of The Irish Times , joins us to discuss his acclaimed new book We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland . Although the book is not exactly a memoir, it is a sweeping journey through the decades of Ireland's evolution from the late 1950s through to today from the perspective of Fintan himself. As someone who lived through the turbulence of the Troubles, the bombings carried out by the Irish Republican Army (IRA), and the Good Friday Agreement, Fintan is uniquely able to tell the story of Ireland in from the mid-20th century to the present. In addition to all of this, Fintan and I will also delve into the issue of Brexit, the possibility of Irish reunification, and the rise of English nationalism and the Little England mentality. Fintan will also comment on the differences between English nationalism and Irish nationalism, give details on the Northern Ireland conflict ( aka The Troubles) and its complexity (we'll discuss not only the IRA but also North Irish Unionists like Ian Paisley), what it means to be Irish, national identity and Catholic identity in Ireland, the theme of "Unknown Knowns" and "Doubleness" in Fintan's personal history of Ireland, Catholic Church child sex abuse scandals in Ireland, conservatism and social control, Us Vs. Them mentalities, Irish economist and diplomat T.K. Whitaker and the Irish gambit, Irish composer Seán Ó Riada and traditional Irish music, the European Union and national identities, and much, much more!
Tue, April 18, 2023
The Ethnic Cleansing of Armenians by Turkey-Supported Azerbaijan w/ Peter Bahlawanian
On this edition of Parallax Views, Peter Bahlwanian, producer of Mariam Avetisyan's documentary The Desire to Live , to discuss the secret ethnic cleansing of Armenians by Azerbaijan. In this conversation we'll discuss a territorial and ethnic dispute that has become known as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as well as the history of Armenian persecution dating back to the Armenian genocide of 1915 (which has often been called the first genocide of the 20th century). We'll also delve into how Turkey and its President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, plays a key role in the Azeri persecution of Armenians. In this regard we'll discuss Erdoğan's geopolitical aspirations and his consolidation of power in Turkey. Also covered is Turkey's relationship to the United Nations (UN), NATO, the United States, UNESCO, and Russia. Moreover, Peter and I delve into oligarchy, the attempted coup d'état against Erdoğan in 2016. Additionally, Peter and I will also discuss: - The Khojaly massacre of 1992 and claims of Armenian atrocities against Azeris - Parallels between Israeli treatment of Palestinians and the Azeri treatment of Armenians in the Republic of Artsakh - The Nagorno-Karabakh War of 2020 - The Turkish Lobby and the Azeri Lobby's influence in Western politics - Why did it take 100 years to recognize for the U.S. to recognize the Armenian genocide of 1915? - Is the conflict between Azeris and Azerbaijan a conflict between Muslims and Christians? - Pro-Armenian activism by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and the rock band System of a Down - Human rights and U.S. credibility/loss of credibility on a global scale; democracy vs. autocracy - Why has the U.S. often been silent on the issue of the Azeri persecution of Armenians?; assessing President Joe Biden's record on this issue - The Israel Lobby and U.S. silence on Armenian persecution - The role money plays in buying off politicians, media, and institutions from speaking about the persecution of Armenians - Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and anti-Armenian sentiments in Azerbaijan's culture - The strength and perseverance of Armenians and the people of the Republic of Artsakh; the Armenian diaspora; hope in times of war and despair; the power of the human spirit - Azeri fears that Armenians will seek revenge against them if a reconciliation is attempted; the attempted erasure of Armenian identity<
Wed, April 12, 2023
A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: The Saudi Struggle for Iraq w/ Katherine Harvey
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. Katherine "Kitty" Harvey, who is adjunct assistant professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University and holds a doctorate from King’s College London, joins us to discuss her book A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: The Saudi Struggle for Iraq . Dr. Harvey delves into the complex relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and how it has affected the region's politics and international relations. She also provides a unique perspective on the topic and discusses how the Saudi struggle for power in the region has been a self-fulfilling prophecy. The episode hopefully offers a thought-provoking analysis of the dynamics between these two countries and should be a must-listen for anyone interested in Middle Eastern politics. Among the topics discussed on during the conversation: - The story of how Kitty became interested in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, and the Iraq War; studying the Arabic language and how that contributed to her journey leading to her examination of Saudi policy on Iraq after the U.S. invasion of said country in 2003 - Saudi Arabia's opposition the George W. Bush administration's invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein - Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Saudi fears about Iraqi Shia and Iranian sympathies in Iran - The Constructivist view of International Relations and its application in Kitty's book - The Realist view of International Relations and its application in Kitty's book; The Origins of Alliances author Stephen Walt - Questions of Saudi interference in Iraqi elections after the U.S. invasion - Iraqi Shia identity vs. Iranian Shia identity - Did Saudi Arabia push Iraq closer to Iran after the invasion? - And more!
Tue, April 04, 2023
In Search of Monsters to Destroy: The Folly of American Empire and the Paths to Peace w/ Christopher J. Coyne
On this edition of Parallax View, Christopher J. Coyne, Professor of Economics at George Mason University, joins us to discuss his book In Search of Monsters to Destroy: The Folly of American Empire and the Paths to Peace (Independent Institute; 2022). As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War, Christopher and I discuss the dangers and pitfalls of military adventurism as well as why we should not forget the lessons of the War on Terror when we discuss U.S. foreign policy and international relations today. Among the topics covered in this conversation: - American Empire and the National Security State - The concept of the "Deep State" beyond it's most sensational, conspiratorial usages - Drone warfare as "mechanized terror" or terrorism in the eyes of the countries effected by U.S. drone attacks - The connection between the War on Drugs, the failed Afghanistan War, and U.S. foreign policy - How war abroad created restrictions on liberty at domestically - Antiwar arguments for the Right and the Left - Republicans calling for war on Mexico and right-wing China hawks - Libya and the overthrow of Gaddafi - U.S. foreign policy, immigration, and Latin America; a libertarian argument for why the U.S. shouldn't overthrow socialist countries - And more!
Thu, March 30, 2023
On the Brink: Jenin’s Rising Resistance (Armed Resistance in the Jenin Refugee Camp) w/ Yumna Patel
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Yumna Patel of Mondoweiss joins us to discuss her new documentary On the Brink: Jenin's Rising Resistance , an examination of the Jenin refugee camp's growing armed resistance movement against the Israeli occupation in Palestinian West Bank. On January 26th, 2023 an Israeli raid on the Jenin refugee camp left nine Palestinians dead. The tensions between within Israel/Palestine has increased, especially in light of the new government of Benjamin Netanyahu and the rise of far-right figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, and whispers of a Third Intifada, a violent Palestinian uprising, or a Second Nakba, a brutal expulsion of Palestinians from their homes and lands, are becoming more common. With events like the Nablus Massacre and the Israeli settler attack in Huwara, the Israel/Palestine situation seems to be at an exceedingly dangerous juncture right now. Yumna joins J.G. and special guest co-host Karl Barx, host of the West Bank Robbery podcast, to delve into these issues and to help us understand why many young many are joining an armed resistance in the West Bank's Jenin refugee camp. Among the topics covered in this conversation: - The uniquely deadly Israeli army raid on the Jorat al-Dhahab neighborhood of the Jenin refugee camp - The Western discourse over Palestinian armed resistance; the context from which armed resistance to an occupation is born; the use of terms like "nuance" and "complexity" when discussing the Israel/Palestine conflict in the U.S. - The disconnect in how we think about armed resistance in Palestine vs. armed resistance in Ukraine; the Western tendency to demand that Palestinians be "perfect victims" that do not engage in violent resistance - Why are Palestinian youths, particularly young men, turning to taking up arms in the Jenin refugee camp and why do they feel that the horizon for a political solution has been slammed shut at this time? - The Jenin Brigade, the Islamic Jihad Movement, the cross-factional model of the Jenin Brigade and the various political factions that have engaged in Palestinian Unity, the militant armed Palestinian resistance group known as the Lion's Den, the emergence of new political formations amongst Palestinians, the failure of the Palestinian Authority and negotiations between Israel and Palestine (especially the Oslo Accords) and Yumna's interviews with armed resistance fighters - The May 2021 uprisings of Palestinians that has been called the Unity Intifada - Th
Tue, March 28, 2023
REPLAY: The Israel/Palestine Conflict and The Specter of Meir Kahane w/ Yossi Gurvitz
This classic episode is offered as a replay in memory of Yossi Gurvitz, who passed away in February. Yossi was an invaluable resource to the show and his passing is deeply felt here at Parallax Views. On this edition of Parallax Views, the first in what will be a series of programs on the Israel/Palestine conflict in light of recent events. Israeli journalist/blogger Yossi Gurvitz of Mondoweiss joins us on this addition of the program to discuss what has been happening with the conflict since the tensions heated up over the Sheikh Jarrah district of East Jerusalem, the burning of the al Aqsa Mosque, Hamas firing rockets into Israel, and Israel's launching of airstrikes on Gaza in response. Additionally, Yossi and I discuss the legacy of the radical Orthodox Jewish ultranationalist Rabbi Meier Kahane. Kahane formed the Kach Party in Israel and advocated for expulsing Palestinians from Israel as evidenced by one of his catchphrases "Arabs Get Out!". Although Kahane was assassinated in New York City in 1990 and the Kach Party was banned in Israel in 1994, followers of Kahane and Kahanism live on. Specifically Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power Party) leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, a follower of Kahane, won a seat in the Knesset this past March and was involved in the recent tensions related to the Sheikh Jarrah district of East Jerusalem. Yossi argues that the right-wing ultranationalism of Kahanism has gone mainstream in Israel. Also discussed: the recent Human Rights Watch and B'Selem report, the experience of sheltering in a bunker during this latest round of violent conflict, and much, much more.
Tue, March 21, 2023
Pro-Israel & Right-Wing Groups Accused of Collaborating to Stifle Academic Freedom: The Case of Dr. Lara Sheehi w/ Dr. Lara Sheehi
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. Lara Sheehi, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at George Washington University and co-author with Dr. Stephen Sheehi of Psychoanalysis Under Occupation: Practicing Resistance in Palestine , joins us to discuss the complaint filed against George Washington University about her that she believes was lodged because she is an Arab woman involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Dr. Sheehi makes the case that the Israel affinity group StandWithUs, in collaboration with right-wing media organizations like Fox News and the Washington Free Beacon, have targeted her with spurious accusations of antisemitism due to her being an Arab woman engaged in pro-Palestinian activism. A complaint has been filed against George Washington University concerning Dr. Sheehi that Sheehi and others who supporter her believe has grave implications for academic freedom, free speech, and the silencing of Palestinian voices in society. From Fox News to Reason Magazine, Dr. Sheehi has been attacked. This is her side of the story. In this conversation we delve into: - Dr. Sheehi gives a detailed overview of the complaint and her case as well as the misrepresentations of her class syllabus and a brown-bagger event that was voluntary and held off-site - Antisemitism; Dr. Sheehi's opposition to antisemitism; the weaponization of antisemitism against critics of Israel - How accusations that pro-Palestinians activists are "Ayatollahists", "Iranian spies", "Hamas agents", and "Hezbollah operatives" mirror antisemitic tropes about Jews having "dual loyalties" or "Fifth Columnists" - Islamophobia, the concept of the "Palestine Exception" in discourses about oppression and human rights, and the burden put on Arabs and Arab-Americans to prove that they are not antisemites that is not put on other marginalized groups - The violent threats and cyber-harassment that Dr. Lara Sheehi and her husband has received, including an message that was undeniably lewd and sexist - Psychology, trauma, identity erasure, and the silencing of Palestinian and Arab voices - Why Dr. Sheehi believes that she was targeted by an organized smear campaign - What are the stakes of Dr. Sheehi's case; the potential chilling effect on free speech and academic discourse - The George Washington University trauma center and its denial of services to Palestinian students ; the group <a href='https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/london-hos
Sat, March 18, 2023
The Russian Far-Right and the Neo-Nazi Attack in Bryansk w/ Dr. Marlene Laurelle
On this edition of Parallax Views, George Washington University's Dr. Marelene Laurelle, author of Is Russia Fascist?: Unraveling Propaganda East and West , joins us to discuss the recent attack that happened in the Bryansk region of Russia on March 2nd, 2023. Vladimir Putin blamed the attack on Ukraine, however a far-right neo-Nazi group known as the Russian Volunteer Corps., composed of anti-Putin right-wing Russian nationalists that have sided with Ukraine, has since taken credit for the incident. Some have speculated that the attack was a Russian false flag. Other argue that is indicative of domestic strife brewing internally within Russia. What is the truth of the matters? And why would a far-right groups be against Putin, who himself is understood as a right-wing authoritarian figure? Dr. Laurelle will answer these questions as well helping us to better understand the nature of the far-right in Russia. In addition to the Bryansk attack, Dr. Laurelle and I will discuss the relationship between the Russian far-right and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) subcultures, Russian ethno-nationalism vs. Russian imperialism, the philosopher Aleksandr Dugin, the Wagner Group and its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, Putin's rhetoric around and motivations for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian official state vs. what Dr. Laurelle calls the Russian parallel state, how messaging of Russian state media outlets differs depending on whether the audience is domestic or non-domestic, how the Putin regime manages the different faction of the Russian elite and plays them against each other, Putin's obsession with Ukraine and his rhetoric around De-Nazification, Putin's use of both Soviet nostalgia and Czarist nostalgia in his speeches (and his negative remarks about Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin), the Levada Center poll indicating that there is high support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine (and contextualizing the poll), the evolution of Putin's thought and his obsession with Ukraine, Russia and "The Great Patriotic War" rhetoric around WWII, Russia and the Baltic States, whether or not Russian elites believe their own rhetoric about de-Nazifying Ukraine, Russia and the Global South, Russia and the Muslim world, academic debate around the definition of fascism, civilizational war rhetoric in the U.S./the West and Russia, and much, much more.
Thu, March 16, 2023
Birds of Prey: Hitler’s Luftwaffe, Ordinary Soldiers, and the Holocaust in Poland w/ Philip W. Blood
On this edition of Parallax Views, independent military historian Philip W. Blood joins us to discuss his riveting micro-history of the violent Nazi occupation of Poland's Białowieźa Forest as detailed in his book Birds of Prey: Hitler's Luftwaffe, Ordinary Soldiers, and the Holocaust in Poland . In this tackling this microhistory Blood not only offers new insights into the nature of Germany security warfare, but also it relates to ideas about the mythology of the "Sacred Hunt" or "Code of the Hunt" in German culture. Moreover, Blood analyzes the Nazi activities in Białowieźa Forest in the context of the Third Reich's genocidal Holocaust to offer a fresh perspective on understand the atrocities of Hitler's German. In addition to all of this, he also reveals the shocking ways in which the German security warfare explored in Birds of Prey was utilized by the United States in the Korean and Vietnam wars. In the course of our conversation Dr. Blood and I discuss: - The way in which the Nazis essentially turned the Polish national park (Białowieźa Forest) into killing fields - Comparing and contrasting Birds of Prey with Barbara Ehrenreich's Blood Rites: Origins and History of the Passions of War ; the lack of an honor code in Białowieźa Forest and the killing of Jews, Soviet Partisan, Belarusians, and Poles in the forest - How did ordinary soldier become cold-blood killers initiated into the "Code of the Hunt" - The point at which the military history of WWII meets the Holocaust - Settler-colonialism and the concept of Lebensraum - How depictions of German WWII activities and the Holocaust as depicted in books, films, TV, and culture differ from and pale in comparison to the realities uncovered in Blood's research - Blood's conversations with German WWII veterans; the harrowing nature of the violence and brutality of the German military during WWII - The myths of military history; the phenomena of military rapes and violence against women by both Allied and Axis forces in WWII; the reality of war and the politics of violence underpinning wars - Men as beast; the bestial nature of the violence that took place in the forest; Herman Goering, the Ogre of Rominten; Goering's beliefs about noble beasts - German romanticism, irrationalism, the dehumanization of Jews as animals, and the logic of National Socialist ideology - How the U.S. utilized the way German forces attacked the Soviet partisans in the Korea War and Vietnam War; U.S. protection of SS officials and U.S. studies of Germ
Wed, March 15, 2023
Silicon Valley Bank and the Economy w/ Mike Swanson/Corporate Media, Big Tech, and Project Censored’s State of the Free Press 2023 w/ Mickey Huff
On this edition of Parallax Views, in the first segment of the show Mike Swanson of Wall Street Window returns to discuss the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the bigger picture when it comes to the state of the U.S. economy. What is the story of Silicon Valley Bank's collapse and the Federal Reserve's intervention in the aftermath? Is this another bailout like we saw with the 2008 financial crisis? Additionally, Mike and I discuss the ongoing issues with inflation (which Mike considers a bigger issue than the issue than the SVB collapse); Elon Musk, tech bro. triumphalism, ChatGPT and AI, tech startups, tech billionaires and hyping stocks, Facebook and Meta, and the potential false promises of techno-utopianism; troubles being faced by smaller regional banks and the crisis that could cause; is society producing too much capital in a way that is causing crises?; reflecting on the dotcom bubble in relation to the hype around tech today; the Fed's unprecedented response to SVB; SVB is being allowed to fail; Branko Marcetic's Jacobin article "Silicon Valley Bank’s Collapse Shows Little Has Changed for Big Banks Since 2008" ; low-interest rate policies, Quantitative Easing, stock market bubbles, and SVB; SVB, financial recklessness, and poor-decision making; the odds are increasing of recession; the Fed has become a reactive entity; and much, much more! On this edition of Parallax Views, Mickey Huff, director of the media watchdog group Project Censored, returns to the program to discuss the new book Project Censored's State of the Free Press 2023 . We'll be discussing the problems facing the American public with regards to media literacy as well as the problems with the billionaire-owned corporate media and the challenged faced by big tech and surveillance capitalism. During the course of our discussion we discuss news some of Project Censored's Top 25 Censored News Stories of the year including NATO's plans for "cognitive warfare", the repression of Palestinian media, and the neo-Nazi leader that now holds a DOJ Domestic Counterterrorism position. Additionally, Mickey and I discuss the hot topic issue of disinformation with a focus on the emerging term "malinformation" and the potential problems with it's sometimes loosely defined definition. We also discuss the importance of alternative media and hit ongoing issues like the Twitter Files, Wikileaks and Julian Assange, and how Russia and countries adversarial to the U.S. have a propaganda problem but that doesn't mean we shouldn't ignore the problems of corporate dominance and propaganda in the American media. We also delve into how the Nation Endowment for Democracy-funded Medi
Mon, March 13, 2023
Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, & Human Rights w/ Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories Occupied Since 1967
On this edition of Parallax Views, an in-depth conversation with Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories Occupied Since 1967 on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the recent wave of settler violence against the West Bank village of Huwara. In this episode, we delve into the challenges faced by Palestinians living under occupation and examine the human rights abuses perpetrated by the Israeli government and its settler population. From illegal settlements and land confiscation to checkpoints and restrictions on movement, Albanese provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people. We also explore the recent violence in Huwara, where Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian residents and vandalized their homes and property. In this regard, she also mentions Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich calling for Huwara to be "wiped out". Albanese offers her insights into the underlying causes of this violence and discusses the role of the Israeli government in perpetuating such attacks. In addition to discussing the Israeli occupation and recent violence, this episode of Parallax Views also covers a wide range of other important topics related to the conflict. Albanese sheds light on the issue of Palestinian self-determination and the obstacles faced by Palestinians in their struggle for independence. We also explore the need for a paradigm shift in the international community's discourse around the occupation. Albanese argues that the current approach to the conflict is flawed and needs to be reevaluated. The episode also delves into Israel's lack of cooperation with Francesca Albanese and previous UN Special Rapporteurs on the issue of the occupation. Despite their mandate to investigate human rights violations in the occupied territories, the Israeli government has repeatedly refused to grant them access to the region. Moreover, the conversation tackles the weaponization of antisemitism to shut down criticism of the occupation. Albanese explains how accusations of antisemitism are often used to silence those who speak out against Israeli policies. To provide context, the episode includes a brief history of the occupation, from the 1967 Six-Day War to the present day. She discusses issues such as territorial fragmentation in Palestine, the crime of apartheid and the need to go beyond just the apartheid discourse/framework, exploitation of Palestinian natural resources, and how the occupation is preventing political existence (and resistance) of Palestinians, Albanese also highlights the significance of international law and human rights in understanding the occupation.
Sat, March 11, 2023
Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich Calls for ”Wiping Out” Palestinian Village of Huwara w/ Estee Chandler of Jewish Voice for Peace
On this edition of Parallax Views, Estee Chandler, co-host of KPFK's Middle East in Focus alongside Nagwa Ibrahim and a key organizer in the pro-Palestinian social justice organization Jewish Voice for Peace, joins us to discuss the controversial, right-wing Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich's comments calling for the Palestinian village of Huwara in the occupied West Bank to be "wiped out". Smotrich made the comments shortly after Israeli settlers laid waste to the village reportedly burning down houses and cars in a rampage last week . “I think that Huwara needs to be wiped out," remarked Smotrich at a March 1st, 2023 conference of the Israeli business newspaper TheMarker, "but the State of Israel needs to do it, most certainly not private citizens." In response to Smotrich's comments, the activist group Jewish Voice for Peace released an action statement calling the comments genocidal and urging the administration of President Joe Biden to respond by barring Smotrich from entry to the U.S. and ending unconditional military funding and support to Israel. Although the U.S., through the voice of State Department Spokesman Ned Price, has in no uncertain terms referred to Smotrich's comments as "repugnant", "disgusting", and "irresponsible" , JVP argues that the Biden administration must take action beyond what they describe as "hollow words of condemnation". Smotrich is scheduled to be in the United State on Sunday for an Israel Bonds conference in Washington, D.C. The Biden administration was reportedly considering denying Smotrich a visa , but the State Department has since granted a diplomatic visa for the controversial political figure . Smotrich has gone on to apologize to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for his remarks while simultaneously claiming the media distorted and manipulated his comments . In Israel, <a href='https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-smotrich-hawar
Sat, March 11, 2023
John Quincy Adams and American Foreign Policy w/ David C. Hendrickson
On this edition of Parallax Views, David C. Hendrickson, president of the John Quincy Adams Society and professor emeritus of political science at Colorado College, joins us to discuss his book Freedom, Independence, Peace: John Quincy Adams and American Foreign Policy . This conversation explores the fascinating life and lasting impact of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States and a pivotal figure in American diplomacy. Hendrickson delves into Adams' visionary approach to foreign policy, which centered around principles of freedom, independence, and peace. He examines Adams' views on American exceptionalism, democracy, and the dangers of interventionism, and draws parallels between Adams' ideas and contemporary foreign policy challenges like the War on Terror and the Ukraine/Russia conflict. Hendrickson argues for Adams' legacy and how his ideas can inform American foreign policy today. He makes the case that by embracing Adams' vision, the United States can navigate the complexities of the global landscape more effectively and promote peace and prosperity around the world. Among the topics discussed on this edition of the show: - John Quincy Adams' 1821 Independence Day speech h to the U.S. House of Representatives on Foreign Policy warning against an adventurist foreign policy wherein America would go abroad "in search of monsters to destroy" - The appropriation of John Quincy Adams by neocons during the Iraq War; the expansionist John Quincy Adams and the anti-expansionist John Quincy Adams John Quincy Adams, the Monroe Doctrine, American exceptionalism, Empire, and imperialism - John Quincy Adams and foundational principles: Power, Law, Independence, Peace, Liberty, and Union - Thoughts on the use of the term "Isolationist" as a pejorative slung at foreign policy restraint advocates - Hendrickson's perspective on Russia/Ukraine war, NATO, and Crimea - The debate over "spheres of influence" discourse in U.S. foreign policy and international relations - The War on Terror of the Bush years and military adventurism as a detriment to civil liberties on at home - Hendrickson's early dabbling in neoconservatism; his later turn against that line of thought and skepticism towards U.S. military interventionism; his 2018 book Republic in Peril: American Empire and the Liberal Tradition - The possibility of international cooperation on issues like climate change - Addressing the thought of Samantha Power and R2P (Responsibility to Protect Doctrine); the overthrow of Gaddafi in Libya and its consequences; regime change and states of chaos/anarchy - And more!
Thu, March 09, 2023
The Russian Antiwar Movement and the Crackdowns Against It w/ Ilya Budtraitskis
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ilya Budtraitskis, a Russian leftist historian, activist, and author of Dissident Among Dissidents: Ideology, Politics, and the Left in Post-Soviet Russia , returns to discuss Vladimir Putin's crackdown on the antiwar movement in Russia. Budraitskis provides insights into the recent arrests and harassment of activists and intellectuals who oppose Russia's military actions in Ukraine. The discussion delves into the complexities of Russian politics and society, and how Putin's government has affected dissenting voices. Budraitskis also shares his thoughts on the role of the West in Russia's political landscape. Throughout the conversation, J.G. and Budraitskis examine the broader implications of Putin's crackdown, including the impact on civil liberties, free speech, and democracy in Russia. Moreover, Budtraiskis gives his thoughts on Russian polls, including a recent one from the Levada Center (a Russian independent NGO is not affiliated with and even considered a hostile entity by the Russian state and Kremlin) indicating that most Russian support Putin's war efforts. Budtraitskis offers reasons why these polls may be inaccurate, chiefly because many Russian views any polls as a state of loyalty to Putin and the Russian state. He makes the case that culture of paranoia is currently pervading Russia. Also covered in the course of the conversation: - Budtraitskis' assessment of the Russia/Ukraine war in light of its first year anniversary. - Budtraitskis analyzes Putin and Russian media's rhetoric about the war and Putin's motivations. He argues that Russia is fighting without a clear objective and are less interested in winning the war than "not losing the war" (Budtraitskis explains what he means by this in more detail). - Assessing Western liberal and left-wing views about the war - The Russian states crackdowns on antifascist activists and the LGBTQ+ - And more! Mentioned in this episode: "Remember the Russians Who Fought Against Putin’s War" by Ilya Budtraitskis (1/22/23)
Wed, March 08, 2023
Inequality Kills Us All: COVID-19’s Health Lessons for the World w/ Dr. Stephen Bezruchka
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. Stephen Bezruchka, an emergency physician turned global population doctor, joins us to discuss his book Inequality Kills Us All: COVID-19's Health Lessons for the World . Dr. Stephen Bezruchka's new book, "Inequality Kills Us All," tackles a pressing issue in the United States: poor health in the United States and it's relationship to inequality. In this episode, we discuss the book's key points, including how living in a society with entrenched hierarchies worsens the effects of diseases for everyone. Dr. Bezruchka book emphasizes the importance of addressing this problem by raising awareness and implementing policies that promote fairness, such as a fair taxation system, support for child well-being, universal healthcare, and a guaranteed income. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in public health and the impact of inequality on health outcomes. Tune in to learn more and discover how we can create a fairer and healthier society. Topics covered in this episode: - Dr. Bezruchka explains the concept of the "Health Olympics" and how health outcomes seem to differ by country and culture. - We discuss the ideas of "structural violence" and "social murder" and how they point towards the systemic ways in which economic structures and conditions like poverty effect health outcomes. - Dr. Bezruchka discusses how personal behaviors matter less to public health outcomes than we often assume they do and the social factors that effect our health. - The effect of stress and social atomization/isolation on people's health - America Vs. Japan: even though almost half the Japanese male population smokes cigarettes they live longer than their American male counterparts despite the fact that less men smoke cigarettes in America. Why is this and what does it tell us about health outcomes by population and social factors contributing to those outcomes? - The importance of social relationships to good health outcomes - How "an early life lasts a lifetime" in terms of health outcomes; child well-being's importance to health outcomes; studies on secure attachment to one's parents and what they tell us health outcomes and mortality rates - An analysis of the pandemic and the lessons that can be learned from it; income inequality and mortality rates of COVID; COVID and low birth rate babies - Social policies of Sweden vs. the U.S. in relation to maternity leave, child daycare, etc. and what they can tell us about approaches to public health - Taxation, redistribution of
Fri, March 03, 2023
Team Jorge: The Israeli Private Contractors Involved in Global Election Meddling Ops w/ Dr. Emma L. Briant
On this edition of Parallax Views, Emma L. Briant, a fellow at Bard College who specializes in research on propaganda and disinformation campaigns, joins us to discuss the developing story of Team Jorge, a group of private Israeli contractors set-up by a former Israeli special forces operator and businessman Tal Hanan (code name: "Jorge"), and it's significance to the problem of the influencer-industrial complex and mercenary private firms engaged in election meddling/hacking (specifically countries in the Global South like Kenya and Nigeria), sabotage, and disinformation campaigns. The conversation also leads us to a broader discussion of the multitude of private firms filled with ex-military and ex-intelligence officials that are engaged in acts of subterfuge that are arguably destabilizing democracies around the world for profit. Among the topics discussed in this conversation: - The Iraq War and the origins of Dr. Briant's research - Malign cyber-activities, national security, digital propaganda, technology, fake news, and social media disinformation campaigns - How the Defense industry ties into the problem of the influencer-industrial complex and mercenary private firms; private firms and the Pentagon; failure of Western government to address these problems - Why private firms like Black Cube, Team Jorge, and Psy-Group originate in Israel; the Israeli cybersecurity industry; tactics that were used against Palestinians now being used abroad by private firms; lack of oversight of private intelligence/security firms in Israel; the revolving door/escalator between the public sector and private sector - Cambridge Analytica - The hidden architecture behind the global industry peddling disinformation and propaganda - The digital influence industry and digital influence mercenaries - The need for regulation and oversight - Private firms working for dictators and authoritarian leaders - And more!
Wed, March 01, 2023
Rampage in Huwara: Israeli Settler Violence in Palestine’s West Bank w/ Richard Silverstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, we discuss the latest violence in Israel/Palestine. On February 23, 2023 the Israeli conducted a fatal raid in the Palestinian city of Nablus. The raid is reported to have resulted in the 11 deaths and 102 injuries. In retaliation, a Palestinian gunmen killed two Israeli settler outside of the Palestinian village Huwara on February 26, 2023. Israeli settlers responded with vigilante violence, described as a rampage in the Washington Post and Times of Israel , in Huwara that saw the burning of houses, cars, and casualties. Tikun Olam's Richard Silverstein returns to discuss these events, with a focus on the settler violence in Huwara, as explored in his recent Middle East Eye article "Israel: Settler terrorism is now the law" . Among the topics covered in this conversation: - Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel senior ministerial figures Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, the dehumanization of Palestinians by the Israel's far-right, and the Israeli political figures who have said that Huwara must be "erased" - The case of Jonathan Pollack, a pro-Palestinian Israeli who was arrested by the Israeli government; the Israeli right's clampdown on Israeli leftists - The Israel Lobby (AIPAC or the American-Public Affairs Commitee) and the discourse in the U.S. around Israel/Palestine - How the Democratic Party in the U.S. approaches the subject of Israel/Palestine; the international communities approach to Israel with a focus on the UN (United Nations) - The violence in Huwara and "peering into the heart of darkness" -Journalist Josh Breiner of Israeli's Haaretz paper and his experience of reporting the Huwara settler violence; Breiner was shot at - The history of the Israeli settlers in the West Bank going back to 1967; settlements have been encouraged by the state of Israel - Can the rampage in Huwara be described as a "pogrom"? - And more!
Wed, March 01, 2023
Secret Power: Wikileaks and Its Enemies w/ Stefania Maurizi
On this edition of Parallax Views, Stefania Maurizi, an investigative journalist reporting for Italy's Il Fatto Quotidiano who has dedicated a large portion of her career to covering Julian Assange and Wikileaks, joins us to discuss her book Secret Power: Wikileaks and Its Enemies . The book details how Wikileaks related to the U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the War on Terror, diplomatic cables, the War on Terror, CIA cyberweapons, and more as well as the story of Julian Assange and his eventual imprisonment at Belmarsh Prison. In this conversation Stefania and I discussed: - How Wikileaks first came under Stefania's journalistic radar in 2008 - Cryptography, protected communications, and journalistic source protection in the age of mass surveillance; PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) encryption - Wikileaks publication of a manual relevant to the question of torture at the U.S.'s Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp during the War on Terror; the Pentagon vs. Wikileaks - Stefania's first contact with Julian Assange - The Wikileaks documents on Julius Baer, a Swiss bank alleged to have been involved in money laundering activities; how big financial institutions try to pressure news and media - Wikileaks and the Vault 7 documents about CIA cyberweapons; these documents detailed how the CIA was using software vulnerabilities to access smart TV, cars, phones, etc.; the CIA, Weeping Angel, and the hacking of TVs; a bit of the inside story of how Stefania covered the Vault 7 story, the fears she had covering the story, and the cautions she took while reporting on it; Mike Pompeo and the CIA's response to the Vault 7 documents; the alleged leaker of the Vault 7 documents, Joshua Schulte - Wikileaks and the public interest - Stefania discusses the Julian Assange she knows based on her years of experience with him - Stefania addresses the criticisms of Julian Assange and Wikileaks; the accusation that Wikileaks put lives in danger through its leaks; the rape allegations against Assange; accusations of Assange and Wikileaks being in bed with Russian and Donald Trump - State criminality, war crimes, and the persecution of whistleblowers - Stefania discusses her response to people that ask her if "Assange will be killed"; she argues in many ways Assange has already been "killed" in terms of the deterioration of his mental and physical well-being during his imprisonment - Wikileaks, democracy, and the freedom of the press - Assange, Chelsea Ma
Mon, February 27, 2023
Private Military Contractors and The Rise & Fall of the Mozart Group w/ David Isenberg
On this edition of Parallax Views, David Isenberg, a long time independent researcher into the subject of PMCs (private military companies) and PMSCs (private military and security companies) and bloggers at the Isenberg Institute of Strategic Satire , joins us to discuss his article "The Rise and Fall of the Mozart Group" . The Mozart Group was founded amidst the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine by two former U.S. Marine colonels, Andrew Milburn, at one time the Deputy Commander of Special Operations Command Central, and Andrew Bain, who since leaving the military has become a Ukraine-based businessman. Composed of Western military veterans, the Mozart Group sought to assist in efforts during the war by serving as a private military company that offered military training and evacuations. Named in part as a cheeky reference to Russia's infamous Wagner Group, the Mozart Group, in Isenberg's word, "positioned itself as the reverse, good-guy version" of said group (though, as Isenberg notes in the beginning of our conversation the Wagner Group and the Mozart Group are different in terms of the actions they take and should not be considered simple Western Vs. Russian versions of each other). Although the Mozart Group garnered a great deal of positive press in the past year as a humanitarian group helping Ukraine, it has since shuttered it's operation amidst a thorny lawsuit between co-founders Bain and Milburn. In said lawsuit, Milburn has been accused of misrepresenting the Mozart Group as a non-profit, 501(c)3 charity to journalists despite it being registered as a for-profit LLC. (limited liability company) business. The complex lawsuit also includes complaints Milburn soliciting for donations/funding that went into Milburn's personal or other accounts rather than the Mozart Group. Another issue that comes up with regards to the lawsuit is Milburn hiring a Ukrainian woman he met on a dating app to work for the Mozart Group and paying her a $90,000 annual salary that far exceeded that of other Ukrainian-based employees. On the other hand, Milburn-supporter Jeffrey Carr of the Inside Cyber Warfare Substack, recently accused Andrew Bain of having ties to Russia and the Taliban as well as war profiteering . In this conversation, Isenberg offers his thougths on both the lawsuit against Milburn as well as his thoughts on the accusations Carr made against Andrew Bain. Isenberg also discusses some juicy details that he can't discuss in-too-much detail at this time that did not make it into the article and indicate that the Mozart Group was seeking to move away from its specific
Fri, February 24, 2023
Sympathy for the Raging Boll: Re-Evaluating Filmmaker Uwe Boll, from the German QAnon Shooter Docudrama HANAU to the Columbine-Inspired HEART OF AMERICA w/ Uwe Boll
On this edition of Parallax Views, controversial German-born filmmaker Uwe Boll has alternately been called "the world's worst director" , potentially "the most misunderstood filmmaker in the business" and a "legitimate auteur" , "a brutish bully inclined to lash out against his detractors" , "the only filmmaker interested in investigating the likelihood of a violent response to political powerlessness" and "the only director taking the events the media treats as the country’s worst tragedies seriously" , and an "asshole" . He's taken on his critics in a boxing match. He's worked with A-list Hollywood talents like Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Ben Kingsley, Christian Slater, Elizabeth Moss, Ray Liotta, J.K. Simmons, and Burt Reynolds. He's become known for his adaptation hit video game properties like House of the Dead , Bloodrayne , Alone in the Dark , Dungeon Siege , and Postal into movies that were slammed by gamers and critics. He's been a lightning rod for controversy due to some of his movies being financed by German tax shelters. He's also made more personal films dealing with or reflecting on social issues like Wall Street corruption and the financial crisis of 2009 (Assault on Wall Street ), school shootings (Heart of America ), spree murders and political violence (Rampage, Rampage: Capitol Punishment , and Rampage: President Down ), prison brutality ( Stoic ), the Holocaust ( Auschwitz ) , the genocide in Sudan's Darfur region ( Attack on Darfur ), and the absurdities of war ( 1968 Tunnel Rats ). Boll announced his retirement from directing in in 2016 with the release of Rampage: President Down , the last movie in his trilogy following the exploits of spree killer turned political terrorist Bill Williamson (played by Brendan Fletcher). During this retirement Boll kept helping produce films made by other directors, including the opioid epidemic documentary The Decline , as well as opening his own highly-lauded Vancouver-based restaurant Bauhaus. In 2022, however, Boll returned to the director's chair with Hanau (Deutschland im Winter - Part 1) or Hanau: Germany in Winter , a docudrama exploring the disturbed mind of Tobias R. and the descent into radicalization that led him to become the first recorded mass shooter inspired by the far-right wing conspiracy theory movement
Thu, February 23, 2023
Your Waking Nightmare: Exploring the UFO Through the Lens of Horror and Techno-Realism w/ David Metcalfe
On this edition of Parallax Views, David Metcalfe, Santa Muerte researcher and Editor-in-Chief of Threshold: Journal of Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies , joins us for a long, jam-packed discussion of the Morbid Anatomy online course he is teaching with Dr. Diana Pasulka entitled "Your Waking Nightmare: Exploring the UFO Through the Lens of Horror and Techno-Realism". The course will take a media studies approach that delves into understanding the phenomena of Unidentified Flying Object, or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, by way of the themes explored in the horror genre. It will also feature guest speakers Amanda M. Radcliffe, the occult and ritual witchcraft advisor for the Nicolas Cage-starring H.P. Lovecraft movie The Color Out of Space , and Whitley Streiber, the world's most famous claimed alien abductee and a former horror author whose novels like The Hunger and Wolfen set him up to be a successor for Stephen King before he became famous in regards to the UFO/alien abduction subject. This isn't necessarily a conversation about believing in the UFO phenomena or being skeptical of it, but rather what the horror genre can say about people who claim to have "paranormal" experiences and perhaps even what these experiencers can say about themes touched upon in horror that relate to philosophical and social issues. Among the topics discussed in the course of this conversation: - Whitley Streiber and his career as a horror author; his alien abduction memoir Communion (originally set to be titled, interestingly enough, Body Horror ) and it's dealing with subject like the Self vs. the Other (and bridging the gap between the two); filmmaker Phillipe Mora's movie adaptation of Communion ; Whitley Streiber and psychological/physical trauma; Whitley Streiber's relationship with William S. Burroughs - UFO researcher Jacques Vallee and Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind ; Valle served as the basis for the Francois Truffaut character in Close Encounters of the Third Kind ; creatives who don't necessarily believe in the UFO phenomena taking an interest in the subject - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (or The Texas Chain Saw Massacre as it was released) and it's invocation of astrology ("Saturn in Retrograde) that arguably adds a cosmic horror element to the story - The horror genre and catharsis; David's college horror binge that included a diet of Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento, and movies like Wes Craven's Last House on the Left (and why David pulled back on watching those movies before returning to them for the course) - Lucio Fulci's The Bey
Wed, February 22, 2023
Atomic Days: The Untold Story of the Most Toxic Place in America w/ Joshua Frank/U.S. Foreign Policy & Nuclear Weapons Delivery Systems w/ Yint Hmu
On this edition of Parallax Views, Joshua Frank, muckraking journalist extraordinaire and editor at Counterpunch, joins us to discuss his new book Atomic Days: The Untold Story of the Most Toxic Place in America . Joshua tells the story of the Hanford, Washington's struggles with radioactive waste (which has led it to be dubbed "the most toxic place in America" by the EPA) and how, at a cost of $677 billion, became the most expensive environmental clean-up job in the in the entire world. Waste from the Hanford Nuclear Reservation has led to contamination of the Columbia River and the land surrounding the reservation as well. Fish were found with radioactivity. The soil has been contaminated. And a single accident at Hanford could lead to explosive problems that, arguably, would amount to an American Chernobyl. How did this all happen? We delve into how capitalism, imperialism, militarism, and racism fit into this tragic story and the ways in which contractors like Bechtel have perpetrated what Joshua refers to as a "profit-driven fraud". Additionally, Joshua and I discuss the wrecking of Native American cultures and lands in relation to this story; the courageous whistleblowers who spoke about Hanford radioactive waste; the role of militarism, the Cold War, and big business in the story of Hanford; the left-wing anti-nuclear movement, criticisms of it from climate change/environmentalist activists/authors like George Monbiot, and Frank's response to those criticisms; the connection between nuclear energy, nuclear weapons, and the weapons industry; why the late actress Margot Kidder (Lois Lane in the Christopher Reeves-starring Superman movies) received a special thanks at the end of the book; the poisoning of Hanford workers like Abe Garza; Hanford whistleblower Ed Bricker and the attempt to silence him through monitoring, harassment, and intimidation (including what Bricker's lawyer Tom Carpenter referred to as an attempt to kill Bricker); Donald Alexander, a chemist (specifically) a chemist who worked at Hanford and had concern about the site's waste treatment plan; the whistleblowing of Dr. Walter Tamosaitis, former Deputy Chief Process Engineer and Research & Technology Manager for the Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation; the politics of the Hanford whistleblowers (they were not left-wing radicals; some were even rather conservative); Frank Russo, one of the villains of the story, and the Department of Energy; the secrecy of Bechtel; why the issues with Bechtel were not just a result of "a few bad apples" but something more systemic and structural; the "Green Run" covert military experiment in 1949 which involved the intentional release of radioactive material into the atmosphere (and thus onto the unsuspecting public); "The Quiet Warrior" Russell Jim, the Yakama Nation, and
Fri, February 17, 2023
Lula Goes to Washington: What Lies Ahead for U.S.-Brazil Relations, Lula’s Foreign Policy, & the Recent Lula/Biden Meeting w/ Andre Pagliarini
On this edition of Parallax Views, Brazil's President, Lula da Silva, recently made a 48-hour visit to the United States and met with U.S. President Joe Biden. The-left-of-center politician from the Worker's Party recently defeated the controversial and right-wing Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's previous President, to achieve his third term in office. What can we glean from Lula's visit to Washington D.C., what does it say about what Lula wants for Brazil's foreign policy and U.S.-Brazil relations, and what is the Biden administration's feelings about Lula as Brazil's political leader? Among the topics covered in this history: - Lula's working class background and labor organizing, the power of his personality in Brazilian politics (as well as the pros and cons that come from this), the Worker's Party in Brazil, and Lula's early career dating back to 1970s with Unions - Lula da Silva's politics; neither a revolutionary or a right-winger or a pure neoliberal; strong reformist tendencies but not revolutionary; criticisms from the right and the left of Lula; Lula's social welfare programs, economics, tackling of issues like poverty and hunger, and their effects on Brazilian society; Lula's first two terms as Brazil's President from 2003-2010; delivering material benefits to Brazilian citizens and addressing issues around inequality; wealthy and right-wing opposition to Lula's policies - The corruption charges against Lula; Operation Car Wash aka Java Lato, Lula's time in jail, debate over the charges, accusations that Judge Sergio Moro colluded with the Java Lato prosecutors to prevent Lula from running for President again, the question of whether or not Java Lato was politically motivated - Jair Bolsonaro as the greatest beneficiary of the Java Lato investigation; Jair Bolsonaro's relationship with Donald Trump and Trumpism/the MAGA movement; how Bolsonaro throwing his political lot in such a partisan manner with Trump damaged his relations with the U.S. political scene long-term - Lula and U.S.-Brazil relations during his 2003-2010 terms. Lula's relationships with Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama; the Lula administration's issues with the Obama White House - Lula and Brazil as a mediator for international relations and diplomacy; the argument that this foreign policy is absurd and expects too much of Brazil as smaller country with a developing economy; Bolsonaro and the tradition of thought that the best way forward for developing Brazil is aligning with the U.S. vs. Lula's approach of recognizing U.S. interest but placing Brazilian interests first and having neutral relations (or, in other words, taking a non-aligned approach); Lula aligning with the U.S. on som
Thu, February 16, 2023
The Chinese Spy Balloon Incident & U.S.-China Relations w/ Mel Gurtov
On this edition of Parallax Views, Mel Gurtov, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Portland State University, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Perspective, blogger at In the Human Interest, and author of Engaging China: Rebuilding Sino-American , joins us to discuss the 2023 Chinese Spy Balloon Incident aka #Balloongate that has further inflamed tensions between the U.S. and China. The incident caused an uproar on Capitol Hill and led to Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelling a diplomatic trip to China. Initially China claimed it was merely a weather balloon that veered off course. The U.S. has said otherwise. The reporting has been that it was indeed a surveillance balloon. The ballon was first believed to enter U.S. airspace near Alaska on January 28th before moving over Canada. On February 1st the ballon was spotted over Montana before being shot down by a U.S. fighter jet on February 4th. We discuss the importance of this story, the response by the U.S. and China, how the situation could've been handled differently/better, the growing tensions between the U.S. and China, and the future of Sino-American relations. Among the topics covered: - The Biden administration vs. the Trump administration on China - The bipartisan consensus in Washington, D.C. and it's hostility to China; tariffs, trade wars, and Trump's China policy; China as a strategic threat from the Biden administration's point-of-view - Why Blinken's diplomatic visit to China being cancelled could be seen as a missed opportunity - Republican pressure for a hawkish, hardline response to China in regards to the spy balloon incident - The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, AUKUS, Japan, the Philippines, Guam, and security treaty partnerships - The U.S. role in Taiwan, strategic ambiguity vs. strategic clarity positions on Taiwan, China, and foreign policy - The issue of human right abuses in China; the Uyghur Muslims in China; Hong Kong - China's response to the spy balloon incident; U.S. surveillance in China; satellite technology and spying; was the balloon an immediate threat? - President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, the People's Liberation Army, the nature of bureaucracy as it relates to Balloongate, China's Foreign Ministry and the U.S. State Department, and the spy balloon - The potential consequences/blowback of the Chinese Spy Balloon Incident; the hawkish element in China and its press is being fed by the U.S. response; paranoia begets paranoia; the blame game is being played by the U.S. and China and is making diplomatic
Tue, February 07, 2023
The Midnight Kingdom: A History of Power, Paranoia, and the Coming Crisis w/ Jared Yates Sexton
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jared Yates Sexton, host of The Muckrake Podcast and author of American Rule: How A Nation Conquered The World But Failed Its People , joins us to discuss his latest book The Midnight Kingdom: A History of Power, Paranoia, and the Coming Crisis . In The Midnight Kingdom Jared delves into the lies, paranoia, mythologies, and pursuit of power the undergirds the far-right movements that have become a worldwide concern in recent years due incident to the Jan 6th insurrection in Washington, D.C. and the similar uprisings/riots that happened in Brazil after Lula de Silva defeated Jair Bolsonaro to once again become that country's President. Among the topics discussed in this conversation: - Conspiracies, real and imagined; the far-right wing, conspiracy theories, and the conspiratorial view of history - What does the title The Midnight Kingdom refer to and how does it relate to the apocalyptic vision of the world presented by controversial Russian thinker Aleksander Dugin? - The crisis of institutional power in America today that elements of both the right and left are recognizing; neoliberalism, the neoliberal consensus, hyper-capitalism, and inequality - Jared's examination of cycles of history in The Midnight Kingdom and how it differs from, for example, right-wing operative Steve Bannon's preferred cycles of history theory known as "The Fourth Turning" - How power protects itself in a society - Paranoia as the basis for modern American society and conspiracy theories in modern American history - Real conspiracies, journalist Sarah Kendzior's They Knew: How a Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Complacent , and the World Economic Forum in Davos - The destabilization of the middle class, the need for explanations for that destabilization, and how the right-wing offers that explanation through Grand Conspiracy Narratives - The targeting of vulnerable communities by the right-wing's brand of conspiratorial thinking - How ancient Rome ties into Jared's analysis in The Midnight Kingdom ; imperial cults, social mythologies, and the fall of civilizations - How the history of Christianity, apocalypticism, and narratives of power figures into Jared's analysis; how bastardized religion is utilized to promote war, imperialism, patriarchy, racism, wealth inequality and more; Christian nationalism and white nationalism; Jared's evangelical Christian upbringing - People's desperation for meaning; the
Mon, February 06, 2023
The American Surviellance State: How the U.S. Spies on Dissent w/ David H. Price
On this edition of Parallax Views, anthropologist David H. Price, author of Weaponizing Anthropology and Cold War Anthropology: Social Science in the Service of the Militarized State , returns to discuss his latest book The American Surveillance State: How the U.S. Spies on Dissent . The conversation begins with David H. Price discussing his Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests about interactions between American anthropologist, the FBI, the CIA, and American military agencies. We delve into how David became involved in looking at how anthropologists and social science were utilized in the global War on Terror, especially through the Human Terrain System program. In other words, the use of anthropology and social science for social monitoring and control. From there we delve into the thesis of The American Surveillance State and the idea, put forth by CIA whistleblower Philip Agee, that agencies like the FBI and CIA act as "the secret police of American capitalism". In this regard we discuss how intelligence agency institutions became powerful surveillance apparatuses that often targeted the labor and radical leftist movements. This also allows us to discuss the (in)famous figure of longtime FBI director J. Edgar Hoover and some conversation about the period of WWII and the transition into the Cold War. Among other topics we also manage to discuss: - The history of phone surveillance and wiretapping - The Total Information Awareness program and mass data collection - The issue of corporate surveillance as well as government surveillance - The American Surveillance State's targeting of anthropologist Gene Weltfish, Native American activist Archie Phinney, and South African anti-apartheid activist Ruth First; the targeted surveillance of activists who sought to expose systems of racial inequality - American anthropology, racial inequality, and the American surveillance state in the era of Joseph McCarthy and the Red Scare in the 1940s and 1950s - Addressing arguments that the massive surveillance and suppression of privacy and individual rights is necessary to fighting security threats like terrorism - The deep roots of anti-communism in the U.S. Liberal anti-communism in the CIA and right-wing anti-communism in Hoover's FBI; President Harry S. Truman and the Truman loyalty oaths program (which targeted federal employees) as a precursor to McCarthyism; Truman vs. Harry Wallace and the weaponizing the surveillance state against political enemies - The FBI's targeting of liberal anti-communists; liberal
Sat, February 04, 2023
Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World’s Most Notorious Diaries w/ Rick Emerson
On this edition of Parallax Views, noted Portland, OR radio personality Rick Emerson joins us to discuss the wild story of the controversial anti-drug book Go Ask Alice as explored in his book Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposer Behind the World's Most Notorious Diaries . In 1971, a book purporting to be the diaries of a teenage girl who fell into drug addiction through LSD swept the nation. In an age of growing concerns over teenage drug use, especially psychedelics, the book became a sensational success and has continuously remained in-print since that time. Questions about the authenticity of the book, credited to "Anonymous", arose and the truth about the book's actual author leads one to Beatrice Sparks, a conservative Mormon youth counselor who would later go on to fan fears about Satanism through the similarly-claimed-to-be-autobiographical-account-of-teen-trouble Jay's Journal . Rick and I will discuss the story of Go Ask Alice and the question of its authorship throughout the conversation on this episode as well as delving into the political climate of the 1970s, legendary TV personality Art Linkletter and the crusade against drugs in response to the 60s counterculture, the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, the TV movie version of Go Ask Alice starring Star Trek 's William Shatner, why Go Ask Alice resonated with many youths who read the book, parents offended by Go Ask Alice subject matter and depiction of drug use, book banning and Go Ask Alice , the religious background and conservative Republican politics of Beatrice Sparks, the American press/media and Go Ask Alice , literary frauds and literary imposters, Richard Nixon and the War on Drugs, teenaged sex in Go Ask Alice and how that made the book scandalous, Go Ask Alice as the birth of the YA (Young Adult) novel, the infamous "Another day, another blowjob" line in the book, parental fears about the state of the youth reflected in Go Ask Alice , Go Ask Alice as sensationalistic anti-drug propaganda in the form of a "cautionary tale" (and why it may be more than that for many of the people that read it), Go Ask Alice as a book with a cult following today due to its camp quality, how Rick became interested in Go Ask Alice and the story behind it, the diary format of the book and the mystery/allure around the book being written by "Anonymous", Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane song "White Rabbit" with the line "Go Ask Alice", the teen suicide follow-up to Go Ask Alice entitled Jay's Journal , Go Ask Alice 's protagonist as being a composite of people Beatrice Sparks treated as a counselor, the early advertising for Go Ask Alice , the early revi
Fri, February 03, 2023
The Anti-Oligarchy Constitution: Reconstructing the Economic Foundations of American Democracy w/ Joseph Fishkin
On this edition of Parallax Views, Joseph Fishkin, Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law, joins us to discuss his new book, co-authored with William E. Forbath, The Anti-Oligarchy Constitution: Reconstructing the Economic Foundations of American Democracy . Oligarchy is a term often used when describing power players in countries like Russia. But what of the United States? And what can a look at the Founding Father and the Constitution tells us about American concerns about oligarchic wealth and power throughout U.S. history? In this conversation we seek to answer that question and we talk about the history of progressive reforms in the U.S. and debates that have been had over the Constitution over the years. Additionally, Joseph and I discuss constitutional arguments, the problem with overconcentration of wealth into the hands of the few, and Fishkin's belief that American liberals and the left must not ceded constitutional arguments to the right-wing. Among the topics covered: - Beliefs among the Founding Fathers about the need for a broad middle class for the Republic to function and how to much wealth concentrated into the hands of landed oligarchs would be disruptive - FDR and the "Democracy of Opportunity" tradition; wealth inequality as a hinderance to freedom; how we conceptualize the idea of freedom on the right and the left of the political spectrum - How the American right-wing seized the ground of Constitutional arguments - The Supreme Court - Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, Alexander Hamilton, class, and divisions amongst the Founding Fathers on certain issues - The Civil War, Reconstruction, Abolitionists, Radical Republicans, the landed aristocracy, slavery and "Forty Acres and a Mule" - The collapse of Reconstruction, the political system in the South, the landed aristocracy and the use of wealth to influence politics - The landed aristocracy's attempts to prevent fusion politics between the poor black and poor whites; fusionist pro-labor politics as a challenge to oligarchic interest in the South - Explaining the Gilded Age of the late 19th and early 20th century; the resistance to the massive wealth concentration and monopolies of that time; the emerging American underclass in the Gilded Age; the call for better wage, redistribution of wealth, and more that informed the early 20th century labor movement - How early 20th century courts used constitutional law arguments to put down labor strikes; how populists and progressives crafted constitutional
Wed, February 01, 2023
Violence Erupts in Israel/Palestine (Jenin Massacre & E. Jerusalem Shooting) w/ Richard Silverstein/Did Thomas Friedman Run Cover for an Israeli Nuclear Smuggling Operation? w/ Grant F. Smith
On this edition of Parallax Views, Richard Silverstein of the Tikun Olam blog returns to discuss the latest eruptions of violence in Israel/Palestine starting with the massacre in the Palestinian Jenin refugee and then the deadly attack on Israelis outside a Synagogue in East Jerusalem shortly thereafter. In addition to this, we talk about the anti-government protests in Israel against Netanyahu's government and the fears within Israel over Netanyahu's judicial reforms which some are arguing would be a fascistic judicial coup by the Israeli far-right. Moreover, Richard and I discuss President Joe Biden and U.S. foreign policy with regards to Israel and specifically Secretary of State Antony Blinken visit to Israel and meeting with the deeply dysfunctional and corrupt Palestinian Authority's President Mahmoud Abbas. Additionally Richard and I will delve into Netanyahu's cozying up with America's evangelical Christian right, background on Richard's own evolution of thought in regards to Israel/Palestine, Israeli messianism and the end times, the potential for a Third Intifada to erupt, the Israeli economy and big tech start-up companies in Israel, the former Shin Bet (domestic Israeli intelligence chief) calling for a General Strike in Israel, Rabbi Meier Kahane and the Israeli far-right, Israeli ministerial position figures Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, Itamar Ben Gvir's vision for Israel and the Temple Mount, the "toxic brew" that is effecting Israeli politics right now, religious violence and conflict escalation, cycles of violence in Israel/Palestine, secular politics and conflict resolution/compromise, the permanent banning of the anti-Zionist/non-Zionist Mondoweiss media outlet from TikTok, the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism, the attacks on UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese's and her work on the situation of human rights in the occupied territories, and more! In the second half of the program (about an hour into the show), Grant F. Smith of the Institute for Research: Middle East Policy returns to the program to discuss his critique of New York Times op-ed columnist Thomas Friedman's reporting on Israel/Palestine over the years. Grant recently penned a piece at irMEP on the subject entitled "Thomas L. Friedman’s Israel: The krytron and the cholent heater" . In a recent conversation with Peter Beinart, Friedman expressed fear that the two-state solution is dead and has also written an op-ed imploring Joe Biden to save Israel from becoming “illiberal bastion of zealotry”. In other words, Friedman has been critical of Israel as of late. Grant, however, believes the criticism is mild and undermi
Mon, January 30, 2023
Pro-Social Deep Fakes? w/ Stephanie Lepp
On this edition of Parallax Views, much has been made about the dark, harmful, deceptive, and negative ways which deepfake technology can be utilized as its usage becomes democratized in the coming years. From racists using the tech to make the black lead actress of Disney's upcoming live-action The Little Mermaid white to involuntary pornography and nudification apps, there are some noxious ways the tech has been used so far. That said, can their also be positive uses for these technologies? Artist Stephanie Lepp believes it can and has played with deepfakes in her Webby Award-winning project Deep Reckonings, which imagines controversial figures like Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg confronting the worst aspects of themselves vis-a-vis deepfaked conversations. Stephanie joins us on this edition of the program to discuss the potential for pro-social deepfakes as seen in her Deep Reckonings series as well as: - Re-evaluating our ideas around Accountability and redemption at our current social/cultural juncture - The origins of Deep Reckonings, Stephanie's Reckoning podcast, and her imaginary conversation with the Pope (in which the Catholic Church's leader reckons with the Church's sexual abuse scandal) - A discussion about Alex Jones, how he's seemed to change over the years, his doubling down on having done nothing wrong in his handling/coverage of the Sandy Hook case, and his interviews with Joe Rogan - Charles Koch and Stephanie's idea for a reckoning he'd have regarding the issue of climate change; taking people as acting in good faith even if they're ideas our wrong - Technology and our relationship with knowledge; evolving our concept of truth; ecstatic truth and truth through fiction - Is deepfake technology good, bad, or neutral?; context and culture in relation to deepfake tech's use; technological determinism - Stephanie's early activism related to the environment and how it played a role in her later endeavors like Deep Reckonings - Social change and personal transformation - Future deep reckonings; Vladimir Putin; our relationship to truth and propaganda - The politics of synthetic media; do technologies have political qualities? And much, much more!
Fri, January 27, 2023
Hannah Arendt, Adolf Eichmann, & the Problems With the Banality of Evil Hypothesis w/ Ramon Glazov
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ramon Glazov, whose articles have been featured in such publications as Jacobin and Overland Magazine, returns to the program to discuss the problematic elements of political philosophers Hannah Arendt's famous "Banality of Evil" hypothesis born out SS-Obersturmbannführer Adolf Eichmann's trial in Jerusalem after the Holocaust. Among the topics covered in this conversation: - Ramon's interest in the topic and the classic cinematic thriller Boys from Brazil - Virulent antisemitic politics vs. the "Banality of Evil" hypothesis as an explanation for Eichmann's actions - Heidegger's Children: Hannah Arendt, Karl Lowith, Hans Jonas, and Herbert Marcuse by Richard Wolin; Arendt's relationship with the German philosopher and Nazi party member Maritn Heidegger; Arendt's identification with high German culture; her condescending views on Eastern European Jews; how did these things potentially inform Arendt's views on the Holocaust? - The question of deviance in understanding Eichmann; the concept of thoughtlessness in Arendt's "Banality of Evil" hypothesis ; the idea of the dark side of the Enlightenment; Horkheimer, Adorno, the Frankfurt School, and the Dialectic of the Enlightenment; the Enlightenment, modernity, and the Holocaust; - The question of whether or not Adolf Eichmann was a true believer or a functionary bureaucrat "desk murderer" who was "just following orders" - Bettina Stangneth's biography Eichmann Before Jerusalem: The Unexamined Life of a Mass Murderer - The myth and reality of Adolf Eichmann; Eichmann was in charge of logistics for the Holocaust and put on trial; did Eichmann seek to craft/present a specific image of himself at the trial?; - Eichmann, Immanuel Kant, and the Kant's categorical imperative; claims that Eichmann was "just doing his job" rather than a committed antisemite and political supporter of Nazism; the psychiatric examination of Eichmann and Eichmann as a fake or simulated neurotic - Eichmann's career in the SS as a flamboyant glory-hound who quickly rose up through the ranks; Eichmann's relationship with the Jewish people (specifically in Vienna, Austria) and his spying on Jewish communities as an SS officer; evidence of Eichmann's loyalty to the Nazi cause - Eichmann's study of Hebrew, his self-presentation as an expert in Hebrew, and his self-mythology claiming that he was born in Palestine (this is before the trial; he was actually a German Austrian); Eichmann's grandiose myth-making about himself - High-ranking
Sun, January 22, 2023
The Empty Wagon: Zionism’s Journey from Identity Crisis to Identity Theft w/ Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro
On this edition of Parallax Views, scholar, international speaker, and Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro, host of the Committing High Reason podcast, joins us to discuss his book The Empty Wagon: Zionism's Journey from Identity Crisis to Identity . Rabbi Shapiro is an opponent of Zionism from an Orthodox Jewish perspective. From his purview, Zionism represents a hijacking of Jewish identity or, as he puts it, a theft of the that identity that is not in line with his religion. The conversation begins with Rabbi Shapiro explaining the Orthodox perspective on Judaism. In this regards he discusses the Torah, the seven Noahide Laws, fulfilling religious commandments, and what the Jewish people are definitionally from the perspective of an Orthodox Jew. He explains that from an Orthodox point of view the Jewish people are defined by their religion rather than national characteristics or other traits. Orthodox Jews, he argues, wish to be allowed to practice their faith and be left to their devices doing that. This leads us into a discussion the Orthodox Jewish opposition to Zionism, or, from Rabbi Shapiro's perspective, the Zionist opposition to Orthodox Judaism. We delve into the history of friction between Orthodox Judaism and Zionism as well as how the history of antisemitism, in both it's religiously-driven and racially-driven forms including pogroms and the Dreyfuss affair, plays into this story. In regards to all this we also discuss the idea of strength in Jewish thought, the era of nationalism and the birth of Zionism, Bolshevism and Communism, Hitler and the Holocaust, assimilationism and Zionism, Theodor Herzl, the Jewish language, Rabbi Shapiro's view that Zionism created a synthetic history of the Jewish people, and the success of Zionism in the 20th century. As the conversation goes deeper we discuss: - Israel as the Holy Land rather than a temporal, secular nation-state; the Holy Land is holy regardless of who has political control of it - The Messianic Age; the Orthodox idea that the state of Israel is not allowed to exist as a Jewish state before the coming of the Messiah; Rabbi Shapiro's argues that opposition to Zionism is not simply about the Messianic Age and that the difference between Zionists and Orthodox Jews on Israel is an obfuscation and that the difference goes beyond the question of the Messianic Age - Israel as the Jewish state or the nation-state that represents all Jews; why Rabbi Shapiro takes issue with this and the logic of it - The Jonathan Pollard spying case; the "dual loyalties" trope that has been used against Jews, Japanese-Americans in WWII, and Italian Catholics in the era of JFK; <a href='https://www.timesofisrael.com
Thu, January 19, 2023
Permanent Distortion: How the Financial Markets Abandoned the Real Economy Forever w/ Nomi Prins
On this edition of Parallax Views, economist, geopolitical financial expert, and investigative journalist Nomi Prins joins us to discuss her new book Permanent Distortion: How Financial Markets Abandoned the Real Economy Forever . Nomi began her career in the world of finance and Wall Street working for Goldman Sachs, Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Chase Manhattan Bank. Since then, however, she has become an investigative journalist that's been exposing wealthy inequality and the intersection between money, influence, and power that defines the divide between Wall Street and Main Street. In her latest book, Nomi details how the Federal Reserve and quantitative easing policies has led to a "permanent distortion" of the real economy and a dearth of easy, free money for the ultra-wealthy. Among the topics covered in this conversation: - Nomi's background and transition from Wall Street to investigative journalism - What does Nomi mean by "Permanent Distortion" - Explaining quantitative easing and the Fed - The 2008 financial crisis - Trump, China, and trade wars - The rise of populism in an age of disenfranchisement - Wall Street vs. Main Street - Explaining the real economy - The 4 phases of the book: chaos, addiction, overdrive, and metamorphosis - Cryptocurrency, the Robinhood app, r/WallStreetBets, and the permanent distortion era - The mega asset management company Blackrock - The average American household and the stock market; about 10-15% owns 85% of the stock market; although many American don't have a stake in the stock market they can still be impacted by it - And much more!
Mon, January 16, 2023
Behind the Scenes of the Class Warfare, Body-Horor Cult Classic SOCIETY (+ BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR, SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT 4, & GIRL NEXT) w/ Screenwriter Zeph E. Daniel
On this edition of Parallax Views, the 1989 horror film Society has become a cult classic for it's wild mix of body horror, dark humor, satire of high society, and class warfare politics. Joining us to discuss that movie, as well as his work on other horror movies past and present, is the film's co-write Zeph E. Daniel. In the second hour, Zeph and I discuss his return to screenwriting with the 2021 horror/thriller GIRL NEXT, a story of a young woman's fight to survive after being kidnapped by human traffickers that gets very strange when demonic entities, body-altering drugs, quantum physics, and a sinister MKULTRA-style government experiment are thrown into the plot's mix. Among the topics covered in our conversation: - How Zeph became involved in screenwriting and early sci-fi writing - Working with producer/director Brian Yuzna, known for his body-horror films including the Re-Animator franchise and Society - How Society 's initial story involved a Satanic cult rather than strange, alien-like shapeshifting beings posing as rich humans in Beverly Hills - Satirizing the shallowness of the wealthy and Beverly Hills culture - Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation and it's witchcraft plot involving the demon Lilith - The length of the filming shoot for the Yuzna-made movies Zeph worked on - Zeph's thoughts on Bride of Re-Animator - The class warfare element of Society , Zeph's interview with the left-wing publication Jacobin, and the exploitation of the poor by the rich in Society 's story - Actress Devin DeVasquez's "Clarissa" character in Society - The differences between Zeph's original story for Society and the movie itself - Special effects artist Screaming Mad George and the infamous "The Shunting" ritual scene in Society - Girl Next and the story of how Zeph formed Crazed House Ltd. with director Larry Wade Carell - Zeph's belief in spiritual warfare - Zeph's thoughts and feelings on his work being rejected by the Christian community despite his being a born again Christian; the story of how his evangelical Christian novel Lamb was rejected by the Christian community; the fear of creativity that exists within some Christian circles - The next Crazed House Ltd. movie and the big name horror star legend that'll have a vo
Mon, January 09, 2023
The Emirati Lobby and Foreign Influence Operations in the U.S. w/ Ben Freeman
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft's Ben Freeman returns to discuss his report The Emirati Lobby in America and his upcoming report on Saudi lobbying in the United States. We begin the conversation by discussing the nature of the U.S./UAE relationship and the way the military, economics, and weapons sales figures into that relationship. We then delve into the activities, legal and illegal, of the Emirati Lobby in the United States and the ways it seeks to influence U.S. foreign policy. Ben's Quincy report details the political activities of 25 firms registered as working on behalf of the UAE under FARA (the Foreign Agents Registration Act). Ben and I delve into the cases of former Trump advisor Tom Barrack, Lebanese-American businessman George Nader, and the high-ranking military officials that have worked on behalf of UAE interests. Additionally, we discuss the UAE in relation to other Gulf State countries, namely the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Moreover, Ben and I discuss Kristen Sinema and the F-35 deal that benefitted Saudi Arabia; the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP (or just Akin Gump); how the Emirati Lobby donates to influential D.C. think tanks; the Abraham Accords; the Dubai Expo 2020; the war in Yemen; the issue of dark money; why having FARA is better than not having FARA; why the UAE has such significant lobbying efforts in the U.S. compared to some other Middle Eastern countries; foreign influence operations and academia; cultural exchange vs. foreign influence ops; how the Emirati Lobby and other foreign lobbies are actually not one group but a constellation of organizations and firms; PR and perception management; PR efforts by foreign lobby's to put attention on countries other than their own; how foreign lobbies can impact not only U.S. foreign policy, but also negatively impact smaller, more economically disadvantaged countries; arms sales; and much, much more!
Sat, January 07, 2023
Chatting w/ Casper Kelly of Adult Swim Yule Log, Too Many Cooks, & Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell Fame
On this edition of Parallax Views, Adult Swim, the late night programming block, followed up the Season 6 finale of the popular Rick and Morty with the Adult Swim Yule Log (aka The Fireplace ). What started out as a seemingly ordinary yule log video quickly morphed into something more unexpected: a feature-length film. More precisely, a horror movie featuring a cavalcade of genre tropes including UFOs, Satanic cults, murderous rednecks in the vein of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre , and even a rather devious little imp. Melding humor with comedy, the Adult Swim Yule Log is something that has to be seen to be believed as it's unlike anything you've likely seen before. Joining us on this episode is the Adult Swim Yule Log 's writer/director, Casper Kelly. Casper is perhaps best known for his [adult swim] absurdist shorts Final Deployment 4: Queen Battle Walkthrough , the infamous Too Many Cooks , and the TV series Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell starring The Last Podcast on the Left's Henry Zebrowski. Additionally, Casper created the "Cheddar Goblin" sequence for the Nicolas Cage-starring horror movie Mandy and has written for such shows as The Squidbillies and Nickelodeon's CatDog . Oh, and he created the Scooby Doo parody of The Blair Witch Project known as The Scooby Doo Project . Much of Casper's work is available on Youtube and you can check a lot of it out through his website . In this conversation we discuss: - How the feature-length Adult Swim Yule Log came to be - The thematic threads in Casper's work including depression, anxiety, media, and, in the case of the Adult Swim Yule Log , the grappling with the history of American slavery, the idea of "time privilege", and whether we are really progressing as a society or not - Influences on Casper's work; John Carpenter, Sam Raimi and The Evil Dead , David Lynch and Twin Peaks , and the satirical elements of Paul Verhoeven ( Starship Troopers , Robocop , and Showgirls ) are all mentioned - New media in Casper's projects (yule log videos and podcasting in the Adult Swim Yule Log and video game streamers in Final Deployment 4: Queen Battle Walkthrough ) - Making Too Many Cooks , which plays with the trope of 80s/90s sitcom intros; the research that went into making the short and the way in which the sitcom intro-style is both absurdist and realistic in terms of the kind of shows intros it's satirizing/homaging - The question
Fri, January 06, 2023
The Strange Story of Nazi Satanists, the Feds, & Montenegro’s Orthodox Church w/ Boris & Rey of The Empire Never Ended Podcast
On this edition of Parallax Views, Rey and Boris of the antifascist The Empire Never Ended podcast join the show to discuss the strange story of David Myatt and his neo-Nazi Satanist sect The Order of Nine Angles. For many years the O9A remained relatively obscure, only really known to people on the fringes of the occult/esoteric community. But it has gained notoriety more recently, along with the Atomwaffen Division, thanks to growing concerns about neo-fascist terrorism in the U.S. and Europe. According to Rey and Boris, the O9A believe in bringing about a new type of human being, an ubermensch, by becoming ruthless predators engaged in socially deviant acts including human sacrifice, or in the O9A's terminology the "Culling" of "opfers". The story of this strange sect gets much stranger though as the figure of Joshua Caleb Sutter, co-founder of the O9A-affliated Tempel of Blood, is discussed. Turns out Sutter, who has longstanding involvement in the American white supremacist movement and has served prison time, has acted as an FBI informant. Even stranger, perhaps, is the story of controversial former Montenegrin diplomat Mirna Nikčević and a man by the name Nikola Poleksić, who has become involved in the Montenegrin Orthodox Church as a deacon. This particular thread in the O9A saga is noteworthy because of O9A's belief about "insight roles" within their initiatory process. These insight roles require initiates to go undercover with groups whom may go against their own personal beliefs as part of one's personal "spiritual" growth, developing skills in manipulation against the "Magian" order (in other words, the Western liberal society that O9A opposes), and, perhaps most importantly, infiltration. With that in mind, the stories of Nikčević and Poleksić appear to be examples of O9A infiltration of Church and State. In addition to discussing all of this we delve into David Myatt's history including his involvement with Combat 18. In regards to the history of Myatt and the early O9A we also make mention of the London Nail Bombings. We discuss the myth and reality of Myatt and the O9A as well a sect known as the Astral Bone Gnawers Lodge, the deep state, the history of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church, why talking about something as seemingly kooky as the O9A matters, O9A's Satanism as cover for its neo-Nazi fascism, and much, much more!
Tue, January 03, 2023
Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia w/ Natasha Lance Rogoff
On this edition of Parallax Views, author, filmmaker, and TV producer Natasha Lance Rogoff joins us to discuss her new book Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia . Natasha was tasked with making the Russian version of Sesame Street, called Ulitsa Sezam , after the fall of the Soviet Union. The show faced many struggles as Russia was dealing with what it would become in the Soviet era. Additionally the country was dealing with incredible economic inequality, assassinations, car bombings, and communists who did not want Russia to transition to a capitalist system. Despite this, Ulitsa Sezam ended up being a hit amongst Russian children and originally ran from 1996 to 2007. That isn't, however, to say that it's road to success was an easy one. As Rogoff details, there were many cultural clashes that occurred during its making that had to be overcome. In this course of our conversation Rogoff and I discuss: - Rogoff's time in the Soviet Union prior to Ulitsa Sezam , her documentary Russia for Sale: The Rough Road to Capitalism , and her reporting on underground LGBTQ+ culture in the Soviet Union - The role of then Senator Joe Biden, Congress, and USAID (United States Agency for International Development) in the creation/making of Ulitsa Sezam ; the show as a way to spread Western ideals like individualism, diversity, inclusivity, free-market capitalism, etc. - The issues that arised from wanting to show children in wheelchairs and disabilities on the show; and the way in which this led to a transformative, emotional moment for all involved in Ulitsa Sezam - The issue of music in Ulitsa Sezam ; fear of change; proud of Russia's musical heritage; wanting to showcase different and eclectic forms on the show - Cultural exchange between the U.S. and Russia; U.S. pop culture demonization of Russia; overcoming cultural differences - An instance in which Ulitsa Sezam was going to play a really downbeat song that was seen as more in line with traditional Russian culture; how children reacted to a different, more upbeat song in contrast; Russian children singing WWII songs - The Ulitsa Sezam character Zeliboba (pictured below) Zeliboba from Ulitsa Sezam - The biggest obstacles in making the show; violence, culture clashes, and financial issues; overcoming the deaths of Natasha's confidants in Russia while making the show (there were assassination, car bombings, etc.) - The emotional bond between those who were
Tue, December 27, 2022
UNLOCKED: Absurdist Humor and Horror Collide in Butt Boy and Tiny Cinema w/ Tyler Cornack and Ryan Koch
On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously locked to Patreon subscribers episode of the show. I spoke with Ryan Koch and Tyler Cornack about their absurdist horror-comedy Butt Boy and their series (now a movie) Tiny Cinema . Butt Boy follows an unassuming man who becomes addicted to making things disappear up his butt. When children go missing a detective slowly unravels the horrific secrets of... the Butt Boy. What makes Butt Boy an interesting genre feature is that despite the ridiculous plot, the movie is played straight. It's a serial killer story with a weird sci-fi element that is never explained. How do people get abducted up a guy's butt? Not answered. But played completely straight throughout. Which, at the end of the day, is the joke. The fact that the film is also technically well made makes it all the more bizarre. It's a crime/cop thriller, serial killer horror movie with a comedic twist. SYNOPSIS FROM IMDB: Detective Fox loves work and alcohol. After going to AA, his sponsor, Chip, becomes the main suspect in his investigation of a missing kid. Fox also starts to believe that people are disappearing up Chip's butt. In order to preserve the quality of the audio there's no Producer's credits on this episode. My apologies, but due to the surviving files of this only being available in video and having to convert to audio I would have had to further compromise audio quality if I'd added in the Producer's credits. Producer's credits will be back in the next episode. Some minor audio glitches may be present.
Fri, December 23, 2022
Horror Cult Classic Black Christmas, the It’s Me Billy Fan Film, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare Fan Sequel, and Voice Acting w/ Dave McRae
On this holiday edition of Parallax Views, Youtuber, voice actor, and filmmaker Dave McRae joins the show this Christmas season to discuss the holiday (or is it anti-holiday?) horror classic Black Christmas , his and Bruce Dale's Black Christmas fan film, and his upcoming appearance as Freddy Krueger in the Wes Craven's New Nightmare fan sequel Dylan's New Nightmare starring Miko Hughes ( Wes Craven's New Nightmare , Pet Sematary ). First though, we begin the conversation by discussing how Dave got involved in voice acting and his career in that field. From there we delve into the 1974 Canadian cult classic Black Christmas . Directed by Bob Clark, years before he directed A Christmas Story and Porky's ) Black Christmas boasts stellar cast headed up by Olivia Hussey ( Romeo and Juliet ), Keir Dullea ( 2001: A Space Odyssey ), John Saxon ( A Nightmare on Elm Street ), Margot Kidder ( Superman ), Art Hindle (David Cronenberg's The Brood ), Andrea Martin (of the cult Canadian comedy TV series SCTV ) and previous Parallax Views guest Lynne Griffin ( Strange Brew , Curtains ). Set in a sorority house around the holidays, this 70s chiller tells the story of a group of young women menaced by an deranged obscene phone caller, "The Moaner", who begins picking them off one by one. It's the classic urban legend of the "Caller Is in the House" a good number of years before the Carol Kane-starring thriller When a Stranger Calls terrified audiences. It's also a rather strange feature in that it mixes dark comedy and raunchy humor with horror approached through a slow-burn pacing that takes its time building suspense and an eerie atmosphere. In the course of our conversation we discuss this cult classic's creep factor, legacy, the two remakes/reimaginings that have been spawned in it's wake, the film's subversive subplot involving abortion, and more. Then we move on to discussing It's Me, Billy . Set 50 years after the original story, the movie follows Sam (Victoria Mero), the granddaughter of Black Christmas final girl Jess, and her friends (Shelby Handley, Malaika Hennie-Hamadi) as they come face-to-face with the same horror that her grandmother experienced all those decades ago. Dave and I discuss the making of the short film, the professional nature and slick look of fan films like It's Me, Billy and Vincent DiSanti's Never Hike Alone (and how these types of fan films are changing perceptions of what a fan film can be), how they recreated the iconic creepy eyeball scene from the original film, adding the mythology of Black Christmas , actress Victoria Mero's stunning resemblance to Olivia Hussey, the possible sequel to It's Me
Thu, December 22, 2022
Gremlinology for the Holidays! w/ Robbie Martin
On this holiday edition of Parallax Views, Robbie Martin of Media Roots Radio and the documentary A Very Heavy Agenda returns to spread the holiday cheer of a Christmas classic... the 1984 Joe Dante/Steven Spielberg collaboration Gremlins ! Yes, Gremlins is a Christmas movie, especially if Die Hard is considered a Christmas movie! It's a festive conversation about the little green monsters that terrorized our nightmares as kids and the furry little guy we all wanted as a pet that Furby ripped off! Robbie admits he used to confuse E.T.: The Extraterrestrial and Gremlins . J.G. tries to avoid getting the horny police called on him while talking about his early childhood crush Phoebe Cates. Robbie explains the use of cats in Jerry Goldsmith's score and pitches his prequel idea that'd call back to Phoebe Cates' eerie, spooky, chilling monologue about why she hates Christmas. We chat about Corey Feldman showing up dressed as a Christmas tree, the greatest movie scene to ever utilize Do You Hear What I Hear? , Gremlins' blending of horror and comedy, the holiday spirit in Gremlins , "That Guy" character actor Dick Miller as Murray Futterman, and the eternal question of whether Gremlins is racist, is Gremlins a critique of capitalism and/or consumerism, and more Then we switch gears to the completely absolutely off-the-wall, insanely zany sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch . Robbie and I talk about the meta/parody nature of the movie, the revenge of Dick Miller's Murray Futterman, Star Trek 's Robert Picardo, John Glover as an eccentric billionaire modeled after Ted Turner and Donald Trump (who manages to be so insanely energetic and naive that the originally meant-to-be-villainous role become something else entirely), Joe Dante and his love of cartoons and animation (including the Bugs Bunny/Daffy Duck short), Zach Galligan's character Billy Peltzer getting a sexually harassed by boss vis-a-vis an under-the-table foot job attempt, the two different "breaking the fourth wall" interruptions for the theatrical and VHS releases of the movie, Hammer Studios horror legend Christopher Lee as a mad scientist, a blink-and-you'll miss it cameo from John Addams of Gomez Addams fame, the cameos from pro wrestler Hulk Hogan and movie critic Leonard Maltin, how the satire of TV was so ahead of its time that some jokes don't even hit the same anymore, the movie's lampooning of technology, Gizmo the Mogwai getting the Baby Yoda treatment, Rambo and Gremlins 2 , and more! We then end discussing the films of Joe Dante, the director behind both movies. We talk Burying the Ex , Innerspace , Matinee with John Goodman, Dante's two Masters of Horror episodes, the little seen TV movie The
Wed, December 21, 2022
The Delay of the Yemen War Powers Resolution w/ Hassan El-Tayyab/Understanding Hanukkah and Jewish Culture w/ Deborah Dash Moore
On this edition of Parallax Views, Hassan El-Tayyab, Legislative Director for Middle East Policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation, joins the show in the first segment to discuss the delay of the vote on the Yemen War Powers Resolution. For some years now Hassan has been at the front of the struggle to get Congress to act in ending the U.S. role in Yemen war vis-a-vis it's arms support for Saudi Arabia. In this conversation El-Tayyab discusses gives his thoughts on Sen. Bernie Sanders withdrawing from the resolution, the Biden administration's moves with regards to Saudi Arabia and the war in Yemen, common misunderstandings about the resolution (ie: the resolution would not necessarily end the war in Yemen but rather reduce U.S.), and more. In the second segment of the program, the Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization's Deborah Dash Moore joins us to discuss the history and traditions of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah and to comment on the recent spike in antisemitism in the U.S. Among the topics discussed in this conversation are the origins of Hanukkah and the traditions associated with it Maccabees, children's books about Hanukkah, the experience of Hanukkah in the German ghettos in WWII era, and more. Additionally, Deborah and I discuss Jewish contributions to culture, with a focus on Jewish humor and it's impact on comedy. We also delve into the issue of antisemitism, what drives it, scapegoating, and related topics.
Mon, December 19, 2022
Israeli Politics from a Progressive Jewish-American Perspective w/ Abe Silberstein/Combating the Israeli Far-Right and Antisemitism at the Same Time w/ Stephen Zunes
On this edition of Parallax Views, we return to discussion of the rise of the far-right in Israel and the simultaneous spike in antisemitism happening in the U.S. In the first segment, journalist Abe Silberstein offers a progressive Jewish-American perspective on Israeli politics, Palestine, Netanyahu, the Religious Zionism Coalition, Yehudit Otzma and Itamar Ben-Gvir, J Street, non- and anti-Zionism, Peter Beinart and cultural Zionism, the Zionist Organization of America's (ZOA) Morton Klein and the Jewish-American fringe right-wing, gadfly Israeli journalist Gideon Levy and the Israeli left, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), racist and supremacist ideologies on the Israeli right, the ideology of Rabbi Meier Kahane and post-Kahane fa-right ideology in Israel, U.S. support for Israel, human rights, and much, much more. In the second segment of the show, Dr. Stephen Zunes returns to discuss the recent spikes in antisemitism and how to combat it while also combating the rise of the Israeli far-right and human rights abuses in Israel/Palestine. Zunes, who has also written about the human rights issues related to the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara, argues we need to take a human rights-centric approach to Israel/Palestine and that we should be wary of antisemitic tropes that blame all U.S. foreign policy on the state of Israel.
Sun, December 18, 2022
The Life & Films of Steven Spielberg + Myth and Reality in THE FABELMANS w/ Joseph McBride
On this jam-packed, monster-sized edition of Parallax Views, acclaimed film historian Joseph McBride returns to the program to discuss the life and times of Hollywood filmmaking legend Steven Spielberg, his films, and his latest feature, the autobiographical coming-of-age drama The Fabelmans . McBride many books on cinema include Frank Capra: The Catastrophe of Success , Orson Welles: Actor and Director , Searching for John Ford , Billy Wilder: Dancing on the Edge , and The Whole Durn Human Comedy: Life According to the Coen Brothers , and, of special note to this conversation, the unauthorized Steve Spielberg: A Biography . Among the topics covered in this lengthy conversation: - Spielberg's early career, working in television with The Twilight Zone / Night Gallery creator/host Rod Serling, his made-for-TV thriller Duel and horror Something Evil - The success of E.T.: The Extraterrestrial and the point where Spielberg became a household name - The importance of Jaws to Spielberg's career - The resonance of Close Encounters of the Third Kind with move-going audiences; applying Carl Jung's book on flying saucers to Close Encounters of the Third Kind ; the positive portrayal of aliens in Spielberg's films; Spielberg and immigrant liberalism; the role of the broken family in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and how in some ways the movie may be about his divorced mother and father - Spielberg wasn't a darling of film critics when McBride wrote his biography of Spielberg; the phenomenon of Spielberg haters; the lackluster box-office of West Side Story and The Fabelmans at the box office and mixed-reviews from critics - Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock; the idea that Spielberg is a master technical filmmaker but has little to say; Hitchock's 1976 film Family Plot starring Bruce Dern and Spielberg's attempt to meet Hitchcock - The approach Joseph took to the research and writing of Steven Spielberg: A Biography ; interviewing "ordinary people" rather than just celebrities; Robert Caro's Lyndon Johnson biography; Joseph interviewed over 300 people for the book; interviewing people from all over the country because Spielberg lived in so many different cities and states, especially when he was growing up - Joseph's interview with Arnold Spielberg, Steven's father, and the said moment for him during that interview; the underrated role of Arnold Spielberg in Steven's life and amateur films; Steven's relationship with his father and
Thu, December 15, 2022
Lawsuit Over JFK Documents, Lee Harvey Oswald, & the CIA w/ Jefferson Morley/FBI Surveillance and the ”Black Identity Extremist” Label w/ Patrick Eddington
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Jefferson Morley, author of The Ghost: The Secret Life of Spymaster James Jesus Angleton , Scorpion's Dance: The President, the Spymaster, and Watergate , and Morley v. CIA: My Unfinished JFK Investigation , joins us for an urgent update on his work related to the JFK assassination and the ongoing fight to have the last of the JFK records released to the public. Morley and the Mary Ferrell Foundation, a resource on the Kennedy assassination, have filed a lawsuit against President Joe Biden and the National Archives over the withholding of 11,000 or so documents related to the assassination that have yet to be released despite the promise years ago that they would be declassified. Recorded on 12/14,/22, Morley and I discuss how Biden will have to make a decision on 12/15/22 as to whether the CIA will have to give up the last of the JFK documents. In edition to all of this, Jefferson will also explain why the CIA's argument that these documents can't be released for national security reasons and because not all of the people in the files are dead is, from his perspective, a bogus argument. Morley also goes over what he consider the "smoking gun" with regards to the assassination: the CIA's knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald before 11/23/63 and the CIA's use of Oswald for intelligence purposes (in other words: as an intelligence asset). Jefferson is quick to point out that he is not interested in theorizing or speculating about the assassinations. Instead his interest is in what the documents say rather than any conspiracy theories. We also delve into the recent National Press Club conference by the Mary Ferrell Foundation featuring Jefferson and Judge John R. Tunheim of the Assassination Record Review Board, the across the board/political spectrum support for releasing the documents on grounds related to the need for government transparency, and the mainstream media's coverage of Jefferson Morley and the Mary Ferrell Foundation's recent work. In the second segment of the show, Patrick G. Eddington, senior fellow at the Cato Institute and former CIA analyst joins us to discuss his recent Antiwar.com article "Is the FBI’s ‘Black Identity Extremist’ Label Still in Use?" . In 2016 a report was leaked to the press in which the FBI was revealed to be using the term "Black Identity Extremist" as a domestic security threat. Due to the vagueness of the term as well as the rise of Black Lives Matter and the fact that the majority of domestic terrorism has come from white nationalist terrorists the BIE report was heavily criticized. In the intervening years FBI Director Chris Wray told the Senate Jud
Mon, December 12, 2022
The Problems of U.S. Arms Sales Policy w/ Jordan Cohen/Student Confronts Liz Cheney Over Iraq War w/ Mitch Robson
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jordan Cohen, policy analyst in defense and foreign policy at the Cato Institute, joins the show to discuss the 2022 Cato Handbook for Policymakers: Arms Sales report . Jordan makes the case the U.S. arms sales today lack oversight leading problems like arms dispersion that leads to weapons ending up in the hands of unsavory entities such as drug cartels and terrorist organizations. Moreover, said arms sales often contribute to aiding authoritarian governments and states that commit human rights abuses. Among the topics discussed in this conversation: - Top U.S. arms consumers are often "risky" clients; defining risk countries buying U.S. arms - U.S. weapons sales from anti-aircraft missiles and fighter jets to small arms and light weapons (SALW) - The Executive Branch's unrivaled power in regards to arms sales and why Congress can't regulate arms sales effectively - Saudi Arabia and the war in Yemen - Weapons dispersion in Central America's Northern Triangle - The potential connection between weapons dispersion, refugee crises, and immigration - How U.S. arms sales undermine many of the stated foreign policy aims/objectives of President Joe Biden's administration - The Ukraine/Russia war and arms sales - Thoughts on foreign policy under the Biden administration thus far - The need to "flip the script" on how we talk about U.S. arms sales - And much, much, much more! In the second segment of the show, Mitch Robson of the conservative student paper The Chicago Thinker joins us to discuss confronting Liz Cheney on the her father Dick Cheney and the Iraq War. On November 11, 2022 Liz Cheney, who has gained newfound popularity due to her opposition to Trumpism and the January 6th insurrection, appeared at a University of Chicago Institute of Politics (IOP) event. Mitch, in response to a recent ad where Liz and Dick Cheney together opined that "a real man wouldn’t lie to his supporters" in reference to Trump, grilled Ms. Cheney about what many have argued are the lies that embroiled the United States in the George W. Bush administration initiated Iraq War. Robson's exchange with Cheney has gone viral and he joined to discuss the issues he had with Liz Cheney's response detailing the issues with claims like, for example, Saddam Hussein's government having had operational ties with al Qaeda.
Fri, December 09, 2022
Money-Driven Politics in an Age of Global Tumult w/ Thomas Ferguson/Railroad Workers, Corporate Power, and Congress w/ Jack Rasmus
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. Thomas Ferguson, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Boston and author of Golden Rule: The Investment Theory of Party Competition and the Logic of Money-Driven Political Systems , returns to discuss the current social/economic/political situations in the U.S. and place it within the context of growing tumult across the globe. Among the issues discussed in this conversation: - Disruption and the world economy; energy crises, inflation, growing economic pressures on people; strikes in the U.K., the recent far-right coup attempt in Germany, and the downfall of Peru's President Pedro Castillo (who attempted to dissolve the Peruvian Congress) - Oil and gas prices - The Georgia runoff election that saw Democrat Raphael Warnock vs. Republican Herschel Walker - Incremental change in the balance of political power - Matt Taibbi, Elon Musk, and the Twitter Files - Is the global pandemic really over? Biden, student debt, and the pandemic - Railroad workers and sick leave pay - Nancy Pelosi, corporate Democrats, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez the Squad, Bernie Sanders, and progressives - Biden, the National Labor Relations Board, and the broader state of American labor - Crypto, the FTX scandal, Sam Bankman-Fried, dark money, the politicians who received donations from SBF, and deregulation - How a deep recession could lead to Donald Trump's comeback; Trump's survival is dependent on the economy - Employment and unemployment - The problem Democrats face leading up to 2024; the Democratic Party as a "Headless Horseman" right now - Could the railroad strike issue come back to haunt Democrats? - The polarizations of social blocs in America - Rural areas and U.S. elections - The American upper middle classes and Jan 6th - The midterms were very close; the shift was minute - Policy errors in addressing the pandemic - Interests rates are up and U.S. debt costs are rising - The multipolar world and the dangers of escalation; U.S. vs. China and de-escalation; the Ukraine/Russia War - The Golden Rule: he makes the money makes the rules - And much, much more! In
Thu, December 08, 2022
New Film FARHA Tells a Coming-of-Age Survival Story Set Amidst the Nakba w/ Darin J. Sallam/The Sordid History of Guantanamo Bay w/ Andy Worthington
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jordanian filmmaker Darin J. Sallam joins Parallax Views to discuss her feature-length debut film Farha . Written and directed by Sallam , Farha tells the coming-of-age story of a brave, curious young woman (played by Karam Taher in a tour-de-force acting debut) living in 1948 Palestine who dreams of going to the city, receiving an education, and becoming a teacher. Farha's life is irrevocably altered, however, when Israeli military invade her Palestinian village in a series of violent events that have become known in the Arab world as the Nakba or "The Catastrophe". Farha is a deeply moving story of survival that attempts to shed light on a story Palestinian Arabs have passed down through the generations and may well mark the first feature-length film that isn't a documentary to feature the Nakba as a key element of its story. In this conversation Darin and I discuss a number of topics including: - Her experiences directing the film - Working with the cast, which included such well-known actors of the Arab world as Ali Sulliman of the TV series Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan and Ashraf Barhom ( The Kingdom , Paradise Now ); the casting of the lead character - The meaning of the title Farha and how it refers to not only the main character but the Arabic word for "Joy" - The development of the movie, the difficulty getting funding, and depicting the events of the Nakba in a thoughtful manner - The emotions that came out during the filming of the production especially amongst the Gazan refugees who served as extras in the film - The motif of water in the movie - The accusations of antisemitism that have been made against Farha - Whether or not the story of Farha ends on a hopeful note - The approach taken to depicting the Nakba in Farha ; why Darin chose not to show gory violence - Farha as a universal, humane story which can speak to many different people - The passing down of the story of the Nakba throughout the generations and putting that story to film - Does Darin see a bit of Farha in herself? - The positive reactions to the film thus far - Telling the truth - Farha as not just a story about the Nakba but a story about love, community, loss, trauma, and memory - Liberation and loss; the open wound of the Nakba - Being t
Tue, December 06, 2022
Is Turkey Preparing for a Ground Operation in Syria? w/ Giorgio Cafiero
On this edition of Parallax Views, Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics, returns to discuss the rumblings about a potential Turkish ground operation in northern Syria. Is Turkey invading northeast Syria about to happen? Also how will the U.S. likely respond if it does? What should be made of U.S. response to the recent Turkish strikes in Syria and the possibility of a Turkish ground offensive there? Among the topics discussed in this conversation: - The perspective from Ankara, the capital of Turkey, in relation to Syria - Overview of the tumult in Syria since the 2011 uprising against the regime of Bashar al-Assad and the Ba'athist government in Damascus; the Syrian Civil War; the rise of the Islamic State; - Why did the overthrow of Assad not happen?; how has Assad managed to hold onto power? - The Kurds, the YGP (People's Defense Units), and the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party); the U.S. relationship with the YGP and operations against ISIS - U.S. shifting focuses in regards to Syria over the years; U.S. military presence in Syria - Turkish foreign policy concerns and interests; the ambitious nature of Turkey's foreign policy goals in regards to the Arab world; Turkey and geopolitics, Erdogan; the upcoming Turkish elections - Russia and Iran in Syria and the effect of the Ukraine/Russia War on U.S. foreign policy concerns - The effect of ISIS and jihadist terrorism on the region; allegations of different state actors supporting ISIS - Iran and the protest movement there - Risks for Turkey if a ground offensive happens - Turkey as an ally to the U.S. and why this may keep the U.S. from taking strong action (beyond condemnatory statements from public officials) against Turkey's current posturing on Syria - Turkey views YPG as linked with PKK and as a security threat - No love lost between Erdogan and Assad; if there is a reconciliation it won't be rosy but rather pragmatic and interests-based - Sunni Islamism, the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt, Tunisia, and shifts in Turkish foreign policy - Turkey and relationship resets in the Arab world; Turkey and the economy; Turkish business and commercial ties in the Arab world and specifically the Gulf States - U.S. says it's opposed to a Turkish invasion, but when push comes to shove Giorgio believes the U.S. won't do much against Turkey - U.S.-Turkey tensions before the Ukraine conflict, the North Atlanti
Sun, December 04, 2022
Railroad Workers Sound Off on Their Grievances, Biden, Sick Leave, and the Rail Carriers w/ Marilee Taylor, Jeff Kurtz, and Maximilian Alvarez
On this edition of Parallax Views, Maximillian Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief of the Real News Network , joins the show alongside Marilee Taylor and Jeff Kurtz of Railroad Workers United to discuss the recent struggle between railroad workers and rail carriers over paid sick leave. President Joe Biden and Congress recently struck down a rail workers strike over the issue. In this conversation we'll hear from Marilee and Jeff about the plight of the workers and their anger over what has transpired over the last few days with President Biden and Congress. Maximillian will give context to how this situation arose as a journalist that has been covering this developing issue since January 2022. Among the topics covered: - Comparing the events happening under Biden to President Ronald Reagan's shutting down of the air traffic controllers strike in 1981 - A potential mass exodus of railroad workers from their profession - Pay isn't the only issue that exists for workers; sick leave and quality-of-life are issues too - The ruling class and the alienation and isolation of rail workers - Will this lead to a depoliticization of rail workers that could Democrats? - Ted Cruz, Joshua Hawley, and Marco Rubio voting with Bernie Sanders on sick leave - The corporate media's coverage of the railroad workers vs. the rail carriers in recent days - Striking and democratic rights - The oligopoly - Biden's promise to be the most "pro-union President" - Does their need to be a workers party? The bankruptcy of the two party system and the need for a strong labor movement in the U.S. - Peter Buttigieg and the Department of Transporation - Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer - Is there a possibility of wildcat strikes? - Marilee argues that this is a backstabbing betrayal against working people and that they're not going to take this lying down; Marilee decries what she calls the "total treachery of the Democratic Party" - The personalities, inner lives, hopes, and dreams of rail workers and how we are often not given that fully human portrayal of them in media - What do rail workers do next? - The rail
Sat, December 03, 2022
U.S. Foreign Policy, Saudi Arabia, & the Arms Industry w/ Annelle Sheline & William Hartung/Geopolitics & U.S. Foreign Policy w/ Doug Bandow
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft's Dr. Annelle Sheline and William Hartung return to discuss their recent The Nation article "It’s Time to Cut Off Arms Sales to the Saudi Regime" . Among the topics covered in this conversation: - Saudi Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud granted legal immunity by the U.S. in lawsuit concerning the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi - The argument for suspension of arms sales to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - OPEC+ cutting oil production - The U.S.-Saudi relationship, oil production, and arms sales; Saudi Arabia is the largest customer of U.S. weapons; vested interests like the military-industrial complex and the U.S.-Saudi relationship - The Yemen War; potential for Congress to pass a Yemen War Powers resolution; where the Yemen War has been since the truce struck up earlier in the year - Statistics on arms sold to Saudi Arabia under the Obama, Trump, and Biden Presidencies - Lobbying by companies like Raytheon - Addressing the argument that the arms industry provides jobs to American citizens and thus the arms sales to Saudi Arabia are necessary - The move of the world towards a multipolar order and how this effects our relationship with other countries; countries like Saudi Arabia don't feel the need to bend to U.S. demands/whims; the consequences of a multipolar world (ie: less stability); adjusting to the changing order (ie: relying more on diplomacy) - America still has the best-funded military; how then is the U.S.'s dominance in question? - The U.S. as overdeveloped in military force and underdeveloped in other areas vital to playing a role in a world where power is more diffuse - What leverage does the U.S. have against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? - Decoupling the arms industry from U.S. foreign policy - How the U.S. arms industry effects the broader Middle East - Saudia Arabia, the UAE, Israel, Iran, and the Abraham Accords - Weakening the power of the arms industry in the U.S.; alternatives to employment; investment in areas other than weapons; green technology and green investments vs. the arms industry - The revolving door between the arms industry and policy-making institutions - The American people's perceptions of U.S. arms sales
Thu, December 01, 2022
Israel, Biden, and the FBI’s Shireen Abu Akleh Investigation w/ Mitchell Plitnick
On this edition of Parallax Views, ReThinking Foreign Policy's Mitchell Plitnick returns to the program to discuss the FBI's probe into the death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh as well as his thoughts on the Biden administration's policy towards Israel, AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) launching of a super PAC and entrance into direct campaign spending, and the recent Israeli elections that have emboldened Israel's far-right. Among the topics discussed in this conversation - The death of Shireen Abu Akleh while she was covering as Israeli raid of a Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank; Abu Akleh was wearing full body armor when she was fatally shot; Israel's internal army investigation of Abu Akleh's death; Abu Akleh worked for Al Jazeera and her death reverberated throughout the Arab world - The FBI's investigation into Abu Akleh's death and the Biden White house administration's response to it; the Israeli objection to the FBI investigation - The investigation will go nowhere without Israeli cooperation - Comparing/contrasting the death of activist Rachel Corrie, ran over by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003, to the death of Shireen Abu Akleh - What approach should the U.S. foreign policy approach be when it comes to Israel? - Military aid and arms sales to Israel - The rise of the Israeli far-right; the Israeli elections; Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud Party; the Religious Zionism coalition; Bezaleel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir; Smotrich's homophobia and anti-LGBTQ stances; how did the rise of Israel's far-right happen? - Human rights and foreign policy - Noam, the far-right Orthodox Jewish political party in Israel that is part of the Religious Zionism coalition - Smotrich and Israel's Finance Ministry; Ben-Gvir and the Ministry of National Security ; policing in Israel; the strong right-wing majority in the Knesset - Combating antisemitism while also being critical of Israeli policies as a nation-state - U.S. Christian Nationalist, the antisemitic right, and the Israeli far-right - And much, much more!
Tue, November 29, 2022
The Iran Protests and The State of Resistance: Politics, Culture, and Identity in Modern Iran w/ Assal Rad
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. Assal Rad, research director for NIAC (National Iranian-American Council) returns to the program to discuss the wave of "Death to the Dictator" protests that have swept through Iran in recent months. The protest began after the death of 22 year old Mahsa Amini. Amini was arrested for wearing her hijab in a manner deemed the Guidance Patrol (or what's been called morality police) deemed improper. According to eyewitnesses Amini was beaten by the police. Protests began after Amini's death and the Islamic Republic has sought to crackdown on the dissent. Dr. Rad discusses the nature of the protests, how they started, the involvement of women and youths in the protests, and much, much more. Additionally, we delve into the themes and ideas of Dr. Rad's new book The State of Resistance: Politics, Culture, and Identity in Modern Iran . Said book investigates the history of Iranian national identity and nationalist sentiments from the Pahlavi dynasty to the Islamic Republic and the bottom-up Iranian people's resistance to having a narrowly-defined identity imposed upon them by either Iranian authorities or outside forces. Among the topics covered: - The Pahlavi dynasty's focus on pre-Islamic Persian culture as a national identity and the Islamic Republic's focus on Shi'ite Islam as a national identity - Iran, oil, and the West - The cinema and music of Iran and what it says about Iranian national identity - Nationalism, the problems with nationalism, and liberation struggles - The Iranian diaspora - Human rights abuses in Iran - The possibility of a broader, more inclusive, even cosmopolitan national identity for Iran - The concept of vatan, a love of the homeland - How those of us in the U.S. and other countries miss nuances of Iranian culture and politics that we otherwise would recognize in our own culture - The Iranian protests and BLM (Black Lives Matter) - Understanding Iran's elections, their significance, and the dual powers in Iran (the elected officials on one hand and the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei - And much, much more!
Fri, November 25, 2022
The FTX/SBF Crypto Scandal & Elon’s Twitter Takeover w/ Mike Swanson/A Critique of Psychedelic Capitalism w/ Daniel Pinchbeck
On this edition of Parallax Views, in the first segment Wall Street Window's Mike Swanson returns to the program to discuss the FTX/Sam Bankman-Fried crypto scam scandal as well as Elon Musk's buy out of Twitter. Among the topics covered in the course of our conversation: - Sam Bankman-Friedman, Alameda Research, Bankman-Fried's apology letter and his claim that what happened with FTX was a bank run, and whether what happened was a case of an inside job fraud or not - The high-risks involved in the crypto exchange; how these crypto exchanges aren't banks and are not regulated in a meaningful way; the damage that the FTX scandal has done to people - Relating past events like the Enron and WorldCom scandals and the the stock market's Dot-Com Bubble of the 1990s to the present day - The influential American venture capitalist firm Sequioa Capital and the FTX scandal; Sequioa Capital's failure in relation to the FTX scandal is symptomatic of a bigger problem; firms not wanting to miss out on the hot new "Thing" or fads - Reports that Sam Bankman-Fried ran FTX as his own personal fiefdom - The political Left, the political Right, and the economy - The divide in the Libertarian movement over crypto currency - Karl Marx, Peter Thiel, and the possibility that the capitalist system itself is producing too much capital in ways that drive down interest rates; the issue as being more than the Fed just making mistake (ie: a problem with how the 21st century capitalist system itself operates currently); new money influxes as slowing down the bear market - The lowering of interest rates and the creation of bubbles - Jacob Silverman and Ben McKenzie's upcoming book Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud ; elements of the libertarian world agreeing with leftist critiques of crypto currency arguing that it's just a bubble or scam - Gold and silver, the stock market, Robin Hood, and "meme stocks" - Younger people becoming wary of stock trading - Elon Musk's buying of Twitter for $44 billion; Musk wasn't able to back out of the deal; Twitter losing money - Meta, Facebook, the Metaverse, and Mark Zuckerberg losing money; the layoffs at Twitter, Facebook, and Amazon - Casino capitalism, carny tricks, and social media misleading people on issues like crypto - Social manias, the madness of crowds, financial bubbles, and not falling for hype <p style="text-ali
Wed, November 23, 2022
The Russia-Ukraine War w/ Patrick Cockburn/The Kyrie Irving Controversy and Black Hebrew Israelites w/ Jacob S. Dorman
On this edition of Parallax Views, long-time war reporter Patrick Cockburn, author of War in the Age of Trump , joins us in the first segment to discuss the latest in regards to the Putin's war in Ukraine as well as his thoughts on Netanyhu's political victory in the Israeli elections. Among the topics covered in the conversation: - Putin's war as a hubristic miscalculation and the evolution of the war; what is Russia's aim in Ukraine now? - The problem of wars that don't end and why they escalate - Ukraine's blowing up of the Kerch bridge and the Russian war against Ukrainian infrastructure such as electricity and water supplies - The way modern warfare has changed in way that some don't realize; the U.S. no longer has a monopoly on precision weapons like they did in the 1990s - Escalation and the question of nuclear weapons being used; why Patrick is skeptical that nuclear weapons will be launched - Ukrainian victories not being decisive defeats of Russia - U.S. Chief of Staff Mark Milley's call for diplomacy and the Biden administration's opposition to that; why Patrick doesn't see diplomacy as being acceptable right now to either Ukraine or Russia - Parallels between the Middle East Forever Wars and the Russia-Ukraine War - U.S. arms to Ukraine - Ferreting out war propaganda and separating that propaganda from reality - The economic war against Russia and the use of sanctions; sanctions, Iraq, the Kurds, and Saddam Hussein, the boomerang effect of sanctions - Donald Trump, the foreign policy establishment, and the forever wars mess - The natural tendency for wars to escalate and spread - Prospect for diplomacy vs. escalation - Putin and nuclear saber-rattling - The problem with journalists covering wars today; coverage of war on the ground vs. war on infrastructure - The electoral loss suffered of Bolsonaro in Brazil, Trump's civil war with the GOP, and the failed comeback of Boris Johnson in the UK - Benjamin Netanyahu's electoral victory in Israel and the normalization of Israel's far-right - The importance of remembering/thinking about the Afghanistan war, the Iraq War, the Saudi War in Yemen, and the death of Gaddafi in Libya - And much, much more! <p style="text-align:le
Mon, November 21, 2022
The ADL and the FBI w/ Grant F. Smith
On this edition of Parallax Views, Grant F. Smith of the Institute for Research: Middle East Policy returns to discuss his article "ADL files FBI 'Civil Rights Threat' conflating white nationalists with pro-Palestinian charities" as well the broader history of the ADL and its relationship with the FBI. Additionally, Grant gives his thoughts on the FBI probe into the death of Palestinian-American Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and briefly summarizes his October 2022 article "Virginia Rejects Israel’s Energix CdTe Solar Farm Panels" . Some of the points we touch on include: - The ADL's infiltration of the Organization of Arab Students in the late 1960s - THE FBI, the Jewish Defense League, and the assassination of Palestinian activist Alex Odeh in 1985 - The murder of Mary Phagan, the lynching of pencil factory superintendent Leo Frank, and the formation of the Anti-Defamation League by B'nai B'rith - The ADL and Hollywood; Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and arms dealing - The ADL's relationship with the FBI in 1940s Hollywood; the FBI and the Red Scare over communist infiltration of Hollywood - The ADL, Dr. John Lechner, and the internment of West Coast Japanese Americans in WWII - Arms smuggling, pressure campaigns, and spying scandals - Israel affinity groups in America; the ADL and state/national law enforcement - The ADL's attempt to conflate the pro-Palestinian Friends of Sabeel North America and the American Muslim Alliance with the neo-nazi group Vanguard America; the FBI's dismissal of the conflation - The FBI's COINTELPRO program and J. Edgar Hoover - Israeli intelligence operative Rafael Eitan - The targeting of Jewish civil rights activist and University of Minnesota professor Matthew Stark - Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) documents obtained by IRmep - The Friends of Sabeel's pro-BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) stance and the anti-BDS movement - And much, much more!
Fri, November 18, 2022
FIFA Uncovered and the Qatar World Cup w/ Miles Coleman/The World Cup & Qatar’s Soft Power Foreign Policy w/ James M. Dorsey
On this edition of Parallax Views, we have a double feature edition of Parallax Views on the 2022 FIFA World Cup being held in Qatar. First up, filmmaker Miles Coleman joins us to discuss the new Netflix docu-series that's sweeping the internet, FIFA Uncovered . Miles served as a producer for this sports-meets-politics-true-crime exploration of FIFA, international governing body of football/soccer. It's a dive into a world of schemes, bribes, scandals, and corruptions that even led U.S. federal prosecutors to take on FIFA in 2015. In this conversation we'll discuss the controversies surrounding the Qatar World Cup, the Citizen Kane-esque tale of former FIFA President Joseph "Sepp" Blatter, the scandalous downfall of Qatari football administrator Mohammad bin Hamman, how the documentary came together, capitalism/money in sports and the problems it poses, how the real scandal is arguably more about FIFA than Qatar, sportswashing, the argument that cultural exchange will liberalize countries under the rule of authoritarian regimes, the Qatari perspective on the backlash against their hosting of the 2022 World Cup, the ambiguities and murkier elements of the scandalous history explored in FIFA Uncovered , smoking gun evidence of corruption vs. lack of smoking gun evidence for corruption in the world of FIFA, the cross-section between politics and sports, how the ambitious Sepp Blatter's hunger for power was arguably the cause of his undoing, Argentina and the World Cup scandal of 1978, Berlin and the scandal of the 1936 Olympics, South Africa and FIFA, and much, much more! In the second segment of the show, Prof. James M. Dorsey, author of The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer and it's accompanying blog/podcast, joins us to discuss his take on the controversial Qatar World Cup. Prof. Dorsey argues that Qatar's interest in hosting the World Cup has to do with their soft power approach to foreign policy. Additionally we discuss covert information warfare by Gulf States like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against Qatar, whether Qatar will follow through on reforms, the human/labor/LGBTQ+ allegations against Qatar, migrant labor and Qatar, the question of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and bribery, Qatar's reaction to the backlash against it's hosting the World Cup, the question Western racism against Qatar, the argument for there being double standards at play in the backlash against Qatar, human rights abuses in the Gulf States more broadly, regional tensions and the World Cups (ie: Qatar, Israel,, Saudi Arabia, and Iran), understanding the Qatari perspective on the 2022 World Cup controversy, the multipolar world and the rise of China and India, and much, much more!
Tue, November 15, 2022
The Peaceful Transfer of Power w/ David Marchick/The Hidden History of Neoliberalism w/ Thom Hartmann
On this edition of Parallax Views, we're joined in the first segment of the program by David Marchick, co-author with Alexander Tippett (and A.J. Wilson), of The Peaceful Transfer of Power: An Oral History of America's Presidential Transitions . After the chaos of the Trump-Biden transition and the ugly insurrection on the Capitol that came with it many are more interested in how Presidential transitions work and how smooth, peaceful transitions are accomplished. Additionally, many would like to ensure that future transitions are not as chaotic and uncertain as the one that followed the 2020 election. How can that kind of transition be avoided in the future? In addition to addressing these issues and questions, we will discuss what went wrong with the 2020 transition, the problems with the 2016 transition and the sacking Chris Christie from the Trump transition team, insight Marchick gained from actual participants of Presidential transitions, the smooth transition from Bush to Obama during the 2008 financial crisis, the transition from Gerald Ford to Jimmy Carter, the most turbulent Presidential transitions like the James Buchanan to Abraham Lincoln transition and the Herbert Hoover to Franklin Delano Roosevelt transition (Hoover was not a fan of the New Deal), and much, much more! In the second segment of the program, legendary progressive radio host and New York Times bestselling author Thom Hartmann returns to discuss his new book The Hidden History of Neoliberalism . Thom and I begin by discussing neoliberalism and its origins. We also discuss the free-market libertarian economists that in some way or another bear a connection, in varying degrees, to the ideology such as Milton Friedman, Ludwig Von Mises, and F.A. Hayek. Thom goes over the early neoliberal experiments in the world outside of the U.S., with a particular focus on Chile and the military dictatorship of General Pinochet that overthrew the government of Salvador Allende. Then we dive into how neoliberalism became dominant in the U.S. from the presidencies of Ronald Reagan to Bill Clinton. We also look at the impact of neoliberalism on American workers, the crushing of unions in America, the labor movement, and the middle class? And finally, we talk about neoliberalism under Joe Biden, whether the Democratic Party is turning away from neoliberalism, changing views on unions in America and addressing union corruption from decades past (ie: Jimmy Hoffa), FDR and the New Deal era, the Starbucks union organizing wave and Thom's thoughts on the 2022 midterm elections.
Sat, November 12, 2022
Bridge to the Sun: The Secret Role of the Japanese Americans Who Fought in the Pacific in World War II w/ Bruce Henderson
On this edition of Parallax Views just in time for Veteran's day, New York Times best-selling author Bruce Henderson, author of Sons and Soldiers and co-author with Vincent Bugliosi of And the Sea Will Tell , joins us to discuss his latest book Bridge to the Sun: The Secret Role of the Japanese Americans Who Fought in the Pacific in World War II . During WWII the Japanese immigrants and Japanese-Americans languished in internment camps thanks to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066. The belief was that they could not be trusted while the U.S. was engaged in a war where Japan was one of the enemies. It was argued they could engage in sabotage on behalf of Japan against America. And yet, the U.S. army would end up needing nisei - first-generation Americans who were born from Japanese immigrant parents - to help them in the Pacific theater of the war effort. Bridge to the Sun tells the story of the war exploits of Japanese-Americans fighting on behalf of the U.S. in Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and even, with the famous Merrill's Marauders, Burma. For years these men thought they were subject to the secrets act and kept their participation quiet and hidden. Bruce Henderson reveals their story through six of the nisei who worked on behalf of the U.S. army in the Pacific during WWII.
Tue, November 08, 2022
The Far-Right’s Electoral Victory in Israel w/ Richard Silverstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Tikun Olam blog's Richard Silverstein , who specializes in analysis and commentary related to the Israeli national security state, returns to discuss the Israeli elections and the triumph of the Israeli far-right in said election. In this conversation we'll cover the rise of extreme right-wing politicians and their supporters in Israel with a focus on Otzma Yehudit's Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Religious Zionist Party, returning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his contribution to empower Israel's far-right contingent, and the hardline nationalist activists of Hilltop Youth. Richard highlights why this past election matters and signals a dangerous moment in regards to Israel/Palestine. It is not, he argues, business as usual and could lead to a major conflagration in the Middle East. Additionally we delve into the issues surrounding the Temple Mount, the al-Aqsa Mosque, and the desire of far-right Israelis to rebuild the third temple. Moreover, Richard details the violent activities of the far-right and how they extend far beyond incidents of vandalism like the now well-known price tag attacks or the annual nationalist Jerusalem Day marches in which "Death to Arabs" is reported to be chanted. Richard and I also delve into the overlap between Israel's far-right and the Western far-right noting the points of agreement between the too, particularly in regards to anti-Muslim sentiments (but also anti-LGBTQ beliefs as well) and the desire for an ethno-state. Other topics discussed include: - The disintegration of liberal Zionism and the Israeli left - Will U.S. policy towards Israel change due to the rise of Israel's far-right politicians like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich? - Why Benjamin Netanyahu needs the Israeli far-right, embodied by parties like Otzma Yehudit and the Religious Zionist Party, in order for his government coalition to succeed and how these parties effect the discourse in Israel (dragging the center farther to the right) - Hilltop Youth, Itamar Ben-Gvir, incitement of terroristic violence, and collusion between the police/military and the Israeli far-right - The issue of fascism - Addressing antisemitism while also being critical of the state of Israel (rather than the Jewish people) - An incident involving Hilltop Youth activists throwing molotov cocktails into a Palestinian home - The Church of Loaves and Fishes arson attack - Parallels between the Israeli far-right and the U.S.-based Trumpist/MAGA mo
Fri, November 04, 2022
The Israeli Election and What Netanyahu’s Victory Entails w/ Yossi Gurvitz
On this edition of Parallax Views, Israeli activist and journalist Yossi Gurvitz returns to discuss the 2022 Israeli elections. Benjamin Netanyahu, despite being embroiled in scandal, has resolutely won his bid to once again become Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Israel's most far-right politicians, such as Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, continue to gain ground in the country's politics. What does all of this entail? That's what Yossi Gurvitz will be discussing with us in this conversation. Among the topics covered: - The failure of the Israeli left and the death of the Zionist left - Religious Zionism - The one-state solution, ethnic cleansing, and the death of the two-state solution - Rundowns of the careers and influence of Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir on Israeli political life; the differences between Smotrich and Ben-Gvir and the ways in which they are opposed to each other - The Second Intifada - Why the Israeli left's parties focusing on the dangerous nature of Smotrich failed when it came to the elections - Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Temple Mount, and how issues related to the Temple Mount could lead to a conflagration - The treatment of Palestinians in Israel, human rights, and what the right-wing coalition victory in Israel means - Claims the Itamar Ben-Gvir has distanced himself from his extremist-leaning past - How Israel's politics have caught up with it's culture - The Israeli far-right's view on LGBTQ+ issues - The ways in which the Israeli far-right and elements of the Trumpist/MAGA right in the U.S. influence each other - Itamar Ben-Gvir told Yossi that he would be the "leader of the religious revolution in Israel"; Ben-Gvir's changing tactics/methods over the years; Ben Gvir's tactics for dealing with the media and the law - What are the worst possible outcomes for Israel/Palestine in the coming years? - The question of whether Ben-Gvir will receive a ministerial position in the government; could Ben-Gvir seek to become Prime Minister at some point? - The New York Times and Washington Post's articles that express concern over the far right's gains in the Israeli election (including an op-ed by Thomas Friedman); the<a href='https://www.axios.com/2022/11/02/israel-elections-ben-gvir-ne
Sun, October 30, 2022
Horror Cinema from the Italian Giallo to John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN w/ Troy Howarth
On this spooky season edition of Parallax Views, film historian Troy Howarth, author of such books as So Deadly, So Perverse: 50 Years of Italian Giallo Films , Assault on the System: The Nonconformist Cinema of John Carpenter , Splintered Visions: Lucio Fulci and His Films , Murder by Design: The Unsane Cinema of Dario Argento , The Haunted World of Mario Bava , and the new Make Them Die Slowly: The Kinetic Cinema of Umberto Lenzi , joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about horror movies. Among the topics covered: - How Troy got into horror through the Hammer Studios' horor movies of the late 1950s through to the 1970s. These films starred such actors as Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing and centered around classic monsters like The Mummy, Frankenstein's Monster, and Count Dracula - Why Troy doesn't like the "cheesy" description when it comes to older movies; especially when said movies are deliberately infused with comical elements - John Carpenter's Halloween and the dark side of suburbia; Carpenter's films in the context of the Vietnam War and Watergate; the rebellious nature of Carpenter's filmography - Similarities between horror and comedy as genres; the art of the jump scare; the label "elevated horror" and the problems with it - Explaining the term "Euro-Horor" and why Troy doesn't like the term "Euro-Trash" to describe such movies; the history of the Italian murder mystery aka giallo and it's relationship to film noir, whodunits, and the German krimis written by Edgar Wallace; psycho-sexual themes in the giallo; the pulp vibe in Italian gialli; the effect of WWII and fascism on Italian filmmakers like Dario Argento; the politics of Italian horror movies (are they left-wing or right-wing?); Dario Argento's latest movie Occhiali Neri ( Dark Glasses ) and it relevant social themes in the post-COVID era - Violence and women in the Italian giallo; the complex portrayal of women in the Italian gialli; Argento's collaborator Daria Nicolodi and her importance to films like Suspiria ; accusations that Lucio Fulci's films are misogynistic; the decadence of the upper class or bourgeoisie in Italian horror movies -The jazz stylings of the controversial Spanish filmmaker Jess Franco and how living under the dictatorship of Gen. Francisco Franco influenced his films; sympathy and perversion in regards to women in Jess Franco's films - Analyzing the political subtext of Dario Argento's Profondo Rosso aka Deep Red starring David Hemmings and (slightly) futuristic Tenebrae <p style="text-align:
Sat, October 29, 2022
Glamour Ghoul: The Passions and Pain of the Real Vampira, Maila Nurmi w/ Sandra Niemi
On this spooky season edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished and at one point thought-to-be-lost edition of Parallax Views! Sandra Niemi joins the show to discuss her book Glamour Ghoul: The Passions and Pain of the Real Vampire, Maila Nurmi . Sandra Niemi is the niece of Maila Nurmi, better known as the buxom TV horror Vampira! Maila Nurmi is perhaps most known for her iconic character Vampira, the sexy, sultry, and seductive 1950s horror movie host with an impossibly tiny waist. In addition to being a trailblazer amongst TV horror hosts, predating Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and the hero of the Last Drive-In's Joe Bob Briggs by decades, Nurmi is also known her appearance in the Ed Wood cult classic Plan 9 from Outer Space . The woman behind the character, however, proves just as fascinating as Vampira herself. A lover of the bohemian lifestyle who rebelled against bourgeois values, Nurmi was also involved in the beatnik counterculture. And she rubbed elbows with such well-known Hollywood names as Orson Welles and Marlon Brando. Sandra will give an insight into who her aunt was and the legacy of Vampira. Among the topics covered: - How the character of Vampira came to be and the influences Nurmi drew from in creating the character - How Nurmi achieved the impossibly tiny waist that Vampira is forever known for - How Vampira became a huge hit in Los Angeles; the overt sexuality of the character; Vampira as a strong, empowered, liberated female character; how Vampira differed from the later Cassandra Peterson character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark - The sad story of Nurmi's relationship with Orson Welles - Knock-off Vampira characters that came about due to the success of The Vampira Show . - How she introduced the Vampira character to the LA-based ABC affiliate KABC-TV - The humble beginnings of Maila Nurmi and her childhood And much, much more!
Fri, October 28, 2022
Eaters of the Dead: Myths and Realities of Cannibal Monsters w/ Kevin J. Wetmore
On this spooky season edition of Parallax Views, from Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus to Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre the idea of corpse-eating, monsters and cannibalistic killers have fascinated and terrified people for years. Throughout the world there's variations on this trope: the ghoul, the Wendigo, and the Aswang just to name a few. In this previously unpublished and recently rediscovered conversation, Kevin J. Wetmore, Jr. joins Parallax Views to discuss this macabre subject as explored in his book Eaters of the Dead: Myths and Realities of Cannibal Monsters . Among the topics covered: - The tradition of mortuary cannibalism as a way to honor the dead in some culture; Catholic transubstantiation; survival cannibalism and the Donner Party; Idi Amin and political cannibalism - Why are we fascinated by flesh-eating monsters; the popularity of Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal the Cannibal) and The Silence of the Lambs ; taboos, the allure of the forbidden, and the Thanatos drive - Zombies!!!; how we got from the racist trope of the Haitian voodoo slave zombie to the flesh-eating, reanimated dead; the zombie as a metaphor - How our perception of death has changed in the past 100 years - The rural/urban divide, fear of the primitive and the regressive, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - The Filipino legend of the monster known as the Aswang - The First Nations monster called the Wendigo, which represents "the spirit of hunger and the heart of ice; the Wendigo as an entity that possesses its victim and drive them to madness and cannibalism; weird fiction author Algernon Blackwood' and the Wendigo in H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos; the Wendigo and colonialism - The Ghoul, a pre-Islamic, Arabic dog-like corpse eater and how it became part of Islamic culture; how we perceive the ghoul has changed over the years; the 1980s horror anthology The Monster Club - The Scottish legend of Sawney Bean and his cannibalistic, the inspiration for The Hills Have Eyes ; Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street; and the connection between cannibalism and Herman Melville's Moby Dick - Humorous portrayals of cannibalism such as in South Park and the connection between comedy and horror And much, much more!
Thu, October 27, 2022
Tod Browning and the Unmade 1930s Zombie Apocalypse Movie THE REVOLT OF THE DEAD w/ Gary D. Rhodes and Robert Guffey
On this spooky season edition of Parallax Views, film scholar Gary D. Rhodes, one of the foremost authorities on Bela Lugosi and classic horror cinema, and Robert Guffey return to the show to discuss their new edited volume Scripts from the Crypt No. 12: Tod Browning's Revolt of the Dead . Tod Browning is perhaps best known for director 1931's Dracula. Starring Bela Lugosi as the titular vampire count, a role which he'd become inextricably linked to for the rest of his career, Dracula was a massive success for Hollywood's depression era Universal Studios and launched that studios foray into making wildly popular creatures features for the next three decades. Before T he Creature from the Black Lagoon , Frankenstein , The Invisible Man , and The Mummy there was Tod Browning's Dracula . Browning, however, wasn't new to either Hollywood or weaving tales of the macabre for the silver screen. Born on July 12, 1880, Browning ran was fascinated from a young age by carnivals and eventually ran away from home to join a traveling circus. From there he'd transition to acting and, finally, becoming a director. In the silent film era, Browning became known for his collaborations with Lon Chaney, Sr., who became known as "The Man of a Thousand Faces" and whose credits include such classics as The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom of the Opera . Together, Browning and Chaney told macabre tales involving themes like violence and mutilation in films like West of Zanzibar , The Unholy Three , The Unknown , and the infamously lost London After Midnight . Browning would then go on to direct Dracula before making other films such as the controversial Freaks (featuring real-life circus people) his London After Midnight talkie remake Mark of the Vampire . In this conversation Gary, Robert and I discuss: - An introduction to the Scripts from the Crypt series founded by film historian Tom Weaver - Biographical background on Tod Browning, who was often spoken of as the Edgar Allen Poe of filmmakers in his time and his influence on filmmakers and artists including Ray Bradbury, Alejandro Jodorowsky, and Woody Allen - The critical beating Browning has taken over the years and why Gary argues that it's mistaken; the Spanish Dracula vs. Browning's Dracula ; Browning's transition from the silent films to talking motion pictures; Browning's collaborations with Lon Chaney Sr. and the horror elements in them - Browning's light-hearted murder mystery Miracles for Sale ; Browning's early talkie The Thirteenth
Wed, October 26, 2022
The Wild Cinema of Spanish Horror Icon Paul Naschy w/ Rod Barnett and Troy Guinn
On this spooky season edition of Parallax Views, Troy Guinn and Rod Barnett of the Nashcycast joins us to discuss the overlooked cult movie career of Jacinto Molina, better known by his stage name Paul Naschy. For the uninitiated, Naschy has often been referred to as the Spanish Lon Chaney or Lon Chanery Jr. due to his playing such characters as the Mummy, Fu Manchu, Frankenstein's monster, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and, most famously, the cursed werewolf Waldemar Daninsky. Naschy's take on horror and the gothic harkened back to the classic Universal Studios monster but with a 70s twist vis-a-vis the inclusion of sex and violence. However, when one delves deeper into these films it becomes apparent Naschy's films are more than just monster mashes, carrying with them their own distinct style and charms as well as highlighting Naschy's thematic obsessions. Among his more well-know titles are Howl of the Devil , Frankenstein's Bloody Terror , The Werewolf and the Yeti , Horror Rises from the Tomb , Dr. Jekyll and the Wolfman , The Werewolf and the Vampire Woman , The Beast and the Magic Sword , Night of the Werewolf , and many others. Over the years Naschy's cult following has grown with such directors as Joe Dante, John Landis, and Guillermo del Torro singing his praises. In this conversation we'll discuss the importance of Naschy, his bitter over the film industry in his latter years, Naschy's growing up under the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco in Spain and the influence of that on his work, censorship and Paul Naschy movies, and much, much more!
Tue, October 25, 2022
Rondo and Bob, the Parallel Lives of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE’s Art Director and a 1940s Monster Movie Star w/ Joe O’Connell
On this spooky season edition of Parallax Views, documentarian Joe O'Connell joins us to discuss his latest feature, RONDO AND BOB, about the parallel lives of Robert A. Burns, the behind-the-scenes art force behind such cult classic horror movies as Tober Hooper's THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, Stuart Gordon's RE-ANIMATOR, Joe Dante's THE HOWLING, and Wes Craven's THE HILLS HAVE EYES, and Rondo Hatton, an acromelgaly-afflicted journalist of the early 20th century who made his way to Hollywood to become Tinsel Town's 1940s equivalent to monster movie icon Boris Karloff. Before getting into RONDO AND BOB, however, Joe and I discuss his previous documentary DANGER MAN. Said film focused on the life and times of stuntman Gary Kent, who was involved with a plethora of B-movie and independent films in the 1960s and 1970s. Kent also is one of the stuntmen upon which Brad Pitt's character in Quentin Tarantino's ONCE UPON TIME IN HOLLYWOOD was based. Specifically, the fact that Gary Kent had an encounter with Charles Manson while filming a movie on Spahn Ranch (where the Manson Family were living before the Tate/LaBianca murders) became a plot point in the aforementioned Tarantino feature. We then delve into the stories of Bob Burns and Rondo Hatton, including the similarities and differences in their lives. Burns was someone who appeared normal on the outside but was an eccentric in life and also felt unlovable. Rondo, most known for his appearances as "The Creeper" in films like the Sherlock Holmes caper PEARL OF DEATH, HOUSE OF HORRORS, and THE BRUTE MAN, appeared odd on the outside but was a normal, affable, and much loved man in his every day life. What can we learn from the lives of these two creative individuals who lived life on their on terms? That's the question in this fascinating edition of Parallax Views. Among the topics discussed: - The career of Gary Kent, who went to Hollywood with no experience but grew to become a long-running stuntman in Hollywood who often worked on the independent/grindhouse/drive-in movie circuit productions of Sam Sherman, Al Adamson, Don Jones, and Ray Dennis Steckler; his credits include movies like Schoolgirls in Chains , Bubba Ho-Tep , Psych-Out , Hell's Bloody Devils , Satan's Sadists , the Bruce Willis vehicle Color of Night , and Monte Hellman's Ride in the Whirlwind ; how the documentary Danger God came together; the challenges of stunt work; Gary Kent's role in Rondo and Bob - The strange and fantastic lives of Bob Burns and Rondo Hatton; Rondo's early life, involvement with WWI, and his career in Hollywood; Bob's eccentric personality and loneliness; the continued fandom around Bob's work; Bob's acting as serial ki
Mon, October 24, 2022
Jason Voorhess Back With a VENGEANCE in New Friday the 13th Fan Film w/ Jason Brooks/The Forgotten Nightmare on Elm Street TV Series w/ Henrique Couto and David Denoyer
On this spooky season edition of Parallax Views, we've got not one but two conversations to get you ready for Halloween! First, up Jason Brooks joins us to discuss the new Friday the fan film he's directed, wrote, and starred in called Friday the 13th Vengeance Part 2: Bloodlines . the first Friday the 13th Vengeance was a huge hit with fans of the Jason Voorhees saga and with it's professional-look, use of alumni from the Friday the 13th franchise, and feature-length running time was often spoken about as being "more than a fan film" when it came out. The sequel ups the ante further by featuring Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers 's Tamara Glynn and Friday the 13th Part 6: Jason Lives 's Darcy Demoss and fan favorite Thom Matthews reprising their roles as Nikki and the Jason's heroic arch-nemesis Tommy Jarvis. Also returning are Friday the 13th Part 6 's C.J. Graham (who played Jason in Part 6), as Jason's father Elias Voorhees, and Tom McLoughlin, the writer and director of Part 6, as the new character Gravekeeper Walt. Both Vengeance Pt. 2 and its predecessor features a massive amount of gory carnage candy for fans of the series as well as some surprises along the way, including an appearance from The Ramones' Richie Ramone as a punk rocker! In this short but sweet conversation Jason and I discuss: - The origins of Friday the 13th Vengeance and how it started as an entirely different film called Friday the 13th: Mythos ; the love and passion that went into Vengeance and how it became known as "More Than Just a Fan Film" thanks to the effort of Friday the 13th Part II's Steve Dash (who appears as the town Sheriff in the fan film; his last film role); the stars of Vengeance including the aforementioned Steve Dash, Friday the 13th Part 6 's C.J. Graham, Diana Prince (aka Darcy the Mail Girl of Joe Bob Briggs' Last Drive-In fame on Shudder), and former Penthouse Pet Veronica Ricci among others - The inclusion of Jason Voorhees' father Elias Voorhees in Friday the 13th Vengeance Part 2: Bloodlines and his origins in the Tom McLoughlin's original screenplay for Friday the 13th Part 6 (Elias also appeared in a number of the comic book spin-offs of Friday the 13th ) - Talking about the special and make-up effects, kills, gore for the films and involvement of Hollywood/filmmaking professionals from special FX artist Joe Castro to Friday the 13th 's original composer Harry Manfredini - What Jason and Co. learned from the experience of making the first Vengeance and how that informed Vengeance Pt. 2 - The shooting schedule and principle
Sun, October 23, 2022
Scream Queens, Teenage Exorcists, & Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama! w/ Brinke Stevens
On this edition of Parallax Views, we're joined by legendary 80s and 90s "Scream Queen" Brinke Stevens for the first in our spooky season-themed shows for Halloween! Known for her roles in such cult classics as Slumber Party Massacre , Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama , Grandmother's House , Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity , Nightmare Sisters , Haunting Fear , Bad Girls from Mars , and Teenage Exorcist among countless others, Brinke is making going from acting to directing in the latest Full Moon Features movie Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama 2 . A long-awaited sequel to a true 80s, low-budget, cult horror-comedy classic, Brinke and I discuss that upcoming feature, due for release on streaming in November, as well as her career more generally. Among the topics we cover: - Brinke's journey from marine biology research to modeling and eventually working as an extra in movies like All the Marbles before becoming a full-fledged "Scream Queen" actress - Horror-comedies and the history of the "Scream Queen" era during the days of the VHS boom; Brinke, Linnea Quigley, and Michelle Bauer as the era's "Scream Queen" trio - Working with director's like Brian De Palma (in Body Double ), Rob Reiner (in This is Spinal Tap ), Fred Olen Ray, Jim Wynorski, and David DeCoteau - Stories behind films like Niko Mastorakis' underrated thriller Grandmother's House , in which Brinke had to rely solely on physical acting because her character had no dialogue, and Witchhouse 3 , which Brinke describes as one of her more difficult experiences with make-up effects - The story behind Teenage Exorcist , a 90s horror comedy that Brinke Stevens both wrote and starred in alongside Fred Olen Ray regular Jay Richardson and nerdy character actor Eddie Deezen ( Grease ; the voice Mandark in Dexter's Lab and Know It All in Polar Express ); the story of the unmade killer clown movie Tears of the Clown that Brinke wrote and would've starred Eddie Deezen - Shooting films on tight budgets and extremely short schedules - The enduring appeal of the original David DeCoteau's Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama , which was a successful VHS rental before becoming a staple on the USA Network's Up All Night with Rhonda Shear - Working on nude scenes, sex appeal in the 80s cult classics Brinke appeared in, and Full Moon Features spotlighting female directors in the 21st century - Brinke's upcoming directorial effort in Joe Castro's Te
Fri, October 21, 2022
Harvard’s Quixotic Pursuit of a New Science: The Rise and Fall of the Department of Social Relations w/ Patrick L. Schmidt
On this edition of Parallax Views, attorney and author Patrick Schmidt joins us to discuss his fascinting new book Harvard's Quixotic Pursuit of a New Science: The Rise and Fall of the Department of Social Relations . Patrick details the ambitious academic project that attempted to bring together different disciplines like psychology, anthropology, and sociology under one umbrella and why it ultimately failed. It's a story that involves the sociologist Talcott Parsons (known for his contributions to the functionalist perspective of sociology), 1960s counterculture psychedelic gurus Timothy Leary and Ram Dass, the radical leftist Students for a Democratic Society, and even questionable experiment done to Theodore Kaczsynski years before he became infamous as the Unabomber. This conversation will lead us into multiple different directions including: - The formation of the Department of Social Relations and how it was an ambitious project that flew in the face of Harvard's conservative approach to academia - Talcott Parsons role as the ringleader of the department and what it sought to achieve in the post-WWII world - Sigmund Freud and the influence of psychoanalysis - Dr. Henry A. Murray and the story of the experiments done on Ted Kacyzinski while the future Unabomber was attending Harvard (including a little bit of discussion about the CIA and MK-ULTRA) - Timothy Leary involvement with Harvard, Leary's evolution into the bad boy of academia and a counterculture guru, the rise of LSD and the pharmaceutical company Sandoz, Timothy Leary vs. Aldous Huxley, and the ways in which Leary, Ram Dass, and other may have set research into psychedelics back a number of years through their activities - The Students for a Democratic Society's involvement in the department ultimately leading to the department's downfall - And much, much more!
Wed, October 12, 2022
Burning Down the House: How Libertarian Philosophy Was Corrupted By Delusion And Greed w/ Andrew Koppelman
On this edition of Parallax Views, Andrew Koppelman, award-winning John Paul Stevens Professor of Law at Northwestern University, joins us to discuss his new book Burning Down the House: How Libertarian Philosophy Was Corrupted by Delusion and Greed . We discuss libertarianism from a number of different angles and the ways in which Andrew argues it does not fulfill its promises related to freedom and the functioning of society. Among the topics covered: - The origins of libertarianism, the philosophy of Fredrich Hayek, centrally-planned economies, and The Road to Serfdom - Atlas Shrugged author Ayn Rand, Robert Nozick, and the influence of Murray Rothbard and "anarcho-capitalism" on the libertarian movement - An explanation of what Liberalism means within the context of political science/philosophy - The Koch Brothers and climate change - Rich and corporate moochers - Libertarianism in relation to debates about gay marriage and healthcare - Andrew's thoughts on Jacobin and the socialist Left; his disagreements with them - Illiberal liberalism and libertarianism - COVID and libertarianism; the argument that erupted between libertarians Lew Rockwell and Walter Block over COVID - Privatization of fire departments and the story of Gene Carrick's house burning down (where the book gets its title) - Is there possible points of agreement between centrist liberals, libertarians, and socialists? - Libertarianism and drug law/The War on Drugs - And much, much more!
Wed, October 05, 2022
God’s Cold Warrior: The Life and Faith of John Foster Dulles w/ John D. Wilsey
On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished conversation with John D. Wilsey, associate professor of church history at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, about his book God's Cold Warrior: The Life and Faith of John Foster Dulles . In past episodes, John Foster Dulles and his brother Allen Dulles have been discussed critically for their role in 20th century U.S. foreign policy. John Foster Dulles served as a Secretary of State and his brother Allen Dulles was a Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Both were major figures in the Cold War and were crusaders against communism. Previous Parallax Views guests such as Andrew Bacevich, Greg Poulgrain, and, most notably, Stephen Kinzer, who wrote The Brothers: John Foster Dulles, Allen Dulles, and Their Secret World War: John Foster Dulles, Allen Dulles, and Their Secret World War , have all been extremely critical of the Dulles legacy. John D. Wilsey, although sharing many of those criticisms, was interested in examining John Foster Dulles from a different angle. Namely the role of Dulles' faith in his endeavors as a diplomat and Cold Warrior. Specifically, what was the influence of Protestant Christianity on John Foster Dulles? In this conversation we delve into the theological framework that informed the ways Dulles thoughts about diplomacy and his view that Soviet communism was an existential threat to the U.S. We delve into the ways in which diplomat George Kennan found Dulles' framework and the religious influence on it to be dangerous and Manichean in nature. We also look at the way in which Dulles believed that the Church would play an important role in the fight against Soviet communism. Other issues covered include moral law and Christianity, the early life of John Foster Dulles, Christian nationalism (a subject that Wilsey has written extensively on), the view of the Cold War as a Manichean battle between good and evil, the paradoxes and contradictions of Dulles' thought and diplomacy, Protestant liberalism, the Federal Council of Churches, WWII, the Cold War and the threat of nuclear annihilation, Dulles as product of his time, U.S. covert wars during the Cold War, comparing and contrasting Martin Luther King and John Foster Dulles (Wilsey devotes a whole chapter to this in his book American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion: Reassessing the History of an Idea ), and much, much more. Those looking for a conversation about whether Dulles was right or wrong in his views may be disappointed by this conversation. Wilsey's book is ultimately a religious biography of Dulles rather than a critical look at his role in foreign policy. However, I believe it nonetheless sheds light on Dulles and his thinking regardless where one stands on his whether his influence on U.S. foreign policy was
Mon, October 03, 2022
Paths of Dissent: Soldiers Speak Out Against America’s Misguided Wars w/ Andrew Bacevich
On this edition of Parallax Views, historian, veteran, and Quincy Institute President Andrew J. Bacevich returns to Parallax Views to discuss the new volume he co-edited with Afghanistan war vetern Danny Sjursen entitled Paths of Dissent: Soldiers Speak Out Against America's Misguided Wars . What does it mean to be a veteran of war, especially those "forever wars" in the wake of 9/11 such as Iraq and Afghanistan? And what is it that we, the citizenry, sometimes fail to understand about veterans and the experiences in the ways we celebrate their service on holidays like veterans day? Moreover, what of those soldiers who have spoken against war due to their own personal experiences? Have we neglected to hear their stories? What can we learn from those stories and what they say about empire, militarism, and U.S. foreign interventions in the 21st century? According to Prof. Bacevich they may well show that General William Tecumseh Sherman's famous adage that "War is Hell" is both true and insufficient, because, as Bacevich puts it, war may well serve as a form of education. And for many soldiers that education is a painful one in which their basic assumptions about the U.S. and the world is challenged in a transformative way. We, Bacevich contends, owe it to those soldiers to hear their stories and take into consideration what their education has taught them. Among the topics covered: - Prof. Bacevich's journey from a career military man to being one of the foremost skeptics of U.S. foreign policy since the end of the Cold War - Moral injury and the cost of war - The All-Volunteer Force (AVF) and criticisms of it - The Global War on Terror and the story of United States Army officer Ian Fishback, who expressed concern with torture and abuse of prisoners - Professor Bacevich's feelings on Veteran's Day and the ways in which we sometimes celebrate veterans in a way that is arguably hollow or not understanding fully of their often difficult experiences - Elites and the foreign policy "Blob" - And much, much more! NOTE: Usual outro song got mistakenly left out of this episode. Editing error!
Thu, September 22, 2022
Veteran Readjustment Culture and Reframing the Civilian-Military Divide w/ Mike Kim
On this edition of Parallax Views, Iraq War veteran, ex-friar monk, and psychoanalyst Mike Kim of Coming Home Well and the Veteran Et Cetera podcast joins us to discuss veteran readjustment culture along with his thoughts on the civilian-military divide and other matters.This conversation was recorded on 6/22/22. Much of the conversation centers around Mike's work on war trauma therapy counseling and therapy with a focus on veteran readjustment culture. When a warrior comes home how does he readjust to life outside the warzone? That's question that Mike's work seeks to answer. In this regard we delve into issues related to war, trauma, and colonialism as well as Mike's own personal journey. Additionally, we discuss matters like the the Cold War and Vietnam, volunteers in the Ukraine/Russia war, the movie First Blood and John Rambo, militarism, why Mike believes the civilian-military divide is fake, the myths and tropes of the soldier and warrior, "American Sniper" Chris Kyle and the use of veterans as a political bludgeon, the shaming of the civilian populace by certain military writers, the "Support the Troops" slogan, military spending vs. spending on veterans, war and economic misery, the presentation of war and readjustment in the national narrative and popular culture, "militainment" and the culture of militarism, veteran wellness, and much, much more!
Sat, September 17, 2022
Mental Health Counselor by Day, World-Class MMA Fighter by Night w/ Jillian ”Lionheart” DeCoursey
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jilian "Lionheart" DeCoursey has been ranked as one of the top ten female atomweight division Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes in the world. On May 11th, 2022 she scored an impressive knock-out (KO) punch victory against Lindsay VanZandt in just over a minute. Now with a 5-3 win/loss professional record (and an 8-1 win/loss amateur record) she's heading into an Invicta FC Atomweight championship bout against reigning champion Jéssica Delboni on September 28th, 2022 at Invicta FC 49. But Jillian isn't just a world-class MMA athlete. By day she's a mental health counselor who runs her own practice. She'll be joining us on this edition of the program to discuss MMA, mental health, how the two are connected, and her big match against Jéssica Delboni. Additionally Jillian and I will tackle such topics: - The rising prominence of female MMA thanks to the popularity of Ronda Rousey's UFC run and the growth of the female talent roster in the world of MMA - Sexism in the world of MMA and whether or not Jillian has experienced any brushes with it - How she got into MMA after life-long involvement in competitive sports like collegiate basketball and the challenges she faced, like physical injuries, getting into MMA - Misperceptions about MMA as merely violent or brutal "human cockfighting" - What Jillian has learned from her MMA career that's helped her in her mental health practice - MMA and psychology - Mindset coaching - Her knockout victory against Lindsay VanZandt at Invicta 47 and what that experience was like - Experiences with fans and performing in front of U.S. troops - Men who are intimidated by women that practice martial arts like kickboxing and jiu jitsu - Her professional MMA debut and the feelings of excitement and self-doubt that came with it - Having a positive mental attitude - Inspiring younger women to get into MMA - And much, much more!
Tue, September 13, 2022
Woodstock ’99, Capitalism, and the Pitfalls of 60s Counterculture Nostalgia w/ Jason Myles
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jason Myles of the THIS IS REVOLUTION podcast and the metal band Bitter Lake joins the program to discuss his Sublation Magazine article "Remembering Woodstock ‘99" . Analysis and commentary of the Woodstock '99 music festival, which famously ended in riots and sexual assaults, has resurfaced in 2022 thanks to new documentaries: Netflix's Trainwreck: Woodstock '99 and HBO Max's Woodstock 99: Peace, Love, and Rage . These documentaries make the case the the aggressive music of Generation X, particularly bands like Korn and Limp Bitzkit, and crass commercialism were in large part to blame for the Woodstock '99 fiasco and, furthermore, that all of this betrayed the hippie peace and love ethos of the original Woodstock. Jason, who has experience working music festivals, argues that this doesn't really strike the root of the issues that led to Woodstock '99. Specifically, Jason takes a materialist perspective on the matter that looks at relationship between capitalism and not only Woodstock '99 but the original Woodstock music festival of 1969 as well. In doing so h de-mythologizes the romanticized narrative around the original Woodstock festival and questions the nostalgia around the 60s counterculture. All of this and much more covered on this edition of Parallax Views!
Fri, September 09, 2022
How Grassroots Hackers & a Cute Lil’ Robot Created Transformative Art Out of a 23 Year Old Video Game w/ Sauraen & DwangoAC
On this edition of Parallax Views, at the summer 2022 Game Done Quick, a video game speed-running marathon charity, fans of the classic Nintendo 64 title The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time were treated to an experience that they'd never expected. For 23-years players imagined the possibility of obtaining the game's most legendary, mystical item: the Triforce. Throughout the latter part of the 90s and the early 2000s urban legends proliferated claiming that players could, in fact, get the Triforce in game. But it wasn't until the "Beta Showcase", later revealed to be the Triforce% run showcase, that the dream of many of these fans would materialize into a reality. Using Arbitrary Code Execution (ACE), a human speed-runner, and cute, trusty robot known as TASBot (short for tool-assisted robot) a team led by the gaming community's Sauraen and DwangoAC were able to create a wildly new, fresh experience of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on an original, unmodified N64 cartridge. Said experience created a new story within the game that even included, believe it or not, a finale featuring a scene with graphics from the Nintendo Switch's The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and a fan-inclusive moment that tugged on the heartstrings of many gamers. And, as previously stated, this was all accomplished on an unmodified N64 cartridge. It was monumental event, in part, because it completely goes against previous conceptions of what Arbitrary Code Execution can do in video games. Ultimately, most people perceive ACE exploits as merely "breaking" a game. In other words, ACE, which involves pressing controller buttons in a quick and process way, is most commonly used glitch games in ways that allow for game completion in ways not intended by the developers. With the Triforce% run, however, ACE was used in quite a different way: to create rather than to destroy. Sauraen, the Triforce%'s director, and DwangoAC, the keeper of TASBot, join us on this edition of the show to talk about the whole project, how it came together, what the reactions to it have been, common misconceptions about Triforce% and what was done at the showcase of it at Games Done Quick, and much, much more including: - Explanations of TAS the tool-assisted robot, ACE (Arbitrary Code Execution, and SRM (Stale Reference Manipulation) and how they were used to make the Triforce% speedrun possible - The emotional elements of Triforce%'s story and ending - The Triforce% showcase as transformative art and "RAM Hacking" - How the speedrun could've gone wrong - Using ACE to create rather than to destroy; ACE being commonly understood as "breaking" the game and how the showcase shows a d
Tue, September 06, 2022
Alex Jones and the Failings of the Journalistic Ecosystem w/ Russ Baker
On this edition of Parallax Views, the conspiratorially-minded, Trump supporting Infowars host Alex Jones recently lost a major lawsuit against Sandy Hook families. WhoWhatWhy.Org's Russ Baker, author of Family of Secrets: The Bush Dynasty, America's Invisible Government, and the Hidden History of the Past Fifty Years , returns to the program to discuss his experience with Jones as well as to explore the rise and fall of the Infowars empire and the problems with the media/journalism ecosystem that may have contributed to Jones's success. Among the topics discussed: - Russ Baker's experience with mainstream media after the publication of Family of Secrets - Alex Jones and the Iraq War - The problems facing journalism today - The term "conspiracy theory" and its uses and misuses - The rise of QAnon and conspiratorial-thinking that places a shadowy, almost supernatural cabal at the center of the world's problems - And much, much more!
Mon, September 05, 2022
Big Tech and the Orwellian Surveillance of School Students w/ Nolan Higdon & Allison Butler
On this edition of Parallax Views, Project Censored' Nolan Hidon returns to the program alongside the Media Freedom Foundation's Allison Butler to discuss their recent USA Today article "Strangers are spying on your child. And schools are paying them to do it" . Since the pandemic, big tech hardware and software has become even more ubiquitous in schools across the United States. Is there a downside to this alliance between the American education system and big tech companies? Nolan Higdon and Allison Butler argue that big tech's latest ventures in the classroom violate students' right to privacy and stifle their learning environments. In fact, they go so far as to invoke George Orwell's 1984 in addressing the issues of big tech in the classroom. Among the topics we'll be discussing are: companies and software such as Turnitin, ClassDojo, Illuminate Education and G Suite for Education; the effects of big tech surveillance and the potential for student self-censorship in the classroom; data breaches in schools; big tech surveillance in the classroom's growth and its coinciding with the renewed issues around book banning; the difficult in measuring what the possible negative impacts of big tech's influence in the classroom will be going forward; and much, much more!
Sat, August 27, 2022
Aleksandr Dugin and Misevaluating the Importance of Intellectuals to Regime Decision-Making w/ Ramon Glazov
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ramon Glazov, translator of Girgio De Maria's The Transgressionists and Other Disquieting Works and author of assorted pieces found in such publications as Jacobin and Overland, joins us to discuss the Russian far-right philosopher Alexander Dugin. Dugin has been in the news due to his daughter's death in a fiery car explosion. This episode will not deal so much with that current events incident, but rather the question of Dugin's significance to the regime of Vladimir Putin. In both mainstream and alternative/independent media Dugin has often been described as "Putin's Brain" or "Putin's Rasputin". Ramon believes the evidence for Dugin's significance to Putin and the Russian state has been vastly overstated in a way that has negative consequences. We'll discuss Dugin's Foundations of Geopolitics , his "Fourth Political Theory", Dugin and postmodernism, Dugin's anti-China views, Dugin's more bizarre geopolitical proposals that are unlikely to be held by Putin or the Kremlin, elitism vs. populism on the right, the Traditionalist thinker Julius Evola, the modernist poet and rabid antisemite Ezra Pound, French far-right thinker Alain de Benoist, the political uselessness of Evolian occultism, Dugin's removal from the University of Moscow for genocidal comments directed at Ukraine/Ukrainians, the paradox of Dugin's self-professed "ethno-centrism, but not racism" views, Dugin's defensive identity politics, spiritual racism, fascism, Russian punk/counterculture icon Eduard Liminov and National Bolshevism, Dugin's views on Germany, Western journalism on Dugin and cherry-picking what Dugin says, Dugin's pluralist relativism, racist ideas about Russians as inherently relativist in their thinking, Dugin and the Kremlin, isolationism and the paradox of far-right wing "anti-globalism", far-right intellectuals and political opportunism, Dugin/Pound/Evola as political hanger-ons, Steve Bannon Vs. a figure Julius Evola or Alexander Dugin, Ezra Pound's WWII propaganda broadcasts in Mussolini's Italy, Ezra Pound's mental hospital stay, Dugin's strange views on Soviet Union serial killer Andrei Chikatilo, and much, much more!
Wed, August 24, 2022
Paradigm Lost: From Two-State Solution to One-State Reality w/ Ian S. Lustick
On this edition of Parallax Views, is the two-state solution in the Israel/Palestine conflict dead? If so what are the possible futures moving forward for Israel/Palestine? Dr. Ian S. Lustick, the Bess W. Heyman Chair in the Political Science Department of the University of Pennsylvania, joins us to discuss why he believes the two-state solution is now an impossibility as argued in his 2019 book Paradigm Lost: From Two-State Solution to One-State Reality . Recently, Dr. Lustick's book was just recently released in a Hebrew-language edition which is what helped precipitate this conversation. Among the topics discussed in this conversation: - The history of the the two-state solution including discussion of Great Britain, the Peel Commission, partition, the United Nations, Zionism, Palestinian Arabs, the 1967 Six-Day War, and the return of partition discussion in the 1970s - Dr. Lustick's support for the two-state solution and his work on that matter starting in the 1970s; how Dr. Lustick's views evolved over time and why he no longer believes the two-state solution is within the realm of possibility - The use of the term "one-state reality" rather than solution in the title of the book; the loss of the two-state solution as a paradigm of thought; the promise and hope that exists within new ways of thinking about Israel/Palestine - The question of the Israel lobby (specifically AIPAC) and U.S. foreign policy; John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt's critique of the lobby as related to U.S. national interests and the ways in which Dr. Lustick's analysis is both in way similar to and different to Mearsheimer and Walt's analysis - The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement - Revisionist Zionism, Likud Party founder and Israel's sixth Prime Minister Menachem Begin, Zionist thinker Vladimir "Ze'ev" Jabotinsky, and the "Iron Wall" strategy - Secret negotiations, sabotaging of peace processes, and the failure of Oslo Accords - Gaza and the West Bank - President Joe Biden's comments on Israel/Palestine early on in his White House tenure and why Dr. Lustick believes they are significant - The nature of political change, the evolution of the Democratic Party from supporting Jim Crow to being the party of the first black President Barack, and the abandonment of the "Demographic" argument in regards to Israel/Palestine - What does Dr. Lustick have to say about, for example, Gazans than can't wait for decades long changes through a long protracted struggle? - The theme of unintende
Tue, August 23, 2022
The Mental Health Crisis in Gaza w/ Dr. Yasser Abu Jamei of Gaza Community Mental Health Programme
On this edition of Parallax Views, we return to the issue of the struggles faced by people living in the Gaza Strip. Specifically, we are honing in on the mental health crisis in Gaza, especially in regards to children. Joining us is Dr. Yasser Abu Jamei, a Palestinian clinical neuro-psychiatrist and the Director General of the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme. This is a sobering conversation in which Dr. Jamei details how trauma, fear, and poverty have coalesced in Gaza to create mental health for its inhabitants. We'll be discussing the effects of the Israeli occupation, air-strikes, difficult socio-economic conditions, and the biopsychosocial model as they relate to these matters. Additionally, Dr. Jamei will discuss the issue of education and universities in Gaza, the differences in challenges face by men and women/boys and girls in Gaza, Gaza and human rights (and framing the issues around human rights rather than religious conflict), the discourse around Gaza in Western media, and much, much more.
Fri, August 19, 2022
The Incredible Story of the Scientist Who Shared Nuclear Secrets With the Soviet Union w/ Dave Lindorff
On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished interview with journalist Dave Lindorff of This Can't Be Happening on the fascinating story of the Theodore Alvin Hall, the American physicist who became an atomic spy by sharing nuclear secrets with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. But this is not just the story of Ted Hall. It's also the story of his brother Edward Hall, who, despite his skepticism towards the Soviet Union, protected his brother against J. Edgar Hoover's FBI. Moreover, it's a case that asks the question, "Why did Ted Hall share these secrets with the Soviet Union?" As it turns out, the answer to that question may be more noble, if we consider Hall's perspective, than one would imagine. We dive into the world of atomic bombs, Hiroshima and Nagaski, the Manhattan Project, spying, the romance between Ted Hall and his wife Joan Hall, the trial and execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, the "What If" scenario of the U.S. having a monopoly on nuclear weapons after WWII, the physicist and atomic spy Klaus Fuchs, Ted Hall's motivation for becoming an atomic spy, the incredible life of Ted's brother Edward (including a connection to Operation Paperclip and working on a top secret missile program at Wright Patterson Air Force Base), the interrogation of Ted Hall, the FBI file on Edward Hall, Ted Halls' Harvard roommate (and spy) Savile Sax, and much, much more! For more information on Ted's story please read Dave's article at The Nation entitled "One Brother Gave the Soviets the A-Bomb. The Other Got a Medal" .
Mon, August 15, 2022
Forensic Anthopology and Cold, Cold Bones w/ Kathy Reichs, Writer of the Bones Novels
On this edition of Parallax Views, Kathy Reichs, author of the best-selling Bones series of murder mystery/thriller novels, joins us to discuss the 21st entry in the series, Cold, Cold Bones . The Bones books follows Temperance Brennan as she helps solve crimes with her expertise in forensic anthropology. Reichs' novels became so popular that they eventually spawned a hit TV series that lasted 12 seasons. In Cold, Cold Bones Tempe is made to revisit her old cases after she and her daughter discover a mysterious package at her place. Said package contains a human eyeball that leads her to a Benedictine Monastery and what eventually comes to pass is that a copycat killer familiar with Tempe's earlier cases is on the loose. Will Tempe solve the murders in time? In this conversation Reichs and I discuss the enduring nature of the Bones series, speculation that Tempe is on the autism spectrum, the ways in which readers relate to Tempe, thoughts on the hit TV series based on Reichs' books, working at Ground Zero after 9/11, Reichs' anthropological work in Guatamala (which inspired her novel Grave Secrets ), the appearance of humor in her murder mystery stories, an overview of Cold, Cold Bones , the snowstorm setting of Cold, Cold Bones , misconceptions about forensic anthropology, DNA and the evolution of forensic anthropology, how newspaper headlines and stories influence Kathy's stories, how CRISPR tech influenced a Temperance Brennan murder mystery, how Kathy went from bio-archaeology to helping police on cases as a forensic anthropologist, and more!
Fri, August 12, 2022
How Israel Made AIPAC w/ Grant F. Smith/CBS Pulls Documentary on Western Arms to Ukraine w/ Dave DeCamp
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Institute for Research: Middle East Policy's Grant F. Smith returns to discuss his new podcast documentary series How Israel Made AIPAC . Grant takes through the history of AIPAC, often simply referred to as the Israel lobby, from its earliest days vis-a-vis the figure of lobbyist Isaiah L. Kenen. Grant gives an overview about the origins of AIPAC and issues related to Israel in the 20th century including the Transfer Agreement and the Third Reich, Haganah arms smuggling, NUMEC and how Israel acquired nuclear weapons, the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the U.S. State Department, Ze'ev "Vladimir" Jabotinsky and the Likud Party, and more. We'll also discuss the importance of this documentary series to current events and U.S. foreign policy today as well as the ways in which previous Presidents like the Pendergast Machine-affiliated Harry Truman could be compromised by private or foreign interests. Then, in a brief bonus segment, Dave DeCamp of Antiwar.Com joins us to discuss how a recent CBS documentary on U.S./NATO arming of Ukraine was pulled after Volodymyr Zelensky's government complained about it. One of the issues raised by the documentary was the question of how many of the arms being sent to Ukraine are actually making it into the hands of the military. Ukraine's foreign defense minister has called for CBS to launch an internal investigation to see who "enabled" the documentary.
Tue, August 09, 2022
A Failure of Vision: Michael Harrington and the Limits of Democratic Socialism w/ Doug Greene
On this edition of Parallax Views, we delve into the intellectual life and thought of Michael Harrington, a key figure of the American New Left who helped found the DSA (Democratic Socialists of America). The author of the influential The Other America: Poverty in the United States , Harrington was a proponent of what he called "the left wing of the possible" and thus believed that socialists must push for a re-alignment of the Democratic Party. Joining us to offer a critique Harrington's thought is Doug Greene, author of the zer0 books title A Failure of Vision: Michael Harrington and the Limits of Democratic Socialism . Among the topics covered in this conversation: - The early intellectual development of Michael Harrington and his interest in bohemianism - Harrington's anti-communism, his belief in a popular front sans Stalinists, and his relationship to New Left in the 60s - Harrington's "left wing of the possible" strategy and the Democratic Party - The influence of theorist Max Schachtman on Harrington's thinking; Harrington's concept of "Democratic Marxism" - Liberalism, Capitalism, Michael Harrington, and the reformist vs. revolutionary divide - Michael Harrington, the DSA, and the Israel/Palestine conflict - Michael Harrington, the Vietnam War, and imperialism - Harrington's value beyond the criticisms Greene has of him - Harrington's The Other America , FDR the New Deal coalition, and LBJ's Great Society - Harrington's debates with or critiques of right-wing figures like William F. Buckley and Milton Friedman - And much, much more!
Tue, August 02, 2022
The People’s Spiral of U.S. History, 60s Activism, Psychedelics, Stolen Elections, & More w/ Harvey Wasserman
On this edition of Parallax Views, longtime activist and populist historian Harvey "Sluggo" Wasserman joined the show to discuss his life of radical activism and his new book The People's Spiral of U.S. History: From Jigonsaseh to Solartopia . This conversation is a wild ride as Harvey gives us an overview of his long life including stories of Democratic National Convention riots in 1968, writing a pro-marijuana article in his youth that caused him to appear on multiple TV shows, dropping acid in the 1960s, living in a hippie farming community, discovering the life and times of socialist leader Eugene V. Debs, the COINTELPRO-era FBI's attempts to infiltrate and destroy a radical news service Harvey was involved with called Liberation News Service, and helping to kickstart the anti-nukes/"No Nukes" movement as well as his encounters with Howard Zinn, Martin Luther King, Jr., Timothy Leary, Abbie Hoffman, and many, many others. Additionally, Harvey and I also manage to discuss: - California Governor Gavin Newsom, Diablo Canyon nuclear reactors, and the problems with nuclear power - The People's Spiral of U.S. History as dealing with a cyclical interpretation of U.S. history influenced by William Appleman Williams that details a dialectical struggle between the indigenous and puritanical elements in America's cultural DNA that Wasserman traces back to America's earliest origins - Harvey's "Law of Unintended Consequences" in history, J. Edgar Hoover, and helping to pioneer organic farming - LSD, mushrooms, Gordon Wasson, ergot poisoning and the Salem Witch Trials, the CIA's involvement in spreading acid, whether Timothy Leary was working for the U.S. intelligence community and MKULTRA, and Terence McKenna's "Stoned Ape" theory - Organizing protests that shutdown a nuclear power plant and why that campaign succeeded - Nuclear energy, Fukushima, and Chernobyl; Putin, nuclear reactors, and the war in Ukraine; nuclear reactors built on earthquake faults - Nuclear power vs. solar and wind power - Republican Election stealing and Harvey's work with political scientist and Columbus Free Press journalist Bob Fitrakis on unusual activity in Ohio related to the 2004 Presidential election that pitted George W. Bush against John Kerry - And much, much more!
Wed, July 27, 2022
Partial Truths: How Fractions Distort Our Thinking w/ James C. Zimring
On this edition of Parallax Views, James C. Zimring, M.D., Ph.D., Thomas W. Tillack Professor of Experimental Pathology at the University of Virginia, joins us to discuss his new book Partial Truths: How Fractions Distort Our Thinking . Zimring is also the author of What Science Is and How It Really Works . This conversation was recorded on 6/21/22. In this conversation Zimring explains what his book is about and how it deals with the ways in which fractional thinking shapes the way we think about the world. When we talk about fractions and fractional thinking in this conversation, however, we are not talking about solving math problems in an classroom or academic setting. Instead, as Zimring explains, we discussing our everyday usage of fractional thinking that we often take for granted. This fractional thinking is necessary, as we learn in this conversation, but also can distort our perception about a number of phenomena and issues. Among the topics covered in this conversation are: - Fractional thinking and the moral panic around Dungeons and Dragons in the 1980s - Fractional thinking and the blunder of the Iraq War during the Presidency of George W. Bush - Fractional thinking and the strange story of a McDonald's burger - New Age beliefs, spirituality, religion, and an on-air cold reading experiment - Heuristics, the availability heuristic, and inductive reasoning - A recent study by the Heritage Institute on Israel and China and the fault reasoning used in the study - Big data and racism - Information, p-hacking, selective reporting, and faulty academic studies - The problems of science reporting - And much, much more!
Fri, July 15, 2022
The Rise of Female MMA & Invicta FC 48 w/ Shannon Knapp, Invicta FC CEO/President
On this short but sweet edition of Parallax Views, we delve into the world of female MMA. Thanks to fighters like Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg the female side of mixed martial arts has gained greater traction amongst combat sports fans and the general public in recent years. One need look no farther than the fact that Hollywood produced a major motion picture with Halle Berry, Bruised , based on subject to see how female MMA has become part of popular culture. Heading the charge for women's MMA is the promotion Invicta FC. For over 10 years now Invicta FC has provided a platform for top female athletes to compete in combat sports. Joining us ahead of Invicta FC 48, which will be available on AXS TV as well as the Invicta FC Youtube and Facebook pages, is Invicta FC's CEO/President Shannon Knapp. Among the topics discussed: - The birth of Invicta FC and the obstacles and hurdles it faced as an all-women's MMA promotion - Invicta FC's card including the Bantamweight championship bout between Taneisha Tennant (c) vs. Olga Rubin and pro boxer Melissa Odessa Parker vs. GLORY kickboxer Isis Verbeek - Invicta FC's adoption of the open scoring system for fights - Shannon as an advocate for female athletes in the combat sports world and why she calls them athletes rather than fighters - Thoughts on the old criticism that MMA is "human cockfighting" - The challenge of finding female athletes in an often male-dominated sport - Leveling the playing field for female MMA athletes and the importance of Invicta FC to the broader world of combat sports - Shannon Knapp's thoughts on the success of Ronda Rousey and what it has meant for female MMA - And much, much more!
Tue, July 12, 2022
Hysteria: Crime, Media, and Politics w/ Marc Schuilenburg
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dutch sociologist M.B. Schuilenburg joins us to discuss his books Hysteria: Crime, Media, and Politics and The Algorithmic Society: Technology, Power, and Knowledge . In this conversation we discuss the history of the idea of hysteria from it's origins in a clinical setting used, often times, against women to its usage by philosophers like Hobbes and Foucault and the concept of mass hysteria around hot topics like immigration. In addition to all of this we discuss the empirical research Schuilenburg did for the book, the Rotterdam race riots, anti-immigrant rhetoric and the Dutch politician Geert Wilders, the concept of security in Western society and its different connotations, Zygmunt Bauman's idea of "Liquid Modernity", neoliberalism and globalization, hysteria and the collective sense of a loss of control, positive security/hysteria vs. negative security/hysteria, the phenomena of moral panic, algorithms and social media as they relate to mass hysteria, big data and discrimination, and much, much more!
Sat, July 09, 2022
The Eschatology of Alexander Dugin, the Serpent Snake Oil Salesman w/ Branko Malic
On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unreleased conversation from April 2022 with Kali Tribune's Branko Malic, who specializes in writing about metaphysics from a Catholic and traditionalist bent, about the Russian philosopher that's been called "Putin's Rasputin", Alexander Dugin. Aleksandr Dugin has been a figure that's gotten media coverage ever since the election of Donald Trump. He's one of the most ardent supporters of Putin's invasion of Ukraine. But who is Alexander Dugin? What are his beliefs? Is he a Gnostic? A follower of the Traditionalist School of metaphysics in the vein of Rene Guenon or Julius Evola? An occultist who practices a chaos magick? A mere Russian imperialist who promotes his worldview through what he calls the "Fourth Political Theory" and Eurasianism? A madman? A Satanist? A Russian Orthodox Catholic? Or simply a man who wants to "immanentize the eschaton" (aka the apocalypse)? Branko and I will tackle all of this and much more in the conversation.
Sun, July 03, 2022
Piranha Women and Indie Filmmaking Secrets! w/ Fred Olen Ray
On this edition of Parallax Views, July 4th is just around the corner. What better way to celebrate than hitting the beach! Of course, if you're not careful in that water you could get munched up by a shark like in JAWS. Or worse... PIRANHA WOMEN! Piranha Women is the latest effort of Charles Band's long-running horror/fantasy/sci-fi factory Full Moon Features. It's also a return to said genre for it's director, the legendary independent filmmaker Fred Olen Ray. For a number of years now Fred has been working on TV, including making Hallmark Christmas movies with Chevy Chase and Lifetime thrillers. For him filmmaking is not merely some hobby, but a profession. Simply put, he's a working class filmmaker. Prior too much of his television work, Fred directed a great number of horror, sci-fi, action, and fantasy pictures during the VHS boom in the 1980s and a number of erotic thrillers during that genre's popularity in the 1990s. Among some of the cult classics Fred has directed are Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers , The Tomb , Biohazard , Cyclone , Evil Toons , Inner Sanctum (one of the most successful video rentals of the 99s), Beverly Hills Vamp , Witch Academy , Alienator , Deep Space , Star Slammer , Bad Girls from Mars , Mind Twister , Attack of the 60 Foot Centerfolds , Inferno , Possessed by the Night , and countless others. Through it all he's worked with such well-known actors as Ice-T, Don "The Dragon" Wilson, David Carradine, Sybil Danning, Martin Landau, Nightmare on Elm Street 's Heather Langenkamp, Eric Roberts, Gunna Hansen (Leatherface in the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre ), Morgan Fairchild, comedy movie legend Eddie Deezen, Bond girl Britt Ekland, Twin Peaks ' Russ Tamblyn, Sid Haig, and many, many others. A monster kid that grew up on drive-in horror movies, Piranha Women marks Fred Olen Ray's returns to the type of fun genre fare that's made him a cult figure amongst cinema buffs. And it stars such beauties as Carrie Overgaard and Keep Chambers as the deadly titular fish women. In this conversation Fred and I discuss a number of topics including: - The secrets of indie filmmaking from matching shots to filming big name actors on a schedule - Working with classic actors like John Carradine, Aldo Ray, and Cameron Mitchell - The tricks he used to film the animated monster in the ambitious low-budget live-action horror Evil Toons - Working with Full Moon and thoughts on the promotional wizardy of Charles Band - Filming nude scenes with actresses <p style="text-align:lef
Fri, July 01, 2022
Nazi Billionaires: The Dark History of Germany’s Wealthiest Dynasties w/ David de Jong
On this edition of Parallax Views, former Bloomberg News reporter and investigative journalist David de Jong joins Parallax Views to discuss his new book The Dark History of Germany's Wealthiest Dynasties . There has been much academic research and debate over the years on the topic of big business and the rise of the Adolf Hitler's Third Reich, specifically in the form of Henry Ashby Turner's 1985 book Big Business and the Rise of Hitler . A little bit of digging will lead anyone interested in the subject to a secret meeting between Hitler and German industrialists that occurred on February 20th, 1933. De Jong picks up the story from those early days of the Third Reich and examines the wealthy families that prospered under Hitler's reign including the Quandt Family, the Porsche–Piëch family, the Von Finck family, the Flick family, the Oetker family, and Reimann family. These families have become associated with such familiar auto companies as Porsche, BMV, and Volkswagen over the years. Additionally, some of these families even have ties to brands like Dr. Pepper, Panera Bread, and Krispy Kreme donuts. Although Germany society has went to great length to reckon with the Holocaust over the decades since WWII, de Jong argues that these wealthy dynasties have not done the same or at least not done enough to grapple with the actions of their patriarchs and ancestors. We discuss all of this as well as other issues such as: - The seizure of Jewish businesses by the Third Reich and the ways in which wealthy German families benefitted from this - The career of August von Finck, Sr., founder of the German insurance company Allianz and the private bank Merck Finck & Co., and his son August von Funck, Jr.'s alleged involvement with the German far-right political party AfD in the 21st century - BMW heirs Stefan Quandt and Susanne Klatten - The persecution of Porsche's Jewish co-founder Adolf Rosenberger - Were these families driven by opportunism or ideology? - The American connection to the post-WWII fates of these families; how Cold War politics played into that connection; Telford Taylor: Chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg Military Tribunals, and his attempts to make German big business reckon with Nazi collusion; the role of John J. McCloy, U.S. high commissioner for occupied Germany, in this story - American investigator Josif Marcu and the man he called "the modern self-made German Robber Baron", Friedrich Flick; Friedrich Flick's comments about his trial - War crimes, slave labor, and German industry <p style="text-align:lef
Mon, June 27, 2022
Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders w/ Kathryn Miles
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Kathyrn Miles joins the show to discuss her new true crime book Trailed: One Woman's Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders . In the spring of May 1996, Julianne “Julie” Williams and Laura “Lollie” Winans went into Shenandoah National Park, part of the Appalachian trail. They were two bright young women in college with a future ahead of them. That future, however, was stolen as both Lollie and Julie were murdered in the woods of Shenandoah Nation Park. Their murder became nationwide news. So much so in fact that when George W. Bush became President of the United States, the Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales of announced that they had found a suspect and that the murder was a hate crime. You see, Lollie and Julie had been in a romantic relationship. As such, their murder could've been a hate crime. The culprit? A man by the name of Darrell David Rice. However, not all is as it seems. Kathyrn Miles takes us through her investigation of the Shenandoah murders explaining the missteps and even, in some cases, malfeasance by the FBI, National Park Service, and the Department of Justice. In doing show she cast doubt on Rice as the perpetrator (note: Rice has not been convicted, even to this day) and offers another suspect. But this isn't just the story of the investigation of the murders. It's also an exploration of what it's like to be a woman, LGBTQ+, or other marginalized identity exploring the frontier of the Appalachian trail and the ways in which that trail is experienced differently by men and women. We discuss all that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Tue, June 21, 2022
The Old Right and the Antiwar Movement w/ Brandan P. Buck
On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished conversation from April 2022 with Brandan P. Buck, a Ph.D. candidate in history and Digital History Fellow at George Mason University. Brandan has been researching the topic of a early-mid 20th century conservative formation known as the "Old Right". Epitomized by figures such as Senator Robert A. Taft and journalists like John T. Flynn and Garet Garrett, the Old Right was a force that opposed President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Some of this was in opposition to FDR's New Deal, but the Old Right was also known for its antiwar stance often leading to it being accused of isolationism or antisemitic, fascist/Nazi sympathies. Brandan and I discuss all of this as well as the history of the Old Right and specifically its connection to antiwar thought. This conversation came about after reading Brandan's piece at Responsible Statecraft entitled "No ‘Putin apologia’ and certainly not new: the Old American Right on war" . Said piece details the history of the Old Right including the figure of Republican politician Eugen Siler's 1968 Senate run as an explicitly antiwar candidate during the Vietnam War. Prior to his Senate run Siler was a Congressman where he was the sole member of the House of Representatives to oppose the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (a resolution that led to greater U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War). Among the topics discussed in this conversation: - The connection between the Old Right's opposition to FDR-era progressive economic policies and the Old Right's non-interventionism and opposition to mass conscription - Understanding the Old Right and its origins within the GOP - Anti-interventionist and antiwar sentiments in the aftermath of WWI and the U.S. soldiers who were casualties of that war. - The question of antisemitism; the America First Committee; Charles Lindbergh's September 11th, 1941 speech - The book Merchants of Death about war-profiteering in WWI and left/right anti-war coalition - The Cold War, the Ronald Reagan era, Pat Buchanan, William F. Buckley and the National Review, and the decline of the Old Right - The differences between the antiwar left and the antiwar right - The Old Right's view that war and militarism were destructive to either individual liberty and/or family units - The influence of both Jeffersonianism and particularism on the Old Right - And much, much more!
Wed, June 15, 2022
Otto Skorzeny: The Devil’s Disciple w/ Stuart Smith
On this edition of Parallax Views, Stuart Smith, author of Otto Skorzeny: The Devil's Disciple , joins the program to discuss the life, myths, and controversies of Nazi SS commando Otto Skorzeny. Skorzeny is perhaps best known for his involvement in a 1943 rescue mission operation to save Benito Mussolini in what has become known as the Gran Sasso raid. In this conversation we discuss: - The Luftwaffe and the controversies around the credit Skorzeny gets for the Gran Sasso raid - The connection between Otto Skorzeny and Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 novel Moonraker - Skorzeny, Operation Greif, and the Battle of the Bulge; efforts of the Axis forces to deceptively dress as Allied soldiers to cause havoc during the Battle of the Bulge - The myth-making of Otto Skorzeny and the media; discussing how Skorzeny's superficial qualities, such as the distinctive scar that got him nicknamed "Scarface", and his self-aggrandizing memoirs ( My Commando Operations: The Memoirs of Hitler's Most Dangerous Commando ) made him appealing to media - The trial of Otto Skorzeny in 1948 and how he skirted justice - The Operation Long Jump assassinations plot; Operation Knight's Move (the airborne raid against Yugoslavia's Marshal Tito); War crimes and the death squad-style Operation Peter aimed at taking out the resistance in Denmark - Otto Skorzeny and post-war intelligence; the CIA; Reinhard Gehlen and the Gehlen Organization; the Mossad; Skorzeny's brother Alfred and the Soviet Union; French intelligence; was Skorzeny a post-war spy?; surveillance of Skorzeny after WWII - Skorzeny's lack of organizational skill and his penchant for having big ideas that weren't focused on the fine details - The question of the post-war fascist international, Nazi ratlines in South America, and Skorzeny's involvement in those matters; Die Spinne (The Spider) and Skorzeny in Latin America - Otto Skorzeny's wealth in his final years and his involvement in private mercenary contracting (the Paladin Group) and arms dealing - Skorzeny and antisemitism - Skorzeny's attempts to paint himself as merely patriotic German rather than a killer - Otto Skorzeny in Egypt; Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser -
Mon, June 13, 2022
Let’s Agree to Disagree w/ Mickey Huff & Nolan Higdon/Origins: Birth of a Pandemic w/ John Duffy
On this edition of Parallax Views, Project Censored's Mickey Huff and Nolan Higdon return to the program to discuss their new book, available now from Routledge, Let’s Agree to Disagree A Critical Thinking Guide to Communication, Conflict Management, and Critical Media Literacy . This was recorded around the time that Mia Janowicz and the Department of Homeland Security's Disinformation Governance Board was in the news so we also delve into issues related to censorship and corporate media bias. In the course of our conversation we also touch upon critical theory and Frankfurt School thinkers like Herbert Marcuse, the abortion debate, and much, much more! In the second segment of the show, a previously unpublished conversation from early 2022 in which J.G. spoke with friend of the show and returning guest John Duffy (co-author with Ray Nowosielski of The Watchdogs Didn't Bark: The CIA, NSA, and the Crimes of the War on Terror and the investigative documentary podcast After The Uprising: The Death Of Danyé Dion Jones ) to discuss Duffy's latest docu-podcast Origins: Birth of a Pandemic , which investigates the issue of COVID and the lab leak hypothesis. In the conversation we discuss a number of topics including biolabs and biodefense, Anthony Fauci, Peter Daszak and the EcoHealth Alliance, biosafety, and much, much more!
Sat, June 11, 2022
Global Civil War: Capitalism Post-Pandemic w/ William I. Robinson
On this edition of Parallax Views, sociologist William I. Robinson returns to the program to discuss his new book Global Civil War: Capitalism Post-Pandemic . Picking up where his last book, Global Police State , left off, Global Civil War explores the growing global discontent in the age of transnational capitalism and the 21st century's emergent, high-tech surveillance society in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. Among the topics discussed on this edition of the show. - The digital revolution, the biopolitical regime, and the transformation of global capitalism - The transnational capitalist class and the Davos-based World Economic Forum - Social control, surveillance, and the disciplining of the global working class - The digital revolution and the exacerbation of global inequality and the rapid expansion of the ultra-wealthy's fortunes since the pandemic - The new, dramatic crisis of global capitalism and the history of crises within the capitalist system - The emergence of a biopolitical regime - The political crisis of state legitimacy and the global revolt - The 1800s and the explosion of imperialism and colonialism in response to crisis - Fordism-Keynesianism, redistributive capitalism, and welfare states in the 20th century - The crisis of 1970s, the neoliberal counterrevolution, the redisciplining of the global working class by the global ruling class or transnational elite - Divisions within the transnational capitalist class over how to resolve the current crisis and the right-wing authoritarian turn amongst major sectors of global capital - The massive new round of restructuring of global capitalism based on digitalization - The lack of national solution to the global crisis - The role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, the internet of things, nanotechnology, 5G, facial-recognition technology, 3D printing, and other technologies in the current global transformation and social control - Big tech and the biomedical-industrial complex, global financial conglomerates, and the military-industrial complex - On-demand and remote work, automation, robotization, the threat of displacement and degradation of labor, precarious employment, and "surplus humanity" - The automation and robotization of agriculture - China's 996 work regime, Taylorism, and scientific manageme
Fri, June 10, 2022
Failed State Update PREVIEW - Operation Northwoods: False Flags in the Pentagon
This is a preview for the latest Failed State Update, a podcast I co-host with Joseph Flatley. LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE AT: https://roundtable.io/failed-state-update/podcasts/operation-northwoods-false-flags-in-the-pentagon-transcript SYNOPSIS BELOW: Douglas Horne on the JFK assassination and the planned invasion of Cuba This is what happened when I Googled 'Bay of Pigs' Douglas P. Horne is a former staffer for the Assassination Records Review Board and the author of several books, including Inside the Assassination Records Review Board . In this episode of Failed State Update, J.G. Michael and Horne discuss Operation Northwoods, the Pentagon's (very real) plan to down aircraft, blow up ships, or possibly kill American civilians as a pretext for an invasion of Cuba. President Kennedy, wisely, thought the whole thing was nuts and prevented it from happening. Northwoods is a bit of a history lesson, but it's an important one. It exemplifies the lengths that the military may go in order to get its way. And as conspiracies go, it's as bizarre as anything Alex Jones has cooked up. And it's all real.
Wed, June 08, 2022
American Tourism in the Soviet Union & What It Can Tell Us About U.S.-Russia Relations Past and Present w/ Sean Guillory
On this edition of Parallax Views, the SRB Podcast's Sean Guillory returns to discuss his new documentary podcast series Teddy Goes to the USSR . This new series chronicles American tourism to the USSR during the Cold War through the story of Teddy Roe's visit to the Soviet Union. In doing so the series offers a window into how people from different cultures view each other in light of Otherizing and getting a better understanding of the lived experiences of everyday people in the USSR. Among the topics we cover in this conversation: - Who Teddy Roe is, how he ended up visiting the USSR in 1968, and his connection to U.S. politics and Congress - Racism and the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. during the Cold War and the Soviet response to it; Soviet anti-racist ideology - Consumerism in the Soviet Union and the misunderstandings about it based on American metrics; the Soviet Dream and the American Dream - KGB surveillance of American tourists - Why American wanted to visit the Soviet Union during the Cold War and why Soviets welcomed tourism; American soft power and U.S. tourists in the USSR - How different were everyday people in both the U.S. and the Soviet Union from each other (or how similar were they to each other)? - Soviet humor, comedy, and satire - The burden of the Cold War and the shadow it casts over the U.S. and Russia today - How the Teddy Goes to the USSR series came about; how Sean ended up finding out about Roe's story and contacting him - The taboo allure of the Soviet Union to Americans during the Cold War - And much, much more!
Mon, June 06, 2022
That’s Not Funny: How the Right Makes Comedy Work for Them w/ Nick Marx
On this edition of Parallax Views, Nick Marx returns to the program to discuss his new book, co-authored with Matt Sienkiewicz, entitled That's Not Funny: How the Right Makes Comedy Work for Them about what could be called the emerging right-wing comedy complex. Marx and Sienkiewicz argue that a niche has emerged for right-wing comedy that's proving useful for the pursuing the political agenda of the American right. In this conversation we discuss: - The "paleo-comedy" of figures like Tim Allen and his sitcom Last Man Standing , the reboot Rosanne , the shades of paleo-conservatism within "paleo-comedy", and how it targets a "boomer" demographic - The rise of Greg Gutfeld from the ostensibly surrealist, even countercultural Red Eye to his latest Fox News show Gutfeld! ; how Gutfeld's show is less about policy than "owning the libs" with a carnival-esque aesthetic - Steven Crowder of Louder With Crowder and right-wing comedy as a niche market that can also be used recruit young people to the American right-wing - The far-right of the right-wing comedy complex: Sam Hyde, Million Dollar Extreme, and Bronze Age Pervert; trolling in right-wing comedy - Is Joe Rogan and the Joe Rogan Experience part of the right-wing comedy complex? - Thoughts on Dave Chappelle - Right-wing comedy branding itself as countercultural, edgy, and "cool" - How the book is not an endorsement of the humor of the right-wing comedy complex, but rather addressing how the complex works politically; the punching up vs. punching down humor debate - Right-wing comedy and manufactured outrage - The era of liberal/left-wing comedy with Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart and how the right-wing comedy complex became a niche - And much, much more!
Sat, June 04, 2022
Scorpion’s Dance: The President, the Spymaster, and Watergate w/ Jefferson Morley
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Jefferson Morley returns to the show to discuss his new book Scorpion's Dance: The President, the Spymaster, and Watergate , which details the dual lives and "clandestine collaborative relationship" between CIA director Richard Helms and President Richard Nixon culminating in the Watergate break-in. Among the topics discussed: - The contrasting backgrounds of Richard Nixon, a man from a humble background who hated the Eastern Establishment, and Richard Helms, an Ivy League-educated man who came to head the CIA during the Cold War - The role of secrecy and power in the lives of Nixon and Helms - Cuba, AMLASH, covert assassination programs, organized crime, the military dictatorship of General Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar, Fidel Castro, the Bay of Pigs, and America's Cold War ideology - Examples of the Central Intelligence agency finding ways to set policy and go over the head of President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon Baines Johnson - The CIA and the press - Nixon's national security policy, the Vietnam War, the antiwar movement, and CIA spying on antiwar activists - CIA officer and infamous Watergate burglar E. Howard Hunt, his relationship with Helms, and Hunt's James Bond-like pulp spy fiction - Watergate, Daniel Ellsberg, and dirty tricks like blackmail operations - Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein's All the President's Men - National security legislation and Presidential abuse of unchecked power - The cultural revolution of the 60s/70s and Watergate as a crisis of the national security state - The assassination of JFK, the CIA, pre-assassination knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald, Richard Helms and the Warren Commission, and James Jesus Angleton - President Harry Truman's "abolish the CIA" op ed -
Wed, June 01, 2022
Mitch McConnell, Republican Senators, & the Betrayal of America w/ Ira Shapiro/Robert Hanssen, America’s Most Damaging Spy w/ Lis Wiehl
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ira Shapiro, former Ambassador and author of such books as The Last Great Senate: Courage and Statesmanship in Times of Crisis and Broken: Can the Senate Save Itself and the Country? , joins the show to discuss his book The Betrayal: How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America . We begin by discussing Newt Gingrinch and his "politics of destruction", the declining faith in the Senate as an instituinon, and the polarization of the United States of America. We then turn our attention to Mitch McConnell and how he went from a "moderate Republican" to moving, alongside the GOP, further to the Right. McConnell, Shapiro argues, has broke from his responsibility to serve the national interest in favor of partisanship that serves the interest of the GOP. In this regard we delve into McConnell's "Bitter Harvest" in the Obama years and the broken politics and government dysfunction that plagued America even before the Presidency of Donald J. Trump. From there we move onto the relationship between Donald Trump and McConnell; the Supreme Court, tax cuts for the rich, and anti-Affordable Care Act priorities of McConnell; McConnell and the donor base of the Republican Party; the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court; beating the Democratic Party at all costs; the 2020 Presidential Election and the Jan. 6th Insurrection; Under Secretary of State George Ball's quote from the Vietnam War era "He who rides the tiger cannot chose where he dismounts"; the Senate going forward; thoughts on diplomacy; and much, much more! In the second segment of the show, true crime author Lis Wiehl, whose previous books include Hunting the Unabomber and The Hunting Charles Manson , joins the show for a conversation about her new book A Spy in Plain Sight: The Inside Story of the FBI and Robert Hanssen—America's Most Damaging Russian Spy . Rober Hanssen is perhaps one of the most notorious spies in modern American history. While working for the FBI he decided to start working with the Soviet Union and the Russians. After all was said and done, he became the most damaging spy in American history whose actions had massive ramifications for national security. We discuss who Hanssen was; Hanssen's association with the conservative Catholic organization known as Opus Dei; Hanssen as a disgruntled employee of the FBI; his nickname at the FBI: "The Mortician"; Hanssen's anti-communism; how Robert's wife Bonnie Hanssen and a priest found out about Hanssen spying for the Russians; Hanssen's psychiatrist David Charney and Hanssen's penchant for compartmentalization and warped thinking; how the intelligence community became aware of a spy in their midst and the wrongful finger pointed at CIA agent Brian Kelley being the spy; the Webster Co
Tue, May 31, 2022
The Inslaw Affair, PROMIS, and Robert Maxwell w/ Albert Lanier
On this edition of Parallax Views, freelance journalist Albert Lanier makes his long-awaited return to Parallax Views to discuss a scandal known as the Inslaw Affair involving the Department of Justice, a software known as PROMIS, a conspiracy dubbed "The Octopus by the late journalist Danny Casolaro, spying and espionage, and media mogul Robert Maxwell (yes, the father of Jeffrey Epstein's partner-in-crime Ghislaine Maxwell). It takes us into the world of the "Catacombs", as Lanier refers to it, where politics meets sub rosa activities. Among the topics discussed: - What the PROMIS software was, Bill Hamilton Vs. the Department of Justice, claims of the PROMIS software's modification, and the potential use of the software for spycraft - The strange, sketchy characters around the Inslaw/PROMIS scandal such as Michael Riconsciuto and alleged Israeli spy/arms dealer Ari Ben-Menashe - "The Octopus", the death of journalist Danny Casolaro, and the triple murders related to the Cabazon Indian Reservation - Robert Maxwell's alleged ties to Israeli intelligence like Mossad - And much, much more A NOTE FROM BILL HAMILTON: I had never even heard of Albert Lanier prior to his recent reporting on the INSLAW Affair. He never contacted me prior to publishing his report which incorrectly states that I had worked on developing PROMIS while an NSA employee. I worked at NSA HQ as an intelligence analyst and Vietnamese linguist for seven years in the 1960s after graduating from the University of Notre Dame as an English Major. I left NSA because I had become interested in working on urban problems and joined the management consulting component of Peat Marwick & Mitchell, a major public accounting firm. While there, I responded to a Request for Proposals to develop a case management software system for the local street crime prosecution component of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, won the competitive procurement, and served as the project manager on what I named PROMIS.
Thu, May 26, 2022
On the Line: A Story of Class, Solidarity, and Two Women’s Epic Fight to Build a Union w/ Daisy Pitkin/The Ruling Class, Abortion, and Roe V. Wade w/ Jenny Brown
On this edition of Parallax Views, longtime community and union organizer Daisy Pitkin, who is now playing a role Starbucks Union wave as part an offshoot of the union UNITE, joins the program to discuss her new memoir On the Line: A Story of Class, Solidarity, and Two Women's Epic Fight to Build a Union . She tells the story of her attempts to help organize for workers at industrial laundry factories with dangerous working conditions in Phoenix, Arizona. In doing so she shows that labor organizing requires not only righteous anger but solidarity between workers and touches upon the ways in which labor organizing must democratize knowledge of organizing. Organizers, in other words, must share their knowledge with workers themselves so that the workers can organize themselves. We cover these topics as well as the role of metaphorical role of moths in her memoir, getting to know workers on a personal, the rise of a youth that is calling itself "Generation U" o "Generation Union", the history of labor law in the U.S. and how workers face an uphill battle legally, how the the labor struggle cannot simply be one through hoping for legislation but creating an organic movement that will apply external pressure to those in power, and much, much more! Then, in the latter half of the program, women's liberation movement organizer Jenny Brown joins the program to discuss the issue of abortion rights and Roe V. Wade with a focus on how these matters relate to class struggle. In particular, Jenny explains how the ruling class has thought about abortion from the past to the present and addresses the powerful, monied forces that are in favor of restricting abortions and overturning Roe V. Wade. All that and more in this fascinating discussion that touches upon a number of of seemingly disparate but related topics such as economic growth in capitalism, immigration, labor, the overpopulation theory popularized in the late 1960s by Paul Erlich's The Population Bomb , declining birthrates, and more!
Wed, May 25, 2022
Newly Declassified FBI Report on Saudi Arabia & 9/11 w/ Dan Christensen/Biden, Israel, and U.S. Foreign Policy w/ Mitchell Plitnick
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dan Christensen of the Florida Bulldog returns to the show to discuss the latest on the recently declassified FBI report on Saudi Arabia and the support networks for the perpetators of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. Dan has been covering this issue alongside Anthony Summers and Robynn Swan, authors of The Eleventh Day: The Full Story of 9/11 and Osama Bin Laden , for a number of years now and his latest Florida Bulldog piece on the subject is entitled "A ‘state secret’ no more: New FBI report says Saudi government officials provided support network for 9/11 hijackers" . Among the subjects discussed in relation to the report are: Saudi charities; Prince Bandar Bin Salman (nicknamed Bandar Bush for his association with George W. Bush); the Muslim World League; Operation Encore; the figures of Fahad al Thumairy , Omar al Bayoumi, and the now unredacted Musaed al Jarrah; 9/11 hijackers al Hazmi and al Mihdhar; and much, much more! In the second segment of the show, Mitchell Plitnick of ReThinking Foreign Policy joins me to discuss his Responsible Statecraft piece "Biden’s trip to Israel is getting trickier by the day" . In June, President Joe Biden will visit Israel. The death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in Jenin, the police attacks during her funeral, and the upcoming Jerusalem Day "Flag March" of Israeli far-right nationalists which will go through Damascus Gate and the Old City's Muslim Quarter has already put tensions at an all time high. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is seeking to pivot U.S. foreign policy out of the Middle East to focus on Russia and China. Mitchell explains how he believes this has led to a circumstance where the Biden administration is not addressing issues like Abu Akleh's death or the large expansion of settlements in the West Bank. In addition to this we discuss Israel's current Prime Minister Naftali Bennet, the figure of Knesset member and far-right provocateur Itamar Ben-Gvir, Secretary of State Antony Blinken's encounter with a pro-Palestinian activist, and much, much more.
Mon, May 23, 2022
The IDF, Shireen Abu Akleh, Israel’s Far-Right, & the Coming Jerusalem Day ”Flag March” w/ Yossi Gurvitz
On this edition of Parallax Views, returning guest and occassional Mondoweiss contributor Yossi Gurvitz joins us from Israel to discuss the latest events around Israel/Palestine with a focus on events in East Jerusalem and the West Bank (particularly the Jenin refugee camp), the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the violence that erupted at her funeral, and the news that Hamas has announced it will retaliated if the Israeli nationalist far-right holds it's "Flag March" in East Jerusalem on Jerusalem Day (May 28-29th). Additionally we discuss the prominence of Itamar Ben-Gvir (a "follower" of Rabbi Meier Kahane who made some rather interesting remarks in the lead-up to the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzshak Rabin) in Israeli political, the Israeli left's impotence, the fragility of the Israeli coalition government, the upcoming "Flag March" as a provocation, the gamification of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the IDF's announcement that it will not investigate the death of Shireen Abu Akleh, and much, much more!
Sat, May 21, 2022
Criminology on Trump w/ Gregg Barak
On this edition of Parallax Views, former President Donald Trump has had an image, sometimes leaned into by the man himself, as being akin to a mob boss. The image of Trump-as-mob-boss is even evoked, arguably, in the way that Trump is sometimes referred to as "The Donald". But beyond the image of pop culture image of Trump-as-mobster lies a portal to understanding white-collar crime and the corruption of democracy, argues Gregg Barak, author of Chronicles of a Radical Criminologist: Working the Margins of Law, Power, and Justice and Criminology on Trump . Barak joins us on this edition of the program to discuss not just Trump but rather the bigger picture of how America faces democracy deficits due to white collar criminals and crooks racketeering and using shell companies to enrich themselves. In this conversation we discuss: - The politics of antagonism as enjoyment and how Trump played the media - Trump as both outlaw and a product of profound wealth and privilege - Comparing mob figures like John Gotti and Bugsey Siegel with Donald Trump - The Trump family; Trump's father Fred Trump; the Trump children; Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner - Trump and social Darwinism - The Trump Presidency and pay-to-play pardons - Trump, Deutsche Bank, and money laundering - The Trump Presidency and the dismantling and/or impeding of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Health and Human Services, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; anti-science, anti-regulation, and anti-environmentalist interests and the Trump Presidency - Shell companies and the corruption of democracy - Structural concerns that are bigger than Donald Trump; Trump as not opening a Pandora's Box but rather exploiting structural inefficiencies - Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, and Jared Kushner as the three most significant players around Trump - Addressing corporate crime; why we use RICO more when it comes to tackling corporate crime; corporate personhood; Citizens United; the electoral system - And much, much more!
Thu, May 19, 2022
BrexLit: The Problem of Englishness in Pre- and Post-Brexit Referendum Literature w/ Dulcie Everitt
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dulcie Everitt joins us to discuss her new book BrexLit: The Problem of Englishness in Pre- and Post-Brexit Referendum Literature (Zer0 Books; 2022). Dulcie's book delves into the idea of the sub-nationalist English identity (as opposed to British identity; English identity would be different from Welsh, Scottish, or Irish identity) in literature before and after the Brexit referendum that saw the UK leave the EU. It is important to note in this regard that England had a greater "Leave" vote than either "Scotland" or "Ireland", both of which voted "Remain", on the referendum. In this conversation we delve into the issue of what English identity is and how it is amorphous, slippery, or difficult to easily define. We delve into Englishness as an identity as it relates to both empire and post-Empire Britain. This, of course, brings us to the topic of Brexit, what it was, how it was spearheaded by figures like the Tory Party's Boris Johnson and UKIP's Nigel Farage, the formation of English nationalism as a retaliation to insurgent sub-nationalisms, the role of nostalgia in the Leave campaign and Boris Johnson's famous "Take Back Control!" line, the history of Euroscepticism on both the Right and the Left, why a second referendum is unfeasible now, xenophobia and racism in relation to Brexit, Ian McEwan's Kafka inspired take on Brexit in the form of the novel The Cockroach , as well as the more hope Autumn by Scottish author Ali Smith, Jonathan Coe's The Rotters ' Club and its Brexit-influenced sequel Middle England , the dystopian Perfidious Albion by Sam Byers, the question of cosmopolitanism, and much, much more!
Wed, May 18, 2022
The Universe is On Our Side: Restoring Faith in American Public Life w/ Bruce Ledewitz/Russia (& Ukraine) Lobbying & Influence-Peddling in D.C. w/ Ben Freeman & Nick Cleveland-Stout
On this edition of Parallax Views, the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche famously declared "God is Dead". In doing so Nietzsche not necessarily celebrating the triumph of atheism, but rather raising the question of what comes next for society once religion is replaced by secularism. How do we make sense of things and find meaning in a secular world? In his new book The Universe Is On Our Side: Restoring Faith in American Public Life , Bruce Ledewitz, Professor of Law at Duquesne University Law School, attempts to tackle that question. He joins us on the first segment of the show to discuss the decline in trust of public institutions; the process theology of Alfred North Whitehead (and process theology popularizer Dr. David Ray Griffin); Jesuit theologian Bernard Lonergan's question "Is the universe on our side?"; the British philosopher John Gray and the idea that "no, the universe is not on our side", postmodernism; science as a social activity; the secularism of American Christianity; New Atheism and the failings of it; Nietzsche and the death of God as a catastrophe (even if it is true); the incompatibility of a wonder-working God in a secular world; making clear that Bruce's book is not an attack on those who have religious faith; the post-truth age; a lack of belief in the future; Martin Luther King's "the arc of the universe bends towards justice" quote; the Enlightenment and the mechanistic, materialistic worldview; David Hume and the idea that we can only gain knowledge through the senses; Carl Sagan and the Pale Blue Dot; and much, much more! In the second segment of the show, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft's Ben Freeman & Nick Cleveland-Stout join us to discuss their recent piece at The Intercept entitled "Until Ukraine, Russia Lobbyists Successfully Blunted Sanctions After Foreign Adventurism" . We also discuss their upcoming report on Ukraine lobbying in Washington, D.C., the Foreign Agent Registration Act, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, the public relations firm known as Ketchum, the need for transparency when it comes to foreign lobbying efforts, and much, much more!
Thu, May 12, 2022
The Stock Market, Inflation & the Crypto Crash w/ Mike Swanson/The Trouble With Passion: How Searching for Fulfillment at Work Fosters Inequality w/ Eric Cech
On this edition of Parallax Views, Michael Swanson of Wall Street Window returns to the program for a segment covering the bear market (declining market), the crypto currency crash, and inflation. We also tackle the RobinHood app, cult-like hucksters in the stock market world, crazy speculation and risky behavior in the stock market, the impact on both regular people engaging in small-trading and professional investors, the potentially explosive violent social phenomena that can arise from crashes, the dot com bubble of the 90s, Facebook's rebranding as Meta after getting negative publicity, bitcoin maximalism, and much, much more. In the second segment of the show, sociologist Eric A. Cech joins us to discuss her thoughtful, provocative book The Trouble With Passion: How Searching for Fulfillment at Work Fosters Inequality . We are often told to "follow our passions" when it comes to seeking out a career. Cech, however, argues that the "Passion Principle" has a dark side in which people are willing to suffer injustices and inequities as a price for following their passion. We discuss the reproduction of inequality and how it reproduces in ways we may not often consider at first, the Meritocratic ideology, Erin's story of being a former "passion evangelist" and how she came to question her beliefs, defining ourselves based on our work rather than any other areas of life, her interviews with college students for the book, Erin's analysis of career-advice books, self-expression in the language of the "Passion Principle"; the growth of precarity in the white-collar work force; neoliberalism; Choicewashing and how the "Passion Principle" structures the way we think about the world by explaining social phenomena not structurally but through the lens of individual choice and personal responsibility; meaning-making and how the "Passion Principle" shapes our sense of identity; Anthony Giddens and the Self-Reflexive Project; what asking children the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" says about our society; blaming individuals in the labor force at the expense of examining inequities in labor, gender, and race; the pernicious expectation of performative passion in jobs like the barista Starbucks; emotional labor; how class inequality is reproduced by the "Passion Principle"; and much, much more.
Wed, May 11, 2022
The Atlantic Realists: Empire and International Political Thought Between Germany and the United States w/ Matthew Specter/French Post-Election Analysis w/ Marlon Ettinger
On this edition of Parallax Views, we dive back into the realm of foreign policy and international relations. This time historian Matthew Specter joins us to discuss his new book The Atlantic Realists: Empire and International Political Thought Between Germany and the United States w/ Matthew Specter and offers a critique of the realist school of thought in international relations. In this conversation we discuss the realist thinker Hans Morgenthau, the German legalist theorist Carl Schmitt, realism as the shadow self of liberalism, and much, much more. In the second segment of the show, "The French Connection" Marlon Ettinger joins us to discuss the aftermath of the French Presidential election and a little bit about his new book Zemmour and Gaullism . We discuss Éric Zemmour, Marine Le Pen, Emmanuel Macron, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the French Left, and much, much more.
Mon, May 09, 2022
Wall Street, the Supermob, and the CIA w/ Jonathan Marshall
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jonathan Marshal, author of Dark Quadrant: Organized Crime, Big Business, and the Corruption of American Democracy and (with Peter Dale Scott) Cocaine Politics: Drugs, Armies, and the CIA in Central America, joins me to discuss his Lobster Magazine piece "Wall Street, the Supermob, and the CIA" examining the strange web of connections between organize crime, tax-exempt foundations, Hollywood, and U.S. intelligence in the 20th century. Among the topics discussed: - New York stockbroker David G. Baird, the Russian Orthodox Church, Serge Semenenko of First National Bank of Boston, the investigation of Baird's tax-exempt foundations for illegal activities, and the Central Intelligence Agency - The "Supermob", a name taken from the Gus Russo book of the same name, that represents figures who were involved both heavily in organized crime as well as the aboveground white-collar business world - The Chicago Outfit, Sam Giancana, and the Hollywood mob-affiliated lawyer and "fixer" Sidney Korshak - Meyer Lansky vs. the Las Vegas-based gangster Morris "Moe" Dalitz and gangsters that become successful as businessmen beyond the criminal underworld - Organized crime, anti-communism, the "foreign entity within our midst" narrative, and the myth of American purity - The entertainment industry, the hotel industry, and organized crime - The development of American capitalism and American organized crime - And much, much more!
Mon, May 09, 2022
PREVIEW: Failed State Update - Gabriel of Urantia Warns of the Apocalypse… But This Time We’re Afraid He Means It
Gabriel (left) and a GCCA church service This is a preview of the latest episode of the show I co-host, Failed State Update. Listen to the full episode here In Tumacácori, Arizona, a stone’s throw from the U.S. border with Mexico, roughly 85 “destiny reservists” await their fate. They are the followers of Gabriel of Urantia. Born Anthony J. Delevin in Pittsburgh in 1946, Gabriel’s life work is a community known as the Global Community Communications Alliance (GCCA). They live in a compound in the desert where they raise animals, harvest hemp, and study their prophet’s teachings. This is all in preparation for the end of this world, and the coming of the next. And the apocalypse, according to Gabriel, is closer now than it’s ever been. Last week, Paladin — the channeled trans-dimensional space being who speaks through Gabriel — called the cult’s radio station KVAN-FM last week to address the people of Tucson on the air. On today’s Failed State Update, former GCCA member Joshua Lilly listens to Gabriel's latest broadcast with us and helps us understand both the message and cult psychology in general.
Sat, May 07, 2022
The Supreme Court, Abortion, & ”Deeply-Rooted Tradition” w/ William Hogeland/Yemen & the Ceasefire w/ Nasser Arrabyee/Israel, Palestine, & the Question of Apartheid w/ Yumna Patel
On this edition of Parallax Views, William Hogeland of Hogeland's Bad History on Substack (and author of such rip-snorting histories as The Autumn of the Black Snake and The Whiskey Rebellion ) joins me to discuss the Supreme Court draft opinion that seeks to overturn the Roe Vs. Wade decision on abortion. Hogeland wrote about this matter in a Substack entry entitled "'Deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition' The Bad History in Alito’s Draft Overturning Roe v. Wade" . What does the leaked draft say about the trends we're headed towards and what to make of the argument made in the draft and what is driving it? Hogeland argues that the draft has national-mythopoetic language in it that animates nationalist sentiments seeking to overturn progressive gains in the past half century. In the second segment of the show, Sanna'a, Yemen-based journalist Nasser Arraybyee joins us to discuss the ceasefire between Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia in the 7-year long Yemen war that's turned into one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The ceasefire has been in effect since Ramadan and is, according to Nasser, optimistically looking like it will hold. Nasser explains why this ceasefire is different; Saudi Arabia's changing relationships with Iran, Turkey, and Qatar; the United Arab Emirates; the role of al Qaeda and ISIS in Yemen; the effect of Saudi-led blockades on the Yemeni population; and much more. In the third and final segment of today's program, Yumna Patel, Palestine New Director for Mondoweiss, joins me to discuss her new documentary Inside Israeli Apartheid . Yumna discusses the unequal treatment of Palestinians in both the Occupied Territories AND within Israel proper as well as some of the specific issues covered in her hard-hitting documentary that follows on the heels of human rights organizations like B'Tselem, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International discussing the question of apartheid in relation to Israel. Please be sure to watch the documentary at Mondoweiss!
Fri, May 06, 2022
Woke Capitalism: How Corporate Morality is Sabotaging Democracy w/ Carl Rhodes/The Podcaster’s Dilemma: Decolonizing Podcasters in the Era of Surveillance Capitalism w/ Nolan Higdon
On this edition of Parallax Views, Carl Rhodes, Dean of UTS Business School, University of Technology Sydney, joins us to discuss his new book Woke Capitalism: How Corporate Morality is Sabotaging Democracy . Unlike most criticisms of "woke capitalism" emanating from the right-wing and "post-left", Rhodes criticisms of "woke capitalism", for lack of a better term, come firmly from a progressive, even left-wing perspective. In this conversation we'll discuss what Rhodes sees as the limits of "woke capitalism" in combating inequity. We discuss a number of issues in relation to this as well as talking about stakeholder capitalism, the World Economic Forum and Klaus Schwab, getting woke to woke capitalism, the origins of the term woke, and much, much more. In the second segment of the show, friend of the show Nolan Higdon joins us to discuss his new book, co-authored with Nicholas L. Baham III, The Podcasters' Dilemma: Decolonizing Podcasters in the Age of Surveillance Capitalism . Full disclosure: Parallax Views is discussed in this new academic book! We discuss a number of topics in this conversation including the explosion of independent podcasting, niche podcasting dealing with issues like the relationship between food and imperialism, and much, much more!
Thu, May 05, 2022
Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor/Labor Struggle, MMT, and Resisting the ”Doom Pill” w/ Steve Grumbine
On this edition of Parallax Views, former black metal journalist turned labor reporter "Grim" Kim Kelly joined me to discuss her new book Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor . We discuss the book, the role of women in the labor struggle from the beginning, how Kim got involved in labor organizing and unions, the neglected voices of labor history, and much, much more (including Kim's favorite black metal band). Then, in the second half, "The Rogue Scholar" Steve Grumbine, founder of Real Progressives and host of the Macro N Cheese podcast, joins me for a conversation about how he went from Reaganite boot-strap believer to believing in labor struggle after the Global Financial Crisis, explaining MMT, his thoughts on Chris Smalls and the Amazon Union Labor victory, and resisting the "doom pill". From the "About the Book" section for Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor on Simon & Schuster: A revelatory and inclusive history of the American labor movement, from independent journalist and Teen Vogue labor columnist Kim Kelly. Freed Black women organizing for protection in the Reconstruction-era South. Jewish immigrant garment workers braving deadly conditions for a sliver of independence. Asian American fieldworkers rejecting government-sanctioned indentured servitude across the Pacific. Incarcerated workers advocating for basic human rights and fair wages. The queer Black labor leader who helped orchestrate America’s civil rights movement. These are only some of the working-class heroes who propelled American labor’s relentless push for fairness and equal protection under the law. The names and faces of countless silenced, misrepresented, or forgotten leaders have been erased by time as a privileged few decide which stories get cut from the final copy: those of women, people of color, LGBTQIA people, disabled people, sex workers, prisoners, and the poor. In this assiduously researched work of journalism, Teen Vogue columnist and independent labor reporter Kim Kelly excavates that history and shows how the rights the American worker has today—the forty-hour workweek, workplace-safety standards, restrictions on child labor, protection from harassment and discrimination on the job—were earned with literal blood, sweat, and tears. Fight Like Hell comes at a time of economic reckoning in America. From Amazon’s warehouses to Starbucks cafes, Appalachian coal mines to the sex workers of Portland’s Stripper Strike, interest in organized labor is at a fever pitch not seen since the early 1960s. Inspirational, intersectional, and full of crucial lessons from the past, Fight Like Hell shows what is possible when the working class demands the dignity it has always deserved.
Mon, May 02, 2022
The Apocalypse and the End of History: Modern Jihad and the Crisis of Liberalism w/ Suzanne Schneider
On this edition of Parallax Views, Suzanne Schneider of the Brooklyn Institute for Social Research joins us to discuss her new book The Apocalypse and the End of History: Modern Jihad and the Crisis Liberalism. We discuss how Suzanne is using liberalism in its technical broad context outside of the common colloquial usage of the term to refer to Democrats. Rather we discuss liberalism in regard to the Enlightenment, its values, and modernity. This leads us into a discussion of how contemporary jihadi violence by groups like ISIS and al Qaeda may, as other commentators and public intellectuals like John Gray have argued, be more modern than we are often willing to consider. This bring us to discuss the contradictions of liberalism today and the crisis point it can and seemingly has led to it. Additionally we deal with issues related to neoliberalism and its consequences, Francis Fukuyama's The End of History, German legal theorist Carl Schmitt's concept of the Sovereign, the rise of extremist movements in the West, and much, much more.
Sun, May 01, 2022
Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders & Intellectuals Speak Out w/ Ramzy Baroud & Ilan Pappé
On this edition of Parallax Views, US-Palestinian journalist Ramzy Baroud and Israeli historian Dr. Ilan Pappé join us to discuss the movement for Palestinian liberation and the new book they've co-edited related to it Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders & Intellectuals Speak Out . A synopsis of Our Vision for Palestine from the publisher, Clarity Press , sums up the book and its aims better than Parallax Views can: Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders & Intellectuals Speak Out aims to challenge several strata of the current Palestine discourse that have led to the present dead end: the American pro-Israel political discourse, the Israeli colonial discourse, the Arab discourse of purported normalization, and the defunct discourse of the Palestinian factions. None promote justice, none have brought resolution; none bode well for any of the parties involved. Here, engaged Palestinian leaders and intellectuals, those who have been actively involved in generating an ongoing Palestinian discourse on liberation, take into account the parameters of their struggle as it now stands. Drawing on their own personal experiences as educators, community leaders, spiritual leaders, artists, historians, human rights activists, political prisoners, and the like, they address what now, what next, is to be done, in a manner that reflects not only Palestinian aspirations, but their view of what is possible. In this conversation Dr. Pappé and Baroud discuss a number of different topics including the historical distortions, myths, and language that has often blurred the discourse around Israel/Palestine. Dr. Pappé goes over the myths that he covered in his previous book Ten Myths About Israel and Baroud discusses why such myths persist. Additionally, Dr. Pappé gives a historical overview of what is known among Palestinians as the Nakba, or the Catastrophe, that led to the expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland. Baroud critiques the ways in which Palestinian liberation have been framed over the years and argues that liberation will, as Che Guevera put it in one quote, come not from ordained liberators but rather the people themselves. In this regard, Ramzy Baroud criticizes the ways in which the Palestinian struggle is framed by Westerners, including the Western Left, and the need to make Palestinians the core of Liberation movement. In addition to all of this, Dr. Pappé and Baroud discuss the voices of Palestine and how their individual struggles inform collective struggles; the Palestinian voices that exist beyond the realms of diplomatic and armed struggle; pessimism and hope; settler-colonialism
Fri, April 29, 2022
The Fighting Soul: On the Road With Bernie Sanders w/ Ari Rabin-Havt/The Global Financial Crisis, the Fed, & Quantitative Easing w/ Thomas Hoenig
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ari Rabin-Havt, deputy campaign manager for Bernie Sanders's 2020 presidential campaign, joins me for a brief 20 minute about his new campaign memoir The Fighting Soul: On the Road With Bernie Sanders . Rabin-Havt provides not only a behind-the-scenes look at the Sanders campaign but also a rare glimpse into the passionate Vermont Senator himself that gets beyond what one saw from him in televised appearances, town halls, and Presidential debates. Most of this conversation focuses on how Bernie developed a greater confidence in his foreign policy views and detailing his fight to pass the Yemen War Powers Act/Resolution alongside seemingly unlikely allies Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT). We also discuss Bernie's 2018 lunch with then Iranian foreign minister Javad Zaraf, an anecdote about Bernie Sanders and America's most prominent Israel lobby AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), Bernie's love of mo-town, an exchange between Barack Obama and Bernie that illustrates Bernie's principles, and an amusing story involving Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus. Be sure to pick of The Fighting Soul: On the Road With Bernie Sanders as this only covers a small slice of a book that is a fast-paced, rollicking read throughout. In the second segment of the show, former Senior Federal Reserve official Thomas M. Hoenig joins me to discuss the aftermath of the global financial crisis and his opposition to Quantitative Easing, "Too Big To Fail Banks", and support for a new, modernized Glass-Steagall Act to break up mega-banks. As listeners of Parallax Views may recall, Hoenig was recently featured as the main protagonist of recent guest Christopher Leonard's The Lords of Easy Money: How the Federal Broke the American Economy . In the second segment of the show, former Senior Federal Reserve official Thomas M. Hoenig joins me to discuss the aftermath of the global financial crisis and his opposition to Quantitative Easing, "Too Big To Fail Banks", and support for a new, modernized Glass-Steagall Act to break up mega-banks. As listeners of Parallax Views may recall, Hoenig was recently featured as the main protagonist of recent guest Christopher Leonard's The Lords of Easy Money: How the Federal Broke the American Economy . In Leonard's book, which covers the Federal Reserve's policies in the years following the 2008 financial crisis, Hoenig is the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City who consistently (and in opposition to other Federal Reserve officials) votes "No" on proposed policies. Although painted as being merely an "anti-inflation hawk", Leonard says this is a misrepresentation and that Hoenig saw how Quantitat
Wed, April 27, 2022
The Al-Aqsa Mosque Uprising, Israel, and Palestine w/ Richard Silverstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, Richard Silverstein of Tikun Olum (also occasional contributor to Jacobin) joins Parallax Views to discuss the Al-Aqsa Mosque uprising and his views on the history of Israel/Palestine. The conversation covers a great number of topics including the death of liberal and socialist Zionism, Rabbi Meier Kahane and Kahanism in Israel, Israel as a national security state, Hamas, Naftali Bennett, the language used in the discourse on Israe/Palestine, the role of religion in Israel, U.S. policy towards Israel and what Silverstein sees as its toothlessness, the defilement of Al-Aqsa Mosque (Islam's third holiest site) , debates over the merits of armed Palestinian resistance, Richard's views on J Street, "both sides-ism" and the problem of it, the Temple Mount, occupied territory or disputed territory and the narratives about Israel/Palestine, the one democratic state solution, terror attacks, unequal power and casualties, the secularism of the original Labor Zionists, the significance of 1967, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Cooke, Israel's reaction to Muslims at al-Aqsa, the mortally wounded Palestinian at Al-Aqsa hit bit rubber bullets, how the al-Aqsa situation could escalate into full-scale war, Gaza and the West Bank, Israeli border police at al-Aqsa Mosque, AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), the two state solution, Kahane's desire for the return of Judea and total expulsion of Palestinians, religious end times-style extremism and the vision of a messianic era, the Israeli national security state, pushing back against criticisms of Israel just being antisemitism, Silverstein's vision of Judaism and its basis in ideas and ethical values as opposed to land and property, exploitation of religion for political aims, dealing with fact rather than conspiracy theories, and much, much more.
Wed, April 27, 2022
Attack of the 50 Ft CamGirl w/ Ivy Smith & Jim Wynorski
On this edition of Parallax Views, the independent genre film factory that is Charles Band's long running Full Moon Features has a quirky new sci-fi/fantasy adventure on the horizon that's of, shall we say, epic proportions. Although Full Moon's known for serving up pint-sized mayhem with such franchises as Puppet Master and Demonic Toys , they're going BIG this time around with Attack of the 50 Ft. Camgirl ! A riff on the immortal 1958 B-movie classic Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman , the film that may have created a million giantess fetishists w/ it's buxom star Allison Hayes, puts an Instagram influencer twist on the often-told science fiction tale of the gargantuan beauty run amuck and even features a showdown between not one but two glamorous Godzilla-sized gals. Joining me to discuss Full Moon's latest sci-fi/fantasy romp, are director Jim Wynorski and star Ivy Smith, making her acting debut as the titular 50 ft camgirl! First up is Ivy Smith, who talks a little bit about the film, the story of it, how she got into modeling, how she ended up as the 50 ft camgirl, the anxiety that comes with doing a nude scene, destroying miniatures in the climatic showdown of the giantesses, getting rude messages from men asking her to step on them (if you want to do that send money!) and working with director Jim Wynorski, producer Charles Band, and actresses Christine Nyugen and Lisa London among other things! Then, Jim Wynorksi comes on the program and chastisize me a bit for asking questions that aren't stupid enough. We talk about how Attack of the 50 ft Camgirl came to be, what he learned from maverick exploitation producer Roger Corman, why men are into the giantess fetish, his friendship with Traci Lords (who made her non-adult debut in Jim's 1988 remake of Not of This Earth ), the legendary character of Orville Ketchum in Jim's cult classics Sorority House Massacre II and its sequel Hard to Die (as well as the interesting details on how those films got made!), Jim's sense of humor, how my original questions bored him to tears, his upcoming feature Bigfoot or Bust , working with Stormy Daniels and why he didn't like that experience, and more! All in all this is one of the sillier and weirder episodes of Parallax Views I've done to date! Many thanks to Chris Alexander and Full Moon Features for making it happen! And if any of my listeners are in Dallas, be sure to stop by Texas Frightmare Weekend where you can see the premiere of Attack of the 50ft Camgirl and meet both Full Moon head honcho Charles Bad and the beautiful, talented Ivy Smith (Friday only for Ivy!)! And be sure t
Mon, April 25, 2022
The Slow Erosion of Pax Americana w/ Doug Bandow/Ernst Jünger, The Human Cost of War, and the Global War on Terror w/ Casey Chalk
On this edition of Parallax Views, Doug Bandow, former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan and regular contributor to Antiwar.Com, The American Conservative, and Responsible Statecraft, joins me to discuss his trip to the Doha Forum in Qatar and the vibe there as well as President Joe Biden's "New World Order" speech. This leads us to a conversation about the potential slow decline and erosion of Pax Americana, the waning of U.S. dollar hegemony, and what it means for the average American citizen. Doug also speaks to the issue of the ceasfire in Yemen, the need for the U.S. to relearn diplomacy, not getting trapped in defending figures like Putin while opposing the U.S. foreign policy blob, rating Biden's response to the Ukraine crisis, and much, much more! In the second half of the program, we present a previously lost interview with Casey Chalk, who served in the military, joins me to discuss his The American Conservative article "The Somme And The Global War On Terror" about what we can learn from the German WWI soldier Ernst Junger through his recollectionsof the brutality of warfare in Storm of Steel. Junger has been accused of romanticizing war and was of a conservative, reactionary-bent politically, although he was critical of Nazis and the Third Reich. This conversation, which sees a left-leaning individual in dialogue with a conservative Catholic, attempts to deal with the human cost of war without getting bogged down in current issues like the American culture wars. It is a conversation I am proud of even if I find aspects of Junger problematic. I'm grateful it was saved from oblivion and offer my sincerest apologies to Casey Chalk for the extreme lateness of its publication (it was recorded in the aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal). I hope Casey will accept my apology.
Sat, April 23, 2022
Santa Claus is Running for Congress w/ Santa Claus
On this edition of Parallax Views, Santa Claus is running for Congress! Hailing from North Pole, Alaska, where he's served as the President of the Chamber of Commerce and two terms in the City Council, the ordained monk who legally changed his name to Santa Claus and became a local legend for his work helping children in need is throwing himself into a carnival-esque Congressional race in Alaska that includes over 40 candidates including Sarah Palin. This real-life St. Nicholas isn't some joke candidate either. He's gone viral and is gaining grassroots support. Moreover he's a Santa Claus of the people who describes himself as a Democratic Socialist, supporter of Bernie Sanders, and proponent of Medicare4All. In a past life he was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and did work on counter-terrorism. Through his life he's come to see what he calls the love vs. fear dynamic that holds us apart. With his run for congress he wants to inspire children across the world much like he did visiting them in orphanages, making videos for them during the COVID crisis, and more. In this conversation you'll learn the funny story about how President Obama got him to run for taxes as well as his stances on human rights, housing, medical marijuana, indigenous peoples, the wealth tax, and much, much more as well as the importance of making a difference to children in these polarizing times. It's a heartwarming, thoughtful episode of Parallax Views that you won't want to miss!
Fri, April 22, 2022
MONARCH: A Novel w/ Candice Wiehle
On this edition of Parallax Views, Candice Wuehle joins us to discuss her mind-bending novel Monarch, which combines mind control conspiracies, America's morbid fascination with dead girls and true crime, Norwegian folklore, and child beauty pageants to explore themes of identity formation, the violence of consumer society, patriarchy, memory, and trauma. Description of MONARCH: A Novel from Soft Skull Press: The cryptic worlds of Hanna and Stranger Things mingle with the dark humor of Dare Me in this debut novel about a teen beauty queen who discovers she’s been a sleeper agent in a deep state government program After waking up with a strange taste in her mouth and mysterious bruises, former child pageant star Jessica Clink unwittingly begins an investigation into a nefarious deep state underworld. Equipped with the eccentric education of her father, Dr. Clink (a professor of Boredom Studies and the founder of an elite study group known as the Devil’s Workshop), Jessica uncovers a disquieting connection between her former life as a beauty queen and an offshoot of Project MKUltra known as MONARCH. As Jessica moves closer to the truth, she begins to suspect the involvement of everyone around her, including her own mother, Grethe (a Norwegian pageant queen turned occult American wellness guru for suburban housewives). With the help of Christine (her black-lipsticked riot grrrl babysitter and confidante), Jessica sets out to take down Project MONARCH. More importantly, she must discover if her first love, fellow teen queen Veronica Marshall, was genuine or yet another deep state plant. Merging iconic true crime stories of the ’90s (Lorena Bobbitt, Nicole Brown Simpson, and JonBenét Ramsey) with theories of human consciousness, folklore, and a perennial cultural fixation with dead girls, MONARCH questions the shadow sides of self-concept: Who are you if you don’t know yourself? In this conversation we delve into a number of different aspects and themes from the book including the Project Monarch conspiracy theory and Cathy O'Brien's Trance Formation of America (and how Candice viewed it metaphorically rather than a factual account), cultural programming, the limits of feminism in the 1990s, heroin chic, the Barbie doll face on the cover of the novel, the pop culture image of a person vs. who they truly are, the occult, what freedom means in the context of the novel and why Candice believes freedom is harder to achieve than ever before, explaining the book's dedication "I wrote this book for women who survived and women who didn’t, but mostly I wrote it for those still somewhere in between", the role of "circles" and "spirals" in the main characters narration, what people don't understand about trauma, sex
Wed, April 20, 2022
The FBI, PATCON, and the Oklahoma City Bombing w/ Ken Silva
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ken Silva of the Epoch Times joined me to discuss his reporting on the FBI's PATCON (Patriot Conspiracy) operation, which attempted to infiltrate the far-right "Patriot"/militia movement in the early 1990s, and the questions that remain about the federal handling of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building aka the Oklahoma City Bombing on April 19th, 1995. Although Silva works for the admittedly very conservative Epoch Times he believes the story of PATCON should be of concern to everyone given the history of FBI operations like COINTELPRO. We discuss how the FBI set up front groups like the Veterans Aryan Movements to target militia/"Patriot" movement targets such as Tom Posey, a veteran who became radicalized after being thrown under the bus by the Reagan administration in the aftermath of Iran/Contra. We also delve into how the story of PATCON was first reported by extremism researcher J.M. Berger, then covered by a whistleblower in a heavily redacted Newsweek piece, and, rather critically, by Wend S. Painting in her book Aberration in the Heatland of the Real about Timothy McVeigh. Ken and I discuss how PATCON may have created blowback and even, potentially, contributed to aiding far-right wing activities in the lead up to the OKC bombing (PATCON was shuttered in 1993; two years before the bombing). We also dissect the rather complex story of the OKC bombing including the neo-nazi terrorist bank robbers known as the Aryan Republican Army, the private white nationalist city Elohim City and its mysterious head of security Andreas Strassmeir, the ongoing high-stakes case of Jesse Trentadue (whose brother Kenneth Michael Trentadue was founding hanging in a cell during the OKC bombing investigation) and how it relates to the case, a whistleblower who claims feds were involved in the incitement of extremist groups, Aryan Republican Army Donna Langan (formerly Peter Langan), the Wolverine Watchmen case and the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot, the possibility that the OKC bombing was the result of a failed sting operation (as opposed to other, more sensational theories claiming it was an "inside job" or had Iraqi connections), Ken's recent interview with Bob Ricks (FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge during the 1993 Waco Siege and FBI Special Agent in Charge during the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing investigation), ATF informant and white supremacist Carol Howe (who claims that she informed federal authorities of plans emanating from Elohim City to attack federal buildings in the lead up to the OKC bombing), United States Attorney General Merrick Garland, PATCON as a failure at best and having led to incitement at worst, the origins of the Patriot movement, domestic spying, and much, much more.
Mon, April 18, 2022
UN Report Alleges Apartheid in the Occupied Palestinian Territory w/ Michal Lynk
On this edition of Parallax Views, outgoing United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories occupied since 1967 S. Michael Lynk joins us to discuss his latest report on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory . Dr. Lynk, who is also an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, describes how he wrote the report and the difficulties of writing due to roadblocks from both the pandemic and Israeli officials. We then begin to delve into the findings of the report with a focus on the shocking stories of settler violence detailed within, the unequal practice of law and policy in the OPT in regard to its Israeli and Palestinian citizens, housing demolition and the issue of collective punishment, "permanent occupation" as a legal paradox, international law, institutionalized systems of racial oppression and domination, the differences between what took place in apartheid South Africa and what is happening now in the Occupied Territories, and much, much more. Additionally, we do raise the issue of the "A" word, or apartheid, in the OPT. What does it mean? What does it entail? And why does Lynk's report employ the term. This specific UN report raises the issue of apartheid alongside a growing number of others in the past few years including B'tselem, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International. What does it all mean and what are Lynk's recommendations going forward? Also, what does the report mean when it calls for the United Nations to re-establish the Special Committee Against Apartheid and what are the broader ramifications of what is currently occurring in the OPT according to Lynk's report? All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Wed, April 13, 2022
The Good Kings: Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World w/ Dr. Kara Cooney/Gems and Jewels: The Religions of Pakistan w/ Dr. Amineh Hoti
On this edition of Parallax Views, famed Egyptologist (or as she puts it "recovering Egyptologist") Dr. Kara Cooney of UCLA joins us to explore her fascinating book The Good Kings: Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World . Dr. Cooney describes herself as a recovering Egyptologist in order to consider the ways in which the cultural phenomena of Egyptomania may have a dark side that romanticizes and uncritically celebrates power. We discuss this as well as the parallels between King Ramsey II and Donald Trump, Orientalism, universalism vs. particularism, the problem of the Ancient Aliens narrative about the Pyramids (and why the Pharaohs would like that view), ancient Egypt's superiority complex and exceptionalism, the Pyramids as a weapon of the mind utilized by the kings, power and images, the Confederate Statues debate and how we can relate it to The Good Kings , the lamentations of the dead that take place in upper Egypt, who were the ancient people of Egypt beyond the Pharaohs (for example those who actually built the pyramids), the concept of Ma'at (related to truth and order) in ancient Egypt and its personification as a goddess, David Graeber and The Dawn of Everything , Pharaohs and authoritarianism (and autocracy), the Supreme Court and religion, and much, much more! Dr. Kara Cooney in front of one of the Pyramids in Egypt In the second segment of the show, Dr. Amineh Hoti, executive director of the Centre for Dialogue and the co-founder of the first Action and Centre for the Study of Muslim-Jewish Relation at the University of Cambridge, joins us to discuss her fascinating new book Gems and Jewels: The Religions of Pakistan . Like her father, previous Parallax Views guest Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, Dr. Hoti has sought to bridge the gap of understanding between the East and West by fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding between different cultures and their religions. In this conversation we discuss such issues as Islamophobia and its impact; Jains, Buddhists, Zoroastrianism (and the Parsi faith), Hindus, and other non-Muslim religious communities in Pakistan; Dr. Hoti's experiences teaching students who began as intolerant towards faith different than their own; Dr. Hoti's overcoming of cultural misogyny, chauvinism, and sexism and how Islam is for education of both women and men; the Sufi saint and poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai; how interfaith dialogue strengthens faith rather than degrading it; the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the effect it had on both the Muslim community and humanity as a whole; misunderstandings about Pakistan and the stereotypes of "the Other"; Sufism; the Orientalist romanticization of Sufism in the West; Ahuru Mazda, Zoroastrianism, and the misperception of the Parsi com
Mon, April 11, 2022
The Imperialist, Occult Ideology of Aleksandr Dugin w/ Wahid Azal
On this edition of Parallax Views, independent scholar Wahid Azal joins Parallax Views to discuss the ideology of Russia's Aleksandr Dugin, which he describes as steeped in imperialism and occultism. Dugin has become known in the West as "Putin's Brain", but lost his academic job at Moscow State University in 2014 after essentially calling for genocide against Ukrainians. He is known for advocating what he calls the "Fourth Political Theory" and for writing the book The Foundations of Geopolitics , which had influence in the Russian military. Wahid makes the case that while Dugin is marginal in Russia and Ukraine, his ideology has been boosted throughout Europe through oligarch funding and in the U.S. thanks to a number of factors including Dugin's Rasputin-esque image being perfectly fitted for sensational, attention-grabbing headlines and features. In this conversation we discuss the underpinnings of Dugin's thought including the idea of Atlantacism, the role of the apocalypse in Dugin's worldview, the influence of Heidegger on Dugin, Dugin's connection to Traditionalism and how the influence of Heidegger on him is not in line with Traditionalism (we also discuss what Tradtionalism is from Rene Guenon to Julius Evola and how Dugin's thinking could be described as Counter-Traditionalism), Dugin's current interest in the Russian Orthodox Church and his previous interest in chaos magick, the neo-nazi Satanist group The Order of Nine Angles, the death of Azal's wife and how he believes Duginists may have been involved in it, explaining the meaning of Dugin's quote "We will cure you with poison" and its connection to alchemy, and much, much more.
Sun, April 10, 2022
Remembering Peace Activist Rachel Corrie (and the Injustice of Her Death) w/ Cindy and Craig Corrie
On this edition of Parallax Views, April 10th, 2022 would've marked the 43rd birthday of American peace activist Rachel Corrie. In 2003 she went to the Palestinian city of Rafa in Gaza alongside other activists in the International Solidarity Movement. On March 16th of that year she stood in front of a Palestinian home that was to be demolished by an Israeli Defense Forces armored bulldozer. Corrie was crushed to death by said bulldozer. Her death led to an international uproar and her parents, Cindy and Craig Corrie, sought justice and a full investigation. It has been 19 years since Rachel's passing. In order to remember her, tell her story, and explain what she was fighting for in her support for the plight of Palestinians in the occupied territories we're joined by her parents Cindy and Craig Corrie. Cindy and Craig relate Rachel's story and the events of March 16th, 2003.
Fri, April 08, 2022
The Intersection of MMA & Politics from Kadyrov’s Fight Club to Dana White’s UFC w/ Karim Zidan/Sports, Politics, & the Kaepernick Effect w/ David Zirin
On this edition of Parallax Views, investigative journalist Karim Zidan, whose work has been featured in Foreign Policy, The Guardian, and the MMA-news website Bloody Elbow, joins us to discuss the intersection between politics and Mixed Martial Arts from Chechnya's Ramzan Kadyrov's Akmat Fight Club to Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White's appearances on Fox News. We'll discuss how figures from Ted Cruz to Vladimir Putin are interested in MMA and how they attempt to use it politically. We also delve into such topics as sportswashing and propaganda, Abuzayed Vismuradov (the powerful Chechnya associated with Ramzan Kadyrov and the Akmat Fight Club who is known simply as "Patriot" and is considered one of Chechnya's most dangerous men), "The Last Emperor" Fedor Emelianenko (and the shady history of his brother), self-described anarcho-communist fighter "The Snowman" Jeff Monson and his relationship with Russia and Vladimir Putin, Conor MacGregor, Saudi Arabia and the WWE, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and much, access journalism in MMA reporting, unionization efforts and the UFC, and much, much more! In the second segment of the show, progressive sports journalist David Zirin joins the show to discuss the intersection of sports and politics more broadly and his latest book The Kaepernick Effect: Taking a Knee, Changing the World . We discuss how David began his now almost 20-year run of writing about politics and sports before delving into such issues as leftist aversion to sports, sports and nationalism (and militarism), cheerleaders who supported Black Lives Matter, the Kaepernick Effect as about the Effect even more so than Colin Kaepernick himself, the film National Champions and efforts of NCAA college football to receive fair compensation, exploitation of athletes by owners, and more!
Fri, April 08, 2022
PREVIEW: Failed State Update - Daniel Muessig, the ”real-life Saul Goodman” on going to prison and America’s unjust legal system
From Failed State Update: Daniel Muessig, the "real-life Saul Goodman" on going to prison and America's unjust legal system Daniel Muessig is a Pittsburgh folk hero, mostly for this ad that he put together when he was kicking off his law practice: But the legal field is a tough racket. Tough enough, in fact, that Muessig eventually turned to some law-breaking of his own. Any day now he will go to prison for five years for conspiring to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and possession of marijuana. He was busted by an FBI task force who ID'd him through a wiretap. Of course, he broke the law. But should we be sending anyone to jail over marijuana? Read the rest and listen to the full podcast at Failed State Update
Thu, April 07, 2022
An In-Depth Exploration of the Crisis in Yemen & the U.S.-Saudi Role In It w/ Dr. Annelle Sheline
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. Annelle Sheline, Research Fellow for the Middle East at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, joins us for an in-depth examination of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the role of the U.S. in supporting the 7-year long Saudi intervention that has led to instability there. Although a ceasefire is under way, that doesn't mean the conflict is over and Dr. Sheline believes now is the time to apply pressure to end the intervention once and for all. In this conversation we discuss the history of the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, Saudi human rights violations, starvation in Yemen due to the Saudi-imposed blockade, the Iranian involvement in Yemen, U.S. support of Saudi Arabia throughout the conflict through expensive arms deals, the War on Terror, the return of Great Power Competition, China, proponents of U.S. primacy believing it is necessary to support dictator and so-called "enlightened autocrats" , Prince Mohammad bin Salman and Russia (and parallels between the crisis in Yemen and the invasion of Ukraine), and much, much more!
Tue, April 05, 2022
The Lords of Easy Money: How the Federal Reserve Broke the American Economy w/ Christopher Leonard
On this edition of Parallax Views, New York Times bestselling author and investigative journalist Christopher Leonard joins us to discuss his new book The Lords of Easy Money: How the Federal Reserve Broke the American Economy . The book chronicles how the Federal Reserve under Ben Bernanke dealt with the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and its aftermath from 2010-2014. In doing so he attempts to offer a concise and highly critical examination of the policy known as quantitative easing and makes the case that quantitative easing has enriched the wealthy at the expense of the working and middle classes through a form of hyper-trickle-down economics. Leonard and I begin the conversation by discussing his earlier works The Meat Racket: The Secret Takeover of America's Food Business and Kochland: The Secret History of Koch Industries and Corporate Power in America . We then discuss how his critical examination of the Federal Reserve departs from many of the criticisms of the Fed from libertarians and the right such as G. Edward Griffin's The Creature from Jekyll Island . Leonard also praises William Greider's seminal work on the subject Secrets of the Temple . From there we delve into what the Federal Reserve is, what it isn't, and the question of whether it is a public or private institution as well as the ways the Fed, and monetary policy in general, is often treated as being too mystical for a layperson to understand (even if this is not the case). Leonard also explains the concept of quantitative easing and how it has, he argues, enriched the wealthy at the expense of the working and middle classes. Among the many other topics, we cover in the conversation: the Federal Reserve and the Tea Party Movement in November 2010, the story of former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Thomas Hoenig's dissenting from Ben Bernanke's quantitative easing policies, Alan Greenspan and ideology within the institution of the Federal Reserve, the populist William Jennings Bryan and his "Cross of Gold" speech, Bill Clinton and the declaration he made during his Presidency that "the era of big government is over", hyper-trickle-down economics, Andrew Mellon, and much, much more!
Sun, April 03, 2022
The Colonel and I: My Life with Gaddafi w/ Daad Sharab
On this edition of Parallax Views, Daad Sharab joins me to discuss her role as a trusted troubleshooter and confidante to Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi through half of his 42-year reign. In her book The Colonel and I: My Life with Gaddafi, Sharab tells the inside story of her involvement with Gaddafi's government and the leader's spectacular fall. Daad Sharab talks about the various "missions" she went on for Gaddafi and experiences with Col. Gaddafi as well as other topics including the Lockerbie Bombing and whether Gaddafi was responsible, conflicts between her and the Libyan intelligence offices (whom she believed did a lot of things behind Gaddafi's back and without his approval), her first encounter with Gaddafi, Gaddafi's charisma, the NATO bombing of Libya, acting as an intermediary between Gaddafi's Libya and George H.W. Bush's administration in the U.S., the different sides of Gaddafi and his personality including his emotional side, helping get Libyan men who thought Libya had betrayed them released from British prison, meeting Hillary Clinton's, Gaddafi's death and Hillary Clinton's comments "We came, we saw, he died", U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East, Western double standards, Saddam Hussein, and the three leaders she liked to work with today and why (this last one gets a bit controversial).
Fri, April 01, 2022
Rambo III, Counterinsurgency, & Ukraine w/ Hannah R. Gurman/New FBI Documents on 9/11 & Saudi Arabia w/ Branko Marcetic
On this edition of Parallax Views, Hannah R. Gurman, historian and Clinical Associate Professor at New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, joins us to discuss her Responsible Statecraft piece "‘Rambo’ rides again? Switching roles and purifying souls in Ukraine" . Said piece deals with the return of counterinsurgency in the post-War on Terror/post-Iraq War context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the U.S. response to it. Hannah analyzes this using the popular action film Rambo III, which infamously saw Sylvester Stallone's iconic John Rambo joining Afghanistan freedom fighter (or... the mujahadeen?) fight the Soviet Union and save his friend Col. Sam Trautman by joining a secret CIA mission. Hannah argues that Rambo III is is a piece of pop culture that relevant in understanding how Americans processed the Vietnam War in the decades following its failure. She then uses this to examine how counterinsurgency has returned with none other than the neoconservative hawk Eliot Cohen, a co-founder of the Project for American Century, as a proponent thanks to the Ukraine crisis. All that and much more in this fascinating conversation! In the second segment of the show, Jacobin staff writer and Yesterday's Man: The Case Against Joe Biden author Branko Marcetic joins me to discuss his article "We Have New Evidence of Saudi Involvement in 9/11, and Barely Anyone Cares" . Branko covers how newly released FBI documents point towards some level of Saudi complicity in the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. The prime figure that come up in the latest documents? Omar al-Bayoumi, a man who provided assistance to 9/11 hijackers in California and that is believed to have been associated with Saudi intelligence, and Prince Bandar bin Sultan, whose close relationship with President George W. Bush led to him being nicknamed "Prince Bandar Bush". In this conversation we discuss the seemingly explosive revelations in these documents as well as the media blackout on coverage of the topic, crisis in Yemen, why despots can get away with violations of international law and the mocking of its allies in a world driven by oil and gas, and much, much more.
Thu, March 31, 2022
Radical Lawyer Stanley Cohen Sounds Off on Russia, Ukraine, Israel/Palestine, Imperialism, & More
On this edition of Parallax Views, the "Radical Lawyer" Stanley Cohen joins Parallax Views for a freewheeling conversation about his career as an attorney who has represented members of the Weather Underground, Hamas, and the Mohawk Warriors society. Additionally, Cohen gives his views on the Israel/Palestine conflict, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, imperialism and anti-imperialism, working with Lynne Stewart and the late ACLU board member William Kunstler, meeting and representing Hamas leader Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook, rejecting antisemitic conspiracy, the charge that he is a "self-hating Jew", Cohen's view on Hamas, his criticism of liberal Zionism, the history of the Lohamei Herut Israel aka Lehi or the Stern Gang,, whether or not the tide is turning in regards to public opinion on Israel/Palestine, Palestinian identity, his Counterpunch article "Imperialism and the Struggle Against It Begins at Home" , NATO, Vladimir Putin and Russia's domestic situation, the FSB (Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation), the occupation of the Palestinian territories and how Palestinians feelings about the Russian invasion of Ukrainian, oppression in Putin's Russia, the Iraq War, comparative Whataboutism, international law, what leads Cohen to take up a case (especially political cases), and more.
Tue, March 29, 2022
Gen. Smedley Butler, The Gangsters of Capitalism, and... ZOMBIES!? w/ Jonathan M. Katz/Madeline Albright & the Post-Cold War Order w/ Liza Featherstone
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Jonathan M. Katz joins us to discuss his fascinating new book Gangsters of Capitalism: Smedley Butler, The Marines, and the Making and Breaking of America's Empire . For the uninitiated, Maj. Gen. Smedley Darlington Butler is one of only a few men to receive a Medal of Honor twice for his service in the military. Later on in life he became a voice for disenfranchised veterans and a prominent antiwar figure who claimed that in his years prior he had served as a "gangster of capitalism". Butler wrote the famous antiwar short book War is a Racket to expound on the antiwar views that dominated the latter portion of his life. Katz discusses all of this as well as Butler's dark legacy in Haiti, the ways in which Butler couldn't be neatly categorized politically as anything other than a patriotic defender of troops and veterans (and how the Communist Party's Earl Browder summed that up), his contempt for the Italian fascist Mussolini, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and moral injury, the Business Plot, the Bonus Marches and Butler's support for them (vs. Gen. Patton), and zombies. Yes, zombies. How does that factor into the story. Well, you'll have to find out by listening to the conversation but the mention of Butler and his time in Haiti should give you a clue! In the second half of the program, journalist Liza Featherstone, author of such books as Diving Desire: Focus Groups and the Culture of Consultation and False Choices: The Faux Feminism of Hillary Rodham Clinton , joins us to discuss her Jacobin obituary of the recently passed diplomat Madeline Albright. Although Albright has been well-remembered in many obituaries since her passing on Mar 23, 2022, Featherstone took a more critical view of Albright and her career which included time as the 20th United States Ambassador to the United Nations and 64th United States Secretary of State. Albright infamously said that sanctions against Iraq, which harmed many innocent Iraqi civilians (including children), was worth it in a 60 Minutes interview. She also held to a foreign policy that conflicted greatly with Colin Powell and his Powell Doctrine, instead believing that U.S. military might should not go to waste. We cover all of this as well as Albright's consulting group and its relation to the pandemic and vaccine apartheid, the hagiography around Albright since her passing, girl boss feminism and its discontents, and much, much more!
Sun, March 27, 2022
Meet the Palestinian-American Human Rights Activist Running for Congress w/ Huwaida Arraf/Iran Deal Talks Amidst the Ukraine Crisis w/ Pouya Alimagham
On this edition of Parallax Views, long-time Palestinian-American human rights activist and attorney Huwaida Arraf joined me to discuss her political awakening, spending most of her adult life fighting for justice, and her run for Congress in Michigan's 10th Congressional District. In 2001, Huwaida, her husband Adam Shapiro, Israeli activist Neta Golan, and Palestinian activist Ghassan Adoni founded the International Solidarity Movement that has sought to support the cause of Palestinian liberation. However, Huwaida says she isn't a single-issue candidate and has a broad list of priorities including making leaders accessible and accountable in an age where they've often become distant from their constituents. Armed with years of activism and experience as a practicing human rights attorney, hard-working mother, and energetic, community involved activist Huwaida believes she can represent the new 10th district of Michigan. She also explains how redistricting of the thumb region of Michigan a game-changer for her campaign may well be. Additionally, Huwaida talks about the need for visibility of Palestinian and Arab Americans in the U.S. today, the need for campaign finance reform, and the pivotal experience in her young life that began her political awakening. In the second segment of the show, Dr, Poua Alimagham, author of Contesting the Iranian Revolution: The Green Uprisings, joins us to discuss the continued attempts to reach a new nuclear deal with Iran over the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). Donald Trump had the U.S. renege on the deal during his Presidency. Talks meant to bring about a new deal have commenced in the post-Trump era, but some forces in the U.S., specifically within the GOP, hope to see such efforts scuttled claiming that it will weaken America. Meanwhile, talks have continued amidst Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the crisis it has wrought. Dr. Alimagham and I discuss all of this as well as the ways in which the discourse around Iran and Iranian-Americans has been tinged by racism over the years.
Fri, March 25, 2022
Global Death Cult: The Order of Nine Angles, Atomwaffen, and the Slaughter of the Innocents w/ William Ramsey
On this edition of Parallax Views, William Ramsey, host of the William Ramsey Investigates podcast, joins me to discuss his book Global Death: The Order of Nine Angles, Atomwaffen, and the Slaughter of the Innocents. In said book, Ramsey uncovers the extremist ideologies of David Myatt and the birth of the Satanic neo-nazi/neo-fascist underground group known as The Order of Nine Angles. Along the way he also deals with the sordid story of the neo-nazi terrorists known as the Atomowaffen Division. He details the interest of the Order of Nine Angles in Satanism and their belief in a "culling" of those deemed "Untermensch". Its a strange tale straight out of a horror movie and Ramsey unravels it with us on this edition of the show.
Tue, March 22, 2022
Davos Man: How the Billionaires Devoured the World w/ Peter S. Goodman
On this edition of Parallax Views, Peter S. Goodman, global economics correspondent for the New York Times, joins us to discuss his invaluable, informative new book Davos Man: How the Billionaires . "Davos Man", coined by the late political scientist and Clash of Civilizations author Samuel P. Huntington, refers to the ultra-wealthy attendees of Klaus Schwab's annual World Economic Forum conference in Davos, Switzerland. Peter has covered a number of these conferences and offers his insights on what drives "Davos Man", why "Davos Man" should be looked at from a conspiratorial lens, and more. We also discuss Donald Trump and Bill Clinton's relation to Davos and the billionaire class, Silicon Valley tech giant Marc Benioff, the multinational investment management corporation BlackRock and its CEO Larry Fink, the potentially false promise of shareholder capitalism, Milton Friedman and stakeholder maximization, immigration, labor exploitation, Jeff Bezos and the ideology of "Davos Man", Amazon labor organizer Chris Smalls, tax avoidance schemes, the Syrian refugee simulation at Davos, and much, much more.
Sun, March 20, 2022
Libya’s Political Turmoil w/ Mustafa Fetouri/Asia Pacific Arms Build-Up & South Korea’s Hawkish New President-Elect w/ Andrew Corbley
On this edition of Parallax Views, independent Libyan academic and award-winning journalist Mustafa Fetouri joins the show to discuss the political turmoil in Libya as well as the history of it and its context. Libya recently postponed its Parliamentary and Presidential elections, which was supposed to happen on December 24th, 2021. Among the candidates for the Presidency were General Khalifar, Fathi Bashagha, and Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of the late, overthrown Muammar Gaddafi. Mustafa discusses all of these figures, the role foreign interventions have played in Libya's current predicament, the U.S. and NATO, Russia's Wagner Group, Turkey, corruption in Libya, polls indicating strong support for Saif Gaddafi, and much, much more. Then in the second segment of our show, independent journalist Andrew Corbley of the World At Large news outlet, joined me to discuss outcome of the South Korean Presidential election. Yoon Suk-yeol of the People's Power Party took the victory in a narrow and controversial election. Known for his hawkish tendencies towards North Korea, what does Suk-yeol's Presidential win mean for the Asia Pacific arms build-up? Corbley recently delved into that very question in his article "North Korea Hawk To Take Power in Seoul—Asia Pacific Set For Continuing Arms Buildup" . We discuss his analysis in this conversation.
Fri, March 18, 2022
The U.S. Role in the Rise of Vladimir Putin w/ Greg Palast/The Hidden History of Big Brother w/ Thom Hartmann/Orthodox Christianity, Russkiy Mir, & the Ukraine Crisis w/ George Demacopoulos
On this edition of Parallax Views, investigative journalist Greg Palast returns to the program to detail the deep history of Vladimir Putin's rise to power involving Russian oligarchs, Boris Yeltsin, Bill Clinton, and former United States Secretary of Treasure Larry Summers among others. We also discuss how oil figures into the equation, how the U.S. cutting a deal with Venezuela could help deal a blow to Putin, Putin as the "Russian Pinochet", and U.S. "shock therapy" on Russia after the Cold War. In the second segment of the show, progressive radio host and New York Times bestselling author Thom Hartmann returns to the program to discuss his latest book The Hidden History of Big Brother . We begin by delving into the "pre-history" of Orwellian surveillance and police state-style tactics used by the powerful in America from the days of slavery in the agrarian South to the reign of J. Edgar Hoover's FBI in the 20th century. From there we pivot to the question of Big Tech in relation to the modern surveillance and also discuss the Patriot Act, Josh Hawley's The Tyranny of Big Tech , Cambridge Analytica, and much, much more! In the third segment of the show we welcome George Demacopoulos, a Professor of Theology/Fr. John Meyendorff & Patterson Family Chair of Orthodox Christian Studies at Fordham University and the co-director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center, to tell us about how the Russki Mir (Russian World) teaching that is some powerful members of the Russian Orthodox Church are using to justify Putin's war in Ukraine. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in particular has been a major embracer of the Russian World teaching. Others, however, including Prof. Demacopoulos, argue this teaching is heretical and have made their feelings on the matter known by signing "A DECLARATION ON THE “RUSSIAN WORLD” (RUSSKII MIR) TEACHING" .
Thu, March 17, 2022
Cuba & Ukraine Crisis w/ William LeoGrande/Gulf States & Ukraine Crisis w/ Kristian Ulrichsen/U.S. Foreign Policy & Ukraine w/ Daniel Bessner
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our examination of the crisis in Ukraine after the country's invasion by Vladimir Putin's Russia. On this time we take a look at Cuba's reaction to these recent events with Dr. William LeoGrande of American Universty in Washington, D.C. LeoGrande recently penned a piece for the Quincy Institute's Responsible Statecraft publication entitled "Why Cuba has threaded the Russia needle for 60 years" that delves into the history of Cuba-Russia relation going back to the days of the Soviet Union, Cold War, and U.S. hostilities towards Fidel Castro. Dr. LeoGrande discusses Cuba's reactions to Russian interventions in Czechoslovakia in 1969 and Afghanistan in 1979 in addition to talking about Cuba's response to the invasion of Ukraine. Dr. LeoGrande and I also delve into such issues as Cuba's foreign policy, Fidel Castro's comments on the Soviet Union throughout the years, Barack Obama's attepts to normalize relations with Cuba, how Donald Trump and conservative Florida-based Cubans thwarted normalization of Cuba-U.S. relations, Boris Yeltsin and Cuba, the plight of smaller countries and especially those with a hostile relationship to the U.S., sanctions, Havana Syndrome, and more. In the second segment of the show, Dr. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, author of Qatar and the Gulf Crisis and Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, joins me to discuss his Doha News article "What the Russian invasion of Ukraine means for small states" . Dr. Ulrichsen discusses how states in the Persian Gulf have reacted to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and what it means for Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain among others. He also explains how smaller gulf states may be paying careful attention to the conflict due to a.) memories of Saddam Hussein and Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, and b.) Putin's invocation of "ancient lands" and how it could be used in a new era of great power competition. In the third and final segment of the show, Daniel Bessner of the American Prestige podcast joins to offer his take on the situation in Ukraine, U.S. foreign policy, NATO, the controversy over John Mearsheimer and the Realist School of International Relations theory, "the Left", and much, much more.
Mon, March 14, 2022
Hitler’s Cosmopolitan Bastard: Count Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi, the Founding Father of Europe w/ Martyn Bond/Russia and Sanctions w/ Brian Grodsky
On this edition of Parallax Views, author and former Berlin correspondent for the BBC Martyn Bond joined me to discuss his fascinating and relevant biography of a the little known Austrian/Japanese aristocratic who may envisioned a unified Europe years before the formation of the EU. Hitler's Cosmopolitan Bastard: Count Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi and His Vision for Europe , tells the story of Count Kalergi, the man who founded the Pan-Europa movement, served as a large part of the inspiration for the anti-fascist leader Victor Laszlo in Casablanca , and was despised so much by his fellow Austrian Adolph Hitler that he was referred to as the "cosmopolitan bastard" in Mein Kampf . In this conversation we cover a number of aspects of Count Kalergi and his life and legacy including the lead-up to WWII, his personality fault, his views of Russia and the Soviet Union, his sometimes xenophobic Western-bias, his push for European parliament, his attraction to strong personalities like his wife the Jewish actress Ida Roland, his association with Freemasonry and pacifism, his belief that one could have a nationality identity and a European identity, the idea of "thinking in continents, not countries", the relevance of Kalergi today in light of the Ukraine War and Brexit, and much, much more! Then, inn the second segment of the show, Briand Grodsky joins us to discuss his article for The Conversation entitled "Economic sanctions may deal fatal blow to Russia’s already-weak domestic opposition" . Brian explains how economic sanctions against Russia could possibly strengthen Putin and irrevocably damage, or destroy, the opposition to him in Russia.
Sat, March 12, 2022
Soaring Gas Prices & the Economy w/ Mike Swanson/Putin’s Game in Ukraine w/ Larry Hancock
On this edition of Parallax Views, Mike Swanson of Wall Street Window and author of such books as The War State and Why the Vietnam War? joins Parallax Views to discuss skyrocketing gas prices, the economy, and inflation in lieu of the Ukraine-Russia War. We also discuss Empire, the Robinhood app, Bitcoin and crypto-currencies, 9/11, the pandemic, and much, much more. In our second segment, Larry Hancock, most known for his work on the assassinations of the 1960s and writings on the Cold War, joins us to discuss the Ukraine crisis and his book Creating Chaos: Covert Political Warfare from Truman to Putin . Hancock gives his perspective on the situation unfolding in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin's game, whether Putin has lost his sense of chess-playing when it comes to geopolitics, and much, much more.
Thu, March 10, 2022
The Cloak-and-Dagger, Hall of Mirrors World of the Donbass w/ Aaron Lake Smith/Project Censored’s State of the Free Press 2022 w/ Mickey Huff
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Aaron Lake Smith joins Parallax Views to discuss his 2018 Harper's Magazine article detailing his trip to the Russian separatist breakaway republics in the Donbass entitled "Light in the Donbass Window" . We discuss the pro-Russian Luhansk People's Republic and Donetsk People's Republic seeking to break away from Ukraine and the strange mix of supporters and foreign volunteers this has brought to Donbass including tankies (hard leftists who oppose American imperialism and NATO; this came up because the article was originally titled "Tankieland"), Nazbols (National Bolsheviks, a performance art prank created by Eduard Liminov that has since turned into an ideology/movement), Duginists (adherents to the Eurasianist philosophy of Aleksander Dugin), and others. Reporting on the "International Fascist Conference" in the Donbass, Aaron met a wide variety of individuals who supported the People's Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk. But he quickly began to consider that these various individuals were caught in the cross-hairs of a spy-vs-spy style hall-of-mirrors world. In other words, a seeming proxy war between Russian and NATO. Aaron also details the rotating cast of characters in the two People's Republics' leadership positions as well as the deaths and mysterious disappearances of many in the middle of this strange saga. It's a story of information warfare, cloak-and-dagger intrigues, and tankies. In the second segment of the show, Mickey Huff of the long-running media watchdog non-profit Project Censored joined me to discuss Project Censored's State of the Free Press 2022 (edited by Mickey Huff and Andy Lee Roth). We discuss the problems facing news media today including junk food news, "humilitainment", the problems of corporate media, state-run media, censorship, how the stories for State of the Free Press are collated each year, Palestinian activists and the Canary Mission, free speech, and much, much more!
Wed, March 09, 2022
Ukraine Crisis w/ John Feffer
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our examination of the war in Ukraine and the crisis as it unfolds. Recorded on Monday the 7th, 2022, the episode features a conversation with John Feffer of Foreign Policy in Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies. We discuss the move Putin has made invading Ukraine, Putin's claims of genocide in the Donbass, the NATO expansion question, and much, much more in this wide-ranging conversation.
Wed, March 02, 2022
Putin’s Ukraine Gamble, War, and Hubris w/ Patrick Cockburn
On this edition of Parallax Views, long-time war reporter Patrick Cockburn returns to the show to discuss the gamble Putin has made in Ukraine and how it could endanger his political survival in Russia . Additionally, Patrick will talk about the way hubris afflicts political leaders leading to disastrous military interventions, comparing Putin's invasion of Ukraine to the Western interventions in Iraq and Libya, the Russian political elite, sanctions, the calls for NATO to institute no-fly zones, Putin's claims about genocide and what they may indicate about his endgame, and more! NOTE: Had a massive flub that may have been due to noise reduction process during editing of the intro. Appears to have said "military inventions" rather than "military interventions"
Wed, March 02, 2022
Ukraine Crisis w/ Zachary Paikin/World Beyond War w/ David Swanson
We continue our Ukraine coverage, this time with Zachary Paikin, a non-resident fellow for the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy and a research for the EU affairs-focused think tanks CEPS. We'll discuss the invasion, thoughts on Putin and his decision to invade, the psychoanalysis of Putin and the ideas (prior to the invasion) that he was a master of the Grand Chessboard vs. the idea that he's gone mad with the invasion, the EU, NATO, No-Fly Zone debate, sanctions, the potential political aftermath on a global scale after this is all said and done, diplomacy, and much, much more. In the second half of the program, David Swanson of the global antiwar movement World Beyond War joins us to discuss the situation further as well as to express the concern over this conflict becoming a nuclear war.
Tue, March 01, 2022
Ukraine Crisis w/ Kuba Wrzesniewski
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our examination of the Ukraine crisis, Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Kuba Wreszniewski, a National Security commentator associated with This is Revolution, joins us to discuss a number of matters. This conversation was recorded on 2/28/22 7:00 pm EST. Further notes forthcoming.
Mon, February 28, 2022
Ukraine Crisis w/ James W. Carden
On this edition of Parallax Views, a former advisor to the State Department, James W. Carden, joins us to discuss Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the crisis around it as well as the questions around NATO, Putin's motivations for this war, the American Commitee for U.S.-Russia Accord's condemnation of the invasion, and much, much more. (Further Show Notes Forthcoming) From ACURA (American Commitee for U.S.-Russia Accord): On Thursday March 3 at NOON EST, please join former Governor of California Jerry Brown; Professor David Hendrickson, author of Republic in Peril: American Empire and the Liberal Tradition; and the American Committee for US-Russia Accord’s Katrina vanden Heuvel and James W. Carden for an in-depth discussion on the current state of the war in Ukraine and the approach outlined by President Biden in Tuesday’s State of the Union address. ZOOM LINK HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89427125478
Mon, February 28, 2022
70s Blaxploitation Cinema and Its Pop Culture Legacy w/ Thaddeus Russell & Kamasi Hill
On this edition of Parallax Views, Thaddeuss Russell and Kamasi Hill of Renegade University join Parallax Views to discuss the course their teaching for RU on 1970s Blaxploitation cinema from Superfly and Shaft to Sweet Sweetback's Badass Song, Cleopatra Jones, and Foxy Brown starring the Queen of Blaxploitation herself Pam Grier. We discuss the significance of this kind of cinema, how Thad and Kamasi became interested in the genre; the idea of black working class culture vs. black middle class culture; sexuality in black cinema; masculinity in blaxploitation; drugs dealing, and crime in blaxploitation, blaxploitation's influence on pop culture and hip hop culture; the music of blaxploitation cinema and its influence on sampling in hip hop; the problem of stereotypes and blaxploitation cinema; Civil Rights leadership and the NAACP's deriding of blaxploitation film; Rudy Ray Moore and Dolemite; the history of hip hop, the projects, and the way blaxploitation can change our perspective on cinema; blaxploitation and the meaning of freedom; Sidney Poitier and the portrayal of African Americans in cinema before the 70s; Bill Cosby; Melvin van Peebles; and much more! You can sign up for the Renegade University course on Blaxploitation here!
Fri, February 25, 2022
The Palestinian Struggle and Human Rights w/ Dr. Hanan Ashrawi/The 2022 Israel Lobby Con w/ Grant F. Smith
On this edition of Parallax Views, later on in the program we'll be talking to one of the most prominent leaders in the Palestinian liberation movement, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi. Dr. Ashrawi was the first woman to be elected a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 2009, served as the official spokesperson of the Palestinian delegation to the Middle East peace process from 1991-1993, and participated in the 1991-1992 Madrid peace conference as a member of the Palestinian Leadership Committee delegation. Hanan will join me to discuss the Palestinian struggle, human rights, and U.S. policy on Palestine with a focus on said policy during the Presidencies of Donald J. Trump and now Joe Biden. We'll also discuss Dr. Ashrawi's encounter with the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela, the expulsions of Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah district of East Jerusalem, the human rights and international law approach to Israel/Palestine, the propaganda matrix around Israel/Palestine, hope for the future of the Palestinian cause, and much, much more! That, however, will be in the second segment of today's show. First, Grant F. Smith of IRmep (Institute for Research: Middle East Policy) returns to the show to discuss the upcoming Israel Lobby Con (Transcending the Israel Lobby at Home and Abroad) on March 3rd . Speakers include the aforementioned Dr. Ashrawi, Israeli journalist Gideon Levy, CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou, Paul Noursi of the Virginia Human Rights Coalition, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, Rev. Don Wagner, academic Sut Jhally, the Council on American-Islamic Relations' (CAIR) Edward Ahmed Mitchell, and Palestine Legal's Radihka Sanith. The conference will cover a number of topics such as Christian Zionism, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement), human rights and Democracy in Israel, Israel and the U.S. national security state, free speech for Palestinian activists, and much, much more. You can attend the conference by visiting the Israel Lobby Con website and purchasing a ticket. The Annual Israel Lobby Con at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on March 3rd (IRL and Zoom tickets available)
Tue, February 22, 2022
The Problems of Genocide: Permanent Security and the Language of Transgression w/ A. Dirk Moses
On this edition of Parallax Views, the noted genocide studies scholar A. Dirk Moses joins us to discuss his provocative book The Problems of Genocide: Permanent Security and the Language of Transgression . In said book, Moses argues that the way in which we conceptualize the legal concept of genocide structures the way we think about "acts that shock the conscience of mankind" and how this in turn may lead us to have blind spots in considering how other heinous acts and crimes against humanity also should shock our conscience. We begin by discussing how Moses became involved in genocide studies and the treatment of indigenous Australians under colonialism. Additionally, Moses gives a history of the term genocide from WWII and the Holocaust on through to the Cold War and the War on Terror. In this regard, we discuss genocide and the ways in which it has been utilized as a concept to political, and especially foreign policy ends. During this portion of the conversation Moses and I talk a little bit about U.S. foreign policy heavyweight Samantha Power and her influential book The Problem from Hell . Additionally, Moses and J.G. talk about: - The concept of permanent security, its liberal and illiberal variants, the utopian nature of pursuing it, and the problems that arise from it - Drone warfare and the humanitarian crisis in Yemen - The Holocaust, the debate over Germany and Holocaust Memory and what Moses calls the "German Catechism" as well as the response famed philosopher/sociologist Jurgen Habermas made to Moses's writing on the subject - The Nigerian Civil War and the Republic of Biafra - And much, much more!
Wed, February 16, 2022
The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution w/ Lindsay M. Chervinsky
On this edition of Parallax Views, Presidential historian Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky joins us to discuss her book The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution . If you ever found history unexciting Dr. Chervinsky will have you reconsidering that as she takes you through the turbulent days of the early American Republic from the inauguration of George Washington to the 1791-1794 violent tax protest known as the Whiskey Rebellion. Lindsay and I discuss the formation of Washington's Cabinet which was Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of War Henry Knox, and Attorney General Edmund Randolph. Lindsay explains how the institution of the Cabinet came to be and how the vision of it changed over the years. Additionally, Lindsay and I discuss the recent news that Donald Trump was shredding Presidential documents in the dwindling days of his Presidency. Moreover, Lindsay and I discuss other Presidential cabinets such as that of President John F. Kennedy, the problem of nepotism in the Cabinet historically, and much, much more!
Tue, February 15, 2022
The Golden Age of Islamic Philosophy + Muhammad Ali Jinnah w/ Amb. Akbar Ahmed/Global Wealth Inequality w/ Chuck Collins
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ambassador Akbar S. Ahmed, the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University in Washington, D.C. , joined Parallax Views for an enlightening and uplifting conversation about how the golden age of Islamic philosophy can show us a bridge that exists between East and West, Muslim and non-Muslim. Amb. Ahmed's latest book deal with this specific subject and is entitled The Flying Man, Aristotle, and the Philosophies of the Golden Age of Islam: Their Relevance Today . Amb. Ahmed has written a number of books, including The Thistle and the Drone: How America's War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam and Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization among others, have attempted to deal with questions related to Islamic in modernity, relations between the Western and Islamic worlds, and attempting to foster understand between cultures and interfaith dialogues. His latest book is no exception and discusses a number of philosophers, poets, and intellectuals including the physician Avicenna and his "Flying Man" thought experiment among others. Amb. explains how these figures from Islamic culture cross-pollinated with Western thought and how their ideas were often in line with those of the Enlightenment and the humanist tradition. He also notes how "New Atheists" like Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Fry have a blind-spot in regards to their dismissal of the Islamic world's contributions to culture, from philosophy to art. In addition to disccussing all of this, Amb. Ahmed and I also discuss his attempt to chronicle the life and significance of the Pakistani statesman Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who could be considered the George Washington of modern Pakistan. In this regard, Amb. Ahmed tells us a little about the origins and troubles with the cinematic biopic of the statesmen, simply known as Jinnah , which starred the late world-renowned British actor Christopher Lee (Sarumon the White in the Lords of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies; Count Dooku in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones; the title character in a number of the Hammer Studios Dracula films) in the lead role. Amb. Akbar talks about the negative portrayal of Jinnah in the Ben Kingsley-starring Gandhi , misconceptions he sees many as having about Jinnah, and his thoughts about Pakistan, India, and Muslim-Hindu unity. Along with all of this, Amb. Ahmed briefly comments on the situation of Afghanistan as someone who extensively studies the Pashtun people there. *CORRECTION: In this episode I neglected to mention that Ambassador Ahmed was co-scriptwriter with Jamil Dehlavi for Jinnah rather than the sole writer. <p style="text-align:left
Sun, February 13, 2022
Cuba: The 60 Year Embargo, the Pandemic Response, & Havana Syndrome w/ Dr. Mitchell Valdés Sosa/Foreign Interventions & Turmoil in Libya (+ Gulf Politics & Yemen) w/ Giorgio Cafiero
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. Mitchell Joseph Valdés-Sosa, the director of the Cuban Neuroscience Center, joins Parallax Views to discuss the 60-year embargo by the U.S. against Cuba, the story of Cuba's response to the pandemic and development of the Cuban Abdala and Soberana 02, and pushing back against conspiracy theories about the "Havana Syndrome". Dr. Valdés-Sosa begins by explaining the origins of the Cuban Neuroscience Center and the late Fidel Castro's hopes and vision for public health and scientific research in Cuba. In this regard we also address the differences between the health systems of Cuba and the United States. From ther Dr. Valdés-Sosa discusses the effects of the U.S. embargo against Cuba and how it has affected the Cuban response to the pandemic. February marks the 60th anniversary of the embargo. We then discuss the story of vaccine development in Cuba during the pandemic and the efforts of Cuba to share their vaccine with the Global South. And finally, Dr. Valdés-Sosa addresses the question of "Havana Syndrome" both scientifically and politically. He explains why the claims that "Havana Syndrome" is caused by exotic weapons, particularly microwave or sonic weapons, should be ruled out. In this part of our conversation, we discuss the Fray effect as well as the ways in which Cuba is misunderstood by the U.S. at numerous different levels. Dr. Valdés-Sosa expresses the belief that U.S.-Cuba relations has been hijacked by reactionary factions but expresses hope in light of the solidarity ordinary people and organizations have had with Cuba during the pandemic. In the second segment of our program, Giorgio Cafiero, founder and CEO of Gulf State Analytics, joins Parallax Views to discuss his Al Jazeera article "What next for world powers in war-torn Libya?" . Giorgio details the recent history of turmoil in Libya dating back to NATO interventions and the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. Foreign interventions, Giorgio says, have not ended in Libya. They are not, however, of the U.S. variety right now. Instead, there is both a Turkish and Russian presence in Libya. In relation to the Russian presence, Giorgio specifically talks about the private organization known as the Wagner Group and its relationship to Russia. During the course of our conversation Giorgio also discusses the recent postponement of the Libya elections, the candidates (with special focus on Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi and military official Khalifa Haftar), the possibility of partition, the Civil War in Libya and the possibility it could happen again, and much, much more. Additionally, Giorgio gives an update on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, the Houthis, the geopolitics around it involving the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a
Thu, February 10, 2022
The Azov Battalion and U.S. Support of the Ukrainian Far-Right w/ Lev Golinkin
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Lev Golinkin joins me to discuss the U.S. arming of the Azov Battalion and Ukranian far-right neo-Nazi elements. Lev is the author of A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka and arrived in the U.S. as a child refugee Kharkov, a city in eastern Ukraine. His writings on Ukraine have been featured in The New York Times , The Los Angeles Times , The Boston Globe , The Forward , The Nation , and Time.Com . For some time now Lev has been raising the alarm bells about the U.S. arming of the Azov Battalion and far-right elements in Ukraine. He is quick to point out that, of course, not all Ukrainians are of this fascist ultranationalist contingent, but that concerns about the Azov Battalion and other Ukranian ultranationalist organizations are not merely Russian/Kremlin propaganda. The U.S. support for elements like the Azov Battalion could, Lev believes, lead to forms of blowback especially as news surfaces that U.S. neo-nazis heading over to Ukraine to network with and receive paramilitary training from the . Lev and I delve into the history of the Azov Battalion and the history of Ukranian ultranationalism more broadly going back to the figure of Stepan Bandera in WWII, the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, and the origins of Ukranian ultranationalism in Galicia. Lev explains the sordid history of Ukranian ultranationalists and their violence against Poles, Jews, and even fellow Ukranians. Additionally, Lev and I talk about the Maidan uprising, the targeting of Ukranian Jewish activist Eduard Dolinsky by neo-nazi elements, Obama-era foreign policy official Evelyn Farkas and her comments on the U.S. support of Ukranian ultranationalists, the horrific pogroms against the Roma by Ukranian ultranationalists today, the Atlantic Council's defense of the Azov Battalion, Andriy Yevhenovych Biletsky of the far-right Ukranian political party National Corps and its connection to the Azov Battalion, countering claims that discussion of the Azov Battalion is just Russian propaganda, the "freedom fighters" vs. "neo-nazis" distinction, Nazi monuments around the world, Werner Von Braun and Operation Paper Clip, the foreign policy establishment and the military-industrial complex, and much, much more! "Neo-Nazis and the Far Right Are On the March in Ukraine" by Lev Golinkin - 2/22/19 "A Year After 1/6, Ukraine's War Draws U.S. Far-Right to Fight Russia, Train for Violen
Tue, February 08, 2022
FIXED: Havana Syndrome, TikTok Tics, & Mass Psychogenic Saber-Rattling/The Lucrative Business of Anti-Vaxx? w/ Mia Jankowicz/Amensty International Israel/Palestine Report w/ Stephen Zunes
THIS EPISODE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED WITH A MAJOR ERROR, NAMELY DR. ZUNES SEGMENT BEING MISSING. THIS HAS BEEN RECTIFIED AND REPUBLISHED. On this edition of Parallax Views, award-winning journalist Brandon R. Reynolds joins us to discuss his recent WhoWhatWhy piece "Havana Syndrome and TikTok Tics: Many Forms of Mass Hysteria" and the potential geopolitical implications of mass psychogenic illnesses in the age of social media and renewed tensions between the U.S. and countries like China, Russia, and Cuba. In our second segment Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) journalist Mia Jankowicz joins us to discuss her coverage of prominent anti-vaxxers, chief among them Dr. Sherri Tenpenny , and how their enterprise may be proving quite lucrative for them. Among other things Dr. Tenpenny is connected to MyPillow's Mike Lindell (who has been pushing conspiracy theories about the 2020 election) and has promoted sensational claims such as the belief that vaccines turn people magnetic. And finally, Dr. Stephen Zunes returns to the program to discuss the recent Amnesty International report arguing Israel is in engaging in the practice of apartheid against Palestinians, especially in the Occupied Territories. Dr. Zunes will also give his thoughts on the reaction of the U.S. media and Congressmen to the report.
Sat, February 05, 2022
Breaking Through the Propaganda on Israel/Palestine w/ Sut Jhally & Roger Waters/NSO Group Spyware Scandal Deepens w/ Nick Cleveland-Stout & Taylor Giorno
On this edition of Parallax Views, University of Massachusetts Amherst professor of communications Sut Jhally and acclaimed musician Roger Waters, the front man of Pink Floyd, joins Parallax Views to discuss the propaganda matrix around the Israel/Palestine conflict and breaking through it. In 2016 Sut made the documentary The Occupation of the American Mind: Israel's Public Relations War in the United States , which was narrated by Roger Waters and detailed the information war over the plight of Palestinians. Sut, Roger, and I discuss the recent Amnesty International report arguing that Israeli is practicing a form of apartheid against Palestinians , their article "The Smearing of Emma Watson" on the Harry Potter star being branded an antisemite for posting a picture on Instagram featuring the Palestinian flag and the words "Solidarity is a Verb", the very real issue of antisemitism today and its misuses and abuses in the discussion around Israel/Palestine, the changing of public perception (especially among millennials and Generation Z) in relation to Israel and Palestine), the issues Roger has faced with his concert touring due to his activism on behalf of Palestinians, the hasbara public relations campaign and its effect on news coverage of Israel/Palestine, Roger's thoughts on the 1% ruling class and how they're the "Emperor With No Clothes", the lack of education in the United States and the lack of support for teachers, the debate in the Democratic Party that has emerged over Israel/Palestine and Sut's thoughts on Bernie Sanders use of the term Palestinian on the campaign trail, the connection between the Black Lives Matter and Palestinian Solidarity movements, how Roger first became aware of the Palestinian plight, the B in the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, evangelical support for Israel and the Biblical apocalypse, the Asia Pivot and the potential decline in Israel's geostrategic significance, and much, much more! Catch Sut Jhally and Roger Waters next month at the annual Israel Lobby Con at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on March 3rd (IRL and Zoom tickets available) ,Then, in our second segment, Nick Cleveland-Stout and Taylor Giorno of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft joins Parallax Views to discuss the latest developments in the scandals of Israeli spyware firm NSO Group. NSO Group's Pegasus spyware has been used by
Sat, February 05, 2022
Super Imperialism: The Economic Strategy of American Empire w/ Michael Hudson/The Failure of the British Left w/ James A. Smith
On this edition of Parallax Views, economist Michael Hudson joins the show to discuss his seminal 1972 book Super Imperialism: The Economic Strategy of American Empire , now available in an updated and expanded third edition. We begin the conversation by discussing how the futurist Herman Khan of the hawkish, conservative Hudson Institute surprisingly showed an interest in the book (which Hudson thought would be more well-received by the political Left). Khan commented on the book by saying: You’ve shown how the United States has run rings around Britain and every other empire-building nation in history. We’ve pulled off the greatest rip-off ever achieved. Michael goes on to explain how the book was of interest not only to Khan, but also people within the CIA and State Department. He then explains the thesis of the book which deals with the major shift in how the international economic system worked after the U.S. got off the gold standard. Hudson speaks to U.S. military spending and investment in foreign countries vis-a-vis organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank became a strategy for American hegemonic dominance through the dollar. In the course of our conversation, we also discuss such issues as immigration, the World Economic Forum and Davos, an alternative system arising with China and Russia that could challenge the U.S. hegemon, the multipolar world, sanctions, Germany, and much, much more. Then, in our second segment, James A. Smith joins us to discuss the article he co-wrote with David Slavick for the left-wing magazine Jacobin entitled "The Labour Left’s Fatal Contradictions Are Still Unresolved" . James offers a critique of the Left's relationship with populism wherein populism is alternately cheered on and reviled. More controversy, James takes issue with the Left's embrace of lockdown measures during the pandemic. We discuss this as well as issues like de-platforming, big tech, the fall of Jeremy Corbyn and Corbynism, Left vs. Right Populism, and much, much more.
Wed, February 02, 2022
20 Years of Guantanamo Bay (+ Exclusive Syria News) w/ Letta Tayler/Countering Drug Policy and Addiction Misinformation w/ Maia Szavalitz
On this edition of Parallax Views, a new joint report by Human Rights Watch and the Costs of War Project at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs delves into the 20 years of unlawful detentions and interrogations that have been pursued by the U.S. in the "War On Terror" since the Presidency of George W. Bush. Co-authored by Letta Taylor and Elisa Epstein, the "Legacy of the 'Dark Side': The Costs of Unlawful U.S. Detentions and Interrogations Post-9/11" report hones in on the activities that have occurred at the detention center at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base and its costs. Shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Bush's Vice President Dick Cheney famously said that the U.S. would have to engage its "dark side" to fight a terrifying new enemy. After 20 years, however, have the policies of unlawful detention, interrogation, and torture in fighting the "War in Terror" actually damaged the U.S.'s moral authority, created terrorist martyrs, empowered jihadist factions like the Islamic State, and led to other extremely negative impacts? Tayler and Epstein argue it has. In this segment of the show Letta Tayler joins us to discuss the report. Additionally, Letta provides us with exclusive news about a prison in Syria that she says is "Guantanamo Bay on steroids" and provides chilling audio she obtained last month from inside the prison. Then, in the second segment of our show, reporter Maia Szalavitz joins us to discuss her book Undoing Drugs: The Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction , a major drug policy story from Oregon, and countering misinformation about drug policy, addiction, and the issue of criminalization vs. decriminalization being peddled by figures like Michael Shellenberger (author of San Fransicko: Why Progressive Ruin Cities ). Maia Szlavitz takes us through the problems with the U.S.'s decades-spanning War on Drugs and how it has harmed rather than led to the recovery of those suffering from drug addiction issues. We discuss all of this as well as key misrepresentations being made about drug policy in Portugal by those who call for continuing a more-or-less law-and-order approach to the problem of addiction in society.
Mon, January 31, 2022
Afghanistan, Zbigniew Brzezinski, and Cold War Subterfuge w/ Paul Fitzgerald & Elizabeth Gould
On this edition of Parallax Views, Paul Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Gould, authors of Invisible History: Afghanistan's Untold Story , Crossing Zero: The AfPak War at the Turning Point of American Empire , and now the novelized memoir The Valediction , join me to discuss their forty year journey investigating American Empire, the Cold War arms race, military Keynesianism and destruction of the civilian economy, covert operations, the rise of the peculiar ex-Trotskyites that came to be known as neocons, the politicization of intelligence vis-a-vis "Team B", the death of the SALT treaty, and the political maneuverings of the foreign policy heavyweight Zbigniew Brzezinski in the Jimmy Carter White House all through their attempts to understand the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. We begin the conversation by delving into Paul's work in the talk show business. Paul discusses how an anti-SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) treay documentary led him to make a documentary that was pro-SALT. This led him to speak with the well-known economist John Kenneth Galbraith, who told him about some key Cold War hawk figures like Paul Nitsze. Liz explains how many thought the end of the Vietnam War and later the Carter Presidency would lead to a new era that would lead to a reinvestment in the American civilian economy rather than the Wall Street and military economy. The SALT treaties were part of this hope as were talks of peace and détente. Paul then goes on to explain what Paul Warnke told him about peace talks going back to Lyndon Johnson's Presidency. From there we jump into the topic of the neoconservatives and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Paul and Liz discuss the involvement of the virulently anti-Soviet Zbigniew Brzezinski in the Carter administration as National Security advisor. In this regard we talk about Paul and Liz's interview with Dr. Charles Cogan, chief of the Near East and South Asia Division in the CIA's Directorate of Operations (1979–1984), in which Cogan talked about asking Zbigniew Brzezinski about the "Afghan Trap", the idea that Brzezinski intentionally lured the Soviets into Afghanistan via covert operations, and Brzezinski's surprising response. This leads us to talk about Brzezinski's infamous interview with Le Nouvel Observateur in 1998 and the controversy surrounding it. From there we delve into a number of different odds and ends including the death of Adolph "Spike" Dubs; explaining what the Afghan Trap was; the relationship between Trotskyism, game theory, and neocons; Team B and the politicization of intelligence, the mujahadeen, the neoconservative casus belli, Cold War political theater, Zbigniew Brzezinski ad a Dr. Faustus character, late-stage imperial dementia, and much, much more. <a href='https://www.youtu
Sun, January 30, 2022
U.S. Democracy Deficits, the Military-Industrial-Media Complex, and World Order w/ Alfred de Zayas
On this edition of Parallax Views, Alfred de Zayas, the first United Nations Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, joins me from his home in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss a number of themes in his book Building a Just World Order and its upcoming follow-up The Human Rights Industry . An expert in international law and human rights, Alfred de Zayas offers a scorching criticism of the United States military-industrial complex and those he argues enables it in many successful media outlets today. Alfred and I also discuss corporate media, Alfred's views that we are in an Orwellian 1984-esque moment, NATO expansion and its discontents, the late diplomat George F. Kennan, the Russia-Ukraine situation, the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo in the 1990s, referendums and direct democracy, the principles of international order, the weaponization of human rights rhetoric, the lack of visibility for dissident voices in media today, the crimes of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror and the Project for a New American Century, Biden's Democracy Summit, lobbying efforts vs. the will of the people, idealogues vs. adherents of realpolitik, cheating international law and its consequences, and much, much more!
Fri, January 28, 2022
The Spoils of War: Power, Profit, & the American War Machine w/ Andrew Cockburn/U.S.-Russia Tensions, Ukraine, & Strategic Empathy w/ Nicolai Petro
On this edition of Parallax Views, Andrew Cockburn, Washington, D.C., editor of Harper's Magazine, joins us to discuss his book The Spoils of War: Power, Profit, and the American War Machine . Cockburn argues that talk of "foreign policy", "defense", and even Left criticisms concerning imperialism and Empire camouflage the true nature of the military-industrial complex: keeping the money flow going. In other word, making profits. Andrew and I discuss a number of issues including the military-industrial complex as something akin to a "living, insatiable, creature" or amoeba "dedicated only to its own defense and power", the question of ideology and idealogues as it relates to the American war machine, Bill Clinton and NATO expansion after the Cold War, threat inflation, the absence of long-term peace dividends when wars end, the rise of the neoconservatives, Russiagate, profits of war outside of U.S. actors (military-industrial complexes in other countries), the so-called missile gap of the Cold War era, hypersonic weapons, the human cost of the war machine (Cockburn discusses the Korean War in this regard), and much, much more! Then, in the second half of the program Nicolai Petro, Silvia-Chandley Professor of Peace Studies and Nonviolence and Professor of Political Science at the University of Rhode Island and the US State Department's special assistant for policy on the Soviet Union under President George HW Bush, stops by for a discussion about U.S.-Russia tensions, Ukranian nationalism, and the need for strategic empathy in foreign policy. Nicolai explains the roots of the Russia/Ukraine crisis going back to 2013 as well as telling us a little bit about the history of Ukranian nationalism, his thoughts on the Azov Battalion, and related matters. We then shift focus slightly to discuss the value of the 20th century diplomat Hans Morgenthau in these times of tension. In this regard we talk about the problem of strategic narcissism and the need for strategic empathy. Are we reading Russia right? How can we read Russia and Putin better? What are the primary problems with the discourse around Russia/Ukraine tensions, NATO, and the U.S. today? Hopefully this conversation will shed light on the answers to some of those questions.
Wed, January 26, 2022
The Steele Dossier & Private Spies w/ Barry Meier/The 1930s Coup Attempt Against FDR w/ Sally Denton/Russia and NATO w/ Paul Robinson
On this edition of Parallax Views, we have another "Triple Feature" for listeners. First up, former New York Times journalist Barry Meier joins us to discuss the saga of the private intelligence firm Fusion GPS, former MI-6 agent Christopher Steele of Orbis Business Intelligence, and the media coverage of the infamous Steele Dossier (which purported, among other things, that Vladimir Putin and Russia had "kompromat" on President Donald J. Trump vis-a-vis an alleged "pee tape" with prostitutes that was then used to blackmail Trump) as outlined in his book Spooked: The Trump Dossier, Black Cube, and the Rise of Private Spies . We delve into the hidden billion-dollar industry of corporate investigative firms, Jules Kroll, the mercenary nature of these firms, the connection between "vulture capitalist" Paul Singer and the saga that would come to be known as the Steele Dossier, oppo research in the world of politics, Fusion GPS's connection to a Russian oligarch, and much, much more. "Ping!! How Those Trump/Russia Stories Got Shopped to the Media" by Barry Meier - The Nation -11/2/21 Then in our second segment, prolific author Sally Denton joins us for a short conversation about her 2008 book The Plots Against the President: FDR, A Nation in Crisis, and the Rise of the American Right in light of the Janury 6th Capitol breach anniversary. Denton explains how powerful Wall Street forces, allied with various right-wing elements including Christian evangelicals, Nazi sympathizers, and militias, plotted a coup against President Franklin Delano Roosevelt due to the path he wanted to take the United States on vis-a-vis the New Deal. The plotters approached the "Maverick Marine" Gen. Smedley Butler, known for his seminal antiwar book War is a Racket , in the hopes that he would assist them. Instead of taking up their offer, Butler notified J. Edgar Hoover at the FBI. The plot was then eventually investigated by Congress. Know alternately as the Business Plot or Wall Street Putsch, this extent of the plans and how close they were to being executed have been a matter of heated historical debate over the decades. Media at the time denounced it as a hoax, but since then the question, again, has become how close the plot was to being carried out. Denton and I talk about all of this as well as the relevance of this story to our current times. "Why is so little known about the 1930s coup attempt against FDR?" by Sally Denton - The Guardian - 1/11/22 And finally in our third segment, Paul
Mon, January 24, 2022
Samantha Power and the Cosmopolitan Crusaders w/ Christopher Mott
On this edition of Parallax Views, Christopher Mott, a Research Fellow at the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy and author The Formless Empire: A Short History of Diplomacy and Warfare in Central Asia , joins Parallax Views to discuss his recent CovertAction Magazine piece "Samantha Power and the Cosmopolitan Crusaders" . Applying his knowledge as someone who has worked inside the U.S. State Department, Chris explains the foreign policy thought of the diplomat and government official Samantha Power, whose influential book A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide was foundational to R2P (Responsible to Protect) doctrine. R2P, Mott explains, holds that powerful nations (ie: the U.S. and NATO-aligned states) have a duty to stop human rights abuses around the world. Although a noble cause in theory, Mott argues that R2P in practice has not always worked perfectly in practice. In this regard Mott examines the Obama-era intervention into Libya on humanitarian grounds and how Libya has turned into a chaotic failed state that's led to the return of the slave trade to North Africa. In addition to all of this Mott and I also discuss: - Fear of another Weimar moment haunting beltway foreign policy circles and the role that plays in driving interventionist policymaking - The question of isolationism, the specter of WWII, and Stephen Wertheim's Tomorrow, the World: The Birth of U.S. Global Supremacy - Foreign policy realism and its variations including offensive realism and defensive realism - Sun Tzu, the risks of war, diplomacy vs. military force, and the question of grand strategy - The role of ideological, systemic, and economic factors in U.S. foreign policy - Democratic Peace Theory, American exceptionalism, and Kantian liberal cosmopolitanism - Sanctions, the potential critique of their effectiveness in achieving state policy goals, and the Iran deal/JCPOA; sanctions as a form of economic warfare - Jihadism, cosmopolitanism, and state collapse - U.S.-China relations, human rights rhetoric, and whataboutisms - American exceptionalism as having a right, left, and center form - U.S. foreign policy, puritanical morality plays, and protagonist syndrome - Tyler Cowen's Bloomberg op-ed arguing for using "Wokeism" (a very vague term removed from its original context on Black Twitter) to rebrand American exceptionalism - And much, much more!
Sat, January 22, 2022
The Ukraine-Russia Crisis and NATO w/ Katrina vanden Heuvel/Vaccine Insubordination in the Military w/ Maj. Gen. Dennis Laich/Wars for Oil? w/ David R. Henderson
On this edition of Parallax Views, Katrina vanden Heuvel, Editorial Director and Publisher of The Nation , joins Parallax Views in the first half of the show to discuss the Ukraine-Russia crisis, the U.S., and NATO. Then, in the second half of the show Ret. Maj. Gen. Dennis Laich, author of Skin in the Game: Poor Kids and Patriots, joins the show to discuss the Military Times op-ed he co-wrote with Ret. Col. Lawrence Wilkerson on vaccination insubordination in the all-voluntary military force and its implications . And finally, libertarian economist David R. Henderson offers an argument for why the U.S. doesn't need to fight wars for oil and gives his perspective on the cause of high gas prices. Opinion: What a sensible Ukraine policy would look like - Katrina vanden Heuvel - The Washington Post - Jan 4, 2022 Opinion: Stop the stumble toward war with Russia - Katrina vanden Heuvel - The Washington Post - Jan 18, 2022 Toward a Global Realignment - Zbigniew Brzezinski - The National Interest - April 17, 2016 The Broken Chessboard: Brzezinski Gives Up on Empire - Mike Whitney - Counterpunch - Aug, 25, 2016 A Year After 1/6, Ukraine's War Draws U.S. Far-Right to Fight Russia, Train for Violence at Home - Tom O'Connor and Naveed Jamali - Newsweek - Jan 5, 2022 CIA-trained Ukrainian paramilitaries may take central role if Russia invades - Zach Dorfman - Yahoo! News - Jan 13, 2022 American Commitee for U.S.-Russia Accord U.S.-Russia Relations: Can ‘Strategic Empathy’ Be A Way Forward? - Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Panel Discussion Insurrection has led to dereliction of duty - Ret. Gen Maj. Dennis Laich and Ret. Col. Lawrence Wilkerson - Military Times - Jan
Thu, January 20, 2022
Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It w/ Brian Karem
On this edition of Parallax Views, Brian Karem , renowned journalist. National Press Club Freedom of the Press Award recipient, host of the "Just Ask the Question" podcast , and White House correspondent for Playboy (who made waves for questioning the Trump administration quite pointedly at White House pressers), joins Parallax Views to discuss his new book Free the Press: The Death of American Journalism and How to Revive It and his career as a journalist from questioning George H.W. Bush about the failure of the War on Drugs to working on America's Most Wanted . We begin the conversation with Brian explaining how he got into reporting and being mentored legendary White House Correspondents as Sam Donaldson of ABC News and Helen Thomas (whose advice to Brian to "Just Ask the Question" has stuck with Brian over the years. From there we delve into the problems facing journalism today and its decline. Part of this decline, Brian argues is a lack of "diversity of ownership" in media. In other words, the corporate monopoly on news media today. Brian explains how government, especially since the Presidency of Ronald Reagan, has contributed to the decline of the press in the United States. This leads us to exploring a number of different issues related to the problems of the press today and their historical origins including the demise of the Fairness Doctrine, the impact of Fox News and its late Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes, lack of experience amongst many young journalists just out of university, the tethering of news media outlets to capitalism and profit demands, "Combat TV" and infotainment, Ronald Reagan and his allies' planting of fake journalists in the press in the 1980s, the fall of community news outlets with a local focus, access journalism, the early 20th century journalistic gadfly H.L. Mencken's adage about how members of the press are easy to fool and the reason why journalists get dupped at times, and more. Additionally, Brian and I talk about some of his experiences as a journalist such as his infamous confrontations with the Trump administration (ie: being called "that Playboy reporter" by Kayla McEnany; Brian's infamous run-in with Sebastian Gorka in which Gorka refered to Brian as a "punk" and "not a journalist), grilling George H.W. Bush over the failure of the War on Drugs (and a primer on the ways in which the Drug War has contributed to many social problems today, especially south of the U.S. border), his personal memories of Watergate burglar G. Gordon Liddy, working with grieving families and taking an ethical approach to speaking with them during his time with America's Most Wanted, and various other recollections form his
Mon, January 17, 2022
Meir Kahane: The Public Life and Political Thought of an American Jewish Radical w/ Shaul Magid
On this edition of Parallax Views, Shaul Magid , Distinguished Fellow in Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College, joins Parallax Views to discuss his book Meir Kahane: The Public Life and Political Thought of an American Jewish Radical . Kahane was one of the most divisive figures in Jewish American political/cultural life. The founder of the Jewish Defense League (JDL), Kahane was a man of the Right who sought to utilize the tactics of militancy often associated with the countercultural New Left of the 60s and 70s to achieve his aims. Kahane was a fierce proponent of Jewish pride and anti-antisemitism as well as a reactionary critic of the American Jewish liberal establishment in the 20th century. Today, Kahane name has returned in discussions of his followers in Israel (referred to by Magid Shaul as neo-Kahanists). Magid, in contrast to this trend, attempts to understand Kahane within the context of his impact on Jewish American life and argues that it has been overlooked in ways that actually strengthen rather than dampen Kahane's influence. In this conversation Magid Shaul and I discuss a number of topics including: - Kahane as both Zionist and counter-Zionist; the subtle differences between the neo-Kahanists in Israel today and Kahane; the relationship of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook to those aforementioned differences; Kahane as a profoundly American figure and a "fish out of water" character in Israel - Kahane and black nationalism including a discussion of figures like Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam's Louis Farrakhan as well as Magid's thoughts on the nature of radicalism and revolutionary politics from both the right and left; Yippie leader Abbie Hoffman's comments about Rabbi Kahane; Kahane and black antisemitism - Neoconservatism, Bari Weiss, Ben Shapiro, Dennis Praeger and other thinkers/movements and whether aspects of Kahane can be seen in them - The founding of the Jewish Defense League and Kahane's eventual break from the JDL - The role of violence in Kahane's thought and why he could not leave violence behind in his thought - Kahane as a critic of hypocrisy while being a profoundly hypocritical man himself - Kahane's distrust and criticism of American liberalism; fear of assimilation and erasure of Jewish identity And much, much more!
Sat, January 15, 2022
America’s Covert Empire and January 6th w/ Dan Feidt
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dan Feidt of the media collective Unicorn Riot joined Parallax Views to discuss his lengthy, complex investigative piece "January 6 Documents Reveal Plans to Overturn 2020 Election as Military Questions Deepen: Congress investigates military role in Jan. 6; Generals warn of rogue military personnel in future coup attempts" . The question at the core of Dan's article is the military and National Guard response to the Capitol breach (which has also been referred to as an insurrection). In particular, Dan hones in on the whistleblower testimony of Col. Earl Matthews, a former D.C. National Guard official, who has accused Gen. Charles Flynn (brother of the infamous Michael Flynn) and Walter Piatt of deceiving Congress. In a memo, Col. Matthews has gone so far as to call Piatt and Flynn "absolute and unmitigated liars". key issue is that the National Guard's timeline of events in relation to January 6th conflicts with the Pentagon's timeline of the same events. This takes us on a journey into a number of issues including: White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows powerpoint to Trump about declaring the elections illegitimate and his invocation of national emergency measures; the history of national emergency measures, COG (Continuity of Government); Operation Garden Plot and Rex 84; fears expressed by retired military brass that a military breakdown and Civil War could occur if another incident like the Capitol breach happens; the history of coup d'états and how they happen; the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey; Michael Flynn and his calls for creating an army of "digital soldiers"; Iran-Contra figure, hardline Cold Warrior, and longtime friend of the Flynn family Maj. Gen. John Singlaub and "America's Covert Empire"; Jimmy Carter's firing of Singlaub and the alleged "October Surprise" plot; journalist Matt Farwell's reporting on Ret. Lt. Gen Michael Flynn and Flynn's "Long Game"; police militarization and population control in the era of Ronald Reagan's Presidency; the Council for National Policy, the World Anti-Communist League, the John Birch Society, arch-conservative Phyllis Schlafly, and the Eagles Forum (as well as the successor organization Phyllis Schlafly Eagles); US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Civil Disturbance Operations Plan CONPLAN 3502; federalized troops; the George Floyd uprising and National Guard mobilization; the slowness of the response on January 6th; Michael Flynn's attorney Sidney Powell; Roger Stone, the Brooks Bros. riot in Florida, and the 2000 election; election integrity and Ohio in relation to the 2004 election; Christian Nationalism, Michael Flynn, and the "Jericho March"; Cold War networks; "low intensity operations"; and much, much more!
Fri, January 14, 2022
Iran and Foreign Policy Realism w/ Shireen Hunter
On this edition of Parallax Views, Shireen Tahmaaseb Hunter, an Honorary Fellow at Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding (ACMCU) at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and author of Iran Divided: Historic Roots of Iranian Debates in Identity, Culture and Governance in the 21st Century , joins Parallax Views to discuss her Responsible Statecraft article "Time to look inward: Not all of Iran’s problems are caused by the West" . This differs from previous interviews about Iran in that the focus is not on the U.S. role in the problems of getting back into the JCPOA, but the problems Hunter sees with Iran's hardline elements from a realist foreign policy perspective. Hunter argues that Iran should be taking a realist approach to its foreign policy that puts the Iranian people before its relationships with other countries. Additionally, we have a discussion about what realism is and the misunderstandings about it. In this conversation we discuss Iran and the anti-imperialist struggle, Iran and Assad's Syria, Henry Kissinger and his association with realism (and why Hunter questions the categorization of Kissinger as a realist), the "Axis of Resistance" (also: the "Axis of Rejection"), Iran and Israel/Palestine, power relationships as shaping international relationships whether we like it or not, lack of education and understanding about international affairs, Iran and Saudi Arabia, the unresolved question of Palestine and its use by various political forces, hardliners vs. moderates in Iran, hardliners in the U.S. like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton (and the almost symbiotic relationship between U.S. hardliners and Iran hardliners), the devastating impacts of sanctions on Iran, Clinton and Iran, similarities between what we are seeing now with the tensions between the U.S. and Iran and the tensions of the Cold War, the American tendency to ignore history, the weight of history and the implausibility of totally clean "restarts", the accomplishment of the Iran Deal under Obama, negotiations between the U.S. and Iran going forward, structural impediments to Iran negotiations from the U.S. end of things (including lobbying efforts against U.S.-Iran reconciliation), Russia and U.S.-Iran reconciliation, reconciliation will be based on compromise, the principles of international relations, Teddy Roosevelt's maxim "speak softly and carry a big steak", Iran and its proxies, the Yemen issue in regard to talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, why Obama was able to get the Iran deal through and his understanding of the dynamics of the third world, the need to rescue the realist school, the damage caused by extreme idealists, military intervention and the way it can impeded democracy, the greatest security theats today are clima
Wed, January 12, 2022
2020’s ”Knife Edge” Election: An Analysis (And What It May Mean for 2022 & 2024) w/ Thomas Ferguson
On this edition of Parallax Views, Thomas Ferguson, Emeritus Professor of Political Science at University of Massachusetts Boston and author of The Golden Rule: The Investment Theory of Party Competition , returns to Parallax Views to discuss the latest working paper he's co-authored (with Paul Jorgensen and Jie Chen) for the Institute for New Economic Thinking entitled "The Knife Edge Election of 2020: American Politics Between Washington, Kabul, and Weimar" . Using statistical methodology, Ferguson and his co-authors delve into the potential reasons for Biden's win, Trump's loss, and the reason the race was so tight. Ferugson discusses how this analysis is important in lieu of the coming midterms and the 2024 election, which could prove perilous for the Democratic Party. In this conversation we delve into the role of pandemic, Black Lives Matter, the Wildcat Strikes, Big Agriculture/Big Farming, and more as these matters related to the election. We also discuss the Virginia governor election that saw the victory of Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin, elites leaving Trump but not the GOP (and banking on "Trump-lite candidates), the Biden administration's handling of the pandemic, Biden and OSHA, the role of money and sectoral factors (different industries and their interests) in elections, the economy and education as a factor in the Virginia governor race, crises facing schools during the pandemics, agriculture as Trump's "ace in the hole" (and an "ace in the hole" for Republicans in previous elections), COVID testing crisis, the lack of unions in farming, Black Lives Matter as working as a slight plus for Democrats in the 2020 Election, addressing the question of whether or not the pandemic hurt Trump and helped Biden, Trump's trade wars with Europe and China, farm politics and the lack of political science examination of it, Trump's 74 million votes and the pouring of money into rural areas, the shadow of economic globalization, 2024 as a potential Biden moment for Biden, corporate Democrats, the Republican sweep of Congress in the 1994 mid-term elections, Nancy Pelosi vs. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez on Congressional stock trading, predictive models, the Dodd-Frank reforms and the INET study on that , the AFL-CIO and FDR's New Deal, and more! "The Knife Edge Election of 2020: American Politics Between Washington, Kabul, an
Mon, January 10, 2022
U.S. Foreign Policy and the Military-Industrial Complex w/ Ret. Col. Lawrence Wilkerson
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ret. Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, former Chief of Staff to Colin Powell, returns to Parallax Views to discuss the state of U.S. foreign policy, international relations, and the military-industrial congressional complex. The conversation begins with a discussion of AIPAC's recently announced foray into direct spending on U.S. election, the U.S.-Israel relationship, and the potential of a cataclysm in the relationship. We also discuss the far-right, Trumpism, and antisemitism in regard to all of this the changing nature of the U.S.-Israel relationship going forward into the next few decades. Col. Wilkerson expresses his belief that the relationship between U.S. and Israel will not atrophy over time, but rather come to a juncture that will lead to a catastrophic rupture. From there we pivot to discussing the newly passed Pentagon/defense budget that over $770 billion dollars in total. In this regard we talk about the deepening chasm between the public's increasingly weary feelings towards war and military adventurism and Congress' support of thing like the recent $650 million arms deal to Saudi Arabia. Col. Lawrence Wilkerson also elaborates on his belief that the National Security State is "eating up" American Democracy. We go through some history from the Cold War to post-9/11 War on Terror. The National Security State, Wilkerson says, is always seeking to find a new threat to justify its continued existence and growth. Ret. Col. Wilkerson and I also get into the current Ukraine crisis, U.S.-Russia relations, the situation with Taiwan, U.S.-China relations, the war games simulations over Taiwan and their significance (Wilkerson has been involved in some of these simulations), China's Belt and Road Initiative, Vladimir Putin, intelligence agencies and the problems CIA vs. NKVD/GRU intelligence, the threat of nuclear weapons being used if a war is started conventionally, the New Cold War, the threat of climate change and the environmental impacts of the Department of Defense, hubris within elements of the foreign policy establishment, and finally Wilkerson's thoughts on the recently passed Colin Powell and the conflcits between figures like Powell and Dick Cheney in the years of the Bush administration's stay in the White House. "From unknown successes to personal disillusionment: What the public doesn’t know about Colin Powell" by Hilary McQuilkin and Meghna Chakrabarti - On Point Radio on WBUR - October 22, 2021 "Full-length version: What the public doesn’t know about Colin Powell" - On Point Radio on WBUR - October 22, 2021 <p style="text-al
Sun, January 09, 2022
Roger Stone, Taylor Budowich, and Jan 6th w/ Russ Baker
On this edition of Parallax Views, Russ Baker of WhoWhatWhy (and author of the cult classic book Family of Secrets: The Bush Dynasty, America's Invisible Government, and the Hidden History of the Last Fifty Years ) joined me to discuss a fascinating story he got from the late Len Colodny (co-author, with Robert Gettlin, of the controversial Watergate book Silent Coup: The Removal of a President) about a conversation Colodny had with Roger Stone in which the long-time Republican "dirty trickster" claimed back in 2016 of plans for a disruption that could remind one of what happened a year ago with the Capitol breach on January 6th. Additionally, Russ and I also discuss the figure of Taylor Budowich, a Trum spokesman, and a for-profit California entity he just so happened to create on January 6th, 2021. Turns out Budowich has filed a suit to block the Jan 6th getting more testimony and financial documents from him. Budowich has also gone to court the banking giant JP Morgan Chase over his records. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! "Roger Stone: Widespread Disorder Was Planned for 2016, Had Trump Lost" by Russ Baker - WhoWhatWhy - January 5, 2021 "Exclusive: Trump’s Election Chaos First Hatched in 2016, Says Roger Stone" by Russ Baker - WhoWhatWhy - November 3, 2020 "Did Trump Spokesman Hide Assets on January 6?" by Russ Baker - WhoWhatWhy - January 6, 2021
Fri, January 07, 2022
THE PIZZAGATE MASSACRE Serves Up Dark Satire of American Paranoia & Fake News w/ Filmmaker John M. Valley
On this edition of Parallax Views, during the 2016 Presidential election a conspiracy theory known as Pizzagate went viral online. Said theory alleged that influential members of the Democratic Party were involved in child sex rings that engaged in human trafficking of minors through a Washington D.C. pizzeria known as Comet Ping Pong. Believer in the theory grew in numbers as discussion of Pizzagate proliferated through 4chan, websites like Infowars and Your News Wire, r/DonaldTrump Reddit and its subreddit r/Pizzagate, as well as other digital spaces. Comet Ping Pong owner reported harassment of himself and his employees at the hands of the theory's believers. Then, on December 4th, 2016, Edgar Madison Welch, armed with an AR-15 style rife and spurred to action after reading about Pizzagate, opened fire on Comet Ping Pong. Welch was subsequently apprehended and arrested before anyone could be injured. Rather than blowing the lid off an alleged shadowy cabal's nefarious activities at a D.C. pizza shop, Welch instead found himself serving a 4-year prison sentence. That, however, was not the end of the Pizzagate saga. Despite a lack of evidence for its central claims, belief in Pizzagate persisted and mutated into new forms. In 2020, for example, Pizzagate was reborn in a new iteration on the social media website TikTok. Additionally, phenomena like QAnon or the "Stop the Steal" movement, both of which figured into the now infamous January, 6th, 2021 breach of the Capitol, very arguably evolved from or at least are adjacent to the Pizzagate theory's proponents. Texas-based filmmaker John M. Valley recently took the phenomena of this particular conspiracy theory and its far-reaching social ramifications as a springboard for darkly satirizing fake news and right-wing political paranoia in the independent film The Pizzagate Massacre . A road movie with elements of horror and western within its trappings, The Pizzagate Massacre follows recently fired rookie journalist Karen (Alexandria Payne) and militia man Duncan (Tinus Sinoux) as they travel to a Texas-based pizzeria that sensationalistic local media personality Terri Lee (Austin-based comedian Lee Eddy) claims is the site of a sinister child trafficking conspiracy run by an shadowy elite cabal that includes shapeshifting reptilians (a la David Icke conspiracy theories) in its ranks. Meanwhile, Duncan's rival within the local militia, Philip (John M. Valley), spurred on by Lee's Pizzagate theories, has plans of his own that could have violent consequences. John M. Valley joins me on this edition of Parallax Views to discuss the movie, its themes, the process of making it, and the threats he received from Pizzagate believers before the film was even released. Among the topics discussed: - Capita
Tue, January 04, 2022
The Gwangju Massacre and U.S. Complicity in the Tragedy w/ Tim Shorrock and In Jeong Kim
On this edition of Parallax Views, we discuss the little-known-to-U.S.-audiences history of South Korean dictator Chun Doo-Hwan, the Gwangju uprising and massacre, and the U.S. complicity in this history. Joining us to unpack it all are returning guest and long-time journalist Tim Shorrock as well as first time guest In Jeong Kim, who has worked as an investigative journalist for the South Korean public broadcasting station Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). In Jeong Kim is also the co-director and co-producer and two documentaries, 2017's His Name Is... and 2017's Candle Light Movement. His Name Is... dealt with the Gwangju massacre directly and Kim's work has led to the discovery of documents about U.S. complicity in Chun Doo-Hwan's bloody legacy. In this conversation we discuss who Chun Doo-Hwan was and how both Tim Shorrock and In Jeong Kim became interested in the subjects of Doo-Hwan and the Gwangju massacre. We discuss how Chun Doo-Hwan came to power as well as the story of the Gwangju uprising that pitted armed citizens against state officials like the police and soldiers. Kim discusses the memos she has uncovered documenting U.S. complicity in all of this during the Presidency of Jimmy Carter and his campaign for re-election. Additionally, Kim fills us in on the horrors faced by survivors of the massacre, in particular highlighting the story of Lee Gwang-yeong, A Buddhist monk and survivor of the Gwangju massacre who took his own life at the age of 68. We also discuss the key issues surrounding South Korea and the Gwangju uprising and the massacre that people in the U.S. may miss and how all of this relates to the 20th century Cold War. There's also some discussion of how we talk about North Korea and Kim Jong-Un in America and Tim particularly takes aim at a recent report in the New York Times alleging the murder of k-pop music listeners in North Korea that seemingly relied solely on claims made by the U.S. government-funded National Endowment for Democracy. While both Kim and Shorrock believe there is a humanitarian crisis in regard to North Korea, they both feel that some of the discourse around North Korea and South Korea in America is problematic. In particular, Tim points towards the racism and colonialism when South Korea and North Korea are discussed in media. Tim points towards a rather racist piece by P.J. Rourke and J.G. mentions comments made by Zbigniew Brzezinski concerning U.S. foreign policy in Korea. We also cover the conspiracy theories and the right-wing in South Korea attempting to whitewash the massacre, Chun Doo-Hwan's death and the fact he never made an apology for his actions, Chun Doo-Hwan's memoir and fake news, Chun Doo-Hwan's arrest and the lack of accountability for the Gwangju Massacre, destruction of Gwangju uprising documents under Doo-Hwan's reign, the U.S. and the mentality of Empire, the need for the U.S. to declassify documents about Do
Sun, January 02, 2022
Climate Crisis Solutions, Greenwashing, and a Post-Capitalist Future w/ Dr. Ye Tao
On this edition of Parallax Views, we are joined, courtesy of a very helpful listener's suggestion, by Dr. Ye Tao of The Rowland Institute at Harvard to discuss possible solutions to the biggest immediate threats posed by climate change and to unpack the problems of corporate greenwashing and the infinite growth model of capitalism. The nature of this conversation also leads to a discussion of the possibility, or perhaps necessity, of a post-capitalist paradigm in the future. The main focus of this conversation is a very interesting project Dr. Tao is involved in known as MEER Framework or the Mirrors for Earth's Energy Rebalancing Framework project . Said project involves the use of mirrors as a cooling mechanism to counteract the warming effects of climate change. From the MEER website: We envision a new role for Homo sapiens: stabilizer of the natural world and replenisher of Earth's ecosystems. This new role will require: - acknowledgement that we have transgressed the thresholds of Earth's carrying capacity; - acceptance of Earth’s delicate and finely balanced climate system; - deep-rooted respect for the finiteness of Earth's abiotic physical resources; - full appreciation of our interconnectedness with other species; - and the simultaneous emergence of efficient fabrication technologies and universal social values that are transformative. Embracing this new role can place us on the only available path that leads to a future of hope and plenty, on this radiant blue, swirling white, planet of life. In the course of our conversation we will discuss a number of topics including an explanation of the science behind MEER, climate justice and the Global South, the problems of "infinite growth" on a finite planet, and much, much more!
Thu, December 30, 2021
Mysteries Remain Around Ghislaine Maxwell w/ Gabriella Lombardo
On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished conversation between J.G. Michael and journalist Gabriella Lombardo of WhoWhatWhy about the mysteries that remain around Ghislaine Maxwell, notorious Jeffrey Epstein associate and the daughter of the controversial & enigmatic media mogul Robert Maxwell. This was recorded on 12/06/21. Since then the verdict has come in on the case of Ghislaine Maxwell vis-a-vis a guilty verdict. The conversation deals more withthe strange stories of Epstein, Robert Maxwell, and Ghislaine more so than the trial itself and the implications of the remaining mysteries. We discuss a number of issues including alleged intelligence connections the Epstein/Maxwell saga, the parallels between Robert Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein, the mysterious death of Robert Maxwell, Ghislaine Maxwell's whereabouts in between Jeffrey Epstein's death and her trial, Maxwell's ocean non-profit TerraMar Project, Ghislaine Maxwell and the United Nations, Ghislaine Maxwell and the Clintons, an underage girl who appeared in the Epstein flight logs eventually became part of the TerraMar Project, Virginia Giuffre's defamation suit against Ghislaine Maxwell, the unsealing of records immediately prior to Epstein's death, Ghislaine Maxwell in New Hampshire, false memory syndrome and Elizabeth Loftus, Epstein's hold over Les Wexner, Epstein and Maxwell allegedly threatening victims and journalists like Vicky Ward, mysteries that still swirl around Epstein himself, international modeling and Jean Luc-Brunel, MC2 Modeling, powerful men and abuse, the cultural reading of the Epstein/Maxwell saga, Ghislaine Maxwell as akin Madame de Tourvel in Dangerous Liaisons , the Epstein/Maxwell saga as a blow to American exceptionalism, a feminist angle/reading of the Epstein/Maxwell saga, the social reproduction of abusers like Epstein, aristocratic wealth and social stratification (what are the implications for how someone with that wealth effects one's psychology and how the relate to the world socially?), and much, much more! Will Ghislaine Maxwell Trial Reveal Jeffrey Epstein Secrets? by Gabriella Lombardo -11/29/21 - WhoWhatWhy.Org
Tue, December 28, 2021
REPLAY: Anti-Boycott Laws Threaten Free Speech + U.S. Arms Enable Saudi Assault on Yemen (w/ Alan Leveritt; William Hartung)
On this edition of Parallax Views, we have a double-header episode. First, free speech is an issue often discussed in American politics. One aspect of that discussion involves a movement called BDS, or Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions. The BDS movement seeks to pressure Israel on issues related to Palestinian human rights vis-a-vis the three measures of its initials. This has caused backlash from Israel and its supporters, including many evangelicals Christians in the United States. In an attempt to quash the BDS movement, the conservative organization ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) and certain states within the U.S. are seeking to put anti-BDS laws on the books. This led to Arkansas Times publisher Alan Leverett being asked to sign a pledge that his publication would make a pledge to Israel against BDS. Leverett refused on the grounds that the publication is neither for or against Israel, is focused on local issues of significance to Arkansas rather than the Middle East, and that said the state forcing such a pledge from the Arkansas Times violates both the 1st and 14th amendments. This has not only cost the publication in advertising revenue, but has also led to a court case in which the Arkansas Times is being supported by the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). The case, Leverett says, is not so much about Israel/Palestine (Leverett's publication has no stance on this issue) but rather free speech. The case will likely go to the Supreme Court and has ramification for freedom of speech across America. Alan Leverett joins us to discuss this case and its implications, which has gained more attention thanks to his November op-ed in the New York Times entitled "We're a Small Arkansas Newspaper. Why is the State Making Us Sign a Pledge About Israel?" Then, the Center for International Policy's William Hartung joined me to discuss the war in Yemen and how U.S. arms sales from the Obama, Trump, and Biden Presidencies have enabled the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to carry out deadly blockades and bombings on the Yemeni people. President Biden had promised to end the U.S. support for the war in Yemen. However, he is now signing off on an arms sale worth $650 million. Congress, both Senate and the House, are seeking way to block the sales from happening. Said attempt to block the sale has received bipartisan support with its proponents including Bernie Sanders, Rand Paul, Ilhan Omar, and Ro Khanna. William and I discuss all of this as well as the problem with Washington's foreign policy establishment aka the D.C. "Blob", the changing consensus around U.S. involvement in the Middle East, the arms race with China, progressives and conservatives working together on issues pertaining to war and peace, countering the slur of "isolationism" when criticizing U.S.
Thu, December 23, 2021
A Critical Look at AIPAC and Its Recent Strategic Pivot w/ Grant F. Smith
On this edition of Parallax Views, the American Israel Public Affairs Commitee (AIPAC) recently announced the launch of a Super PAC which signals its official entry into direct spending on U.S. elections . Joining us to explain the reasons AIPAC may be doing this as well as to give a critical overall perspective on the lobby is Grant F. Smith of the Institute for Research: Middle East Policy . Joining me to co-host this conversation is "Free Palestine" , host of the West Bank Robbery podcast . We discuss a number of issues including the Virginia Israel Advisory Board and Project Jonah, the Steve Rosen/Keith Weissman/Larry Franklin scandal, the need to avoid antisemitism in talking about both AIPAC and Israel/Palestine, Zaha Hassan and the human rights-centric approach to Israel/Palestine, Stealth PACs, Jamal Bowman, the Abraham Accords, the UAE, and much, much more!
Wed, December 22, 2021
Wall Street Journal‘s Saudi Shilling + Foreign Policy Chat w/ Jim Lobe/The $778 Billion Pentagon Budget w/ Stephen Semler
On this edition of Parallax Views, it's a double feature! First up, the legendary Jim Lobe, formerly of LobeLog and IPS (Inter Press Service), joins us to discuss his Responsible Statecraft piece "Houthi hysteria breaks out at the Wall Street Journal" . For the uninitiated, Lobe is known for his reporting on the neoconservative movement and the Project for a New American Century think tank in the lead up to the Iraq War initiated under George W. Bush. In this conversation we discuss the Wall Street Journal seemingly shilling for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in two recent op-eds, one by journalist Karen Elliot House and another by the Wall Street Journal's Editorial Board. Saudi Arabia has been pleading for more Patriot missles from the U.S. to support its bombing and blockade efforts against the Houthis in Yemen. According to estimates the death toll inflicted upon Yemen now exceeds 350,000 with many of the victims being children. Recently, Saudi Arabia appears to have attempted to shut down a United Nation Human Rights Council investigation into what is happening in Yemen through actions that would serve to intimidate Muslims members of the council. Despite all of this, the Wall Street Journal frames the Kingdom as facing an existential threat by what it refers to as the "Iranian-backed Houthis. Jim and I discuss all of this including the exaggeration of the relationship between Iran and the Houthis, the sham of the "existential threat" framing, and more. Additionally, Jim and I also delve into issues related to the foreign policy establishment including talk of neoconservatism, Likudism, liberal interventionism, the long shadow of 1930s Munich, the Pentagon budget, Thomas Pickering, Robert Kagan as the renegade neocon, the subtle ideological differences between various factions of the foreign policy establishment and how they come together at certain times, and much, much more! On the second half of the program we're joined by Stephen Semler of the Security Policy Reform Institute (SPRI) to discuss the whopping $778 billion Pentagon budget passed by Congress last week. Said budget ended up being longer than the one proposed by President Biden. We discuss this as well as the death of Build Back Better, Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema's support for the Pentagon budget despite their supposed aversion to runaway spending, how defense spending cuts into dealing with issues like climate change and healthcare, responding to critics who believe that defense budget spending shouldn't be debated because of the need to combat America's foreign adversary, answering the age old line about how defense spending as it stands now is
Sun, December 19, 2021
To Govern the Globe: World Orders and Catastrophic Change w/ Alfred W. McCoy
On this edition of Parallax Views, the distinguished historian Prof. Alfred W. McCoy of the University of Wisconsin-Madison joins us to discuss his latest book To Govern the Globe: World Orders and Catastrophic Change . McCoy's previous works include the classic The Politics of Heroin: CIA Complicity in the Global Drug Trade as well as A Question of Torture: CIA Interrogation, from the Cold War to the War on Terror , Policing America’s Empire: The United States, the Philippines, and the Rise of the Surveillance State , Colonial Crucible: Empire in the Making of the Modern American State , Endless Empire: Spain’s Retreat, Europe’s Eclipse, America’s Decline , and In the Shadows of the American Century: The Rise and Decline of US Global Power . In To Govern the Globe , delves into the history of empires and world orders from the Iberian Age to now as well as tackling the seeming decline of U.S. hegemonic power, the rise of China, and what climate change means for world order going forward. In this conversation Alfred and I begin by discussing the meaning of empire and world order and what those terms mean. We then delve into the issue of what Alfred calls the "delicate duality" in which Empires express ideals on one hand but seeks maintenance of power, often through breaking from those ideals, on the other. From there we dive into a number of other topics including the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, how the contradictions of the "delicate duality" can eventually undermine and subvert an empire, the degradation of U.S. moral authority vis-a-vis the torture at Abu Gharib and Guantanamo Bay, China and an alternative international order, climate change and its projected impact on Shanghai by 1950, the late geopolitical chess player Zbigniew Brzezinski, principle vs. power in China and the U.S., what the decline of U.S. power means for the American public, projecting 2030 as the year of America's loss of hegemonic power globally, Chinese military power and technology in the near future, the Pentagon war games in which the U.S. end up in a conflict with China over Taiwan, the succession of hegemonic powers historically and their struggles to dominate the Eurasian land mass, how the U.S. dominated the Eurasian landmass through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), China and the Shanghai Cooperative Organization, China and the tri-continental world island, potential waning of relations between U.S. with countries like Japan and the Philippines, the advantage that the U.S. has had as the global hegemon, the establishment of the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency and the construction of a "Grand Imperial Bargain", the weak social safety net and low wages in the U.S. and workers relying on cheap good that could become expensive in the future (causing social tensions to arise an
Thu, December 16, 2021
The Big Cheat: How Donald Trump Fleeced America and Enriched Himself and His Family w/ David Cay Johnston
On this edition of Parallax Views, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter David Cay Johnston returns to the program to discuss his new book The Big Cheat: How Donald Trump Fleeced America and Enriched Himself and His Family . According to David's reporting the Trump Organization made a between a whopping 1.6 to 1.7 billion dollars during the Trump Presidency. Although Trump ledged to receive only a salary of $1 for his time as President (and, in fact, did donate his salary to charity), it appears Trump himself along with his daughter Ivanka Trump, Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner, and other associates of the 45th President of the United States of America profited greatly from the Trump Presidency. In this way Trump is arguably the embodiment of a form of gangster capitalism. And "gangster" may well be apropos as David argues that the Trump family is actually a generational crime family. Despite all this, figures like Trump and Steve Bannon have promoted themselves as heroically trying to remember the "forgotten man" of the working class. Nothing could be further from the truth according to David Cay Johnston, who, it should be added, reports on the ways in which Trump bilked supporters in hospice and retirement out of their money in a very devious manner. In this conversation we cover all that as well as the story of Brian Kolfage and the "We Build the Wall" charity, how corruption under Trump differs from corruption of yesteryear like that associated with the Pendergast Machine and Tammany Hall, Donald Trump's effect on foreign policy, the story of the curious Trump associate Tom Barrack, why David refers to Trump as a carny huckster like P.T. Barnum (with one major difference) and his supporters as marks, Super PACs and the need for reforms, white collar crime, the Trump family history, Trump and Christianity, the death of conservatism in the United States, Trump and the Atlantic City casino business, Trump stealing from a dog charity, and much, much more!
Mon, December 13, 2021
FDR, Pearl Harbor, the McCollum Memo, and the Road to WWII Pt. 2 w/ Douglas P. Horne
Listen to Pt. 1 here: https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/e/dhorne1/ On this edition of Parallax Views, December 7th, 2021 marked the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor the led to the U.S. entry into World War II. Douglas P. Horne, author of The McCollum Memorandum: A Story of Washington D.C. in 1940-41: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Journey from Deterrence to Provocation on the Road to Pearl Harbor , joined me to give a provocative presentation on the long-standing debate around FDR, the McCollum Memo, and the question of advanced foreknowledge of the attacks that was popularized in large part by Robert Stinnett, the late author of Day of Deceit: The Truth About FDR and Pearl Habor . Although Stinnett's book received a fairly even-handed review from the New York Times when it was published, most mainstream historians have since discarded notions of advanced foreknowledge of the attack on Pearl Harbor as a fringe conspiracy theory. Douglas P. Horne, however, thinks this is mistaken, although, unlike many who believe in the advanced foreknowledge hypothesis, remains a great admirer of President Roosevelt. For the uninitiated, Horne served on the Assassination Records Review Board and is in large part the reason that the now infamous "Operation Northwoods" documents came to light. He also was in the Navy and spent time at Pearl Harbor in addition to working at the Holocaust Museum in D.C. and the State Department. He is also the author of a previous two-volume work on Pearl Harbor entitled Deception, Intrigue, and the Road to War . In the second part of this long conversation, we delve into some of the other "Rosetta Stones" of Horne's book beginning with the at-the-time secretive Argentia conference and, perhaps even more crucially, the MAGIC decrypts. This will take us into the world of American codebreaking as well as that of the British codebreakers at Bletchley Park. We will talk about a conversation had between Winston Churchill and FDR in which the late Roosevelt said he could not "declare war" but that he could "wage war". We will delve into three particular provocations between the Germany Navy and the U.S. before U.S. entry into WWII, FDR forcing the British to sign off on the Atlantic Charter, an important 15 August 1941 telegram to the Japanese foreign minister, the figure of Hitler's confidant Sepp Dietrich and how it figures into the story, British decoding/decryption efforts being far ahead of U.S. decoding/decryption efforts and why it matters in the lead up to Pearl Harbor, Horne's book as arguably being about how the "sausage of" foreign policy is made and produced, Roosevelt "the chess player" wanting to get into the war through the "front door" but (from Horne's purview and examination of the evidence) going through the backdoor, the shift from deterrence to provocation, making clear the f
Sat, December 11, 2021
FDR, Pearl Harbor, the McCollum Memo, and the Road to WWII Pt. 1 w/ Douglas P. Horne
On this edition of Parallax Views, December 7th, 2021 marked the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor the led to the U.S. entry into World War II. Douglas P. Horne, author of The McCollum Memorandum: A Story of Washington D.C. in 1940-41: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Journey from Deterrence to Provocation on the Road to Pearl Harbor , joined me to give a provocative presentation on the long-standing debate around FDR, the McCollum Memo, and the question of advanced foreknowledge of the attacks that was popularized in large part by Robert Stinnett, the late author of Day of Deceit: The Truth About FDR and Pearl Habor . Although Stinnett's book received a fairly even-handed review from the New York Times when it was published, most mainstream historians have since discarded notions of advanced foreknowledge of the attack on Pearl Harbor as a fringe conspiracy theory. Douglas P. Horne, however, thinks this is mistaken, although, unlike many who believe in the advanced foreknowledge hypothesis, remains a great admirer of President Roosevelt. For the uninitiated, Horne served on the Assassination Records Review Board and is in large part the reason that the now infamous "Operation Northwoods" documents came to light. He also was in the Navy and spent time at Pearl Harbor in addition to working at the Holocaust Museum in D.C. and the State Department. He is also the author of a previous two-volume work on Pearl Harbor entitled Deception, Intrigue, and the Road to War . In the first part of this long conversation Douglas will lay out much of the history surrounding the prelude to U.S. entry into WWII; FDR's showdown with J.O. Richardson; the pacifist or isolationist sentiments held by a large portion of the U.S. population after WWI that prevented a swift U.S. entry into WWII, a history of the McCollum Memorandum; the moves being made by Great Britain, the Soviet Union Germany, and Japan during the war before U.S. involvement; and much, much more! You can purchase The McCollum Memorandum: A Story of Washington D.C. in 1940-41 by Douglas P. Horne here! If you'd like to purchase Horne's previous two-volume work on Pearl Harbor, Deception, Intrigued, and the Road to War , please visit his Amazon author's page here! WARNING: This episode contains direct, historical quotes from FDR about the Japanese that are no longer in use and considered offensive by today's standards.
Thu, December 09, 2021
U.S.-Iran Nuclear Deal Negotiations in Vienna w/ Ryan Costello
On this edition of Parallax Views, the National Iranian American Council's Policy Director Ryan Costello joins me to discuss the latest talks between the U.S. and Iran in Vienna to get a new nuclear deal together. This was recorded on December 6th. The talks in Vienna were paused last Friday. As of this episode's publication, December 9th, talks in Vienna are resuming. In this conversation we discuss the issue of sanctions, Secretary of State Biden's blaming Iran for talk not getting off to the best start by claiming Iran is not taking said talks "seriously", why the alternative to a new deal is horrible, the possibility of war with Iran, Israel and the Iran talks, Saudi Arabia and the Iran talks, the effect of U.S. sanctions on Iran, Trita Parsi's analysis of the new Iran deal talks and the "Coma Option", Iran and nuclear proliferation, Iran and the prospect of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon, the weight of history on these talks and why they make diplomacy between both parties difficult, NIAC's statement on the Vienna talks so far (which are now in their 7th round, why should Iran trust the U.S. with this deal if another Republican President in 4-8 years could renege on it?, Iran's tough opening bid, Ebrahim Raisi's administration and his predecessor Hassan Rouhani, the Iran hostage crisis and its effect on diplomacy, the 1953 coup's effect on diplomacy, the effect of the Gen. Soleimani assassination on these talks, narrowing window of opportunity for the deal to be renewed, how you incentivize Iran to get back in the deal?, the challenges going into the continued talks today, the need for both Washington and Tehran to show greater flexibility in these talks, the U.S. rejoining the Paris Climate agreement vs. the attempt to revive the Iran deal, subterfuge the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Netanyahu's pushing Trump to exit the deal, former Israeli officials and officials from the Gulf States saying a return to the deal would be a positive, Israel trying to apply pressure on the Biden administration, sanctions lifting/relief is key to the talks, U.S. lack of leverage in talks, and much more!
Wed, December 08, 2021
Anti-Boycott Laws Threaten Free Speech + U.S. Arms Enable Saudi Assault on Yemen (w/ Alan Leveritt; William Hartung)
On this edition of Parallax Views, we have a double-header episode. First, free speech is an issue often discussed in American politics. One aspect of that discussion involves a movement called BDS, or Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions. The BDS movement seeks to pressure Israel on issues related to Palestinian human rights vis-a-vis the three measures of its initials. This has caused backlash from Israel and its supporters, including many evangelicals Christians in the United States. In an attempt to quash the BDS movement, the conservative organization ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) and certain states within the U.S. are seeking to put anti-BDS laws on the books. This led to Arkansas Times publisher Alan Leverett being asked to sign a pledge that his publication would make a pledge to Israel against BDS. Leverett refused on the grounds that the publication is neither for or against Israel, is focused on local issues of significance to Arkansas rather than the Middle East, and that said the state forcing such a pledge from the Arkansas Times violates both the 1st and 14th amendments. This has not only cost the publication in advertising revenue, but has also led to a court case in which the Arkansas Times is being supported by the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). The case, Leverett says, is not so much about Israel/Palestine (Leverett's publication has no stance on this issue) but rather free speech. The case will likely go to the Supreme Court and has ramification for freedom of speech across America. Alan Leverett joins us to discuss this case and its implications, which has gained more attention thanks to his November op-ed in the New York Times entitled "We're a Small Arkansas Newspaper. Why is the State Making Us Sign a Pledge About Israel?" Then, the Center for International Policy's William Hartung joined me to discuss the war in Yemen and how U.S. arms sales from the Obama, Trump, and Biden Presidencies have enabled the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to carry out deadly blockades and bombings on the Yemeni people. President Biden had promised to end the U.S. support for the war in Yemen. However, he is now signing off on an arms sale worth $650 million. Congress, both Senate and the House, are seeking way to block the sales from happening. Said attempt to block the sale has received bipartisan support with its proponents including Bernie Sanders, Rand Paul, Ilhan Omar, and Ro Khanna. William and I discuss all of this as well as the problem with Washington's foreign policy establishment aka the D.C. "Blob", the changing consensus around U.S. involvement in the Middle East, the arms race with China, progressives and conservatives working together on issues pertaining to war and peace, countering the slur of "isolationism" when criticizing U.S.
Sun, December 05, 2021
Vigilantism, Big Pharma, & the Opioid Epidemic Collide in PAINKILLER w/ Mark Savage and Bill Oberst, Jr.
On this edition of Parallax Views, in cult filmmaker Mark Savage's latest film Painkiller the trappings of vigilante thrillers like the Death Wish and Punisher franchises collide with the role of big pharma in America's opioid epidemic. Inspired in part by Mark's co-writer Tom Parnell's grief over the loss of a loved one to opioid addiction, the movie tells the story of Bill Johnson (character actor Bill Oberst, Jr.; Jason Zada's Take This Lollipop ; Rob Zombie's 3 from Hell ; and TV's Criminal Minds and Scream Queens ) and his violent, one-man crusade against big pharma and "legalized pushers" leading him to the corrupt Dr. Alan Rhodes (Michael Paré; Eddie and the Cruisers ; Streets of Fire ; The Philadelphia Experiment ). Turns out Rhodes is out to obtain the patent for a valuable drug that could be used to revolutionize heart treatments into another painkiller that he hopes will make him massive profits, but when Bill catches wind of his plot the two are brought into a final showdown. Director Mark Savage and star Bill Oberst, Jr. join us to discuss Painkiller in-depth including the director-actor relationship and how Bill approached the role of a father grieving the loss of his daughter's death at the hands of opioid addiction; class privilege, money, influence, and corruption; the Sackler family; the shocking facts Mark uncovered about the opioid epidemic; Bill's radio monologues in the film and keeping them from going into Rush Limbaugh or Alex Jones-style theatrics; Oliver Stone's Talk Radio ; drug companies and power; the War on Drugs and the scapegoating of addicts; society and how morality is applied differently to the poor than the rich (including those who go to jail and those who don't); dealing with a serious topic like opioid addiction within the frame of a melodramatic genre move or exploitation film; Roger Corman's comments on exploitation films and how all films are exploitative; the vigilante film as a genre; the creation of characters in films; Mark and Bill's previous collaboration Stressed to Kill and how it differs from Painkiller (also addressing criticisms that Stressed to Kill had Trump/MAGA overtones); putting messages into films while making films that are entertaining and not heavy-handed; the potential classism and elitism of the "exploitation film" as classification; Titantic as an exploitation film ; the Charles Bronson vehicle 10 to Midnight and having a bleeding-heart politics but find catharsis in the vigilante film as fantasy; comparing and contrasting Bill's portrayal of the lead in Painkiller to playing legendary sci-fi author Ray Bradbury on stage; Bill's thoughts on being human and the "monsters" within us all; the research Mark did into skulldugge
Fri, December 03, 2021
Dark Money Network Pushing Pro-Saudi/UAE Policies w/ Eli Clifton
On this edition of Parallax Views, a group launched over the summer called the Turkish Democracy Project appears to be pushing pro-Saudi/UAE policies with the potential backing of a dark money netowork say Eli Clifton and Murtaza Hussain in Responsible Statecraft and The Intercept . Interestingly, the Turkish Democracy Project has no Turkish people sans two figures who were removed from the site's advisory board membership shortly after launch. A number of notoriously hawkish foreign policy figure including Sen. Joe Lieberman, Frances Townsend, and John Bolton are involved with the project. But the figures of interest of most interest to Clifton and Hussain are Mark Wallace, a former George W. Bush administration ambassador to the United Nations, and Wallace's close associate the billionaire investor Thomas Kaplan, the latter of whom has boasted of his business ties to the United Arab Emirates. In this conversation, Eli and I discuss the connections between Kaplan, Wallace, Electrum Group, United Against a Nuclear Iran, and the Counter Extremism Project. The story doesn't end their though as a lawsuit was launched attempting to ascertain whether CEP was obtaining foreign funding. Then the government "an unusual invocation of state secrets as a third-party intervenor in a civil suit" claiming "that permitting the case to move forward would jeopardize U.S. national security". Clifton lays all this out as well as discussing Kaplan's over $800,000 to the UANI, a "treasure trove" of fascinating leaked emails including figures like the aforementioned Frances Townsend and UAE Ambassador to the U.S. Yousef al Otaiba, whether the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) pertains to this case, the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel, Sen. Norm Coleman (now a Saudi lobbyist), foreign lobbying and influence efforts, lack of transparency around funding rather the lobbying itself being the biggest concern for many, Qatar, the relationship between Turkey and the Gulf States, Turkish anger over the Turkish Democracy Project's launch, geopolitics, the "Blob" and the foreign policy establishment, The Arab Lobby, AIPAC, the foreign policy establishment's protesting that its critics are just populist Know-Nothings, and much, much more!
Wed, December 01, 2021
IMPROMPTU GHISLAINE MAXWELL TRIAL BRIEF w/ Marlon Ettinger
Hey there Parallax Views listeners, this was an impromptu conversation between our correspondent on all things Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwel, Marlon Ettinger. No intro. Completely bare bones episode that I had to get out as soon as possible to keep you listeners. Usually I'd include an intro and outro as well as other bells and whistles but due to to brief nature of this episode the brief, 7 minute conversation between Marlon and I is all that made the final cut in the interest of getting this out as soon as possible. Please support our sponsors: - The great book by Wall Street Window's Mike Swason Why The Vietnam War? - Holistic therapy with Alexander Yoo All-embracing and welcoming Specializing in PTSD, trauma, grief LGBTIQ and Gender Relationships All forms of spiritual expression Call or text 323-834-9828 therapy@alexanderyoo.com www.alexanderyoo.com Marriage and Family Therapist (California License Number 102886) - Check out our sponsor Christopher Bell's new short film Trammell at https://slamdance.com/watch/trammel/ or https://www.youtube.com/user/slamd
Tue, November 30, 2021
Revisiting the Siege at Ruby Ridge w/ Freddie DeBoer & C. Derick Varn
On this edition of Parallax Views, long-time friend of the show C. Derick Varn and gadfly Freddie DeBoer join us to revisit the siege of Ruby Ridge. In 1992 federal agents had a stand-off with a radical, right-wing, Christian anti-government Weaver family. The patriarch from the family was charged with illegally modifying a firearm. Arguably, however, this would not have happened without federal official urging him to do so in what many would say was a case of entrapment. The 11 day stand off ended in the death of Randy Weaver's wife Vicki Weaver, 14-year old son Sammy Weaver, and the Weaver family's dog Striker as well as a U.S. Marshall. The story involved agencies like the FBI, ATF, and others and would serve to further radicalize the along with the Waco incident involving the death of the Branch Davidians led by David Koresh. What followed in the events of the incident was a trial. Additionally, Waco and Ruby Ridge likely were the "powder keg" so to speak that would inspire Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City Bombing. Should federal agencies be held to any account for the events of the siege? What to make of the admittedly extremist nature of the Weaver clan? Freddie and Derick discuss all of this with me and attempt to unpack the case while also commenting on issues like blowback, the relevance of the Weaver case today, civil liberties, the apocalyptic mindset of the Weaver family at the time and their religious motivations, escalation vs. de-escalation, the role of "macho" interpersonal relations and state sanctioned violence in these incidents, the Waco mini-series starring Michael Shannon, whether Randy Weaver a white supremacist, whether highlighting Ruby Ridge is an example of privilege white privilege, not glamorizing the Weavers while discussing this case, the Jan. 6. riots, the personality type attracted to policing, COINTEPRO operations, Col. Bo Gritz role in the Ruby Ridge stand-off and its de-escalation, the figure of Kevin Harris and his role in Ruby Ridge, Freddie's criticisms of the Ruby Ridge sniper and the orders he was given, the question of unconstitutional "Rules of Engagement", the use of lethal force by police and its expansion in the 1990s, domestic terrorism, the killing of George Floyd, the potential to accelerate a problem where trying to fight, the creation of right wing martyrs, the militia movement, the radicalization of the right and QAnon as a quasi-religious movement, moral simplicity in American political discourse, the Central Park birdwatching incident involving Amy Cooper and Christian Cooper (no relation), the militarization of police, consumption as a bad substitute for political identity and the feeling of political powerlessness in America today, the cancel culture debate and boycotts, structural problems vs. individual problems, the effects of capitalist atomization, intense tribalism, feeding one's political enemies to the National Secur
Sat, November 27, 2021
Climate Change, Nation-States, and The Greatest National Security Threat w/ Anatol Lieven
On this edition of Parallax Views, we are hot off the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference aka COP26. Joining us in light of this is Prof. Anatol Lieven, a Senior Fellow at the Quincy Institute and a former academic at King's College in London. According to Lieven, in a new report he authored, climate change is our greatest national security threat. We discuss this and his book Climate Change and the Nation State: The Case for Nationalism (which, as you'll hear in the conversation in this episode I prefer the alternative British title of Climate Change and the Nation State: The Realist Case ). In this conversation we discuss how Lieven became interested in climate change as someone who came out of security studies; civic nationalism and/or patriotism vs. ethno-nationalism, legitimate concerns over the concept and idea of nationalism, the need to reject ethno-nationalism, Lieven's critique of cultural individualism and Reagan/Thatcher-style politics, Lieven's criticism of power elites and especially Pentagon/military elites, Lieven's criticisms of how the Left approaches climate change and politics, unifying people in the fight against climate change, misconceptions about the Realist School of Foreign Policy in relation to issues like human rights and ethics, the potential of climate chaos to cause a refugee crisis, the need for international cooperation, the anarchic world system, migration and climate change, migration and radicalization of the right, the need to make individual sacrifices to combat climate crisis, why climate change is a bigger national security threat to the U.S. (and the world) than China, Teddy Roosevelt, the fossilization and atrophying of thought within the U.S. foreign policy "Blob" due to generational strangleholds, Lieven's support for the Green New Deal, mentioning the failings of the previous New Deal of FDR in terms of how it didn't necessarily help marginalized people in society enough, conservatism and environmentalism, why conservatives should be concerned about climate change and why it would fit within a broad definition of conservative thought and its intellectual tradition (also how supporting reform could fit into that tradition), the effect of climate change on the U.S. and Western nations already, how technological fixes are not enough in the near-term future, climate change as a threat multiplier, fights over water in places like Darfur, the capacity of climate change to cause food shortages (which in turn have historically caused revolutions, public unrest, and civil war), the need for a "new dispensation" as we saw under FDR, the need for social solidarity, the strains of American nationalism, at this current point only states can be pushed to introduce policies that will address clim
Thu, November 25, 2021
U.S. MidEast Policy Was Never About Democracy w/ Juan Cole/A ‘Play‘ Cold War? w/ Mike Swanson
On this edition of Parallax Views, we have another double feature. First up, a 45 minute conversation with Juan Cole, proprietor of the Informed Comment blog and a noted commentator and scholar on the modern Middle East, unpacking a recent New York Times article by Max Fischer about a study indicating that U.S. allies are driving much of the world's democratic decline . In a recent piece for the Informed Comment blog , Prof. Cole argues that U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, has never, in reality, about Democracy promotion and that the rise of authoritarian regimes allied to the U.S. like Saudi Arabia are the fruits born from a grand strategy that prioritized "oil, absolutism, and anti-communism" during the Cold War. In this regard we discuss the Iran coup of 1953 as well as the U.S.'s seeking to obtain cheap petroleum for European allies during the Cold War and how this relates to the relationship between countries like the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Syria. We also delve rather deeply into other issues that informed this period in the history of U.S. foreign policy like distrust of Arab nations and specifically Arab Nationalism, President Dwight Eisenhower's "two-pronged approach" to dealing with anti-colonial movements, U.S. foreign policy and Egypt's Gamal Abdel Nasser, post-Cold War U.S. foreign policy and the recession of anti-communist concerns in that policy after the fall of the Soviet Union, the "War on Terror" and Islamic fundamentalism as the new enemy, Islamophobia and U.S. ally France's illiberal after the 2015 ISIL attacks in Paris, U.S. foreign policy depends on who the enemy is, examples of U.S. not supporting Democracy during the War on Terror, Egypt's Hosni Mubarak and the Arab Spring revolts in the Obama era, the military coup d'état in Egypt in the Obama years and U.S. aid, the Bush administration and the Iraq War, Saudi Arabia and oil, OPEC, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), gulf monarchies and the coup in Tunisia, gas prices, Saudi Arabia and 9/11 (Juan has a different take than previous guests of the program), the death of Jamal Khashoggi and how it embarrasses the U.S., Biden as harder on Saudi Arabia in rhetoric but not in action, the Asia Pivot and the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, thinking in Washington that the Middle East isn't a fruitful place to put much foreign policy focus on, electric cars as a death knell for the Saudi economy, U.S. and Saudi Arabia's relationship with Iran, and more! Then, Mike Swanson of Wall Street Window, and author of the book The War State and Why the Vietnam War (also, as a full disclosure, a sponsor of Parallax Views), to discuss <a href=
Wed, November 24, 2021
The History of U.S. Resistance to War Profiteering w/ Hunter DeRensis
On this edition of Parallax Views, there's a rich and storied history of resistance to war profiteering in the United States of America. Joining us to unpack this overlooked history is Hunter DeRensis, communications director for BringOurTroopsHome.US and author of the recent article " Merchants Of Death: From the Nye Committee to Joe Kent, the fight against war profiteering is a constant struggle". in The American Conservative . We begin by discussing the impetus behind writing the article, namely Hunter's interest in public perception of the military-industrial complex. In contrast to today, where military-industrial complex is used as a non-loaded off-hand to refer to companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, Hunter says that a century ago there was a broad public resistance to and skepticism of the military-industrial complex and, more specifically, war profiteering. We then delve into the history of this public resistance going back to the Progressive Era and WWI. In this regard we discuss JP Morgan, then the largest investment bank in the world and often referred to in those days as "The House of Morgan", and DuPont in relation to war profiteering in the WWI era. Additionally we discuss the use of taxation against war profiteers and figures who led the charge against war profiteering like the politicians William Jennings Bryan, George Norris, Robert LaFollette, Gerald Nye, and Hiram Johnson. Later on in the conversation we discuss the bestselling 1930s book Merchants of War that sought to expose war profiteering, left and right opposition to war profiteering, the Nye Commitee investigation into war profiteering, Theodore Roosevelt and war hawks, Smedley Butler and War is a Rocket , historian Charles Austin Beard, the costs of WWI, the near universality of sentiment against war profiteering in the interwar period, the early feminist and suffragist movements connection to the pacifist and antiwar movements in the early 20th century, Hunter's involvement with BringOurTroopsHome.US and the fact that many veterans oppose U.S. nation-building war today, the profits made by Eugene G. Grace of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation off war, the extent and scope of the Nye Committee, American nationalism, the attacks on Gerald Nye by figures like Sen. Tom Connally and Sen. Carter Glass, war profiteers funding both sides of conflicts, secret treaties involving Woodrow Wilson and WWI, the Appropriations Commitee and the shutdown of the Nye Commitee, why the Nye Committee fell short of its ultimate goals, arms manufactures post-WWI and the rise of the military-industrial complex, the post-WWII permanent war economy, why libertarians should oppose the military-industrial complex, the impact and legacy of the Nye C
Sat, November 20, 2021
Vulture Capitalism & The Hijacking of America‘s Pandemic Response w/ Nina Burleigh
On this edition of Parallax Views, long-time journalist Nina Burleigh joins Parallax Views to discuss her latest book Virus: Vaccinations, the CDC, and the Hijacking of America's Response to the Pandemic . We begin by discussing Nina's previous work on such stories as the Mary Meyers case (which some connect to JFK conspiracies) and biblical archaeology in Israel. Nina explains the connective tissue behind her various writings and how it relates to issues like fake news. Then we delve into the pandemic and how the story of it has parallels to the fiasco of the Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis. Nina then lays out the achievement of the mRNA vaccine used to treat COVID before we delve more deeply into the issue of pandemic profiteering and the Trump administration's handling of the pandemic. We talk Jared Kushner, Steve Bannon, scam artists, Jerome Corsi, right-wing disinformation, vulture capitalism and how the Trump era was what Nina calls the "MBA Ideology" on steroids, the Council for National Policy and its relationship to the astro-turfed America's Frontline Doctors and Dr. Simone Gold, anti-vaccination sentiment amongst non-right wing elements of society, the definition of freedom in American culture, the Michigan militia case, surveillance capitalism, whether Trump's base is actually working class, inquiries into pandemic profiteering, the dark science of the Cold War, the spread of conspiracy theories in a digital age, and much, much more!
Fri, November 19, 2021
Supply Chain Crisis & Global Capitalism w/ William I. Robinson/Pegasus Spyware Used to Target Palestinian Activists w/ Kevin Gosztola
On this edition of Parallax Views, we have a double feature. First up, returning guest William I. Robinson, a noted sociologist and author of such books as The Global Police State and the upcoming Global Civil War: Capitalism Post-Pandemic , joins us to discuss his Truthout article "The COVID Supply Chain Breakdown Can Be Traced to Capitalist Globalization" . We also discuss "The Fourth Industrial Revolution", the transnational capitalist class, crisis as endemic to capitalism, the origins of global capitalism, skyrocketing rates of inequality globally, surveillance technology and the transnational capitalist class, and more in this short-but-informative conversation with a leading theorist of global capitalism and its crises. "Post-COVID Economy May Have More Robots, Fewer Jobs and Intensified Surveillance" by William I. Robinson - Truthout 06/17/20 Then... the private Israeli firm NSO Group became the subject of much public scrutiny in the past year after 17 media outlets came together to expose how its spyware, Pegasus, was being used around the world by the highest bidders to target activists, journalists, and dissidents. Now, it appears that the software has been used to target Palestinian human rights organizers. Additionally, it seems that these human rights defenders were declared "terrorists" after the discovery of their being targeted with the Pegasus spyware in what appears to be an "attempt at preemptively withholding evidence of surveillance and covering up surreptitious spyware actions." Kevin Gosztola of Shadowproof and The Dissenter joined Parallax Views to unpack this chilling story of surveillance capitalism and a "hacker-for-hire" company that's straight out of a cyberpunk dystopian nightmare wherein privacy rights are threatened in a massive way. Kevin also gives us an update on the case of Julian Assange and Wikileaks at the top of the conversation. Also discussed: - The chilling potential of Pegasus spyware to hack a phone's emails, microphone, camera, passwords, contacts, location data, and more - An Obama administration official's connection to the NSO Group/Pegasus spyware story - The BlueWolf app, facial recognition tech, and the targeting of Palestinians - Front Line Defenders, Amnesty International's Security Lab, Citizen Lab, and the use of Pegasus against Palestinian human rights activists - The Israeli government and NSO Group</
Thu, November 18, 2021
The War in Afghanistan is Not Over w/ Kyle Anzalone
On this edition of Parallax Views, Kyle Anzalone , host of Conflicts of Interest at The Libertarian Institute , joins us to discuss Afghanistan and the problems it is facing from U.S. freezes on assets and sanctions as well as ISIS-K. We also discuss the Pentagon's investigation in a deadly drone strike that killed civilians in Afghanistan. No one, as of the current moment, is being held accountable and the incident has been described as a "tragic mistake". However, as it turns out, this is not the only time such self-investigations have led to little systemic change in regards to drone strikes and airstrike that have harmed civilians. In this regard, we discuss the story of a 2019 airstrike on Syria that led to civilian casualties that has received renewed attention and criticism as of late. Kyle and I also talk about the issues with asset freezes on and sanctions against Afghanistan that are arguably a form of economic warfare and hurting Afghan civilians in a time of food insecurity and a broken infrastructure in Afghanistan. Other issues discussed include: - Family separation of Afghan refugees; the U.S. military losing an Afghan baby during the evacuation - Afghanistan's long winter; the U.S. withholding $9 billion dollars in assets from Afghanistan - Journalist Anne Applebaum's recent defense of U.S. foreign policy Blob talking points in The Atlantic - The New York Times seems to think that the wars are over - Data shows U.S. allies contributing to decline of democracy worldwide, says New York Times ; Pakistan funding of the Taliban; Saudi Arabia as a destabilizing force in the Middle East - Attempts to isolate countries like Afghanistan and Iran through sanctions; Russia and China - And more!
Tue, November 16, 2021
Marvel‘s The Eternals & the History of Hollywood‘s Pentagon Ties w/ David Saveliev
On this edition of Parallax Views, the new hit Marvel Studios movie The Eternals has garnered criticism for its treatment of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima/Nagasaki during WWII. Additionally, it has raised the specter of the relationship Marvel Studios with the Pentagon and whether said relationship is ethical or unethical. In truth, its not just Marvel Studios though. Hollywood has a long relationship with the Pentagon dating back to the WWII era. David Saviliev, a contributor to Responsible State, the official publication of the Quincy Institute, joins me on this edition of the program to discuss the often underreported relationship between Hollywood and the military. We also manage to discuss the story of Marvel comics attempting to team up with the arms manufacture Northrupp Grumman and the relationship between Hollywood and the CIA when it came to the (arguably pro-torture) Katheryn Bigelow movie Zero Dark Thirty . Movies mentioned in this episode that were either supported or rejected by the Pentagon include Iron Man , Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down , Captain Marvel , Independence Day: Resurgence , Michael Bay's Transformers movies, The Avengers , Clint Eastwood's Heartbreak Ridge , and Top Gun . We also discuss the China/Hollywood relationship, military involvement in Hollywood and recruitment agendas, the Pentagon's apparent dislike for movies where Will Smith dates a stripper, the Pentagon's definition of "accurate portrayals" of itself in films including anything that is critical or negative being "inaccurate", Captain Marvel and the Air Force's recruitment campaign, taxpayer dollars and the Hollywood/Pentagon relationship, how Pentagon involvement with Hollywood cuts down on movie production costs, Pentagon approval of screenplays, David Robb's Operation Hollywood (a notable book spotlighting Hollywood's military ties), and more! "New Marvel film puts spotlight on Hollywood’s military ties" by David Saviliev - Responsible Statecraft 11/05/21 Check out our sponsor Christopher Bell's new short film Trammell at https://slamdance.com/watch/trammel/ or https://www.youtube.com/user/slamd
Sat, November 13, 2021
The 2nd Cold War and Shifting Alliances in the Emerging Multipolar World w/ Ted Snider
On this edition of Parallax Views, we're delving into the shifting political alliances that seem to be emerging as we enter what may be a Second Cold War and an emerging multipolar world. To do this we're joined by Ted Snider , a fascinating geopolitical analyst and regular contributor to Antiwar.Com . We begin the conversation by parsing out the debate over the terms "New Cold War" and "Second Cold War" in the 21st century. The idea of the Second Cold War refers to rising tensions between the U.S. and its allies against Russia and China. In large part it deals with the possibility of a Russia-China partnership that would change the American-led unipolar order. We discuss some of the history between the U.S. and China and the U.S. and Putin's Russia in the aftermath of the 20th century Cold War. In this regard, we delve into the issues of NATO and NATO expansion in relation to growing rifts between the U.S. and Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. From there we then turn our attention to Ted's recent analysis of subtle moves made by Saudi Arabia that may signal Saudi's rulers planning for major geopolitical shifts in the future. Specifically, we delve into what may be significant changes in the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia and what it may mean in regards to the Kingdom's relationship with the U.S. and Israel. Additionally, Ted and I also dig into China's Shanghai Cooperative Organization and Saudi Arabia's involvement with it. Ted and I delineate between regional and global geopolitical moves being made by Saudi Arabia at the moment. After that we discuss Joe Biden's foreign policy one year into his Presidency and the failure of the U.S. to renegotiate the JCPOA deal with Iran. In this regard, Ted comments on Ebrahim Raisi, hardliners, neocon Elliot Abrams cheering on Raisi's victory, viewing the Iran deal through the eyes of an Iranian leadership that was betrayed by Donald Trump after the initial deal was made with Barack Obama, the potential for Iran to find an escape from the "squeeze" of the U.S. by sidling up to China and Russia, the problems with sanctions against Iran, and how U.S. policy towards Iran may be accelerating the emergence of a multipolar world in which a Russia-China partnership challenges the U.S.-led unipolar world order. Before wrapping up we delve into the Russia-China partnership and whether a military partnership is emerging out of it, why it may be a partnership rather than an alliance. Also, we briefly touch upon Biden's foreign policy as it relates to Latin America and Israel/Palestine, the lack of diplomacy and using the diplomatic toolbox in U.S. foreign policy, how short-sightedness endangers national security and world security, the foreign policy "Blob", the Afghanistan withdrawal, and more! <a href='https://original.anti
Thu, November 11, 2021
Denying to the Grave: Why We Ignore the Science That Will Save Us w/ Sara and Jack Gorman
On this edition of Parallax Views, with anti-vaccination sentiments and climate change denial being phenomena in society the issue of what's been dubbed science denial has become a hot, relevant topic. Joining us to discuss this issue in ways that are empathetic, thoughtful, and nuanced are Jack M. Gorman and Sara E. Gorman, authors of Denying to the Grave: Why We Ignore the Science That Will Save Us (formerly Denying to the Grave: Why We Ignore the Facts That Will Save Us ; this is a 2nd edition that's revised and updated). It's a fascinating conversation that takes us in many different directions including: - A discussion of conspiracy theories and sorting out real conspiracies from fake ones - The role of charismatic leaders in science denial and the problem of cult-like thinking - What science is and isn't; science as a methodology - Separating scientific data from political debates and Jack's experiences with data around gun safety - How we're all prone to science denial whether we're right, left, conservative, liberal, socialist, Christian, or atheist - The cases of anti-vaccination physician Andrew Wakefield and Peter Duesberg, the molecular biologist who put forth the claim that HIV does not cause AIDs - Psychology and science denial - How to talk about science and the need for better science journalism - How trust in scientists is actually higher than we'd expect based on media reports about climate change denial and anti-vaxxers; public trust in science - Assault on scientific institutions - Healthy skepticism vs. denial - And much, much more Check out our sponsor Christopher Bell's new short film Trammell at https://slamdance.com/watch/trammel/ or https://www.youtube.com/user/slamdance
Mon, November 08, 2021
Nixon, Watergate, and... The Texas Chainsaw Massacre? w/ Martin Harris
On this edition of Parallax Views, it's a Halloween hangover episode where politics and horror movies collide! Martin Harris, author of Leatherface vs. Tricky Dick: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre as Political Satire , joins me to examine filmmaker Tobe Hooper's 1974 cult classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre in the context of the turbulent political scandal it was made in the midst of: Watergate and the fall of President Richard Milhouse Nixon. Believe it or not, Hooper himself made references to how his infamous film was influenced by the political climate of the 1970s. Much was going on when the film was being made. U.S. economic woes were increasing while gas shortages impacted the nation. The leftovers of the psychedelic 60s counterculture were wondering about in the aftermath of the Manson Family killings and Altamont. The Vietnam War was winding down but its effect on the American psyche was looming large. The rural/urban divide was growing. And Richard Nixon, with the help of his cronies like G. Gordon Liddy, plotted to break-in to the Democratic National Convention in what would become of the biggest scandal in American political history. Harris and I discuss all this and much more in this fascinating conversation that also delves into the parallels between Leatherface and Richard Nixon, the character of "The Old Man" (played by Jim Siedow) in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre , and Richard Nixon, Irving Kristol's "The Nightmare of Watergate" and the irrationality of Watergate, the dark comedy of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre , a historical overview of the Watergate scandal and the way it was experienced by Americans at the time, Gerald Ford's comments about Watergate as "our long national nightmare", Hunter S. Thompson's commentaries on Watergate and his invocation of the horrific and grotesque when writing about it, "Saturn in Retrograde" and the implications of the cosmic in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre , satires of the Nixon era as it was happening, the infamous White House "Saturday Night Massacre" under Nixon, the valence of Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel's production company being called Vortex Inc., the circularity of both The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Watergate wherein the "horror folds in on itself", the chilling opening of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and the narration by John Larroquette, criminal discovery in Watergate and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre , the villains of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre as conspirators engaged in cover-ups of crimes, the character of "The Hitchhiker" (played by Edwin Neal), the Leatherface mask and the Nixon mask, Leatherface's formality of dress (ie: tie and suit), tensions between "old ways" and "new ways" and tradition vs. youth in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre , Nixon and the Southern Strategy, Tobe Hooper's experimental film Eggshells and it
Thu, November 04, 2021
When We Are Human: Notes from the Age of Pandemics w/ John Zerzan
On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished with the controversial anarcho-primitivist philosopher John Zerzan from August 2020 about his new book When We Are Human: Notes from the Age of Pandemics (Feral House 2021). Zerzan argues that the root cause of social woes like alienation and neuroses, as well as domination and hierarchies, are the cause of agricultural and industrial civilizations. Moreover, he believes we are in the grips of a techno-madness that is spiritually anathema to being human. A critic of transhumanism, Zerzan believes in the extremely radical idea of anarcho-primitivism which posits a return to a hunter-gatherer lifestyle that he believes could in some ways be achieved through rewilding. In this conversation we discuss a number of his ideas, Noam Chomsky's criticism of anarcho-primitivism, transgender rights, Michel Houellebecq's Soubmission, Freud's Civilization and Its Discontents, the origins of John's activism in the days of the Vietnam War, John's critique of the Left, and much, much more.
Tue, November 02, 2021
Science Denial: Why It Happens and What to Do About It w/ Gale Sinatra and Barbara Hofer
On this edition of Parallax Views, in the age of issues likes pandemics and climate change the subject of science has increasingly become divided along partisan political lines. We live in a moment where portions of the population are anti-vaccination or believe that climate change is a hoax. Science, it appears, has become a topic to avoid as taboo, much like politics and religion, in social interactions. And that has major implications for society. How did this all happen? And, perhaps more importantly, what can be done about it? Joining us to tackle those questions are psychologists Gale Sinatra and Barbara Hofer, authors of Science Denial: Why It Happens and What to Do About It . Among the topics broached during this conversation are: the importance of science communicators like Stephen Jay Gould, Gould's idea of the non-overlapping magisteria, the relationship between big tech algorithms and science denial, storytelling and finding ways to communicate with people who engage in science denial, skepticism vs. denial, the replication crisis, science as a social enterprise, cognitive psychology and science denial, and much, much more.
Thu, October 28, 2021
Hollywood Special Make-Up Effects Magic & Mayhem! w/ Gary J. Tunnicliffe
On this edition of Parallax Views, we've got a monster-sized treat of an episode to help you get in the spirit of the spooky season as Halloween approaches. Have you ever wondered about the movie magic that's employed to make some of your favorite horror movies? What are the behind-the-scenes secrets of special effects (SFX) and make-up effects (MUFX) in such frightful franchises as HELLRAISER, HALLOWEEN, CANDYMAN, BLADE, MY BLOODY VALENTINE, FEAST, THE EXORCIST, PUMKPKINHEAD, and PIRANHA? Joining us to shed light on that is a legend of the special make-up effects world and a true maestro of the macabre: Gary J. Tunnicliffe. He's worked on all the above-named properties and much more designing iconic kills and monsters in a massive slew of cinematic scarefests over the years and has many stories to tell in this previously unpublished conversation that run over 2+ hours and, hopefully, is a fascinating, rollicking ride throughout. Gary and I discuss how he got into make-up effects, applying make-up effects on Doug Bradley to bring to life the character of Pinhead in the Hellraiser movies, the trials and tribulations of applying make-up to actors for hours at a time, creating the climatic effects for Stephen Dorff's demise in BLADE, a gross-out story from Gary's puppeteering work on PIRANHA 3DD, designing kills in movies like HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS (and being brought in for reshoots on already complete movies like the aforementioned film), CGI and deep fakes, designing creatures like PUMPKINHEAD and the cenobite Angelique in HELLRAISER: BLOODLINE, working for colorful producer Bob Weinstein at Dimension Films, the making of a grisly, gory kill in Patrick Lussier's MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D, Gary's work on Renny Harlin's EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING, Gary's interpretation of Clive Barker's HELLRAISER, working with David Fincher on GONE GIRL, putting bees on actor Tony Todd in one of the CANDYMAN movies, and much, much more!
Tue, October 26, 2021
Hollywood, Horror, and Movie Stars w/ Film Historian David Del Valle
On this edition of Parallax Views, we're preparing for Halloween w/ a number of episodes celebrating the spooky season! First up, the great film historian David Del Valle joins Parallax Views to discuss monsters, character actor, and the horror movies of Hollywood. We talk Orson Welles, Dracula actor Christopher Lee (and taking him to a gay disco), LGBTQ+ horror and vampires, the adolescent love of horror movies, the classic Universal Monster movies and the British Hammer Studio horrors of the 60s and 70s, the Dracula Society and the strange character of Donald A. Reed, TV horror hosts like Bob Wilkins of Creature Features, meeting Bud Abbot of the Abbot and Costello fame, becoming an agent to Hollywood stars, the Howling Vs. An American Werewolf in London, Lifetime movies, a story about Zelda Rubinstein (known for her role in POLTERGEIST), stories about Hervé Villechaize and Angelo Rossitto, working on the great 80s horror anthology FROM A WHISPER TO SCREAM starring Vincent Price, interviewing Vincent Price for THE SINISTER IMAGE, Donald Pleasance aka Dr. Loomis of the HALLOWEEN franchise, the late John Carradine (patriarch of the Carradine family), recording audio commentaries (and in particular his audio commentary with horror starlet Barbara Steele for SILENT SCREAM), how Hollywood actors get into debt, the classic Hollywood actor Cameron Mitchell a story about film noir actor Lawrence Tierney who gained late-in-life fame for RESERVOIR DOGS and his appearance SEINFELD, the gay horror/arthouse filmmaker Curtis Harrington and his love of outlaw female characters and Kenneth Anger of HOLLYWOOD BABYLON fame, the breast-loving independent filmmaker Russ Meyers (FASTER PUSSCAT KILL KILL!, BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS), the Ken Russell adage "Every Day is Halloween" in Hollywood,
Tue, October 19, 2021
REPLAY: Undead Uprising: Haiti, Horror, and the Zombie Complex w/ John Cussans
For the penultimate episode of our Parallax Views Halloween series, John Cussans joins us to discuss his book Undead Uprising: Haiti, Horror, and the Zombie Complex . Believe it or not, the zombie wasn't always simply a figure of flesh-ripping, brain eating apocalyptical disease and undead horror. The zombie begins as a figure within Haitian folklore and Voodoo (Voudon) before eventually coming to Western pop culture. John argues that the zombie's migration to the West was underpinned by white Western fears of voodoo-fueled black slave uprisings in Haiti and has evolved from there. In addition, he makes the case that the myths of Haitian voodoo has been used, at least in terms of its imagery and cultural power, as a weapon of control by Western elements such as intelligence agencies (WWII black ops; see: Ian Fleming's Live and Let Die ), journalists, white liberals who seek to "carebearize" the religion, and transgressive revolutionaries like George Bataille, etc. We delve into all these topics as well as the connection between mesmerism and the early zombie in pop culture, Wade Davis' The Serpent and the Rainbow and John's critique of it, thoughts on Frank Wilderson III and Afropessimism, conspiracy theories and Videodrome, the dictatorship of Papa Doc Duvalier, Western "ju ju journalism", Baron Samedi, the Bizango secret society, and much, much more.
Thu, October 14, 2021
The Rise of Right-Wing Comedy w/ Nick Marx
On this edition of Parallax Views, the late night Fox News talk show Gutfeld! w/ right-wing comedian Greg Gutfeld recently managed to beat out its liberal competitor The Late Show w/ Stephen Colbert in ratings. For liberals and leftists, Gutfeld's "Owning the Libs" brand of humor may not be funny. But it has found an audience. He's not alone either, as similarly-styled comics like Steven Crowder have likewise gained an audience through offending liberal sensibilities. And then there's big name comedians like Dave Chappelle and Joe Rogan, who, although not necessarily explicitly right wing, have in recent years garnered by fierce critics and devoted fans by offending those aforementioned sensibilities. Such developments are a far-cry from a decade or so ago when many were touting psychological studies indicating that liberals liked to laugh whereas conservatives preferred to be outraged as a reason for why the political right hadn't produced its own version of The Daily Show 's Jon Stewart, Samantha Bee, or John Oliver. As the growing popularity of Gutfeld ! shows, however, that seems to have changed. Joining us to discuss the rise of right-wing comedy is Nick Marx, Associate Professor of Film and Media Studies at Colorado State University, and co-author (w/ Matt Sienkiewicz) of the upcoming book That's Not Funny: How the Right Makes Comedy Work for Them and the recent article "How conservative comic Greg Gutfeld overtook Stephen Colbert in ratings to become the most popular late-night TV host" . In this conversation we delve into what Nick calls the right-wing comedy complex, how comedians like Tim Allen and Dennis Miller fit into it, the role audience fragmentation has played in the rise of explicitly right-wing comedy in the 21st century, why trying to argue that what comics like Greg Gutfeld are doing is "not comedy" does not stop the right-wing comedy complex, how the right-wing comedy complex papers over over factional divisions within the American conservative movement and unifies unifies them, right-wing comedy as a recruitment tool, troll and trolling culture, addressing psychological studies about liberalism and laughter, the changing nature of the media landscape and triumph of specialized niche entertainment, what has changed about the political comedy format in the past 20 years and the size of the audiences shows within that format could capture?, demographics (age, race, income levels, etc.) and the audience of right-wing comedy, "paleo-comedy", the figures within deeper recesses of the right-wing comedy complex like G
Mon, October 11, 2021
Alienation, Mysteries, Imagination, and the Green Sea w/ Randal Plunkett, 21st Baron of Dunsany
On this edition of Parallax Views, a new movie called The Green Sea tells a story that combines straightforward drama with the magical realism reminiscent of authors like Haruki Murakami (Kafka on the Shore, Norwegian Wood) and elements of the kind of ghost stories bringing to mind M.R. James. Its writer and director has an interesting lineage, to say the least. Oliver Plunkett is the 21st Baron of Dunsany, one of the oldest continuously lived in estates in all of Ireland. He's the ancestor of the fantasy writer Lord Dunsany (aka Edward Plunkett, the 18th Baron of Dunsany), who influenced such authors as Cthulhu mythos creator H.P. Lovecraft and The Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien. He's a noted fan of black metal and death metal, has directed numerous zombie and horror films, and environmentalist. In terms of the latter he has gained both praise and scorn for his notorious decision to rewild the Dunsany estate, turning it into the Dunsany Nature Preserve. With the recently released The Green Sea , Plunkett made his feature film debut as a director. And, as it turns out, the film has many deeply personal and even autobiographic elements in it that shed light on Plunkett's views on creativity, isolation, alienation, the mysteries of life, the importance of social relationships, finding solace in nature, regret and redemption, self-expression, and the power of the imagination. From the IMDB Plot summary for The Green Sea : Simone (Katharine Isabelle), an American writer living a solitary life in Irish countryside, is haunted by visions of her past which begin to intertwine with the fantasy world of the novel she is writing, blurring the lines between reality and the fantasy. Her life changes, when the protagonist of her book, known only as "Kid", played by up and coming Irish actress Hazel Doupe (Float Like A Butterfly), appears to her as a victim of a drunk driving incident that forces the pair together. This sets up the beginning of an unlikely relationship, ultimately setting off a chain of events that will force Simone to face her sinister past. Randal Plunkett joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to discuss this exciting new film that can only be described as a mysterious hybrid of genres. In addition, our conversation allows us to delve into the history of the Dunsany family estate, the musical genius of musicians Scott Conner of the infamous black metal and "doomgrass" one-man-bands Xasthur and Nocturnal Poisoning as well as Justin K. Broadrick of the industrial metal act Godflesh and the post-metal pioneers Jesu, the brilliance of The Green Sea 's lead actress Katharine Isabelle (know for her title role in the innovative werewolf movie franchise Ginger Snaps as well as appearances in
Tue, October 05, 2021
The Passport as Home: Comfort in Rootlessness w/ Andrei Markovits
On this edition of Parallax Views, Andrei S. Markovits is an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and the Karl W. Deutsch Collegiate Professor of Comparative Politics and German Studies at the University of Michigan. For some decades now he has written, with a scholarly verve, about issues such as globalization, antisemitism, soccer and politics, anti-Americanism in European culture, Left politics, and more. Now he's written a memoir entitled The Passport as Home: Comfort in Rootlessness . In said memoir, Andy Merkovits reflects on how being a marginal figure without a sense of rootedness to one culture has a freedom for him personally rather than a tragedy. The term "rootless cosmopolitan" has been used as an anti-semitic dogwhistle. But in The Passport as Home , Merkovits finds a positive value, at least for himself, in rootlessness and cosmopolitanism. This serves as the launching off point for our conversation as we delve into Andy's sense of rootlessness, his cosmopolitanism, his love for the abstract idea of America, and his complicated relationship with the Left. We also discuss Andy's love of the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead, his experience as a young Jewsih man seeing the Rolling Stones in Vienna (and his father's less-than-enthusiastic reaction to it), the generational divide between his generation and that of his father, the politics of 1968, the struggle against imperialism, Andy's first experience in America, his experiences in academia and specifically at Columbia University, an interesting experience Andy had with a member of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), the Club of Rome and its 1972 Limits of Growth Report (pivotal to questions related to climate change, global development, and environmentalism), the Green Left vs. Social Democrats and Communists in the 1970s, computational models and the debates within the global modeling world in the 1970s, remembering his colleague the political scientist Karl Deutsch, and an even an anecdote about Zbigniew Brzezinski!
Sat, October 02, 2021
Architecture, Illness, Inequity, & World Trade Center Designer Minoru Yamasaki w/ Justin Beal
On this edition of Parallax Views, in his new Sandfuture artist Justin Beal looks at the relationship between architecture, its history (and who it is written for), illness (both as actual malady and as metaphor), and inequity through an exploration of the life and times of World Trade Center designer Minoru Yamasaki. Yamasaki made many important contributions to architecture in the 20th century, and yet, according to Beal, remains somewhat obscure in architectural history. Finding this curious, Beal began delving more into the life and work of Yamasaki while also exploring his own relationship to art and architecture in the aftermath of Hurrican Sandy (an event which found Beal saving sculptures from ruin). In exploring the story of Minoru Yamasaki we also delve into issues such as how architecture contributes to the ways we think about matters like inequity and illness socially. Additionally, Beal and I discuss Yamasaki's humanist inclinations and how those inclinations played a role in his art work. Although popular with the public, many of Yamasaki's works were not necessarily in line with academic thinking on architecture. Particularly, Yamasaki's focus on the decorative, or what he called "visual delight", went against modernist dogmas within architecture. This opens us up for a discussion of Yamasaki, who considered himself modernist, and his relationship to the modernist movement. We also discuss the ways in which Yamasaki, like other artists, was interested in communicating something with all his work and the ways in which communicating through architecture is a particular challenge. Moreover, this allows us to discuss the issues of elitism in art and architecture. Among the other topics we discuss are sick building syndrome, formalism and its discontents, Yamasaki and the idea of architecture for the occupant, the role of migraines and stomach ulcers in Sandfuture , the book's ambiguous title of Sandfuture , thinking of the phenomena of the migraine as a spatial condition, Yamasaki's fear of heights and how it informs his relationship to the buildings he designed, architectural designs that create a sense of comfort, metaphors in architecture, the strangeness of architecture as a medium, architecture as a symbol (specifically in the case of the World Trade Center), Yamasaki's struggles against racism and xenophobia, changing one's perception of what the World Trade Center symbolizes when viewed through the lens of its designer, public health and architecture in light of COVID, permanence vs. the shifting sands of time, and much, much more!
Thu, September 30, 2021
Alt Media Hawks and Neocons in Populist Clothing? w/ Robbie Martin and Connor Freeman
On this edition of Parallax Views, are certain segments of alt media becoming hawkish geopolitically beyond the faltering "Forever Wars"? In other words, is there criticisms to be lobbed at alt media figures who may be becoming more hawkish geopolitically as we enter what appears to be a New Cold War on China? Robbie Martin of Media Roots Radio and Connor Freeman of The Libertarian Institute join me to chat about Saagar Enjeti (formerly of Rising on The Hill and now Breaking Point w/ his former Rising co-host Krystal Ball), Cold War 2.0 with China, and alt media hawks. We discuss the Asia Pivot, The Project for a New American Century's (PNAC) long shadow, "The Realignment", neocons in populist clothing, the New "Manufacturing Consent" for a War on China, has the comedy scene got the psyop treatment?, the Hudson Institute funded by military-industrial complex heavyweights like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, the Institute for the Study of War, Robbie's belief that neocons have infiltrated the alt media left, the Committee on the Present Danger China, propaganda adapting to the new era of great power competition, Bari Weiss and the "Intellectual Dark Web", Tucker Carlson, Julian Assange, and much, much more.
Sun, September 26, 2021
James Woolsey‘s Operation Dragon & the Triumph of ”Crackpot Realism” in U.S. Foreign Policy w/ Jim DiEugenio
On this edition of Parallax Views, earlier this year a curious new book was published dealing with the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Co-written by R. James Woolsey, former Director of the CIA under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1995, and Ion Mihai Pacepa, a former Romanian spy and a noted, high-ranking Eastern Bloc defect during the Cold War, Operation Dragon: Inside the Kremlin's Secret War Against America argues that the JFK assassination was the result of a plot involving the Soviet Union's Nikita Khrushchev and Cuba's Fidel Castro. Lee Harvey Oswald, the book claims, was instructed by Khrushchev to kill President Kennedy . According to Woolsey and Pacepa, Khrushchev actually called off the plot for fear that it might be discovered and lead right back to him as one of the perpetrators. What Khrushchev did not count on, say Woolsey and Pacepa, is that Oswald would go rogue and carry out the assassination plot in spite of orders to the contrary. In other words, Operation Dragon alleges that President Kennedy's assassination was the result of nefarious Soviet treachery. Is Operation Dragon just another entry in dizzying array of theories positing an alternative to the Warren Commission Report's oft-contested findings concerning the fatal shooting of a sitting President of the United States in Dallas, TX on November 22nd, 1963? Perhaps. Then again, most books that challenge, in varying degrees, the official line on the Kennedy assassination aren't written by ex-CIA Directors. But the curiosity of the book's co-author, the aforementioned James Woolsey, penning a book dealing with the Kennedy assassination doesn't end with his status as the former highest-ranking official in the CIA. In addition to his tenure as DCIA, Woolsey served as U.S. Under Secretary of the Navy in the late 1970s and was involved in negotiations with the Soviet Union in the 1980s. In other words, he was in the thick of it, so to speak, during the Cold War. Most curiously of all, however, when it comes to Woolsey is his connections to the neoconservative foreign policy movement and his penchant for promoting various conspiratorial fears about foreign countries even prior to the publication of Operation Dragon . A member of the notoriously hawkish neocon think tank The Project for a New American Century (PNAC) before its dissolution in 2006, Woolsey has stoked fears that North Korea could use electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons against the United States and was also a notable proponent of the theory that al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein's Iraq were involved in the Oklahoma City Bombing. Since the publication of Operation Dra
Wed, September 22, 2021
Is Afghanistan Really Just the ”Graveyard of Empire”? w/ Alexander Hainy-Khaleeli
On this edition of Parallax Views, it's become a truism that Afghanistan is the "Graveyard of Empire" over the past few decades. It's an idea that's entered the common parlance and the foreign policy lexicon. Even President Joe Biden has mentioned the "Graveyard of Empires" tropes in light of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan this year. The British Empire and the Soviet Unions failed interventions in Afghanistan are used as examples to support the trope and now the U.S.'s 20 year war ending in withdrawal is being used to further the "Graveyard of Empires" narrative. However, Alexander Hainy-Khaleeli of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at University of Exeter recently pushed back on this trope in his Ajam Media Collective article "Why we need to stop calling Afghanistan 'The Graveyard of Empires'" . This was recorded 9/2/21. There are some audio drop-outs but they do not disrupt the ability to understand the conversation. We also discuss the leadership of the Taliban vs. its rank and file, the Calpihate vs. the Emirate, the potential theological differences between Islamic State and the Taliban, Deobandi Islam vs. Salafi Islam, Biden's comments about the Taliban facing an "existential crisis", Afghanistan's history before the 20th century and its importance to Empires, racism and the "Graveyard of Empires" narrative, does the "Graveyard of Empires" narrative allow for foreign policy interventionists and the U.S. a get out of jail free card for the occupation of Afghanistan?, oversimplifications of history like "ancient hatred" keeping us from asking real questions about sectarian conflicts and geopolitical issues, the Western bubble, Thomas Friedman's "The Lexus and the Oliver Tree" and the Golden Arches Theory of Conflict/War, bad Middle East takes, the Soviet Union in Afghanistan and the role of Cold War machinations by the West in that history, the way the Afghanistan war has been explained and interpreted in the West, the deaths of Afghan civilians and the bombing of Afghanistan, why the Taliban has gained some popular support, the Pashtuns, globalization, the homogenization of Central Asia in the Western mind, the "good guys" vs. "bad guys" narrative of geopolitics, has Afghanistan never been conquered in history?, is Afghanistan ungovernable?, the history of the "Graveyard of Empires" trope, the significance of the year 2010 in the mainstreaming of the "Graveyard of Empires" trope, cartoons referencing the "Graveyard of Empires" trope, Alexander the Great and Afghanistan, the Empire of the Mongols, Greeks, and the Arabs and Afghanistan, the rich culture of Afghanistan in ancient times vs. the image of Afghanistan as backwards throughout history, the strategic importance of Afghanistan historically
Mon, September 20, 2021
The Legacy of Osama bin Laden and the Forever Wars w/ James M. Dorsey
On this edition of Parallax Views, what is the legacy of Osama bin Laden and the "Forever Wars" that came after the 9/11 terrorist attack in 2001? The Middle East Institute's James Dorsey, award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, joins us to tackle that question as related in his article "Bin Laden’s legacy probably surpasses his wildest dreams" . James Dorsey is the the man behind the book, blog, and podcast The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer . We also discuss Afghanistan and what the future may hold for Afghanistan. We also discuss the Taliban, IS-K (Islamic State of Khorasan), al Qaeda, Iran, the possibility of Civil War and ethnic conflict in Afghanistan now that the U.S. withdrawal has been completed, changing perceptions about U.S. foreign policy, the Kabul airport attack, potential naivete of the Taliban, Caliphates vs. Afghan nationalism, the Pashtuns, Pakistan, the Afghans have had 40 years of war not 20, the lessons of Afghanistan, the loyalties of the Taliban, the shifting goals of the U.S. in Afghanistan during its military engagement there after 9/11, the question of the root causes of terrorism, the rise of the Quincy Institute and the push for the demilitarization of U.S. foreign policy, U.S. foreign policy as "in flux", where should U.S. foreign policy go from here, the cost of stability vs. the risk of change, human rights rhetoric vs. reality, bin Laden and the undermining of U.S. cohesion, identity politics, and much, much more. A note that this episode was recorded on 09/10/21.
Thu, September 16, 2021
9/11 & Saudi Arabia Plot Thickens as Documents Declassified w/ Russ Baker
On this edition of Parallax Views, Russ Bake, Editor-in-Chief and founder of the non-profit news organization WhoWhatWhy and author of Family of Secrets: The Bush Dynasty, America's Invisible Government, and the Hidden History of the Last Fifty Years, returned to Parallax Views to discuss his latest article "FBI Makes Midnight Release of Shocking New Information on Saudi-9/11 Complicity" . We discuss the lingering questions about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its potential connection to the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. The issue has received renewed attention thanks to the 9/11 victims' families lawsuit and President Joe Biden's Executive Order calling for the declassification review of 9/11 records. Thanks to that E.O., documents pertaining to the FBI's Operation Encore, a probe into the potential Saudi connection to 9/11, were quietly released late on the night of September 12th, 2021. Russ and I delve into the figure of Prince Bandar bin Sultan and other figures as well as discussing the seeming cover-up of this element of the 9/11 story for so many years. We also chat briefly about the concept of the deep state, the controversy around Spike Lee's 9/11 documentary series on HBO featuring voices from the "9/11 Truth" movement, and much, much more.
Tue, September 14, 2021
Texas Abortion Law Creates Secret Police, Weaponizes Snitch Culture w/ Spike Cohen
On this edition of Parallax Views, 2020 Libertarian Party Vice Presidential Candidate Spike Cohen joins us to discuss why he, as a libertarian, opposes a government "War on Abortion" and views the Texas Heartbeat Act (Texas SB8) is a pandora's box EVEN IF YOU'RE AGAINST ABORTION that creates a secret police nightmare through a government incentive system. In other words, the Texas Abortion Law brings to the fore the issue of snitch culture and its weaponization. Spike and I discuss the views of libertarians on this matter before delving into why EVERYONE, again even those who are on the "pro-life" side of the debate, should oppose this this bill. We also discuss the states rights debates amongst libertarians, how it factors into libertarian support or silence on the bill, and why Spike thinks we should be skeptical of state power even when it isn't federal. It's not entirely devoted to libertarianism though. We discuss the ways in which this bill can be used against citizens, how deputizing private citizens creates a secret police, and much more. The big issue is weaponized snitching and the endlessly horrific scenarios that can come out of its popularization. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Mon, September 13, 2021
20 Years of the War on Terror w/ Scott Horton
On this edition of Parallax Views, the great Scott Horton, an inspiration for Parallax Views, the host of The Scott Horton Show, and the author of both Fool's Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan and Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terror, joins us to provide a down-and-dirty history lesson on the War on Terror and how neoconservative war hawks played right into bin Laden's hands in the aftermath of 9/11. Bin Laden, Scott argues, wanted the U.S. to react to 9/11 by getting involved in an unwinnable war in Afghanistan. Afghanistan, Scott says, was a "Vietnam 2.0" that would inevitably end the same way the Soviet incursion into Afghanistan ended. Who were the architects of these wars? We delve into the neocons like Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Perle, and Michael Ledeen and their enablers like Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney who gave us the decades long nightmare of the War on Terror in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks. We talk George W. Bush, the waste of the War on Terror, why conservative, libertarians, and progressives should oppose wars and imperial hubris, the history of the neocons and their ex-Trotyskite roots, John Podhoretz, radical Islamists, Colin Powell, and much, much more!
Sat, September 11, 2021
9/11 and Saudi Arabia w/ Journalist Dan Christensen
On this edition of Parallax Views, it's the 20th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks that took down the World Trade Center buildings and damaged the Pentagon (another plane was headed for the White House but ended up crashing in Shanksville, PA). Questions remain, even after the 9/11 Joint Inquiry and the 9/11 Commission, about the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the events of that fateful day. A lawsuit by the 9/11 victims' families is underway. Joining us to untangle the question of the Saudi connection to 9/11 is Dan Christensen of the Florida Bulldog (formerly the Broward Bulldog) . Dan Christensen is an journalist who has been covering the story of 9/11 for some years now alongside Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan, authors of The Eleventh Day: The Full Story of 9/11 . As a Florida resident Dan covered the Sarasota, Florida connection to the 9/11 story. Specifically, he detailed the figure of Abdulaziz al-Hijji and his reported relationship to 911 hijackers Mohammad Atta and Marwan al-Sheh. Additionally, Dan has also covered the renegade FBI investigation known as Operation Encore. He has received redacted documents related to Operation Encore that relate to 9/11 and Saudi Arabia. In this conversation we cover all of that as well as the ways in which the FBI has seemingly stonewalled investigations into the Saudi connection to 9/11, the Southern California connection to 9/11 vis-a-vis the suspected Saudi agents Omar al-Baymoui, Musaed al-Jarrah, and Fahad al-Thumairy, Saudi Arabian diplomat Prince Bandar bin Sultan (nicknamed "Bandar Bush") and his subpoena by the 9/11 victims' families, Osama bin Laden, Biden's Executive Order calling for the review of 9/11 records to be declassified, the FBI, Sen. Bob Graham, the infamous "28 pages", Guantanamo Bay detainee Abu Zubaydah and Prince Bandar, the role of Congress in pushing the issues related to Saudi Arabia and 9/11, why the 9/11 victims' family lawsuit matters for society at large, state secrets, the secret pre-9/11 report on al Qaeda sleeper cells in America , the ongoing efforts to unveil the seeming connection between Saudi Arabia and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and much, much more.
Thu, September 09, 2021
Have Forever Wars Become Forever Policy? w/ Karen J. Greenberg
On this edition of Parallax Views, has the post-911 Forever Wars created a slew of forever policies that'll live with us long after American military incursions in Afghanistan and Iraq are decades behind us? That's the case Karen J. Greenberg, of the Center on National Security at Fordham Law, joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to discuss that subject as outline in her recent TomDispatch piece "Will the Forever Wars Become Forever Policy?" and her new book Subtle Tools: The Dismantling of American Democracy from the War on Terror to Donald Trump . Karen argues that although we may be seeing some pivots in terms of policies put in place during the War on Terror, many of the policies of the Forever War years remain "on the table". In this conversation we discuss the Department of Homeland Security, managed counter-terrorism handled multilaterally, the War on Terror and the U.S. as "police men of the world", the Authorization for the Use of Military Force and the problem of its broadness, the opening of a Pandora's Box through AUMFs, the Presidency of George W. Bush and overreach of power, the college generation's relationship to the War on Terror and 9/11, U.S. torture programs and the unprecedented use of police powers in the post-9/11 world, domestic terror threats, whether or not the War on Terror has made us more safe and granted us a sense of security, the Guantanamo Bay pictures and their publication by the Pentagon, violations of norms and Constitutional principles during the War on Terror, militarization at home as well as abroad, climate change and globalization, and much, much more.
Mon, September 06, 2021
Release the Last of the JFK Records w/ Larry Schnapf and Jacob Hornberger
On this edition of Parallax Views, environmental lawyer Larry Schnapf and Jacob Hornberger of the Future of Freedom Foundation join me to discuss the efforts of Larry and others to get the last of the documents promised by the JFK Records Act released to the public. Efforts appear to have been made to keep the last of the records from being released vis-vis a memo that in the estimation of activists like Larry Schnapf and Mark Adamcyzk wouldn't hold up in court as a reason for further release delays. What does this mean for government transparency? Will President Biden's Executive Order related to the review for the declassification of 9/11 documents (which could shed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's to the event) be a model for getting the release of the JFK documents? And Jacob Hornberger makes the case for why he believes JFK was assassinated by what amounts to a larger conspiracy than just the lone gunmen figure of Lee Harvey Oswald. We also very off into the issues of vaccine mandates without getting into an argument. Other key topics covered: Kennedy Vs. the National Security State, the JFK assassination and the CIA, John Newman's JFK and Vietnam, Nixon's "Bay of Pigs" comment, and much, much more, All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Thu, September 02, 2021
EXCLUSIVE: Sirhan Sirhan‘s Attorney Speaks w/ Angela Berry
On this edition of Parallax Views, on June 6th, 1968 Robert F. Kennedy was fatally wounded by gun shots at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California. After the assassination, a Palestinian man, Sirhan Sirhan, was convicted for his death. Over 50 years later, in 2021, Sirhan Sirhan has been recommended for parole. Joining us to discuss why Sirhan Sirhan is up for parole and why he should be released is his defense attorney Angela Berry. Berry argues that Sirhan Sirhan is no longer a threat to the public, and as such should be considered rehabilitated. Berry offers neuroscientific evidence to supoort this case and also discusses the members of the Kennedy family, specifically Douglas Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., that have come out in support of Sirhan Sirhan's parole. Although some members of the Kennedy family and the public at large are outraged by his potential release, Berry argues that under California laws about Corrections and Rehabilitation that her client should be given parole to live out the last of his days (he is now 77 years old) with his brother. Angela also discusses youthful offenses, the role of Sirhan's elderly age in his defense, the question of risk in terms of repeating violent offenses, the psychological tests Sirhan Sirhan has gone through since the 1980s, the emotional backlash against his parole, Sirhan Sirhan's memory loss and the question of complex PTSD, the question of whether Sirhan Sirhan is repentant and remorseful for the events of June 6th, 1968, what the media and the public are missing in regards to this case, the new L.A. District Attorney (D.A.) George Gascón and why the board's decision was not effected by the D.A., and how Sirhan Sirhan's release could be rejected,
Wed, September 01, 2021
The Afghanistan Blunder Boogie and D.C. Arrogance w/ Jim Bovard
On this edition of Parallax Views, U.S. military forces have left Afghanistan after 20 years. But the D.C. foreign policy Blob's arrogance is still going strong, as figures like Max Boot, Leon Panetta, and H.R. McMaster. Our guest on this edition, libertarian gadfly James Bovaird, has a personal experience he's decided to share with us about this kind of hubris that he details in his article "Washington Arrogance is Incurable" . Jim recounts a telling conversation he had with a "good Washingtonian" that took issue with Jim's questioning of U.S. foreign policy. Meanwhile, Jim recounts seeing wounded soldiers returning from the Forever Wars that very same day. From there we delve into a number of different topics related to the foreign policy establishment and the Forever Wars like those waged in Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the War on Terror. We discuss the responsibility and complicity of President George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and, yes, even Joe Biden in regards to these conflicts. Additionally, Jim gives his opinion on the U.S. exit from Afghanistan and how it was handled poorly in his mind. Nonetheless, Jim also expresses that he believes the withdrawal needed to happen. We also delve into the issue of women's and girl's rights in Afghanistan and Jim relates a telling fact about Karzai, who was in power after the U.S. beat back the Taliban in Afghanistan, and how a certain law he signed was anything but a promotion of women's rights. Also, we talk a little bit about perpetual hawkish commentator Max Boot, gun rights, what Jim refers to as the "Sham of Democracy Promotion" in Afghanistan , the winners and losers of the Afghanistan War (hint: Virginia's weapons contractors did quite well for themselves), the relationship between the War on Terror and the loss of civil liberties, the "Bitter Belated Afghan Vindication", 9/11 and the "28 pages" of the post-9/11 Senate Select Committee, Iran and the long push for war with Iran, the rehabilitation of George W. Bush, Jim's book The Bush Betrayal, the worldwide torture regime, the question of U.S. credibility, sanctions, the economic strangulation of Syria, understanding the fact on the ground on these wars, the smugness of our foreign policy elites, the massive amounts of money that go into D.C. think tanks, and more!
Wed, September 01, 2021
Afghanistan, Hubris, and U.S. Foreign Policy w/ Ret. Lt. Col. Daniel Davis + Ted Galen Carpenter
On this edition of Parallax Views, there's been a political blame game at play since President Joe Biden announced the U.S. withdrawal of its military forces from Afghanistan. The last of the U.S. forces officially left on August 30th, 2021. What now? What does this mean for U.S. foreign policy going forward? Will it open up a debate about U.S. foreign policy since 9/11? And what are the lessons that need to be learned from the U.S. military adventure in Afghanistan? We have two interviews delving into those questions on this edition of the program. First up, Ret. Lt. Col. Daniel L. Davis of Defense Priorities joins us to discuss his whistleblowing on the Afghanistan War and the surge that took place on President Obama's watch. We talk about the Afghanistan Papers and how the public was systemically misled (or lied to) about the on-the-ground reality in Afghanistan. Also, we find out Lt. Col. Davis' response to criticisms that the withdrawal will hurt Afghans, that this opens us up to new terrorist threats, and calls to end the Forever Wars are the province of dangerous "isolationists". Also, we discuss how figures like Leon Panetta and H.R. McMaster are "addicted to war" as outlined in Lt. Col Davis' commentary at The Guardian . Lt. Col. Davis argues that we need to reintroduce the diplomatic toolkit and reorient U.S. foreign policy. We also manage to delve into the the Kabul airport attack and the U.S. cooperation with the Taliban against the threat of ISIS-K during the evacuation process. Then, Ted Galen Carpenter of the CATO Institute, who regularly writes for Antiwar.Com and the National Interest, joins us for further discussion about Afghanistan and, more broadly, the need for a revamp of U.S. foreign policy. As supplements to this conversation you may want to read Carpenter's latest Antiwar.Com piece "Blame-Shifting: The Political Elites Response to the Messy Afghan Withdrawal" and "The Cynical Campaign To Scapegoat Joe Biden for the Afghanistan Debacle" as well as his article at the National Interest entitled "U.S. Credibility Not Seriously Damaged by Afghanistan Failure" .
Mon, August 30, 2021
U.S. Foreign Policy Needs to Change w/ Trita Parsi + The U.S.'s Afghanistan Endgame w/ Nadia Ahmad
Interview Start Times: Trita Parsi - 02:22 Nadia Ahmad - 27:14 On this edition of Parallax Views, we have two interviews relating to U.S. foreign policy. First, up Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft co-founder and executive vice president Trita Parsi joins us to discuss how U.S. foreign policy needs a change. For Parsi, that means a shift towards a foreign policy of restraint that rejects militarism and economic warfare like sanctions. He argues that U.S. Grand Strategy is not worked out well for the U.S. as D.C.'s "Blob" adherents of the "Forever Wars" in the Middle East have claimed they would. The disaster of Afghanistan, he argues, is not a repudiation of restraint, but an argument for it. Additionally, Parsi also addresses claims that the Quincy Institute is "isolationist" and takes issue with the U.S. foreign policy Establishment's lack of referring to diplomacy before forms of warfare. Then, Nadia Ahmad, a law professor at the Barry University School of Law, joins us to discuss her Common Dreams op-ed "The US Endgame in Afghanistan Was Mineral Extraction, Not Democracy" . Also, Nadia chimes in on what can be done to help the Afghan people now and launches a criticism of those who ignore the question, "Should we have occupied Afghanistan in the first place?". We discuss the mining companies that Nadia argues the U.S. acted as security guards for in Afghanistan and the threat of sanctions against Afghanistan. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Fri, August 27, 2021
Reflections on Afghanistan w/ Karen Kwiatkowski PLUS Ron Paul
Ret. Air Force Lt. Col Karen Kwiatkowski begins at 04:00 Ron Paul begins at 1:04:00 On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our "Reflections on Afghanistan" series with a double feature episode. First up, Ret. Air Force Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski joins us to offer an insider's perspective the Pentagon during the Bush years and to offer insights about the neoconservatives that got us into the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. We'll also delve into the latest developments in Afghanistan with Karen and why the occupation ended the way it did. Then, former Congressman Ron Paul, noted libertarian and host of The Ron Paul Liberty Report, joins us to talk about his conflicted feelings with regards to signing the 2001 AUMF (Authorization for the Use of Military Force) in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, his argument at the 2008 Republican Presidential debates with Rudy Giuliani over blowback's role in creating terrorism, his correct prediction in 2011 that if we did not leave at that time we'd be stuck in Afghanistan for another 10 years, the connection between the War on Terror and the assault on civil liberties, and much, much more!
Fri, August 27, 2021
Reflections on Afghanistan w/ Eric Margolis
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Eric S. Margolis joins us for the latest in our "Reflections on Afghanistan" series. Margolis, the author of American Raj Liberation Or Domination?: Resolving the Conflict Between the West and the Muslim World and War at the Top of the World: The Struggle for Afghanistan, Kashmir and Tibet , has years of experience covering Afghanistan with his reporting their going back to the 1980s. He discusses a number of issues including the corruption of the Ghani government and the opium drug trade in Afghanistan, the situation with "ISIS-K" or the Khorasan group and the Taliban, the complex multi-ethnic nature of Afghanistan (the Tajiks, Pashtuns, and Hazaras), why the U.S. lost Afghanistan, the "malefactors everywhere" in Afghanistan, the history of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, the mujahedeen, the Soviet Union and Afghanistan, Eric's criticism of media coverage of Afghanistan, and much, much more.
Wed, August 25, 2021
Iran, Islam, and the Green Uprisings w/ Dr. Pouya Alimagham
On this edition of Parallax Views, we take a break from our "Reflections on Afghanistan" series and turn our attention to Iran. Dr. Pouya Alimagham, author of Contesting the Iranian Revolution: The Green Uprisings, joins us to discuss the 2009 Green Uprisings, Islam, and Iran and its history more generally. At the beginning of our conversation deals alot with Dr. Pouya's own journey as an Iranian-American, the problem, of Islamophobia in the United States (we debunk fears of Sharia Law coming to the U.S.A., for example), and American misunderstandings and misperceptions about Islamic people and Iran. Later in the conversation we shift to the topic of the 2009 Green Uprisings against then President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and understanding Iran politically. We discuss how the Green Uprisings went well beyond the political figure of Mir Hossein Mousavi. We also discuss the issue of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) aka the Iran nuclear deal, the continuity of foreign policy between Presidencies (ie: from Trump to Biden). protests within Iran, elections in Iran, and the issue of sanctions against Iran and how they impact the Iranian people. All that and more on this fascinating edition of Parallax Views.
Mon, August 23, 2021
Reflections on Afghanistan w/ Matthew Hoh and JP Sottile
On this edition of Parallax Views, it's a monster-sized edition of our "Reflections of Afghanistan" series with not one but two guests join us for a nearly two hour roundtable conversation asking about how we got to this moment, what the past 20 years of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan says about our society, and what our withdrawal portends for a future in which China's rise looms and climate change seems ready to change the world. Joining us is long-time friend of the show JP Sottile aka "The Newsvandal" and former marine and State Deparment official Matthew Hoh, who famously blew the whistle on the 2009 surge in Afghanistan. The conversation begins with Matthew describing his background in both the Iraq War and Afghanistan War and his opposition to the 2009 surge. From there we delve into a number of issues with JP commenting on the media coverage of Afghanistan and the complicity we may all share in what he calls "The Empire of Oil". The conversation branches out from there as we discuss everything from the late Michael Hastings (a friend of Matthew Hoh) to the defense contractors that benefitted from the war and the F-35 boondoggle on this mammoth edition of the program. NOTE: HAD TO USE A DIFFERENT MIC FOR THIS EPISODE. I DON'T THINK THE AUDIO QUALITY IS EFFECTED THAT MUCH ON MY END. AND IT'S LARGELY JUST ME MODERATING JP AND MATTHEW.
Mon, August 23, 2021
Reflections on Afghanistan (+ Iran) w/ Prof. Muhammad Sahimi
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our deep dive into Afghanistan and the war waged by U.S. forces in Afghanistan over the past 20+ years. This time Prof. Muhammad Sahimi, an astute commentator on Iran, joins me to discuss his latest Antiwar.Com article "The Fake Image of ‘Democratic’ Afghanistan Made by the US Collapses With the Taliban Victory" . Why did the U.S. military adventure in Afghanistan fail and does the involvement of the U.S. involvement in the country actually stretch back much farther in history than the immediate aftermath of 9/11? Prof. Sahimi discusses the birth of the Mujahadeen and the Taliban, the religious and diverse tribal nature of Afghanistan, what the withdrawal entails for Iran and the possibility that the withdrawal is part of a move against Iran by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, the long history of issues between Iran and Afghanistan (including dispute over water distribution), the Persian-speaking populations in Afghanistan, Massoud and the Northern Alliance, the role of ultraconservative Sunni Hanafi Islam in Afghanistan, and much, much more.
Sun, August 22, 2021
Reflections on Afghanistan w/ Richard A. Falk
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our "Reflections on Afghanistan" series. This time we speak with Princeton University international law scholar Richard A. Falk about the parallels between Vietnam and Afghanistan and what it says about the nature of post-colonial wars. Specifically, Falk notes how even a superior military force seems primed to lose in an occupation against a "weaker" nation. We discuss this issue more in-depth as well as dealing with a number of other issues. Among these are the criticisms of President Biden's exit strategy, the withdrawal itself, why Falk supports the withdrawal, the Pentagon Papers and intelligence agency lies, and much, much more.
Fri, August 20, 2021
Reflections on Afghanistan w/ Ray McGovern
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue are reflection on the U.S. war in Afghanistan and its closure. This time we're joined with retired CIA analyst and co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professional for Sanity Ray McGovern joins us to discuss his articles "Hold the Generals Accountable This Time" (Antiwar.Com; 2021) and "Welcome to Vietnam, Mr. President" (Common Dreams; 2009). Ray McGovern relate some stories that draw parallels between the Vietnam War and the Afghanistan War and also explain the concept of the MICIMATT, or the Military Industrial Congressional Intelligence Media Academic Think Tank complex. He also offers thoughts on General Kenneth McKenzie, General Mark Milley,, General David Petraeus, General Stanley McChrystal, and what generals need to be held to account for what the U.S. military intervention into Afghanistan has wrought. We also discuss Ray's concept of the Noah Principle, intelligence agencies and wars, and much, much more.
Thu, August 19, 2021
Reflections on Afghanistan w/ Dr. Stephen Zunes
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our series exploring the past 20 years of U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan. Dr. Stephen Zunes, founder of the Middle East Studies Program at USF, joins us to discuss his thoughts on the latest developments as well as to pushback on attacks on Biden's decision to withdrawal, especially from the right-wing. Additionally, Dr. Zunes and I spend a great deal of time discussing why he was against the invasion and bombing of Afghanistan by U.S. forces even in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Zunes argued at the early onset of the plans for intervention that the actions taken by the Bush administration and later continued by Obama and the administrations that followed him were playing right into the hands of Osama Bin Laden. We also discuss the issue of women's rights, where Afghanistan will go from here under Taliban rule, why Zunes believes Biden took a brave stand in going forward with the withdrawal, the need for an investigation into the botching of the exit strategy, the problem of military vs. economic/infrastructure development in the Afghan mission, and much, much more.
Thu, August 19, 2021
Reflections on Afghanistan w/ Patrick Cockburn
On this edition of Parallax Views, protests against the Taliban in Jalalabad have been met with violent crackdowns. Hours before this development J.G. spoke with Patrick Cockburn, a long-time journalist at The Independent specializing in Middle East wars, about the future of Afghanistan under the Taliban. Given recent developments Patrick's thoughts, particularly his belief that the Taliban would engage in more violent crackdowns and had not moderated, seems pertinent and perhaps even ominous. In this conversation we discuss Patrick's experiences in Afghanistan, what intelligence agencies knew about concerning the state of Afghanistan and what it would look like after the U.S. withdrawal, the ethnic and community diversity within Afghanistan, what the U.S. withdrawal executed by President Biden means for America, what the withdrawal means for Russia, China, Iran, and other nations, what the U.S. got wrong about Afghanistan, how the Taliban managed to take power in the North, and much, much more.
Tue, August 17, 2021
Reflections on Afghanistan w/ Doug Bandow
On this edition of Parallax Views, we begin a series of conversations with different guests about the past 20 years of U.S. military adventurism and what comes next for both the U.S. and Afghanistan in the coming years now that the Taliban has retaken the country. First in our series is Doug Bandow, former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan and a regular writer at Antiwar.Com, the Cato Institute, and The American Conservative. We discuss the lessons that could be learned from the U.S. military adventure in Afghanistan as well as whether the withdrawal represents a "Saigon Moment" for the Biden administration. Additionally, we discuss where the D.C. foreign policy Blob may go from here, why Doug supports the withdrawal, and much, much more.
Tue, August 17, 2021
FIXED AUDIO: Afghanistan, the Taliban, and the U.S. Withdrawal w/ Antiwar.Com’s Jason Ditz
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Ghani-led government in Afghanistan has collapsed and the Taliban has retaken the nation in light of the U.S. withdrawal. Joining us to unravel the latest developments in this monumental story that is at the very epicenter of foreign policy discussion today is Jason Ditz, news editor at Antiwar.Com. We'll discuss a number of issues including how seemingly everyone was blindsided by how fast the Ghani government collapsed and how quickly the Taliban completely reasserted itself. Is it all doom from here on out? Jason Ditz believes we have to wait and see and also discusses what this all mean for the pro-restraint movement in foreign policy circles. Also is what's occuring right now a Saigon moment? Why are the voices of restraint not taking the headlines but rather the architects and supporters of the Afghanistan military adventure? All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Mon, August 16, 2021
Afghanistan, the Taliban, and the U.S. Withdrawal w/ Antiwar.Com's Jason Ditz
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Ghani-led government in Afghanistan has collapsed and the Taliban has retaken the nation in light of the U.S. withdrawal. Joining us to unravel the latest developments in this monumental story that is at the very epicenter of foreign policy discussion today is Jason Ditz, news editor at Antiwar.Com. We'll discuss a number of issues including how seemingly everyone was blindsided by how fast the Ghani government collapsed and how quickly the Taliban completely reasserted itself. Is it all doom from here on out? Jason Ditz believes we have to wait and see and also discusses what this all mean for the pro-restraint movement in foreign policy circles. Also is what's occuring right now a Saigon moment? Why are the voices of restraint not taking the headlines but rather the architects and supporters of the Afghanistan military adventure? All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Sat, August 14, 2021
The FBI and the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Kidnapping Plot w/ Branko Marcetic
On this edition of Parallax Views, a plot by a Michigan militia to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has gained much media attention in light of renewed concerns over domestic extremism, especially in light of the Jan 6th Capitol breach. The story of the kidnapping plot, however, has a thickening plot now as Buzzfeed reported in July 2021 of the FBI's involvement in this story vis-à-vis its informants. Branko Marcetic of Jacobin joins us on this edition of the show to discuss his article on the subject entitled, "The FBI’s Domestic 'War on Terror' Is an Authoritarian Power Grab" . What can be said of this incident and what concerns should it raise about the National Security State apparatus? We'll unravel all that and much more on this fascinating edition of Parallax Views.
Thu, August 12, 2021
The Foreign Policy Blob Smears the Quincy Institute w/ Nicholas Cleveland-Stout
On this edition of Parallax Views, it's another episode of the program about the Washington, D.C. foreign policy "Blob" and its discontents. Recently, the Quincy Institute, a trans-partisan coalition of conservatives, progressives, and libertarians calling for a more restraint-based foreign policy, has increasingly come under fire for its attempt to shake-up U.S. foreign policy discourse. Specifically, a new essay by political scientists John Ikenberry and Daniel Deudney has sought to critique what it refers to as the "Quincy Coalition". Nicholas Cleveland Stout recently penned a piece at the Quincy Institute's Responsible Statecraft publication that responds to Ikenberry and Deudney's piece. Stout joins us on this edition of the show to discuss that piece, entitled "Smearing restrainers won’t hide the woeful failures of US foreign policy" , and the possibilities for a new internationalism that acts as a middle road between isolationism and the post-WWII and post-9/11 foreign policy consensus. Also: Is the Blob sweating over the growth of growing coalitions like the Quincy Institute that challenge the foreign policy consensus?
Mon, August 09, 2021
The Triumphs and Tragedies of the Sixties w/ David Talbot
On this edition of Parallax Views, can any valuable lessons be gleaned from examining both the accomplishments and failings of radical activist leaders fighting for Civil Rights, an end to the Vietnam War, and economic justice in the 1960s? In their new book By the Light of Burning Dreams: The Triumphs and Tragedies of the Second American Revolution the brother and sister duo of David and Margaret Talbot make the case, through the profiling of a number of radical political activists in the 60s, that there is. Some of the figures and topics covered in the book include the antiwar activism of Tom Hayden and Jane Fonda, the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), the Black Panthers, Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, the feminist health collective Jain Collective and pro-choice rights, the LGBTQ+ and the Stonewall Uprisings, the United Farm Workers and Cesar Chavez, and more. We begin this conversation by discussing David's relationship to the 60s and his issues with Harvard Boys School as a student who opposed the draft and Vietnam War. We then move onto a number of topics related to By the Light of Burning Dreams including the life and activism of Tom Hayden, Jane Fond, and the Red Family; the radicalism of Martin Luther King, Jr.; the question of drugs being introduced into the counterculture to hinder activism; leadership vs. leaderless resistance; J. Edgar Hoover's COINTELPRO and the dangers faced by radical activists of the era; the mistakes made by activist leaders in the 60s and the lessons we can learn from those mistakes; the Native American Movement and Russell Means; and more. Also stick around for till the end of the show to hear David give a good story about notorious B-movie filmmaker Ed Wood, who cast David's Hollywood actor father in GLEND OR GLENDA and PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE.!
Sat, August 07, 2021
Insights from The Empire Files w/ Abby Martin
NOTE: PODBEAN WAS ORIGINALLY ONLY PLAYING THE 1ST 20 MINUTES OF THIS INTERVIEW. THIS WAS FIXED APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR AND 42 MINUTES AFTER PUBLICATION. THE GLITCH HAS BEEN FIXED AND THE FULL INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE. THE FULL EPISODE WITH INTRO AND OUTRO GOES ABOUT 68 MINUTES. On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist and documentarian Abby Martin joins us to discuss her work exposing the Empire, from her hit shows like the Empire Files and Breaking the Set to her recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience and her eye-opening documentary Gaza Fights for Freedom. Abby and I also manage to discuss her big victory in court related to the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) Movement as well as her artistic/creative endeavors outside of her work on projects like The Empire Files, her upcoming documentary Earth's Greatest Enemy on military pollution, and the Media Roots Radio podcast she co-hosts with long-time Parallax Views friend Robbie Martin. At the end of the conversation we manage to tribute the late, great Michael Brooks and in-between we talk about everything from the infamous "Woke CIA" recruitment video to the plight of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah and the seeming public opinion sea-change occurring on matters related to Israel/Palestine. This is a free-wheeling conversation that you won't want to miss!
Fri, August 06, 2021
America's Foreign Policy Elite and the Decline of U.S. Primacy w/ Prof. Stephen Walt
On this edition of Parallax Views, are we witnessing the decline of U.S. primacy geopolitically? Our guest on this edition of the program, Harvard University's Dr. Stephen Walt, author of The Hell of Good Intetions: America's Foreign Policy Elite and the Decline of U.S. Primacy , says that that's the case. He joins us to unravel what's been called the D.C. foreign policy blob, give an assessment of the Trump administration and its aftermath, and discuss his latest op-ed in Foreign Policy magazine entitled "Could the United States Still Lead the World If It Wanted To?" . Additionally, Dr. Walt will explain for us what the Realist School of Foreign Policy is, his opinion of why Henry Kissinger doesn't fit that well into the Realist school of thought, reasons why other countries may not seek to emulate the U.S. today (QAnon, voter suppression, etc.), the international rules-based order and exceptions made within that order for allies, U.S. foreign policy blunders from the Vietnam War to the War on Terror, atrophied institutions, hawkish foreign policy figures like John Bolton, accountability in the foreign policy establishment, defining the foreign policy establishment/elite, and much, much more!
Tue, August 03, 2021
The Untold History of the Atomic Bomb w/ Prof. Peter Kuznick
On this edition of Parallax Views, Friday, August 6th and 9th, 2021 will mark the 76th anniversary of the atomic bomb being dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Joining us to discuss the bombing from a critical perspective is Prof. Peter Kuznick, co-author with Oliver Stone of the hit documentary series (and its companion book) The Untold History of the United States . Kuznick, Professor of History and Director of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University, makes the case that, contrary to popular belief, the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was unnecessary to ending WWII. Japan, he argues, would've surrendered. He provides evidence from intelligence reports to the comments of generals to make this case. Furthermore, he argues that the decision to drop the bombs as directed by FDR's successor President Harry Truman was actually about "sending a message" to the Soviet Union. From this perspective, Hiroshima and Nagasaki were collateral damage in service of a geopolitical agenda. Prof. Kuznick lay out the case in detail for why the bombings were both militarily unnecessary and moral unjustifiable in this fascinating and provocative conversation. But moreover, he notes how the unleashing of the atomic bomb all those decades ago led to a dangerous nuclear arms race that has extended beyond the Cold War. In light of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists moving its Doomsday Clock to "100 seconds to midnight" this conversation is hopefully very relevant. Prof. Kuznick says that we must recognize the the mistakes of the past if we are to survive the 21st century without facing the existential risk of nuclear winter or species extinction. He also addresses common objection to these concerns, including deterrence theory and mutually-assured destruction We discuss a number of different subjects and figures as they relate to the story of the atomic bomb including Albert Einstein, Gen. Curtis LeMay, General Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, Robert Oppenheimer, the Frank Committee, taking his students to the bomb sites and meeting survivors, the pivotal role of the Soviet Union in victory over the Axis Powers in WWII, the 7 generals and admirable who objected to the use of the atomic bomb, and much, much more.
Mon, August 02, 2021
UAE Influence Peddling Scandal & the Empire of Oil w/ JP Sottile
On this edition of Parallax Views, Trump loyalist Tom Barrack was recently arrested on explosive charges of acting as a foreign agent for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Whether you're still Trump-obsessed or flat-pout Trump fatigued, or you (in many ways rightfully) think we should move on with Biden, this story may prove more important than anyone realizes. And it may cast a different light on Russiagate and the Mueller investigation that puts the mainlight spotlight on Trump the UAE. But, as this scandal unfolds, it may prove to teach us about something much bigger than Trump. Our guest on this edition of the program, the crackerjack journalist JP Sottile aka "The Newsvandal", calls it the "Empire of Oil" that may well explain our current geopolitics. As Joe Pesci's David Ferrie opines in Oliver Stone's JFK , “Oh, what a deadly web we weave, When first we practice to deceive!" JP and I dig deep getting into the UAE scandal as well as how all of it may connect to a bigger geopolitical picture over the past few years and decades. We talk the sabotaging of the Iran deal, Israel-based private intel firm Psy-Group (covered in the Muller report, but underdiscussed), the NSO and Pegasus spyware scandal, the role of oil in geopolitics, fracking, OPEC and OPEC+, the 9/11 families lawsuit against Saudi Arabia, and much, much more! We had some light-hearted talk about classic Bond Girl Caroline Munro and even Eric Clapton (P.S. - minor mistake in saying he made a "River of Blood" speech meant to say he more or less endorsed Enoch Powell and the sentiment of Powell's "River of Blood" speech).
Fri, July 30, 2021
Scandalous D.C. Grifting from Roger Stone to Michael Avenatti w/ Ken Silverstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, the mighty Ken Silverstein, chief journalist and editor at Washington Babylon, the website devoted to "Shocking True Stories and Political Sleaze" in stately Capitol Hill, returns to expose a gaggle of grifters in the political arena. We begin by discussing the perennial GOP dirty trickster himself Roger Stone, the man with a tacky Richard Nixon tattoo on his back, and how Trump loyalists like him manipulated the rabble when it came to the events ion January 6th now known as the Capitol breach. But don't worry, we're not all about Trump on this show. We're equal opportunity! Which means we'll also be taking aim at former Stormy Daniels lawyer turned #Resistance grifter bilking money out of liberal Democrats Michael Avenatti, who, by the way, is now facing two years in prison with additional charges pending. That's not all though! J.G. finally goes on a rant against the wacky Louise Mensch, who threatened to sick the feds and the LAPD on Barrett Brown and yours truly for reasons that make about as much sense as your average Mensch tweet. And I take no pleasure in reporting that. And, near the end of the show we have a little chat about the passing of Donald Rumsfeld. All that and more on this SCANDALOUS edition of Parallax Views! Beware the grifters, kiddies!
Wed, July 28, 2021
A Journalist Vs. the CIA in Federal Court w/ Jefferson Morley
On this edition of Parallax Views, former Washington Post journalist Jefferson Morley took on the Central Intelligence Agency in federal court for a daunting 16 years. Morley struggles related to the release of files around the JFK assassination, Lee Harvey Oswald, an enigmatic figure known as George Joannides, and the Fair Play for Cuba Committee. He details all this in his new book Morley V CIA: My Unfinished JFK Investigation . But this isn't simply a book about the JFK assassination. It's not about who pulled the trigger. It's not claiming LBJ was the culprit, rhat the CIA set up the whole thing, or anything like that. Instead, it's really a book about state secrecy vs. state transparency. You may have no interest in the Kennedy assassination, BUT it has become the symbol of the public's ever-escalating distrust in various institutions. As such, figures who were firmly in the "Lee Harvey Oswald was the Lone Nut Assassin of JFK" offered their support to Morley's lawsuit. Among them are Gerald Posner and, perhaps most famously, Vincent Bugliosi. JFK researchers like David Talbot and Anthony Summers also lent their support. Why? Well, the argument goes that the national security state making these decades old documents public would restore trust in their institutions. For years, Jefferson Morley, with the help of his lawyer Jim Lesar, fought against the CIA for the declassification. They won many cases. But eventually a figure came into the picture that would change all of that. He was initially supportive, but open being on the cusp of a Supreme Court nomination changed his tune. That figure was Brett Kavanaugh. Yes, folks, this episode is going to be a rather interesting foray into issues related to FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) documents, state secrecy, and the tax-paying public's right to transparency from their government. Even if you're not at all interested in the JFK assassination, this Kafka-esque story should hold your attention. And it turns out the documents Morley turned up may impart lessons about U.S. foreign policy towards Cuba that would go unheeded as we headed into the Iraq War under President George W. Bush. Also what can Morley's case tell us about how th federal courts potentially block democracy. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Tue, July 27, 2021
Drone Whistleblower Daniel Hale Vs. the State w/ Kevin Gosztola
On this edition of Parallax Views, drone whistleblower Daniel Hale is about to face sentencing under the Espionage Act. Since the recording of this episode Daniel has been sentenced to 45 months in prison. Hale blew the whistle on U.S. drone program under conscientious grounds. Now he faces 9 years or more imprison for his leaks. Joining us to tell the story of Daniel Hale and the United States federal Government's actions against him is journliast Kevin Gosztola, who previously joined the program to discuss the whistleblower cases of Reality Winner and Julian Assange. What exactly led to Hale getting caught? What are the similarities between his case and the case of Chelsea Manning? How does this story fit into the broader story of the War on Whistleblowers? How do The Intercept and Jeremy Scahill figure into the story? And what did Hale reveal about U.S. drone programs? What do these revelations have to do with national security state watch lists and no fly lists? All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Mon, July 26, 2021
Pegasus Spyware and NSO Group Scandal w/ Ali Winston
On this edition of Parallax Views, the private Israeli firm NSO Group has been making headlines over the past week due it its sale of a surveillance technology known as Pegasus. A form of spyware, Pegasus has made its ways into the hands of elements in Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. It appears to have been used to target not only the fiancé of the assassinated Jamal Kashoggi, but also dissident journalists in Mexico who ran afoul of corrupt official and drug cartels. What to make sense of this real-life scandal that reads like something out of a cyberpunk dystopian tale? Inbestigative journalist Ali Winston, who helped break the story of the NYPD's Ring of Steel surveillance network, joins us on this edition of the program that involves both the private and public sectors and, in his words, reveal the issues of money and power at the heart of global geopolitics. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Sat, July 24, 2021
Peter Thiel's Military-Industrial Senate Candidate w/ Eli Clifton
On this edition of Parallax Views, tech billionaire Peter Thiel, known for his libertarian and conservative political leanings, infamously backed Donald Trump's successful 2016 Presidential bid. Although Trump may be out of office, Thiel hasn't given up on using his immense wealth to back political candidates presenting themselves as "populists" in the Trumpian mold. For example, he has contributed to the Senate campaign of Hillbilly Elegy author J.D. Vance in Ohio. He's also contributed $10 million dollars to the Arizona Senate candidate Blake Masters. Masters, who co-wrote the best-seller Zero to One with Thiel, serves as the President of the Thiel Foundation and the chief operating officer of Thiel Capital. Although Masters is running as a "populist" candidate, some of the issues Masters if focusing on in his campaign could serve to benefit Thiel's investments. Specifically, the issues of border-security and China, which are key issues in Masters' purview, could stand to benefit Peter Thiel's in surveillance technologies vis-à-vis Palantir (the company, it should be noted, that was providing technology to ICE under Trump). In other words, Masters successfully taking a seat in the Senate could be good for Thiel's border security and weapons investments. Joining us to discuss all of this is Senior Advisor at the Quincy Institute and investigative journalist at Responsible Statecraft magazine Eli Clifton, Clifton recently penned a piece entitled "Meet Peter Thiel’s military industrial candidate" for the aforementioned magazine. We also discuss, briefly, at the beginning of our conversation the controversies around the recently arrested Tom Barrack as it relates to the UAE and foreign influence operations on U.S. foreign policy.
Fri, July 23, 2021
Ben & Jerry's, Israel/Palestine, and Free Speech w/ Ret. Maj. Danny Sjursen
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Vermont-based ice cream company Ben and Jerry's has recently caused a bit of an uproar over its decision to stop selling its product in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This has cause current Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu to speak out. Additionally politicians in the U.S., from Oklahoma to Texas, are calling for the banning of Ben and Jerry's. It may seem like a frivolous issue, but returning Parallax Views guest Ret. Maj. Danny Sjursen argues there's serious issues underneath the Ben and Jerry's row over issues related to human rights and Israel/Palestine. At the forefront of this is BDS (Boycot, Divestment, and Sanctions) and the free speech issues arising from anti-BDS laws in over 30 states in the U.S. Danny and I discuss the Ben & Jerry's fiasco, the BDS movement and anti-BDS laws, and the continued debates about Israel/Palestine, the question of apartheid, and human rights abuses in the Occupied territories. Danny also argues that the current relationship between the U.S. and Israel has become toxic and is not beneficial to either country. Read more about Danny's thoughts on the Ben & Jerry's/Israel fiasco in his article "Israel Screams for Ice Cream: The Minutiae and Madness of a Toxic Relationship" .
Thu, July 22, 2021
The NSA, Surveillance Programs, & Domestic Extremism w/ Jim Bovard
On this edition of Parallax Views, controversial Fox News personality Tucker Carlson caused an uproar recently when he alleged that he has been spied on by the NSA (National Security Agency). Pointing aside one's opinions of either Carlson or his allegations, Parallax Views wanted to delve into the issue of domestic surveillance program and how the could potentially be abused in way that could target activists of the left and right. Are there ways in which the real issue of domestic extremism can be exploited to unsavory ends? In our highly politicized world it is easy to see how such abuse can occur. How a BLM activist could be labeled a "Black Identity Extremist", for example. Or how someone holding socialist views could be labeled domestic extremists. Although the issue of domestic extremism has gained renewed attention since the Janury 6th "Capitol Breach". But what of the potential for the misuse of this important issue? And what of the potential abuses of domestic surveillance programs? Joining us to unpack all those issues is libertarian gadfly James Bovard , author of such books as Attention Deficit Democracy, Public Policy Hooligan, and The Bush Betrayal. We talk about all the aforementioned issues as well as the dual problem of the Imperial Presidency and secretive entrenched bureacracies often referred to, for good or ill, as the "deep state". All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. This conversation was inspired by Jim's latest article in The Daily Caller, "Why NSA Vs Tucker Carlson Is An Alarm Bell For All Americans" .
Wed, July 21, 2021
U.S. Funded Hip Hop Artists to Stoke Unrest in Cuba!? w/ Alan MacLeod
On this edition of Parallax Views, the recent protests in Cuba were, in some regards, boosted by hip hop artists like rapper Yotuel Romero of the Cuban hip hop group Orishnas. Journalist Alan MacLeod, in a recent article for Mint Press News entitled "The Bay of Tweets: Documents Point to US Hand in Cuba Protests", details how taxpayer dollars have been allocated to musicians, specifically hip hop artists, that are seen as potentially useful in stoking unrest and protest against the Cuban government. He joins us on this edition of the program to discuss this strange story and how it involves organizations like USAID and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED; which has its origins in the CIA and the Reagan Presidency). We also discuss the impact of the embargo and sanctions on the Cuban economy along with a host of other issues related to Cuba and the protests including U.S. responses to it from political figures like Marco Rubio.
Mon, July 19, 2021
Cuba, the U.S., and Regime Changes w/ Adrian Delgado
On this edition of Parallax Views, yes, that's right it's the Cuba episode. Protests in Cuba have been taking the news media by the storm the past week. Some are arguing that U.S. foreign policy, particularly the embargo on Cuba, led to material conditions (ie: medical shortages) which, they say, played a role in sparking the unrest. Others, such as the Mayor of Miami, Florida, Francis X. Suarez, are calling for critical support of the protesters in Cuba. The aforementioned Mayor Suarez even went as far as to say the U.S. should consider airstrikes against Cuba. Meanwhile the Mayor of North Lauderdale, Florida, Ana M. Ziade, urged President Joe Biden to authorize U.S. armed forces to "physically enter" both Cuba and Haiti. Joining us to give a few from Miami on the subject of Cuba, the U.S., and all this talk of regime change is the President of the Miami-Dade Young Democrats Adrian Delgado. We discuss all the issue related to the latest protests in Cuba, the U.S. reaction, the Florida GOP's monopolization of the narrative on Cuba in the Sunshine State, why a foreign intervention or regime change operation in Cuba would potentially have catastrophic consequences, and much, much more.
Sun, July 18, 2021
2021 UFO Report and Exploitation in UFO Subculture w/ Jack Brewer
On this edition of Parallax Views, last month the Director of National Intelligence dropped a highly-anticipated and much covered in the media report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) or, as it's more commonly known, the phenomena of UFO sightings. The report didn't, it turns out, offer any revelations about little green men. Or maybe that's part of the cover-up? Joining us to unpack the report, as well as to examine some of the troubling aspects of the UFO subculture, is Jack Brewer, the man behind the blog The UFO Trail. Jack offers a very different take on the UFO subculture as evidenced in his book The Greys Have Been Framed: Exploitation in the UFO Community. We go in-depth on some of the rather seedy elements of the UFO subculture including sexually abusive hypnotherapists specializing in "alien abudction" cases, intelligence agency connected figures, and just plain hucksters. This leads us down a wild path of discussion that includes discussion of such players in the scene as former high-ranking DoD official turned UFO lobbyist Christopher Mellon, the To the Stars Academy, aerospace technology tycoon Robert Bigelow, and the much publicized Pentagon "UFO whistleblower" Luiz Elizondo among others. Jack takes aim at critiquing the "UFO Disclosure" movement and its approach to activism in this conversation and even discusses the long history of this kind of movement going back to the 1950s with Donald Keyhoe and NICAP.
Thu, July 15, 2021
The Haiti Assassination & Private Mercenary Armies w/ Kelley Vlahos
On this edition of Parallax Views, the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated on July 7th. Details are still emerging, but it appears that the culprits were Colombian. The plot thickens as it also appears these Colombians were the hired guns of a private security firm based in Miami, Florida. Said firm is apparently connected to Venezuela and a Venezuelan expat. The Colombians seem to be implying that they were patsies. These details raise the specter of a phenomena that has become prevalent in the years following 9/11 and the launching of the War on Terror by President George W. Bush. Namely, the issue of private mercenary armies. The most infamous case of this phenomena in the post-9/11 years was, of course, Erik Prince's Blackwater. Although the outsourcing of security to private firms is not new, it is now at a whole different level and on a global scale in the 21st century. Joining us to discuss all of this is returning guest Kelley Vlahos of The Quincy Institute's Responsible Statecraft publication. In her latest piece, "The Miami-Haiti Connection: Another mercenary, another day" , dives into the case of the Haitian assassination as well as dealing with last year's "Bay of Piglets" case and the potentials issues arising from the privatization of security at home and abroad. This, she argues, is an issue that should concern both the right and left of the political spectrum and an example of dangerous crony capitalism.
Mon, July 12, 2021
After the Apocalypse: America's Role in a World Transformed w/ Andrew Bacevich
On this edition of Parallax Views, the President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Andrew Bacevich joins Parallax Views for an in-depth discussion on the history of the D.C. "Blob", U.S. foreign policy, and his thoughtful new book After the Apocalypse: America's Role in a World Transformed . 2020 was a year full of tumult from the COVID-19 pandemic to the protests against racial injustice in the aftermath of George Flloyd's death. And then, there is the increasingly concerning issue of climate change and the crises it could create. This is the "Apocalypse" that Andrew Bacevich's new book addresses. And he argues that in order to address the domestic challenges we face as a country, from pandemics to racism to increasing economic inequity to potential climate catastrophe, we must reassess U.S. foreign policy in post-pandemic world. Bacevich questions the U.S. "forever wars", the role of NATO in the 21st century and the American relationship to it, and much more. In putting all our efforts into interventions abroad are we missing national security threats at home like climate change or, in the aftermath of the Jan 6th uprisings, domestic terrorism? Are the uprisings, left and right, in part a result of atrophied institutions in the beltway devoted to outmoded Cold War modes-of-thinking that have created a foreign policy with domestic consequences? And what of the often underdiscussed issue of nuclear proliferation? Andrew Bacevich and I, hopefully, tackle these and other issues with eloquence in this fascinating hour long conversation.
Wed, July 07, 2021
The Ferguson Uprisings and the Death of Danye Jones w/ Ray Nowosielski & John Duffy
On this edition of Parallax Views, a new podcast on iHeart Radio is making waves by revisiting, in light of last summer's Black Lives Matter protests in response to the death of George Floyd, the Ferguson uprisings of 2014 and the strange death of a young man in their series After the Uprising . Those uprisings came about after the death of Michael Brown and caused renewed discussion about policy brutality and racism. They were also followed by a series of strange deaths, most notably that of 24-year old Danye Dion Jones. Danye's mother Melissa McKinnies, a prominent activist in the days of the Ferguson unrest, found her son hanged in her backyard. Although ruled a suicide, Danye's family did not accept that conclusion and gave reasons for their belief that Danye was murdered. This is the case that Ray Nowosielski and John Duffy explore in their new podcast series After the Uprising . It's a true crime case that bears social relevance in the age of BLM and questions about police misconduct. And the series, which only recently began airing, promises explosive and shocking revelations. Ray Nowosielski and John Duffy previously joined Parallax Views to discuss their excellent 9/11 book The Watchdogs Didn't Bark: The CIA, NSA, and the Crimes of the War on Terror, which detailed curious intelligence agency failures related to the September 11th, 2001 attacks. Like The Watchdogs Didn't Bark , After the Uprising is not a conspiracy series or a so-called "Truther" investigation. In this episode we discuss that as well as how John and Ray were able to tackle their subject in a non-exploitative way, the key elements of the case covered on the series so far, whether issues like police brutality should be treated as purely partisan political issues by society (Answer: A resounding no), and much, much more!
Mon, July 05, 2021
Peter Thiel and the Roth Retirement Accounts Scandal w/ Justin Elliott
On this edition of Parallax Views, most American citizens imagine tax havens as all being located in the U.S. But what if some of America's most wealthy, the ultrarich, had what amounted to a tax haven right here in the U.S. of A? ProPublica and its crack team of reporters may have just blown the lid off that very possibility in their explosive investigation "Lord of the Roths: How Tech Mogul Peter Thiel Turned a Retirement Account for the Middle Class Into a $5 Billion Tax-Free Piggy Bank" . One of the investigations co-authors, Justin Elliott, joins us for a brief but informtive discussion about how ultrarich billionaires like Peter Thiel, Robert Mercer, and Warren Buffet have been able to use Roth IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts), originally intended for middle class Americans to build nest eggs for their golden years, to amass large amounts of wealth without having to worry about taxes or an increasingly stymied and underfunded IRS. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Sat, July 03, 2021
A Meta-Discussion About American History w/ William Hogeland
On this edition of Parallax Views, we celebrate the 4th of July by having critical meta-discussion about American history and how it is constructed with the one and only William Hogeland, popular historian and author of such books as Autumn of the Black Snake , Declaration , Founding Finance , and The Whiskey Rebellion . In the course of our conversation we discuss his new blog Hogeland's Bad History on Substack and take a deep dive into problems related to how everyday American citizens and serious historians alike look at U.S. history. In particular we talk about the wave of calls for historians to play a more vital role in political discourse in light of the rise of Trumpism, the problems with the sentiments of "Ask a Historian", the debate over how history should be taught in school now summed up in the conversation over CRT or Critical Race Theory (although the use of CRT may be a misnomer), Lin Manuel Miranda's Hamilton and the case of Hamiltonmania that has been sweeping the nation, the age old Republic Vs. Democracy debate about the nature of U.S. government, whether or not it may be more useful to look at what the U.S. Founding Father did rather than what they wrote or said, Constitutional originalism in both its right-wing and liberal forms, and much, much more!
Wed, June 30, 2021
The Biden-Putin Summit and U.S.-Russia Relations w/ Anatol Lieven
On this edition of Parallax Views, Anatol Lieven, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft's new senior research fellow on Russia and Europe as well as an Orwell-prize winning journalist and professor at Georgetown University in Qatar, joins me to discuss U.S.-Russia relations and the recent Biden-Putin summit. We also get Prof. Lieven's thoughts on the state of U.S. foreign policy discussion, discourse around Putin and human rights, the Ukraine issue, national security and the international-rules-based order, the Cold War, Russia's perspective on foreign policy, diplomacy vs. conflict, and much, much more.
Wed, June 30, 2021
Foreign Policy, the Border, & Diplomacy w/ Crashing the War Party's Barbara Boland
On this edition of Parallax Views, Barbara Boland of the Crashing the War Party podcast (which she co-hosts with the great Kelley Vlahos and Daniel Larison) joins me for a discussion about the need to reassess U.S. foreign policy, re-opening the diplomatic toolbox and remembering the value of diplomacy, and the ever contentious issues around the border and border security. Barbara formerly wrote for The American Conservative and is now writing for the Quincy Institute's Responsible Statecraft publication. This is a bit of a cross-partisan conversation w/ Barbara coming from a more conservative background and your host coming from a more progressive background. It's not a debate, even on the contentious issue of the border, but an attempt to find areas of commonality (in relation to the border that comes about in recognizing the U.S.'s complicity in the problems faced by countries like Guatemala and Mexico vis-a-vis our foreign policy and the War on Drugs as well as criticism of Trump's policies on the border, horror at the kids in cages stories that have surfaced, etc.). You may be surprised by some of Barbara's views depending on what your conception of a conservative is. We delve into issues like racism, U.S. policy towards Cuba, memes about Venezuela and socialism, Iran, sanctions, the Cold War posturing over China and Russia, the "international rules based order", entangling alliances, the military industrial complex,
Mon, June 28, 2021
Dark Quadrant, Or the Intersection of Politics and Organized Crime w/ Jonathan Marshall
On this edition of Parallax Views, what and where is the intersection where organized crime and political corruption meet each other? And is it a threat to our Democracy? Author Jonathan Marshall attempts to answer those questions in his fascinating new book Dark Quadrant: Organized Crime, Big Business, and the Corruption of Democracy . In this stunning new book, Marshall details the shocking and sordid history of where and when organized crime have met in American politics from the Presidencies of Harry Truman to Donald Trump. Among the topics covered in this in-depth conversation: - How Marshall became interested in the subject of politics and organized crime; collaborating with Peter Dale Scott; the concept of deep politics; drug trafficking and Iran/Contra - Thomas Pendegrast and the Pendergrast Machine - The China Lobby (Taiwan) and foreign lobbies - President Richard Niion and the mob - High-powered, mob-conencted lawyers and "fixers" like Sidney Korshak - The Hollywood connection to political corruption - Reformist efforts to stop organized crime's role in political corruption in the 20th century; Robert F. Kennedy - J. Edgard Hoover, the FBI, and the mob - Donald Trump and the mob; a different take on Russiagate - Donald Trump as a transition point in the history of the "Dark Quadrant"; transnational organized crime - The connections between organized crime, the FBI, and anti-communism during the Cold War - And much, much more!
Sun, June 27, 2021
REPLAY: Mike Gravel on His Life, the Pentagon Papers, & Direct Democracy
Mike Gravel passed away on June 26th, 2021. This epiode is offered as a replay to listeners in order to celebrate his memory. On this edition of Parallax Views, former Senator Mike Gravel made some waves earlier this year when a group of teens meme'd him into a Presidential campaign seeking the Democratic nomination. Although that campaign has since ended, Gravel is hard at work promoting one of his greatest passions: direct democracy. During his Senatorial career Gravel forcefully opposed the Vietnam War draft and, famously, read the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret Department of Defense study courageously leaked to the public by whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, on the floor of Congress. He is, in another words, a man that has not only bore witness to history, but participated in it. And at 89 years old he's a passionate and committed as ever. Not only that, but he has a great deal of hope. As a proponent of direct democracy he believes strongly in the will of "We the People" and has faith in the masses. Moreover, he argues that a more direct democracy, which would include the citizens in our lawmaking processes, is eminently possible. In this conversation we discuss all of these matters and subjects as well as Mike's working-class background, the influence figures like Bertrand Russell and IF Stone had on him, and more.
Sat, June 26, 2021
Revisiting Oliver Stone’s NIXON (And More!) w/ Film Producer Eric Hamburg
On this edition of Parallax Views, Oliver Stone has proven to be one of Hollywood's most controversial and political filmmakers for many decades now. After the release of his 1991 epic JFK he received a great deal of criticisms from elements of the press for undermining the official narrative of the JFK assassination. Put simply, Stone was, despite previous highly-regarded films as Wall Street , Platoon , and Salvador , branded a "conspiracy theorist". Nonetheless, Stone kept making films and followed JFK up with another subject of historical interest to the Vietnam era: Richard Nixon. Starring the acclaimed Anthony Hopkins as Tricky Dick (a role that garnered him an Academy Award nomination), Nixon proved to largely be a hit with critics but underperformed at the box office. Although many had expected that Nixon would be "conspiracy" film or a mere attack on the former Republican President, Stone's feature offered a complex portrait of the man that received flak from both Nixon's critics and supporters. Eric Hamburg, author of JFK, Nixon, Oliver Stone, and Me: An Idealist's Journey from Capitol Hill to Hollywood Hell, acted as a producer on Nixon . He enjoys me to revisit that film as well as to discuss his time on Capitol Hill with John Kerry and Lee Hamilton, how he met Oliver Stone through JFK , his work on Oliver Stone's football film Any Given Sunday , the potential effect that Vietnam had on Stone, Stone on dirty money and Hollywood, the attention to historical details in Nixon , the concept of "The Beast" described in Nixon , how Nixon came together, interviewing the Pentagon's Robert McNamara and Watergate testifier John Dean as research for the film, and much, much more!
Fri, June 25, 2021
Foreign Lobbies, Influence Peddling, and Think Tanks w/ Ben Freeman
On this edition of Parallax Views, the issue of how politics on Capitol Hill is effected by foreign lobbies, influence peddling, and think tanks with connections to the defense industry are important but oft underdiscussed topics. Joining us to unravel these matters is Ben Freeman , Director of the Foreign Influence Transparency Initiative at the Center for International Policy . We discuss the Foreign Agents Registration Act and its history as well as the role of Saudi lobbying on the Republican Party and Qatari lobbying on the Democratic Party. Additionally, we discuss the need for transparency when it comes to foreign lobbies and Ben explains why these issues should matter to average American citizens and voters. The American-Israel Public Affairs Committee is also discussed. But we do not stop at the issue of foreign lobbies. We also discuss the topic of the military industrial complex and Ben's updating of that term to the military industrial congressional think tank complex. What is the role of the defense industry and weapons manufacturing in influencing U.S. policy? In discussing think tanks we are able to tie foreign lobbies back into the conversation because both foreign lobbies and defense contractors play a huge role in the funding of political think tanks in America. Given that experts at many think tanks are featured on various media outlets it is important to be transparent about who is funding these think tanks and how it may influence the agenda of those think tanks. In regards to think tanks we tackle the question of how trust can be restored in think tanks and, moreover, why it is important for that trust to be restored.
Thu, June 24, 2021
The Iranian Election, Sanctions, & the JCPOA w/ Dr. Assal Rad
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. Assal Rad comes back to show to discuss the recent results of the Iranian elections, Iran's new President Ebrahim Raisi, the effect of sanctions on Iran, and the fate of the Iran nuclear deal aka the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. We discuss how Raisi's win came about, Iranian people, anti-Iran deal John Bolton's cheering on the victory of Raisi and hardliners, the U.S. federal government's seizure of Iranian state-sanctioned media outlet PressTV's website, who Raisi is and what it means for the Iranian people, the role of U.S. foreign policy in emboldening hardliners and Raisi, and much, much more.
Wed, June 23, 2021
REPLAY: The John McAfee Interview
This episode is being replayed in light of news of John McAfee's death. It was... a rather strange interview and I may go over my thoughts about it and McAfee on a future Patreon edition of the show. On this edition of Parallax Views, an equal parts wild and tense conversation with the founder of McAfee associates (the creators of McAfee Antivirus), bitcoin bull, Presidential candidate, international fugitive, and person of interest in the Belize murder of Gregory Faull, John McAfee. Joining me to help ask some of the more probing questions in this interview is the inimitable freelance journalist Marlon Ettinger , who previously joined us to discuss his experiences at the NY trial of the now deceased Jeffrey Epstein . Marlon was helpful in trying to ask questions that dug a little deeper during the course of the conversation. I trust that, unlike some podcasts dealing with the controversial figure of McAfee, this is not an exploitative or "comedic" conversation and gives some insights into both the notorious John McAfee and some of the infamies associated with him. In any case Marlon and I tried to do something different with this interview and we hope that you, the listener, get something out of it.
Mon, June 21, 2021
Dennis Kucinich's Crusade Against Corruption w/ Dennis Kucinich
On this edition of Parallax Views, former Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich has often been called a man ahead of his time. A member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 10th district from 1997 to 2013, has been both known and often ridiculed for his unwavering progressive politics. He voiced support for issues like marijuana legalization, trans individuals holding important political positions, opposing the Iraq War, making universal single-payer healthcare a reality, and more before such positions were popular. Many of those positions were formerly seen as too radical or lofty, especially at the times Kucinich ran for President 2004 and 2008. But, as The Washington Post has noted, the former Congressman has since been vindicated. Which is to say that many of his positions have now become part and parcel of the mainstream discourse. "When he ran for president, he was ridiculed and dismissed," wrote David Montgomery in The Washington Post, "t turns out he was the future of American politics." But the former Congressman and man ahead of his time isn't done yet. He's running for Mayor in Cleveland. Which is fitting seeing as he first came to prominence as Cleveland's Mayor in 1977. And now he's telling the full story of his first go as Mayor in his fascinating new book The Division of Light and Power. Described as a cross between The Godfather and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Division of Light and Power details how Mayor Kucinich fought corporate interests to save Muny Light, Cleveland's publicly owned utility company. This led to a conflict with CEI (Cleveland Electrical Illuminating Company) that makes for a riveting tale of one man's fight against political corruption. It's a story that involves organized crime, hitmen, and even attempted assassination. And now, for the first time, Dennis Kucinich is telling the full story in the form of a memoir. He joins us on this edition of the program to discuss The Division of Light and Power as well as how Catholic social teachings and growing up in relative poverty have influenced his political and social worldviews. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Tue, June 15, 2021
Taking a Human Rights-Centric Approach to Israel/Palestine w/ Zaha Hassan
On this edition of Parallax Views, should the U.S. consider taking a different approach to the Israel/Palestine conflict? A new paper from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace argues it should and says that a more human rights-centric approach is necessary not only on moral grounds but also for national security reasons, civil liberties in the U.S., and the sake of U.S. foreign policy objectives trumpeted by the Biden administration concerning the re-establishment of America's leadership in a rules-based international order. Joining us to discuss the paper is one of its co-authors, Palestinian human rights lawyer Zaha Hassan. Please be sure to read the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace paper "Breaking the Israel-Palestine Status Quo" if you are interested in this conversation. We discussed a number of issues including the Occupied Territories, Gaza, the West Bank, changing attitudes about Israel/Palestine, settlements, and much, much more.
Tue, June 15, 2021
International Law and Israel/Palestine w/ UN Special Rapporteur Michael Lynk
NOTE: In the intro I repeatedly say "Palestinian Occupied Territories" when, to avoid confusion, I should have said "Occupied Palestinian Territories" to make clear that those territories are occupied by Israel. On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our exploration of the Israel/Palestine conflict. This time Canadian legal scholar and current United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Issue of Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories Since 1967 Michael Lynk joins us to discuss Israel/Palestine from the perspective of international law. We discuss issues like annexation, human rights abuses, the siege on Gaza, the West Bank, the work of previous UN Special Rapporteurs Richard Falk and John Dugard, the issue of permanent occupation. and taking a rights-based approach to Israel/Palestine. Also, in the intro find out why there was a lack of new shows last week. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Thu, June 10, 2021
The Iranian Elections, Gen. Soleimani, and Geopolitics w/ Arash Azizi
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Iranian Presidential elections are coming up on June 18th, 2021. What to make of the election and the most likely successor to President Hassan Rhouhani, Ebrahim Raisi? Joining us to answer these questions as well as to delve into the life and assassination of General Qassam Soleimani is historian Arash Azizi, author of The Shadow Commander: Soleimani , the U.S. and Iran's Global Ambitions . Arash and I discuss discuss the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps., the IRGC's foreign policy goals, assessing the U.S. foreign policy towards Iran so far under the Biden administration, Arash's opinions about U.S. interventionism and his critique of U.S. progressives/the left on American foreign policy, and much, much more.
Fri, June 04, 2021
Israel/Palestine & the One Democratic State Campaign w/ Jeff Halper
On this edition of Parallax Views, anthropologist Jeff Halper of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions and the One Democratic State Campaign joins us to give a history lesson on Israel/Palestine as well as to discuss political Zionism vs. cultural Zionism, the issue of antisemitism, and his support of the the one-state solution calling for equal citizenship and rights. During the course of our conversation Jeff helps us understand some of the key points of his new book Decolonizing Israel, Liberating Palestine: Zionism, Settler Colonialism, and the Case for One Democratic State as well as put to rest myths about Palestine peddled in books like Joan Peters' From Time Immemorial . All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Fri, June 04, 2021
Emily Wilder's Firing by the Associated Press w/ Ari Paul
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ari Paul of Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) joins me to discuss the recent case of journalist Emily Wilder. Wilder had just graduated Stanford University and went to work for the Associated Press. Her tenure at AP would prove short-lived, however, after a campaign from Stanford Young Republicans and publications like The Federalist began attacking Wilder's integrity and objectivity as a journalist because of her activist activities as a university student in groups like Jewish Voice for Peace and pro-Palestinian groups. Wilder was fired by the AP shortly after the latest flare-up in Israel/Palestine. Was Wilder cancelled and what does her case mean for journalism?
Tue, June 01, 2021
Afghanistan, the U.S. Withdrawal, and the War on Drugs w/ Inge Fyklund
On this edition of Parallax Views, former Chicago prosecutor and current Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP; formerly Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) Dr. Inge Fryklund has extensive experience in Afghanistan having spent years in the country while working for USAID and the Marine Corps. Dr. Fyklund recently penned an op-ed for the Institute for Policy Studies' Foreign Policy in Focus project entitled "Decentralization Could Reduce Conflict in Postwar Afghanistan" . In said op-ed she argues that the kind of local control permitted by Afghanistan's 2004 constitution, if put into practice, could protect women and minorities in Afghanistan if the scenario of a Taliban takeover of Kabul occurs in the aftermath of U.S. withdrawal in September 2021. I initially reached out to Dr. Fyklund to discuss this op-ed, however the focus of our conversation took a much broader tone as we delve into her work on Afghanistan as it relates to the U.S.'s longstanding "War on Drugs" since the Nixon Presidency and its effect on U.S. foreign policy. As those even slightly familiar with the country likely know, Afghanistan is known for it's involvement in poppy production and opium trade. Dr. Fyklund argues that U.S. domestic policy's hardline stance on drug trade has spilled over into U.S. foreign policy as it relates to Afghanistan. This, Dr. Fyklund believes, has been unnecessary and unbeneficial in the long-run. In the course of this conversation Dr. Fyklund and I discuss her thoughts on Biden's planned withdrawal from Afghanistan and why decentralization could prevent the Taliban from taking full control of the country. Moreover, Dr. Fyklund and I take a deep dive into the issue of the War on Drugs and it's relationship to not just foreign policy in Afghanistan but also the problems it has caused domestically and for countries like Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador since its inception. In Dr. Fyklund's view the War on Drugs has done more harm than good and has even contributed to a driving a displacement crisis that has led to desperate immigrant refugees arriving at the U.S. border . In addition to these issues Dr. Fyklund and I discuss alternatives to the longstanding War on Drugs and why the War on Drugs could potentially be brought end in the future.
Sat, May 29, 2021
The Pro-Trump, 'Anti-Deep State' Deep State Plot Against Gen. McMaster? w/ Russ Baker
On this edition of Parallax Views, on May 13th, 2021 the New York Times published a tantalizing report by journalists Adam Goldman and Mark Mazzetti. "Activists and Ex-Spy Said to Have Plotted to Discredit Trump ‘Enemies’ in Government" , read the eye-catching headline that promised to add yet another scandalous chapter to the already scandal-ridden story of the Trump Presidency. Following the attention-grabbing headline, Goldman & Mazzetti, through documents and interviews, details a "campaign" by pro-Trump elements to discredit government officials perceived as potentially disloyal to the modus operandi of President Trump in the early years of his Presidency. Brining to mind Richard Nixon's "dirty tricks" and the tradition of what in D.C. slang has come to be known as political "ratf*cking, said campaign included a "planned sting operation against Mr. Trump’s national security adviser at the time, H.R. McMaster" and "secret surveillance operations against F.B.I. employees, aimed at exposing anti-Trump sentiment in the bureau’s ranks". According to Goldman & Mazzetti's reporting the plot involved former British spy Richard Seddon, controversial private security contractor Erik Prince of Blackwater infamy (and, for what it's worth, the younger brother of Trump's Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos), and operatives of Project Veritas, a right-wing conservative activist group founded by James O'Keefe and previously known for its operations against Planned Parenthood, ACORN, and others. In regards specifically to the sting operation against Gen. McMaster, which involved what in intelligence circles is known as a "honey trap", the NYT story mentioned another player in this cast of character: Barbara Ledeen. A former GOP Senate Judiciary Committee staffer, Ledeen admits to at least a minor role in the plot against McMaster in the NYT report. However, she is only mentioned rather briefly in the article itself. Investigative journalist Russ Baker, author of Family of Secrets: The Bush Dynasty, America's Invisible Government, and the Hidden History of the Last Fifty Years and CEO/Editor-in-Chief of the news outlet WhoWhatWhy, joined me to discuss his recent article, co-authored with Matt Harvey, detailing how there may be another angle to explore in this story after taking a closer look at who Barbara Ledeen is and the circles she travels in. As Baker explains, Ledeen is the wife of one Michael Ledeen. Michael Ledeen, for the uninitiated is "a historian, campaign adviser, and freelance intelligence operative, who served as a consultant to the National Security Council and departments of State and Defense under Republican adminis
Thu, May 27, 2021
Leak Reveals Power Shift to Hardliners Ahead of Iranian Election w/ Gareth Porter
On this edition of Parallax Views, leaked material reveals a shift to hardliners ahead of the June 18th elections in Iran . Journalist Gareth Porter joins me to discuss this development as well as to cover the rocky history of U.S.-Iranian relations. During the course of our conversation Gareth and I delve into Iranian Foreign MinisterJavad Zarif conflicts with the late General Soleimani of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and how Soleimani's death at the hands of a drone strike during Trump Presidency has effectively pushed many in Iran towards potentially voting for candidates that are opposed to negotiating a new deal with the U.S. In addition to this Gareth and I also delve into the history of the Iran nuclear program, Reagan vs. Iran, Soleimani vs. ISIS, Soleimani in Syria and Iraq, the tension between Shia principles and the IRGC, the JCPOA and Obama, and much, much more.
Tue, May 25, 2021
An Inside View of the UN and Sanctions w/ Hans-Christof Von Sponeck
On this edition of Parallax Views, former UN Assistant Secretary General and UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Hans Von Sponeck joins us to discuss the nature of the United Nations as well as to provide his thoughts on the negative impacts of sanctions. Hans begins by explaining how he became involved in the United Nations as a German in 1968. From there we delve into his insider's perspective of the United Nations and the difference between what he calls the "two UNs": the political UN (represented by the UN Security Council, General Assembly, and International Court of Justice) and the operational UN which is development-oriented and humanitarian. We then delve into the issues of and between developing nations and Western nations like the United States. In this regard we talk about the UN as a multinational body or "People's Organization" dealing with international law and its potentialities for global cooperation in a world facing global crises like climate change. In this regard Hans argues that an international body for the benefit of civil society, whether the UN or another organization, is necessary for our collective survival. In addition to all of this we delve into the issue of disinformation about the UN, the budget of the UN and lack of resources allocated to the organization, and related matters. Late in the program we delve into Hans work in the UN as it related to Iraq and sanctions. Like Dennis Halliday, Von Sponeck would leave an important post at the UN in relation to Iraq in protest of the sanctions against Iraq. Hans respond to a study by the London School of Economics claiming that the UN, specifically UNICEF, was fooled by the Saddam Hussein regime on the issue of the sanctions (the claim being Hussein's regime "cooked the books" to make the impacts of sanctions look worse than they were). Hans also goes into details about the negative impacts of sanctions on Iraq that he bore witness to while in the UN. During the course of our conversation Kofi Annan, John Bolton, and other figures makes appearances and Hans offers insider details about how the UN works and how it can be more effective as an institution in the future. The subject of sanctions seem particularly relevant given debates about the negative impacts of sanctions on countries like Iran, Syria, and Venezuela today as discussed by previous Parallax Views guests like UN Special Rapporteur on Sanction Prof. Alena Douhan and Brian McGlinchey of the The Stark Realities newsletter . We also discuss war and sanctions, foreign policy, political forces inside the UN, clashes on the 38th floor of the UN, the resignation of Dennis Halliday and himself from their positions, securing a better future
Fri, May 21, 2021
The Israel/Palestine Conflict, International Law, and Human Rights w/ John Dugard
On this edition of Parallax Views, we wrap up our series on the Israel/Palestine conflict with John Dugard, international law scholar and former UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law in the Palestinian Territories. Born in South Africa, Prof. Dugard was a prominent critic of his home country's apartheid regime. His work on Israel/Palestine is particular of interest in light of the recent reports by Human Rights Watch and Israeli human rights organization B'tselem invoking apartheid in relation to Israel. Prof. Dugard invoked the question of apartheid years prior to the publication of either aforementioned report this year. Dugard and I will be discussing a number of issues including the question of apartheid, the role of the international community in resolving this conflict long-term, why he believes the U.S. has disqualified itself as a broker of peace, the U.S. blocking of UN statements concerning the latest developments in the conflict, the International Criminal Court, right-wing demagoguery in Israeli politics, and much, much more. * Please note that this episode was recorded just hours before the announcement of the latest ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
Thu, May 20, 2021
The Israel/Palestine Conflict, U.S. Public Opinion, and Gaza w/ Phyllis Bennis
On this edition of Parallax, although a ceasefire appears to be on the horizon between Israel and Hamas, it still worth discussing the latest developments in the Israel/Palestine for those concerned about international relations, peace, and justice. Phyllis Bennis of the Institute for Policy Studies is the author of the recent book Understanding the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Primer. She joins us on this edition of the show to discuss the latest chapter in the Israel-Palestine conflict, changing U.S. public opinion on the conflict, human rights violations of the Israeli occupation of Gaza, the history of the U.S.-Israel special-relationship, and much, much more.
Thu, May 20, 2021
The Israel/Palestine Conflict and Wither AIPAC? w/ Atty. Scott Horton
On this edition of Parallax Views, human rights attorney and international law expert Scott Horton joined Parallax Views to discuss the Israel/Palestine conflict in light of recent events and flare-ups in the conflict including Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and news of a potential ceasefire. In addition, Scott and I discuss the issue of the America-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), or the Israel lobby, and its waning influence on Capitol Hill due to the rise of direct competition in the form of J Street and AIPAC's gamble to ally itself more fully with the Republican Party.
Wed, May 19, 2021
The Israel/Palestine Conflict and U.S. Foreign Policy w/ Prof. Stephen Zunes
On this edition of Parallax Views, University of San Francisco-based international relations scholar Stephen Zunes joins us to continue our exploration of recent events involving Israeli airstrikes, the Sheikh Jarrah district of East Jerusalem, Hamas, Gaza, and U.S. foreign policy. In this conversation we discuss a number of issues with a special focus on U.S. support of Israel on Capitol Hill. Additionally, we dive into the Israeli airstrike that took down an Associated Press building, the Last Week Tonight with John Oliver segment that was extremely critical of Israel, the potential misuses criticizing AIPAC, antisemitism, claims that the recent violence was the result of a plot by either Iran or Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu, the misuse of antisemitism to stifle criticism of action taken by Israel as a state, U.S. foreign policy's long history of supporting oppressive regimes, the generational gap about views on Israel/Palestine in the U.S. states, the issue of racism and settler-colonialism, and much, much more.
Tue, May 18, 2021
The Israel/Palestine Conflict and The Specter of Meir Kahane w/ Yossi Gurvitz
On this edition of Parallax Views, the first in what will be a series of programs on the Israel/Palestine conflict in light of recent events. Israeli journalist/blogger Yossi Gurvitz of Mondoweiss joins us on this addition of the program to discuss what has been happening with the conflict since the tensions heated up over the Sheikh Jarrah district of East Jerusalem, the burning of the al Aqsa Mosque, Hamas firing rockets into Israel, and Israel's launching of airstrikes on Gaza in response. Additionally, Yossi and I discuss the legacy of the radical Orthodox Jewish ultranationalist Rabbi Meier Kahane. Kahane formed the Kach Party in Israel and advocated for expulsing Palestinians from Israel as evidenced by one of his catchphrases "Arabs Get Out!". Although Kahane was assassinated in New York City in 1990 and the Kach Party was banned in Israel in 1994, followers of Kahane and Kahanism live on. Specifically Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power Party) leader Itamar Ben-Gvir, a follower of Kahane, won a seat in the Knesset this past March and was involved in the recent tensions related to the Sheikh Jarrah district of East Jerusalem. Yossi argues that the right-wing ultranationalism of Kahanism has gone mainstream in Israel. Also discussed: the recent Human Rights Watch and B'Selem report, the experience of sheltering in a bunker during this latest round of violent conflict, and much, much more.
Sat, May 15, 2021
The Impact of Sanctions on Human Rights w/ UN Special Rapporteur Dr. Alena Douhan
On this edition of Parallax Views, what are the impacts of unilateral coercive measures like sanctions on countries like Iran, Syria, and Venezuela? Although sanctions have been justified as a way to punish nations for alleged human rights violations, do unilateral sanctions themselves potentially violate human rights? Should sanctions be lifted during a crisis like the one caused by COVID-19? Questions like these have arisen especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Joining us to unpack the issue of unilateral coercive measures, the negative impacts of sanctions, and human rights is UN Special Rapporteur on Negative Impact of Unilateral Coercive Measures on Human Rights and Professor of International Law Dr. Alena Douhan joins us to unpack the issues around sanctions. In her role as a UN Special Rapporteur Dr. Douhan has visited Qatar and Venezuela and provides her thoughts on the negative impacts of sanctions on the civilian populations of Iran, Syria, and other countries. In this conversation we cover these matters as well as the concept of the right to development, the problem of U.S. emergency declarations as they relate to unilateral coercive measures, overcompliance with sanctions and what it causes for sanctioned nations, and the human rights issues related to the U.S.'s "Rewards for Justice" program.
Fri, May 14, 2021
The D.C. Foreign Policy "Blob" and Its Discontents w/ Doug Bandow
On this edition of Parallax Views, President Barack Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor famously to Washington D.C.'s bipartisan foreign policy consensus as the "the Blob". For critics and skeptics of the dominant beltway views of U.S. foreign polciy today, this description has proven apt. The D.C. foreign policy "Blob", critics argue, has entangled the U.S. in a quagmire of "Forever Wars" in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan that have been a net negative for the U.S. and the world. Joining us to unpack the concept of the D.C. Blob, or Capitol Hill's bipartisan foreign policy consensus, is Doug Bandow, a former Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan, Senior Fellow at the libertarian CATO Institute, regular contributor at Antiwar.Com, and staunch U.S. foreign policy critc. Initially this conversation was sparked by Doug's op-ed on infamous Iran/Contra participant and longtime beltway mainstay Elliot Abram's announcement of a new neoconservative, pro-interventionist/pro-war think tank called the Vandenberg Coalition. However, the conversation proves much broader in tone as we delve into issues related to foreign policy ideology in D.C., the announced U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years, American Exceptionalism, Robert Kagan's recent op-ed in Foreign Affairs chastising the American people for their lack of commitment to U.S. military adventurism, the problem of sanctions, elite attitudes in D.C. and the its disconnection from the broader population, Doug's view as a libertarian on U.S. foreign policy toward Venezuela, Charles Koch and the Quincy Institute, and much, much more.
Wed, May 12, 2021
U.S. Foreign Policy, Regime Change, and Afghanistan w/ Stephen Kinzer
On this edition of Parallax Views, what does President Joe Biden's decision to withdrawal troops from Afghanistan mean in the context of America's history with war and foreign intervention? Joining us to discuss this and the history of U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan is the Watson Institute's Stephen Kinzer, author of Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq. This conversation was spurred on by Kinzer's April op-ed in the Boston Globe entitled "In Biden’s pledge to withdraw from Afghanistan, the prospect of turning an imperial tide" . We begin by delving into the origins of how Stephen Kinzer developed his thinking on foreign policy, which in contrast to the D.C. consensus, emphasize restraint and skepticism towards the supposed effectiveness and benefits of imperial adventurism and foreign interventions. From there we delve into the origins of U.S. imperial ambitions and the American Exceptionalism that fuel those ambitions. In this regard Kinzer discusses an early intervention into the Philippines as well as detailing how the ethos of America's right to rule informs an understanding of historical that is to the detriment of learning history's lesson. From there we dive into the deep history of America's foreign intervention into Afghanistan following the events of September 11th, 2001. Kinzer notes how Afghanistan has fought foreign invaders many times over the course of centuries, and then takes us back to the overthrow of the Shah of Iran in 1979 and the Soviet-Afghan conflict of the Cold War. We go on to discuss the role of the CIA in the Soviet-Afghan conflict by way of its support of the mujahedeen and how this relates to the genesis of the Taliban. In this regard Kinzer responds to criticism that critics of U.S. foreign policy are "conspiracy theorists" who believe that the U.S. created jihadist militant organizations like al Qaeda. We also take some time to discuss how Operation Ajax, the covert operation that overthrew the democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953, may also arguably create a domino effect of decades-spanning, far-reaching consequences that would eventually. Moreover, Kinzer discusses pushback against criticisms of the U.S. role in the growth of jihadist terrorism vis-à-vis accusations that such criticisms are based on conspiracy theories claiming that the United States directly created al Qaeda. In addition, Stephen Kinzer discusses the role of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan's ISI (intelligence services) in this area as well. We conclude the conversation by delving into the importance of Biden's statements concerning withdrawal and that Afghans must decide their future rather than Americans. Additionally,
Mon, May 10, 2021
Bill Gates, Intellectual Property, and the COVID Vaccine Supply Crisis w/ Alexander Zaitchik
On this edition of Parallax Views, Bill Gates has been the target of many a conspiracy theory in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID vaccine. But does this obscure other criticisms of Bill Gates in regards to the vaccine roll-out during the pandemic? Particularly, has Gates' adherence to intellectual property (IP) had negative impacts on the global vaccine roll-out, specifically in the global south? Journalist Alexander Zaitchik has written an extensive piece on this matter for The New Republic entitled "How Bill Gates Impeded Global Access to Covid Vaccines" . Zaitchik joins us to discuss some of the main points of this important piece as well as discussing the broader history of intellectual property, problems with intellectual property, how Bill Gates' thinking on IP and vaccines is a symptom of a problem rather than the problem itself, the Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), the vaccine supply crisis globally, the role James Love of Knowledge Ecology International played in Zaitchik's piece, failures of the COVID ACT accelerator, early plans, ideas, and strategies for dealing with COVID-19 vs. how it has been handled since, pharmaceutical companies, public health vs. intellectual property, the libertarian/free trade critique of intellectual property-based patent systems, and much, much more. In reading Zaitchik's reporting one gets the impression that the poorest countries have suffered the most during the roll-out as compared to the richest countries. Is another way possible? Hopefully this conversation can give listeners a few ideas on that and related issues.
Sat, May 08, 2021
The Havana Syndrome Controversy w/ Dr. Robert Bartholomew
On this edition of Parallax Views, the "Havana Syndrome" has been in the news since U.S. diplomats in Cuba described experiencing a strange sickness involving ringing inside the ear among other symptoms. Since the initial reports of the "Havana Syndrome" were reported the idea that it is the result of exotic weaponry, either a sonic weapon or microve-based directed energy weapon, being used by Cuba (potentially with the help of Russia or China, some believe) against U.S. officials. Now reports of the so-called "Havana Syndrome" have spread to the United States, including D.C. Mainstream U.S. news media has picked up on the story and now the United States government is conducting an investigation into these alleged attacks. Medical sociologist Dr. Robert Bartholomew, however, believes that this is all a mistake and that the alleged "Havana Syndrome" can better be explained by a stress-induced psychological illness rather than sonic weapons or microwave weapons. In his book Havana Syndrome: Mass Psychogenic Illness and the Real Story Behind the Embassy Mysery and Hysteria, co-authored with neurologist Dr. Robert Baloh, Dr. Batholomew makes the case that the "Havana Syndrome" is actually a case of mass psychogenic illness that has spread via rumor and innuedo. While the victims may experience very real symptoms, he says, the actual syndrome is unlikely to have been caused by sonic or directed energy weapons. Dr. Bartholomew joins us on this edition of the program to discuss his research into mass psychogenic illness, why he beleives the Havana syndrome is better explained by this phenomena, similar cases such as the Mad Gasser of Mattoon, blunders made by jounralists and the media as well as the government in dealing with the "Havana Syndrome" story, conspiracy theories, how the "Havana Syndrome" is taking valuable resources and time away from combating problems like global warming, why he believes Cuba would not attack U.S. diplomats with exotic weaponry, and much, much more.
Sat, May 08, 2021
A Post-Derek Chauvin Verdict Conversation w/ Irami Osei-Frimpong
On this edition of Parallax Views, Officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty in the murder of George Floyd. The death of Floyd led to a wave of protests and renewed interest in Black Lives Matter. Many are the verdict, but will it lead to deep, systemic, structural changes in American policing? Irami Osei-Frimpong aka the Funk Academic makes his third appearance on Parallax Views to discuss why he is skeptical that Chauvin's fate is a signal of deeper changes in American policing. Additionally, Irami and also discuss the issue of diversification of America's police force and why diversification alone may not be sufficient in truly changing the worst aspects of American policing. Moreover, Irami and I take some time to delve deeply into his criticisms of white feminism and why he believes it butts heads with the struggle for black self-determination. And finally, Irami and I chat about why "being basic" won't lead to a happy and meaningful life. And, with regards to meaning, Irami offers some advice that may prove more interesting to listeners than that of self-help gurus like Dr. Jordan Peterson.
Tue, May 04, 2021
The JFK Assassionation: On the Trail of Delusion?... Counterpoint w/ James DiEugenio
On this edition of Parallax Views, when I started this program I never considered doing an episode on the JFK assassination. That's because it's just a too much of a quagmire for me. I don't know enough about the assassination to really get into all the debates about Lee Harvey Oswald, Jim Garrison, whether there was a conspiracy or not, etc. But, I recently had Fred Litwin, a critic of those whom believe the assassination was the result of a conspiracy, contact me in the hopes of appearing on my program to discuss his book On the Trail of Delusion: Jim Garrison: The Great Accuser. I decided to oblige. I originally had wanted to do a debate, but that fell through. So instead I offer two interviews with very different perspectives on the assassination. James DiEugenio, author of Destiny Betrayed: JFK, CUBA, and the Garrison Case, offers the view that the assassination was the result of a broader plot and that the Warren Commision Report wasn't the final say on the case. Additionally, Jim makes the case for Jim Garrison and JFK's foreign policy with regards to Vietnam moving in a direction that was towards withdrawal.
Tue, May 04, 2021
The JFK Assassination: On the Trail of Delusion? w/ Fred Litwin
On this edition of Parallax Views, when I started this program I never considered doing an episode on the JFK assassination. That's because it's just a too much of a quagmire for me. I don't know enough about the assassination to really get into all the debates about Lee Harvey Oswald, Jim Garrison, whether there was a conspiracy or not, etc. But, I recently had Fred Litwin, a critic of those whom believe the assassination was the result of a conspiracy, contact me in the hopes of appearing on my program to discuss his book On the Trail of Delusion: Jim Garrison: The Great Accuser. I decided to oblige. I originally had wanted to do a debate, but that fell through. So instead I offer two interviews with very different perspective on the assassination. Fred Litwin offers the views that the assassination was not a conspiracy theory and specifically that New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison was a paranoid populist who targeted an innocent man in his pursuit of Clay Shaw.
Mon, May 03, 2021
SDNY Court Cases: Guo Wengwui, Ghislaine Maxwell, & Michael Avenatti w/ Matthew Russell Lee
On this edition of Parallax Views, there's always a number of interesting cases happening at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. For example, right now cases involving billionaire Chinese exile and Steve Bannon associate Guo Wengui, attorney Michael Avenatti (who represented adult film star Stormy Daniels against President Donald Trump), and, of course, Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Joining us for what was a rather impromptu conversation is Matthew Russell Lee of Inner City Press . Matthew has covered the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Wall Street, and the Federal Reserve, but has recently been focusing his attention on SDNY court cases. In this brief but informative interview Matthew gives us details on the SDNY cases pertaining to Guo Wengui, Michael Avenatti, and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Fri, April 30, 2021
An Update on Imprisoned Whistleblower Reality Winner w/ Brittany Winner, Reality's Sister
On this edition of Parallax Views, imprisoned whistleblower Reality Leigh Winner will be released on November 23rd, 2021. As longtime listeners of the show will know, I've covered Reality's case extensively with both journalist Kevin Gosztola of Shadowproof and Reality's mother Billie Winner-Davis. Reality leaked classified documents to The Intercept from the NSA pertaining to questions of Russian interference in the 2016 election that pitted Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump. Regardless of your opinions on that specific issues there is much to be said about the importance of Reality's case in terms of conscientious whistleblowers and their treatment by the federal government. Joining us on this edition of the program to revisit the case is Brittany Winner, Reality Winner's big sister. In addition to providing a sister's perspective on Reality (including some interesting stories about Seaworld and Pokemon!) that gives a human face to Reality, we also discuss the new documentary by comedian Samantha Bee of Full Frontal (and formerly The Daily Show) which was just published last week. We'll also discuss the effort to grant Reality clemency, the letter campaign to President Joe Biden, Reality's experience with COVID while in prison, and more. Please consider supporting Reality Winner at Stand With Reality .
Wed, April 28, 2021
U.S.-China Relations, Diplomacy, and War w/ Amb. Chas Freeman
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ambassador Chas W. Freeman, Jr. is a retired diplomat with a long and storied career. For example, he served as the main interpreter for Richard Nixon's historic 1972 visit to China that proved monumental for Sino-U.S. relations. With tensions building between the U.S. and China today I turned to Amb. Freeman for his expertise and perspective. He joins me on this edition of the program to discuss the state of U.S.-China relations, the lessons of diplomacy, history that must be taken into account when addressing U.S.-China relations, and much, much more. In the course of this conversation we cover: - Richard Nixon's visit to China in 1972 and Amb. Freeman's response to accusations that it amounted to appeasement and that Nixon was "The Great Appeaser" - Assessing U.S. China relations in the 21st century under the Presidencies of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump - Assessing Biden's first 100 days in relation to U.S. foreign policy towards China. Will Biden be a continuation of Trump era U.S.-China relations? - What factors are likely to influence the Biden administration's foreign policy approach to China? - The U.S.-China summit in Anchorage, Alaska - The fear that China is seeking to become the new global hegemon and the possible psychological factors driving the U.S. reaction to China's growth - What are China's interests now and going forward; what does China want? - Empathy and the purpose of diplomacy - The deep history of the Taiwan conflict - The Uyghur in China and the treatment of them by China - The Tiananmen Square incident - How the Cold War haunts U.S.-China relations - The possibility of cooperation between the U.S. and China in dealing with climate change - Mistakes made by both China and the U.S. in international relations - What have we forgotten about diplomacy and the lessons of diplomacy?
Mon, April 26, 2021
The Return of Barrett Brown!
For longtime listeners of Parallax Views Barrett Brown needs no introduction. He's been a reoccurring guest on the program and is something of a legend for his rabble-rousing involvement in Anonymous. Now based in the U.K., after years of struggles in the U.S. including bouts with the FBI, Brown recently restarted Project PM, which dealt with investigating the cyber-military industrial complex (Palantir, HBGary, etc.), as well as starting Project Swartz (named after the late Aaron Swartz) and Project Hastings (named after the late Rolling Stone journalist Michael Hastings; who Barrett interacted/worked with). Brown believes that software technology can be used to assist dissident fighting powerful nation-states on the battlefield of global information warfare. He explains how Pursuance, his main project, is seeking to make this all a reality and discusses some of the problems activists face from federal law enforcement (the aim of Project Hastings is to assist activists and whistleblowers), how media incompetence and malfeasance needs to be called out (the aim of Project Hastings), and the possibilities for activits going forward in terms of information warfare networks that can be used to assist in the fight against corrupt nation-state and for democracy.
Sun, April 25, 2021
The U.S. Military and the Toxic "Forever Chemicals" Scandal w/ David Bond
On this edition of Parallax Views, news has been breaking of the the Department of Defense (DoD) overseeing the clandestine burning of 20 million pounds of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) in low-income areas. The scandal of this is that this tactic for getting rid of AFFF does not appear to be an efficient strategy of disposal backed by science. And moreover, the burning of AFFF, according to a Bennington College study, is releasing a "witches brew of toxic emissions". Despite Enivornmental Protection Agency (EPA) warnings of the problems of trying to burn AFFF, the U.S. military burned massive amounts of this toxic firefighting foam for the past four years releasing forever chemicals (see: Perfluorooctanoic acid aka PFAS) that have been negatively impacting low-income areas and are now likely going to be threatening an even broader population in the future. Bennington College's David Bond, Associate Director of the Center for the Advancement of Public Action, joins us to discuss this scandal in-depth and the deleterious effects it is having on low-income areas. Additionally, David stresses how the problem of forever chemicals is now reaching beyond low-income areas and will effect all of us in the future.
Fri, April 23, 2021
Public Intellectual: The Life of a Citizen Pilgrim w/ Richard Falk
On this edition of Parallax Views, international laws scholar and activist Richard Falk joins us once again, this time to discuss his new political memoir Public Intellectual: The Life of a Citizen Pilgrim . Richard has dedicated a lifetime to fighting for peace, justice, and global cooperation as well as challenging the status quo, often from within the very elite institutions that many times uphold that status quo. This has led him to such places as Hanoi during the Vietnam War and South Africa during apartheid. All in the service of being what Richard calls a "Patriot of Humanity". Or a "Citizen Pilgrim". In this conversation we discuss: - Richard's apolitical youth and early adulthood and how he was raised by a conservative anti-communist father. - The unusual conservatism of academia - The experience of being an academic during the Cold War and specifically the era of McCarthyism and the Red Scare - How Richard's views of international relations and international law differs greatly from those of Henry Kissinger, John Mearsheimer, and the RAND Corporation - Taking a dialogic approach to international relations - Experiences in Vietnam and South Africa - The influence of religion and philosophy on Richard's intellectual development - And much, much more!
Wed, April 21, 2021
The Lenin Plot: The Unknown Story of America's War Against Russia w/ Barnes Carr
On this edition of Parallax Views, veteran journalist Barnes Carr joins us to discuss an underdiscussed aspect of WWI history: the U.S.-backed plot to assassinate Vladimir Lenin and install a Western-friendly dictator in Russia. In his new book, The Lenin Plot: The untold Story of America's Midnight War Against Russia , Carr lays out the details of the madcap true-life story of spycraft that's one part film noir and another part "Keystone Cops" thanks to it's cast of exceedingly eccentric characters. Some of the character's in this strange saga, particularly the mysterious Sidney Reilly and Bruce Lockhart, are believed to have served as an inspiration for Ian Fleming's James Bond. It's a story that contains not only double agents and spies (from the U.S., Britain, France, and Russia!) but even a femme fatale. Barnes Carrs discusses all these elements with as well as the Bolshevik Revolution, the extent of U.S. involvement in the plot, how he stumbled upon the story, the research he undetook with it, and much, much more! We even manage to talk briefly about Carr's exploits as a jounralist including his research into the MLK assassination and the KKK's attempt to murder him!
Mon, April 19, 2021
Afghanistan and America's "Forever Wars" w/ Danny Sjursen
On this edition of Parallax Views, it was announced earlier this week that the May deadline for U.S. troop withdrawal in Afghanistan has been changed. President Joe Biden has announced that the troops will be withdrawn by September 11th, 2021, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Maj. Danny Sjursen, the "Skeptical Vet" of the Fortress on a Hill podcast and the Eisenhower Media Network and author of Patriotic Dissent , served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Since that time he has become a voice against imperialism that supports antiwar sentiments. He joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to discuss the war in Afghanistan and Joe Biden's announcement regarding the new withdrawal date.
Sat, April 17, 2021
A Troma-tic! Chat w/ Lloyd Kaufman
On this edition of Parallax Views, for nearly 50 years Troma has been the independent movie studio with an uncompromising vision that has alternately grossed out, offended, and entertained audiences from around the world with such features as The Toxcic Avenger franchise, the Class of Nuke Em High series, Troma's War , Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead , Tromeo and Juliet (penned by James Gunn of Guardians of the Galaxy fame), and, most recently, #ShakespeareShitstorm among others! They've also distributed such madcap films as Surf Nazis Must Die , Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town (starring before-he-was-famous Billy Bob Thornton), and Monster in the Closet (starring a before-he-was-famous Paul Walker) as well as such challenging and controversial cinema as Story of a Junkie , Combat Shock , and the experimental films of Giuseppe Andrews ( Detroit Rock City , Cabin Fever ). Joining us to discuss the little movie studio that could is Lloyd Kaufman, co-founder of Troma alongside Michael Herz. Be forewarned, Lloyd is irreverent, non-pc, and speaks his mind. As I say in the show intro "You will be triggered". In the course of our conversation Lloyd and I discuss a number of topics including what a Troma film is (for the unfamiliar), how Lloyd went from attending Yale in the hopes of becoming a social worker to catching the film bug, whether or not people confuse Troma for being a right-wing "shock jock" enterprise like Breitbart or the antic of Steve Bannon, Hollywood's silence on the New Jim Crow laws of Georgia, Lloyd's appearance on the Morton Downey Jr. Show, the influence of French cinema and Auteur Theory on Lloyd and Troma's work, Troma films as being steeped in satire and often based on events and social issues of the day, the influence of Andy Warhol on Lloyd and the Troma's movie Sugar Cookies ( starring cult actress and Warhol factory girl Mary Woronov ), working on the big budget Hollywood movie The Final Countdown w/ Kirk Douglas, working on John G. Avildsen's Rocky and Saturday Night Fever , C. Wright Mills' Power Elite theory and Lloyd's theory of the elite, the problem of Hollywood, the influence of Stan Lee and Marvel on Troma, Lloyd's socialist relatives and their influence on him growing up (we talk about Cuba, Fidel Castro, etc.!), Lloyd's love of the underdog, LGBTQ+ fans of Troma, Lloyd's appearance in The Last Blockbuster , a story about Lloyd's problem with Hollywood involving the great actor and writer Trent Haaga, and much, much more.
Fri, April 16, 2021
Facing Our Global Crises & Maintaining Hope w/ Slavoj Zizek
On this edition of Parallax Views, one of the world's foremost philosophers, Slavoj Zizek, joins us to discuss the global crises civilization faces today, from the COVID pandemic and global warming to digital suveillance and mass mental health struggles in an era of jungle capitalism, and how we must face these crises while holding onto hope and letting go of fear and the depression these crises may inspire in us. Among the topics we broach our the COVID-19 pandemic, digital surveillance, the corporate "Great Reset" advanced by Klaus Schwab and the World Economic Forum, catastrophic climate change, Frederic Jamison's advice to Slavoj on pessimism vs. depression, the potential of the Left and what its strategy must be facing the future and dangerous times ahead, the conflict between Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and elements of the socialist left, Biden's COVID relief package, and much, much more.
Wed, April 14, 2021
Media, Iraq War Anniversary, Matt Gaetz, A Potential New Financial Crisis w/ Ken Silverstein
On this edition of Parallax Views, the mighty Ken Silverstein of Washington Babylon, the website covering "Shocking True Stories and Political Sleaze", joins us to discuss a potpourri of topics. We begin by talking about the return of Washington Babylon after a period of dormancy and the death of the Royal Family's Prince Phillip, for whom Andrew Stewart wrote an "anti-obituary" on Washington Babylon. From there we discuss the Iraq War, the 18th anniversary of which occurred this past March, and Ken's reflections on how the media reacted to the war. In particular Ken discusses working for the LA Times during the early days of the war and recalls the reaction to Michael Moore's Fahrenheit by the media of the day during that time. As a side-note to this portion of the conversation we discuss the story of Gary Webb and how he was treated by the media after his Dark Alliance series delving into the crack epidemic and Iran/Contra. From there we delve into the recent sex scandal involving Matt Gaets, Venmo, and a 17 year old girl. Ken recently raised questions about Gaetz's dark money ties and how it may relate to this latest scandal. And finally we discuss the issue of evictions and the possibility of a coming economic crisis like the one we saw with the Lehmann Brothers. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Wed, April 14, 2021
Right-Wing Grifters, Florida's Sarasota County, & Transnational Organized Crime? w/ Daniel Hopsicker
On this edition of Parallax Views, the always interesting and oft controversial Daniel Hopsicker joins us for an update on his investigations into the seedy underbelly of Sarasota County in Florida and how it relates, in his estimation, to right-wing grifters and transnational organized crime. Agree or disagree with his conclusions on transnational organized crime, the Russian mob (particularly the "Boss of Bosses" Semion Moglivech), and government malfeasance, Hopsicker has ferreted out infamous figures like Huffman Aviation's Rudi Dekkers and Steve Bannon partner Andrew Badolato before they allegations against them hit the mainstream. Although Parallax Views can't vouch for and doesn't necessarily agree with all of Hopsicker's conclusions, the fact that Hopsicker was on the trail Andrew Badolato before the alleged fraud of "Build the Wall" have proven of interest to the program. The bottom line for Hopsicker is that as long as the War on Drugs goes on so will transnational organized crime. Get ready for a whirlwind ride as Hopsicker and I delve into money laundering and financial crimes by "hyena packs", drug trafficking, cover-ups, international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, the curious case of Andrew Badolato's Sarasota beach house, Russiagate, Donald Trump, and a slew of other matters and characters.
Tue, April 13, 2021
Global Crises and Systems Thinking w/ Dr. Nafeez Ahmed
On this edition of Parallax Views, multiple global crises currently appear to be at play in the opening decades of the 21st century. Fake news and disinformation. Terrorism and radicalization. Unregulated capitalism and the dark money-fueled corruption of politics. The COVID-19 pandemic and the possibility of future pandemics. And, of course, the looming threat of potentially catastrophic forms of climate change. Dr. Nafeez Ahmed, Special Investigations Reporter for Byline Times, author of A User's Guide to the Crisis of Civilization, and co-producer/writer of the documentary The Crisis of Civilization, joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to unpack these various crises and how we may be better able to approach them through the lens of systems theory. We also discuss global disinformation networks, COVID-19, peak oil theory, Koch money, identity politics, woke vs. anti-woke culture wars, post-capitalism, 9/11 and the War on Terror, Syria and the material basis of revolutions, far-right radicalization, ISIS, and much, much, more.
Mon, April 12, 2021
In the Jaws of the Crocodile: A Soviet Memoir w/ Emil Draitser
On this edition of Parallax Views, Emil Draitser joins us to give a personal account of not only growing up Jewish in the Soviet Union but also working as a satirist in the Soviet Union. Emil has written about his Soviet adventures in books such as Shush! Growing Up Jewish Under Stalin: A Memoir, Farewell, Mama Odessa: A Novel, and, most recently, In the Jaws of the Crocodile: A Soviet Memoir. Emil discusses at length his experiences facing antisemitism in the Soviet Union, explain the history of antisemitism in Russia from the Protocols of Zion to the Doctor's Plot of the Stalin era, and the discrimination he faced from antisemitism. Additionally, Emil and I will delve into what it meant to write satire in the Soviet Union and his experiences working for the Soviet satirical magazine Krokodil. And Emil will describe what it was like growing up in Odessa specifically. One thing that is striking about Emil's experiences is how relatable they may feel despite cultural differences between the Soviet Union and countries like the United States.
Fri, April 09, 2021
Mike IX Williams of NOLA/Sludge Metal Pioneers EyeHateGod
On this edition of Parallax Views, a little bit of a change of pace. Mike IX Williams of the pioneering NOLA metal and sludge metal band Eyehategod (also: Corrections House and Arson Anthem) joins us for a chat about music, growing up punk, poetry, transgressive art, race relations, Black Lives Matter, empathy, his industrial-styled band Corrections House, live sets vs. studio recordings, the influence of bands like Black Flag and Swans on his music, Christian protests against Eyehategod, Charles Bukowski, and much, much more! Check out Eyehategod's new album A History of Nomadic Behavior!
Tue, April 06, 2021
A Preamble to the Raging Twenties w/ Pepe Escobar
On this edition of Parallax Views, the long-time, sometimes controversial, and always fascinating geopolitical commentator Pepe Escobar joins Parallax Views to discuss some of the events the lead up to his the current decade we face, which he calls "The Raging Twenties". Although this conversation was initially intended to cover Pepe's new book Raging Twenties: Great Power Politics Meets Techno-Feudalism, Pepe and I ultimately went in a different direction. Our conversation became less focused on the details of the book and more an overview of the events, geopolitically, that lead to our current moment where tensions are rising between the U.S. and it allies against China, Russia, and Iran. As Pepe put it in the course of our conversation, our conversation serves as a preamble to many of the topics discussed in his new book (which is basically Pepe's coverage of the year 2020 from the death of General Soleimani to the COVID-19 pandemic). Among the many topics we discuss: - The Russia/Ukraine situation - The Nordstream II pipeline, Germany, and Russia, - The Iraq War and neoconservatives - Pepe's interest in the ideas of Felix Guattari and Gilles Deleuze; Deleuze's concept of the rhizome - Zbigniew Brzezinski and The Grand Chessboard of Geopolitics - The Quad, India and Modi - Euranianism, Putin, and China - COVID-19, Giorgio Agamben, and the surveillance society - The decline of the American Empire; Pax Americana and the Mongolian Empire - Why Pepe references and uses imagery from David Lynch's Twin Peaks in his work - The Belt and Road Initiative; the New Silk Road - The multipolar world and what it means; the failures of the War on Terror; the corrosion of the Empire
Fri, April 02, 2021
Navalny, Putin, Protests, and the Crisis in Russia w/ Ilya Budraitskis and Ilya Mateev
On this edition of Parallax Views, what is happening in Russia? Who is Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny? What are the protests in Russia against Putin about? Should discussion of the protests be centered on Navalny or do these protests transcend even him? Joining us to explore these questions are Ilya Mateev and Ilya Budtraitskis, who penned the February 2021 article "Putin's Majorty" for the New Left Review . Mateev and Budraitskis joins us directly from Russia to offer a perspective outisde of the one's found in both the American mainstream press and the American Left. Mateev and Budtraitskis discuss state repression in Russia, skepticism of Navalny and his neoliberal programs, the Russian Left critique of Putin, the two major opposing views amongst the Russian Left of the protests, the role of youths in the protests, Vladimir Putin and Capitalism, street politics in Russia, inequality and elite privilege in Russia, the role of the internet in political engagement and exploration of ideology in Russia, the Kremlin, and much, much more.
Thu, April 01, 2021
Amazon Vs. the People w/ Alex N. Press
On this edition of Parallax Views, Amazon has come under scrutiny lately for its working conditions and also due to effort of Amazon workers to unionize in Bessemer, Alabama where 1 in 4 residents live in poverty. Jacobin staff writer Alex Press is a journalist who has been on the labor movement beat for some time, and joins us on this edition of the program to discuss her reporting on struggles between Amazon and its workers. Among the topics we cover in this conversation: - How Alex became involved in covering the labor movement as her beat - Amazon worker Jennifer Bates testimony about Amazon warehouse working conditions given at the Senate Budget Committee presided by Bernie Sanders - The grotesque story of Amazon workers having to urinate in bottles and Amazon PR's denialist response to it - Misconceptions and stereotypes about union organizing; the stereotypes of unions as being all about Jimmy Hoffa characters or something out of the popular TV show The Sopranos ; black union organizing - Sara Nelson, the Flight Attentdant labor leader whom Alex recently interviewed - The vote for a workers union at the Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama -
Tue, March 30, 2021
Italy's Years of Lead and Revolutionary Terrorism w/ Richard Drake
On this edition of Parallax Views, historian Dr. Richard Drake of the University of Montana returns to the program to discuss the new 2nd edition of his book The Revolutionary Mystique and Terrorism in Contemporary Italy . In this conversation we discuss the terrorism, from both the radical left and the radical right, that rocked Italy in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s in what has become known as the Years of Lead. Among the topics of discussion are the hyper-fascist Traditionalist philosopher Julius Evola, the Red Brigades, the kidnapping of Aldo Moro, the deeper reasons for the Years of Lead, what the relevance of the Italian Years of Lead may be to Americans in light of the January 6th Capitol riots, the questions arising about murky subjects like Operation Gladio and Licio Gelli's P2 Masonic lodge, the failures of the Italian government in dealing with terrorism during the Years of Lead, and much, much more.
Sun, March 28, 2021
Sanctions, Saudi Malfeasance, Silicon Valley, and Other Stark Realities w/ Brian McGlinchey
On this edition of Parallax Views, returning guest Brian McGlinchey, formerly of 28Pages.Org, joins us to discuss his new project Stark Realities on Substack. We begin by delving into Brian's initial work shedding light on the formerly classified 28 pages of Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities before and after the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001 that related to Saudi Arabia, Saudi officials, and 9/11. From there we dive into why Brian McGlinchey started Substack and his problems with the new algorithmic regime of Silicon Valley and it's effect on independent journalism. Then we discuss his recent piece on the brutal consequences of sanction policies, especially as they pertain to Iran.
Sat, March 27, 2021
Fake News, QAnon, and... UFOs? w/ Adam Gorightly and David Perkins
On this edition of Parallax Views, fake news and the rise of conspiracy theories like QAnon have become political hot-takes since the 2016 election of President Donald Trump and events like the January 6th, 2021 "Stop the Steal" riots on Capitol Hill. But disinformation and conspiracy theories that stretch far beyond the limits of credulity didn't begin in the 21st century. Case in point with the strange case of UFO hobbyist Paul Bennewitz. and what has become know to UFO enthusiasts as "The Bennewitz Affair". It's a story that doesn't necessarily point towards beings from another world, but rather the mix of deliberate disinformation on one hand and flat-out kookery on the other hand that may play a role in phenomena of Pizzagate and QAnon. Adam Gorightly, author Saucers, Spooks, and Kooks: UFO Disinformation in the Age of Aquarius, and David Perkins, who wrote the forward to said book, join us on this edition of the program join us to unravel how disinformation campaign involving a special agent of United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) and others participated in a disinformation campaign against Bennewitz after the enthusiastic UFO hobbyist began attracting unwanted attention to Kirtland Air Force Base. The saga of Paul Bennewitz, as you'll learn in this conversation, ended in tragedy. More precisely, Bennewitz was driven off a psychological cliff into madness that culminated in instiutionalization. But the story doesn't end there. As it turns out the fanciful stories fed to Bennewitz about malevolent extraterrestrial, government deals with an alien presence and it's cover-up, an underground base at Dulce, New Mexico, and more formed the foundation of modern UFO mythology, from cattle mutilations to Area 51, in its most conspiratorially-minded form (which, incidentally, often overlap a great deal with far-right wing "Patriot" and militia movements). Regardless of whether one believes in UFOs or not, what makes the Bennewitz Affair and the late 20th UFO Conspiracy subculture potentially interesting today is what it may be able to tell us about disinformation and the current crop of conspiracy theories like QAnon in the 21st century. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Tue, March 23, 2021
Scottish Independence w/ Kairin Van Sweeden
On this edition of Parallax Views, Kairin Van Sweeden, a member of the Scottish National Party, joins us to discuss the Scottish Independence Movement and the arguments for it. Scottish elections will take place on May 1, 2021. What will it mean if more members of the SNP are elected? Find out on this edition of Parallax Views. In the course of our conversation we'll also be discussing the relationship between Scotland and England, the power of Westminster, neoliberalism, Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), Brexit, the legacy of Margaret Thatcher and her declaration that "There Is No Society, Only Individuals", what Scottish Independence would mean for infrastructure development and use of its resources, Irish re-unification, support for Scottish independence by demographic, and much, much more!
Sun, March 21, 2021
An Overview of U.S-Iran Relations Past and Present w/ Dr. Assal Rad
On this edition of Parallax Views, U.S.-Iran relations have been fraught with tensions over the course of many years. he JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), or Iran nuclear deal, initiated during the Obama, however, seemed to mark a turning point towards potentially better diplomatic relations between the two countries. That all changed when Donald J. Trump took the White House in 2016 and effectively withdrew the U.S. from the deal. With the transition to a new administration with President Joe Biden many who supported the JPCOA had high hopes for the U.S. reentering the deal and U.S.-Iran relations improving. These hopes were buttressed by the fact that Biden, when he was on the campaign trail, was very critical of Donald Trump's handling of U.S.-Iran relations. However, those hopes have been diminishing in the time since Biden has transitioned from Candidate to Commander-in-Chief and continued some of the Trump era "maximum pressure" policies on Iran. Joining us to discuss U.S-Iran relations and the potential for a more diplomatic approach to them is Dr. Assal Rad of the National Iranian American Council. Dr. Rad recently co-authored, alongside Negar Mortazavi, a piece for Foreign Policy entitled "President Biden Must Follow the Advice of Candidate Biden on Iran" . In addition to discussing some of the point made in said article, Dr. Rad offers an overview of U.S.-Iran relations in the 20th and 21st century including the Iran hostage crisis, the U.S.-backed coup of Iran's democratically elected President Mossadegh in 1953, U.S.-Iran relations during the Bush-era War on Terror, the Obama years and the JCPOA, and much, much more. We also discuss the nature of diplomacy, why it is important to apply pressure to U.S. elected officials on the matter of fostering more diplomatic relations with Iran, the effect of U.S. sanctions on Iran, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner's recent praise of Biden's approach to Iran so far, the potential of war, and much, much more in this wide-ranging conversation.
Fri, March 19, 2021
Robert Kagan and American Empire w/ Robbie Martin
On this edition of Parallax Views, recently the influential neoconservative thinker Robert Kagan penned an op-ed entitled "A Superpower, Like It Or Not: Why America Must Accept Their Global Role" for the Council on Foreign Relation's Foreign Affairs publication. In it Kagan not only expresses his view that the U.S. must continue it's interventions and wars abroad, but also large portions of the American populace not accepting their country's "Global Role". Robbie Martin of Media Roots Radio , whose documentary A Very Heavy Agenda dealt in large part with Kagan and the neoconservative agenda, joins us to critique Kagan's latest op-ed.
Thu, March 18, 2021
JFK vs. Allen Dulles: Battleground Indonesia w/ Greg Poulgrain
On this edition of Parallax Views, the ouster of Indonesia's first President Sukarno in and Indonesia's transition to his successor Suharto's "New Order", a regime that murdered millions in the name of anti-communism, in the 1960s remains mired in mystery and controversy. The events that transpired on October 1st, 1965, which involved the assassination of six Indonesian Army generals by the 30 September Movement, have proven murky and enigmatic. The Indonesian mass killings of 1965-66 that followed were a horror show. Who were all the players involved in and beneficiaries what ultimately became a coup against President Sukarno that allowed Suharto to take control of Jakarta and exercise a reign of terror against millions of Indonesian? What exactly transpired in the early hours of October 1st, 1965? What to make of potential U.S., specifically CIA, support of Sukarno's ouster? Questions like these have fascinated previous guests that have appeared on Parallax Views. Specifically, Prof. Peter Dale Scott, author of the long-form poem Coming to Jakarta, and journalist Vincent Bevins, author of The Jakarta Method, have both appeared on the program to discuss this haunting story. Now, Greg Poulgrain, Brisbane, Australia-based lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast, joins us to discuss this chilling case. Poulgrain has written a number of books related to this period in Indonesian history and U.S. foreign policy's relation to it including The Genesis of Konfrontasi: Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, 1945-1965 and The Incubus of Intervention: Conflicting Indonesia Strategies of John F. Kennedy and Allen Dulles. Poulgrain has continued his exploration of this period with his latest book JFK vs. Allen Dulles: Battleground Indonesia. He joins us on this edition of the program to discuss this latest work and to illuminate the shadows that lurk within the story of Sukarno's ouster and Indonesia's transition to Suharto's "New Order". It's a story that involves CIA spymaster Allen Dulles and President John F. Kennedy, the Rockefeller dynasty's Standard Oil Company, the international intrigue of geopolitics, the Cold War and the Sino-Soviet split, Freeport mining and a discovery of gold that remained a secret to many for years, and much, much more.
Tue, March 16, 2021
Point of Reckoning: The Fight for Racial Justice at Duke University w/ Theodore D. Segal
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, we explore the history of racial justice struggles at Duke University. Much has been made of Duke alums Richard Spencer, a founding purveyor of the alt right, and Stephen Miller, a former advisor for President Donald Trump, but Duke's relationship with race and racism is a longstanding one. In fact, Duke was the cite of protests in the Civil Rights era culminating in the takeover of the Allan Building by black students of Duke's Afro American Society. Theodore Segal, lawyer and member of the board of directors for the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, joins us to discuss the stories history of racial integration, racism and segregation, and the fight for racial justice at this well-known Southern university out of North Carolina. Ted's new book on the subject is Point of Reckoning: The Fight for Racial Justice at Duke University . Among the topics discussed are the experiences of the first black students at Duke University, the Afro American Society, the "Silent Vigil" after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the 1969 takeover of the Allen Building along with much, much more!
Sat, March 13, 2021
Esotericism, the Nation of Islam, and the African American Religious Experience w/ Dr. Stephen C. Finley
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, the Nation of Islam has often been analyzed as a political movement with the trappings of a religion. Dr. Stephen C. Finley, however, has been taking a decidedly different approach to understanding the NoI. Namely, he's sought to analyze the Nation of Islam as a religion with ties to New Age thought, UFO beliefs, Freemasonry, and other elements of the Western Esoteric Tradition. Needless to say, this approach departs from both the conventional histories of the Nation of Islam as well as the Western Esoteric Tradition. Dr. Finley joins us on this edition of the program to discuss his fascinating research into the Nation of Islam. Among the topics discussed: - The mysterious Master Fard Muhammad aka Wallace Fard Muhammad - Elijah Muhammad's formative experiences with racism and how it may relate to the theology of the Nation of Islam - Louis Farrakhan, the reconstituted Nation of Islam, and UFO beliefs - Theological narratives as a metaphor for the lived experience of everyday life (in this case of black bodies) - Discussion of esotericism in the black religious experience outside of the Nation of Islam; specifically rootwork, hoodoo, and conjure - And much, much more. NOTE: The views expressed by the guest in this interview do not necessarily reflect the views of the Nation of Islam. Nor they necessarily represent the views of the host at all times.
Fri, March 12, 2021
Understanding Afghanistan w/ Edward Girardet
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, Edward Girardet, one of the leading journalists on issues related to Afghanistan and humanitarian crises, joins us to discuss his article at Global-Geneva and WhoWhatWhy.Org entitled "Afghanistan: The Abandonment of a Nation" . We discuss a number of issues related to the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan slated for May 1, 2021. Additionally we discuss a number of Edward's experiences in Afghanistan and how a possibility for peace in Afghanistan remains within reach. (Further notes forthcoming)
Tue, March 09, 2021
Storytime w/ Hollywood & Talk Show Maverick John Barbour
On this edition of Parallax Views, few people have lived the kind of life that John Barbour has managed in his 87 years and still going strong life. He became a successful stand-up comic under the guidance of the legendary Redd Foxx in the Civil Rights-era of the 1960s; revolutionized the talk show with a program that featured non-canned, free-flowing conversations about controversial topics like the Vietnam War, American protesters, and labor rights with guests like Jane Fonda, Ronald Reagan, Muhammad Ali, and Cesar Chavez that not only treated the audience as intelligent enough to listen in on the discussions but also opened up the phone lines to allow them to ask the questions; invented reality TV with the show "Real People" under the philosophy of telling the interesting stories of people from all walks of life without judgment; and served as a private writer for Frank Sinatra. And he did it all as a self-described "Canadian Dropout" as detailed in 700+ page memoir Your Mother's Not A Virgin: The Bumpy Life and Times of the Canadian Dropout Who Changed the Face of American TV! Simply put, John Barbour has led an extraordinary life. And, I think most importantly, he gave a voice to many people, especially through Real People and his talk show, who otherwise would not have been heard. John's career is one of being uncompromising and seeking to promote understanding and truth. That is an accomplishment in itself. John returns to Parallax Views to tell some great stories from his fascinating life including: - Filming a scene with Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner, for the 70s TV movie Pray for the Wildcats . - Being taken to court by a movie producer over his negative review of the Charlton Heston-starring dystopian sci-fi flick Soylent Green in case that went all the way to the Supreme Court! - The hustle of Hollywood, the late night talk show host Jack Paar, and John's experience with Johnny Carson after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy - How his talk show AM Los Angeles came about because of latino protests; being the first show in the Los Angeles talk show world to take phone calls - John's thoughts on the Fairness Doctrine; butting heads with TV station managers; some talk about the FCC - John's experience interviewing Ronald Reagan, during his days as a California governor before becoming U.S. President, and his impression of Reagan as an empty suit; the tough question John asked Reagan and how John got away with interviewing Reagan despite refusing Reagan's demand of being given pre-planned questions - Interviewing labor leader Cesar Chavez and how Chavez helped Jo
Mon, March 08, 2021
Geopolitics, U.S. Foreign Policy, and Full-Spectrum Dominance w/ TJ Coles
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition, TJ Coles, prolific author and founder of The Plymouth Institute for Peace Research, joins us to discuss geopolitics and what critics of American foreign policy describes as the U.S.'s pursuit "Full Spectrum Dominance". We discuss a number of topics related to this including: - Beginning the conversation we discuss TJ's latest book Capitalism & Coronavirus: How Institutionalized Greed Turned a Crisis into a Catastrophe; an IMF (International Monetary Fund) report on the pandemic that TJ considers important - The concept of "Full Spectrum Dominance" - The weaponization of space; U.S. Space Command, U.S. technology and the military; the U.N. Outer Space Treaty - The United Nations as a "complicated organization" - The horrific effects of U.S. foreign policy decisions involving blockades and sanctions - Eisenhower's warning about the military-industrial complex - The origins of the U.S. National Security State - The question of declining U.S. power - U.S.-Russia relations; Trump's softer rhetoric on Russia vs. the reality - Binary thinking in the defense of U.S. foreign policy that are used to attack critiques of U.S. foreign policy - The U.S., China, the New Cold War - The renewed nuclear threat/nuclear war - The early days of the Biden Presidency - Full Spectrum Dominance under Clinton; the Bush era neocons and the Project for a New American Century - Differences between the Republican and Democratic Establishments in regards to U.S. foreign policy approaches; the weaponization of U.S. aid through caveats - Syria, Assad, the U.S., and the A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm report - The murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia - Afghanistan; the Graveyard of Empires; Zbigniew Brzezinski, the Soviet-Afghan conflict, and the mujahedeen; the geostrategic significance of Afghanistan to U.S. foreign policy - Voices for Creative Nonviolence and the work of Kathy Kelly -
Fri, March 05, 2021
The Reagans, the Media Industrial Complex, and the United States of Amnesia w/ Matt Tyrnauer
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, documentary filmmakers joins us to discuss his latest series, the Showtime original The Reagans , as well as his friendship with the late iconoclast and rabble-rouser Gore Vidal. Vidal was fond of saying that the U.S. should be called "The United States of Amnesia" because of the way American culture memory holes inconvenient aspects of its history. We delve into the influence of this concept and Vidal's thought on Tynauer, who served as Vidal's literary executor, and how the concept of "The United States of Amnesia" relates to The Reagans . In this regard we discuss Vidal's insightful essay "Ronnie and Nancy: A Life in Picture" that offered an early astute commentary and analysis of Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan. From there we move on the to the subject of his latest documentary effort: Ronald and Nancy Reagan. In this regard we delve into a multitude of areas including: - The Reagan image, the attention economy, the decline in literacy, and influencer culture - The parallels between Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump - Ronald Reagan, the John Birch Society, and the Human Event newspaper - Reagan vs. the Air Traffic Controllers Union - Grover Norquist and the Cult of Reagan - The forces behind Ronald Reagan's political rise - Nancy Reagan's role in the White House and Ronald Reagan's success - Reagan in Hollywood and his ties to Lew Wasserman and the MCA - Reagan's journey from New Deal Democrat to the face of the GOP - The line from the Barry Goldwater campaign to Reagan's Presidency and onward - The role of the media in Reagan's political success; oppositional journalism in the era of Reagan as represented by Robert Scheer and Helen Thomas - Reagan and Positive Thinking - Dog-whistles and the Southern Strategy - And much, much more!
Thu, March 04, 2021
Critiquing Joe Biden w/ Branko Marcetic
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, what should we know about the newly elected President of the United States, Joe Biden? How has he operated in the past as a politician? What special interests may seek to influence his administration? What is his relationship to organized labor? What should progressives expect from him? Branko Marcetic, a staff writer for Jacobin magazine and author of Yesterday's Man: The Case Against Joe Biden , joins us for the hour to tackle these questions and many others. We discuss: - the Biden administration and the Wall Street investment firm Blackrock - Biden, the military-industrial complex, and the foreign policy think tank the Center for a New American Security - the "America is back" and "return to normal" rhetoric of Bidenism - can Biden be pressured by the Left (or, for that matter, the Right)? - Biden and neoliberalism - Biden and the AFL-CIO - Answering the question of whether Biden should be criticized from the Left or if that would only empower Trumpism - Biden's Presidency so far and his early Executive Orders - Biden and the Amazon Union vote - Biden and the suburban middle class; Reagan Democrats - And much, much more!
Wed, March 03, 2021
How the Pentagon Blocked Efforts to End the Iraq War w/ Matthew Petti
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, how how have AUMFs (Authorization for the Use of Military Force) been used and misused with regards to America's "Forever Wars"? Matthew Petti of the Quincy Institute joins us to discuss his latest article in Responsible Statecraft entitled "The inside story of how the Pentagon blocked efforts to end the Iraq War". In said article Petti explains how AUMFs have been used to block ending the Iraq War. Additionally, Petti notes how the 2001 and 2002 AUMFs have been utilized by both the Presidential administrations of Barack H. Obama and Donald J. Trump. Is there a possibility that there will be a change in how AUMFs are utilized under President Joe Biden? We discuss all this and much more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Mon, March 01, 2021
Parallax Views on The Parallax View Pt. 3 w/ Jon Boorstin, Alan J. Pakula's Assistant on the Film
On this edition of Parallax Views, for a period in the 1970s a conspiracy-drenched genre known alternately as the paranoid thriller or paranoid political came into vogue. The aftermath of the political assassinations of the 1960s, which saw the violent deaths of public figures like Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., black radical Malcolm X, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and President John F. Kennedy, combined with the tumult of the Vietnam War, the Presidency of Richard Nixon, the saga of Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers, and the scandal of the Watergate break-in created the perfect storm for critical, bleak reassessments of the American political system that stood in stark contrast to the seeming innocence of the "Camelot years" that preceded it. Meanwhile, the collapse of the Old Hollywood studio system led to a period (often referred to as New Hollywood) of daring and creative flourishing in American cinema that produced such modern classics as Bonnie and Clyde , Easy Rider , and Midnight Cowboy among others. It was from this fertile ground that the conspiracy-drenched 1970s paranoid thriller rose to prominence. Among the classics of this particular genre are such features as Three Days of the Condor , The Boys from Brazil , The Conversation , Soylent Green , Serpico , Capricorn One , and the film that's been referred to as "The Godfather of paranoid political thrillers", The Parallax View . Following in the footsteps of 1973's Executive Action , The Parallax View dealt with questions of conspiracy as they related to political assassinations. But whereas the Burt Lancaster starring Executive Action offered a conspiratorial explanation for the JFK assassination, The Parallax View took a different approach. Although the film featured veiled references to real life matters like the Warren Commission, the death of journalist Dorothy Kilgallen, the PERMINDEX trade organization believed by New Orleans DA Jim Garrison to have played a pivotal role in the JFK assassination, and the "girl in the polka dot dress" of the RFK assassination, its characters and events are ultimately constructions of its makers imaginations. In other words, The Parallax View is a fictional exploration of political assassinations and the conspiracy theories that arise from them. The Parallax View stars Warren Beatty as dogged reporter Joseph Frady, who, after the fatal shooting of a presidential candidate, stumbles upon a vast conspiracy involving a shadowy organization known as the Parallax Corporation. As Frady falls deeper down the proverbial rabbit hole in his search for the truth he finds that the Parallax Corporation seemingly specializes in the recruitment of assassins
Sun, February 28, 2021
Parallax Views on The Parallax View Pt. 2 w/ Alex Cox, Filmmaker
On this edition of Parallax Views, for a period in the 1970s a conspiracy-drenched genre known alternately as the paranoid thriller or paranoid political came into vogue. The aftermath of the political assassinations of the 1960s, which saw the violent deaths of public figures like Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., black radical Malcolm X, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and President John F. Kennedy, combined with the tumult of the Vietnam War, the Presidency of Richard Nixon, the saga of Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers, and the scandal of the Watergate break-in created the perfect storm for critical, bleak reassessments of the American political system that stood in stark contrast to the seeming innocence of the "Camelot years" that preceded it. Meanwhile, the collapse of the Old Hollywood studio system led to a period (often referred to as New Hollywood) of daring and creative flourishing in American cinema that produced such modern classics as Bonnie and Clyde , Easy Rider , and Midnight Cowboy among others. It was from this fertile ground that the conspiracy-drenched 1970s paranoid thriller rose to prominence. Among the classics of this particular genre are such features as Three Days of the Condor , The Boys from Brazil , The Conversation , Soylent Green , Serpico , Capricorn One , and the film that's been referred to as "The Godfather of paranoid political thrillers", The Parallax View . Following in the footsteps of 1973's Executive Action , The Parallax View dealt with questions of conspiracy as they related to political assassinations. But whereas the Burt Lancaster starring Executive Action offered a conspiratorial explanation for the JFK assassination, The Parallax View took a different approach. Although the film featured veiled references to real life matters like the Warren Commission, the death of journalist Dorothy Kilgallen, the PERMINDEX trade organization believed by New Orleans DA Jim Garrison to have played a pivotal role in the JFK assassination, and the "girl in the polka dot dress" of the RFK assassination, its characters and events are ultimately constructions of its makers imaginations. In other words, The Parallax View is a fictional exploration of political assassinations and the conspiracy theories that arise from them. The Parallax View stars Warren Beatty as dogged reporter Joseph Frady, who, after the fatal shooting of a presidential candidate, stumbles upon a vast conspiracy involving a shadowy organization known as the Parallax Corporation. As Frady falls deeper down the proverbial rabbit hole in his search for the truth he finds that the Parallax Corporation seemingly specializes in the recruitment of assassins f
Sun, February 28, 2021
Parallax Views on The Parallax View Pt. 1 w/ Joseph McBride, Film Historian
On this edition of Parallax Views, for a period in the 1970s a conspiracy-drenched genre known alternately as the paranoid thriller or paranoid political came into vogue. The aftermath of the political assassinations of the 1960s, which saw the violent deaths of public figures like Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., black radical Malcolm X, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and President John F. Kennedy, combined with the tumult of the Vietnam War, the Presidency of Richard Nixon, the saga of Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers, and the scandal of the Watergate break-in created the perfect storm for critical, bleak reassessments of the American political system that stood in stark contrast to the seeming innocence of the "Camelot years" that preceded it. Meanwhile, the collapse of the Old Hollywood studio system led to a period (often referred to as New Hollywood) of daring and creative flourishing in American cinema that produced such modern classics as Bonnie and Clyde , Easy Rider , and Midnight Cowboy among others. It was from this fertile ground that the conspiracy-drenched 1970s paranoid thriller rose to prominence. Among the classics of this particular genre are such features as Three Days of the Condor , The Boys from Brazil , The Conversation , Soylent Green , Serpico , Capricorn One , and the film that's been referred to as "The Godfather of paranoid political thrillers", The Parallax View . Following in the footsteps of 1973's Executive Action , The Parallax View dealt with questions of conspiracy as they related to political assassinations. But whereas the Burt Lancaster starring Executive Action offered a conspiratorial explanation for the JFK assassination, The Parallax View took a different approach. Although the film featured veiled references to real life matters like the Warren Commission, the death of journalist Dorothy Kilgallen, the PERMINDEX trade organization believed by New Orleans DA Jim Garrison to have played a pivotal role in the JFK assassination, and the "girl in the polka dot dress" of the RFK assassination, its characters and events are ultimately constructions of its makers imaginations. In other words, The Parallax View is a fictional exploration of political assassinations and the conspiracy theories that arise from them. The Parallax View stars Warren Beatty as dogged reporter Joseph Frady, who, after the fatal shooting of a presidential candidate, stumbles upon a vast conspiracy involving a shadowy organization known as the Parallax Corporation. As Frady falls deeper down the proverbial rabbit hole in his search for the truth he finds that the Parallax Corporation seemingly specializes in the recruitment of assassins f
Fri, February 26, 2021
The Militarization of Our Political Imagination: A Deep State Panel w/ Richard Falk, Peter Dale Scott, and Aaron Good
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, what is the meaning of the term deep state? Is the concept dangerous in light of the rise of QAnon? Is there a usefulness to the concept when used in a different context and meaning than the way its been used by the QAnon movement? What of the left-wing uses of the term to describe the National Security State? Has the deep state created a society in which our horizons are limited by a militarization of the and moral and political imagination? We explore those questions and many more in this panel discussion featuring international law scholar Prof. Richard Falk (professor emeritus of International Law at Princeton University), Prof. Peter Dale Scott (poet, essayist, and all-around maverick thinker who helped popularize the concept of the "Deep State" in the U.S.), and Aaron Good, Ph.D. Among the topics we discuss: - Richard's conceptualization of the deep state as being the force behind the bipartisan U.S. foreign policy consensus in favor of militaristic approaches - How Peter's conceptualization of the deep state differs from that of Trump supporters; Steve Bannon's hijacking of the term deep state and its shallowness - Continuity of Government (COG), Operation Garden Plot, Rex 84, and 9/11 - The militarization of problem-solving and conflict resolution as a major threat to peace and harmony in our world - How threats are used to bolster militarization; "The New Pearl Harbor", the Project for a New American Century (PNAC), and Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld - The deep state and the positive role it could play in addressing the climate change crisis - Richard's belief that the military aspect of the deep state as the worst aspect of the deep state - Peter's formulation of the deep state as including more elements than merely intelligence agencies and beltway institutions; the deep state as having warring faction (the right-wing being represented by groups like the John Birch Society) - The possibilities of nuclear war as we move towards a New Cold War with China (and Russia) - The current issues facing America today as a systemic failure related to economic globalization rather than simply an elite failure; the blowback of economic globalization's failing; the resurgence of the far-right on a global scale (specifically seen in countries like Brazil and the Philippines) - Mass alienation in the U.S. and economic decline across the globe - The multipolar world and hopes for the future - Is the deep state more than merely the National Security State?
Thu, February 25, 2021
Biden's Far East Policy, U.S.-Korea Relations, and the Defense Industry w/ Tim Shorrock
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, can there ever be peace on the Korean Peninsula? Tim Shorrock, an investigative journalist of high repute for The Nation, hopes so. But there are many obstacles and they are not necessariy simply to be laid at the feet of North Korea. In fact, there is a long history of tensions between the U.S. and North Korea and, in many cases Shorrock argues, North Korea is justified in its distrust of D.C. Shorrock joins us on this edition of the program to outline the history of those tensions and discuss his new article in The Nation entitled "Biden Is Adopting a Militaristic Approach to the Far East" . In this regard we discuss the history of Kurt Campbell President Joe Biden's newly appointed director "Indo-Pacific Affairs" at the National Security Council. Campbell, Shorrock says, "a career diplomat and business lobbyist steeped in the traditional Cold War posture toward Asia." Shorrock and I also discuss the defense industry's role in the hawkish approach of U.S. foreign policy towards North Korea and China, the Center of a New American Security, George W. Bush and the neocons, and much, much more.
Tue, February 23, 2021
The Rush Limbaugh Legacy w/ John K. Wilson
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, right-wing talk radio giant Rush Limbaugh passed away on February 17th, 2021 at the age of 71 from complications of his battle with lung cancer. Described in obituaries as "The Voice of American Conservativism", Limbaugh's polarizing discourse had a profound effect on the trajectory of the American right-wing from the post-Reagan era to the rise of Donald Trump. What is the legacy of this talk radio behemoth and what has it's impact been on society today? Joining us to unpack those two questions is scholar John K. Wilson, author of The Most Dangerous Man in America: Rush Limbaugh's Assault on Reason (2011; Thomas Dunne Books). For years Wilson listened to Limbaugh to understand and keep tabs on the pulse of American conservativism and its thought. In this conversation he takes us through Limbaugh's many fabrications, his promotion of conspiracy theories, views on climate change, the impact he as well the likes of Roger Ailes and Fox News had on the media landscape, Limbaugh as an entertainer, Limbaugh's effect on academia, and much, much more. In addition to all of this Wilson and I have a discussion about the Fairness Doctrine and whether it's repeal during the Reagan era is really the reason for Limbaugh's rise to prominence. In this regard we chat about the issue of free speech and Wilson's views on why the Left should not allow the Right to claim free speech or, for that matter, freedom and liberty as a conservative issues. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views. LINKS: "The Death of Rush Limbaugh, and How He Transformed America" by John K. Wilson (Academe Blog)
Sat, February 20, 2021
Challenging the Washington D.C. Foreign Policy "Blob" w/ Kelley Vlahos
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft is attempting to change the conversation about foreign policy in Washington, D.C. today. In dong so they're challenging what has been referred to as the Washington "Blob", or the foreign policy consensus that dominates the beltway. A trans-partisan effort that boasts voices from both the right and left ends of the political spectrum, the Quincy Institute has been promoting the possibilities of diplomatic approaches to foreign policy over the hawkish, militaristic approaches. Kelley Vlahos , who plays a key role in the Quincy Institute's official online magazine Responsible Statecraft , joins us to discuss the work of the Institute and make the case that U.S. "Forever Wars" have not been in the national interest. In this conversation we discuss a number of different topics related to foreign policy from U.S. relations with North Korea and Russia to the Iran deal and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Kelley offers her thoughts on what she considers the damage that's been done by the D.C. "Blob" and why she believes the conversation on foreign policy is finally shifting to a different approach. In addition, Kelley discusses her latest article for Responsible Statecraft entitled "In major address Biden says ‘America is back.’ But what does that mean?" . In this regard Kelley and I discuss what direction President Joe Biden's U.S. foreign policy may be headed in, her hopes that it will show more restraint in its approach, and how the previous Presidential administration of Donald J. Trump did not deliver on its promises concerning a major sea change in U.S. foreign policy. Near the end of the program Kelley fills listeners in own her own podcast The Empire Has No Clothes at The American Conservative. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Fri, February 19, 2021
The Tripartite State and Deep Politics w/ Aaron Good
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, Aaron Good, a protégé of previous Parallax Views guest Peter Dale Scott , joins us to discuss his dissertation American Exception: Hegemony and the Dissimulation of the State . Hot off his appearance on TrueAnon, Aaron explains to us his concept of the Tripartite State as it relates to ideas about the Democratic State, the National Security State, and finally (and most controversially) the Deep State (although Aaron's conception of the Deep State, much like Peter Dale Scott's, is very different than the popular QAnon formulation of the concept). In this conversation we discuss: - Peter Dale Scott's conception of the "Overworld" and Underworld of power. - How Aaron became involved in subjects related to Scott's work - The formation of the CIA and its relation to Wall Street - U.S. supported coup d'états and support of Latin American death squads - The Nixon era, Watergate, the Church Committee, the election of Ronald Reagan, and America's political realignments - The John Birch Society, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the Trilateral Commission and other organizations/groups - The Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) scandal, The Safari Club, international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi of Iran/Contra infamy, intelligence agencies, and other skullduggery - Alliances between the mob and capitalism; United Fruit Company; Meyer Lansky; Nugen-Hand Bank; CIA agent Miles Copeland's comments about a "CIA within a CIA" - The revolving door between government, particularly intelligence agencies, and the private sectors of the military-industrial-complex - John Locke, the State of Emergency and Continuity of Government (COG) - Nazi legal theorist Carl Schmitt, the Cold War, and the concepts of the Dual State, the State of Exception, and the Sovereign - The hegemonic nature of what Aaron calls the Tripartite State - Peter Dale Scott's ideas about parapolitics and deep politics; the deep political system - Aaron and Peter Dale Scott's recent CovertAction Magazine essay "Was the Now-Forgotten Murder of One Man on September 9, 2001 a Crucial Pre-condition for 9/11?"
Wed, February 17, 2021
The Defamation Lawyer Taking on Big Tech Giants Like Facebook and Twitter w/ Paul Tweed
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, much has been made, on both the the political right and left, of the power big tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Twitter wield in our lives. Dublin-based lawyer Paul Tweed, known as "The Doyen of Defamation", joins us to discuss how he is taking on these big tech giants directly and why he views Facebook and Twitter as publisher rather than mere platforms. Tweed is rather well-known and a high-profile lawyer. He's represented Liam Neeson (more on that in the conversation!), Brittney Spears, "J-Lo" Jennifer Lopez, and many others. In this conversation we discuss big tech giants dodging taxes, the dangers of print media's decline, big tech as worse than George Orwell's 1984, censorship, fake news and misinformation, why Tweed considers Facebook and Twitter publishers instead of platforms, Facebook attempting to be its own judge and jury (it's own supercourt?), regulating websites like Facebook and Twitter, online revenge porn, Facebook and Twitter as creating a "Frankenstein's monster", social media sucking money out of investigative journalism, antitrust legislation, and much, much more.
Tue, February 16, 2021
The Bittersweet Science: Racism, Racketeering, and the Political Economy of Boxing w/ Gerald Horne
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax views, boxing is known as the "Sweet Science" due to its technical aspects. Historian Gerald Horne, however, offers a different perspective on the sport and its history in The Bittersweet Science: Racism, Racketeering, and the Political Economy of Boxing . In this book Horne explodes the untold story of boxing as it relates to racism, capitalism, deregulation, and the exploitation of labor. Horne joins us on this edition of the program to delve deep into the untold aspect of the sport and thus provide a fresh take on the history of boxing in America. From the days of the slave battle royales to the stories of Sonny Liston, Muhammad Ali, Jack Johnson, Joe Gans and other legends of the ring Horne takes us on a journey that encompasses the shadows of Reagan and Nixon, the mob, the "Great White Hope" trope, boxing promoters like , the lack of unions for boxers, match-fixing, Watergate, Roy Cohn, the business-side of boxing as an example of capitalism unchained and unregulated, and much, much more. Also in this conversation, Horne explains the connection between his previous works on settler-colonialism and this latest work on the subject of boxing and the dark underbelly of its illustrious history. And yes, we do make mention of Floyd Mayweather. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views,
Sun, February 14, 2021
Unnerving Questions Raised by the Nashville Bombing w/ Steve O'Keefe, Former Loompanics Unlimited Employee
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, remember the Nashville bombing of Christmas 2020? You may not as it fell down the proverbial memory hole pretty quickly. However, our guest on this edition of the program, Steve O'Keefe, has had the incident on his mind. O'Keefe has an interesting perspective on the Nashville bombing due to his background: he formerly worked for the controversial publisher Loompanics Unlimited. Loompanics specialized in books that could be described as illegalist literature. Loompanics Unlimited managed to enrage leftists, liberal, libertarians, and rightists alike in the 1980s and 1990s, although it could be said that Loompanics itself was of a individualist anarchist bent in its general political philosophy. At the beginning of this conversation details the history of Loompanics, the books it published and sold, and tells us a little bit about its publisher Mike Hoy. In doing so Steve lays the groundwork for giving a different perspective on the Nashville bombing based on his editing of books that dealt with illegal activities while working at Loompanics. Recently, Steve wrote a piece for Counterpunch entitled "The Nashville Bombing, More Than Meets the Eye" which raises questions about the Nashville bombing and the fact that a single, 65 year old man like Anthony Quinn Warner could pull off such an explosion with a simple bomb and an RV. Warner's actions led to his death as well as the injury of 8 civilians and the destruction of a great amount of property in downtown Nashville. Steve explains in detail the problems that arise from the fact that Warner was, if the account of the events as it is currently understood, acting alone. That said, Steve also argues that Warner may have learned how to pull off the explosion through others and/or a network. Either way, however, Steve believes that the incident is troubling and concerning. Given Steve's experience editing literature related to bombs, weapons, and illegal activities I think he provides and interesting perspective on the Nashville bombing. This conversation delves into issues related to the AT&T building's hydrogen material that could've allowed for a bigger explosion, the question of how Warner would've know about those hydrogen materials, the vulnerabilities of telecommunications facilities like AT&T, asymmetric warfare and terrorism, the tight-lipped response of law enforcement in regards to the bombing, why after the publication of the article Steve has come to believe Warner didn't build a superbomb, Warner evading the
Sat, February 13, 2021
Dismantling Brazil: Bolsonaro's Neoliberal Agenda w/ Brian Mier
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, the right-wing President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro has often been looked at as the Brazilian equivalent of Donald Trump. But who is Bolsonaro? How did he get into power? Who are the forces that have backed his regime? Brian Mier of teleSUR English and BrasilWire joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to answer all those question and more. Brian's new documentary, Dismantling Brazil: Bolsonaro's Neoliberal Agenda , lays out how Bolsonaro has dismantled Brazil economically thus leaving the average people and the poor of Bolsonaro's Brazil in the dust. Brian explains how the the rich and wealthy have reaped all the benefits from the reign of Bolsonaro and his regime. In fact, he says Bolsonaro's Presidency has led to a massive wealth transfer to the rich, Brazilian businessmen, and international capital. In addition to discuss these matters Brian also details how the Java Lato and Operation Car Wash were used to dispose of President Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff and thus lead to the installment of Jair Bolsonaro. In this regard, Brian tells the story of the Brazilian judge Sergio Moro and his role in getting Bolsonaro to power. Brian makes the case that President Lula da Silva and his allies were removed via trumped up corruption charges. The true heart of corruption, however, according to Brian is Bolsonaro, who, it should be added, has styled himself as an everyday man even though he is anything but that. Brian and I mention the works of former CIA agent turned whistleblower Philip Agee of CovertAction Magazine (author of Inside the the Company: CIA Diary) and John Perkins (author of Confessions of an Economic Hitman) in the course of this conversation as being worthwhile to further understanding the U.S.'s relationship to Brazil over the years. Brian details how the U.S. has supported military dictatorship in Brazil over the decades and the ways in which Bolsonaro represents a kind of "subfascism" that subordinates itself to American interests rather than simply Brazilian nationalism. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Fri, February 12, 2021
Proud Boys Leader Was 'Prolific' FBI Confidential Source w/ Coleen Rowley
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, in late January 2021 it was reported by such legacy media outlets as Reuters , The New York Times , and The Washington Post that Enrique Tarrio, a leader of the far-right Proud Boys, had acted as an informant for both local and federal law enforcement from 2012-2014. Tarrio was arrested in Washington, D.C. on January 4th, just two days prior to the now infamous January 6th storming of the Capitol carried about by pro-Trump elements like QAnon and "Stop the Steal", on a destruction of property charge. This, however, was not the Cuban-American Proud Boy leader's first arrest and, indeed, Tarrio has prior arrest and convictions to his name dating back to 2004. Based on transcripts from a 2015 federal court hearing obtained by the new agency Reuters, journalist Aram Roston reported : "In the Miami hearing, a federal prosecutor, a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent and Tarrio’s own lawyer described his undercover work and said he had helped authorities prosecute more than a dozen people in various cases involving drugs, gambling and human smuggling." Tarrio has denied acting as an informant for law enforcement. But, given the evidence, it would appear that Tarrio's denials contradict the reality. Although his cooperation with federal law enforcement predates the January 6th Capitol siege, does Tarrio's work as an informant raise questions about how the FBI operates its confidential sources? Ret. FBI Special Agent Coleen Rowley, most known for her whistleblowing in relation to 9/11 intelligence failures culminating in her testifying before the Senate and 9/11 Commission and appearing on the cover of TIME magazine, joins us to discuss what she refers to as "problematic issues of operating confidential sources" in light of these revelations about Enrique Tarrio as outlined in her recent op-ed "Curiouser and Curiouser: The Proud B
Wed, February 10, 2021
Achieving a Sane U.S.-China Policy and Avoiding a New Cold War w/ Michael Klare
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, the Committee for a SANE U.S.-China Policy was recently formed by Michael Klare, Senior Visiting Fellow at the Arms Control Association, and Joseph Gerson, a long-time peace organizer whose work stretches back to the days of the Vietnam War, over their concerns that the hawkish Washington D.C. consensus on U.S. foreign policy towards China has birthed a dangerous New Cold War that could, through one false move by either side, turn hot. Klare joins us on this edition of the program to describe this new organization's goals and how the U.S. could take a different approach to China. Among the topics we cover: - The fear permeating Washington, D.C. over the rise of China as a rival superpower to the United States - The military-industrial complex that benefits from a New Cold War between China and the U.S. In this regards we discuss military spending, the Pentagon, and defense contractors - The problems on both the U.S. and China sides of this New Cold War. Tensions over the South China Sea and Taiwan - The frightening potential for a World War - The challenges and potentials for the U.S. of China's rise and the alternative approaches that can be taken to dealing with China's rise rather than aggression and provocation - Can we achieve a co-existence? - The need to address the climate change crisis globally and how China and the U.S. may have to cooperate on this matter - The relationship between the U.S. and China as a clash of two nationalisms backed by militarism - Greater dialogue between the U.S. and China as a possible way forward in U.S.-China relations; discussing other forms of conflict resolutions that are mutually beneficial to the U.S., China, and the world - Policy Papers — Committee for a SANE U.S.-China Policy by Michael Klare - Track 2 and Track 1.5 diplomacy - And much, much more!
Mon, February 08, 2021
Is America an Empire in Decline? w/ Alfred W. McCoy
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, is American an Empire? And, if it is, is that Empire decline? Noted academic Alfred W. McCoy, Fred Harvey Harrington Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, believes the the answer to both those question is "Yes." McCoy has authored numerous books over the years including The Politics of Heroin in Southeast Asia: CIA Complicity in the Global Drug Trade, A Question of Torture: CIA Interrogation, from the Cold War to the War on Terror, Policing America’s Empire: The United States, the Philippines, and the Rise of the Surveillance State, but his most recent book, In the Shadows of the American Century: The Rise and Decline of US Global Power, deals with the idea the idea of as a declining empire most directly. Last month, McCoy penned an article for TomDispatch that supplements the observations and analysis of In the Shadows of the American Century. Entitled " While America Was Sleeping: Waking from a Four-Year Fever Dream to Find Global Power Gone ", the piece explores the ramifications of the 4-year Trump Presidency on America's status as a global hegemon and what it portends for the new President Joe Biden and America as a whole. In this conversation McCoy and I discuss a number of issues including: - The idea of America as an empire - The ascension of China as a global power, the decline of American primacy, and what both together mean for the world - Obama's geopolitical strategy and the TPP (Trans-Pacific Parternship) - The imperial hubris of the George W. Bush Presidency and the Iraq War; the "unanaswerable question" of pinpointing the exact reason of U.S.'s decline in terms of global power - Trump's acceleration of the decline and why McCoy believes the full-force of said decline could be felt as soon as 2030 - Reasons for China's ascent as a global power - And much, much more.
Sun, February 07, 2021
Analyzing the Dual Financialization & Fascistization of American Culture w/ Paul Jay
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, Paul Jay is a journalist and documentarian behind the thoughtful independent media outlet theAnalysis.News. Prior to founding theAnalysis.News, where he hosts interviews with such figures as Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, Matt Taibbi, Abby Martin, Noam Chomsky, and many others, he directed the documentary Hitman Hart: Wrestling With Shadows (concerning pro wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart and his relationship to the WWE and Vince McMahon) and served as the founder, CEO, and Senior Editor of The Real News Network. Paul joins us on this edition of the show to do what he does best: provide an analysis of the world and the events sweeping it today. In particular we focus on the dual process of the financialization and what Paul calls the fascistization of American culture. We delve into the long shadow of the Cold War mentality and how modern far-right movements with a penchant for the paranoid-style in American politics, like QAnon, have predecessors like the John Birch Society in the 20th century. Additionally we discuss the struggles of the political Left today and how they relate to the struggles of today. We talk about socialism and the crushing of socialist movements in the 20th century, the Soviet Union, McCarthyism, and more in this regard. Additionally, we also discuss how hyper-capitalism or a kind of capitalism-on-steroids has created a situation of multiple crises of epic proportions. In particular, Paul consider the climate crisis and the lack of time we have in dealing with said crisis. Additionally, Paul and I discuss what can be done, the Democratic Party and corporate politics, third party politics and whether they are feasible, Gore Vidal's ideas about the decline of American Empire, Russiagate, the digital revolution and digitized globalization, how financial capital and Wall Streets works in our neoliberal society, Blackrock and the irrationality of Wall Street's mentality, and much, much more!
Fri, February 05, 2021
The Dixie Mafia, the Real Buford Pusser, and an Unsolved Murder w/ Synova Cantrell
On this edition of Parallax Views, true crime author Synova Cantrell joins us for a riveting discussion of an organized crime syndicate known as The Dixie Mafia. If you've ever seen the Walking Tall movies The Dixie Mafia are the antagonists of tough southern Sheriff Buford Pusser (portrayed in the movies by Joe Don Baker, Bo Svenson, and, in the remake, "Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson). But the story of Buford Pusser and his battle against The Dixie Mafia wasn't just the stuff of action movies. Pusser was real and so was the Dixie Mafia. In fact, the Pusser story is only one part of the Dixie Mafia saga. Synova Cantrell, in her book Silenced by the Dixie Mafia: The Anderson Files, tells not only the story of Pusser and the Dixie Mafia but a cold case that has led one woman, Phyllis Anderson, on quest for justice over the course of multiple decades. It's a story of that encompasses arson and murder-for-hire plots, police brutality and police misconduct, racist groups like the KKK, lawless southern-fried criminality in rural America that was arguably more vicious than the Italian mob, moonshine, poverty, villains resembling more serious versions of The Dukes of Hazzard characters Boss Hogg and Roscoe, Southern belles gone bad, and even the break-up of the the Allman Brothers band! We delve into a number of these areas including: - The origins of the Dixie Mafia by way of the Stateline mob - The brilliance of the Dixie Mafia and characters like Towhead White as well as the structure of the Dixie Mafia - The Dixie Mafia, "The Godfathers of Southern Rock" the Allman Brothers, and the RICO act - The real Buford Pusser and the mythology of the Walking Tall movies; Buford "The Bull" Pusser's one-man war against the Dixie Mafia and his fight to the death with Towhead White - The vicious and seductive Louise Hathcock, the Queen of the Stateline mob - And much, much more!
Wed, February 03, 2021
Biden, The War on Drugs, and Plan Colombia w/ Jeremy Kuzmarov
On this edition of Parallax Views, Jeremy Kuzmarov of CovertAction Magazine joins us to discuss his 5-part series of articles on Biden's foreign policy with a particular focus on the first in the series: " The Forgotten Story of How Joe Biden Helped Ramp Up the War on Drugs in Colombia ". What was Biden's role in Reagan's War on Drugs and the awful Plan Colombia which targetted the leftist group FARC as narco-terrorists? Find out on this edition of the show as we critique Joe Biden's involvement in Plan Colombia and the devastating effects it has had on the Central American country. Additionally, Kuzmarov tells us a bit about the recently relaunched CovertAction Magazine, founded by the late CIA whistleblower Phil Agee, and gives his thoughts on U.S.-Russia relations in light of the protests that broke out in relation to Alexey Navalny. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views that gets into foreign policy, imperialism, paramilitary juantas, corruption and drug trafficking, counterinsurgency, and much, much more!
Mon, February 01, 2021
Weaponizing Anthropology + the CIA & Publishing w/ David H. Price
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, David H. Price is a scholar who has been studying aspects of the National Security State from the Cold War onward. In particular, he has written a great deal about the weaponizing of academic anthropology during the Cold War by the National Security establishment in America. His two books, Weaponizing Anthropology and Cold War Anthropology, cover the matters in-depth. Recently he also penned an article for Counterpunch entitled The CIA Book Publishing Operations: Fragments of Sol Chaneles’ Lost Manuscript detailing the CIA's involvement in book publishing during the Cold War (ie: the CIA's promotion of the book Doctor Zhiavago, the Ramparts investigation into the issue of CIA and the publishing world, and more). David Price joins us on this edition of the program to discuss both the weaponization of anthropology and his recent research into the CIA's involvement in the publishing industry as well as giving listeners an idea of how to file Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and engage in quality research. We also touch on topics like MKULTRA, Don Delillo's observations about the CIA, Cold War liberals in the National Security State apparatus, and much, much more! NOTE FROM THE HOST: Late in the interview I mistakenly refer to William Casey as "Wild" Bill Casey when I was meaning to refer to OSS's "Wild" Bill Donovan.
Sat, January 30, 2021
The Failings of the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout & How to Correct It w/ Elisabeth Rosenthal
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, the U.S COVID-19 vaccine rollout has not been off to the best start. What has led to these failings that have turned obtaining the vaccine into a Hunger Games-style Darwinian competition? And how can these failings be remedied? Elisabeth Rosenthal, editor-in-chief of Kaiser Health News and a contributing writer for the New York Times, joins us to discuss these issues and more. Rosenthal, author of the book An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business And How You Can Take It Back and the recent NYT op-ed "Yes, It Matters That People Are Jumping the Vaccine Line" , takes us through the problems of inequity that have arisen due to a hollowed-out public health system, the mistakes made during the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed, the lack of central planning in dealing with the vaccine rollout, people "jumping the line" to get the vaccine, how the most in need of the vaccine are not always the first in line to receive it, and what can be done under the Biden administration to remedy these issues.
Fri, January 29, 2021
The Politicization of Intelligence Work, Biden, Trump's Carnage, and More w/ Former CIA Analyst Melvin Goodman
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, former National Security insider Mevlin Goodman, who has worked for the CIA, the State Department, and the Department of Defense's National War College, joins us to discuss the problem of the politicization of intelligence work in the U.S. and President Joe Biden's picks for the CIA (William Burns, a career diplomat) and Secretary of Defense (Retired General and Raytheon official Lloyd Austin, who some analysts, including Goodman, will widen the the civil-military gap). We delve into Goodman's history in intelligence work and his views on what has gone wrong with how the National Security State has operated in the past few decades. We also discuss the dumbing down of America, U.S.-China relations, Michael Scheuer of the CIA's Bin Laden Unit Michael Scheuer, the idea of the "deep state", defense spending, the civil-military gap, and much, much more.
Thu, January 28, 2021
BONUS: Gamestopocalypse w/ Mike Swanson
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this bonus edition of Parallax Views, users of the "Wall Street Bets" Reddit have wreaked havoc on Wall Street hedge funds in relation to Gamestop and other stocks in the past day. What is this? The Gamestopocalypse? What should we make of this stock market mayhem? Mike Swanson of the Wall Street Window and author of the new book Why the Vietnam War (and previously The War State) joins us to discuss the matter and the problems with apps like Robinhood, which is currently coming under fire from figures like Congresswoman Rashida Taleb. Everyone from Tucker Carlson to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has chimed in on this controversy. Mike Swanson has a take you may disagree but I thought this conversation was worthwhile as some whose reactions to the events have thus far differed from Mike's own analysis.
Thu, January 28, 2021
U.S. Foreign Policy, Joe Biden, the Crisis in Yemen, and More w/ Dave DeCamp
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, a quick-and-dirty rundown of where U.S. foreign policy stands at this early stage in the Biden Presidency. Dave DeCamp, news editor for Antiwar.Com, joins us to talk Biden's Secretary of State Antony Blinken, hawkish figures like Samantha Power and Victoria Nuland's involvement in the administration, the War in Yemen, the prospects for renewing the Iran deal, Biden's Defense Secretary pick Lloyd Austin, the tensions between China and the U.S. especially as they regard to the South China Sea, and much, much more.
Wed, January 27, 2021
GOP Operatives and the "Stop the Steal" Capitol Riots w/ Zach D. Roberts
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, photojournalist Zach D. Roberts of the Palast Investigative Fund joins us to discuss the investigative journalism he and Greg Palast undertook in the aftermath of the January 6th Capitol riots. What Roberts and Palast found was the high-profile members of the GOP, including from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and Georgia Republican Party, had coordinated with Ali Alexander, an alt-right activist associated with Roger Stone and other far-right figures that played a role in organizing the "Stop the Steal" movement that stormed the Capitol on January 6th, 2021. We discuss this in detail as well as going over Zach and Greg's work on voter suppression, voter purges in the Georgia election, and much, much more.
Sun, January 24, 2021
The Late Neil Sheehan, The New York Times, Vietnam, and Daniel Ellsberg Pt. 2 w/ Jim Naureckas
On this edition of Parallax Views we continue our examination of the late New York Times journalist Neil Sheehan, this time covering a news story published in NYT after his death by reporter Janny Scott proclaiming to tell the true story of the Pentagon Papers and Sheehan's involvement in the affair that was not previously known. The article, entitled "Now It Can Be Told: How Neil Sheehan Got the Pentagon Papers", seems to treat Neil Sheehan as the true hero of the the saga while portraying the story's whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg as a fearful neurotic with a penchant for making foolish mistakes. The Pentagon Papers, which were a secret Pentagon study of the Vietnam War commissioned by Robert McNamara that exposed how the U.S. government had been deceiving the public about the war effort, is a monumental case in the history of 20th century politics and journalism. As such Janny Scott's story, in which Sheehan gives a different version of events, is an important development. Jim Naureckis of the media watchdog organization Fair and Accuracy in Media (FAIR), however, argues the Scott story is misleading. As such Naureckis and FAIR released an Action Alert to its readers entitled "What Can ‘Now Be Told’ by NYT About Pentagon Papers Isn’t Actually True" . Jim joins us to discuss the problems with the NYT article purporting to tell a new truth about the Pentagon Papers as well as discussing the problems of valorizing journalists as heroes while downplaying the importance and bravery of whistleblowers like Ellsberg. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Sat, January 23, 2021
The Late Neil Sheehan, The New York Times, Vietnam, and Daniel Ellsberg Pt. 1 w/ Jim DiEugenio
On this edition of Parallax Views, the acclaimed New York Times journalist Neil Sheehan passed away on January 7th, 2021. Sheehan is particularly known for his reporting on the Vietnam War, his bestseller A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam, and his involvement in the story of whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers. Although highly regarded by most, Jim DiEugenio of Kennedys and King offered criticisms of Sheehan's journalistic oeuvre in his piece "Neil Sheehan: In Retrospect" . Jim joins us on this edition of the program to offer a parallax view on the work of Neil Sheehan and his contemporary David Halberstam, author of The Best and the Brightest, as it relates to their work on the Vietnam war. DiEugenio argues in his heavily footnoted piece that, contrary to recognizing the Vietnam War as a folly, Sheenan offers a "Lost Cause" theory of the conflict that has since been taken up by journalists today like Max Boot (author of The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and the Tragedy in Vietnam) and others. Additionally, DiEugenio makes thoughtful critiques of Sheehan in relation to the story of the Pentagon Papers and Sheehan's spat with attorney Mark Lane over Vietnam atrocity. This is a fascinating conversation that also manages to delve into foreign policy during the administration of President John F. Kennedy and a rundown of the story behind the Pentagon Papers. Additionally, Jim offers his thoughts on the Capitol riots of January 6th, 2021. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
Thu, January 21, 2021
Reflecting on The Rural-Urban Divide w/ Ross Benes
On this edition of Parallax VIews, Ross Benes, author of Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold , joins us for a probing, sincere conversation on America's much discussed "rural-urban divide" and his experiences moving from a small-town in Nebraska to the cosmopolitan world of New York. Although Ross's book has a great deal of hard journalism and statistics regarding how the Republican Party has taken hold of Nebraska, we use the conversation to delve into the autobiographical and inter-personal elements of Rural Rebellion in this rousing discussion. Why is there such a divide between the America mid-west and the country's big cities? And can the divide be overcame? This conversation doesn't necessarily provide all the answers but it does raise important points to consider in regards to how we relate to each other in an increasingly atomizing society that is fraught with friction. This particular discussion seems particularly relevant in light of the pro-Trump elements, such as QAnon and the Stop the Steal movement, that caused much chaos on Capitol Hill on January 6th, 2021.
Tue, January 19, 2021
The Acuity of the American Crisis w/ Conrad Hamilton
On this edition of Parallax Views, Conrad Hamilton, co-author of Myth and Mayhem: A Leftist Critique of Jordan Peterson (w/ Ben Burgis, Matt McManus, and Marion Trejo), joins us to give his take on the political situation in the U.S. from the perspective of someone currently watching the American turmoil from Paris, France. Conrad and I delve into the realm of theory in an attempt to explain the current situation as well as touching on areas related to left-wing debates concerning class reduction vs. identity politics, U.S. saber-rattling at China, the Capitol Hill riots, Trumpism, and much, much more. Is America in crisis? Conrad makes the case and argues that the political Left needs to step up to the plate for that very reason. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views
Fri, January 15, 2021
QAnon Has Woke Up the Real Deep State w/ Nicholas Grossman, National Security Scholar
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, National Security scholar Nicholas Grossman recently penned an open letter to QAnon believers entitled "QAnon Woke Up the Real Deep State" warning them that the Capitol Hill riots is going to trigger a harsh reaction from the real National Security rather than the fevered conspiratorial fantasies they imagine in their minds. Nicholas joins us for a conversation about the piece and some of the points he raises in it as well as discussing the potential pitfalls of new domestic terrorist laws and elucidating what the real deep state is and how it works. Nicholas makes the case that QAnon, "Stope the Steal", and other fervent Trump supporters may have bitten off more than they can chew with the 1/6/21 incident on Capitol Hill. Is the National Security State's response going to be what QAnon and similar movements signed up for? Nicholas argues not and also discusses groups like The Oathkeepers and their relationship to the militia movements of the 1990s to help us better understand the situation involving domestic terrorism today and the National Security State's response to it. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Thu, January 14, 2021
BONUS: Chip Berlet, Expert on the U.S. Far Right
The following was initially a video interview published by the Romanian left media outlet The Barricade . It is an discussion with Chip Berlet, a long time researcher into the movement and machinations of the American far-right, conducted after the events on Capitol Hill on 1/6/21. It is reposted here as a bonus episode for my listeners. Original description of the episode courtesy of The Barricade: On January 6th, 2021 pro-Trump supporters, from QAnon conspiracy believers to the members of the militia-oriented Oathkeepers organization, stormed Capitol Hill in the belief that sitting President Donald J. Trump had a potential second term in office stolen from him vis-a-vis election fraud. J.G. Michael, host of the Parallax Views podcast, reached out to Chip Berlet, long-time researcher into the machinations of the American far right, for comment. For decades Berlet, a former analyst at Political Research Associates and at one time Vice President of the National Lawyers Guild, has honed his skills as a scholar to become an expert on the topics of right-wing populism, fascism, and the spread of conspiracy theories in society. His writings have been features in such outlets as The New York Times, CovertAction Quarterly, The Progressive, The Public Eye, Z Magazine, and The Des Moines Register. He is also the author of Trumping Democracy: From Reagan to the Alt Right and co-author, with Matthew Lyons, of “Right-Wing Populism: Too Close for Comfort”. In this video interview, conducted exclusively for The Barricade, Berlet gives his thoughts on the Capitol Hill riots, the dangers of unleashing the National Security Apparatus in the aftermath of this event, and much more. J.G. Michael is the producer and host of Parallax Views, a program covering an eclectic variety of topics ranging from politics and pop culture to history and philosophy as well as everything in between. Previously he worked for Zero Books as the co-host of the Alternatives podcast with C. Derrick Varn. He has interviewed such well-known public figures as Noam Chomsky, Academy Award-nominated screenwriter John Sayles, Lt. Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, and many, many others.
Wed, January 13, 2021
Victims and Perpetrators in America: A Post-Capitol Chaos Conversation w/ J.P. Sottile
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, J.P. Sottile aka the Newsvandal joins us to unpack where America is at after the chaos on Capitol Hill last week in which angry, unruly Trump supporters, QAnon believers, Oath Keepers, and others stormed D.C. in the belief that Joe Biden's Presidential victory was the belief of election fraud and that a second term in the White House was stolen from Trump as a result. J.P., as someone who studied fascism during his years in academia and grew up in an evangelical Christian family, has an interesting take on these matters and believes that the Republican Party has unleashed a beast that has been caged since the McCarthy era. The discussion moves towards one of a philosophical nature as we delve into the idea of Victims and Perpetrators in society and politics with J.P. contending that we are all complicit in a deeply broken society. J.P. mentions the Iraq War in this regard and J.G. brings up Umberto Eco's "Ur-Fascism" essay, but the discussion goes down many different and varied rabbit holes. A deeply thoughtful conversation.
Mon, January 11, 2021
Cultural Revolutions and Farcical Insurrections w/ C. Derick Varn
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, C. Derick Varn of Zero Books makes his triumphant return to the program by providing a history lesson on the idea that "politics is downstream from culture" from the idea of cultural hegemony by the Italian Communist thinker Antonio Gramsci to its usage today. In addition, we delve into the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters last week and attempt to tie together all the threads that lead us back to the "politics is downstream from culture" end of our conversation. Needless to say, this is an in-depth discussion that's a tour-de-force of thoughtful historical information, political conversation, and current events that you won't want to miss
Fri, January 08, 2021
Gary Webb Revisited, the Importance of Journalism, & Reporting on the National Security State w/ Jefferson Morley
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, recently I reached out to Jefferson Morley after Ishmael Reed mentioned that he was the reason his op-ed "The Word on the Vine", which dealt with the claims of the late journalsit Gary Webb and others that the CIA played a role in the LA crack epidemic vis-à-vis the Iran/Contra Affair, was published in The Washington Post. Morley, in addition to being the author of such books as The Ghost: The Secret Life of CIA Spymaster James Jesus Angleton , Our Man in Mexico: Winston Scott and the Hidden History of the CIA , and Snow-Storm in August: Washington City, Francis Scott Key, and the Forgotten Race Riot of 1835 , was a reporter and editor for The Washington Post. He now runs the Deep States blog and reports on issues related to government secrecy, transparency, and intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI. Morley was at the center of the storm so to speak when Gary Webb's Dark Alliance series, which connected to the CIA's involvement with the Iran/Contra scandal to the the LA crack epidemic, and the controversy it created. Many outlets, like The Post, pushed back hard on Webb. Morley lobbied for a closer examination of what Webb may have gotten right or been on the trail of getting correct rather than simply pointing out his errors. In this conversation we begin by revisiting Gary Webb's reporting and then begin delving into other areas of interest such as how Morley began reporting on the cloak and dagger world of intelligence agencies and how they have often been unaccountable for their actions over the decades. We also discuss the origins of the term "Deep State" and how it has been transformed into a snarl word Donald Trump uses against his critics, the pros and cons of news media today and the importance of journalism to a functioning democracy, the problems of a society which deeply distrusts its media, Steven Spielberg's movie The Post , the Amazon series The Last Narc about the death of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, classified documents related to the JFK assassination, op-eds vs. hard reporting, government secrecy and why greater transparency is needed in regards to federal agencies, Morley's lawsuit against the CIA, and much, much more. A note that this was recorded before the January 6th, 2021 pro-Trump mob breach of the Capitol. The conversation, and some of the areas we delve into, seem particularly relevant in regards to this event. I hope you as a listener will find the conversation fascinating.
Thu, January 07, 2021
BONUS: Chaos on Capitol Hill w/ Dr. Jack Rasmus
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this bonus edition of Parallax Views, economist Dr. Jack Rasmus, host of the Alternative Visions radio show and author of The Scourge of Neoliberalism: US Economic Policy from Reagan to Trump , joins us to put the January 6th 2021 pro-Trump mob breach of Capitol Hill. On January 4th, 2021, Dr. Rasmus published an article entitled "What Happens January 6th, 20th & After? America’s Declining Democracy" (also available on Counterpunch as "America’s Continuing Crisis of Democracy" in which he offered his thoughts on Trump and his cohorts like Ted Cruz's game plan for January 6th and January 20th when he is slated to leave the White House. In said op-ed Dr. Rasmus commented on how the Proud Boys and other pro-Trump elements would be on-hand at Washington, D.C. on the 6th in droves. What, though, is the end game? Dr. Rasmus offers that it is not about keeping Trump in office past January 20th, but instead part of a longer term strategy on the Trump loyalists within the GOP to keep control of the Republican Party and further mobilize and radicalize its base going into 2022 and eventually 2024. In this conversation Dr. Rasmus lay out his thoughts from this article as well giving his comment on the events of January 6th, 2021.
Wed, January 06, 2021
From Here to Equality: The 21st Century Case for Reparations w/ William A. Darity and A. Kirsten Mullen
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. William A. Darity, Jr. and A. Kirsten Mullen join us to discuss their book From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century . What does reparations mean, who are the people fighting for it, and how can those fighting for it win in their efforts? Are there any issues with reparations? What of the controversial ADOS (American Descendants of Slavery) movement and its argument that reparations should only be afforded to the descendants of slavery in the United States? What does the term "40 acres and a mule" mean and what is it's relevance to the discussion of reparations for black Americans? Sandy Darity and Kirsten Mullen provide answers to all these questions and many more in the course of this fascinating discussion that deals with the history of slavery, the Civil War, the fight for freedom by black Americans, the racial wealth gap and the wealth differential between blacks and whites, the issue of general wealth vs personal savings and income as the key to wealth accumulation, black criticisms of reparations, the narrative that black Americans would not use reparations responsibly, savings and spending among black and white Americans, and other important subjects related to their book.
Mon, January 04, 2021
A Gun in My Gucci: Two Outsiders Take Down the Chicago Mob w/ Former FBI Agent Elaine Smith
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews Parallax Views returns from a New Year's break with a brand new and exciting episode detailing how one of the FBI's most successful female agents joined forces with a Japanese mobster to take down Chicago organized crime. Former FBI Agent Elaine Smith (aka E.C. Smith) joins us to discuss how she became involved in the FBI and ended up on the tail of Ken Eto, a Japanese mobster who acted as a gambling kingpin for the Chicago mob. Eto, after the mob attempted a hit on him in fear he'd rat on them, turned to Elaine Smith to get his revenge on them in court. What followed is a story that is fit for a major motion picture and led to dozens of organized crime figures to be taken down by this duo of two very different kinds of fish-out-of-water outsiders. Elaine also discusses what it was like getting into the FBI, the training (including brutal boxing matches she had to have with men), and her approach to FBI work. Did she experience sexism in her career and struggles as a female in the FBI? Find out in this fascinating conversation. If you're interested in Mafia tales, organized crime, FBI crime busts, or any other matter of true crime stories.
Fri, January 01, 2021
REPLAY: The Sordid Saga of Jeffrey Epstein: The Les Wexner Connection
On this edition of Parallax Views, Les Wexner, the founder of L Brands and former CEO of Victoria's Secrets, has come under scrutiny in the past year for his close association with the late billionaire pedophile "International Man of Mystery" Jeffrey Epstein. In some ways Wexner's association with the wealthy abuser can be considered the "Ohio Connection" to the sordid saga of Jeffrey Epstein. Lawyer, professor of political science, and maverick Columbus, Ohio-based journalist Dr. Robert Fitrakis joins, who has been investigating the Wexner/Epstein story since the 1990s, joins us to discuss this aspect of the Epstein scandal. Our resident Epstein correspondent in France, Marlon Ettinger, joined J.G. to co-host this episode. In this conversation we discuss: - Bob's background in journalism and how he got on the trail of the billionaire Les Wexner in Columbus, Ohio - How Epstein and Wexner met - The 1985 mob-style murder/hit carried out against Wexner's tax attorney Arthur Shapiro and "The Shapiro Murder File" - Wexner's connections to public corruption and organized crime in central Ohio - State of Ohio Inspector General David Sturtz, who went after Epstein and Wexner and referred to Epstein as Wexner's "boyfriend" - Wexner's ties to the scandalous Iran/Contra affair through the CIA-connected Southern Air Transport (SAT) - The Wexner Foundation's involvement in the selling of the Iraq War - Epstein and sexual blackmail operations; the large sums of money transferred from Wexner to Epstein; why Bob believes that Wexner is still worth looking into rather than someone who didn't know Epstein's true nature; the arrest of Ghislaine Maxwell (does she have the goods?) and much, much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Wed, December 30, 2020
REPLAY: Could 9/11 Have Been Prevented? w/ Former FBI Agent Mark Rossini
On this edition of Parallax Views, was 9/11 preventable? Our guest on this September 11th anniversary edition of Parallax Views, Mark Rossini, who worked as the FBI's point man in the CIA's Bin Laden Unit (aka ALEC Station), makes the case it was in his piece " In Re: 9/11 ". As an FBI agent working in ALEC Station alongside fellow FBI agent Doug Miller, Mark became privy to the CIA's monitoring of two 9/11 hijackers, Flight 77's Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar, and a "Terror Summit" in Kuala Lumpur, Malyasia from January 5th-8th, 2000. Through their monitoring of these activities, the CIA discovered that the two future 9/11 terrorist had VISAs to the U.S. When Doug Miller wrote a report on the summit, however, the CIA told both he and Rossini not to send it to the FBI. For 19 years Mark Rossini has been troubled by the question of WHY the CIA did not share this vital bit of information with the CIA. His conclusions, which were independently corroborated by National Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Counter-terrorism Richard Clarke, is that elements of the CIA made a catastrophic decision after the Kuala Lumpur Summit that they kept under wraps to preserve their own careers and reputations. This decision, which Rossini makes a strong circumstantial case for having occurred, involved an illegal recruitment operation and Saudi Arabia's intelligence services aka the Mabahith. Rossini believes that, if this circumstantial case is true, then 9/11 may well have been preventable. And yes, this is the same Mark Rossini featured heavily in Lawrence Wright's book The Looming Tower and as a character in the TV series of the same name. PLEASE READ MARK ROSSINI'S ANALYSIS OF 9/11 https://undicisettembre.blogspot.com/p/mark-rossini-inre911.html In this conversation we discuss: - The FBI's John O'Neil, known as Bin Laden's arch-nemesis (who, after leaving the FBI shortly before 9/11 perished in the towers on that fateful day) and the conflicts between O'Neil and the CIA, specifically former BIn Laden Unit head honcho Michael Scheuer - The concept of "The Wall", which many believe led to botched communications before 9/11 between the FBI and CIA, and why Rossini believes "The Wall" isn't a sufficient explanation for the CIA's withholding information regarding the Malaysia terror summit from the FBI <p style="text-align:left;"
Mon, December 28, 2020
REPLAY: The Program: Inside the Mind of Keith Raniere and The Rise and Fall of NXIVM w/ Toni Natalie & Chet Hardin
On this edition of Parallax Views, the multi-level marketing NXIVM has gained national infamy as the "Hollywood Sex Cult" that landed its founder Keith Raniere, Smallville actress Allison Mack, and others in prison on multiple counts related to horrifically abusive behaviors against its members. The sensational headlines, however, may not do justice to understanding the true depravity of Keith Raniere, known within the cult as "Vanguard", and the horror show of NXIVM. Joining us on this edition of the program to unravel the sordid story and provide insight into the mind of a cult leader is Keith Raniere's ex-girlfriend, the "Patient Zero" of NXIVM, Toni Natalie and journalist Chet Hardin , who has been one of the main journalists covering the cult. Together Natalie and Hardin have authored the new book The Program: Inside the Mind of Keith Raniere and The Rise and Fall of NXIVM. We discuss Toni's story from how she met Raniere through the company Consumers Byline Inc. to the gaslighting she experienced after crossing Raniere and finally bearing witness to the fall of NXIVM's founder at his trial. Chet fills us in on how he began reporting on NXIVM and his experiences with its members. Additionally, Chet notes that, while NXIVM may have connections to political campaigns of the Clinton family, Raniere and his cult's beliefs share a great deal in common with the right-wing ideologies espoused online by "incels" and "the red pill" in regards to women. Toni notes that the story of NXIVM is not over yet and that victims, like the late Kristin Snyder, still deserve justice. We close out the conversation by trying to offer some kind of light amidst all the darkness. NXIVM founders Keith Raniere and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) expert Nancy Salzman, known within the cult as "Vanguard" and "Prefect" The Smallville actress Allison was a particularly high-profile member of NXIVM and has admitted to coming up with the idea for the human branding of NXIVM members Sara and Clare Bronfman, heiresses to the immense wealth generated by the Seagram Company, were also high-profile figures associated with NXIVM THE PROGRAM: INSIDE THE MIND OF KEITH RANIERE AND THE RISE AND FALL OF NXIVM BY TONI NATALIE W/ CHET HARDIN AVAILABLE NOW <a href='https://www.
Thu, December 24, 2020
Krampus and the Old Dark Christmas of Folklore w/ Al Ridenour
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews The Parallax Views holiday series concludes with an exploration of Santa Claus's dark counterpart, Krampus. Although the figure of Krampus has become embedded in the popular consciousness in the last decade, especially since the release of the Hollywood horror-comedy Krampus , the folklore of the Krampus reaches much farther back and into the most isolated part of the European Alps. Joining us to unravel this history, and explain how remote parts of Europe still celebrate the winter season with rituals related to St. Nicholas and his dark companion Krampus, is Al Ridenour, a former member of the avant-provocateur Cacophony Society and author of The Krampus and the Old Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil (Feral House; 2016). We begin by discussing Al's involvement in the Cacophony Society, which once boasted the involvement of transgressive author extraordinaire Chuck Palahniuk, and it's most famous avant-garde provocation: SantaCon. From there we delve into how the winter season has always had a dark side within the popular imagination and discuss the popularity of Christmas horror movies with Al recommending 1980's unusual Christmas Evil and discussing Michael Dougherty's Krampus and whether it is true to the folklore. We then take a deep dive into the history of the lore around Krampus and how the figure is used in festive rituals during the month of December in the Alps of Europe like Gastein in Austria. What is the function of the Krampus? His relationship to St. Nicholas? Do these rituals have an erotic and courtship element? Is there subversive, anarchic element beyond to the Krampus beyond his being used to scare children into following social norms and rules? Who are the people behind the Krampus troupes and how do they approach these events? What's the connection the the gore theatre of the Grand Guignol and these Krampus events (known as a Krampus Run or Krampuslauf)? And what can we learn from it all? All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Wed, December 23, 2020
BLACK CHRISTMAS Actress Lynne Griffin on Her Amazing Career
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views we continue our holiday series by speaking with an actress from a Christmas movie classic. Well, maybe not a Christmas movie classic in the traditional sense but in a more unorthodox one. No, I'm not talking about Bonnie Bedelia from Die Hard. Instead I'm talking about Lynne Griffin, the Canadian actress who played the iconic-if-short-lived role of the doomed Claire in Bob Clarke's 1974 horror chiller Black Christmas. Since it's release all those decades ago, Black Christmas has inspired two remakes/reimaginings and a high-profile fan film called It's Me Billy from noted voice actor David McRae. It's also a movie that really predates and arguably helped insprie elements of later horror movies like Halloween and the lesser slasher films that would follow. With a few plot elements reminiscent to When a Stranger Calls, Black Christmas centers on a sorority house being menaced by an obscene phone caller who eventually takes to picking off each of the girls one by one. In addition to Lynne Griffin, the movie also featured the talents of Romeo and Juliet's Olivia Hussey, Superman's Margot Kidder, 2001: A Space Odyssey's Keir Dullea, and the veteran rugged character actor John Saxon (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Enter the Dragon) as Police Lt. Ken Fuller. The film's director, Bob Clarke, would go on to make a more traditional holiday classic in the form of A Christmas Story as well as helming such features Porky's, Murder by Decree, and Turk 182 among others. Lynne joins us to talk not only about Black Christmas but also some of her other acting credits including the Rick Moranis comedy Strange Brew, the cult classic horror obscurity Curtains (which feels particularly relevant in the age of the MeToo movement), and April Mullen's criminally underrated 88 starring Katherine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps, Freddy Vs. Jason, American Mary) and Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Addams Family Values). All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views
Mon, December 21, 2020
Have Yourself a Very Merry Mumblecore Christmas w/ Stefanie Davis
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews We begin the Christmas week run of Parallax Views with by bringing back the original Parallax Views theme as a gift to long-time listeners and then talking with filmmaker Stefanie Davis, director and writer of the unorthodox holiday-themed mumblecore movie The Christmas Ride . For the uninitiated mumblecore is a genre of independent film popularized by filmmakers like Joe Swanberg ( Drinking Buddies , Happy Christmas , Kissing on the Mouth), Mark and Jay Duplass ( The Puffy Chair , Cyrus , Baghead ) and Andre Bujalski that generally empashizes low-budget, dialogue over plot, naturalistic acting, and heavy use of improvisation over scripting. Filmed with an outline of scenarios rather than a traditional script and featuring performance that were improvised and directed by the use of color psychology through color palettes meant to guide the actors in terms of what emotions they'd be displaying in the scene, The Christmas Ride isn't you're traditional Hollywood blockbuster for the holidays season. However, while The Christmas Ride may not be the Tim Allen-starring The Santa Clause movies or in A Miracle on 34th Street in terms of it's mumblecore characteristics or micro-budget, it does a sincere meditation on holiday hardships and what the Christmas spirit is really all about where Hollywood's holiday blockbuster sometimes manage to miss the mark. The synopsis, courtesy Stefanie Davis herself, is as follows: Georgia is a hard working young woman. On Christmas Day, she decides to spend the day driving to make some extra cash. As she takes on various riders, she finds that not everyone has a very merry Christmas. Many are not with their families, experiencing loss, and just not in the spirit. As a self-aware woman, she takes on the hardship of her riders and tries her best to overcome the energy surrounding her. Strangers have a tendency to open up to her. Will the magic of Christmas be enough to keep Georgia's spirit alive? Stefanie joins us on this edition of the show to discuss how The Christmas Ride , now available for streaming on Amazon Prime, about as well as providing details on the highly improvisational approach she took while making it including the use of color psychology and scenario outlines rather than detailed scripts in order to create a more naturalistic tone. We also delve into Stefanie's relationship to Georgia, the film's protagonist who serves as the symbolic embodiment of the Christmas spirit and experiences a crisis of faith i
Wed, December 16, 2020
REPLAY: Bit Tyrants: The Political Economy of Silicon Valley w/ Rob Larson
On this edition of Parallax Views, Silicon Valley is often hailed as pushing the world towards a better, more prosperous future through a model creative destruction and brave technological innovation. Economics professor Rob Larson, however, offers a competing viewpoint to this rose-colored narrative of darlings of the tech world like Microsoft, Apple, and Google in his new book Bit Tyrants: The Political Economy of Silicon Valley (Haymarket Books, 2020). In many ways picking up where his previous book, Capitalism vs Freedom: The Toll Road to Serfdom (Zero Books, 2018), left off, Rob launches a scathing but thoughtful critique on libertarian-style techno utopianism and reveals the often ignored aspect that the public sector has played in important technological innovations. Additionally, Rob details the less savory elements of the Silicon Valley story and how historically the Silicon Valley's current position of power and the effect it has on society bears a resemblance to the Gilded Age. Rob joins us to give an overview of this fascinating new book and fills us in on how it connects to his previous book Capitalism vs Freedom: The Toll Road to Serfdom in the course of this fascinating conversation. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Mon, December 14, 2020
REPLAY: Yellow Earth, Storytelling, and Filmmaking w/ John Sayles
On this edition of Parallax Views, legendary writer and filmmaker John Sayles joins us to discus his new novel Yellow Earth and other assorted topics of interest. For the uninitiated, John Sayles is an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter and Golden Globe-nominated filmmaker whose social conscious cinematic credits include 1980's highly influential Return of the Secaucus 7, the critically-acclaimed 1987 coal miner union drama Matewan, 1991's City of Hope, 1992's award-winning Passion Fish, the star-studded 1996 neo-western mystery Lone Star, 1997's Men With Guns, and 2010's Philippine-American War period dram Amigo among others. Additionally, John is an accomplished short story writer and novelist whose books include Pride of the Bimbos (1975), Union Dues (1977), The Anarchists' Convention (1979), Los Gusanos (1991), and A Moment in the Sun (2011). John joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to discuss his latest novel Yellow Earth (2020; Haymarket Books), which details the volatile social changes that occur in a small town in the aftermath of a shale oil boom. A timely novel that deals with the subject of fracking, John tells us the basic plot of Yellow Earth as well giving some details on the issues that arise from fracking and the economic impacts of boom-and-bust cycles that effect people in his story as well as real life. John and I then discuss some biographical details of his life, including being raised in Schenectady, New York. We then talk about John's thoughts on film school and how gaining experiences outside of the film world is invaluable. Additionally John and I talk a little about his coal mine union drama Matewan, his involvement in the subversive world of Roger Corman "B-Movies", the monster movie he wrote called Alligator (1980), the Ayn Rand-inspired character in Yellow Earth and why Rand's philosophy of Objectivism is so attractive to some people, what keeps him from giving into cynicism, working with the legendary cinematographer Haskell Wexler, and much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetic
Fri, December 11, 2020
16 Maps of Hell: The Unraveling of Hollywood Superculture w/ Jasun Horsley
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, a listener recently requested that I interview Jasun Horsley , a writer who has been involved in parapolitical and alternative perceptions subculture for some time now. It turns out he has a new book out, 16 Maps of Hell: The Unraveling Superculture, so I thought this would be a good time to fulfill that request. In 16 Maps of Hell Jasun explores his obsessions with Hollywood over the years and his eventual disenchantment with it over the years. He also deals with ideas of cultural engineering and conspiracy in Hollywood. This leads him to examining the history of Hollywood and its dark side with a particular focus on Roman Polanski, the Manson Family, the Tate-LaBianca murders, the mobbed up lawyer Sidney Korhsak, Jeffrey Epstein, and other sordid goings on in tinsel town that he believes may relate to cultural psyops. We discuss the nature of this thesis, how Jasun questioned it after writing the book, Jasun's cinematic obsessions (including his love of Sam Peckinpah), conspiracy theories and scapegoating, Nikolas Schreck's work on the Charles Manson case, writing as therapy or psychodrama, and much, much more in this fascinating conversation. 16 Maps of Hell by Jasun Horsley Available Here
Wed, December 09, 2020
An Hour with Legendary Novelist, Playwright, Poet, and Iconoclast Ishmael Reed
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, legendary poet, playwright, novelist, activist, social critic, and all-around iconoclast Ishmael Reed joins us to discuss his amazing life and times as well as his thoughts on a wide variety of different topics. In particular we focus on his experiences in the literary and media worlds and how the "sausage is made" so to speak in those worlds by a corporate Establishment. In particular Ishmael helps us focus in on controversies like Gary Webb and the Iran/Contra affair's connection to the LA crack epidemic (which he wrote about in the Washington Post op-ed "The Word on the Vine"), tokenism and patronage in the literary and media worlds, the weaponization of the black men as scapegoats through the black boogeyman trope, antisemitism, the the musical Hamilton (which Reed critiqued in his recent play The Haunting of Lin-Manuel Miranda), Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan, black feminism, diversity and the lack of diversity, academic language and the elitism of academic cliques that operate on langue games and lingo, the great filmmaker Bill Gunn who made the classic black vampire film GANJA AND HESS, gatekeeping and cultural glass ceilings, Charles Murray's The Bell Curve and media promotion of it as well as the financing of infamous Murray book, the Scotch-Irish and the betrayal of one's heritage in the name of assimilation, conspiracy theories, and much, much more.
Mon, December 07, 2020
REPLAY: The Global Police State w/ William I. Robinson
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, how did we get to this moment of social uprisings and the repressive states, represented by ICE immigration detention centers and rising authoritarianism around the globe, that color the present? Sociologist William I. Robinson provides a theoretical framework for understanding how 21st century tumult came to be in his new book The Global Police State . Robinson argues that we are living in a world in which rapidly accelerating economic inequality have led the transnational capitalist class to create systems of control and repression that will quell dissent. Additionally, he argues that this unstable situation, in which the masses are angry and the power elites divided, has led to an encroaching, creeping, 21st century fascism that threatens to engulf the world. He joins us on this edition of the program to lay out what The Global Police State is, the green zones and gray zones that separate the "haves" from the "have nots", the three factions of the global power elite and how the third factions (reformists) can be pressured by the masses, how Trump and the movement of Trumpism is not a populist movement and is in fact backed by elements of the transnational capitalist class, technologies of repression and the modern surveillance society, the Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) and why the transnational capitalist class are directly threatened by anti-police sentiments, the cooptation of social movements by the transnational capitalist class, the militarization of policing and security organizations, the capitalist and corporate elements that benefit from private military firms (ie: mercenary) and private policing, the major difference between the 20th century and 21st century crises (hint: there is no longer a strong left/labor movement), and much, much more!
Fri, December 04, 2020
U.S. Biological Weapons in the Korean War? w/ Dr. Jeffrey Kaye
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, allegations of U.S. germ warfare (or biological warfare) being used on populations in the Korean War have long been dismissed as a conspiracy theory hatched by the Soviet Union as a disinformation campaign on America. Dr. Jeffrey Kaye, author of Cover-Up at Guantanamo Bay: THE NCIS Investigation into the "Suicides" of Mohammad Al Hanashi and Abdul Rahman Al Amri , however, has been pouring over documents from the CIA's "Baptism by Fire" files on the Korean War that may lend credence to the claims of U.S. biowarfare being used in the conflict. In this conversation Dr. Kaye and I discuss his prior work on Guantanamo Bay and then take a deep dive into the history of biowarfare from Japan's Unit 731, a WWII program led by Gen. Shiro Ishii, to the claims of U.S. biowarfare in the Korean War. In regards to Unit 731, where grotesque war crimes and experiments took place, we discuss Gen. Shiro Ishii's involvement with the U.S. in the post-war period and the amnesty that was granted to Unit 731 after the war by the U.S.. We also make mention of the Tuskegee Institute Syphilis study. Biowarfare experiments of the past involved anthrax, live human dissections, cholera, plague infested fleas, dysentery, and more. From there we discuss the accusation that claims of biological warfare used by the U.S. in the Korean War are merely Soviet propaganda and hoax. Dr. Kaye makes the case that this isn't necessarily true and offers evidence to the contrary. In making this case Dr. Kaye specifically refers to the "Baptism by Fire" documents that were recently declassified by the CIA. Dr. Kaye explains in details the claims of CIA biological warfare in this time period and why the "Baptism by Fire" documents are such an important revelation.
Wed, December 02, 2020
A Refreshingly Frank Conversation w/ Kevin D. Williamson of the National Review
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, over the course of this program's history J.G. Michael has been fairly open about his politics leaning to the leftward, sometimes called progressive, end of the political compass. Past guests of Parallax Views, like Noam Chomsky and Bill Ayers, have reflected J.G.'s own orientation. However, J.G. doesn't want himself or his listeners to live in a bubble. As such he recently reached out to the often controversial and stylish conservative commentator Kevin D. Williamson, the roving correspondent for the National Review and author of the new book Big White Ghetto: Dead Broke, Stone-Cold Stupid, and High on Rage in the Dank Woolly Wilds of the "Real America" , with an invite to appear on Parallax Views. Kevin accepted and this conversation is the result. Those expecting a debate will likely be disappointed. This is a frank conversation, co-hosted by Nathan Myers of the unfortunately defunct Clash podcast, in which J.G. and Kevin cover a wide range of topics and clarify some of Kevin's views, which, depending on what you've heard about him, may surprise you. Among the subjects we discuss and the lines of inquiry we pursue are: - How Kevin became involved in journalism and his literary influences which include the arch-conservative William F. Buckley as well as, believe it or not, the counterculture gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson and Tom Wolfe of The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test fame; J.G. draws a parallel between Thompson's work on the Hell's Angels, specifically in regards to what Thompson called "the ethic of total retaliation, and some of the themes in Kevin's new book Big White Ghetto ; the attitude of James Dean-style teenage rebellion in the 60s and its relevance today; social anxiety about masculinity in a world where traditional masculinity (ie: violence, physical labor, etc.) is not as high in value as it used to be and how this ties into both the rebellions of the Hell's Angels and the cultural moment of Trumpism; why Kevin writes the way he does and his dislike for what he sees as "performative empathy" - Kevin's work covering the alt right which led him to interviewing figures like the white nationalist Richard Spencer; the sense of "disappointment", driven by social and moral entitlement, that Kevin believes drove the alt right and associated movement; the "Cowboys and Indians" nature of Trumpism and Kevin's description of Trumpism as less of an ideology than an enemy's list; what William F. Buckley thought of Trump and speculating as to what Buckley would think of Trumpism
Tue, December 01, 2020
Organized Crime & Trump's Phony Election Fraud Outrage w/ Daniel Hopsicker
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, Trump supporters are currently in full force claiming the 2020 Election's results, which delivered a win to Joe Biden, are the result of election fraud and a conspiracy involving the Democratic Party, Venezuela, a software firm SMARTMATIC, and Dominion Voting Systems. Returning guest, Daniel Hopsicker has a thing or two to say about that as someone whose been following the potentially shady owners and backgrounds of voting industry companies like ES&S, Sequoia Pacific Systems, Diebold, and Dominion Voting Systems. And his view doesn't line up with that of Sean Hannity's ranting about a Venezuela/Democratic Party conspiracy to steal the Presidential Election from Trump. Instead Hopsicker has found that these companies are owned by private interests with seeming ties to organized crime or, put more simply, the mob. But before discussing that we delve into some scoops that Daniel has on Steve Bannon. Bannon was arrested on the yacht of exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui. This leads to a discussion about Wengui, the company HNA Group (which has had a bit of a feud with Wengui, espionage and intelligency agency spooks, and cocaine smuggling/drug trafficking. As always, Daniel takes the conversation into some interesting directions that deal with transnational organized crime and its relationship to drug trafficking and money laundering operations. How does Steve Bannon, as well as Bannon's buddy Andrew Badolato and what Daniel calls the "Sarasota" node of this story, fit into the whole picture? Find out in the first part of our conversation with Daniel Hopsicker. As I note in the interview, Daniel was tracking Badolato before he became the subject of mainstream media scrutiny with the We Build the Wall scam. Additionally, I mention in this conversation Daniel's coverage of Huffman Aviation and Rudi Dekkers, who was eventually arrested on cocaine related charges. From there we delve into Daniel's work on election fraud as examined in his documentary The Big Fix 2000 . That documentary dealt with the voting industry companies around the time of the 2000 election and discussed an important story involving a Louisiana elections commissioner named Raymond Fowler and his connections to the mobbed up Pasquale "Rocco" Ricci among other things. This also leads us into the story of Louis Wolfson, a convicted criminal who may have invented the term "cover-up", and his relationship to Sequoia Voting Systems. A number of the companies that come up in Daniel's research end up being bought out by Dominion Voting Systems. Howeve
Sun, November 29, 2020
UN Report Warns of ”Another Lost Decade” w/ Richard Kozul-Wright
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, a recent United Nations Conference on Trade Development report warns of "another lost decade" that could repeat the same mistakes of the 07/08 financial crisis and its aftermath. Richar Kozul-Wright, one of the principal authors of the report and Director of the Globalisation and Development Strategies Division in UNCTAD, joins us to discuss the report. Titled "From Global Pandemic to Prosperity" the 2020 UNCTAD report warns of continued austerity and why it is dangerous as inequality rises globally. The report pushes back on neoliberal ideas about dealing with global crises and is primarily interested in the developing world, however, it has much to say to audiences in the developed world that are starting to more acutely feel the effects of a particular form of virulently predatory capitalism. Richard explains why "Build Back Better", the slogan of United States President-elect Joe Biden, must take not repeat the mistakes of the lost decade after the financial crisis. The pushing down of wages, government frugality, cutting of social safety nets, and more comes up in this fascinating conversation that details why it is time for society to reckon with the financial crisis of 07/08 if a better more robust recovery is to occur in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition Richard and I also talk about Biden's Treasury Secretary pick Janet Yellen vs. Trump's Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, changing opinions about neoliberalism, Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), the climate change crisis as a doomsday scenario, the Green New Deal, hyperglobalization, austerity, and more.
Sat, November 28, 2020
Understanding the War Industry w/ Christian Sorensen
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this episode of Parallax Views, President Eisenhower famously warned of the "military-industrial complex" in his farewell address. But what is the "military-industrial complex" and more broadly "The War Industry"? Christian Sorensen provides an excellent primary in his insightful new book Understanding the War Industry (Clarity Press; 2020). (Further Show Notes Forthcoming)
Thu, November 26, 2020
Earth A.D. The Poisoning of The American Landscape and the Communities that Fought Back w/ Michael Lee Nirenberg
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, filmmaker and writer Michael Lee Nirenberg joins us to discuss a tale of two American environmental disasters and the communities that fought for justice against those they deemed responsible for the incidents. Earth A.D.: The Poisoning of the American Landscape and the Communities That Fought Back is a tour-de-force oral history that chronicles the environmental devastation resulting from American Superfund sites at Tar Creek in Oklahoma and Newton Creek in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY. Nirenberg paints a picture that involves citizens, activists, politicians, and corporate leaders through hundreds of interviews that reveal not only the ways that wealth and racism intersect with how environmental disaster are dealt with in different communities but also how the urban-rural divide plays a role in this regard as well. Recalling the style of music journalist Legs McNeil, Nirenberg's oral history brims with a punk rock verve that extends far beyond its title referencing The Misfits. In this conversation we discuss a number of topics including the horrors of lead poisoning, environmentalism as an issue that should transcend the left/right divide, environmental racism, Michael's film work and his documentary on Hustler's Larry Flynt (as well as his interview with the controversial pornographer Al Goldstein of Screw Magazine infamy!), the Native American communities like the Quapaw tribe who are negatively impacted by environmental disasters and grassroots activists like Tar Creekkeeper Rebecca Jim and Don Ackerman, class and race as they relate to who is harmed most by environmental catastrophes, local corruption and how it effects the response to environmental disasters, nuclear power and energy needs, the difference between the Newton Creek and Tar Creek disasters, ecohorror, the influence of punk and metal on Michael's work, and much, much more.
Tue, November 24, 2020
On the Edge of Globalization w/ Brian Francis Culkin
If you appreciate Parallax Views and the work of J.G. Michael please consider supporting the show through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views, globalization has led to culture shocks in societies around the world. What to make of this phenomenon, its interactions with culture and the way we live our lives, and what it means for the future? Critical theorist Brian Francis Culkin, co-author with Shipibo shaman Ricardo Amaringo of The Ayahuasca Dialogues: Globalization, Plant Medicine, and the Healing of the Human Heart , joins us to unpack the topic of globalization and it's relationship to what philosopher Byung Chul Han calls "The Burnout Society". In the first part of our conversation we focus on the aforementioned burnout is producing in citizens of various different nations as well as the ways in which globalization may be altering our social lives. In particular, Brian hones in on how the ever accelerating techno-society we are creating is moving away from the nuclear family unit as its foundation for society. Additionally, we delve into Brian's experiences with the indigenous Shipibo-Conibo people of the Amazon rainforest in Peru. This leads to a discussion of his collaboration with the previously mentioned healer Ricardo Amaringo and Brian's thoughts on the psychedelic plant drug ayahuasca. In this regard we discuss the the different perspectives on ayahuasca, ayahuasca tourism and its problems, ayahuasca as not merely a drug but also a medicine, and the importance of indigenous cultures. We also chat about ideas related to the apocalypse and End times, Byung-Chul Han's concept of "the autistic performance machine", the opening of the heart and seeing the other, neoliberalism and production, the human as a cosmic phenomenon and man as stardust, spirituality and materialism, Catholicism and Christianity, the humility of Carl Sagan vs. science and atheism as a theology, the value of friendship, and much, much more.
Fri, November 20, 2020
Post-Election: No Blue Wave, Joe Biden, & The History of Neoliberal Democrats w/ Thomas Frank
On this edition of Parallax Views we wrap up our post-election analysis series by welcoming back Thomas Frank, author of such books as What's the Matter With Kansas, Listen, Liberal, and The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism. Frank recently penned an op-ed for The Guardian entitled "Ding-dong, the jerk is gone. But read this before you sing the Hallelujah Chorus" which warned against Pollyanna-style beliefs that all is well and good in America now that Donald Trump was defeated by Joe Biden in the U.S. Presidential election. In this conversation we delve into why the Blue Wave didn't happen this year and how Frank was confident that it wouldn't occur as many had hoped it would. Additionally, he offers his historical research to unravel the history of the "Neoliberal" Democrat from the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) onward. We even manage to work a critique of the antiwar Democratic Presidential candidate George McGovern in this regard. Believe it or not McGovern, despite his left antiwar stances, was not labor Democrat. Frank unravels the whole history of how the Democratic Party went from the "Party of the People" to the "Party of the Democrat" as well as making clear, in his lucid style, underlying ideology and aesthetics of this political formation that declares itself as being "post-politics". Moreover, Frank and I discuss Joe Biden, why the AFL-CIO endorsed Biden, and, perhaps most importantly, what Biden must do during his time in the White House. Trumpism, Frank warns, is not dead yet even if the Donald isn't in the White House.
Wed, November 18, 2020
Post-Election: Fixing the Machinery of Democracy & Other Issues w/ Irami Osei-Frimpong
On this edition of Parallax Views, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election is over but politics never sleeps. Although many are celebrating the defeat of Donald Trump, the fact is that politics, organizing, and activism won't end with the defeat of Donald Trump. And, as evidenced by the recent scuffles between the moderate and progressive wings of the Democratic Party, intra-party is very much alive and well. Although many have argued that such squabbles should be put aside, the provocative and intelligent Irami Osei Frimpong, also known as "The Funky Academic", joins us on this edition of the program to argue for the merits of divisive politics and what is needed to fix what he calls the "machinery of Democracy". We also discuss matters pertaining to media and particularly left media's blind-spots as well as Irami's critiques of white, upper middle class feminism, his critique of JD Vance's Hillbilly Elegy , Nancy Pelosi and the problem of glass floor/glass ceilings in politics, Pelosi' refusal to debate challenger, incumbent vs. the electorate as an anti-trust problem, the "voter disadvantage", the Defund the Police movement, the need for a communications infrastructure and its relation to production, corporate Democrats "punching left", the need for a federal jobs guarantee, freedom and the Left, the wealthy's distorted view of reality and why it occurs, and much, much more in this fascinating and provocative conversation.
Tue, November 17, 2020
Post-Election: Shift Happens w/ Albert Lanier
On this edition of Parallax Views we present an election post-mortem featuring journalist Albert Lanier dissecting the 2020 Presidential Election. Albert argues the election can be summed up with the humorous line "Shift Happens". From Albert's point of view the election, when analyzed, indicates big shift for Democratic Party Centrists, the renegade progressive wing of the Democratic Party, and the GOP. He also argues that the Democrats win by "losing". He'll explain what that means in the course of our conversation as well as giving an election autopsy. What led to the outcome of the 2020 election? What of voter turnout and the voter suppression tactics Repulibcans were accused of in past election? And Trump cries of electoral fraud? Where do the progressives and leftists stand in all of this and what can be made of electoral victories made by the progressive wing of the Democratic Party led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and "The Squad"? How did the Democrats manage to pull one over on the Donald? Why didn't the Hunter Biden laptop and Burisma stories work as the GOP's "October Surprise"? How did Trump lose the election? What of the mail-in ballots and what has been called the "Red Mirage" of election night? All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Fri, November 13, 2020
Henry Kissinger and American Power: A Political Biography w/ Thomas A. Schwartz
On this edition of Parallax Views, Henry Kissinger is perhaps the most-well-known political figures associated with United State foreign policy and geopolitics since the post-WWII period. Reviled as a war criminal by many, such as Christopher Hitchens and Greg Grandin, and lauded as the 20th century's greatest statesman by others, Kissinger is, regardless of what one may think of him obviously someone who has left a lasting impact. Prof. Thomas A. Schwartz, author of Henry Kissinger and American Power: A Political Biography, joins us on this edition of the program to discuss the life and legacy of Kissinger. Unlike both Kissinger's detractors and his admirers, Schwartz attempts to come somewhere down the middle in his assessment of the former Secretary of State. We discuss Kissinger's early life, his image as a cold calculating figure politically, the Vietnam War and the Nixon/Watergate era, the harshest criticisms of Kissinger, and much, much more.
Wed, November 11, 2020
Editing Humanity: The CRISPR Revolution and the New Era of Genome Editing w/ Kevin Davies
On this edition of Parallax Views, last month two female scientists, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuele Charpentier, won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their revolutionary work on CRISPR-Cas9, a technology that opens the door gene editing in ways previously unimagined. The win has been, rightfully, seen as a pivotal moment for women in science, but what, beyond that, what is the broader story of CRISPR and gene editing? What are the broader implications of gene editing and what does it entail for bioethics (ie: could CRISPR be used for darker purposes such as eugenics or bioterrorism)? What are the potential uses of this incredible technology? And what are the stories of the people involved in this game-changing scientific discovery? Kevin Davis, Founding Editor of Nature Genetics, Executive Editor of The CRISPR Journal, and author of Editing Humanity: The CRISPR Revolution and the New Era of Genome Editing, joins us to answer those questions and much more. Among the topics we cover: - What is CRISPR-Cas9? - The troublesome story of Chinese scientist He Jiankui, who used CRISPR-Cas9 on two babies and caused a massive backlash in the scientific community as a result. - Where does the idea of gene editing arise?; The history of gene therapy; James Watson and the Double Helix - The potential agricultural uses of CRISPR - Harvard University geneticist George M. Church, who played a pivotal role in the story of CRISPR, and his notion that, theoretically, CRISPR could be used to resurrect the wholly mammoth and address the climate change crisis - Concerns about CRISPR technology related to misuses for eugenics and bioterrorism; CRISPR, bioterrorism, and COVID - "Biohacking" and the ready availability of CRISPR kits - And much, much more!
Mon, November 09, 2020
Post-Election Analysis w/ JP Sottile
The U.S. Election is finally, it appears, over. It looks as if Joe Biden is the next President Elect of the United States and that Donald Trump and his will be out of the White House by 2021. Kamala Harris will join Joe Biden in the White House as Vice President replacing Mike Pence. Democrats are celebrating in the streets over the victory, believing it represents the defeat of a 21st century fascist threat, while Trump and his supporters accuse the election of being rigged through a voter fraud conspiracy. What will the future hold for a post-Trump America? Journalist JP Sottile aka the Newsvandal joins us to provide his always insightful analysis. In this conversation JP and I discuss: - The landscape of mainstream and alternative media; Chris Ruddy and Newsmax; class and making it journalism; what has the effect of the Trump Presidency been on journalism and the press?; Fox News - The projections of Presidential victories in the media, exit polling, and the 2000 election - The election as a referendum on Trump and how Trump has created a "distortion field" that obscures what the American people want in terms of policy; the Presidential Election as a Trump "reality show" - The off-year elections in 2022 and what it will say about what Americans want - Do Americans want progressivism?; Does progressivism have a messaging problem?; the "Defund the Police" movement; Democratic Party Strategist James Carville and others blaming progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar for Democrats' downballot losses; AOC's New York Times interview; can progressives learn a thing or two from the long game of the evangelical Christian Right over the past half century? - The Lincoln Project; did it play a role in the election? - High voter turnout and how the conventional wisdom of higher turnout equaling a Democratic "Blue Wave" didn't pan out - Military Keynesianism and demand side economics; can Keynesian be applied to other areas rather than those the benefit what has been referred to as the military industrial complex?; the World Economic Forum and the transnational capitalist class; supply side economics vs demand side economics; is Reaganism/Thatcherism over and did Trump show the cracks in its acceptance? - Richard Spencer's support of Biden/Harris; is Spencer getting what he wanted in the sense that the focus of the Democratic Party's leadership is shifting toward an even more "law and order" route going forward; the history of "liberal" as an epithet during the Reagan era and how "socialist" has become the new epithet
Thu, November 05, 2020
REPLAY: The Role of Big Money in Politics & 2020 Election Analysis w/ Dr. Thomas Ferguson
I thought this episode would be interesting as we get through the election process this year. Enjoy! - J.G. On this edition of Parallax Views, much has been made about the role of money in the outcomes of political elections, at least within . In academic disciplines, however, this has often been seen as heresy. In fact, some view it as nothing more than conspiracy theory. And, truth be told, it would likely be overly simplistic to argue that a small handful of shadowy individuals select the two Presidential candidates every four years in U.S. elections. However, political scientist Dr. Thomas Ferguson, Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, dispenses with such oversimplifications while also making the case, through his extensive empirical research, that, yes, money in politics DOES, as a matter of fact, influence electoral outcomes. After receiving his Ph.D at Princeton University, Dr. Ferguson went on to teach, for a time, at MIT. During his academic travels he delved into the history undergirding FDR and the New Deal. In doing so he developed an alternative model to understanding elections that challenged the median voter theorem. This came to be known as the investment theory of part competition, which Dr. Ferguson elaborated upon in his landmark book Golden Rule: The Investment Theory of Party Competition and the Logic of Money-Driven Political Systems , he joins us on this edition of the program to discuss this theory, how he came to developing it, and his thoughts on the 2020 Presidential election pitting Republican incumbent Donald Trump against Democratic nominee Joe Biden. In the course of our conversation we also discuss: - Rahm Emmanuel's declaration that 2020 would be the year of the Biden Republican - Thoughts on the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wing of the Democratic Party and the development of small donor power in elections - Why conspiracy theories have become so popular - The stunning defeat of Joe Kennedy by Ed Markey in the Massachusetts Senate race - Thoughts on the panic-laden Deutsche Bank report by Jim Reid warning investors of an "Age of Disorder" - And much, much more! This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson <a href='http://
Mon, November 02, 2020
Morris Kight: Humanist, Liberationist, Fantabulist w/ Mary Ann Cherry
On this edition of Parallax Views, Morris Kight was a radical antiwar, civil rights, and labor activist, but he's probably most remembered today as a gay rights icon. "Wait," you may be saying, "I've heard of Harvey Milk. I've heard of RuPaul. But I've never heard of Morris Kight." No, folks, I'm not exagerrating. Morris Kight had a long and storied life as an activist, especially within the burgeoning LGBTQ community, on the West Coast during the 20th century. So who was Morris Kight and why isn't he more well-known? Mary Ann Cherry, a friend of Kight in his later years and the author of the Feral House publication Morris Kight: Humanist, Liberationist, Fantabulist , joins us on this edition of program to answer both those questions. Among other things we discuss: - The charismatic, "dandy"-style of Morris Kight and it's similarities to fellow gay icon Gore Vidal - Morris Kight's antiwar activism, specifically his actions directed against Dow Chemical during the Vietnam War - Morris Kight's socialist tendencies and skepticism of the two-party political duopoly - The infamous homophobic sign at Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood that Morris and other activists protested to get taken down due to its discriminatory nature - Morris Kight's brush with the Los Angeles gangster Eddie Nash of Wonderland Avenue Murders infamy - And much, much more!
Sat, October 31, 2020
Undead Uprising: Haiti, Horror, and the Zombie Complex w/ John Cussans
For the penultimate episode of our Parallax Views Halloween series, John Cussans joins us to discuss his book Undead Uprising: Haiti, Horror, and the Zombie Complex . Believe it or not, the zombie wasn't always simply a figure of flesh-ripping, brain eating apocalyptical disease and undead horror. The zombie begins as a figure within Haitian folklore and Voodoo (Voudon) before eventually coming to Western pop culture. John argues that the zombie's migration to the West was underpinned by white Western fears of voodoo-fueled black slave uprisings in Haiti and has evolved from there. In addition, he makes the case that the myths of Haitian voodoo has been used, at least in terms of its imagery and cultural power, as a weapon of control by Western elements such as intelligence agencies (WWII black ops; see: Ian Fleming's Live and Let Die ), journalists, white liberals who seek to "carebearize" the religion, and transgressive revolutionaries like George Bataille, etc. We delve into all these topics as well as the connection between mesmerism and the early zombie in pop culture, Wade Davis' The Serpent and the Rainbow and John's critique of it, thoughts on Frank Wilderson III and Afropessimism, conspiracy theories and Videodrome, the dictatorship of Papa Doc Duvalier, Western "ju ju journalism", Baron Samedi, the Bizango secret society, and much, much more. This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Fri, October 30, 2020
Fake News and The Secret History of the Jersey Devil w/ Brian Regal
For the Devil's Night edition of the Parallax Views countdown to Halloween we delve into the real history of the New Jersey Devil myth and how it connects to today's problem fake news. Joining us to unravel the story is Prof. Brian Regal, co-author with Frank J. Esposito of The Secret History of the Jersey Devil: How Quakers, Hucksters, and Benjamin Franklin Created a Monster . In this fascinating book Regal and Esposito argue the the tale of the Jersey Devil, the hideous, pegasus-like, cursed "13th Child" monster spawn of Mother Leeds, is actually originates in the real-life figure of Daniel Leeds and his struggles against superstitious Quakers centuries ago. Leeds, a promoter of Scientific Enlightenment ideals, thought to spread knowledge in early America by way of an almanac. But due to his belief in astrology he ran afoul of New Jersey's Quakers, who saw him as an occultist and, later, "Satan's Harbinger". The tale of Daniel Leeds Vs. the Jersey Quakers, Regal says, shows that political mudslinging, despite how bad many consider it today, has been a bare-knuckled tradition in America since its earliest days. But the story doesn't end there as Daniel Leeds son, Titan Leeds, get smeared as a sorcerer by none other than one of America's Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, in what may well be one of the earliest instances in America of the fake news phenomena... or at the very least show Franklin as a innovator of Fake News! And then, later on, the slanders against the Leeds morph into the myth of the Jersey Devil by way of P.T. Barnum carny hucksters looking to sucker a few rubes with wild stories of a monster in the Pine Barrens. It's a complicated and fascinating story that can't possibly be fully explained in this summary, but trust me when I say Regal lays it all out in riveting detail. He even manages to explain where the origins of the witch-like "Mother Leeds" in Jersey Devil lore. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Thu, October 29, 2020
BONUS: Get Your Booty to the Poll PSA Campaign w/ Filmmakers Angela Barnes and Paul Fox
On this bonus edition of Parallax Views we take a break from our Halloween series to chat about getting out the vote w/ filmmakers Angela Barnes (formerly Angela Gomes) and Paul Fox. In case your unfamiliar, Angela and Paul are the creators of the "Get Your Booty to Poll" Public Service Announcement that employed pole dancers and strippers to explain the importance of voting, specifically in local elections, in Atlanta. Targeted towards Atlanta's potential black male voters, "Get Your Booty to the Poll" has generated much controversy. Some argue that it perpetuates negative stereotypes of black men and women. Others argue it is pro-sex worker and only being attacked on grounds of "respectability politics". Angela and Paul join us, in light of the second "Get Your Booty to Poll" PSA (which addresses some of the 1st PSA's critics) being released), to discuss why they did it, what they hope it achieves, and thoughts on the debate and discussion it has generated. This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Thu, October 29, 2020
Social Horror and Tales from the Hood w/ Rusty Cundieff
The Parallax Views Halloween special continues as we talk to a filmmaker who has been bringing together social issues, specifically racism, and horror together years before Jordan Peele's Get Out and Us . Pittsburgh-native Rusty Cundieff has directed episode of of Chappelle's Show , acted as a correspondent on Michael Moore's TV Nation , acted in Spike Lee's School Daze , and helmed the hip hop mockumentary Fear of a Black Hat . But he is perhaps best known for his 1995 horror anthology Tales from the Hood starring Clarence Williams III as the Crypt Keeper-esque storyteller "Mr. Simms", Psych 's Corbin Bernsen, Rosalind Cash, David Alan Grier, and Wing Hauser among others. The film touched on a number of issues including police brutality and domestic abuse as well as pointedly commenting, in one specific segment, on then then hot topic of former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan David Duke. Duke, at that time, had once served as a Congressman in the Louisiana House of Representative and made campaign runs for Senate and Governor. If you ever wanted to see David Duke menaced by dolls possessed by the spirits of plantation slaves, well, then this is the movie for you. Or, for that matter, if you ever wanted to see corrupt, drug dealing, murderous cops get their just desserts or hearing Clarence Williams III repeatedly say "THE SHIT!" (this particular aspect of the film has become legendary) you'll have a ball with Tales from the Hood . Since its release Tales from the Hood has produced two sequels, Tales from the Hood 2 and Tales from the Hood 3 , and the similarly-themed anthology, also made by the duo of Rusty Cundieff and Darin Scott, entitled American Nightmares . These three films have continued the tradition of social horror found in Tales from the Hood and featured such actors and actresses as Keith David, Candyman 's Tony Todd, Saturday Night Live 's Chris Kattan, Vivica A. Fox, and Danny Trejo among others. In this conversation we cover all of those films, the social power of the horror genre, Dave Chappelle and having one's art misinterpreted, the influence of the Twilight Zone's Rod Serling on Cundieff and Scott's horror anthology, different racial reactions to Tales from the Hood , a great Corbin Bernsen story, and much, much more. This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Or
Wed, October 28, 2020
Invasion of the Scream Queens! w/ Linnea Quigley & Deborah Voorhees
The count to Halloween continues as Parallax Views celebrates the ladies of horror movies otherwise known as "Scream Queens"! From Janet Leigh in Psycho to her daughter Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween, a variety of actresses have appeared in scary movies over the years and made the role of women in horror a pivotal one to say the least. And, often times, the "Scream Queens" aren't just relegated to using their well-known superpowered lungs. Indeed many a horror film has featured females who fight back, especially in the form of the "Final Girl" trope, such as Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) in A Nightmare on Elm Street , Sydney Prescott (Neve Campbell) in the Scream franchise, and Alice Hardy (Adrienne King) in Friday the 13th among many others. So in order to celebrate the gals who add a feminine touch to the scary movies we all know and love I invited two actresses associated with the genre onto the program just in time for Halloween. That's right, it's another Parallax Views double feature! Two interviews for the price of one! First up... Linnea Quigley, the "Queen of the B's", joins us to discuss her long career in film and how she became one of the most recognizable "Scream Queens" of the 1980s due to her appearances in cult classics like Return of the Living Dead ; Night of the Demons ; Silent Night, Deadly Night ; Graduation Day ; Nightmare Sister ; Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama ; and Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers . Hell, she's even had the chance to pop out of Freddy Krueger's chest in A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master , a scene which has an interesting behind-the-scenes story you'll here in our conversation. And if that wasn't enough she's been the subject of documentaries (including the great Screaming in High Heels ), appeared in music videos by rock bands like the Revolting Cocks and Motorhead, written an autobiography (The Linnea Quigley Bio & Chainsaw Book) and a memoir (I'm Screaming As Fast As I Can: My Life in B-Movies), and has her very own workout video aptly entitled the Linnea Quigley's Horror Workout . Seriously, how many Scream Queens have their very own workout video? As I say to Linnea during our conversation, "Eat your heart out Jamie Lee Curtis!" We cover all the bases we can in fast-paced half hour conversation with Linnea that manages to touch on her surreal experiences in Hollywood (including a marriage proposal story you'll never forget, the trials and tribulations of having make-up FX put on you, a tale of topless guerrilla filmmaking, the famous "deer antlers" murder scene in Silent Night, Deadly Night , and what it's like doing nudity on camera), her experie
Tue, October 27, 2020
Polybius w/ David Irons
With only a few days left till Halloween, we continue the #ParallaxViewsHalloweenMassacre by turning our attention the urban legend/creepypasta mash-up known as Polybius. According to internet a strange video game, known as Polybius, briefly popped up around arcades in or near Portland, Oregon during the height of arcade-mania in the 1980s. Allegedly the game cause strange, spooky side effect including being highly addictive, causing physical illness, and psychological impacts leading to outcomes like, most frighteningly, suicide. And that's not where the creepiness of this digital campfire tale ends. There also was allegedly mysterious "Men in Black" figures that would check on the game with unusual devices. Moreover, the game's developer was said to be a company called Sinneslöschen, which roughly translated from the German would mean something like "Sense Deletion" or "Sensory Deprivation". As the legend goes the enigmatic game disappeared from arcades as quickly as it had arrived. The earliest recorded references to Polybius date back to the 2000's vis-à-vis an entry on the arcade game website CoinOp.Org. Since then, Polybius has gained a life its own within pop culture eventually, among other things, being referenced in The Simpsons and a Nine Inch Nails music video. And, although there is no evidence to confirm the existence of the mysterious arcade game, the legend soon grew so great that actual Polybius video games began to make the rounds of the gaming world. There's even, believe it or not, a Playstation 4 game bearing the title that was released in 2017. But what of the a malevolent game that allegedly haunted Oregon arcades for a short time in the 80s? Most say it is a hoax or a mere myth. Others continue to believe that somewhere the game exists. Some speculate, due to the "Men in Black" referenced in the original legend, that the game was part of a CIA mind control experiment like MK-ULTRA. In any case, Polybius has become a staple of digital campfire tales on the World Wide Web and has certainly captured the imagination of the culture. This should come as no surprise, since details about the supposed game, beyond the original urban legend itself, are extremely sparse. As such it has been left to others to fill in the blanks and from there it's off to the races as imaginations run wild trying to answer the question: What was Polybius? Filmmaker and horror novelist David Irons, who often dabbles in "retro-novels" drenched in big hair, cocaine, and MTV aesthetics of the Reagan-era 80s, is just one person who asked that question. And he most certainly let his imagination run wild in answering it when writing his new book, Polybius . In this novel Irons, whose previous books include Graveyard Billy , Night Waves: Something Has Been Set Free , Wolf Moon , and Night Creepers , uses the Polybius legend
Tue, October 27, 2020
The Political Life of Bela Lugosi And His Targeting by the OSS/FBI w/ Gary D. Rhodes
The Parallax Views countdown to Halloween continues as we revisit the life and times of the actor most associated with Count Dracula, Bela Lugosi, w/ the world's foremost Bela Lugosi scholar Gary D. Rhodes. Previously joined us to discuss Lugosi's cinematic career from his runaway success and rise to superstardom courtesy the Universal Studios classic Tod Browning's Dracula (1931) to his later years appearing in the notorious films of the infamous Ed Wood such as Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959) and Bride of the Monster (1955). In this conversation we shift our focus to the political life of Bela Lugosi including his involvement in the Hungarian Revolution of 1919, Gary's research into Bela's support of working classes causes, Lugosi's anti-fascism, and how Lugosi's early life may have shaped his politics. And then we delve into the little known story of how Lugosi headed up an organization called the Hungarian-American Council for Democracy. This led to Lugosi being monitored by the early U.S. intelligence agency known as the OSS, whom referred to the HUACD as the "Dracula Council" and believed it to be a communist front organization. It turns out, however, that Lugosi was also informing the OSS on the activities of Hungarian fascists in the U.S. while those very same fascists reported on Lugosi to the same agency! It's a wild tale that Gary has dubbed a "Horror Noir" and it doesn't end with the OSS. In fact, Gary's scholarship, which involved digging through national archives and making Freedom of Information Act requests, shows that after WWII the FBI was monitoring Lugosi well into the 1950s when the horror icon's star had faded and he was close to death. It's a fascinating story and definitely one you won't want to miss this Halloween season as Gary D. Rhodes returns to Parallax Views! This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Sun, October 25, 2020
The Man Behind The Boogeyman w/ Actor Bill Oberst, Jr.
The Parallax Views #HalloweenPodcastMassacre continues as we turn our attention to the horror movies archetypal villain: the boogeyman. The cinematic boogeyman that haunt our nightmares comes in a variety of forms from classic monsters like Frankenstein's Creature, the Wolf Man, and Dracula to fictional serial killers (often with a supernatural twist!) like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, and Freddy Krueger. And they come in all shapes and sizes too from gigantic beasts like Godzilla and King Kong to pint-size terrors like Chucky the killer doll and the Leprechaun. Some are men of brilliance, like the ingeniously diabolical Dr. Hannibal Lecter, while others, like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre's Leatherface, have only the mind of child. And then there's the really weird ones like the sadomasochistic "Hell Priest" Pinhead and his army of demonic Cenobites in Clive Barker's Hellraiser and its many sequels or the shape-shifting Pennywise the Clown from Stephen King's It . From goblins and ghouls to ax-wielding madman and brain-eating zombies these are filmland's most frightful menaces that make up our culture's Horror Hall of Fame. But what of the men behind the monsters? Horror movie fanatics will point out to you that Robert Englund is the man behind the horribly burned face of Freddy Krueger, that men like Kane Hodder and C.J. Graham donned a hockey mask to become Camp Crystal Lake's machete-wielding madman Jason Voorhees in the Friday the 13th films, and that the Golden Globe Award-winning Brad Dourif provided the voice for the foul-mouthed, murderous doll Chucky in the Child's Play movies. Generally, however, the men behind cinema's favorite boogeymen remain in the shadow of the frightful figures they bring to life when it comes to the casual moviegoers whose pants they aim to scare off. Parallax Views, ever eager to provide listeners with a perspective they may not have considered before, decided it'd be interesting to seek out one of the men behind cinema's boogeymen. And few are better equipped to do that than our guest on this edition of the program, the legendary character actor Bill Oberst, Jr. An Emmy and Lon Chaney Award-winner, Bill Oberst has made a career of playing strange, menacing, and monstrous characters in everything from TV's Criminal Minds (where he portrayed the "Unsub", one of the series most memorable killers, in the season nine episode "Blood Relations") and Scream Queens to horror movies like Ditch Day, Circus of the Dead, and The Devil's Junction: Handy Dandy's Revenge. Additionally, he's also appeared as the doomed Tony Commando in Rob Zombie's 3 from Hell (a sequel to The Devil's Rejects and House of 1000 Corpses), played a zombie hunting Abraham Lincoln in Abe Lincoln Vs. Zombies, creeped out social m
Fri, October 23, 2020
Giallo Movies and Unsolved Murders w/ Jenny Ashford
The Parallax Views #HalloweenPodcastMassacre continues as the 13 O'Clock Podcast's Jenny Ashford returns to discuss her new game design venture Giallo Games, based on the 70 Italian horror/thriller movies of the 60s-80s, and spooky cases from her three volume book series The Faceless Villain: A Collection of the Eeriest Unsolved Murders of the 20th Century . We begin the discussion by talking about horror movies and Jenny's various board games based on giallos, or Italian murder mystery thrillers, like Dario Argento's Suspiria (arguably not a giallo but it gets lumped in) and Mario Bava's Blood and Black Lace . We talk about two games in particular, The Three Sorrows and A Crimson Drop on a Crystal Palette . We also talk about the various giallos that Jenny is a fan of like All the Colors of the Dark starring Euro-starlet Edwige Fenech and Lucio Fulci's The Psychic . And, of course, we take a detour to talk about the greatness of John Carpenter. And we note how Mario Bava's Bay of Blood aka Twitch of the Death Nerve is a proto-slasher as well as chatting about the weirdness of Dario Argento's cinematic collaborations with his daughter Asia Argento. Additionally, we talk about women in horror fandom and why women are attracted to the genre despite it's penchant for misogyny. In this regard we also discuss rape/revenge films like I Spit on Your Grave and Abel Ferrara's Ms. 45 . Is there something cathartic about such films for some female viewers? We talk about how I Spit on Your Grave is completely unglamorous in it's depiction of violence against women whereas many films of its type glamorize said violence. We also talk about how horror films have been influenced by women and in this regard mention how Daria Nicolodi was instrumental in the early film's of her former husband Dario Argento. Then we pivot to the real-life horror of unsolved murders that Jenny writes about in the 3 volumes of The Faceless Villain trilogy. First, of course, we delve into how Jenny got the title for the series. Then we discuss a question that immediately pops up for readers of the trilogy: Why Iowa? In other words, why do so many cold cases occur in the mid-west. This leads us to a discussion of the Black Dahlia case and the theories of Steve Hodel, son of Black Dahlia murder suspect George Hodel. Additionally, we talk about ax murders and why they're connected to so many unsolved murders in the early 20th century. From there we delve into a potpourri of different cases from the trilogy including: - Unsolved murders that have been tied into the JFK assassination conspriacy theories, specifically the shooting of JFK's alleged mistress, who may have introduced the late President to LSD, Mary Pinochet Myers - Lover's lane murders and how they're not j
Wed, October 21, 2020
The Historian of the Strange Returns! w/ Robert Damon Schneck
On this edition of Parallax Views' #HalloweenPodcastMassacreSeries, "The Historian of the Strange" Robert Damon Schneck shares with us macabre and ghoulish tales of autoerotic asphyxiation, man in black attacks, homicidal preachers, and... bigfoot porn? Robert Damon Schneck is the author of The President's Vampire: Strange-but-True Tales of the United States of America (later re-issued as The Bye Bye Man: And Other Strange-but-True Tales) and Mrs. Wakeman Vs. the Antichrist: And Other Strange-but-True Tales from American History . He covers all things eerie, strange, and "Fortean", but from a perspective closer to a folklorist than a believer in the paranormal. For Schneck whether or not strange stories have a paranormal explanation makes them no less strange and ultimately his interest is in what these stories say about our history. Lately, Schneck has been investigating the history of auto-erotic asphyxiation. That is to say the phenomenon of people, mostly men, who cut off their own oxygen supply for sexual pleasure. Yes, it's weird but has become well-known thanks to the death of Kill Bill actor David Carradine. Carradine's death led to the phenomenon being more widely hear of and since then it has even been the punchline of jokes in sitcoms and TV shows like South Park . However, auto-erotic asphyxiation didn't become a named phenomenon until the 1980s due to the work of researchers like forensic psychiatrist Park Dietz. Schneck's research delves into cases before the 1980s that are otherwise inexplicable without the auto-erotic asphyxiation explanation. From there we delve into a potential mass panic in 1935 involving a a person being beaten by a man in black using a silver ball. Yes, it does sound like a scene straight out of the cult classic horror franchise Phantasm featuring the villainous "Tall Man" played by Angus Scrimm. We then discuss other weird stories from America's past concerning "Man in Black" figures including the story of the Black Flash and tying in the tales of phantom leapers, like Spring-Heeled Jack, into our discussion. From there we pivot to a potpourri of strangeness that is wide-ranging and cover many different cases and even some movie talk! Among the other topics covered: - The serial child attacker known as the "Los Angeles Witch Woman" - A vile Detroit serial killer known who became nicknamed "Bigfoot" - Strangeness involving serial killers, specifically Charles Starkweather's weird journal entry claiming to have met a supernatural creature in his childhood (he called it "Death") and the Yosemite Killer Cary Stayner's peculiar obsession with sasquatch - Weird movie discussion! Strange Bigfoot movies involving Sasquatches ripping off people's lower parts, a one where Bigfoot is an interdimensional demon, an
Mon, October 19, 2020
Gone At Midnight: The Mysterious Death of Elisa Lam w/ Jake Anderson
The Parallax Views #HalloweenPodcastMassacre continues as we delve into the infamously mysterious disappearance of a young woman at a scandalous hotel with journalist Jake Anderson, author of Gone at Midnight: The Mysterious Death of Elisa Lam . For the unfamiliar, Elisa Lam, a Canadian student with a history of mental health struggles, disappeared while visiting L.A. in January 2013. Lam was staying at the Cecil Hotel near L.A.'s skid row that has a very seedy history of scandals, suicides, and tenants of a rather morbid variety including serial killers like "The Night Stalker" Richard Ramirez and "The Austrian Ghoul" Jack Unterweger. The hotel has become so infamous that some speculate it was the basis for the setting of hit TV show American Horror Story: Hotel . Surveillance camera video prior to her disappearance shows Lam acting strangely around a hotel elevator. She seemed nervous or frantic and some speculate that she appeared to be hiding or running from someone. The video went viral and has captured the dark imagination of the online world. In February of 2013 tenants of the hotel reported that there water had turned black and was giving off an unpleasant odor and taste. This led to the discovery the 21 year old Lam's body in a water tank on the rooftop of the Cecil Hotel. Needless to say, the strangeness of this case has made it infamous. For example, Lam's death mirrors key plot points of the 2002 Japanase horror movie Dark Water and its 2005 American remake. And, of course, many amateur sleuths were pulled into the case after the surveillance camera footage leaked online and became a viral sensation. Conspiracy theories involving MK-ULTRA mind control and "invisibility cloak" experiments by the CIA have arisen out of the case. Yet the most common explanation for Lam's death is that her death was a tragic accident brought on by her struggles with mental illness. Jake Anderson first came to the case believing, like many others, that Lam's death was an open and shut case of a horribly tragic accident. However, in investigating the story more, he found possible corporate corruption and a potential police cover-up (LAPD was dealing with the blowback of the Christopher Dorner case at the time). Still, he stresses, that he has come to no firm conclusion about Lam's death. However, due to his own mental health struggles, he found himself drawn to the case and believes that it holds a sociological significance. Perhaps Lam's story is less a story of paranormal curses than it is of sociological curses. What hauntings aren't just about ghosts but the dark underbellies of our society that, metaphorically, haunt our cultural memory. Listen to this fascinating conversation if you'd like to find out more of what we mean by that turn of phrase! This Episode Brought to Y
Sun, October 18, 2020
The Good Things Devils Do w/ Filmmaker Jess Norvisgaard and Cinematographer James Suttles
Parallax Views initiates the #HalloweenPodcastMassacre, a series of episodes devoted to celebrating the Halloween season, by highlighting the brand new horror movie The Good Things Devils Do, a wild ride of gory vampire hijinks set appropriately on All Hallows' Eve, with the film's director Jess Norvisgaard and director of photography James Suttles. Boasting a a cast headlined by a trio of horror icons in the form of the Emmy Award and Lon Chaney Award-winning Bill Oberst Jr., scream queen Linnea Quigley, and the Friday the 13th franchise's Kane Hodder (aka the man behind the hockey mask of the machete wielding maniac Jason Voorhees!), follows in the footsteps of such fright flicks set on or around October 31st as James Roday's Gravy (2015), Patrick Lussier's Trick (2019), the anthology of terror Tales of Halloween (2015), and Michael Doughtery's Trick 'r Treat (2007) in vying to become a cult classic regarded as annual viewing for the spooky season. Taking its cues from such ghoulishly gory fear features as Kevin S. Tenney's Night of the Demons (1988), David DeCoteau's Witchhouse , and Dan O'Bannon's The Return of the Living Dead (1985), The Good Things Devils Do offers up a mix of wicked dark humor and dark humor. At the same time, however, Norvisgaard's first feature length effort may offer a bit more than just blood-soaked gore and B-movie camp thanks to some truly emotion-stirring moments that conjure chills, thrills, and maybe even a sincere tear or two. Provided below is a trailer for The Good Things Devils Do and a plot synopsis by the director himself, Jess Norvisgaard: Richard, a small-time gangster is retiring. Before he can, he must take one last job: to steal money from a rival gangster's house. Miles apart, Melvin is a reluctant family man who has dreams of becoming a famous curator for his Museum of the Macabre. His newest acquisition? The remains of the notorious Masquerade, a vampire born from the embers of hell, slain centuries ago. On Halloween Night, their paths will collide and they'll be forced to work together to fight centuries-old evil with everything on the line. This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 <a href='http://wallstreetwindow.com
Fri, October 16, 2020
The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism w/ Katherine Stewart
On this edition of Parallax Views, much has been made of the religious right's political power in America, especially in light of President Donald Trump's nomination of the ultra-conservative Amy Coney Barrett to fill the seat of the recently deceased Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the Supreme Court. Ginsburg along with Trump administration officials like Attorney General Bill Barr have a great deal of support coming from the religious right or what has alternately been called Christian Nationalist. Joining us on this edition of the show to detail how this small evengalical element of Christianity and society as a whole rose to prominence is Katherine Stewart, journalist and author of The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism . In this conversation we detail: - How Katherine got onto the beat of the religious right, or as Katherine prefers to call it "religious nationalism", through an after school program called The Good News Club; Katherine argues The Good News Club indoctrinate children and engages in faith-based bullying - Claims that the religious right will soon be on the wane because demographic are not on their side and why Katherine doesn't buy the claim - The religious right's definitions of "religious freedom" and their ideas concerning America as a "Christian Nation"; the theocratic nature of the movement; major players of the religious right, past and present, like David Barton and R.J. Rushdoony - The relationship between Christian Nationalists and pro-corporate, libertarian, and states rights supporters - And much much more
Wed, October 14, 2020
Oilcraft: The Myths of Scarcity and Security That Haunt U.S. Energy Policy w/ Robert Vitalis
On this edition of Parallax Views, it's often been said that U.S. war in the Middle East are fought not to protect America from Weapons of Massa Destruction, terrorist threats, or to spread democracy but rather for the cynical purpose of gaining access to natural resources, specifically crude oil. "No more blood for oil!" cried many an antiwar protester and pro-peace activist during the the George W. Bush administration's Iraq War debacle. But Robert Vitalis, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, argues in his provocative and controversial new book, Oilcraft: The Myths of Scarcity and Security That Haunt U.S. Foreign Policy , that we've been hoodwinked by the conventional wisdom, accepted by elements of the political Left, Right, and Center, about oil and U.S. policy. "Oilcraft", Vitalis says, does not represent a form of "Statecraft" but a form of magical thinking based on myth rather than reality that has negatively impacted U.S. energy policy for decades. Vitalis joins us on this edition of the program to lay out his controversial case. Among the topics covered are: - Robert's previous books When Capitalists Collide: Business Conflict and the End of Empire in Egypt (1995), America's Kingdom: Mythmaking on the Saudi Oil Frontier (2005), White World Order, Black Power Politics: The Birth of American International Relations ; who these books, like Oilcraft , sought to undermine institutional myths and challenge our preconception about geopolitics and grand strategy in the 20th and 21st century - Why the title of the book is not a reference "statecraft" but rather the myths of witchcraft; the influence of Racecraft: The Soul of Inequality in American Life (2012) by Barbara J. Fields and Karen Fields on Oilcraft - The U.S.-Saudi Special Relationship and whether it's origins are as true as people have been led to believe since 9/11 - Why Robert, who himself opposes many U.S. interventions overseas from a left-wing perspective, believes the "Blood for Oil" narrative used to explain the the U.S.'s Middle East Wars is incorrect; why the idea of the Iraq War being a "War for Oil" doesn't, in view Robert's view, make sense - What Robert argues is the misrepresentation of Alan Greenspan's thoughts on oil and it's relation to the Iraq War based on a quote from Greenspan's book The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World (2012) - Why should antiwar activists oppose the "War for Oil" narrative? Isn't opposition to the war, regardless of the reasons for it, what should matter most? - How the belief of oil's role in informing U.S. foreign policy and international cuts across political spectrum Left, Right, and Center; the libertarian Cato Institute as one of the few voices that stand in opposition to the conventional wisdom; What does the Ca
Mon, October 12, 2020
The Global Police State w/ William I. Robinson
On this edition of Parallax Views, how did we get to this moment of social uprisings and the repressive states, represented by ICE immigration detention centers and rising authoritarianism around the globe, that color the present? Sociologist William I. Robinson provides a theoretical framework for understanding how 21st century tumult came to be in his new book The Global Police State . Robinson argues that we are living in a world in which rapidly accelerating economic inequality have led the transnational capitalist class to create systems of control and repression that will quell dissent. Additionally, he argues that this unstable situation, in which the masses are angry and the power elites divided, has led to an encroaching, creeping, 21st century fascism that threatens to engulf the world. He joins us on this edition of the program to lay out what The Global Police State is, the green zones and gray zones that separate the "haves" from the "have nots", the three factions of the global power elite and how the third factions (reformists) can be pressured by the masses, how Trump and the movement of Trumpism is not a populist movement and is in fact backed by elements of the transnational capitalist class, technologies of repression and the modern surveillance society, the Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) and why the transnational capitalist class are directly threatened by anti-police sentiments, the cooptation of social movements by the transnational capitalist class, the militarization of policing and security organizations, the capitalist and corporate elements that benefit from private military firms (ie: mercenary) and private policing, the major difference between the 20th century and 21st century crises (hint: there is no longer a strong left/labor movement), and much, much more! This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Sat, October 10, 2020
Radical Stories from the Weather Underground w/ Bill Ayers
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Weather Underground have been variously described, depending on one's perspective, as radical activists who opposed the Vietnam War or, more pejoratively, terrorists. Bill Ayers was one of the leaders of the Weather Underground in those tumultuous days and has written about his experiences in his memoir Fugitive Days . He joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to discuss his time with the Weather Underground, why certain factions of the antiwar movement that came to be associated with the Weather Underground in the 1970s became more radicalized as the Vietnam War raged on, the Weather Underground's jailbreak of psychedelic guru Timothy Leary, and much, much more. Additionally, Bill give his thoughts on having dinner w/ the likes Andrew Breitbart and Tucker Carlson, the infamous Ayers hosted dinner with Barack H. Obama that the right used to claim that Obama was mentored by Bill, the FBI and COINTELPRO in the days of the Weather Underground, Bill's son and California District Attorney Chesa Boudin, James Baldwin and racial justice, universal healthcare and demanding the impossible, and much, much more! Bill's wife Bernadine Dorhn also makes a bit of a cameo as we delve into the history that led to the Weather Underground and thoughts on current hot topics like the Civil War statues debate and the need for political imagination in these trying times. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Fri, October 09, 2020
REPLAY: The John McAfee Interview w/ Special Guest Co-Host Marlon Ettinger
In light of John McAfee recently being detained in Spain and facing charges leveled at him by the United State IRS we present this interview w/ McAfee that may serve to shed light on his psyche. On this edition of Parallax Views, an equal parts wild and tense conversation with the founder of McAfee associates (the creators of McAfee Antivirus), bitcoin bull, Presidential candidate, international fugitive, and person of interest in the Belize murder of Gregory Faull, John McAfee. Joining me to help ask some of the more probing questions in this interview is the inimitable freelance journalist Marlon Ettinger , who previously joined us to discuss his experiences at the NY trial of the now deceased Jeffrey Epstein . Marlon was helpful in trying to ask questions that dug a little deeper during the course of the conversation. I trust that, unlike some podcasts dealing with the controversial figure of McAfee, this is not an exploitative or "comedic" conversation and gives some insights into both the notorious John McAfee and some of the infamies associated with him. In any case Marlon and I tried to do something different with this interview and we hope that you, the listener, get something out of it. Special thanks to Jamie Curcio, author of Mask: Bowie & Artists of Artifice , for help with this episode PRE-ORDER JAMIE CURCIO'S MASKS: BOWIE & ARTISTS OF ARTIFICE FROM INTELLECT BOOKS This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Wed, October 07, 2020
Opus Dei, QAnon, and Operation Gladio w/ Raul Diego
On this edition of Parallax Views, the ultra-conservative Catholic order Opus Dei has come under scrutiny due to the nomination of the devout Catholic Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court after the passing Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Although Barrett is connected to similar order known as the People of Praise, Opus Dei has come up due to the connections of Attorney General Bill Barr and The Federalist Society's Leonard Leo, the latter of whom is a board members of the Opus Dei's Catholic Information Center and who played a role in getting Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch nominated into the Supreme Court under President Trump. Mint Press News journalist Raul Diego joins us on this edition of the program to details why this matters and how the Opus Dei is connected to covert operation like Operation Gladio and Operation Condor that are tie together the Vatican, the mafia, and intelligence agencies like the CIA as outlined in Raul's recent article "The Court of God: How a Catholic Secret Society Took Over SCOTUS" . He even manages to discuss how this saga ties into the scandal-prone Deutsche Bank through the figure of Herman Abs. Incidentally, Deutsche Bank has come under scrutiny in recent weeks due to the leaked FinCEN files. Raul also give his take on what he considers the more insidious implications of the COVID crisis in regards to the potential of the crisis being exploited for the furtherance of the surveillance state society that has grown since the Bush era War on Terror after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. In this regard I'm not sure that Raul and I are in complete agreement, but I do see the dangers of increased digital surveillance being normalize during the pandemic in a way that will not be reversed when it ends. Additionally, Raul and I also discuss his latest article "From British Israelism to the Miami Model: What’s Behind QAnon’s 2020 Resurgence?" . Raul makes the case, much like Robbie Martin of Media Roots Radio, that QAnon is a sophisticated operation meant to stifle free speech in a "Strategy of Tension" that use's the phenomena's true believers as useful idiots. In other words, Raul believes that QAnon, which he ties into the bizarre antisemitic ideas of British Israelism (which is a belief that Anglo-Saxons are the true Jews and the real "Chosen People"), is a manufactured revolt designed by the very deep state it claims to oppose. And, as it turns out, figures like Richard Grenell, Former Acting Director of the United States National Intelligence, are boosting QAnon accounts on social media. In this regard Raul and I discuss the work of investigative journalist Gary Webb and how it created a fertile environment of inde
Mon, October 05, 2020
Masonic History and Is QAnon an Op? w/ Robbie Martin
On this edition of Parallax Views, Robbie Martin of Media Roots joins us to discuss his recent podcast series on the history of Freemasonry in America as well as his thoughts on the QAnon phenomena. In Robbie's estimation, QAnon seems to be a political, or perhaps even intelligence, operation. But to what end? Find out on this edition of Parallax Views! Among the topics covered: - Is the history of Freemasonry in the U.S. is more interesting than the sensationalist interpretations of Masonic figures like Alex Jones? Robbie thinks so! - Anti-Masonry and the Anti-Masonic Party in the U.S. and the disappearance of William Morgan; the Catholic Church Vs. Freemasonry - How the sensationalism around fraternal organizations and secret societies actually undermines the fact that such organizations can potentially create networks of privilege and preferential treatment - What is going on with QAnon? Is it a psyop? What effect will it have on the stifling of information on the internet? - 8chan whistleblower Frederick Brennan and 8chan owner Jim Watkins, who has been discussed as the pivotal figure in pushing QAnon. Is there more to it than Watkins? - How the concept of the "deep state" has been denigrated by QAnon's nonsense; the Grand Unified Conspiracy subculture under QAnon... QAnon's followers infiltrating everything from UFO subculture to the 9/11 Truth Movement - The damage that QAnon and figures like Alex Jones have had on skepticism of intellectual and academics critiques of government, imperialism, etc. - Figures like former CIA Bin Laden Unit head honcho Michael Scheuer and Tom Clancy ghostwriter/former State Department figure Steve Pieczenick; Bin Laden's niece, Noora Bin Laden, is a QAnon supporter? - QAnon after Trump has gotten COVID; belief of some QAnon supporters that Trump is faking illness to bring about "The Storm" and the arrest of Hillary Clinton; Q's posts, called "Q Drops" becoming lazier and more akin to your average electoral conspiracy theories rather than the more outlandish theories that QAno's WWG1WGA army has become used to devouring - Russiagate and QAnon; does QAnon strive off energy from Russiagate; the Israeli private intelligence firm Psy Group and its relationship to the Trump-Russia story; Trump aggressing Russia ahead of arms treaty expiring; Russian bounties story - The faux populism and the big money (or dark money) behind the American Right and Trumpism This Episode Brought to You By: <a href='http://
Mon, October 05, 2020
Iron Empires: Robber Barons, Railroads, and the Making of Modern America w/ Michael Hiltzik
On this edition of Parallax Views, sometimes it is necessary to examine the historical past to understand our present. For example, the current moment of rapidly increasing economic inequality that has colored the opening salvo of the 21st century appears to have a great deal in common with the "The Gilded Age" of the 19th and 20th centuries. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Michael Hiltzik, author of Iron Empires: Robbers Barons, Railroads, and the Making of Modern America , joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to explain how the U.S. railroad pioneers, or robber barons as their critics called them, like Cornelius Vanderbilt, E.H. Harriman, and J.P. Morgan gave birth to America's "Gilded Age" and the ways in which figures like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg may be their 21st century equivalents in a "New Gilded Age". In addition to discuss this fascinating topic we also discuss, in the closing ten minutes of the program, Michael's thoughts on the state of journalism today. Among some of the issues covered in this conversation: - What was "The Gilded Age"? How figures like the American novelist Mark Twain criticized power during this era - How railroads were thought of in the 1800s; skepticism towards boosters of the railroad system back then (ie: being seen as a con job or a grift) and how, on the other hand, the railroads were seen as a technological marvel at the time; the Transcontinental railroad and it's significance; the "Golden Spike" - The "scoundrel" Daniel Drew and his role in the early history of the Iron Empires referred to in the title of Michael's book - The Union Pacific's Crédit Mobilier scandal involving railroad money's influencing of politics in D.C. through bribery - The Bradley-Martin Ball and the excesses of the super-wealthy in the late 1800's as society's less fortunate struggled - The role of the railroad barons in the economic crashes throughout the latter 1800s and before the Great Depression of the 1930s - The Great Man Theory of History and whether or not it is applicable in describing the railroad barons - The personality and beliefs of J.P. Morgan - The role that figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Eugene V. Debs had in combating the railroad barons and their excesses - The social changes brought upon by the railroad system including how it changed things for American women This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: <a href='htt
Fri, October 02, 2020
America in Crisis from the 2020 Election to Foreign Policy w/ Ret. Col. Lawrence Wilkerson
On this edition of Parallax Views, we welcome a guest that has an inside track within the beltway. Namely, Ret. Col. Lawrence B. Wilkerson. For the unfamiliar, Col. Wilkerson served as the Chief of Staff under Secretary of State Colin Powell during the George W. Bush administration. He also served 31 years in the U.S. army and teaches as an adjunct professor of government and public policy at the College of William & Mary. Since retiring from the military Wilkerson has been an outspoken critic of the Iraq War as well current U.S. foreign policy in other parts of the Middle East and around the world. Right now, he is working with the Transition Integrity Project, among other groups, to "War Game" possible scenarios in which the 2020 Presidential election doesn't end with a peaceful transition of power. Among the topics covered: - The Transition Integrity Project (TIP) and possible scenarios that could cause chaos in the immediate aftermath of the general election. Is Trump not allowing a peaceful transition of power just alarmism? What are the simulations, or what the press calls "War Games", done by the TIP and what insights can it give us about human decision making processes in relation to governance? - Col. Wilkerson mention Bill Barr's Christianity conservatism (or is it Christian Nationalism?) and groups like the conservative Catholic sect Opus Dei. What does it mean for U.S. governance? Thoughts on Steve Bannon, Hillsdale, and more - What is the relationship between the past and the Age of Trump present? What role do the Presidencies of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, etc. have in laying the groundwork for the Donald Trump White House. Predatory capitalism and the endless war state. - What to make of foreign policy under Trump? What is the state of foreign policy in the U.S. and relations with North Korea, Iran, Russia, etc. The Trump administration's "Maximum Pressure" campaign on Iran and the fallout it will likely create in our relationship with Iran. The ruination of agreements under Trump, the Venezuelan regime change efforts, and Trump's threatening of Russia. - President Barack Obama's foreign policy, Col. Wilkerson's telling experience with Obama, Obama and his National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes vs. the Washington, D.C. foreign policy "Blob" and the "D.C. Playbook"; the foreign policy consensus within the beltway and its pro-war bias - What is the extent of foreign influence on U.S. foreign policy, for example Israel and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? The strange alliance between Christian Zionists and Israel; the belief in end-times prophecy that drives Christian Zionists like Pastor John Hagee - The relationship between Iran and the U.S.; why can't the U.S. and Ira
Wed, September 30, 2020
Green Party Vice Presidential Candidate Angela Walker
On this edition of Parallax Views, 2016 Green Party Presidential Candidate Jill Stein is trending on social media after Ruth Bader Ginsberg's passing as many claim she acted as a "spoiler" against Hillary Clinton. As a result, they argue, Donald Trump will now be able to nominate another conservative Justice into the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the Green Party continues to run the own Presidential campaign with Howie Hawkins and his Vice Presidential candidate Angela Walker. Walker joins us on this edition of the program to address criticisms of the Green Party and explain the policies she and Howie are pushing for, including an Ecosocialist New Deal, an end to the nuclear arms race, and a federal jobs guarantee. This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Mon, September 28, 2020
War for Eternity: Inside Bannon's Far-Right Circle of Global Power Brokers w/ Benjamin Teitelbaum
On this edition of Parallax Views, we revisit the subject of Steve Bannon, who was recently arrested along with his business partners Andrew Badolato, Brian Kolfage, and Timothy Shea were arrested on charges related to fraudulent skullduggery in relation to their "We Build the Wall" campaign. In this conversation we turn away from the legal controversies to discuss the ideas that undergird Bannon's thinking. Many journalists, including previous Parallax Views guest Jean Guerrero, believe that Bannon is a bit of an empty shell intellectually. Which is to say that he is less an ideologue than a conman or a grifter. Our guest on this edition of the program, however, Prof. Benjamin R. Teiltelbaum , author of War for Eternity: Inside Bannon's Far-Right Circle of Global Power Brokers , argues otherwise. Teitelbaum makes the case that Bannon, who he conducted 21 hours of interviews with for the book, is influenced by a radical right-wing spiritual/political ideology known as Traditionalism. This would put Bannon in line with such strange thinkers today as Brazil's Olavo de Carvalho and Russia's Alexander Dugin, as well as past thinkers like the Perennialism Rene Guenon and the self-described "Super-Fascist" Julius Evola (who, during the WWII era criticized the Nazis from the RIGHT; in other words, he didn't see them as going far enough in their aims). These thinkers, says Teitelbaum, believe in a cyclical vision of history and time. They believe, he argues, that the Progressive vision of history has led us to a Dark Age, or what the Hindu faith knows as the Kali Yuga, and that, eventually, this age will overturned... either naturally or by force. Put country simple, the radical Traditionalists in War for Eternity are seeking a rollback of modernity. In addition to covering how all these thinkers connect with Bannon we also cover, briefly, how War for Eternity led Teitelbaum down a strange path investigating a private intelligence firm known as Jellyfish. One of the company's leaders, Michael Bagley, was interested in a project of building micro-cities for refugees, but was busted by the FBI after allegedly seeking to work with Mexican drug cartels like the Sinaloa cartel. Bagley and Jellyfish, which it should be noted was co-founded by a number of figures involved with Blackwater, it turns out had tie into the story of the "Alt Right" and attempts to start something called "Alt Right Corporation" with far-right personalities Richard Spencer, Daniel Frieberg, Henrik Palmgren of Red Ice, and Jason Reza Jorjani. Jorjani, who was seeking to influence the Trump administration to form alliances with Iranian ultra-nationalists, came to believe that Jellyfish was part of an intelligence operation. One of Teitelbaum's anti-fascist sources, it turns out, was also spooked by some things he found out about Jellyfish. With
Sat, September 26, 2020
The Sordid Saga of Donald Trump w/ David Cay Johnston
On this edition of Parallax Views, much has been made of the scandal-ridden Presidency of Donald Trump. But how deep does the rabbit hole go and do the sordid saga of Donald Trump have a prequel in the form of his time as celebrity businessman? For 30 years, Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist David Cay Johnston of the DCReport (and author of the books The Making of Donald Trump and It's Even Worse Than You Think has been on what could be called the "Trump Beat". He joins us on this edition of the show to discuss the whole saga of Donald Trump including: - David's penchant for covering stories that challenge the powerful; from exposing tax cheaters to taking on the LAPD - How David first met Donald Trump while covering casinos in Atlantic City and his impression that Donald was a "P.T. Barnum" character - Trump's relationship to Iran/Contra arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi - Trump's ties to organized crime families, including the Gambino Crime Family and Genovese Crime family, and dealings with the mob - A story that indicates Trump protected a drug trafficker, Joseph Weichselbaum, who worked at Trump's Atlantic City casinos. Johnston maintains that this story connects Trump to the international cocaine trade - Trump's "Outsider" status among elites in terms of cultural and social practices - The financial chicanery of Donald Trump - Donald Trump's awkwardness and how it has repelled people over the years including women he took on dates; his inappropriate comments about his daughter Ivanka Trump and Tiffany Trump - Trump as a "cash extractor" rather than a businessman - Trump's forebears, including his grandfather Frederick Trump and his father Fred Trump, and the skeletons in their closet - David's thoughts on Trump supporters and how Trump takes advantage of them; David argues Trump took the economic ideas of his campaign from his work. - David's thoughts on tax issues and rising economic inequality in this country This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Fri, September 25, 2020
Trump's Plan, the Supreme Court, and the Election w/ Dr. Jack Rasmus
On this edition of Parallax Views, Playboy's White House correspondent Brian Karem recently pressed President Trump at a White House briefing if he'd accept a peaceful transition of power on the chance that he is defeated by his Democratic Party challenger Joe Biden. Trump, refused to give a clear answer as concerns grows that sitting President in the White House will not accept the results of the November election if they are not in his favor. Hence why voices like the Transition Integrity Team, composed of both Republicans and Democrats, have arose with concerns that Trump will not leave office peaceful. Such concerns have grown louder thanks to the passing of Superem Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Trump has already made controversial appointments to the federal appellates courts during his time in office and Trump, with the help of Mitch McConnell, is seeking to nominate a new judge to the Supreme Court before the election. Meanwhile, Attorney General Bill Barr is accusing protesters of "sedition" and Trump supporters like Steve Bannon are arguing that mail-in ballots during the coronavirus crisis are a voter fraud plot designed by the "deep state" to steal the election from Trump. But is it the other way around: Is Trump planning a "legal coup d'état" to steal the election? Dr. Jack Rasmus , political economist, author of The Neoliberal Scourge: U.S. Economic Policy from Reagan to Trump , and host of the Alternative Visions radio show on the Progressive Radio Network , joins us to assess the current situation. Dr. Jack's most recent articles, cover in this conversation, are "A Most Dire Warning" and "Ginsburg’s Death & Trump’s Emerging Legal Coup D’état" . This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Bonus · Wed, September 23, 2020
Double Feature Pt. 2: Deutsche Bank Report on “The Age of Disorder” w/ Charles Hugh Smith
From Today's Double Feature Episode - Charles Hugh Smith on Deutsche Bank's "Age of Disorder" Report (Request Was Made to Break the Episode Into Two Parts; I'm Happy to Oblige) Charles Hugh Smith of the Of Two Minds blog , which ranked at #7 on CNBC's list of the top alternative financial websites, and author of A Hacker's Teleology: Sharing the Wealth of Our Shrinking Planet joins us to discuss a Deutsche Bank report by Jim Reid warning of a forthcoming "Age of Disorder" that will disrupt and reverse the trends of globalization over the past few decades. For the unfamiliar, Deutsche Bank, which has come under scrutiny in recent years due to it's relationship with President Donald Trump, is the #17th largest bank in the entire world. As such it is important to understand this report and what it is saying. Charles fills us in and also discusses how this report ties into the generational cycles theory of historian Peter Turchen and Nicholas Nassim Taleb's thinking about fragility and anti-fragility. Charles believes we are living in what could more accurately, in his estimation, be called an "Age of Uncertainty" and details how we reached this point of grotesque economic inequality where the top 0.01% own more than the bottom 80%. Can we move in a different direction? Charles thinks so, but not through past ideologies that were popular in the 20th century.
Bonus · Wed, September 23, 2020
Double Feature Pt. 1.: OnlyFans or OnlyScams? w/ Scott Stedman & Sophie Pierce
From Today's Double Feature Episode - Scott Stedman and Sophie Pierce on OnlyFans Skullduggery (Request Was Made to Break the Episode Into Two Parts; I'm Happy to Oblige) Journalists Scott Stedman and Sophie Pierce of Forensic News join us to discuss their recent work detailing allegations of fraud, theft, and other corruption by the newly popular modeling website OnlyFans and its mysterious owner Leonid Radvinsky. Sophie and Scott wrote a collaborative article "OnlyFans Faces Allegations of Fraud, Theft" that was published at Forensic News last month. Sophie, who is completing her Senior year at Seattle University while writing for Forensic News, explains how popular OnlyFans is amongst Generation Z and relates her experiences of interviewing OnlyFans models and users. Additionally, she shares a fascinating story about the strange data insecurity she expierenced courtesy of OnlyFans when she created a profile on the website as part of her investigation of it. Scott fills us in the OnlyFans enigmatic owner, Leonid Radvinsky, and the multiple lawsuits and scandals he has been embroiled in over the years. In fact, one OnlyFans content creators has argued that Radvinsky has been involved in shady activities involving drugs and Scott, although not jumping to conclusions, believe there is much more to Radvinsky, who has deftly avoided media attention, than meets the eye.
Wed, September 23, 2020
OnlyFans or OnlyScams? w/ Scott Stedman & Sophie Pierce/Deutsche Bank Report on "The Age of Disorder" w/ Charles Hugh Smith
Time Stamps for the Interviews: Scott Stedman and Sophie Pierce Interview - 04:28 Charles Hugh Smith Interview - 53:30 Part 1: Sophie Pierce and Scott Steadman on OnlyFans fraud allegations - https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/e/scottsophie/ Part 2: Charles Hugh Smith on Deutsche Bank's "Age of Disorder" report - https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/e/chsmith/ A Parallax Views Two-for-One Double Feature... First Up, Journalists Scott Stedman and Sophie Pierce of Forensic News join us to discuss their recent work detailing allegations of fraud, theft, and other corruption by the newly popular modeling website OnlyFans and its mysterious owner Leonid Radvinsky. Sophie and Scott wrote a collaborative article "OnlyFans Faces Allegations of Fraud, Theft" that was published at Forensic News last month. Sophie, who is completing her Senior year at Seattle University while writing for Forensic News, explains how popular OnlyFans is amongst Generation Z and relates her experiences of interviewing OnlyFans models and users. Additionally, she shares a fascinating story about the strange data insecurity she expierenced courtesy of OnlyFans when she created a profile on the website as part of her investigation of it. Scott fills us in the OnlyFans enigmatic owner, Leonid Radvinsky, and the multiple lawsuits and scandals he has been embroiled in over the years. In fact, one OnlyFans content creators has argued that Radvinsky has been involved in shady activities involving drugs and Scott, although not jumping to conclusions, believe there is much more to Radvinsky, who has deftly avoided media attention, than meets the eye. Then... Charles Hugh Smith of the Of Two Minds blog , which ranked at #7 on CNBC's list of the top alternative financial websites, and author of A Hacker's Teleology: Sharing the Wealth of Our Shrinking Planet joins us to discuss a Deutsche Bank report by Jim Reid warning of a forthcoming "Age of Disorder" that will disrupt and reverse the trends of globalization over the past few decades. For the unfamiliar, Deutsche Bank, which has come under scrutiny in recent years due to it's relationship with President Donald Trump, is the #17th largest bank in the entire world. As such it is important to understand this report and what it is saying. Charles fills us in and also discusses how this report ties into the generational
Mon, September 21, 2020
The Unraveling of America w/ Anthropologist Wade Davis
On this edition of Parallax VIews, Wade Davis is one of the world's foremost anthropologists and ethnobotanists. He's traversed the globe covering topics like Haitian Voodoo in The Serpent and the Rainbow , the wisdom of ancient in The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters to the Modern World , the World War I era British expedition to Mount Everest in Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest , and most recently the culture and beauty of Columbia in Magdalena: River of Dreams: A Story of Colombia . Recently, in a piece for the Rolling Stone, Davis turned his attention towards understanding the dire moment the U.S. has been facing in light of political turmoil and polarization coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic or coronavirus crisis. The piece is entitled " The Unraveling of America: How Covid-19 Signals the End of the American Era ", but should not be mistaken as a celebration. Rather, Davis laments what he believes could be the end of the American century if the U.S. doesn't choose to look in the mirror and reflect about the need for social democratic reforms. From his purview, the U.S. has become ensconced in a dangerous form of thinking that has led to greed being heralded, citizens becoming atomized, and stark polarization creating a divide amongst the American people. On this edition of the program we discuss his thoughts on this further as well as delving into the idea of conservatism, how his anthropological work informs his values and thinking, and much, much more. This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Sat, September 19, 2020
Romania and the Political Economy of Fake News w/ Maria Cernat
On this edition of Parallax Views, much attention has been given to the issue of fake news and its permeation of the United States and Western Europe. However, it is worth keeping in mind that the infodemic is not a uniquely U.S. or even Western European dilemma. In fact, the problem exists in Eastern Europe as well. Academic and journalist Maria Cernat of The Barricade joins us to discuss the rise of COVID-19 conspiracy theories and fake news in Romania, and the political situation in Europe, on this fascinating edition of Parallax Views. Maria, who specializes in media and communications research, offers an insight into how the highly religious country of Romania faces similar issues to the U.S. in regards to fake news. At the same time, there are some unique aspects to the pandemic conspiracy theories arising in Romania, specifically the role elements of the Orthodox Church, whose clergy are paid by the Romanian state, play in spreading such paranoia. Maria believes that the problems facing Romania in regards to fake news have to do with structural issues such as economic inequality and the failures of the education system. It is not enough, she argues, to just say "people are stupid". Rather, she points, to deeper seated issues as leading the the current infodemic. In addition, we discuss the political situation in Romania, Romania's relationship with Russia, the extreme poverty facing many Romanians (including children), and a news story about Romania's recent purchase of U.S. Patriot missiles. From Maria (Minor Correction She Wanted to Make): I listened to the conversation again. I made a mistake: I said the there is no way for the premises to be false and the conclusion true, the correct formulation is : there is no way for the premises to be true and the conclusion false. Slip of the tongue... This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Fri, September 18, 2020
The Press in the Age of Trump w/ Ken Silverstein of Washington Babylon
On this edition of Parallax Views, we get a "State of the Media" address from the veteran muckraking journalist Ken Silverstein of Washington Babylon . Ken has a lot of criticism for the approach of the press in the era of Trump, even though he himself has a great deal of contempt for Donald Trump and the way the current sitting President has attacked journalists over the course of the past four years. Before getting into that, however, Ken gives a background on how he became involved in journalism and his mentor Alexander Cockburn of Counterpunch fame (although it should be noted that Ken founded Counterpunch prior to Cockburn's involvement). From there we delve into: - Ken's thoughts on social media; the uproars over Matt Taibbi's recent op-eds; thoughts on what's been called "cancel culture" - Is there a lack of accountability in journalism?; the strange story of an Iranian who was asked to become a spy for the U.S.; the Democratic Party's movem right especially since the Bill Clinton Presidency and Rahm Emanuel's comments about 2020 being the "Year of the Biden Republican"; Ken's thoughts on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and "The Squad" - "The Trouble With Jeffrey: On Trump, The Atlantic, Goldberg and Cannon Fodder" , Ken's recent piece on Jeffrey Goldberg's Atlantic piece alleging, vis-à-vis anonymous sources, alleging Trump's disrespect of troops at a cemetery; Ken's issues with Goldberg's piece and that fact that John Bolton did not corroborate the story; Goldberg's argument for why the sources needed to be anonymous; Goldberg's history of neocon warmongering during the Bush Administration and the Iraq War - The Donald Trump/Stormy Daniel affair and the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky; the focus should be on power imbalances and hush money not the sex with porn stars - Trump's fights with the media and vice versa; Trump being seen as "authentic"; the media's strange focus on matters such as Trump's eating habits - Has the press coverage of Trump been reckless at times?; Ken's thoughts on the Russiagate story - Ken's controversial take on the death of Jeffrey Epstein as outlined in his piece "The Jeffrey Epstein Non-Conspiracy Theory" ; Ken clarifies that he does think there's questions about the Epstein case but questions the conspiracy narrative around his death This Episode Brought to You By: <a href='http://wa
Wed, September 16, 2020
The Role of Big Money in Politics & 2020 Election Analysis w/ Dr. Thomas Ferguson
On this edition of Parallax Views, much has been made about the role of money in the outcomes of political elections, at least within . In academic disciplines, however, this has often been seen as heresy. In fact, some view it as nothing more than conspiracy theory. And, truth be told, it would likely be overly simplistic to argue that a small handful of shadowy individuals select the two Presidential candidates every four years in U.S. elections. However, political scientist Dr. Thomas Ferguson, Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, dispenses with such oversimplifications while also making the case, through his extensive empirical research, that, yes, money in politics DOES, as a matter of fact, influence electoral outcomes. After receiving his Ph.D at Princeton University, Dr. Ferguson went on to teach, for a time, at MIT. During his academic travels he delved into the history undergirding FDR and the New Deal. In doing so he developed an alternative model to understanding elections that challenged the median voter theorem. This came to be known as the investment theory of part competition, which Dr. Ferguson elaborated upon in his landmark book Golden Rule: The Investment Theory of Party Competition and the Logic of Money-Driven Political Systems , he joins us on this edition of the program to discuss this theory, how he came to developing it, and his thoughts on the 2020 Presidential election pitting Republican incumbent Donald Trump against Democratic nominee Joe Biden. In the course of our conversation we also discuss: - Rahm Emmanuel's declaration that 2020 would be the year of the Biden Republican - Thoughts on the Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wing of the Democratic Party and the development of small donor power in elections - Why conspiracy theories have become so popular - The stunning defeat of Joe Kennedy by Ed Markey in the Massachusetts Senate race - Thoughts on the panic-laden Deutsche Bank report by Jim Reid warning investors of an "Age of Disorder" - And much, much more! This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Mon, September 14, 2020
Fear and Loathing in the Authoritarian Nightmare w/ John W. Dean
On this edition of Parallax Views, authoritarianism has been a hot topic since the election of Donald Trump to the Presidency of the United States in 2016. But there's actually a rich history of social science studies interrogating the dilemma of the authoritarian personality. In fact, according to our guest on this edition of the program, there's over half a century worth of research on the authoritarian personality type. John W. Dean, a former White House Counsel under President Richard Nixon who testified to Congress in the Watergate hearings, joins us to discuss his new book, co-authored with Bob Altemeyer, entitled Authoritarian Nightmare: Trump and His Followers . In this fascinating conversation, John and begin by referencing the work of Hunter S. Thompson and his idea of "Fear and Loathing" in politics being apropos of the current zeitgeist. John then details the different types of authoritarian personality types: social dominators, authoritarian followers, and "double highs". We discuss each of these type and how, despite key differences between them, they have coalesced in the era of the Trump Presidency. In this regard, we take some time to delve into the connection between Right-Wing Authoritarianism and the evangelical Christian Right. John makes the case that these types of authoritarian personality types are either impossible to persuade or, at the very least, very hard to persuade. In other words, converting authoritarian personalities may prove a Sisyphean task. We also discuss conservatism, the GOP, and right-wing authoritarianism. John relates how Authoritarian Nightmare is a sequel of sort to his previous book Conservatives Without Conscience . The prequel to Authoritarian Nightmare , John says, was actually a planned collaboration betwen John Dean and 1964 GOP Presidential nominee Sen. Barry Goldwater. I ask John a bit about his time as a "Goldwater conservative" and John gives some anecdotes about Barry Goldwater in this regard. According to John, Goldwater was disillusioned with the direction the Republican Party was going in by the time of the Reagan Presidency in the 1980s. John argues that Goldwater was unfairly smeared as a racist, nativist conservative, but in reality was more or less a libertarian. Jumping off from this point, John says that he can't really fault the GOP entirely for it's authoritarian voter base and that the base informs the make-up of the Party rather than the other way around. Before wrapping up John and I discuss whether Trump and his followers can really be considered conservative and if the GOP today is representative of a movement related to the historical tradition of political conservatism. We also chat about the similarities and differences between Richard Nixon and Donald Trump in this regard. All tha
Mon, September 14, 2020
J.G. Michael Talks Alternative Media on Along the Line
On this edition of Parallax Views, I recently appeared on the Along the Line podcast , an affiliate of our friends at Project Censored to discuss the importance of alternative media. Dr. Nolan Higdon, Nicolas Baham III, and Janice Domingo were gracious enough to have me on the program and I think we had a good chat about the need for alt media during this election season. This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Sat, September 12, 2020
Freedom, the Social Bill of Rights, & the Federal Jobs Guarantee w/ Senatorial Candidate Richard Dien Winfield
On this edition of Parallax Views, Georgia is faced with an unusual electoral situation following the resignation of Senator Johnny Isakson's 2019 resignation. Since that time Kelly Loeffler has acted as Isakson's replacement until a November 3rd, 2020 special election, or "jungle primary", which will decide who gets Isakson's Senate seat. One of those candidates is Hegelian philosophy scholar and prolific author Prof. Richard Dien Winfield. Winfield previously made a foray into politics in 2018 when he made an attempt to run as a U.S. Representative for Georgia's 10th congressional district. During that time Winfield became known for being the one candidate pushing for a Federal Jobs Guarantee. He joins us on this edition of the program to discuss his run for Senate as well as to outline his ideas about freedom, the social bill of rights, and why we need a federal jobs guarantee as outlined in his tremendous new book Democracy Unchained: How We Should Fulfill Our Social Rights and Save Self-Government. Among the topics discussed: - Environmental crises facing America including the current wildfires; personal health and environmental health as a right that must be ensured not only for ourselves but also future generations; dealing with climate change and the Green New Deal - The question of Reparations for descendants of slavery and victims of Jim Crow; Winfield's unique answer to the question of Reparations may surprise you - A lengthy discussion on Winfield's federal jobs guarantee platform; why does he believe it is so necessary? - Running for Senate in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic - The issue of public education; the right to an education - The influence of philosophy and the idea of W.F. Hegel on Winfield's thought - Wealth inequality and income inequality; a fair minimum wage; taxation and fair taxation - Winfield's criticisms of Universal Basic Income (UBI) This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Fri, September 11, 2020
Could 9/11 Have Been Prevented? w/ Former FBI Agent Mark Rossini
On this edition of Parallax Views, was 9/11 preventable? Our guest on this September 11th anniversary edition of Parallax Views, Mark Rossini, who worked as the FBI's point man in the CIA's Bin Laden Unit (aka ALEC Station), makes the case it was in his piece " In Re: 9/11 ". As an FBI agent working in ALEC Station alongside fellow FBI agent Doug Miller, Mark became privy to the CIA's monitoring of two 9/11 hijackers, Flight 77's Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar, and a "Terror Summit" in Kuala Lumpur, Malyasia from January 5th-8th, 2000. Through their monitoring of these activities, the CIA discovered that the two future 9/11 terrorist had VISAs to the U.S. When Doug Miller wrote a report on the summit, however, the CIA told both he and Rossini not to send it to the FBI. For 19 years Mark Rossini has been troubled by the question of WHY the CIA did not share this vital bit of information with the CIA. His conclusions, which were independently corroborated by National Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Counter-terrorism Richard Clarke, is that elements of the CIA made a catastrophic decision after the Kuala Lumpur Summit that they kept under wraps to preserve their own careers and reputations. This decision, which Rossini makes a strong circumstantial case for having occurred, involved an illegal recruitment operation and Saudi Arabia's intelligence services aka the Mabahith. Rossini believes that, if this circumstantial case is true, then 9/11 may well have been preventable. And yes, this is the same Mark Rossini featured heavily in Lawrence Wright's book The Looming Tower and as a character in the TV series of the same name. PLEASE READ MARK ROSSINI'S ANALYSIS OF 9/11 https://undicisettembre.blogspot.com/p/mark-rossini-inre911.html In this conversation we discuss: - The FBI's John O'Neil, known as Bin Laden's arch-nemesis (who, after leaving the FBI shortly before 9/11 perished in the towers on that fateful day) and the conflicts between O'Neil and the CIA, specifically former BIn Laden Unit head honcho Michael Scheuer - The concept of "The Wall", which many believe led to botched communications before 9/11 between the FBI and CIA, and why Rossini believes "The Wall" isn't a sufficient explanation for the CIA's withholding information regarding the Malaysia terror summit from the FBI <p style="text-align:left;"
Wed, September 09, 2020
The Council for National Policy, Or the Radical Right‘s Shadow Network w/ Anne Nelson
On this edition of Parallax Views, Donald Trump recently opined, in a now infamous with Laura Ingraham for Fox News, that Democratic Party Presidential candidate Joe Biden was being controlled by "people in the dark shadows". This, of course, should come as no surprise given that conspiratorial mutterings about globalist elites hellbent on destroying the United States of America has become a hallmark of Trump's base. In fact, one can find ideations of a paranoid variety amongst rather visible elements of the American right-wing going back to the day of Senator Joe McCarthy and the Red Scare as well as in right-wing media outlets and organizations like WorldNetDaily and the John Birch Society. Even prior to Trump, figures like Alex Jones and Jerome Corsi promoted what historian Richard Hofstadter referred to as "The Paranoid Style in American Politics". In the 1990's, the militia and "Patriot" movement were driven by fears that the Clinton administration, specifically after Ruby Ridge and Waco, would usher in draconian martial law with the help of agencies like FEMA or, in some theories, the United Nations. Interestingly, then First Lady Hillary Clinton was roundly mocked at this time for offering a paranoid alternative to the right's vision of dystopia being ushered in by her husband. There existed, she said, a "vast right wing conspiracy" to undermine Bill Clinton's Presidency. This, of course, was roundly mocked as the delusional rantings of a "moonbat" or "wingnut". But was Clinton's accusation completely unfounded? Has the American right-wing been projecting when it lobs allegations of unpatriotic and sinister plots against Democrats and the Left? Veteran journalist Anne Nelson makes the case in her new book, Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right , that the American Right, specifically through a sorely underdiscussed and shadowy organization, has been engaging in a certain kind of subterfuge that isn't far off from being a "vast right wing conspiracy". In this explosive new book Nelson, whose journalistic exploits includes covering the U.S. support of right-wing death squads in El Salvador during the Reagan Presidency, details the under-the-radar machinations of the Council for National Policy. Modeled as a conservative equivalent to the Council on Foreign Relations, a favorite target of right-wing paranoia, the CNP claims 501(c) 3 status. But, as Nelson notes, the CNP operates in a completely different way than the CFR. According to Nelson, it acts as a network that connects the right's ideologues to the money people that can fund their movements. Anne Nelson joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to tell the whole story of how this organization has sought to undermine democratic processes in the USA for decades. <p style="text-align:left
Mon, September 07, 2020
The Phantom Patriot's Raid on Bohemian Grove! w/ Tea Krulos
Before there was QAnon Before there was Pizzagate Before there Plandemic There Was... THE PHANTOM PATRIOT! Believe it or not, there was a time when the "Deep State" wasn't a term in mainstream usage and Alex Jones hadn't appeared on national television dueling with media personalities like Megyn Kelly and Piers Morgan. In fact, there was a time when sitting U.S. Presidents didn't make cryptic statements about their political opponents being controlled by "people in dark shadows" (although Hillary Clinton did make a reference to the existence of a 'vast right-wing conspiracy' back in the day ). But just because conspiracy theory is chic nowadays doesn't mean it been with us for a long time, although with incidents like the Comet Ping Pong arson by a Pizzagate truther or the child kidnapping by a QAnon mom conspiracy theories have come under greater scrutiny. For example, an internal FBI memo from 2019 named QAnon and Pizzagate believers as a potential domestic terrorist threat . Meanwhile, "Sandy Hook Truthers", who believe the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012 was actually a hoax involving paid "crisis actors" to foment sweeping gun control legislation in the U.S., have been caught harassing victims' families . Not all conspiracy theorists are created equally though. For example, should the aging JFK assassination theorist Robert Groden really have been arrested 82 times by the Dallas Police Department for distributing conspiracy DVDs and literature in Dealey Plaza ? Maybe not. That being said, incidents like the Comet Ping Pong arson and crimes with QAnon connections like the aforementioned child kidnapping or the murder of a Gambino Crime Family mob boss seem to be another matter entirely and not to be taken lightly. <p style=
Sat, September 05, 2020
Who Is Trump's Senior Policy Advisor Stephen Miller? w/ Jean Guerrero (+ The Gangster Presidency w/ JP Sottile)
Weekend Double Feature Episode! First Up, Investigative journalist Jean Guerrero, who has become known for her work reporting on the border, joins us to shine a much needed light on Donald Trump's Senior Policy Advisor Stephen Miller. In her new book, Hatemonger: Stephen Miller, Donald Trump, and the White Nationalist Agenda , applies her journalistic skills to cracking the enigma of Miller, from his youth in California and his radicalization by right-wing personalities like Rush Limbaugh, Larry Elder, and David Horowitz to his collaborating with the alt right's Richard Spencer while at Duke University and eventually gaining a key position in the Trump White House. In telling the story of Stephen Miller and his anti-immigration agenda, Guerrero also manages to tell the story of the the immigrants who are the greatest target of Miller's ire and fury. And, despite all his raging against elites and claiming the mantle of anti-elitism, Guerrero shows that Miller is the dark mirror image of the coastal liberals who he accuses of hypocrisy. Moreover, in the final analysis, Guerrero shows that Miller is not an anomaly but rather a product of politics and cultural paranoia that have existed within the U.S. for decades. In this way, Hatemonger is not just about Stephen Miller and the immigrants he despise, but also the bi-partisan efforts, from the Presidencies of Reagan to Obama, that define the backdrop of their stories. Some topics covered: - The unusual coincidence of Miller being born on the same day a U.S. spy plane in El Salvador; Jean explains how U.S. interference in El Salvador and Central America, supporting right-wing death squads, created much suffering. - Jean Gurrero's experience at Steve Bannon's border symposium and thoughts on Bannon's arrest; Bannon drove her back to her hotel and spoke to her for a bit; Bannon told her that Miller was his "little evil robot" - How can Stephen Miller, a Jewish man, hold white nationalist views?; Jean has a personal way of answering this question - Miller's connections to Peter Brimelow of the white nationalist website VDare and eugenics promoters like the anti-immigrant stalwart John Tanton and Jared Taylor's American Renaissance magazine - The paranoia and conspiracy theories that permeate American culture; Jean's essay "My Father is a Targeted Individual. Maybe We All Are'; what sets the CIA mind control and electronic harassment conspiracy theories espoused by her father and others claiming to be "Targeted Individuals" from the likes of Stephen Miller and promoters of the "White Genocide" conspiracy theory. - And more <p style="text-align:center
Fri, September 04, 2020
The Bannon-Badolato Bust w/ Daniel Hopsicker
On this edition of Parallax Views, former Trump chief strategist Steve Bannon was recently charged with fraud, specifically conspiracy to commit money laundering alongside Andrew Badolato in relation to a private fundraiser to build a border wall. The Bannon and the other organizers of the "We Build the Wall" campaign are accused of ripping off their donors. The controversial Bannon is set to go on trial in May 2021. Enter Daniel Hopsicker of Mad Cow Morning News. As a journalist Hopsicker has been exploring dark, murky territory ever since investigating the commercial airline pilot, DEA (and many speculate CIA-connected) informant, and Medellin Cartel drug trafficker Barry Seal. Ever since then Hopsicker has been on the beat of transnational organized crime, specifically as it relates to drug trafficking and money laundering. According to Hopsicker, transnational organized crime's grip on power and politics effectively means we're living on a "Gangster Planet". Although his thesis may be controversial, some would say conspiratorial, Hopsicker often manages to hit a mark better than most other covering the murky depths where drugs, white-collar crime, and corrupt politics intersect with each other. Case in point with the Bannon-Badolato Bust. Through Mad Cow Morning News, Hopsicker has been tracking Badolato for the past 3 years. And he believes that Badolato is much more than the entrepreneurial "businessman" portrayed in recent news articles. Given recent events, I asked Daniel to return to the show to discuss his recent article "Bannon-Badolato Bust Exposes The Abyss" and further elaborate on his "Gangster Planet" thesis. Although he was admittedly a bit burned out from work on his new book when we conducted the interview, I think we had an interesting conversation that we'll have to follow up on in the future. This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Wed, September 02, 2020
Rising Authoritarianism, the Neoliberal World Order, and the New Cold War w/ Richard Falk
On this edition of Parallax Views, Richard A. Falk is a professor emeritus of International Law at Princeton University and served from 2008-2014 as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories Occupied since 1967. Prof. Falk has dedicated a lifetime to the cause of human rights and was one of the key conceptualizers of a World Order that, in promoting peace and cooperation over war and politics, sought to counteract the realist school of foreign policy expressed former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger as well as former U.S. President George H.W. Bush's idea of a "New World Order" in the post-Cold War era that would be exemplified by American primacy and U.S. full spectrum dominance over the rest of the world. At 89 year old, Prof. Falk continues to tirelessly speak to matters of global import seeking justice, peace, cooperation, and the pursuit of human right for citizens around the world. After reading his recent Counterpunch op-ed "Trumpism, Where Does It Go From Here?" , I reached out to Prof. Falk in the hopes that he could share his knowledge of expertise with Parallax Views listeners. He agreed to an interview and spoke with me for an hour on a number of topics including: - How did we get to this moment that has seen the rise of authoritarianism and autocratic demagogues in the U.S. vis-à-vis Trumpism and around the globe as exemplified figures like Rodrigo Duterte in the Phillipines, Viktor Orbán in Hungary, and Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil? - Discontent with elites and the inequities created by neoliberal globalization; the pluralism of elites and the divide over Donald Trump's Presidency amongst the elite elements of society; the rural vs. urban divide; the problem with and peculiarities of the Electoral College system in the United States; solution to the issues with face us in regard to U.S. elections due to the way the American electoral system is set up - The meaning of the concept of the "World Order" and how it differs from the right-wing, paranoid vision of a conspiratorial "New World Order" led by a globalist cabal. How Dr. Falk's belief in "World Order" differs from the both George H.W. Bush's concept of the "New World Order" in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse and the feverish apocalyptic nightmares of the John Bircher Society-esque paranoid-style that pervades the American right today - The potential for the Digital Age to flatten the countryside vs. city distinction and the new inequities that could arise from the Digital Age; society is changing but not at the pace of the rising global changes facing the world like rapidly increasing economic inequality and climate change <p s
Mon, August 31, 2020
How A Ragtag Team of Inventors, Tinkerers, and Spies Took Down a Nazi Superweapon w/ Jamie Holmes
On this edition of Parallax Views, in June of 1944, shortly after D-Day, the Nazis unleashed a wave of devastation on London with a superweapon. The Allies had expected retaliation from the Axis powers, but they had not expected the death machine that was the V-1 or Vergeltungswaffe (Vengeance Weapon One). Few within the Allied powers thought that they could counteract this new obstacle to defeating the Axis forces. And yet, in a story of human ingenuity defying the odds, a rag tag band of inventors, tinkerers, and spies would ultimately bring about the invention of a fuse device would thwart this Nazi superweapon. In his new book 12 Seconds of Silence: How a Team of Inventors, Tinkerers, and Spies Took Down a Nazi Superweapon , journalist Jamie Holmes, whose work has appeared in such outlets as The New York Times, The New Republic, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast, brings to light this heretofore overlooked bit of WWII history and, in the process, finds a parable about science, governance, leadership, and human ingenuity that may have something to tell us about how to handle the crisis we face today in the form of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It's a story that includes a Nazi spy ring operating in New York, an scientific advisor to Britain's MI6 intelligence services and the beautiful French spy who aided him, and a small band of scientist who began working with little resources on a small farm in Virginia to stop the Nazi menace. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Sun, August 30, 2020
Hollywood, the CIA, and "Progressives" in Tinseltown w/ Jim DiEugenio
On this edition of Parallax Views, believe it or not it's an open secret in Tinseltown that the Pentagon and the CIA have liaisons in Hollywood that exert influence on various film and TV productions. For example, hit movies like Zero Dark Thirty, Enemy of the State , and The Sum of All Fears all received CIA consultation and the Pentagon has been involved in hit TV shows like Bones and 24 . For all the talk of Hollywood as a bastion of progressive politics and the accusation from right-wing media that the entertainment industry has too much of a liberal bias, Tinseltown's connection to Uncle Sam's favorite intelligence agency and the Department of Defense may come as a surprise. However, Jim DiEugenio, proprietor of the website Kennedys and King , say the ties run deep and have created an environment in Hollywood where our favorites cinematic blockbuster and TV series are influenced by the intelligence community and the Department of Defense. In his most recent book, The JFK Assassination: The Evidence Today, DiEugenio devotes a whole section of his book to how movies like the Tom Hanks produced Charlie Wilson's War and Steven Spielberg's The Post actually act as revisionist history that whitewash over uncomfortable truths. He also details how figures like the CIA's Chase Brandon and the Pentagon's Phil Strub became involved with the entertainment industry and the extent of their influence. He joins us on this edition of the program to: - Dissect the true story of the Pentagon Papers and Daniel Ellsberg while critiquing Steven Spielberg's treatment of the topic with The Post - Examine Charlie Wilson's War and how it glosses over the way in which U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson's (and Reagan era CIA director William Casey's) efforts to add Afghan rebels in the Soviet-Afghan conflict through Operation Cyclone actually lead to many of the crises that would become a fixture of politics after 9/11 and the advent of the Bush administration's War on Terror - Offer his thoughts on Oliver Stone's recent comments on Bill Maher's show questioning the import of Russia interference in the 2000 election - A tidbit about how famed prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi believed in an RFK assassination conspiracy despite rejecting the idea of a conspiracy in the assassination of JFK - Kill the Messenger , the cinematic biography of Gary Webb, the journalist whose career was famously ruined after he wrote a multi-part series on the connection between Iran/Contra and the L.A. crack epidemic - And much, much more! This Episode Brought to You By:
Fri, August 28, 2020
Freedom, the Kenosha Shooting in Context, and More w/ Irami Osei-Frimpong
On this edition of Parallax Views, Athens, Georgia has a long history of racial justice activism due to its prevalent black community making up nearly 30% of its residents. Even amongst those against-the-grain activists, however, Irami Osei-Frimpong is considered something of a controversial gadfly. Currently a Ph.D. candidate in philosophy at the University of Georgia, Frimpong's pointed commentaries on issues like white supremacy, racism, police brutality, and reparation has, at times, attracted a degree of ire outrage. Specifically, he was scrutinized after tweeting, "Some white people may have to die for black communities to be made whole in this struggle to advance to freedom.” The tweet turned into a viral lightning rod for controversy as Frimpong, who works as a Teaching Assistant (TA), was put under investigation by his University and then, as a result, profiled in websites like Heavy.Com and the right-wing Campus-Watch.Org. What did Irami Osei-Frimpong actually mean in his controversial tweet? Was it a call to violence against white people? What does he really believe? The man himself joins us on this edition of Parallax Views in a conversation that hopefully provides an answer to those questions as well as providing an understanding of how Freedom, as a concept, and real autonomy is the driving forth behind Frimpong's thought and activism. In fact, it could be said that the idea of Freedom is the underlying theme of this discussion as Irami defines it's meaning, it's relation to black struggle, and how he seeks to reclaim the concept from the American libertarian and conservative right that has claimed a monopoly on its usage. Additionally Irami and I discuss: - The Kenosha shooting and and its suspected perpetrator, Kyle Rittenhouse, as an example of the type of white person who will violently oppose black freedom because they see it as a threat to their way of life - What Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel and the Hulk Hogan vs. Gawker trial tell us about freedom and rights in the United States - The meaning of white supremacy; the need to "poke the bear" when it comes to white supremacism and why Irami disagrees with the "don't poke the beer" mentality of some within the black community - Irami's unique take on the subject of looting - The case of Amy Cooper and 2020's infamous Central Park birdwatching incident that saw Cooper calling the police in distress after a black birdwatcher, Christian Cooper (no relation), politely asked her to leash her dog; questioning the premise that Amy Cooper is an aberration or anomaly - Double standards: the Philadelphia heroin epidemic vs. the opioid epidemic <p style="text-align
Wed, August 26, 2020
War in the Age of Trump w/ Patrick Cockburn
On this edition of Parallax Views, the prolific war correspondent Patrick Cockburn, who has been reporting on the Middle East since 1975, joins us to discuss his new book War in the Age of Trump: The Fall of ISIS, The Betrayal of the Kurds, and the Conflict with Iran . We begin the conversation with Patrick's thoughts on objectivity in journalism and whether war reporting takes a toll on journalists in that line of work. From there we discuss the foreign policy of Obama, Obama and his advisor Ben Rhodes taking issue with the "Washington Playboy" and the D.C. foreign policy "Blob", and Trump's foreign policy. In relation Trump and foreign policy Patrick shines a light on the assassination of Iran's Gen. Quasem Soleimani and his understanding of it beyond the way it's been covered in the beltway press. Patrick argues that these elements got Soleimani wrong and this leads us to discuss the role of hubris, whether coming from Iran, the U.S., or other players, in the great game taking place on the geopolitical Grand Chessboard and where Iraq falls in the conflicts. Also covered: - The strange relationship between Iran and the U.S. that features both conflict and underdiscussed cooperation. - Why is the U.S. always at odds with Iran? The overthrow of Mossadegh in 1953 and other events. Why would the Shia-dominant Iran not be a friend of the U.S. in the War on Terror against Sunni Wahabists and Salafists? - Ignorance in the D.C. beltway, the Western elite, and the media on the Middle East and its complexities as a region. - The Middle East as a political graveyard for multiple U.S. Presidents including Tony Blair, George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan. - The story of ISIS and its fall - Western elite failures in the Middle East such as Libya after the death of Gaddafi; Syria and Assad; the lack of learning lessons from past failures on the part of the Western elite class - The impossible position of the Kurd; Turkey and the Kurds; the U.S.'s relationship to the Kurds - Could we have seen the failures of U.S. foreign policy coming?; the style of War in the Age of Trump - Criticism of U.S. foreign policy is not necessarily about supporting figures like Gaddafi in Libya or Assad in Syria - News from Damascus involving coronavirus - Trump's isolation vs. the elite's interventionist failures; is another way, different from both of these approaches possible; the Cold War mindset of elite interventionist foreign policy - Preoccupation with Russia as a threat - And more! This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold Wa
Mon, August 24, 2020
Voter Suppression w/ Actress & Activist Mimi Kennedy/Hidden History of Monopolies w/ Thom Hartmann
Two Part Episode! First Up, Actress and progressive activist Mimi Kennedy, whose Hollywood credentials include notable reoccuring roles in the TV shows Dharma and Greg and the ongoing CBS sitcom Mom in addition to films like Midnight in Paris, In the Loop, Erin Brokovich, and (J.G.'s personal favorite) Pump Up the Volume , joins us to discuss how she became an activist as well her commendable efforts to promote election education among voters and prevent voter suppression. In particular, Mimi explains the dilemma of what she calls "The Surrender Rule" with regards to mail-in ballots. We also talk about how Mimi got involved with activism related to the issue of election integrity, her efforts to block the use of Diebold touchscreen voting machines in L.A. country, and why poll workers are needed now more than ever in the age of COVID-19. Mimi also provides her thoughts on the right wing media's portrayal of Hollywood as "too liberal" and the role Catholic social teachings played a role in developing her political consciousness. Then, Legendary progressive radio host Thom Hartmann joins us to discuss the latest entry in his Hidden History book series, The Hidden History of Monopolies: How Big Business Destroyed the American Dream . We begin by discussing the relevance of the Hidden History series in light of the George Floyd murder and how the history Thom is shedding light on is becoming less hidden and more well-known each and every day. From there we pivot into a conversation of what monopolies are and the adverse effect they have on We the People as a nation. Thom also fills us in on how monopolies tie into the story of the Boston Tea Party vis-à-vis the British East India company, Lewis Powell and the other players who sought to combat progressive activists like Ralph Nader (who provides the foreward for Thom's new book!) by promoting pro-business interest in various sectors of society like academia, the horrible legacy of Reaganomics and the Ronald Reagan presidency, and the problems of copyright and patent laws (which, as Thom points out, the founding fathers would have a thing or to say about!). All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Sat, August 22, 2020
From Experimental Hip Hop to the BLM Moment w/ MC dälek
On this edition of Parallax Views, for over 20 years the iconoclastic Dälek is a hip hop group that eludes easy categorization. Influenced as much by band like the shoegaze legends My Bloody Valentine and the krautrock sensation Faust as much as they are rappers like NAS and Run DMC, Dälek has most often been described as experimental hip hop. Interestingly, due to their noisy, abrasive style, the group has been able to hang with the loudest of metal band playing live shows with bands like Godflesh, ISIS, The Melvins, and Tool thus winning the respect of many in the metal community. They've also been known for their political, or perhaps more accurately social, commentary that cuts deeper than ever in the age of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. MC Dälek, the group's frontman, joins us on this edition of the program to discuss music, hip hop, metal, politics, conspiracy theories, and much, much more. Special thanks to Televangel for helping to make this episode possible! This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by Michael Swanson of The Wall Street Window
Fri, August 21, 2020
COVID-19 and the Triple Crisis w/ Dr. Jack Rasmus
On this edition of Parallax Views, this week the Federal Reserve expressed that the handling of coronavirus of relief and stimulus packages handled by Congress has been woefully inadequate as unemployment tops 1 million yet again. Economist Dr. Jack Rasmus, author of The Scourge of Neoliberalism: U.S. Economic Policy from Reagan to Trump and host of the Alternative Vision radio program, joins us to discuss the economy under the COVID-19 crisis and warns of a triple crisis ahead accelerated by the pandemic. Dr. Rasmus argues that the triple crisis is composed of a health crisis, an economic crisis, and finally a financial crisis caused by the emergencies of bankruptcies building out of the first two crises. The third crisis, Dr. Rasmus believes, will likely come into full effect by 2021 unless drastic measures are taken to prevent it. Dr. Rasmus notes that we are not in an economic recovery but a weak rebound. Although there were hopes of a V-shaped recovery amidst the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Rasmus has been saying since March that the V-shaped recovery would not happen. It appears now that many in the media, Wall Street, and the Federal Reserve are beginning to catch up to his assessment. He says that the only way that this triple crisis can possibly be averted is through a strong stimulus that would $3-4 trillion fiscally. Because the economy is fundamental wounded, Dr. Rasmus says, this stimulus is necessary. In addition Dr. Rasmus and I discuss the political instability occurring right now and how it is likely to get worse going into Election Day. We discuss Trump's Plan A and, briefly, his Plan B for reelection. Dr. Rasmus believes that Trump's lack of response to the pandemic has been a strategic move to punish American blue states that will swing Democratic in the Presidential election. Moreover, he notes how the relevance of voter suppression to Trump's potential reelection. Other topics covered: - Trump's recent Executive Orders, how the EO's were part of a strategic plan by the GOP all along, and why Dr. Rasmus considers them a sham - The current negotiations between Democrats and Republicans over the stimulus - Why Democrats have been ineffective in fighting Trump and the GOP - Evictions in the COVID era and why eviction moratoriums are necessary - The crisis facing us due to job automation - And much, much more. This Episode Brought to You By: The War State: The Cold War Origins of the Military-Industrial Complex and the Power Elite, 1945-1963 by <
Wed, August 19, 2020
Feds Target BlueLeaks Publisher & Other Pressing Matters w/ Journalist Ali Winston
On this edition of Parallax Views, new documents show that the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and other federal agencies are targeting the Distributed Denial of Secrets, a transparency organization specializing in publishing leaks the reveal the inner workings of powerful institutions, as a "criminal hacker group". The documents show that the DHS has its eyes on DDoSecrets in light of their publishing BlueLeaks (or #BlueLeaks), a collection of 269 gigabyte collection on U.S. law enforcement obtained by the hacker collective Anyonmous. DDoSecret, however, claims that it is not involved in hacking but rather is only a publisher of data like BlueLeaks. Independent journalist Ali Winston, whose work has been features in The Daily Beast, The Intercept, and The New York Times, fills as in on the whole story as outlined in his article "Feds are treating BlueLeaks organization as ‘a criminal hacker group,’ documents show" (The Verge; 8/13/20). In addition to discussing the federal targeting of the BlueLeaks publisher Distributed Denial of Secrets, Ali also discusses with us: - How he got involved in journalism; specifically journalism related to surveillance - Ali's coverage of far-right white supremacist extremist terrorist groups like The Base and the Satanic neo-nazi Order of Nine Angles. Ali notes how The Base's founder is ex-FBI analyst Ronaldo Nazzaro and relays how the Order of Nine Angles recently had a member, Ethan Melzer, infiltrate the military. Additionally, Ali briefly covers how members of the U.S. far-right are tied to international far-right organizations like the Azov Battalion in the Ukraine. In this regard we note how federal agencies focusing on organization like DDoSecrets or Antifa and Black Lives Matter (BLM) activists seems a bit misguided in light of the threat that these far-right groups represent. - Joe Biden's picking Kamala Harris as VP; Kamala Harris's framing of racism as a "National Security" issue due to allegations of Russian propaganda operations seeking to amplify existing social tensions in the U.S.; the history of the National Security State; how the National Security State is a reactionary force that has been supported by bipartisan efforts on the parts of both Republicans and Democrats; the employment of war-time language in the age of coronavirus ("The War on COVID") - The implications of DDoSecrets being targeted by the DHS and other federal agencies; Emma Best, the DDoS's founder, and her response to the documents; what this means for publishers of information and data as well as journalists and the media as a whole - Ali's podcast Surveillance and the City . - And more
Mon, August 17, 2020
The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism w/ Thomas Frank
On this edition of Parallax Views, populism has become a dirty word since the election of Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Presidency in 2016. But is Trumpism really representative of populism? And is populism really just the reign of the violent mob or the ignorant masses over more benevolent and enlightened souls? Thomas Frank , co-founder of The Baffler and the noted author of such books as What's the Matter With Kansas? and Listen, Liberal! , argues otherwise in his sweeping defense of populism The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism . In examining the history of anti-populism in American thought from the late 1800s to today, Frank concludes that populism is pro-democracy while it's polar opposite, anti-populism, is, in fact, elitist. Thomas Frank joins us to discuss this fascinating history. Among the topics covered: - How populism became a dirty word - The early populist William Jennings Bryan, his accomplishments, and his eventual fall from grace - The populism of FDR - Demagogues of the 1930s like the anti-semitic radio personality Father Charles Coughlin and why he does not consider them populists - Pop culture that dealt with populism in that era, specifically the films of Frank Capra and the Orson Welles class Citizen Kane (which just happen to be Donald Trump's favorite movie; does Trump miss the message and is it really and anti-populist movie?) - The early 20th century progressive historians like Charles Beard and how the consensus historians of the mid-20th century, particularly Richard Hofstadter, thought to push back on their work vis-à-vis anti-populism - How Hofstadter and other anti-populists consensus historians were reactions to Joe McCarthy and the Red Scare's attacks on intellectuals of the time; Hofstadter's The Age of Reform , a key anti-populist text, and how, despite being debunked and refuted, still maintains an influence today. - The professionals and intellectuals of managerial class that were flattered by the work of Hofstadter and the consensus historians; the displacement of the old elite by the "Meritocracy" or new meritocratic elite. - How the new elites never considered their own pathologies and the potential of elite failure. - The consensus historians concepts of pluralism and representative democracy; Edward Shils' belief that "there must be affinity among the elites"; the so-called "end of ideology" and associated ideas like Francis Fukyama's "the end of history" - Interrogating the concept of meritocracy and "hereditary meritocracy"; the 2019 college admission bribery scandal (or "Collegegate") that was exposed by the FBI's Operation Varsity Blues and what it says about contradictions of the meritocracy espoused by the new elites. - The Best and Brightest by David Halberstam, the classic work on elite failure
Sat, August 15, 2020
New Indictment Against Julian Assange w/ Taylor Hudak
On this edition of Parallax Views, an update on the court proceedings of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange with activist, journalist, and Action 4 Assange co-founder Taylor Hudak. Although Taylor is an unabashed supporter of Assange, she makes the point that, regardless of one's opinion of Assange, this case has ramifications for free speech advocates, hacktivists, journalists, and even publishers (specifically since Wikileaks is an outlet that publishes leaks given to them; as opposed to hacking for documents themselves). In this conversation Taylor updates us on yesterday's Friday court hearing, the new superseding indictment against Assange and the ramifications of this indictment for Assange and his legal counsel. Additionally, Taylor notes how two FBI informants, Sabu and Siggi the Hacker (the latter, Sigurdur Thordarson, is a known child sex offender), who have become universally hated within the Anoymous and general hacktivist communities tie into these recent updates. J.G. notes how the post-Wikileaks collective Distributed Denial of Secrets are now being targeted by the federal government as "a criminal hacker group" by the federal government. Also, Taylor notes health concerns about Assange and fills listeners in on how U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture Nils Melzer has made the case that Assange's treatment constitutes torture. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Fri, August 14, 2020
Becoming Human: Matter and Meaning in an Antiblack World w/ Zakkiyah Iman Jackson
On this edition of Parallax Views, we delve into the waters of critical theory and posthumanism as Dr. Zakkiyah Jackson joins us to discuss her recent book Becoming Human: Meaning and Matter in an Antiblack World . Using key African diasporic literary texts, from Frederick Douglas to Octavia E. Butler, Dr. Jackson attempts to grapple with the the way blackness and animality have often been linked in Western thought and perception as well as the way blackness, as a form, is experimented on through what she refer to as its' "plasticity". From the synopsis of Becoming Human: Matter and Meaning in an Antiblack World : Rewriting the pernicious, enduring relationship between blackness and animality in the history of Western science and philosophy, Becoming Human: Matter and Meaning in an Antiblack World breaks open the rancorous debate between black critical theory and posthumanism. Through the cultural terrain of literature by Toni Morrison, Nalo Hopkinson, Audre Lorde, and Octavia Butler, the art of Wangechi Mutu and Ezrom Legae, and the oratory of Frederick Douglass, Zakiyyah Iman Jackson both critiques and displaces the racial logic that has dominated scientific thought since the Enlightenment. In so doing, Becoming Human demonstrates that the history of racialized gender and maternity, specifically antiblackness, is indispensable to future thought on matter, materiality, animality, and posthumanism. Jackson argues that African diasporic cultural production alters the meaning of being human and engages in imaginative practices of world-building against a history of the bestialization and thingification of blackness—the process of imagining the black person as an empty vessel, a non-being, an ontological zero—and the violent imposition of colonial myths of racial hierarchy. She creatively responds to the animalization of blackness by generating alternative frameworks of thought and relationality that not only disrupt the racialization of the human/animal distinction found in Western science and philosophy but also challenge the epistemic and material terms under which the specter of animal life acquires its authority. What emerges is a radically unruly sense of a being, knowing, feeling existence: one that necessarily ruptures the foundations of "the human."
Wed, August 12, 2020
How Trump Stole 2020 w/ Investigative Journalist Greg Palast
On this edition of Parallax Views, much has been said about election integrity in the last two decades from concerns over the potential for malfeasance with electronic voting machines to the discussions that ensued over allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential election. Investigative journalist Greg Palast, a long-time and accomplished muckraker, however, has spent the past two decades focusing on an aspect of election integrity far too often overlooked and without any speculation necessary a very real problem: vote purging. In others word, Palast has been on the trail of members of the American electorate who have been vanished, or purge, from the voter rolls. Palast joins us to discuss How Trump Stole 2020 , his latest book on the subject, and how we can steal the vote back. Among the topics we cover: - What voter purging is and how it differs from other issues related to election integrity such as concerns about the integrity of electronic voting machine or the allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election - Gov. Brian Kemp and other the billionaires behind the voter purges Greg has investigated. What is the motivation? Greg says, "Follow the money." - How the issue of voter purges and vanishing votes relates to issues related to racism, class, and the concerns of Black Lives Matter (BLM). - The voter suppression issue as it relates to students - The stories of those who have had their votes purged - The work of investigative journalist and voting rights attorney Bob Fitrakis in Ohio and "Bush's Brain" Karl Rove's curious comments from when Obama won the election in Ohio - And much, much more.
Mon, August 10, 2020
Political Suicide: The Fight for the Soul of the Democratic Party w/ Political Cartoonist Ted Rall
On this edition of Parallax Views, many left-leaning and progressives Democrats, particularly those who loudly lent their support to insurgent candidate Bernie Sanders in the 2016 and 2020 elections, feel increasingly unwelcome in the Democratic Party of Joe Biden and the Clintons. But is the so-called "Democratic Party Civil War" a relatively new phenomena? Political cartoonist Ted Rall argues that the struggle between the Party's moderate (or, in the eyes of leftist, right-of-center) leadership and it's progressive base extend much farther back in recent history than 2016 and the Sanders insurgency. Ted and I begin the conversation by discussing how he became a progressive and a political cartoonist. From there we discuss the history of the Democratic Party in-fighting going back to Jimmy Carter, whom Rall takes a critical view of and believes began the Party's slow rightward turn. From there we discuss the domination of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) over the Democratic Party and its centrist tenets. This leads us to a discussion of the triangulation strategy that led to the rise of "Third Way Democrats" like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Although the DLC supporters claim that their strategy remain successful electorally speaking, Rall makes the argument that it has led to more defeat for the Party than victories. This brings us to a discussion of "spoilers", or the Third Party candidates often seen as costing the two major parties elections. Rall makes the case that independent Ross Perot's third party run allowed Bill Clinton to triumph over George H.W. Bush, but argues that the same is not true in regards to Ralph Nader (who is often blamed for Al Gore's defeat in the 2000 against George W. Bush). This opens us up for a conversation about whether or not the Democratic Party itself should take responsibility for losing progressive voters to Green Party candidates like Ralph Nader, Jill Stein, and Howie Hawkins. From there we delve into the 2020 election that'll be pitting Democratic nominee Joe Biden against Donald Trump. Rall expresses his issues with what he considers the "vote shaming" of progressives who are withholding support for Biden and his grievances with Biden as a candidate. This portion of the conversation also brings us around to tackling what Rall describes as the de-politicization of politics and the obsession with the cultural tastes and mannerisms of candidates rather than their policies. Perhaps more controversially Rall argues that it is time progressives begin considering the Third Party option. Before wrapping up we get around to discuss previous progressives insurgencies within the Democratic Party including Rev. Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow Coalition, Howard Dean (whose campaign was stopped dead in it's track by the now
Fri, August 07, 2020
Sleazy Mike Cernovich is Not a Friend of Epstein Victims w/ Marlon Ettinger
On this edition of Parallax Views, right-wing "journalist" and, by all accounts, all-around sleazeball Mike Cernovich has been taking credit for the recent unsealing of court documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, Ghislaine Maxwell, Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz, and Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre. In a past life Cernovich grifted in the odious waters of GamerGate and the Pick-Up Artistry movement, (in)famously expressing his belief that "date rape doesn't exist" and hustling his self-help book The Gorilla Mindset . Since then, however, Cernovich has reinvented himself as a defender of children and women against human traffickers and sexual abusers. In particular, Cernovich has found himself in the middle of the Jeffrey Epstein case as part of litigation also involving Dershowitz and the Miami Herald. And, he's claimed, that he's played a big part in exposing the elite billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In fact, the "Intellectual Dark Web" movement figurehead (and associate of Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel) Eric Weinstein recently took to the social media platform Twitter to laud Cernovich for his role in the Epstein story and discourage his listeners from considering the right-wing journalist's notoriety prior to his involvement in the case. Freelance journalist Marlon Ettinger, who has been dubbed "The French Connection" correspondent in our various examinations of the Epstein case, joins us to challenge Cernovich's reputation for allegedly exposing the whole Jeffrey Epstein story. In particular we hone in on how according to Virginia Giuffre's own attorney argued that Mike Cernovich, far from wanting to help the Epstein survivor, was acting as a proxy for Alan Dershowitz. Marlon cites and quotes the documents in this conversation for the listener. Additionally J.G. relays a recent article on the Daily Dot that features Dershowtiz's interesting comment about Cernovich in light of Cernovich distancing himself from Dershowitz. Additionally, Marlon and I discuss the potential political motivations of Cernovich behind being a glory-hound upset that he's not accepted by the journalistic establishment. And, finally, Marlon offers his own comments on Eric Weinstein, why Weinstein is promoting Cernovich, and Peter Thiel. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! Links: "Panel Signals Epstein Files Likely to See Sunlight" by Adam Klasfeld (Courthouse News Service) "What exactly are Mike Cernovich and Alan Dershowitz doing in the Epstein case?" by Olga Lexell (The Daily Dot) <a href='http
Wed, August 05, 2020
Mrs. America and Arch-Conservative Phyllis Schlafly w/ Eileen Jones
PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED: On this edition of Parallax Views, 2020's began the "Prestige TV" season earlier this year with FX's Mrs. America leading the charge. This show, based on the battles of the feminist Women's Liberation Movement of the 1970s, centers on the anti-feminist arch-conservative Phyllis Schlafly. The show gained a lot of attention upon it's release for being "timely" in regards to the American political moment of polarization and dealing with the fights between the right (Schalfly) and the left (Gloria Steinem, who is also features in the series) that echo today. Eileen Jones, a film critic at Jacobin, however, has a different take on the series that is decidedly more critical. Eileen, J.G., and Casey discuss the real Phyllis Schalfly and her contributions to the American right wing in the 20th century as well as her often covered-up ties to the fringe John Birch Society. Then we begin to discuss the portrayal of Schlafly in Mrs. America as well as the portrayal of Gloria Steinem. Additionally we discuss the contradictions in Schalfly own life. We also talk about Schlafly's involvement with the Barry Goldwater movement and the role she played in promoting the elite Republican or RINO (Republican in Name Only) narrative within conservative circles through her book A Choice Not an Echo. Eileen and J.G. also note that Schlafly was a huge part of integral part of movement conservatism up until her death and, in fact, even after - her last book, The Conservative Case for Trump, was published posthumously after her death. Eileen expresses her issues with the way Mrs. America doesn't tackle the grotesqueness of Schlafly's legacy and the attempts to psychologize Schlafly and the liberal use of fictionalized dramatization. J.G., on the other hand, notes the conservative backlash against the TV series. This leads us into a discussion of the show's repeated "poor Phyllis" trope to explain Schlafly's politics and what Eileen considers the lame symbolism utilized in the series. And, of course we address the conservatism criticism of the show that claims Schlafly's is portrayed as a cynical operator rather than a true believer, anti-communist ideologue and the racist element of Schlafly's career and activism that is often overlooked. All that and much more on this previously unreleased edition of Parallax Views.
Mon, August 03, 2020
Ideology and the Virtual City: Videogames, Power Fantasies, and Neoliberalism w/ Jon Bailes
On this edition of Parallax Views, video games are a popular pastime at this point. From Halo to Super Mario Bros. , video games have become become a juggernaut within the entertainment industry and remain hugely popular with people from various generations. As with other forms of entertainment it is possible to look at such video games as a reflecting pool for the culture from which they were produced. In Ideology and the Virtual City: Videogames, Power Fantasies, and Neoliberalism (Zero Books; 2019), Jon Bailes uses popular games to examine and interrogate the culture of neoliberalism. Specifically, Jon seeks to understand, through the lens of games like Saints Row IV , Grand Theft Auto V , No More Heroes , and Persona 5 , the demands placed upon the neoliberal subject to be constantly productive, the burnout this produces in said subjects, and the ways in which neoliberal subjects imagine the possibility of escape from neoliberal hegemony. Synopsis of Ideology and the Virtual City: Videogames, Power Fantasies, and Neoliberalism from Zero Books: Ideology and the Virtual City is an exploration of modern society and the critical value of popular culture. It combines a prescient social theory that describes how ‘neoliberal’ ideology in today’s societies dominates our economic, political and cultural ideals, with an entertaining exploration of narratives, characters and play structures in some of today’s most interesting videogames. The book takes readers into a range of simulated urban environments that symbolise the hidden antagonisms of social life and create outlandish resolutions through their power fantasies. Interactive entertainment can help us understand the ways in which people relate to a modern ‘common sense’ neoliberal background, in terms of absorbing assumptions, and questioning them. A short review of Ideology and the Virtual City: Videogames, Power, and Neoliberalism by philosopher Slavoj Zizek: Videogames are gradually recognized as a new cultural form which reaches far beyond mere entertainment: they enact new forms of subjectivity and temporality. However, this fascination with the new form should not render us blind for the fact that, in their content, even at its most magic, videogames are firmly rooted in our neoliberal capitalism and faithfully mirror its antinomies. This is where Bailess book enters. Through a detailed analysis of selected games, from Grand Theft Auto to Persona, he demonstrates how they reproduce the key dimensions of a modern megalopolis: the City as Playground, as Battleground, as Wasteland, as Prison Ideology and the Virtual City is not only insanely readable; in its combination of vivid descriptions with theoretical stringency, it
Sat, August 01, 2020
Tekashi 6ix9ine and the Trial of the Nine Trey Gangster Bloods w/ Casey Gane
On this edition of Parallax Views, the rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has proven a controversial figure within the hip hop scene. A master troll within the hip hop community, Tekashi69 became famouse after his sleeper hit track "Hummo" which features members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods appeared in the music video for it. Tekashi would then become even more infamous when his NTG associates were busted for multiple offenses and went on trial. Tekashi himself got in trouble and eventually acted as a witness against the Nine Trey Bloods during the trial. This has led some to speculate Tekashi (real name Daniel Hernandez) was "a fed all along". But our guest, Casey Gane-McCalla, also known as the rapper "The Mighty Casey" and the author of Inside the CIA's Secret War Inside Jamaica , believes that Kristian Kruz aka CEO Kris is the more insidious player in the case. According to Gane, Kruz was heavily involved in trafficking the dangerous drug fentanyl while simultaneously acting as an informant for the feds. As of August 2nd, 2020 Tekashi69's house arrest will come to an end. Report are flooding in that Tekashi 6ix9ine is currently afraid that he lacks protection after his house arrest is over. Casey and I go over Tekashi's history, from his prior offenses (including a charge involving sexual misconduct against a minor) to his current predicament and what the whole case says about our current justice system. Additionally, Casey tells us about the new Amazon documentary series The Last Narc concerning the kidnapping, torture, and murder of DEA agent Enrique `Kiki" Camarena that contains explosive allegations against CIA officer Félix Rodríguez. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
Fri, July 31, 2020
No More War (The Misuse and Abuse of 'Humanitarian' Intervention) w/ Dan Kovalik
On this edition of Parallax Views, are the West's humanitarian interventions (or humanitarian wars) really waged for humanitarian purposes? Or is that just an Orwellian façade to cover-up for more strategic interests at play? Our guest labor and human rights attorney Dan Kovalik, author of No More War: How the West Violates International Law by Using 'Humanitarian' Intervention to Advance Economic and Strategic Interests , makes the case the the latter is closer to the truth. We delve into: - The history of "humanitarian interventions" by the West from the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia to the U.S.-backed overthrow of Muammar al-Gaddafi in Libya and the destruction it wrought. - When could the case be made for humantarian intervention? - King Leopold II and the massacre in the Congo - South African apartheid, the U.S., and Cuba - The Kurds and Turkey -The ideas of pro-interventionist Samantha Powers and how Dan takes them on in the book And much, much more Book Description for Dan Kovalik's No More War: How the West Violates International Law by Using 'Humanitarian' Intervention to Advance Economic and Strategic Interests : "Kovalik helps cut through the Orwellian lies and dissembling which make so-called 'humanitarian' intervention possible." —Oliver Stone War is the fount of all the worst human rights violations―including genocide―and not its cure. This undeniable truth, which the framers of the UN Charter understood so well, is lost in today’s obsession with the oxymoron known as “humanitarian" intervention. No More War: How the West Violates International Law by Using 'Humanitarian' Intervention to Advance Economic and Strategic Interests sets out to reclaim the original intent of the Charter founders to end the scourge of war on the heels of the devastation wrought by WWII. The book begins with a short history of the West’s development as built upon the mass plunder of the Global South, genocide and slavery, and challenges the prevailing notion that the West is uniquely poised to enforce human rights through force. This book also goes through recent “humanitarian" interventions carried out by the Western powers against poorer nations (e.g., in the DRC, Congo, and Iraq) and shows how these have only created greater human rights problems – including genocide – than they purported to stop or prevent. No More War reminds the reader of the key lessons of Nuremberg – that war is the primary scourge of the world, the root of all the evils which international law seeks to prevent and eradicate, and which must be prevented. The reader is then taken through the UN Charter and other human rights instruments and their
Wed, July 29, 2020
Cosmopolitan Dystopia w/ Philip Cunliffe
On this edition of Parallax Views, modern wars in which the U.S. and Western powers invade nations like Iraq and Afghanistan are often waged under the pretext of being necessary "humanitarian interventions". Pro-peace activists and critics of U.S. foreign policy have long argued, however, that claims of "humanitarian intervention" are cover for more sinister motivations From this perspective, U.S. wars are fought for control of resources or for strategic reasons related to the maintenance of Western powers on the geopolitical "Grand Chessboard". For example, many antiwar activists who marched in opposition to George W. Bush's 2003 invasion of Iraq would chant, "No More Wars for Oil!" In other words, the activists believed that war was not fought over WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction) or to liberate the Iraqi people, but instead that the invasion was a way to secure resources. The invocation of "humanitarian intervention" in this context, activists claimed, was nothing more than a cynical ruse. Dr. Philip Cunliffe, a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent, however, takes a different, and perhaps even more provocative, approach to critiquing U.S. foreign policy. In his book Cosmopolitan Dystopia: International Intervention and the Failure of the West , Cunliffe wills himself to take the claims of humanitarian interventionists at face value rather than questioning whether they have ulterior motives. In taking this tact he argues that humanitarian intervention, however nobly conceived, has led to a dystopian scenario of "Forever Wars" that have caused more harm than good. Put another way, Cunliffe chooses to question the proposed logic of humanitarian intervention itself and uses examples like the fallout from the U.S.-backed overthrow of Muammar al-Gaddafi in Libya (which has led to the unintended consequence, or "blowback", of sexual slavery and human trafficking making a comeback in the region) to make his case. Although Cunliffe's argument is controversial, and perhaps even unnerving, it does provide an alternative way of looking at Western wars in the 21st century. As always we attempted to hear our guest out rather than have a shouting match. With that in mind this episode is sure to stir the pot in regards to international relations discussion, but Parallax Views is all about providing listeners with an unconventional viewpoint they may have not considered before. And it is our belief that this conversation with Dr. Cunliffe will certainly provide that in spades. Also be
Mon, July 27, 2020
Troubled Teen Industry Exposed w/ Jack Hodgson
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Troubled Teen Industry offers parents a way to "fix" their rambunctious children by sending them to schools and programs that specialize in tough love behavior modification. It turns out, however, that the Troubled Teen Industry appears to do more harm than good, leaving a trail of destruction and abuse in it's wake. Jack Hodgson, the filmmaker behind the upcoming Emancipated: A Troubled Teen Documentary , joins us to discuss the harrowing story of this abusive industry. Among the topics discussed: - What the troubled teen industry is; how children get taken away by the industry - WWASP and CEDU programs; the relationship between these programs and the violent cult Synanon founded by Charles Dietrich and claiming to help heroin addicts - The experiences of the teens sent to these programs - Whistleblowers within the troubled teen industry - And much, much more.
Sat, July 25, 2020
In Memory of Michael Brooks (Parallax Views TWTW Segment)
On this edition of Parallax Views, an excerpt from our Patreon program The Week That Was in which we celebrate the life and times of radio host Michael Brooks (1983-2020) of The Michael Brooks Show and The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder. J.G. shares a Michael story or two (Michael was on Parallax Views on three separate occassions) as well as explaining Michael's desire to lift others up using the rising popularity he experienced as a media personality. RIP Michael Brooks Full Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/39705881
Fri, July 24, 2020
Hard Road of Hope w/ Eleanor Goldfield
On this edition of Parallax Views, the coal industry may be dying, but the business refuses to go without taking others down with it. Case in point with the Appalachia regions of Amerca, which is simultaneously bombabrded with propaganda from the coal industry and fed false promises by the fracking industry. In the new documentary Hard Road of Hope, activist and artist Eleanor Goldfield examines the exploitation of West Virginia by these corporate interests and the fight that across that cuts across lines of race, class, and gender against those interests. In this conversation we discuss: - The West Virginia Mine Wars, 20th century fights against labor exploitation and SCABs, and how those fights relate to today's stuggles in Appalachian region of the United States - Coal company corruption in West Virginia, fracking, the poisoning of water supplies and the effect on the community - Talking to people from different cultures as an activist - The propaganda used against the populace, coal company front groups like Friends of Coal, fear of the Left - Indigenous struggle, solidarity, and much, much more
Bonus · Thu, July 23, 2020
Catching Up w/ Project Censore'd Mickey Huff (VIDEO + AUDIO)
Mickey Huff of the media watchdog/media literacy group Project Censored returns to Parallax Views for a video chat about the project's latest works including the e-book compilation Censored News on Policing and Prisons and the documentary The United State of Distraction: Fighting the Fake News Invasion. Links: https://www.projectcensored.org/ https://www.projectcensored.org/united-states-of-distraction-fighting-the-fake-news-invasion/ https://www.projectcensored.org/product/censored-news-on-policing-and-prisons-e-book/ https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews
Wed, July 22, 2020
CLASSIC REPLAY: Parallax Views Ep.5: Michael Brooks (Rest in Power)
This is a repost Parallax Views Ep. 5 featuring Michael Brooks (1983-2020). The loss of Michael Brooks has hit a number of us very hard. As such I feel the need to repost this classic episode. This was recorded before I was technically proficient (which is to say that my audio comes in on one end and Michael's audio comes in on the other end; this caused problems for some listeners; but I am unable to remaster the episode). Ep. 5: Michael Brooks on Leftism, Humor, the Intellectual Dork Web, and Illicit History June 10, 2018 On this edition of Parallax Views I speak with Michael Brooks of The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder and The Michael Brooks Show about leftist politics, the power of humor, and the Intellectual Dork Web... er... "Intellectual Dark Web", and his Illicit History podcast series. We start the discussion by delving into how Michael Brooks got into leftist politics. Then we transition into how Michael's show follows in the long tradition of left-wing comedy. We talk a bit about the importance of humor in getting out a political message and building a viable social movement. This leads into Michael's hilarious "Nation of Islam Obama" impersonations and a wider discussion of the Obama Presidency, Obama's likable personality, and having a measured left-wing critique of the Democratic Party. From there we delve into the rise of the so-called Intellectual Dark Web, or, as I like to call it, the Intellectual Dork Web. We discuss all the usual players like Sam Harris, Charles Murray, and the lobster man himself, Jordan Peterson and following the money trail behind these characters while still debating their ideas. This opens us up for a discussion of the late great sociologist Zygmunt Bauman in contrast to Jordan Peterson. We also take some time to discuss Michael's excellent Illicit History podcast series. This series deals with little dealt with history from perspectives that often go unconsidered. Interview subject for the series have included Dr. Christopher Ryan, author of Sex at Dawn , and Silicon Valley critic The Baffler 's Corey Pein, author of Live Work Work Die: A Journey Into the Savage Heart of Silicon Valley . We wrap up by talking about Michael's love of rap and hip hop and why in the world he isn't a fan of political rap king Immortal Technique. All this and more on this fun, thoughtful edition of Parallax Views.
Mon, July 20, 2020
The Anatomy of Fake News w/ Nolan Higdon
On this edition of Parallax VIews, fake news has been thrown about by both Republicans and Democrats since the 2016 election, but what does it mean? Nolan Higdon of Project Censored joins us to discuss his new book The Anatomy of Fake News: A Critical News Literacy Education. We begin how discussing how the term "fake news" gained popularity, how "fake news" is a reality beyond being a meme turned into a cultural phenomena thanks to Donald Trump, and the PropOrNot "fake news" list that targeted a number of left-wing websites, like Counterpunch and the Black Agenda Report, as Russian propaganda and why such lists are dangerous. We then move on to discussing what fake news is in the context that Nolan uses it, his books non-partisan, broad approach to the topic, and historical examples of fake news like the proto-tabloid penny press (and the story of Christopher Columbus!?). In addition we also talk about: - The necessity of a free press for a healthy, functionining democracy - The Daily Show's , the proble of satirical news like Last Week Tonight w/ John Oliver, The Daily Show w/ Trevor Noah, and Full Frontal w/ Samantha Bee - Corporate media's pro wrestling representation of politics; former WCW executive Eric Bischoff's TedX Talk on how political media mirror the dynamics of pro wrestling storytelling; the problems arising from a media ecosystem that runs off a narrow Red Vs. Blue dichotomy - Why we need critical media literacy if we hope to maintain a healthy democracy - The danger of looking towards Silicon Valley to solve the problem of fake news - TV personalities (talking heads?) vs journalists; news consumers being unable to distinguish between op-ed and hard-nosed reporting - Combat TV news and sensationalism; the media ecosystem focusing on sensationalism rather than policy and keeping voters informed - The media ecosystem's potential role in the rise of phenomena like Trumpism, Brexit, and right-wing populism etc. - Nolan's experiences teaching young people about fake news and critical media literacy
Sun, July 19, 2020
Positive Afrofuturist Sci-Fi for Uncertain Times w/ Brian Lewis
On this edition of Parallax Views, in these trying, some would say quasi-apocalyptic, times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the government jackboot coming down on citizens and activists the sci-fi genre seems like it could provide a lot of escapism. However, literary trends in sci-fi have moved towards a darker view of the future. Cynicism within literature has come to be seen as more "authentic". But what about sci-fi that envision utopias rather than dystopias? That's where author Brian M. Lewis's Farima: An Afrofuturist Sci-Fi Adventure (The Homo Maximus Saga Book 1) comes into play. In this novel, his literary debut, Lewis provides readers with a vision of the future that, rather than drowning in pessimistic vision of post-apocalyptic dreariness, tries to imagine a world different than our own. In a words, Farima bravely bravely bucks the dystopian literary trends by imagining a better future through the lens of Afrofutursim and Solarpunk aesthetics that envisions a truly future with a truly progressive government. Brian Lewis joins us to tell us about the book, his views on technology and blockchain, Octavia Butler, the Black Panther movie, the COVID-19 pandemic, BLM and the recent Orwellian disappearing of protesters in Portland, and much, much more. Synopsis for Farima by Brian M. Lewis: "The Founder of a nation hides a destructive secret, From a collective of scientists building disruptive technology, While an enemy from the past hides in plain sight as he plots to destroy them all. Dr. Natia Greenheart has brought together the most advanced team of scientists in all of New Manden. They've built many things, but nothing as disruptive as Homo Maximus. When complete, this breakthrough will offer effective immortality - for free. However, a series of unfortunate attacks forces Natia and her team to travel to a private man-made island to finish the work. Yet when they get there, Natia soon realizes that the island holds many secrets that could cost her and her team their lives. Natia will have to overcome sabotage, deception and the threat of death to not only complete the project but save a young nation from destruction." <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text
Fri, July 17, 2020
The Sordid Saga of Jeffrey Epstein: The Les Wexner Connection w/ Bob Fitrakis
On this edition of Parallax Views, Les Wexner, the founder of L Brands and former CEO of Victoria's Secrets, has come under scrutiny in the past year for his close association with the late billionaire pedophile "International Man of Mystery" Jeffrey Epstein. In some ways Wexner's association with the wealthy abuser can be considered the "Ohio Connection" to the sordid saga of Jeffrey Epstein. Lawyer, professor of political science, and maverick Columbus, Ohio-based journalist Dr. Robert Fitrakis joins, who has been investigating the Wexner/Epstein story since the 1990s, joins us to discuss this aspect of the Epstein scandal. Our resident Epstein correspondent in France, Marlon Ettinger, joined J.G. to co-host this episode. In this conversation we discuss: - Bob's background in journalism and how he got on the trail of the billionaire Les Wexner in Columbus, Ohio - How Epstein and Wexner met - The 1985 mob-style murder/hit carried out against Wexner's tax attorney Arthur Shapiro and "The Shapiro Murder File" - Wexner's connections to public corruption and organized crime in central Ohio - State of Ohio Inspector General David Sturtz, who went after Epstein and Wexner and referred to Epstein as Wexner's "boyfriend" - Wexner's ties to the scandalous Iran/Contra affair through the CIA-connected Southern Air Transport (SAT) - The Wexner Foundation's involvement in the selling of the Iraq War - Epstein and sexual blackmail operations; the large sums of money transferred from Wexner to Epstein; why Bob believes that Wexner is still worth looking into rather than someone who didn't know Epstein's true nature; the arrest of Ghislaine Maxwell (does she have the goods?) and much, much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Wed, July 15, 2020
Feminism and Mass Incarceration w/ Aya Gruber
On this edition of Parallax Views, is there a connection between the rise of mass incarceration through what has been called the carceral state and elements of feminism? Aya Gruber says there is and joins us on this edition of the program to discuss her provocative new book The Feminist War on Crime: The Unexpected Role of Women's Liberation in Mass Incarceration . In this conversation we discuss: - The meaning of feminism and it's history. - What is the carceral state and the prison-industrial complex? - The dilemma/paradox Aya Gruber faces as a a feminist and civil libertarian-oriented attorney/public defender. - Feminism and punitive ideology in light of Tara Reade's accusations against Joe Biden - Alliances between feminism and right-wing/conservative movements, particularly the "tough on crime" right wing of the Ronald Reagan era. The Violence Against Women Act and the Clinton Crime Bill - The origins of "carceral feminism"; the idea of "dominance feminism"; second wave feminism's relation to the carceral turn; welfare rights, racial equality, and economic models of feminism being overlooked in favor of a model of feminism that turned towards the carceral apparatus; first wave feminism's relationship to the proto-carceral state and surveillance states through the temperance movement and vice crusaders - What are the problems of taking up the governance tool of criminal law in the feminist struggle?; the Reagan era and the restructuring of the populace's moral compass vis-à-vis neoliberalism; domestic violence prosecution and arrest; has this all had negative effects on women and particularly women-of-color? - Hillary Clinton's "Superpredators" comment; the pervasiveness of the "Superpredators" mindset amongst Democrats; the Biden-Schumer strategy that made the Democratic Party the "crime control" party and Bill Clinton's Presidential run; Joe Biden's 1994 Crime Bill; Bernie Sanders voting for the "crime control" bill and his attempts to speak out against it; the O.J. Simpson trial and the Violence Against Women Act - The Combahee River Collective and the feminist civil war; the role of black feminist (and black lesbian feminists) in feminism and their opposition to racism and white supremacy alongside white men; conflict between the Combahee River Collective and white feminism?; black women and their relationship to feminism; the unwillingness of black feminism to give up on the struggle against racism; the welfare rights and domestic violence shelter movement; there was always dissenting voices against carceral feminism - Aya's idea of neofeminis
Mon, July 13, 2020
Russia Without Putin w/ Tony Wood
On this edition of Parallax Views, Western nations often speak about Putin and Russia in a way that would make two appear interchangeable. What if we were to view Russia beyond the lens of just seeing Putin though? That's what Tony Wood attempts to do in Russia Without Putin: Money, Power, and the Myths of the New Cold War (Verso; 2018). Among the topics covered in this conversation: - Red-baiting and anti-Semitic tropes in Western thinking about Russia. - The title "Russia Without Putin", its meaning, and thinking about Russia beyond Putin as an analytic challenge; Western reporting on Russia and the decline of expertise and understanding about Russia and the Russian experience after the Cold War. - Thinking of Putin in terms of his being a result of the Soviet system and the KGB; trying to think about Putin more in terms of Russia's neoliberal turn, continuation of Boris Yeltsin's Russia, etc. - The lingering holdovers of the Soviet experience on Russia; thinking about Russia after the fall of the Soviet union and the transition to capitalism in Russia; Understanding Boris Yeltsin's place in history and seeing Putin as, in some ways, a continuation of Yeltsin. - The effect of the capitalist transformation of Russia on the lives and statuses of everyday Russians, "shock therapy"; wealth and class inequality in Russia. - A sketch of Putin's rise to power. - Russian foreign policy; U.S. foreign policy and NATO dominance over the world after the Cold War; perceptions of Russian aggression - Criticisms Tony would make of Putin and his regime - Will Putin be gone in 2024?; Putin's constitutional maneuvers going into 2024 SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sat, July 11, 2020
The FBI War on Tupac Shakur and Black Leaders w/ John Potash
On this edition of Parallax Views, Tupac Shakur is without a doubt one of the most beloved rappers of all-time. A voice of the hip hop generation, Tupac's death remains shrouded in controversy and conspiracy theories abound in its wake. Was it related to the gang war between the Bloods and Crips? Was it a revenge plot by Death Row Records' leader Suge Knight because the rapper sought to leave the label? Author John Potash offers another theory in his book The FBI War on Tupac Shakur and Black Leaders. Regardless your opinion on the theories surrounding Tupac's death, John offers a fascinating history of U.S. intelligence agency efforts to squash black liberations movements through the FBI's COINTELPRO as well as unveiling the radical political activism of the Shakur family dating back to the 1960's and 1970's with groups like the Black Panthers. He also unveils the often overlooked political side of Tupac Shakur in the process. In this conversation we discuss: - The history of COINTELPRO - Shakur's family, including Tupac's mother Afeni Shakur and her involvement with the Panther 21 case, the work of Mutulu Shakur and his drug addiction recovery efforts at Lincoln Detox, and the frame-up of Assata Shakur (who remains on the lam to this very day) - Tupac's own politics, his involvement with the shady Death Row Records, his attempts to end the East Vs. Left Coast gang wars, the suspicions related to his death, and much, much more! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Fri, July 10, 2020
Afropessimism w/ Frank B. Wilderson III
On this edition of Parallax Views, a small but growing group of provocative scholar are leading an intellectual movement of thought known as Afro-pessimism. These scholars argue that there is not an easy way out of the hatreds and bigotries, specifically anti-blackness, which afflict our society. What does that line of thought entail? Is Afro-pessimism and idea that revels in resignation or a movement with a revolutionary fervor that demands us to think beyond our Euro-centric frame of what we mean when we use the word "human" or "humanity"? One of the leaders of this new movement, Frank Wilderson III, the acclaimed author of Incognegro: A Memoir of Exile and Apartheid, joins us to discuss his latest book Afropessimism , a work that is one part memoir and one part theory, in this fascinating and challenging conversation. In this conversation we discuss: - Frank's interest in the 70s conspiracy thriller movie Parallax View - Defining blackness - Humanity as defining itself by its anti-blackness; the Master/Slave dialectic - Dedicating the book to Assata Shakur - Afro-pessimism's relationship to the ideas of Karl Marx and Marxism - Afro-pessimism as descriptive rather than prescriptive - The confrontation created by Afro-pessimism and the phenomenological "end of the world" - Frank's story of a student who was upset by Afro-pessimism - And much, much more SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Wed, July 08, 2020
TRUEANON!!!: Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and More w/ Brace Belden
In 2018 Parallax Views began delving into the sordid saga of billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who had connections to various elite figures in high places included President Donald Trump, President Bill Clinton, former Victoria's Secrets CEO Leslie Wexner, and many others. This startling story ended up taking a new turn when Epstein was arrested and, shortly thereafter, found dead in his jail cell of an apparent suicide (although due to Epstein's ties to the elite strata of society conspiracy theories abound). Since then a Netflix documentary, Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, has been released and the sordid saga of this billionaire child sex offender and the mysteries of his life have garnered widespread attention. Now, Epstein's procurer, the elite socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, has been arrested by the FBI and the case is again commanding public attention. On this edition of the Parallax Views, J.G. Michael welcomes Brace Belden, co-host of the of the popular TrueAnon podcast alongside Liz Franczak, to the program to revisit the story of Jeffrey Epstein, the arrest of Ghislaine Maxwell, and the connections of Leslie Wexler and MC2 Model Management's Jean-Luc Brunel (himself accused of multiple acts of rape) to this sordid saga. Parallax Views' occasional French correspondent, Marlon Ettinger, who was at the New York trial of Epstein, pops up for a portion of the conversation as well. Brace also gives his thoughts on TrueAnon's dark humor, thoughts on the right-wing's obsession with Pizzagate and QAnon conspiracy theories (with comments on Roger Stone, Jack Posobiec, etc., his experience interviewing Epstein victim/survivor Maria Farmer, Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre vs Epstein pal and celebrity lawyer Alan Dershowitz, whether Brace is CIA, Brace's personal story of being sent to a troubled teen boot camp (known as a CEDU program and related to WWASP behavior modifcation schools and the cult Synanon), and more. LISTEN TO TRUEANON SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Mon, July 06, 2020
Holocaust Denial w/ Dr. Andrew Mathis and Marlon Ettinger
On this edition of Parallax Views, a roundtable discussion on Holocaust denial w/ Dr. Andrew E. Mathis (aka Thames Darwin) and our semi-regular correspondent Marlon Ettinger. Believe it or not, there are those who deny the Holocaust perpetrated against the Jewish people by Nazi Germany in the 20th century. Dr. Mathis, as an academic, has spent much time fighting against Holocaust denial. In fact, he has even gotten into the weeds and spoken to/debated the deniers themselves. In this roundtable conversation we discuss: - What Holocaust Denial is and the elements of it. - The early history of Holocaust denial from revisionist historians like Harry Elmer Barnes to the various operations of white supremacist move-and-shaker Willis Carto of the Liberty Lobby, Institute for Historical Review, the Barnes Review, and the American Free Press (we also touch upon Carto's connection to the mysterious post-war American Nazi Francis Parker Yockey aka Ulrike Varange) - The relationship between figures like Willis Carto and neo-nazis like William Luther Pierce and the way in which Holocaust denier target young men for recruitment. - The connection between the extremely conservative Regnery Publishing family and Holocaust; thoughts on historian like Ernest Nolte and whether they can be considered adjacent to Holocaust denier - British historian David Irving's infamous involvement in the world of Holocaust denial and his lawsuit against Deborah Lipstadt, who took issue with Irving's revisionism. - The Jewish holocaust denier Dr. Fred A. Leuchter, the strange Nazi UFO conspiracy theorist Ernst Zundel, and holocaust denier's claims about "Prussian Blue". - Why combating Holocaust denial matters, what the passage of Holocaust deniers in historical memory means for the future, and much, much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sat, July 04, 2020
A Critical Look at Early U.S. History and the Founding Fathers w/ William Hogeland
On this special 4th of July edition of Parallax Views, William Hogeland, author of the Wild Early Republic trilogy ( The Whiskey Rebellion , Declaration , and Autumn of the Black Snake ) and Founding Finance: How Debt, Speculation, Foreclosures, Protests, and Crackdowns Made Us a Nation , joins us to give a different perspective on the U.S. founding fathers and the early days of the Republic. But, perhaps even moreso, William also helps us examine this history from a "meta" by forcing us to ask: How do we interpret history? And is our popular understanding of the U.S. founding distorted by hagiography? In this conversation William touches upon: - How he became involved in writing popular history and how his approach differs from many others in the same milieu - His book The Whiskey Rebellion, how his work has appealed to both the left and the right over the years, and his response to being called a "left-wing critic" of the Founding Fathers - The liberal establishment's consensus view of history, the works of Charles Beard, how the Beardian Progressive School of history was systemically attacked by the reigning consensus, and the OSS (U.S. intelligence service prior to the founding of the CIA) - The Founding Fathers and slavery, the Founding Fathers and their complex relationship to democratic and liberal values, thoughts on Alexander Hamilton in light of the success of Lin Manuel Miranda's hip hop musical Hamilton (now experiencing even more success due to it's streaming release on Disney+), William's criticism of Brett Stephen's "unbrokeness" theory of the American political tradition, and the debate around pulling down Confederate statues. All that and much more on this special 4th of July edition of Parallax Views! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Bonus · Fri, July 03, 2020
Ilyasah Shabazz, Daughter of Malcolm X
On this very special edition of Parallax Views, Ilyasah Shabazz , the third daughter of Malcolm X, joins us to discuss the legacy of her father, the work she has done to keep her father's memory alive (including her children's book Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Be Malcolm X), and her thoughts on the wave of protests that have followed the police killing of George Floyd. Ilyasah Shabazz on July 22nd, 1963 in Queens, New York. As the third daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz, Ilyasah has dedicated her life to leveraging the legacy of her family to empower the future. Although she was just a young girl when Malcolm X died, she, under the loving guidance of her mother Betty, grew up with the same strong sense of compassion and hunger for justice that drove her father's own life of human rights activism. In 2002, Ilyasah, with the help of Kim McLaren, wrote the critically praised Growing Up X: A Memoir by the Daughter of Malcolm X. She followed that book up with the children's book Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X, X: A Novel, and Betty Before X. She has continued to keep the legacy of her father alive as well as correcting the record on who he was as a man beyond the media-manufactured of him as well as celebrating the life of her mother Betty Shabazz and seeking to uplift people, especially children, from all walks of life. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Fri, July 03, 2020
A Sociological View of Žižek & the Role of the Public Intellectual w/ Eliran Bar-El
On this edition of Parallax Views, Slovenian philosopher and academic Slavoj Žižek is one of the world's foremost public intellectuals known for his wide breadth of work on a variety of topics including pop culture, Lacanian psychoanalysis, capitalism, the thinking of George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Karl Marx, capitalism, left-wing politics, violence and Occupy Wall Street. Recently, however, he has come under fire for quickly writing a book tackling the current crisis of coroanvirus entitled Pandemic!: COVID-19 Shakes the World (OR Books; 2020). Some argued that Žižek's writing a book on the pandemic so quickly (the book was published in April) showed a lack of academic rigor while other's accused him of profiting off a crisis that he, as a philosopher rather than a scientist, had no business commenting on so soon. Our guest on this edition of the program, sociologist Eliran Bar-El, however, takes a different tact in approaching Žižek's attempt to tackle the coronavirus pandemic as it unfolds in real time. Although he does not seek a full-throated defense of the Slovenian philosopher, Bar-El does offer a different perspective on Žižek's intervention in his essay "Anti-Anti-Zizek: Public Intellectuals and Global Pan(dem)ic" for the Žižekian Analysis . In this piece, as well his research thesis "Positioning the Intellectual: Zizek as a Sociological Phenomenon", Bar-El attempts to understand Žižek and his often controversial philosophical interventions within a sociological context. In this regard Bar-El examines the role of the public intellectual in culture and how that role has changed with time. In fact, Bar-El argues that role of the public intellectual has been diminished over the years Žižek, he says, represents what calls "The Sacrificial Intellectual" who, through his uncompromising engagement with crises as they happen, seeks to reposition the role of the public intellectual while countering both hoaxers and charlatans as well as the narrow-focused expert promoted by an increasingly out-of-touch technocratic elite. In sacrificing his reputation with academia by way of philosophical interventions into currently unfolding events, Bar-El argues, Žižek reaffirms the role of the public intellectual in a way that is appealing to the masses outside of the Ivory Tower. In this way Žižek is able to combat figures of the post-truth era like Dr. Jordan Peterson to a broad audience rather than an academic milieu. We also discuss the philosopher as someone who seeks to ask the right questions rather than provide the answers, the infamous Jordan Peterson vs. Žižek, and related matters. All that and more on this ve
Wed, July 01, 2020
Revisiting Jordan Peterson w/ Conrad Hamilton
On this edition of Parallax Views, just a few short years ago the controversial psychologist and academic Dr. Jordan Peterson became internationally known for his strident crusade against the campus politics, political correctness, and "Social Justice Warrior". After his fame fully blossomed the professor turned his sights towards a quasi-messianic mission to save alienated young men from the throes of nihilism. Many criticized Peterson as a conservative reactionary while defenders of the doctor claimed that he was helping lost male youths "clean their rooms" and get their acts together. The Canadian-born psychologist's stardom peaked with the release of his 2018 book 12 Rules for Life, a self-help book that quickly became a bestseller. Peterson's sudden, meteoric rise to prominence, however, came crashing down about just as quickly and unexpectedly as his initial skyrocketing success when it was discovered that the outspoken doctor was suffering from a benzo addiction. Given the nature of his self-help credo, it appeared that Peterson's own failure to "clean his room" would lead to his recession into the footnotes of history. Such a prediction, however, has proven immature as the outspoken academic has returned to stirring-the-pot of the societal discourse in his typically outspoken manner this with a recent piece published by The National Post admonishing activist culture as well as making appearing on his daughter's online show The Mikhaila Peterson Podcast. As such, it seems as good a time as any for Parallax Views to release a previously unpublished conversation with Conrad Hamilton, one of the co-authors of Myth and Mayhem: A Leftist Critique of Jordan Peterson (Zero Books; 2020), revisiting and critiquing the good doctor. In this conversation we get some hilarious Peterson impersonations from Conrad, an analysis of how Peterson's rise to fame was abetted by external forces like the media, the Slavoj Zizek Vs. Peterson debate, Peterson's "non-reading" of deconstructionist philosopher Jacques Derrida, Peterson's charisma, and much, much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Tue, June 30, 2020
On A MOVE w/ Mike Africa, Jr.
On this edition of Parallax Views, Mike Africa, Jr. was born in prison. His parents, Debbie and Mike Africa, were one of 9 members of the Philadelphia-based radical liberation organization MOVE after a year long stand-off with police that ended in the death of an officer. MOVE stands by their claim that the police attacked them and that, in fact, they did not shoot the officer in question. Instead the officer was shot by his own colleagues in the chaos. Eyewitness accounts at the time as well as other evidence have since led credence to MOVE's claims in regards to this infamous 1978 stand-off. Nonetheless, the MOVE 9 were sent to prison and in 1985 the non-incarcerated members of MOVE had a bomb dropped on their home at the direction of Philadelphia Mayor Wilson Osgood. In prison Debbie and Mike gave birth to their son Mike Africa, Jr. who has continued to spread the liberationist message of MOVE while living by his inspirational motto "Never Give Up". For years, Mike Africa, Jr. campaigned for the release of the MOVE 9 and since that time all the members have been released. Unfortunately, one of the MOVE 9, Delbert Africa, recently passed away. As such Parallax Views thought it would be worthwhile to remember MOVE w/ Mike Africa, Jr. Mike Africa, Jr. joins us to discuss the story of MOVE as well as to elucidate for us what the MOVE organization believes. Life, Mike says, is at the center of MOVE founder John Africa's philosophy, or, as some have argued, religion. Mike also discusses how he was able to get through the difficult years in his youth separated from his imprisoned parents thanks to the support of his community. Additionally, Mike tells us a bit about the experience of being reunited with his parents Debbie and Mike Africa after they were released from prison. Moreover, we discuss the current protests in response to the police killing of George Floyd and the possibility that they are an "awakening point", the prison without bars that many gladly accept being trapped in, the need to take justice rather than expecting it to be given, what it takes for change to occur, "The System" as a mentality that has created global oppression, the caged animal (such as a tiger in the zoo or circus) as a metaphor for the oppression of humans, MOVE founder John Africa's adage that "the people are as sick as their government", the plight of children whose parents are incarcerated, and more. Mike Africa, Jr. reunited with his parents Debbie Africa and Mike Africa, Sr. More on Mike Africa, Jr.'s Work At His Official Website And His Non-Pr
Mon, June 29, 2020
The National Guard Killing of David McAtee + the U.S.-backed Saudi War in Yemen w/ Antiwar.Com's Dave DeCamp
On this edition of Parallax Views, as the Saudi bombs fall on Yemen with the full support of the United States, protests over the police killing of George Floyd rage across the America and new cases of government misconduct arise as the National Guard is called in to quell dissent. Dave DeCamp of Antiwar.Com joins us to discuss both topics and how they relate to what the late public intellectual Gore Vidal referred to as "The American Empire". First, Dave fills us in on the National Guard killing of the beloved Kentucky-based small-business owner David McAtee as outlined in his piece "The Danger of Sending in the Troops: The Killing of David McAtee" . McAtee, a black man who owned YaYa's BBQ Shack restaraunt, was well-respected member of his community who went out of his way to have friendly relations with police officers. He even was known for feeding the boys in blue and refusing to charge them for it. Despite playing-by-all-the-rules, McAtee was killed in the confusion of National Guard being called in to institute curfews and quell protests arising from the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor protests. McAtee's death is made all the more shocking given that he was not involved in the protests. Dave tells us the story of McAtee's death and what it tells us about the dangers of sending in U.S. troops to institute curfews and control protests. Then Dave tells us about his piece "As Coronavirus Rips Through Yemen, Saudi Bombs Continue to Fall" . Dave explains how Saudi Arabia has been dropping bombs on Yemen with the full support of the U.S. and how this has made Yemen struggle through the coronavirus pandemic, a cholera outbreak, and food shortages all the more desperate. In this regard we discuss how Yemen has become a shocking humanitarian crisis that had led to death and suffering due to the U.S.'s antagonistic attitudes towards the Houthi government. Additionally, Dave and I talk a little bit about the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. in contrast to the relationship to Iran and the U.S. <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-d
Sat, June 27, 2020
Blade: The Iron Cross w/ Filmmaker John Lechago
On this edition of Parallax Views, we return to the weird and wonderful world of Charles Band's Full Moon Features as filmmaker joins us to discuss his new movie Blade: The Iron Cross, a continuation of the beloved horror franchise The Puppet Master but this time focused solely on the most iconic puppet in the series. John joined us while babysitting his child during the conversation due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic so this conversation proved a bit wild, but trust me when I say that it's a fun listen. Previous Parallax Views guest and friend of the show Chris Alexander of Delirium Magazine (who played a part in making this interview happen) provides a summary of BLADE: THE IRONC CROSS below: "For decades the fans have been clamoring for it, and now Full Moon delivers with the first standalone feature debut of one of its most beloved (and most frightful) characters: the hook-handed maniac puppet, BLADE. Charles Band's PUPPET MASTER series continues as an unspeakable evil from Blade's past emerges in the form of a murderous Nazi scientist named Dr. Hauser. As Hauser's heinous crimes are discovered, the psychic war journalist, Elisa Ivanov, awakens Blade, and together the bloody journey of revenge begins. It's Herr Hauser's reanimated undead army versus a possessed doll and a beautiful vengeance-seeking clairvoyant. Who will win, and how will it affect the Full Moon Universe? Find out in BLADE: THE IRON CROSS." Ash of the Horror Vanguard podcast joined me to co-host this episode. In addition to discussing Blade: The Iron Cross, John also talks with us about the popularity of the Puppet Master franchise, John's interest in the story and characters of Puppet Master, Full Moon's Deadly Ten (which allowed fans to watch the production of ten Full Moon movies, including Blade: The Iron Cross, through a real-time livestrea), the comic book feel of Blade: The Iron Cross, the trials and tribulations of low-budget filmmaking, obtaining a sleek, professional look with a low-budget, the crime noir aesthetic of Blade: The Iron Cross, the title puppet Blade as an Antifa soldier and the historical references to actual underground Nazi/fascist movements from the 20th century in the movie, why Blade has become the fan favorite of the Puppet Master franchise (and nerdy trivia about Klaus Kinski's connection to the franchise courtesy J.G. Michael), and more! We even get a fun story about John's experience working with Clint Howard, brother of Hollywood heavyweight Ron Howard, on one of his previous films, Pigster. <a href='https://www.
Thu, June 25, 2020
Nonviolent Protest w/ Michael G. Long
On this edition of Parallax Views, in the age of dissent that has followed the police killing of George Floyd what is the importance and role of nonviolent protest in the United States today and through it's history? Michael Long, editor of We the Resistance: Documenting a History of Nonviolent Protest in the United States (City Lights Books; 2019), joins us to help unpack that question and provide a few answers. We begin the conversation by discussing the importance of nonviolent protests in today's tumultuous environment and how such protests stretch far back into the history of the United States with groups like the Christian religious sect known as The Quakers. From Michael explains what a nonviolent protest entails and what ingredients make up a successful nonviolent protest. Additionally Michael discusses the power of nonviolence over violence, the bravery required to be a nonviolent protester, and protests as a reaction to police states conditions. We also talk about key figures and moments in the history of nonviolent protests including Frederick Douglas, the Bonus Marches, and Helen Keller's support of the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World) or Wobblies. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Mon, June 22, 2020
Touching the Jaguar w/ John Perkins
On this edition of Parallax Views, John Perkins , the New York Times bestselling author of Confessions of an Economic Hitman, joins us to discuss how his engagement with spirituality and shamanism led him away from doing the dirty work of the IMF and World Bank to working towards justice and the betterment of society as outlined in latest book Touching the Jaguar: Transforming Fear Into Action to Change Your Life and the World . We begin by discussing the book the made first gained John attention (and garnered controversy), Confession of an Economic Hit Man. John explains what his work for the World Bank and IMF as an "Economic Hit Man" entailed as well as detailing a related group of figures known as "The Jackals". According to John these "Economic Hit Men" and "Jackals" engaged in activities that were designed to control and exploit the Third World. John also tells us how he slowly began to stray from this path eventually culminating in his NYT bestseller Confessions of an Economic Hit Man after 9/11. Moreover, John tells us about the spiritual vision quest he went on in which he was told by a shaman to confront his fears by "Touching the Jaguar" and how this began his road to a change in perception. In this regard, we discuss the way our perceptions shape the way we understand ourselves and other people. Moreover, John explains what he calls the "death economy" and how we can transcend beyond it by creating a "life economy". During this portion of the discussion we also talk about ayahuasca, the perception trap, techniques for changing one's perception, the practice of meditation, John's experiences with people in the business world today, decolonization, and much, much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spacing:0p
Sat, June 20, 2020
From Playboy Playmate to Austin Powers' Fembot & A Romance With Trump w/ Barbara Moore
On this edition of Parallax Views, the elegantly beautiful Barbara Ann Moore joins us to talk about her life journey from being a Playboy Playmate to becoming a ballroom dancing champion, featured as a Fembot in the first Austin Powers movie, and having passionate, romantic fling with Donald Trump in the 1990s. Barbara has had a fascinating life and she tells all in the incredibly diverse conversation. We even discuss her appearance in the raunchy TV sitcom Married... with Children alongside David Faustino (Bud Bundy), a Jim Carey story from the days of his fame as Ace Ventura, Pet Detective, and her engagement to 90s action star and heartthrob Lorenzo Lamas of the hit TV The Renegade. As Barbara demonstrates in this always engaging conversation she's much more than just a pretty face. We discuss matters related to relationships, the ins-and-outs of glamor modeling, how modeling can create a sense of alienation, and her podcast Life, Laughter, Happiness. And yes we do discus Playboy's Hugh Hefner as well as her experience of having a romantic fling with current President Donald Trump. All that and much, much more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! AND CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR: FAILED STATE UPDATE A NEW PODCAST FROM JOURNALIST JOSEPH FLATLEY
Thu, June 18, 2020
Alternatives to Policing, Community Safety, and Restorative Justice w/ Amber Yang
On this edition of Parallax Views, Amber Yang, the Restorative Justice Specialist and Wellness Coordinator for the Novato Unified School District, joins us to discuss her latest piece at Project Censored entitled " "Alternatives to Policing—The Case for Public Health and Community Development Investments" . We begin the conversation by discussing Amber's work related to Restorative Justice and what it means. In particular she relates some of her experiences working with high school students. From there we delve into the issue of policing and the Defund the Police movement. Amber addresses what Defund the Police actually means in the context of policing as having become an increasingly militarized institution starting with LBJ's War on Poverty on through Nixon's War on Drug, the War on Terror, and now the War on COVID-19. Amber argues that the movement is not about entirely getting rid of police entirely but rather imagining new modes of community engagement to deal with issues related community safety. In this regard, Amber notes the community programs that are currently happening which act as a an alternative to policing in keeping communities safe. In addition, Amber notes that issues like racial and socio-economic inequality as well as police brutality are systemic issues. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! AND CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR: <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:n
Tue, June 16, 2020
Yellow Earth, Storytelling, and Filmmaking w/ John Sayles
On this edition of Parallax Views, legendary writer and filmmaker John Sayles joins us to discus his new novel Yellow Earth and other assorted topics of interest. For the uninitiated, John Sayles is an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter and Golden Globe-nominated filmmaker whose social conscious cinematic credits include 1980's highly influential Return of the Secaucus 7, the critically-acclaimed 1987 coal miner union drama Matewan, 1991's City of Hope, 1992's award-winning Passion Fish, the star-studded 1996 neo-western mystery Lone Star, 1997's Men With Guns, and 2010's Philippine-American War period dram Amigo among others. Additionally, John is an accomplished short story writer and novelist whose books include Pride of the Bimbos (1975), Union Dues (1977), The Anarchists' Convention (1979), Los Gusanos (1991), and A Moment in the Sun (2011). John joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to discuss his latest novel Yellow Earth (2020; Haymarket Books), which details the volatile social changes that occur in a small town in the aftermath of a shale oil boom. A timely novel that deals with the subject of fracking, John tells us the basic plot of Yellow Earth as well giving some details on the issues that arise from fracking and the economic impacts of boom-and-bust cycles that effect people in his story as well as real life. John and I then discuss some biographical details of his life, including being raised in Schenectady, New York. We then talk about John's thoughts on film school and how gaining experiences outside of the film world is invaluable. Additionally John and I talk a little about his coal mine union drama Matewan, his involvement in the subversive world of Roger Corman "B-Movies", the monster movie he wrote called Alligator (1980), the Ayn Rand-inspired character in Yellow Earth and why Rand's philosophy of Objectivism is so attractive to some people, what keeps him from giving into cynicism, working with the legendary cinematographer Haskell Wexler, and much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetic
Sat, June 13, 2020
Never Hike Alone: A Friday the 13th Fan Film w/ Vincente DiSanti
On this edition of Parallax Views, we take a break from the ruckus of currents events to take trip, an excursion if you will, down to Camp Crystal Lake. Yes, Camp Crystal Lake, otherwise known to locals as "Camp Blood"... the stomping grounds of the pop culture icon Jason Voorhees. Since the 1980s, hockey mask wearing, machete-wielding murder machine Jason Voorhees has hacked and slashed his way through enough camp counsellors to attain the status of movie monster royalty in the world of horror movies. The Camp Crystal Lake killer has even managed to spawn comic books, a video game, and, believe it or not, a board game. Unfortunately for his fans, Jason hasn't been seen on the big screen since his last cinematic appearance, 2009's Friday the 13th reboot. That's where our guest on this edition of Parallax Views, Vincente DiSanti of Womp Stomp Films , comes into the picture. An independent filmmaker, Vincente decided that he'd make his own Friday the 13th fan film in lieu of the official cannon being caught up in legal entanglements. And thus he, with the help of a small but faithful cast and crew, made Never Hike Alone . Now you may be thinkin to yourself, "A fan film? Isn't that amateur hour?" Well, in the case of Never Hike Alone the answer is a resounding, "No." Exquisitely paced at a lean, mean 54 minute running time, Never Hike Alone is professionally produced, looks great, and arguably blows a number of the official Friday the 13th sequels out of the water. And fans seem to agree as the movie has played multiple film festivals and is now getting a web-series follow-up starting with the prequel Never Hike in the Snow . Vincente joins us to discuss how the project came together, his experiences on set, independent filmmaking during the coronavirus pandemic, and much, much more on this fascinating edition of Parallax Views that digs into the trials and tribulations of independent filmmaking. WATCH NEVER HIKE ALONE: A FRIDAY THE 13th FAN FILM FREE ON YOUTUBE <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;
Thu, June 11, 2020
Black Minded: The Political Philosophy of Malcolm X w/ Dr. Michael E. Sawyer
On this edition of Parallax Views, in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd and the nationwide protests and demonstrations it has generated, the militant Civil Rights activist Malcolm X seems as relevant as every. But was he really just an leading activist of the Civil Rights era who advocated for racial and economic justice, a staunch opposition to white supremacy, and support of Black Internationalism? Dr. Michael E. Sawyer, author of Black Minded: The Political Philosophy of Malcolm X, argues Malcolm X should not just be understood as an activist but also a political philosopher who engaged in a practice of "Thinking in Motion" and that this Malcolm X must be reckoned as such. In this conversation we discuss how Malcolm X has been treated culturally and within the education system, what Malcolm X means by Blackness and being "Black Minded", Malcolm X as having a philosophy that is corporeal in nature, the role of the body and geographical space in X's thought, black masculinity, and much, much more. Additionally, we attempt to tie Malcolm X's thought to the present moment in this timely episode of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! AND CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR: FAILED STATE UPDATE A NEW PODCAST FROM JOURNALIST JOSEPH FLATLEY
Tue, June 09, 2020
The Jakarta Method w/ Vincent Bevins
On this edition of Parallax Views, in 1965 and '66 massacres occured in Indonesia. It was, simply put, a coup that led to a changing of the guard in regards to those who held power in Indonesia's leadership. And it was by movers and shakers in Washington, D.C. Decades later a full, crystal clear picture of what happened to Indonesia in late September and early October of 1965 still eludes us. In The Jakarta Method: Washington's Anticommunist Crusade and the Mass Murder Program That Shaped Our World, journalist Vincent Bevins, who has written for such publications as The New York Times and The Washington Post, doesn't necessarily answer all the lingering questions that remains about the Indonesian massacres and the U.S. involvement in them. He does, however, raise even more startling questions that should shake readers to their very core and make them reconsider the Cold War, the CIA, the Third World, 20th century history, and the world we inherited from the century past. In this conversation we discuss many of the major themes an details of The Jakarta Method as well as talking about Vincent's time in Brazil where he witnessed the rise of the controversial Jair Bolsonaro. He fills us in on what the Third World Movement was, the struggle of nations like Indonesia to gain independence after WWII, and how D.C leadership, like the FBI's J. Edgar Hoover, held a paranoid view of communism during the "Red Scare" that would have an effect on the entire world. We discuss the work of two CIA figures, Howard Jones and Frank Wisner (as well as Wisner's "Gang of Weirdos"), and their role in Indonesia as well as how JFK figures into the story of the U.S.'s relationship to Indonesia in the mid-20th century. And, of course, we discuss the events leading up to the Indonesian massacre of '65/'66, the questions they've left behind, what came after those massacre (including in places like South and Central America), and what it all means in regards to the present day. All that and more on this extremely fascinating edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! <p style="background-color:tr
Fri, June 05, 2020
Assessing the Crisis and How We Got Here w/ Noam Chomsky
On this edition of Parallax Views, America find itself in tense times and a moment of multiple crises. From coronavirus/COVID-19 to the protests sweeping across the nation after the police killing of George Floyd, the United States has been dealing with a great deal of turmoil. But how did we get here? One of America's foremost public intellectuals, Noam Chomsky, joins us in an attempt to answer that question and provide some hope in regards to how we can respond to these interesting times. Dr. Chomsky likely needs no further introduction. He is one of the most astute and noted critics of neoliberalism and one of Democracy's most ardent supporters. In this conversation we discuss why democracy matters (and why some hate it), the crisis that he refers to as "The Neoliberal Plague", Edward Bernays and the power propaganda exerts on our thinking, and more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! AND CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR: FAILED STATE UPDATE A NEW PODCAST FROM JOURNALIST JOSEPH FLATLEY
Thu, June 04, 2020
Protests Across America w/ Tiffney Billions
On this edition of Parallax Views, protests have been raging across the United States since the police killing of George Floyd. Dallas, Texas-based activist Tiffney Billions, who previously appeared on the program to discuss the police killings of Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson, joins us to discuss the protest both in Dallas and across the world. We also discuss the recent news story of a machete-wielding white man who attack protesters in Dallas only a few days ago. Moreover, Tiffney gives her thoughts on what can be done to bring about change, the misuse of MLK by anti-protest sentiments in the country, her thoughts on Antifa, and much, much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! AND CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR: FAILED STATE UPDATE A NEW PODCAST FROM JOURNALIST JOSEPH FLATLEY
Tue, June 02, 2020
Inventing the Future w/ Austin Hayden
On this edition of Parallax Views, Austin Hayden of the co-host of Owls at Dawn and Show Me the Meaning podcasts joins us to discuss Isiah Medina's Inventing the Future: A Cinematic Adaptation, an experimental, avante-garde documentary that Austin helped produce. Based on the book of the same name by scholar Nick Srnicek and Alex Williams, Inventing the Future explores the possibilities of a post-capitalist. future. Srnicek and Williams' critique the limits of leftist movements confining themselves to what they call the "folk politics" of the 1960s, and argue for going through capitalism as a means to reach news modes of being and an eventual post-capitalist society. Isiah's documentary details this premise as well as dealing with Nick and Alex's demands for full automation, universal basic income, and a rejection of the traditional Protestant work ethic. Austin and I discuss all of this as well as the cinematic aspects of the documentary, German filmmaker Werner Herzog's idea of capturing an "ecstatic truth" in the cinematic form, Jean Luc Goddard, the meaning of freedom and liberty, Japan and neoliberalism, and much, much more. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! AND CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR: FAILED STATE UPDATE A NEW PODCAST FROM JOURNALIST JOSEPH FLATLEY
Sat, May 30, 2020
Killing King: Racial Terrorists, James Earl Ray, and the Plot to Assassinate Martin Luther King Jr. w/ Stuart Wexler
On this edition of Parallax Views, in light of the recent death of George Floyd and the intense protests against police brutality and racism that followed it we take a look back at the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. with author and historian Stuart Wexler. Stuart, is the co-author, alongside Stuart Wexler, of Killing King: Racial Terrorists, James Earl Ray, and the Plot to Assassinate Martin Luther King Jr. On April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee the civil right leader Martin Luther King, Jr. was fatally shot on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel by James Earl Ray. Ray fled the scene before eventually being caught two months later on June 8, 1968 at London Heathrow Airport. On his 41st birthday, March 10, 1969 he confessed to the assassination of MLK, Jr. Ray, who had a history of felonious conduct, was promptly convicted and sentenced to 99 years in prison for his crime. On April 23rd 1998, a 70 year old Ray finally perished at Columbia National Hospital from complications of hepatitis C. But is that the end of the story? In the 1970s The House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) argued that, while Ray was the assassin, that there was "a likelihood" that the assassination was the result of a conspiracy, although not one involving the federal government. Additionally, James Earl Ray spent the years after making his confession claiming that he was not, in fact, behind the assassination of the beloved civil rights leader and referenced a conspiracy involving a character he only referred to as "Raul". Meanwhile, William Pepper, an attorney, activist, and friend of MLK, went on to famously argue for Ray's innocence and that King's execution was an "Act of State" implicating federal government alphabet soup agencies like the CIA and FBI. Pepper even went on to represent the King family in a wrongful death suit case after the death of Ray that centered on the accusation of government culpability in the assassination. Wexler and Hancock take a very different view of the assassination of Pepper and other who, perhaps not without reason in light of the FBI's verified COINTELPRO operations against the Civil Rights, harbor suspicions against the federal government in regards to the King assassination. Moreover, they do not argue for the innocence of James Earl Ray. They do, however, agree with the assessment of the HSCA that the King assassination was the likely result of a conspiracy. In Killing King: Racial Terrorists, James Earl Ray, and the Plot to Assassinate Martin Luther King Jr., Wexler and Hancock make the case that King's execution was the result of a plot by white supremacist terrorists seeking to use racial terrorism as a mean by which to ignite race war. These terrorists, they argue, were driven by a strange and esoteric racist religious
Wed, May 27, 2020
Russia! Russia! Russia! w/ Sean Guillory
On this edition of Parallax Views, since the outcome of the 2016 election the American media new cycle has often been all about, "Russia! Russia! Russia!" But what is Russia beyond the stereotypical American caricature of the sneaky nation that's been plotting against the U.S. since the Cold War? Sean Guillory of Sean's Russia Blog to provide a view of Russia divorced from both uncritical romanticism or full-on demonization. Sean explains how he became interested in Russia as well as discussing with J.G. and Casey the American perception of Russia and the reality of Russia. We also hone in on hot topics related to Russia like Vladimir Putin, Russiagate, Aleksander Dugin, and much, much more. Additionally, Sean fills us in on a documentary project he is working on and fills us in on the experience of people who lived in the Soviet Union. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! AND CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR: FAILED STATE UPDATE A NEW PODCAST FROM JOURNALIST JOSEPH FLATLEY
Mon, May 25, 2020
I Want to Believe: Posadism, UFOs, and Apocalypse Communism w/ A.M. Gittlitz
On this edition of Parallax Views, A.M. Gittlitz of the Antifada podcast joins us to discuss his new book I Want to Believe: Posadism, UFOs, and Apocalypse Communism (Pluto Press, 2020). For the uninitiated Posadamism is most popularly known as a strange online meme of a nihilistic and ironic bent that references communism, nuclear war, dolphins, and UFOs. If that sounds weird, well, the true story of J. Poasadas, the 20th century Argentinian communist from which the meme gets its name, is perhaps even more bizarre. It's a story of spies, lies, and, yes, communists UFO hunters that features appearances from historical figures from the controversial Argentian authoritarian leader Juan Perón to Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara. Even Leon Trotsky manages to show up in A.M.'s historical overview of J. Posadas' life and times! But why has this unusual, marginal figure within communist thought become a popular meme with alienated youths with far left-wing tendencies? A.M. tries to answer that in I Want to Believe as well and the answer may surprise. We discuss all this as well as SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), Carl Sagan, futurism, and much, much more on this wild edition of Parallax Views! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! AND CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR: FAILED STATE UPDATE A NEW PODCAST FROM JOURNALIST JOSEPH FLATLEY
Fri, May 22, 2020
Abolish Silicon Valley: How to Liberate Technology from Capitalism w/ Wendy Liu
On this edition of Parallax Views, the tech world, as represented by Silicon Valley, is often portrayed as being full of visonary disruptors like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel who will, through the big-brained ingenuity, solve the greatest conundrums facing society in the 21st century. Software developer Wendy Liu went into the world of tech with rose-colored glasses as a self-described "STEMlord" who believe 110% in the Silicon Valley mindset. But as time went on she became disillusioned and eventually began questioning some of the biggest sacred cows related to tech world optimism. Recently Wendy outlined her story in the new book Abolish Silicon Valley: How to Liberate Technology from Capitalism. Wendy joins us to discuss how she went from wearing rose-colored glasses when it came to Silicon Valley's techno-optimist capitalism to questioning whether the tech world really is the 21st century's savior. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! AND CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR: FAILED STATE UPDATE A NEW PODCAST FROM JOURNALIST JOSEPH FLATLEY
Wed, May 20, 2020
Barbie and Kendra Save Parallax Views w/ Scream Queen Robin Sydney
On this edition of Parallax Views, Robin Syndey has been acting since her childhood and has appeared in all kinds of media including the Nickelodeon kids TV series Drake & Josh, the long running soap opera ER, and the National Lampoon comedy Cattle Call, but she is perhaps best known for having achieved the relatively elusive status of horror movie known as the "Scream Queen". Scream Queens have been a pop culture trope since the early days of Hollywood when Fay Wray shrieked in terror as she was whisked away by the mighty King Kong (1993). From Janet Leigh in PSYCHO (1960) to her daughter Jamie Lee Curtis in John Carptner's Halloween (1978) and its sequels, the image of the Scream Queen has left a lasting impression on the popular culture landscape that carries on to this very day. Truth be told, however, the pantheon of Scream Queens is actually a somewhat exclusive club, but Robin Sydney has more than earned the moniker Robin's status as a "Scream Queen" is no doubt in large part due to her longstanding relationship with Charles Band's Full Moon Features, an independent movie studio specializing in her horror, fantasy, and sci-fi romps. Since starring as the female lead opposite a maniacal killer cookie voiced by Gary Busey in the notorious horror/comedy romp THE GINGERDEAD MAN (2005), Robin has appeared in a number of Full Moon efforts including THE HAUNTED CASINO, SKULLHEADS, and the outrageous, 8-movies-and-counting EVIL BONG franchise to name but a few. And outside of Full Moon Features Robin has appeared in such chillers as the the psychological serial killer thriller THE LOST (2006) and the cheeky witchcraft-themed splatter-punk feature WICKED LAKE (2008). Most recently, Robin has resumed her work with Full Moon Features by way of her participation in a new series of mashed-up/remixed movies following the exploit of social distancing duo Barbie (Cody Renee Cameron) and Kendra (Robin Sydney) as they attempt to stave off boredom during the coronavirus pandemic. The first movie, Corona Zombies, was produced and released just weeks after coronavirus made lockdowns and social distancing the New Normal across the world. Yes, that's right, Full Moon Features, under the ever creative guidance of its head honcho Charles Band, found a way to continue making movies through the pandemic. And now Full Moon has followed up Corona Zombies with the timely Barbie and Kendra Save The Tiger King. Robin joins us to discuss these two new movies that some have jokingly referred to as "Corona-sploitation" as well as various thought and stories from career as an actress. Ever wondered what it's like to work with Hollywood eccentrics like Gary Busey or Andy Dick? Or asked yourself, "What's it like filming a nude scene? Is it uncomfortable?" Scream Queen Robin Sydney tells all in this wide-ranging and fascinating conversation. Oh, and there's
Mon, May 18, 2020
Tara Reade and Other Current Affairs w/ Lyta Gold
On this edition of Parallax Views, Lyta Gold, Amusements and Managing Editor of Current Affairs magazine, joins us to discuss her recent op-ed on the media reaction to Tara Reade's sexual assault allegations against Joe Biden entitled "The Attacks on Tara Reade are Unbelievable Bullshit" . Current Affairs was one of the early outlets to take Reade's allegations seriously, but Lyta's op-ed is not simply a defense of those who believe Reade. It is also a critique of some of the most prominent pushback against Reade's allegations. In this conversation Lyta expands on her case for why Reade should be taken seriously. And we also take a few detours along the way to discuss gender issues, feminism, masculinity, and other hot topics. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! AND CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR: FAILED STATE UPDATE A NEW PODCAST FROM JOURNALIST JOSEPH FLATLEY
Fri, May 15, 2020
The Secrecy of the Spectacle w/ Douglas Valentine
On this edition of Parallax Views, Douglas Valentine, author of the groundbreaking book The Phoenix Program, joins us in light of the republication of his book TDY to discuss covert operations, the CIA, the Vietnam War, and more. In this conversation, however, we take a more philosophical turn as Douglas and I attempt to answer the question "How did we get here" in regards to living in an age where secrecy, surveillance, terror, and fear seem to reign supreme in our society. In doing so Douglas and I consult the work of the French theorist Guy Debord of the Situationist International and author of The Society of the Spectacle. In this regard, Douglas makes special reference to Debord's observation that, ""Secrecy dominates this world, and foremost as the secret of domination." All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES! AND CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR: FAILED STATE UPDATE A NEW PODCAST FROM JOURNALIST JOSEPH FLATLEY
Wed, May 13, 2020
Hanoi Jane and the Mythology of the Vietnam War w/ Dr. Jerry Lembcke
On this edition of Parallax Views, Academy Award winning actress Jane Fonda made news recently for endorsing endorsing Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders' bid for the Democratic Party's Presidential nomination ahead of the 2020 Election. And with this news came a ghost that has been haunting Fonda for decades: the accusation that the Hollywood star betrayed American troops in the Vietnam War. In the waning years of that conflict Fonda became an outspoken antiwar activist whose efforts culminated in an infamous visit to Vietnam's capitol, Hanoi, that remains a point of heated controversy for many Americans. During this trip the actress cavorted with the Vietnamese, was granted a tour of POW camps, and participated in broadcasts from Radio Hanoi pleading with U.S. servicemen to stop the bombings. As a result, Fonda gained the scorn-ridden nickname "Hanoi Jane" and the ire of many Americans, including Vietnam War veterans, who've come to see her as a traitor to the U.S. states military and its troops. Dr. Jerry Lembcke, a retired professor of Sociology at Holy Cross College and a Vietnam War Veteran himself, however, controversially argues that there's a gap between Jane Fonda the human being and what he argues is the myth of Hanoi Jane is his book Hanoi Jane: War, Sex, and Fantasies of Betrayal (University of Massachusetts Press; 2010). Furthermore, Lembcke has made the case that the story of the traitorous Hanoi Jane is but one piece of a broader American mythology pertaining to the Vietnam War. Specifically, Lembcke persuasively questioned the popular notion that veterans returning from the war were spat upon by disrespectful antiwar protesters in his meticulously researched The Spitting Image: Myth, Memory, and the Legacy of Vietnam (NYU Press; 1998). If Lembcke is correct, why do such myths arise and what purpose do they serve for America's collective psyche? Jerry Lembecke joins us to on this edition of the program to answer those questions and lay out what he considers the myths of the Vietnam War in what is sure to be one of the most thought-provoking and controversial conversations featured on Parallax Views to date. Additionally, Jerry tells us about his experience in Vietnam and what drove him to investigate these matters. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-al
Tue, May 12, 2020
2020: A Surrealist Comedy Odyssey w/ Jake Flores
On this edition of Parallax Views, we chat with comedian Jake Flores of the Pod Damn America and Why You Mad podcasts about the surrealist comedy of our current political atmosphere in the era of Trump and Biden. Additionally, we talk about comedy, opening for Doug Stanhope, how comedy and horror are similar, comedy being written off as "low-brow" culture, and that one time Jake got a visit from Homeland Security after a joke about ICE on Twitter. We also tie in David Cronenberg's VIDEODROME and Adam Curtis' HYPERNORMALIZATION into the conversation as well. In other words we go all over the place. Hopefully this will be a nice pick me up for those of you who may be constantly saying to yourself, "Has the planet gone mad!?" Oh yeah, and we even talk about what it's like to interview John McAfee. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sat, May 09, 2020
FDR on Democracy (+ Biden) w/ Harvey J. Kaye
On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. Harvey J. Kaye, author of Take Hold of Our History: Make America Radical Again, joins us to discus his new book, FDR on Democracy: The Greatest Speeches and Writings of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as well as giving his thoughts on the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election and the Democratic Party's de facot nominee Joe Biden. In this wide-ranging conversation Harvey explains why he believes American must dig back in history and remember the legacy of FDR. What did FDR, his fault aside, represent and why does his legacy still matter? And most importantly can be gleaned from the Roosevelt Legacy for use in the 21st century? In addition to discussing these matter, Harvey also gives his take on the 2020 U.S. Presidential election and how the Left should handle Joe Biden as the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Wed, May 06, 2020
Are Elon Musk and the Autonomous Vehicles Industry Endangering the Public? w/ Michael DeKort, Lockheed Martin Whistleblower
On this edition of Parallax Views, Silicon Valley darling Elon Musk is back in the news as he welcomes his new born child into the world alongside his musician girlfriend Grimes. But what of Elon Musk's ventures in the tech world, specifically the push for autonomous vehicles or self-driving cars? Former Lockheed Martin whistleblower Michael DeKort joins us to discuss what he considers the major problems with the push for autonomous vehicles today and specifically his criticisms of Elon Musk, Tesla, and other companies looking to make autonomous vehicles a reality. Although Michael is not against the idea of autonomous vehicles he is pointedly critical of the approach taken by Musk and others to make them a reality and argues that such approaches are a danger to the public. In fact, DeKort says, the current approaches are reckless and could lead to great harm. In addition to discussing the push for autonomous vehicles and Michael's criticisms of Musk, et al. we also discuss whistleblowing and COVID-19 in this fascinating conversation. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Tue, May 05, 2020
Richard Dawkins, Mental Health, and Eugenics w/ M.K. Anderson
On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished conversation w/ writer M.K. Anderson on her Protean Magazine piece "On Eugenics, Richard Dawkins Offers Nothing But Sophistry" . M.K. fills us in on how, just a few short months ago, Dawkins claimed that, while it was ok to oppose eugenics on "ideological, political, and moral grounds" that it would "work" for humans. M.K. says this is incorrect and that Dawkins ignores that historically eugenics has always been a politically motivated and that the alleged science on it doesn't add up. In addition to this M.K. also discusses issues related to the mental health system in America and how it relates to these matters as well as sharing her personal thoughts on debates had amongst the political left today. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Fri, May 01, 2020
China, History, and the Pandemic w/ Sasha Day
On this edition of Parallax Views, we revisit the topic of China in light of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic as well as looking at China from a historical and political perspective with scholar Sasha Day, author of The Peasant in Postsocialist China: History, Politics, and Capitalism . Sasha provides a different view on these matters than previous guest Ian Goodrum of the China Daily, but also pushes back on conspiracy theories blaming China for the pandemic. We discuss a number of issues in addition to the pandemic (and the sinophobia it has unfortunately produced) including the debate over whether China is still communist like in the days of Mao or if it has gone capitalist since the 1970's under Deng along with a number of other issues.
Tue, April 28, 2020
Green Party Presidential Candidate Howie Hawkins
On this edition of Parallax Views, noted activist and organizer Howie Hawkins joins us to discuss his 2020 run for President under the Green Party ticket and what he calls the "life or death issues" facing the United States of America today. Although many have written off the Green Party as a "spoiler" party whose candidates have potentially sabotaged the efforts of the Democratic Presidential Part's Presidential opportunities over the years, Howie makes a passionate case for the importance of Third Party Politics and the Green Party as a force that can push for progressive reforms. Additionally, he notes that a large part of his campaign is about helping to build the base of the Green Party at the local level so that it can grow and prosper in the future. Moreover, Howie offers a number of nuanced, thoughtful takes on issues including policing, the War on Drugs, ecology and environmentalism, military spending, and income inequity that are worth considering and details his involvement in the original Green New Deal. Even if you haven't considered voting for the Green Party in this election it is my hope that listening to voices like Howie Hawkins will give a new, fresh perspective on hot-button topics that need to be addressed more seriously. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft2xlllutbA SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Tue, April 28, 2020
Bit Tyrants: The Political Economy of Silicon Valley w/ Rob Larson
On this edition of Parallax Views, Silicon Valley is often hailed as pushing the world towards a better, more prosperous future through a model creative destruction and brave technological innovation. Economics professor Rob Larson, however, offers a competing viewpoint to this rose-colored narrative of darlings of the tech world like Microsoft, Apple, and Google in his new book Bit Tyrants: The Political Economy of Silicon Valley (Haymarket Books, 2020). In many ways picking up where his previous book, Capitalism vs Freedom: The Toll Road to Serfdom (Zero Books, 2018), left off, Rob launches a scathing but thoughtful critique on libertarian-style techno utopianism and reveals the often ignored aspect that the public sector has played in important technological innovations. Additionally, Rob details the less savory elements of the Silicon Valley story and how historically the Silicon Valley's current position of power and the effect it has on society bears a resemblance to the Gilded Age. Rob joins us to give an overview of this fascinating new book and fills us in on how it connects to his previous book Capitalism vs Freedom: The Toll Road to Serfdom in the course of this fascinating conversation. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Fri, April 24, 2020
Between Heaven and Hell: The Story of My Stroke w/ David Talbot
In this edition of Parallax Views, David Talbot, - journalist and founder of the pioneering web magazine Salon - joins us to discuss his new book: 'Between Heaven and Hell: The Story of My Stroke'. Previously David has written the New York Times bestseller 'Brothers: The Hidden History of the Kennedy Years', as well as, 'The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government', and 'Season of the Witch: Enchantment, Terror, and Deliverance in the City of Love'. In 'Between Heaven and Hell: The Story of My Stroke', David offers a heartfelt, honest, and often-times cheery memoir of his experiences facing mortality after suffering a stroke and how, thanks to family and a community of caregivers, he survived it and became something of a different person as a result. In this emotionally powerful conversation, we cover David's stroke and his survival, as well as the themes of gratitude and community that permeate the memoir. Additionally, David and I discuss some of his early experiences with Salon: how Salon famously took on right-wing hypocrisy during the Clinton impeachment; a fascinating personal story from David about Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezos; and David's experience trying to get his books a cinematic treatment from Hollywood. We even begin the conversation with a bit of trivia about David's father, the legendary character actor Lyle Talbot, who starred in movies like Ed Wood's Plan 9 from Outer Space (David even has an anecdote to share about the notorious Ed Wood!). All that and more in this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Tue, April 21, 2020
Against the Web: A Cosmopolitan Answer to the New Right w/ Michael Brooks
On this edition of Parallax Views, Michael Brooks of The Majority Report, The Michael Brooks Show, and Weekends w/ Ana Kasparian and Michael Brooks joins us once again to discuss his brand new book Against the Web: A Cosmopolitan Answer to the New Right . In Against the Web, Michael critiques the "Intellectual Dark Web" that gained notoriety a few years ago through figures like Jordan Peterson, Sam Harris, and Ben Shapiro. Although some would argue the IDW's influence has waned, Michael nonetheless provides good answers for how the Left can build movements that challenge the American right. After all, this won't be the IDW won't be the last iteration of right-wing thought in American social life. In addition to discussing Against the Web, Michael, J.G., and Casey also discuss Michael's takes on current matters like the woke vs economic reductionism debate, the end of the Bernie moment, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sun, April 19, 2020
Barrett Brown Updates Us on His Wars With the Press
On this edition of Parallax Views, rabble-rouser, former Anonymous associate, journalist, and press critic Barrett Brown joins us to give an update on his current wars with the press. In particular, Barrett tells us about his latest suspension from Twitter and his recent series of exchanges with David Enrich of the New York Times. Enrich, who recently wrote the book Dark Towers: Donald Trump, Deutsche Bank, and an Epic Trail of Destruction , came to Barrett's attention to do whistleblower Val Broeksmit ( who we recently interviewed alongside journalist Scott Steadman on Parallax Views ) and Barrett has a great deal to say about the relationship between Broeksmit and Enrich. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Fri, April 17, 2020
The Pandemic as an Economic Crisis Revisited w/ Albert Lanier
On this edition of Parallax Views, we revisit "The Pandemic as an Economic Crisis" w/ returning guest and veteran journalist Albert Lanier (who covered the topic with us on our March 23rd, 2020 podcast ). In light of workers around the U.S. like ex-Amazon employee Chris Smalls fighting for their rights amidst unsafe working conditions and general precarity , Albert Lanier expands on his view that the health crisis of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic is tethered to an economic crisis. In relation to workers fighting back, Albert mentions the many strikes going on around the country in relation to both work and rent and argues that we are potentially living in a Great Depression 2.0 scenario. Additionally, he emphasizes the general connectedness of the consumer economy and the way those connections have been severed. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Thu, April 16, 2020
Further Exploring the Pandemic w/ Infectious Disease Journalist Grant M. Gallagher (FIXED Audio)
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our exploration of the COVID-19 pandemic w/ Grant M Gallagher, an infectious disease journalist. We begin with Grant describing what he does as an infectious disease journalist and how it differs from commentary-based or pundit journalism. From there we delve into a number of topics related towards COVID-19 including something of primer on what exactly it is and the issues related to overwhelmed hospitals, underlying conditions, and other issues related to this crisis. Then, later in the program, we discuss the WHO, China, and the geopolitical aspects of the coronavirus pandemic. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Mon, April 13, 2020
China and the Pandemic w/ Ian Goodrum
On this edition of Parallax Views, Ian Goodrum of China Daily offers his take on the COVID-19/coronavirus as an American living abroad in China. For some, this interview may prove particularly controversial as Ian makes no bones about coming from a pro-China perspective and working for state-owned media outlet within the country. With that in mind, I think that this proved an interesting conversation about how China handled the pandemic, conspiracy theories concerning COVID-19 as a bioweapon, accusations of countries (particularly China) fudging the number of actual deaths, China's intentions in relation to providing aid to other countries, the issue of "wet markets", and much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sat, April 11, 2020
Amazon Vs. The People in the Age of Pandemic w/ Amazon Whistleblower and Striker Chris Smalls
On this very special edition of Parallax Views, former Staten Island Amazon employee Christian Smalls has taken the world by storm after speaking out about conditions at the facility he worked at and organizing fellow employees to strike for better sanitation condition and access to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in light of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Since then Chris Smalls has had his employment with Amazon terminated and his reputation smeared by the company. A leaked memo has shown top executives at Amazon referring Smalls as "not smart or articulate" and now Senators, including former 2020 Presidential candidate Cory Booker and Sherrod Brown, have comes to Smalls's defense and are demanding answers from Amazon's mega-billionaire head-honcho, Jeff Bezos. This important story is likely not going away soon as Chris prepares to appear on major media outlets in the next week. Luckily for Parallax Views, Chris was gracious enough to stop by our program for a brief but powerful conversation about his story and the fight he's taken up for worker's rights. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Thu, April 09, 2020
Indian Philosophy, Capitalism, the Left, and the Pandemic w/ Vinay Gupta
On this edition of Parallax Views, futurist thinker and global resilience expert Vinay Gupta joins us to discuss a number of topics related to philosophy, politics, religion, humanitarianism, and the current coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. For the unfamiliar Vinay is not an easy guest to describe. He is perhaps best known for playing a key role in the launch Ethereum, a blockchain-based software, and is now the CEO of Mattereum. His primary areas of interest include technology, global resilience, futurism, and crypto-currencies. And he is not one to shy away from controversy, as this uncensored conversation will ilustrate. In this discussion, Vinay begins by telling us a little more about his background and his the underpinnings of his worldview, which is informed by by the Western Scientific model and Indian spirituality. We then delve into work involving refugees with Hexayurt Project before pivoting into the topics of politics. Specifically, Vinay offers his view and, ultimately critique, of the Left. In particular, believes that the Left has gone too far away from a politics of socialist class solidarity and into identity politics too much. Although some of Vinay's views on this matter do not sit well with my listeners or, truth be told, myself in many regards, I believe that this aspect of the conversation at least provokes a challenging discussion. From there we delve into the topics of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Vinay has done a great deal of work on pandemics over the years and offers some clarifying points about the nature of this particular pandemic as well as illucidating the class war element of the social tensions arising from COVID-19 sweeping the world. All in all, I believe that, while I and my listeners may greatly disagree with Vinay Gupta on some matters, that this conversation will live up to the title of being "A Parallax View". SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
S1 E188 · Tue, April 07, 2020
Masks: Bowie & Artists of Artifice w/ James Curcio
On this edition of Parallax Views, we take a break from our coronavirus coverage to discuss legendary musician David Bowie, art, and authenticity w/ artist and author James Curcio. James has a new book out entitled Masks: Bowie & Artists of Artifice that looks at Bowie and his trickster persona from a philosophical perspective that comes to understand the late musician as a sort of shamanic character that blurred the lines between the authenticity and artificiality of an artist. Additionally, the book also looks into other figures like the gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson and the controversial Japanese novelist and poet Yukio Mishima. MASKS: BOWIE & ARTISTS OF ARTIFICE also features contributions form such thinkers as John Gray and Slavoj Zizek. In this conversation Jamie and I have a wide-ranging conversation about the book and the many themes it touches upon within its pages. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Mon, April 06, 2020
An Update on Imprisoned Whistleblower Reality Winner w/ Billie Winner-Davis
On this edition of Parallax Views, an refresher and update on the case of imprisoned whistleblower Reality Winner w/ Reality's mother Billie Winner-Davis. Reality Winner was an NSA contractor who leaked documents pertaining to allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S Presidential Election to the press because she felt it was pertinent information that the public needed to know about. When the federal government traced the documents to Reality she was put on trial and received a sentence of over 5 years in prison. Regardless what you think of Russiagate, whether it was overblown or is one of the most important stories of our time, the harsh treatment Reality Winner has received for attempting to conscientiously alert the public to an issue she believed was of importance is indicative of the dangerous nature of the United States War on Whistleblowers over the past two decades. In addition to giving a refresher on Reality's case, Billie also fills us in on how Reality is doing in federal prison during this pandemic and discusses her concerns for Reality's mental health at this time, the possibility of coronavirus/COVID-19 making it's way into prison, and even tells us a little about Reality's artwork. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sat, April 04, 2020
Plagues, Pandemics, Globalization, and the State of Exception (COVID-19 Report from Siberia) w/ Jason Van Boom
On this edition of Parallax Views, Siberian-based educator Jason Van Boom joins us for a discussion of the coronavirus pandemic in his part of the world and how Mongolia's response to the coronavirus pandemic may have been useful to Siberia. Additionally, Jason takes us through a brief history of pandemic and plagues past and present including the Black Death, the diseases created by the "Columbian exchange", and now COVID-19. We also discuss the question of globalization and Jason's nuanced view of it's relationship to the pandemic. He argues that the "globalism vs. nationalism" binary is not a useful one in dealing with these matters and that globalization has been happening in some form or another long before the 20th century. And finally, Jason discusses the ideas of Carl Schmitt, specifically the "State of Exception", and how they relate to the response to the current pandemic. Jason also argues that there is a progressive version of the "State of Exception" in the form of the work of academic Robert Yelle. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Thu, April 02, 2020
Lula, Bolsonaro, and the Pandemic in Brazil w/ Brian Mier
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our international coverage of the coronavirus pandemic this time from a Brazilian perspective. Brian Mier of the Brasilwire joins us to discuss how the crisis has been effecting Brazil, specifically on the political front. But first, we dive into a bit of recent Brazilian history with a discussion of the ouster of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the rise of the Brazilian extreme right wing under current President Jair Bolsonaro and ideologues like Olavo de Carvalho. From there we delve into the neo-Malthusian response Bolsonaro has offered to the Brazilian public in regards to the coronavirus pandemic and how some are buying into it. Additionally, we talk about how Bolsonaro has become increasingly isolated politically due to the majority of the population being against his response thus far, including governors. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Tue, March 31, 2020
The Pandemic in Gaza w/ Walid Mahmoud
On this edition of Parallax Views, the Gaza strip has been under siege of Israel for over a decade and now face new struggles due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Al Jazeera photojournalist Walid Mahmoud joins us on this edition of the program to discuss the current situation facing the Palestinian people in Gaza. How are Gazans dealing with measures like social distancing despite being extremely crowded (thus making social distancing difficult) and what of the lack of medical supplies like ventilators? Also what is Gaza like now under the blockade and the threat of coronavirus combined? Walid also fills us in on why Gazans remain positive in spite of the adversity they face and why the everyday Gazan does not want violence, hatred, or racism but rather the recognition that "we all live under the same sky" and therefore peace must prevail. This interview is shorter (close to 40 min) but powerful. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sun, March 29, 2020
Mike Swanson on the Pandemic and the Future of the Economy
VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFsEkQcKylE On this video edition of Parallax Views, Mike Swanson of the Wall Street Window joins us to discuss the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic and the future of the economy as wlell as related topics. This conversation is an almost two hour barn-burner, and Mike's takes may surprise you and are definitely food for thought. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sat, March 28, 2020
Open Source Warfare, Decentralized Networks, and the Pandemic w/ John Robb
On this edition of Parallax Views, military analyst John Robb, author of the Global Guerrillas Report and Brave New War: The Next Stage of Terrorism and the End of Globalization, joins us to discuss his maverick research into open source warfare as well as his more recent work on bottom-up networks and the coronavirus pandemic. We begin by discussing his work on asymmetric warfare during the heyday War on Terror and then discuss the rise of open source warfare domestically in the U.S. vis-a-vis Occupy Wall Street, Anonymous, and the Trumpist insurgency of the 2016 election. John talks about the nature of decentralized networks and their ability to form consensus as well as cause disruption and explain why he thinks some of the left-wing insurgencies have been less successful in recent years than their right-wing counterpart. Ultimately, this discussion of decentralized networks brings us to the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic and John's contention that such bottom-up, grassroots networks have played a major role, at least within the Western world, in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, John details how the widespread adoption of social distance measures came from such networks. Additionally John explains the missteps that were made in addressing coronavirus initially while offering some reasons for optimism when comparing the current pandemic to the Spanish Flu. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Thu, March 26, 2020
A Tulsi Gabbard Surrogate Explains Why They Supported Her Campaign w/ Niko House
On this edition of Parallax Views, long-shot 2020 Democratic Party Presidential hopeful has officially dropped out of the race and endorsed Joe Biden. For a certain segment of progressives Gabbard was seen as the most sufficiently antiwar candidate. Others, however, argued her campaign was riddle with America First reactionary nationalism in progressive clothing. Niko House, a surrogate for Tulsi Gabbard's 2020 Presidential Campaign, joins us to explain his support for Gabbard. Although I myself have voiced much skepticism toward Gabbard, I wanted to give Niko a chance to say his part about controversies surrounding Tulsi Gabbard without the discussion going into full debate mode. I feel that, even though I remain highly skeptical of Tulsi Gabbard, this was, at the very least, an interesting conversation and am hopeful that Niko may return for a more adversarial debate in the future. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Wed, March 25, 2020
The Pandemic and Proposals for a Post-Coronavirus America w/ Doug Henwood
On this edition of Parallax Views, Doug Henwood of the Left Business Observer and the Behind the News radio program joins us from ground zero of the pandemic, New York, to discuss his article "A few ambitious points on fighting the crisis" . In this article Doug offers a number of proposals for policies to fight the crises created by the coronavirus now and in the future. We also discuss how Doug is doing in the beginning of the episode, some thoughts on the 2020 election, the effect neoliberalism has had on our ability to imagine another world being possible, and much, much more in the course of this conversation. What policies will we need to enact in a post-coronavirus world? I hope that this episode will provide some hints and guidance in the right direction. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Tue, March 24, 2020
Dominic Cummings’ Super-Weirdos Vs. the British People in an Age of Pandemic w/ Sean Ledwith
On this edition of Parallax Views, Sean Ledwith of Counterfire joins us to discuss his recent article "Coronavirus: the politics of Cummings’ cull" concerning Dominic Cummings, Chief Advisor to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and his "Super-Weirdos" vs the British people potentially resisting them in an age of pandemic. Why did Boris Johnson's administration initially support building "herd immunity" in response to coronavirus coming to the UK? What does "nudge theory" and a shadowy think-tank known as Behavioural Insights Team have to do with Downing Street's coronavirus response team? Find out on this edition of Parallax Views w/ guest Sean Ledwith of Counterfire . SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Mon, March 23, 2020
The Pandemic as an Economic Crisis + Election 2020 w/ Albert Lanier
On this edition of Parallax Views, J.G. and Casey speak w/ returning guest and veteran journalist Albert Lanier. In this conversation Lanier discusses the coronavirus pandemic in terms of it being an economic crisis as well as a health crisis. In addition we discuss reports of class warfare breaking out in the Hamptons, the 2020 election, and more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sat, March 21, 2020
Globalization and the Pandemic w/ John Feffer
On this bonus edition of Parallax Views, John Feffer of Foreign Policy in Focus joins J.G. and his Parallax Views: The Week That Was co-host Casey to discuss his latest articles " Will the Coronavirus Kill Globalization" and "What the Coronavirus Says About Us" . The vast majority of the covnersation is devoted to what COVID-19 means for the age of globalization. As we note in the beginning of the conversation, conservative commentator Pat Buchanan hopes that the virus will spell the end of globalization and a resurgence in nationalist sentiments. Feffer, although critical of aspects of the economic aspects of globalization in its current formation, is hoping for something else entirely and in fact sees COVID-19 as opening the doors for an opportunity. Namely, a new wave of globalization that would be more progressive in nature. In addition to discussing the relationship between globalization and COVID-19 as well as what it means for the future of globalization as a project, John also summarizes his latest article "What the Coronavirus Says About Us" detailing the responses of China, South Korea, Italy, and the United States to the pandemic crisis. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Fri, March 20, 2020
Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents w/ Margaret Kimberley
On this edition of Parallax Views, much ink has been spent chronicling the history of the United States through the the political careers of its various presidents. But what of those Presidents relationship to Black America, a segment of the U.S. populace who have historically faced discrimination, prejudice, and racism from the earliest moment of arrival in the country? Margaret Kimberley, a New York-based activist and editor/columnist for Black Agenda Report, seeks to uncover that relationship in her new book Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents (Truth to Power; 2020). Margaret Kimberley joins us to discuss this fascinating new book which sheds an often more unpleasant light on Presidential history than usually recognized. We begin by discussing the Black Agenda Report and what listeners can expect from its analysis. Then we pivot into the subject of her new book by looking at how the mythology of the United States prevents many from taking a critical look at our Presidents, including the Founding Fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Magaret relates how these Founding Father were slave owners and how even the ones who had conflicted feelings about slavery, like Thomas Jefferson, weren't willing to challenge the institution. We then move on to the Presidency of "The Great Emancipator" Abrahahm Lincoln, who Margaret argues we have, to some extent, romanticized as for ending slavery while forgetting the abolitionists, slaves, and former slaves who pushed for the end of that terrible institution. We also discuss the relationship between President Theodore Roosevelt and the African American community leader Booker T. Washington and the controversies surrounding their dinner at the White House. And, of course, we discuss Franklin Delano Roosevelt relationship to black America. From there we fast-forward bit to more contemporary history. For example, we untangle the major changes the changed the relationship of the black community to Republicans and Democrats in the wake of the Civil Rights era into the Presidencies of Nixon, Carter, and Reagan. We also take a critical look at Bill Clinton, who was once referred to as "The First Black President". Then we discuss the Presidency of Barack H. Obama, Obama's controversial relationship with Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and the legacy of it all. Finally, we delve into the current Presidential race and the Democratic Primaries between Joe Biden and Bernie Sandets. <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spacing:0px
Fri, March 20, 2020
Alley Valkyrie Reporting from Coronavirus Lockdown France (VIDEO + AUDIO)
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pJDFh9cWvM On this video edition of Parallax Views, Alley Valkyrie of Gods and Radicals Press joins J.G. and co-host Casey for a discussion about life in France under lockdown due to the coronavirus as well as a broader conversation about the "global experience" find ourselves in due to this pandemic. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Wed, March 18, 2020
Pharma: Greed, Lies, and the Poisoning of America w/ Gerald Posner
On this edition of Parallax Views, big pharma is likely to find itself under the microscope of public attention once again as concerns arise over it placing profits over people in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic . Noted investigative journalist Gerald Posner , author of Pharma: Greed, Lies, and the Poisoning of America (Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster; 2020), joins us to discuss the long, storied, and often shocking history of big pharma in the United States from its turn of the century roots to its much discussed role in the American opioid crisis. This conversation covers a wide amount of ground beginning with the coronavirus. Then we take a brief detour to discuss the current state of investigative journalism and how challenges facing the field. During this portion of the conversation Gerald reveals that Pharma: Greed, Lies, and the Poisoning of America was a years-in-the-making project that ambitiously set out to tell the story of big pharma in a single volume and took Gerald in unexpected directions. From there, however, we move into a conversation of pharma's early history and how some of it parallels to flim-flam men and snake-oils salesmen selling "miracle cures". We then delve into how pharma changed (and made massive profits) in the WWII era with the development of antibiotics. This leads us into a brief discussion of how a conflict arose betwen pharma's old guard and its new blood in the 1950s. In particular, Gerald and I discuss the figure of Pfizer chariman John McKeen and the young, ambitious advertising man he employed: Arthur M. Sackler. For the unitiated, the Sackler family are the owners of Purdue Pharma, the privately-owned pharmaceutical company behind Oxycontin, that has come under intense scrutiny due to the American opioid epidemic. Gerald and I discuss the interesting life of Arthur M. Sackler Jewish kid from Brooklyn that faced antisemitism from his WASP neighbors to a political radical that staunchly opposed racism and became an FBI informant against a German company involved in money laundering to the Nazis. Gerald also reveals that Arthur, as well as his card-carrying Communist Party brother Raymond Sackler, were monitored by the FBI during the Red Scare. And finally, at least in regards to Arthur, we discuss how he went from a political radical to becoming comfortable with wealth. We then move onto a discussion of the Sacklers and some of the controversies surrounding them, including stories involving tax havens and the potentially shady ways that the family made millions of dollars off a vitamin-based product. Additionally, Gerald and I discuss how one lawyer referred to the Sackler
Mon, March 16, 2020
Fear and Loathing in Coronavirus America w/ JP Sottile
On this edition of Parallax Views, as coronavirus grips the United States and the world Parallax Views regular guest JP Sottile aka the Newsvandal joins us to discuss all the latest in current events (and their historical connections to the past) during these fearful times. We begin the conversation by discussing COVID-19. JP is currently in self-quarantine after finding out his roomamte contracted the virus. Not only that, but JP is also in one of the epicenter of coronavirus in the USA. We then go on to discuss the possible effect this pandemic may have on globalization, and how figures ranging from Foreing Policy in Focus's John Feffer to paleoconservative Pat Buchanan are considering the potential for coronavirus to deliver a death blow to the current neoliberal world order. From there we go on to discuss the resurgence of nationalism around the world coupled with the oncoming possibility of ecological crisis. This segues into a discussion of America's generational divide, the increasing anger directed at baby boomers by millennials and Gen Z, and how Generation X fits into it all. Additionally, we discuss the Democratic Primaries, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, and where progressives should put their energies in a post-Bernie scenario. Moreover, we discuss the differences between the Trumpist right that has taken over the GOP from more moderate Republican and the progressive movement, embodied by the Bernie Sanders campaign, that have sought to take over the Democratic Party. And finally we come back to the coronavirus at the end of our conversation and the scary developments around it. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Mon, March 16, 2020
Parallax Views Special (Audio): C. Derick Varn on Coronavirus, 2020 Election, and the Left
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmGPDmD1s-Y On this video edition of Parallax Views, C. Derick Varn of Zero Books and the Pop the Left podcast discusses coronavirus, the 2020 election, the Left, the resurgence of nationalism, neoliberalism and globalization, the EU, the possibility of a coming economic crash, and much more in a jam-packed nearly two hour conversation w/ host J.G. Michael. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sat, March 14, 2020
Distinguished But Vicious w/ T. of Champagne Sharks
On this edition of Parallax Views, T. of Champagne Sharks, a podcast that describes itself as "distinguished but vicious" which explores issues related to race, racism, culture, and class from a left political perspective, joins us for a two hour conversation that goes in a multitude of different directions. We begin by discussing T.'s general mission with the Champagne Sharks podcast and the branch out into discussions about intersectionality vs class reductionism, internet culture war, and much, much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sat, March 14, 2020
Parallax Views Special: Harvey Kaye on Bernie & What Comes Next for the Left
On this special video edition of Parallax Views, Prof. Harvey J. Kaye, author of Take Hold of Our History: Make America Radical Again , joins J.G. Michael and his co-host Casey to discuss Bernie Sanders, the need to reclaim America's radical tradition, and what comes next for progressive and left-wing activists if Biden gets the Democratic Party nomination in the 2020 Presidential Election. Sidenote: Still getting used to this vidoe thing. Harvey breaks up at one point but this convo is good. Also, Casey is obscured like he's Blofeld in the James Bond movies, but I guess that adds to the suspense for the eventual face reveal. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Mon, March 09, 2020
The Devil and Shane Bugbee, Round 2: Love, Hope, & Devil Horns w/ Shane Bugbee
On this edition of Parallax Views, underground publisher entrepreneur extraordinaire Shane Bugbee of the Speak of the Devil podcast joins us to discuss love, hope, radicalism, philosophy, grace, aging, the struggles of being an artist, and trading in misanthropy for trust and hope in his fellow man. Oh, and we talk Bernie Sanders too! In case you're unfamiliar, Shane is a a magnet from controversy. For example, he is the person who republished Ragnar Redbeard's Might Makes Right, effectively taking the screed out of obscurity (he's since taken it out of circulation after and expressed more than a bit of contempt for the racist neo-nazis who have touted the book). Additionally, he's been involved in the worlds of true crime, heavy metal, and even the subculture of Satanism from Anton LaVey's Church of Satan to Lucien Greaves' The Satanic Temple. It was these associations that led Shane to being ran out of the small-town of Ely, Minnesota. You may be thinking, "Ugh, an edgelord!" But, interestingly Shane isn't a misanthrope at this stage in his life. Specifically, after a cross-country tour of the U.S. for his documentary/book The Suffering and Celebration of Life in America, he says that he learned to trust people and that, for the most part, people aren't so bad. This is a relatively free-form conversation with Shane and we cover a smorgasboard of topics like religion (Shane takes a dimmer view on the matter than I do), his unique experiences talking to people from both the tippy top and bottom rungs of the socioeconomic latter, and why altruism paradoxically helps yourself as well as others. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
Sat, March 07, 2020
The Election Fever Episode w/ Investigative Journalist Stephen Singular & Counterpunch Radio’s Eric Draitser
On this edition of Parallax Views, while concerns about the global pandemic known as the coronavirus continue to mount in the United States, many folks are being hit by symptoms of another entirely different condition sweeping the nation. Namely, election fever. The surprise comeback of former Vice President Joe Biden in the Democratic Party Primaries proved to be a dark day for progressive activists, specifically supporters of Bernie Sanders.. As we race toward the General Election in November that will pit the Democratic nominee against sitting President Donald Trump, the heat has been turned up a notch on the Democratic Party Primary race. Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Michale Bloomberg, and, now, Elizabeth Warren have dropped out of the running leaving us with a match-up between the centrist moderate Joe Biden and the progressive Bernie Sanders. Joining us later on this edition of the program to discuss the aftermath of Super Tuesday and where progressive movement and the left need to go from here is Eric Draitser of Counterpunch Radio. But first... The 2000 Presidential Election, which pitted Republican George W. Bush against Democrat Al Gore, the latter fresh from a run as Vice President under Bill Clinton, was marred by controversy by the time it ended. For a brief period it appeared to many, including the news media, that Gore would win the election. However, reporting on Al Gore’s victory in Florida, where George W’s brother Jeb Bush was serving as Governor, suddenly proved incorrect at the 11th hour. Controversy arose when it was found that Votomatic machine punch card ballots appeared to have left sizable number of voters unaccounted for. Republicans claimed that this was because said voters were not sophisticated enough to use the Votomatic machien properly. Meanwhile, Democrats demanded recounts. The debacle eventually went all the way to the Supreme Court when it was decided that Bush would be declared the winner of the Presidential race. Nonetheless, public figures ranging from progressive radio host Thom Hartmann to famed attorney Vincent Bugliosi would go on to dissect the controversies and challenge Bush’s victory after the fact. In 2018, noted true crime author and investigative journalist Stephen Singular sought to tell the story of his investigation into the matter by way of his book Stolen Future: The Untold Story of the 2000 Election. Singular was knee-deep in the story as it was happening, but only now. thanks to fellow journalist Russ Baker’s WhoWhatWhy media outlet, has he been able to tell the tale. And I must say its a tale straight out of a crime noir thriller. Regardless your take on the 2000 Presidential Election, Stephen Singular’s Stolen Future raises troubling questions about the state of e
S1 E197 · Wed, March 04, 2020
Reporting on the Julian Assange Extradition Hearing w/ Journalist Kevin Gosztola of ShadowProof
On this edition of Parallax Views, the controversial founder of Wikileaks, Julian Assange, appeared in a London court late this past February for his extradition hearing. Investigative journalist Kevin Gosztola of ShadowProof and the Unauthorized Disclosure podcast w/ Rania Khalek , who was in attendance for the hearing, joins us to provide a firsthand report of the proceedings and give a primer on the case of Julian Assange. Additionaly, Kevin and I discuss what is at stake for press freedom in relation Assange's case, how the Spanish security firm Undercover Global (which has connections to billionaire Trump donor Sheldon Adelson) connects to the case, how Assange was held in a glass box during the hearing, Iraq War whistleblower Chelsea Manning's relevance to Assange's case, and much, much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
S1 E194 · Mon, March 02, 2020
Music is Power: Popular Songs, Social Justice, and the Will to Change w/ Brad Schreiber
On this edition of Parallax Views, can music change the world? Joining us to tackle that question as well as outline the rich history of protest music is Brad Schreiber, author of Music is Power: Popular Songs, Social Justice, and the Will to Change. As Schreiber shows in the fascinating new book, available now from Rutgers University Press, protest music, or as he prefers to call it "socially conscious music", goes far beyond the antiwar anthems and can even be traced back to the early 20th century with class conscious musicians like Joe Hill, a labor activist associated with the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World). In this conversation we discuss artist ranging from Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger to artist you may not have ever considered as political before like bubble pop icon Lesley Gore and the founding fathers of heavy metal Black Sabbath. We also discuss such musicians as the obscure but talented satirist Tom Lehrer, counterculture legend Frank Zappa, "The Godfather of Soul" James Brown, R&B pioneer Curtis Mayfield, and the punk rock of the Sex Pistols as well as specific songs like Janis Ian's "Society's Children" and Peter Gabriel's "Biko". We even talk a little bit about Pink Floyd and their politically outspoken co-founder Roger Waters. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
S1 E196 · Fri, February 28, 2020
The Hidden History of the War on Voting w/ Thom Hartmann
On this special bonus edition of Parallax Views, legendary progressive radio host and New York Times bestselling author Thom Hartmann took a little bit of time out of his busy schedule for a half hour discussion of his fascinating and important new book, The Hidden History of the War on Voting: Who Stole Your Vote And How to Get It Back . In this concise, and easily-digestible book, which follows from The Hidden History of the Supreme Court and the Betrayal of America and The Hidden History of Guns and the Second Amendment , Thom lays out the Republican Party, backed by the ultra-wealthy, have waged a decades-long all out assault on voters, specifically women, people of color, and the working class through voter purges, gerrymandering, and other tactics. However, in addition to laying out this immensely under-discussed history, Thom also offers solutions that will re-empower voters and, in the process, aid in expanding our shared values of Democracy. In this conversation we discuss some of the main points of Thom's book as well as recent debate about the Electoral College Vs. the Popular vote in light of the 2016 Presidential Election and Thom's thoughts on what another 4 years of a Trump Presidency would mean for the United States of America. It is my hope that this conversation proves timely and vital during this election season. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
S1 E195 · Wed, February 26, 2020
Trump, Deutsche Bank, and David Enrich’s Dark Towers w/ Investigative Journalist Scott Stedman & Whistleblower Val Broeksmit
On this edition of Parallax, New York Times reporter David Enrich's new book Dark Towers: Deutsche Bank, Donald Trump and an Epic Trail of Destruction has received much press lately for casting a light on the subject of the Trump family's relationship to the scandal-prone Deutsche Bank and potentially shady financial transactions involving Russian money. Although opinions vary on the matter of the purported relationship Trump and the Russian government, even on the left, the investigative news website Forensic News has recently published two pieces on the subject of Trump, Deutsche Bank, and the Russian-based VTB Bank and Gazprombank. Joining us to discuss these recent articles, "Trump Deutsche Bank Loans Underwritten By Russian State-Owned Bank, Whistleblower Told FBI" and "Russian Government Bank Deposited $500 Million into Deutsche Bank Subsidiary as it Lent to Trump" , and to discuss Enrich's book are investigative journalist Scott Stedman and whisteblower Val Broeksmit. Val, who is in large part the subject of Ernich's Dark Towers, is the son of William Broeksmit, a high-ranking Wall Street executive who committed suicide in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. After the suicide, Val came into possession of a treasure trove of his father's emails and documents related to Deutsche Bank. He has since taken those documents to the FBI is currently collaborating with Forensic News on the Trump/Deutsche Bank/VTB Bank/Gazprombank story. In this conversation Val gives an unfiltered background on his life, how he came into possession of his father's documents, his rocky relationship with David Enrich, and much more. Scott discusses the documents Val has shared and why he believes they are relevant as well as summarizing the Trump/Deutsche Bank/VTB Bank/Gazprombank stories and why he and Forensic News believe they are worthy of consideration. Additionally, Scott explains why he defends the credibility of Val. Regardless of your take on the issue of Trump and Russia, I hope this is fascinating conversation. I can assure you that Val is definitely never boring and Scott is a fount of knowledge. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. <p sty
S1 E192 · Sun, February 23, 2020
The Bizarre (And Unsettling) World of Aztec Nazi Black Metal w/ Alex Gendler
On this edition of Parallax Views, black metal, with it's Satanic lyrics, blasphemous imagery, and history of bands engaging in acts like church burnings and even murder, has cemented itself as the most extreme and transgressive genres in the varied world of heavy metal. And, perhaps due to it's deliberately confrontational nature and explicit anti-social aesthetic, black metal also happens to be a genre infested with out-and-out Nazis and white supremacist who openly rail against immigrants, Jews, and other common targets of far-right wing hate and bigotry. The most famous of these is, without a doubt Varg Vikernes, who, through his project Burzum, became one of the most seminal (and deadly) key players within 90s Norwegian black metal. Since then an entire genre of black metal has arisen known as NSBM, or National Socialist Black Metal. And now there is a new phenomena of NSBM arising, in a strange twist, out of Latin America that can only accurately be described as "Aztec Nazi Black Metal". Returning guest and writer Alex Gendler joins us to discuss his article "Aryan Aztlán: The Bizarre World of Aztec Nazi Black Metal" for the newly relaunched No Recess magazine . Alex takes us into the unusual new music phenomena and argues that, although its appearance may seem out of left field at first glance, is not as surprising as one may initially think. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
S1 E191 · Tue, February 18, 2020
Going Deep w/ Barrett Brown: The Press, Peter Thiel, Michael Hastings, & More
In light of a recent piece by Der Spiegel, one of the largest news magazine publications, on the legacy of controversial Barrett Brown and the early 21st century "hacktivism" of Anonymous, Barrett Brown returns to Parallax Views for a jam-packed two-hour conversation addressing Barrett's criticisms of the article. Specifically, Barrett takes issue with Alexandra Rojkov, the author behind the piece, using a tweet by Claire Lehmann, founder of the equally controversial Quillette magazine (which has promoted writings related to "race realism" as well as, at one time, the work of Andy Ngo), accusing Brown of "harassing women in tech". Within said tweet Lehmann offered, as evidence, a retweet ofBrown asking for "anyone with information about [Peter] Thiel associate Riva-Melissa Tez" to "please email me". In this conversation, argues that a call to potential sources interested in offering him information on Riva-Melissa Tez stretches the credulity of the term harassment and would require a concrete definition of harassment to be laid out. Additionally, he says, Lehmann's tweet inadvertently gave Brown the information he sought from sources who saw it. From there we begin to delve into the larger failures of the press through a multitude of examples, from the Dallas press's employing a white supremacist radio host who went by the psuedonym Spectre to the recent report by Jared Holt, Angry White Men, Right Wing Watch on Michael J. Thompson, a figure within the conservative movement who moonlighted as the alt right personality "Paul Kersey". Why are these figures allowed to exist within the institutions for so long while Barrett Brown and a whistleblower like Val Broeksmit are smeared for pasts involving drug use? This leads us into a discussion Peter Thiel and his software company Palantir. Brown explains what he sees as the relationship between Thiel and the press. In addition, he argues that there are connections between Thiel and magazines like Quillette as well the infamous hacker Andrew Aurnheimer aka "weev". Moreover, Brown says the the story of Thiel's rise, the advent of the alt right, surveillance, and other issues are interrelated and not yet fully known to the public. In addition, Brown discusses the nature of Thiel's agenda and whether it is, as the mainstream media presents it, libertarian in its nature or rather, as investigative journalists like Corey Pein have alluded to, is connected to "The Dark Enlightenment" of neoreactionary philosopher Nick Land. Moreover, Brown says that Palantir is at the center of much more than normally recognized and that Thiel and his agenda is the most dangerous in the world. At this point Brown delves more dee
S1 E190 · Fri, February 14, 2020
Fear of a Cucked Planet w/ Greg Belvedere of RebelBass
Just in time for Valentine's Day, Greg Belvedere of the RebelBass Youtube channel joins us to discuss his upcoming video about the online right's "Fear of a Cucked Planet". Around 2015 the term "cuckservatives" began cropping up as an insult employed by the alt right against conservatives they believed were not right wing enough. The term cuck quickly became an insult to contemptuously refer to men seen as weak or servile. The term, however, originates from a fetish in which a man likes to watch his wife or girlfriend having sex with another man. Additionally, the kink usually has an interracial element to it. As such, the alt right's use of the term "cuck" seems to clearly come from their own racial paranoia. Greg promises expands on this angle while also attempts to tie it to the other anxieties of the alt right in his upcoming video on the subject. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
S1 E189 · Mon, February 10, 2020
The Impeachment, The Iowa Caucus, & the State of the (Dis)Union w/ JP Sottile
On this edition of Parallax Views, crackerjack journalist JP Sotille aka The Newsvandal returns to unpack the spectacle of American politics in 2020. From the failure of the anti-climatic ending of the Impeachment trial and the chaos the Iowa Caucus "App-Ocalypse" to Rush Limbaugh winning a Presidential Medal of Honor and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tearing up Trump's speech at the State of the Union, the political landscape has already proven to be wild since the start of the new year and will likely only get crazier leading up to the elections in November. JP has been on a roll lately with his three most recent pieces, "The Impeachment Blunder", "The Irony of Iowa's Caucus Crack-Up", and "SOTU: The Reagan Reboot Strikes Again". In this conversation he took on a noticably grimmer tone than in previous appearances and I suspect his takes on current matters ranging from the failure of Impeachment to the Democratic Party's split between progressives and its centrist establishment will have a little something for the left, right, and center alike to get a little angry about. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
S1 E187 · Thu, February 06, 2020
The Last of the Manson Girls w/ Filmmaker Lonnie Martin
Ever since the shockingly gruesome Tate-LaBianca murders of August 1969, The Manson Family have cast a long shadow over not only the 60s counterculture and its images of free loving, acid-dropping, Establishment challenging, hippie flower children but also American culture as a whole. Rather than ushering in the fabled Age of Aquarius where peace and love would reign supreme, it appeared that the promise of "The Psychedelic Sixties" had ended with an unimaginably wanton act of violence and bloodshed. The clarion call of Dr. Timothy Leary and the Woodstock Generation to "Turn On, Tune In, and Drop Out" seemed to take on a much more sinister meaning as Charles Manson and those who lived by his side in the desert mountains of California became popular culture's de facto avatar for evil in the latter 20th century. Coupled with the January election of President Richard Nixon, who successfully campaigned under on "Law and Order" platform that promised reaffirm the Establishment status quo, the saga of the Manson Family spelled the grim end of an era and its dashed hopes for the so-called Age of Aquarius. Perhaps that is why, a half century later, the faint echoes of the Manson Family and the Tate-LaBianca murders reverberate within popular culture. Through the decades there's been endless documentaries, movies, TV shows, books, and more either inspired by, based on, or seeking to make sense of it all. There's even been alternative theories proposed to challenge prosecutor's Vincent Bugliosi's Helter Skelter telling of the whole twisted affair. Some, such as the controversial Nikolas Schreck, have argued that the Tate-LaBianca murders were a drug burn gone awry. Others, most notably the late conspiracy-minded radio host Mae Brussell, have speculated that the murders were a plot to crush the counterculture and that the Manson Family were products of the CIA's Cold War-era mind control experiments with the now infamous MK ULTRA project. Ed Sanders, the poet and counterculture icon of the seminal hippie folk-rock band The Fugs, attempted to draw a connection between Manson and a little-know cult with the ominous name The Process Church of the Final Judgment in his 1971 chronicle of the case THE FAMILY. And, of course, there are those who believe that Bugliosi's account of the events, as detailed in his 1974 best-seller HELTER SKELTER, remains the definitive final word on the whole matter. After all these years one could be forgiven for thinking that Charles Manson's death on November 19, 2017 from a cardiac arrest would be the nail in the coffin for his and The Manson Family's hold on the popular imagination. And yet multiple major motion pictures since have been based on, inspired/influenced by, or involved the Manson saga incl
S1 E186 · Thu, January 30, 2020
Are We Doomed?: A Climate Change Debate/Discussion w/ Patrick Farnsworth and Alexander Miller
Are we doomed by a coming climate change apocalypse? Patrick Farnsworth of the Last Born in the Wilderness podcast and Alexander Miller, who recently appeared on the You Can't Win podcast to challenge climate doomerism, join us for a debate and discussion based around that very question. Alex requested to have a debate on this matter after hearing a previous conversation between Patrick and I. Alex argues that Patrick views represent what's been called "Doomerism" about climate change and wanted to debate him what climate change and climate catastrophe will entail. Alex does not argue that climate change isn't a major issue, but rather takes the view that it will not be an extinction level event. Patrick takes more or less a bleaker view on what climate change entails. In this conversation they debate the merits of their viewpoints and let the listeners decide. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! FOR BONUS CONTENT AND ARCHIVED EPISODES!
S1 E185 · Sat, January 25, 2020
The So-Called Prophet from Pittsburgh (True Crime/Cult Investigation) w/ Joseph L. Flatley
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Joseph L. Flatley joins us to discuss his new investigative podcast series The So-Called Prophet from Pittsburgh exploring a New Age UFO religion, or, as other would argue a destructive cult, operating an eco-village in the desert heat of Arizona and led by a man calling himself Gabriel of Urantia. Following in the footsteps of hit podcasts like Serial, S-Town, and Wonderland, The So-Called Prophet from Pittsburgh will appeal to fans of true crime and cult investigations. Joseph tells us all about the pod, Gabriel of Urantia, Gabriel's follower, and the ex-members who've formed what they call "The Negative Network". All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
S1 E184 · Mon, January 13, 2020
A Left Libertarianism? + Chile & the Limits of Neoliberalism w/ Camilo Gómez
On this edition of Parallax Views, Peru-based commentator and analyst joins us to discuss his work with The Center for a Stateless Society (C4SS) , an organization that describes itself as pro-market but anti-capitalist and has been referred to as left libertarian or market anarchist in its orientation, as well as his recent piece covering the Chile protest entitled "Chile and the Limits of Neoliberalism" . What is driving the protests in Chile and what do they mean within the broader context of the growing global resistance to neoliberalism worldwide? All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.
S1 E183 · Wed, January 08, 2020
Pop the Left! + The Iran Situation w/ C. Derick Varn
On this edition of Parallax Views, C. Derick Varn joins us to discuss his new and improved Pop the Left! podcast series for Zero Books. Additionally, Derick and I also discuss the Iran Situation in the wake of the assassination of Gen. Soleimani. This was recorded a day after the assassination and tensions have continued to heat up since then, but Derick provides what I consider to be useful insights. We also discuss a number of other topics in this conversation that marks the first episode of Parallax Views for the new year of 2020! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM
S1 E182 · Wed, December 25, 2019
Parallax Views 2019 Holiday Special w/ Shane Bugbee & The Horror Vanguard
Gather around the Christmas tree and crack open some eggnog because it's the Parallax Views 2019 Holiday Special! On this edition of the program we bring you some holiday cheer with not one but two conversations with previous Parallax Views guests. First up, "The P.T. Barnum of the Underground" Shane Bugbee returns to tells us all about the time he organized the first ever Jean Shepherd Festival in Hammond, Indiana. For those not familiar, Shepherd was the great humorist whose writings served as the basis for the classic holiday movie A Christmas Story. Hot off the heels of his controversial Expo of the Extreme in Chicago, Shane had moved to the small, downtrodden town of Hammond and was surprised to find out its residents were unaware that Jean Shepherd, who impacted such influential figures as Jerry Seinfeld, was raised in their very town. So Shane decided to put together a festival that would celebrate Shepherd as Hammond's hometown hero and brought in a number of actors from A Christmas Story for the occasion. In this conversation you'll hear how Shane organized the events, his experience getting the "Key to the City" from the Mayor for it, how Shane had to sign a paper stating that Satan would not appear at the event, how he thinks it helped uplift the spirits of many in the town, and much, much more. Additionally, we cap off this conversation with a brief discussion of Shane's encounter with the late great Rudy Ray Moore, who was recently immortalized in the Eddie Murphy-starring feature film Dolemite is My Name , and the pranksterish shenanigans Shane and Rudy got up to that raised the ire of Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams, stars of the TV sitcom Laverne and Shirley. Shane Bugbee rocking the infamous Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story Then, multi-time guests and friends of the show Jon and Ash of the Horror Vanguard podcast join us to discuss the wild world of Christmas horror movies! This is a light-hearted casual conversation that covers alternative holiday classics from Black Christmas and Gremlins to the 6 film Silent Night, Deadly Night franchise and, of course, the greatest holiday horror of them all... ELVES, the movie where Dan Haggerty, Grizzly Adams himself, goes head-to-head with genetically modified Nazi demons elves! Hell, we even discuss such obscurities as the mean-spirited British slasher Don't Open Till Christmas, Santa's Slay starring pro wrestling legend Bill Goldberg, the fantastic short film Black Santa's Revenge, and the French proto-Home Alone thriller Deadly Games. MERRY CHRISTMAS PARALLAX VIEWS LISTENERS AND MAY YOU ALL HAVE A
S1 E181 · Mon, December 23, 2019
Frankly: Unmasking Frank Capra w/ Film Historian Joseph McBride
On this edition of Parallax Views, Frank Capra is generally one of the most beloved filmmaker in Hollywood history. Best known for movies like the Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and the holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life, Capra is often seen as being a forerunner to the auteur (thanks to his motto "one man, one film) and whose cinematic efforts championed the working class. Noted film historian Joseph McBride, whose storied career has included working with the legendary Orson Welles as well as writing biographies of Welles, Steven Spielberg, and John Ford, however, found that the popular image of the man was a myth in writing the biography Frank Capra: The Catastrophe of Success. For one thing, McBride found that Capra, contrary to the myth, was not as big a fan of the masses and everyday man as his films would lead many to believe. In fact, in interviewing Capra and others, as well as engaging in extensive research, he found that Capra had a certain fear for the masses, was a lifelong Republican who disliked FDR, and, despite being an immigrant himself, a xenophobe with anti-Semitic tendencies. Most damning of all perhaps was McBride's discovery of a file in Capra's archives which revealed that Capra snitched on his fellow Hollywood colleagues during the era of McCarthyism and the Red Scare. McBride set about telling the true story of this legendary filmmaker, not to destroy his legacy but instead to reveal a complex man that considered himself an ardent patriot who felt betrayed by his country when he was accused of being a subversive. As a result of this betrayal, McBride argues, Capra lost his way and went against the very values espoused in his beloved filmography by feeding the McCarthyite menace. The story, however, did not end with the publication of Frank Capra: The Catastrophe of Success in 1992. In his new book, Frankly: Unmasking Frank Capra, McBride relates the Kafka-esque tale of his struggle to complete and see published Frank Capra: The Catastrophe of Success. The experience found McBride, after having the project initially greenlit by his publisher, Capra's archivist, and Capra himself, being stonewalled. As such Frankly: Unmasking Frank Capra serves not only as the follow-up to Frank Capra: The Catastrophe but also as a story about the monumental struggles journalists and biographers often face in attempting to, as reporter Walter Lippman once said, "Tell the truth and shame the devil." On this edition of the program Joseph McBride himself joins us to share this fascinating story.
S1 E180 · Thu, December 19, 2019
2nd Vermont Republic + The Post (Truth) World w/ Dr. Rob Williams
On this edition of Parallax Views, we discuss two very distinct topics with Dr. Rob Williams, a Media/Communications professor at Champlain College and the University of Vermont as well the publisher of Vermont Independent (not to mention a musician, author, and a yak farmer/enthusiast; Dr. Williams wears many different hats!). First up, Dr. Williams tells us about the Vermont Independence Movement or Second Vermont Republic, which would like to see Vermont return to it's former status as independent republic by seceding from the United States. Regardless of one's thoughts on secession the topic has had occasionally breached mainstream discourse vis-à-vis not only the 2nd Vermont Republic's efforts but also CalExit, a California secessionist group, in recent years. It is my hope that this part of the conversation with Dr. Williams, who is a staunch supporter of 2VR, can provide an insight into what leads a small-but-vocal number of citizens to advocate for secession. Then, in the second half of our conversation we discuss Dr. Williams short book The Post (Truth) World : Fighting Fake News with a 21st Century "Propaganda Model" for our Digital Age . In this brief work Dr. Williams attempts to update Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Hermann's "Propaganda Model" for understanding systemic biases in corporate media as outlined in their 1988 book Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media . We begin this portion of the discussion by delving into Dr. Williams' critical take on Steven Spielberg's recent critically-acclaimed film The Post , which detailed The Washingto Post's publishing of the scandalous Pentagon Papers during the Vietnam War. From there we explore the issues facing news media today and the digital age's impact on said media. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! <a href='https://www.patreon.com/paralla
S1 E179 · Mon, December 16, 2019
Meet the Cognitive Psychologist Taking on Jordan Peterson w/ Cass Eris
On this edition of Parallax Views, there have been many critiques made of the controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson since he first became an internet sensation in 2016. Much has been made of Peterson's fusion of self-help and Jungian psychology with a thinly-veiled conservative political agenda, but what about the criticism of Peterson from an academic and psychology-based perspective? Rising YouTube star Cass Eris is seeking to fill that void as a cognitive psychologist taking the deep-dive into Peterson's 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos in a series a videos that dissect the popular 2018 self-help book chapter by chapter. On this edition of the show Eris joins us to discuss not only the series but also her background; criticisms of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, and Carl Jung; Peterson's lack of citations; the just world hypothesis; and, of course, lobsters. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! KEEP UP WITH THE WORK OF CASS ERIS ON YOUTUBE! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <a href='https:
S1 E176 · Wed, December 11, 2019
Start the (Unicorn) Riot w/ Dan Feidt
On this edition of Parallax Views, the decentralized, non-profit media collective Unicorn Riot has gained notoriety in the past few year for its databases and exposés of leaks pertaining to the inner world and workings of the American far-right or alt right. This, however, is only a small part of the work done by Unicorn Riot, whose motto is "Your Alternative Media". Recently, for example, Unicorn Riot has been publishing investigations related to scandalous, seedy world of offshore banking. Specifically, Unicorn Riot, alongside Distributed Denial of Secrets, has been shedding light on the data hacks of The Cayman National Bank and, shortly after the recording of this episode, the London finance firm Formations House. On this edition of the program, Dan Feidt, a co-founder of Unicorn Riot, joins us to discuss the collective's work, mission, its decentralized nature. In addition Dan fills us in on his reporting in regards to the shadowy world of offshore banking, specifically the recent Cayman National Bank data hack leaks. Dan and I also chat about conspiracy theories and offer a critique of right-wing conspiracy theories like QAnon and figures like Alex Jones of Infowars. And yes, we do discuss Unicorn Riot's work pertaining to the leaks they've published and databased pertaining to the inner world and workings of the alt right. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:V
S1 E178 · Sat, December 07, 2019
Indie Filmmaking w/ Henrique Couto, Director of Boggy Creek: The Series
On this edition of Parallax Views, we return to the world of true indie films with Henrique Couto, director of the recently released Boggy Creek: The Series. For the uninitiated, Boggy Creek: The Series takes it's name from a series of popular cult movies, starting with Charles B. Pierce's 1972 docudrama The Legend of Boggy Creek, about the Arkansas-based legend of a Bigfoot creature called the Fouke Monster. In this new series, a pair of investigators for "The American Yeti Project", Roger and Sarah, try to find the mysterious Beast of Boggy of Creek while also having various misadventures involving bandits, a serial killer, the town's alleged witch, and even a murderous supernatural scarecrow! Available now for streaming on Amazon, Boggy Creek: The Series was produced by prolific B-movie maven Fred Olen Ray and features a guest appearance from noted "Scream "Queen" Brinke Stevens and narration by Academy Award-nominated actor Eric Roberts. Sasquatch hunter Sarah and Roger (Joni Durian and Mike Hillinski) with Sheriff McCay (Joe Kidd) in Boggy Creek: The Series Sara (Joni Durian) getting menaced by the legendary Beast of Boggy Creek "Scream Queen" Brinke Stevens makes a special guest appearance on the first episode of Boggy Creek: The Series as the town's alleged witch Eric Roberts, who won an academy award-nominated actor and multi-time Golden Globe-nominee Eric Roberts provides the narration for Boggy Creek: The Series Henrique Couto, enjoying himself in between filming Boggy Creek: The Series In addition to Boggy Creek: The Series, Henrique Couto has also directed such features as the horror anthology Scarewaves, the neo-slasher movie Babysitter Massacre, the western Calamity Jane's Revenge (starring former WWE Superstar Al Snow), the family feature A Bulldog for Christmas, and comedies such as Depression: The Movie, Making Out, Awkward Thanksgiving. During this conversation Henrique discusses how he became involved in film at a very young age, being mentored by fellow indie filmmaker Andrew Copp, finding his voice as an artist, Boggy Creek: The Series, and much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! </
S1 E177 · Wed, December 04, 2019
A Casual Conversation w/ GNN’s Cole James Cash
On this edition of Parallax Views, a casual conversation with a rising star in the YouTube left media space, Cole James Cash of GNN (Ghetto News Network). Cole has been giving his take on current events through GNN since March of last year. He's also interviewed such personalities as Jamie Peck of the Antifada podcast, author Ben Burgis of Give Them an Argument: Logic for the Left fame, and progressive commentator Benjamin Dixon. Additionally he has tussled with such figures as Tulsi Gabbard supporter Niko House and, most infamously, black conservative broadcaster Jesse Lee Peterson. In this free-wheeling conversation Cole and I discuss rap music (before GNN Cole was a rapper), the military, American history, and much more. And yes, we do discuss his confrontation with Jesse Lee Peterson. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM
S1 E172 · Mon, December 02, 2019
Reevaluating the Forgotten Historian Charles Austin Beard w/ Dr. Richard Drake
On this edition of Parallax Views, the historian Charles Austin Beard is not widely discussed today, but in the early 20th century he was a juggernaut amongst public intellectuals. Along with his wife Mary Beard, Charles Beard is one of the forebears of the progressive school of historical interpretation. He is perhaps best know for 1913 book An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States, which provocatively re-evaluated the founding fathers as being driven primarily by material factors rather than ideals. Additionally Bear was a staunch anti-imperialist. So much so, in fact, that he went on to oppose U.S. intervention into WWII. Due to his stance on U.S. involvement in WWII at the time Beard fell out of favor with historians in the latter half of the 20th century. On this edition of the program Dr. Richard Drake, the Lucille Spear Research Chair in Politics and History at University of Montana, joins us to discuss his reevaluating this forgotten figure in his new book Charles Austin Beard: The Return of the Master Historian of American Imperialism . We begin the conversation by discussing Richard's adjacent research into the great poet Robinson Jeffers, whom shares a great deal in common with Beard. From there we delve into how Richard became interested in figures like Beard and Jeffers, which he says originated with his historical research into European history and the Italian Red Brigades. We then delve into the concept of America as Empire, what it means, and how it relates to Beard's work. After laying that groundwork, Richard and I begin delving into our main subject, the historian Charles Austin Beard, by explaining how Richard's new book relates to his previous work The Education of an Anti-Imperialist: Robert La Follette and U.S. Expansion . Additionally, Richard fills listeners in on how Beard had a strong intellectual collaboration with his wife Mary Ritter Beard, a historian in her on own right who chronicled American women's history, that led to the influential two volume The Rise of American Civilization . Early 20th Century Wisconsin Senator Robert La Follette Charles Beard's wife, Mary Ritter Beard, was an influential historian her on write often credited as a founding figure for the field of American women's history The Rise of American Civilization by Charles and Mary Beard was influential to historians in the first half of the 20th century Richard and I then dig into how Beard became more staunchly anti-imperialist after WWI. Additionally we talk a bit about Beard's radical reinterpretation of the United States Constitutions and his influence on latter 20th century public intellectuals like Gore Vidal and Howard Zinn as well as the Wisconsin School of American diplomatic history as championed by William Applema
S1 E175 · Sat, November 30, 2019
The Dark Side of Hollywood w/ Albert Lanier: The Murder of Bonny Lee Bakely
Parallax Views Presents... THE DARK SIDE OF HOLLYWOOD On this second installment of the Parallax Views series The Dark Side of Hollywood, journalist Albert Lanier and I discuss the murder of Bonny Lee Bakely that led to the arrest of her husband, famed Hollywood actor Robert Blake. Blake was a bonafide legend of Hollywood, specifically for his turns in movies like In Cold Blood and David Lynch's Lost Highway as well as starring in the TV series Barretta, but his star was fading in the 21st century. That is until the death of his wife Bonny Lee Bakely thrust him back into the spotlight. Bakely herself led what could be politely called a rather interesting life. She was, for all intent and purposes, a lifelong conwoman who aspired to be amongst the rich and famous. In fact, this even led to relationships with Marlon Brando's son Christian Brando and Jerry Lee Lewis before her marriage to Blake. On May 4, 2001 that all changed when Bakely was murdered. Robert Blake quickly became the prime suspect. Was he the murder? Albert Lanier dissects the case and gives his take on this edition of... THE DARK SIDE OF HOLLYWOOD <a href='htt
S1 E171 · Fri, November 29, 2019
Take Hold of Our History: Make America Radical Again w/ Harvey J. Kaye
On this special Thanksgiving edition of Parallax Views, American conservatives have often laid claim to the founding fathers and the historical traditions of America. This begs the question: Is there a radical tradition in American history that contrasts this narrative? Our guest on this edition of the program, historian and sociologist Harvey J. Kaye, the Ben & Joyce Rosenberg Professor of Democracy and Justice Studies at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, says there is in his new collection of essays and interviews entitled Take Hold of History: Make America Radical Again (Zero Books, 2019). Harvey J. Kaye speaking with legendary broadcast journalist Bill Moyers Our conversation covers a great deal of ground beginning with how Harvey became interested in America's radical tradition. From there we delve into a number of areas including his admiration for Thomas Paine, the founding father who wrote Common Sense, and the importance of Franklin Dealanor Roosevelt's Four Freedoms. We even talk a bit about religion, Abraham Lincoln's alleged correspondence with Karl Marx, the sociologist C. Wright Mills (who famously popularized the Power Elite theory of societal organization), and the classic novel It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis (which warned of the possibility of fascism coming to America). All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. TAKE HOLD OF OUR HISTORY: MAKE AMERICA RADICAL AGAIN BY HARVEY J. KAYE AVAILABLE NOW FROM ZERO BOOKS SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:cente
S1 E173 · Wed, November 27, 2019
Can the Left Learn to Meme: Adorno, Video Gaming, and Stranger Things w/ Mike Watson
On this edition of Parallax Views, Mike Watson, author of Towards a Conceptual Militancy, argues that there's liberatory potential in millennial cultural-production such as memes in his new book Can the Left Learn to Meme?: Adorno, Video Gaming, and Stranger Things. From the synopsis courtesy of Zero Books: "Taking in an array of cultural references from the contemporary art world, to cat memes, Stranger Things, the Kardashian-Jenners, Mad Men, Run the Jewels, and video gaming, Can the Left Learn to Meme? argues that there is positivity in millennial-era cultural production. Utilising Adorno’s unswerving yet understated hope in spite of the odds, Mike Watson embraces the abstraction of the new media landscape as millennials refuse to surrender to cynicism, by out-weirding even the world at large. They pose a radical alternative to the right wing approach of Steve Bannon and the conservative psychology of Jordan Peterson. Here, the cultural elitism of the art world is contrasted with the anything-goes approach of millennial culture. The left avant-garde dream of an art-for-all is with us, though you won't find it in museums. It is time the left learned to meme, challenging conventions along the way." Watson joins us to discuss the book as well as his observations of and understanding of the art world from an insider's perspective. Additionally, we take a dive into the ideas of Frankfurt School critical theorist Theodor Adorno, who serves as a major inspiration for Can the Left Learn to Meme?. From there we delve into the world of internet culture and memes, which have been seized upon by the right. Watson sees figures like Steve Bannon and Jordan B. Peterson as targeting online audiences and a sort of battle for the millennial mind taking place in cyberspace. We also discuss the relevance of the TV show Stranger Things to Mike's book, Adorno's concept of the shudder, the jarring webseries Don't Hug Me I'm Scared, vaporwave music, and more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font
Tue, November 26, 2019
BONUS: Health Justice Fundraiser 3: Eliot Rosenstock, Jeremy Salmon, and Rachel
A Note to Listeners: Please Consider Supporting This GoFundMe for the Medical Expenses of this Pittsburgh Family. Your Support Would Mean the World to Parallax Views & J.G. Michael A few months ago Parallax Views supported a family hit bit unexpected healthcare expenses by promoting their GoFundMe in a series of episodes dedicated to healthcare reform and health justice. The family has since raiser over $17k, but is still seeking to reach their $40k goal. As such, Parallax Views want to show their continued support for the family by publishing previously unreleased conversations from the health justice fundraiser. On this edition of the show you'll hear conversation on healthcare and health justice featuring: - Eliot Rosenstock, author of Zizek in the Clinic: A Revolutionary Proposal for a New Endgame in Psychotherapy - Jeremy Salmon, host of the Giving the Mic to the Wrong Person podcast, which espouses DSA politics while chatting about pop culture and all things "nerdy" - Jeremy's friend Rachel, who provides her own insight into the healthcare issue as a social worker at a crisis center
S1 E169 · Fri, November 22, 2019
A Conversation About the Far-Right w/ Daniel Harper of the I Don’t Speak German Podcast
On this edition of Parallax Views, since launching in January 2019 the I Don't Speak German podcast has become the a go-to resource for understanding the latest goings on in the alt right or far-right today. The show features conversations between Jack Graham and Daniel Harper, the latter of whom follows alt right media and tries to explain it to the former. Don't be mistaken, however, neither Graham or Harper are alt right. In fact, both are openly leftist and Daniel, as reported recently by Nick Martin in The Daily Beast, was recently threatened by a far-right Satanic neo-Nazi over the podcast. Daniel Harper, one half of the I Don't Speak German podcast, joins us on this edition for a conversation about the far-right in America today. We begin with how Daniel became interested in tracking the various activities (and dramas) of the alt right as well as the scary incident in which the aforementioned Satanic neo-Nazi had threatened, in online communications, to burn down Daniel's house. From there we have a wide-ranging conversation about online radicalization, deradicalization, the forces (and possible financial benefactors) behind the far-right, and much more on this edition of Parallax Views. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:ce
S1 E170 · Thu, November 21, 2019
Mike Gravel on His Life, the Pentagon Papers, & Direct Democracy
On this edition of Parallax Views, former Senator Mike Gravel made some waves earlier this year when a group of teens meme'd him into a Presidential campaign seeking the Democratic nomination. Although that campaign has since ended, Gravel is hard at work promoting one of his greatest passions: direct democracy. During his Senatorial career Gravel forcefully opposed the Vietnam War draft and, famously, read the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret Department of Defense study courageously leaked to the public by whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, on the floor of Congress. He is, in another words, a man that has not only bore witness to history, but participated in it. And at 89 years old he's a passionate and committed as ever. Not only that, but he has a great deal of hope. As a proponent of direct democracy he believes strongly in the will of "We the People" and has faith in the masses. Moreover, he argues that a more direct democracy, which would include the citizens in our lawmaking processes, is eminently possible. In this conversation we discuss all of these matters and subjects as well as Mike's working-class background, the influence figures like Bertrand Russell and IF Stone had on him, and more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:
S1 E168 · Mon, November 18, 2019
Douglas Valentine on With Our Eyes Wide Open: Poems of the New American Century
On this edition of Parallax Views, writer Douglas Valentine is perhaps most known for his controversial research into the CIA and its covert operations. His most-well-known work is the heavily-footnoted The Phoenix Program: America's Use of Terror in Vietnam , which attempted to document particularly chilling Vietnam War operation undertaken by the Agency as overseen by William Colby (who, it should be noted, served as Director of the CIA from September 1973 to January 1976). Valentine has continued to explored the terrain of covert skullduggery in such works as The Strength of the Wolf: The Secret History of America's War on Drugs , The Strength of the Pack: The Personalities, Politics, and Espionage Intrigues that Shaped the DEA , and The CIA as Organized Crime: How Illegal Operations Corrupt America and the World . It turns out, however, that this is only one accept of Valentine's work. He is also, as it were, a champion and author of poetry. On this edition of the program, he joins us to discuss the poetry anthology he edited, With Our Eyes Wide Open: Poems of the New American Century. In the course of this conversation Douglas explain how he became interested in poetry and how poetry connects to his broader concerns, namely the promotion of humanism and social justice. Additionally, Douglas reads a few poems from the aforementioned anthology and gives his thoughts on the passing of Toni Morrison. And, during the intro, we fill listeners in, just a bit, on his work pertaining to The Phoenix Program. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-s
S1 E167 · Mon, November 18, 2019
Occult Music & Hidden History w/ Nikolas Schreck
On this edition of Parallax Views, the controversial Nikolas Schreck returns to discuss his latest musical work, The Illusionist, and the upcoming updated (and final) edition of The Manson File as well as expressing his uncensored opinions on the Church of Satan's Anton LaVey, conspiracy theories, the alt right, and the far-right's resurgent interest in the work of neo-Nazi extremist James Mason. We begin the conversation by discussing Nikolas' new album The Illusionist, available from Records Ad Nauseam, including the outer space influenced psychedelic single "The Futura Model" and "This Hideous Thing", Nikolas' final musical exploration of the Tate-LaBianca murders. From there we discuss the dark humor found in Nikolas' musical projects over the years and his collaboration with the cult musician John Murphy. Additionally, Nikolas expresses the influence that musicians like Nico and crooners such as Russ Columbo have had on his musical endeavors. In this regard we also discuss Nikolas love of "outsider" musicians like Roky Erikson and Daniel Johnston. During this segment Nikolas explains his issues with the term of "outsider musician". Nikolas Schreck and his drummer Heathen Rae Nikolas Schreck and his bassist Ohnesorg Nikolas Schreck and his keyboardist Winfried Strauss We then delve into the fiction and reality of the Tate-Labianca or Manson murders as outlined in the upcoming, final updated edition of his book The Manson File. In particular, we discuss what Nikolas consider to be the real reason for the murders, namely a drug deal gone bad. Interestingly, the Hollywood Reporter recently featured a protégé of Jay Siebring (a victim in the Tate murders) saying this was the true reason for the murders. Nikolas also notes that, based on his research, Roman Polanski is a much darker figure in the Manson story than recognized and argues that Sharon Tate had wanted pleaded with him to move from Cielo Drive before the murders took place. Additionally, Nikolas delves into his relationship with Charles Manson as well as Manson's criminality and role in the murders. He argues, however, that at the heart of the Tate-LaBianca murders is actually Manson Family members Tex Watson and Linda Kasabian, the latter of whom was the only family member to escape prison. Ultimately, Nikolas says, the Tate-LaBianca murders may be even darker than the story told by Vincent Bugliosi in Helter Skelter and in fact reveal a dark side of Hollywood years prior to the scandals of Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein. In this regard, Nikolas and I discuss the seemy underbelly of the record industry in that era and Nikolas' thoughts on the
S1 E166 · Fri, November 15, 2019
Use Me: A Post-Truth D̶o̶c̶u̶m̶e̶n̶t̶a̶r̶y̶ Thriller w/ Ceara Lynch and Julian Shaw
On this edition of Parallax Views, what is the line between reality and fantasy? Filmmaker Julian Shaw’s debut features, Use Me , starring previous Parallax Views guest and noted cyber-dominatrix, or, as she refers to herself, “humiliatrix extraordinaire”, Ceara Lynch , asks that question and others. Set for a November 26th Video-On-Demand release after a successful showing at the Brooklyn Film Festival, Use Me has been described as blurring the lines between documentary and thriller leading some to refer to it as a “post-truth” movie apropos to our current cultural moment. We begin the conversation by delving into how Use Me came together and the social media funding that made it possible. From there we discuss how the movie went from a documentary to a docufiction thriller. Julian and I get into how he inserted himself into the movie as a character. Ceara details her first experience acting in a motion picture and how it differs from the work she does as an online dominatrix. Additionally, Ceara talks a little bit about her experience in the Joe Rogan show. A great portion of the conversations deals with themes of reality vs fantasy, the nature of sexuality and taboos, and the "post-truth" nature of Use Me . And finally, we talk a little bit about the influence of erotic thriller on Julian's vision for the movie and how Ceara's friends have reacted to the feature. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views CHECK OUT USE ME AVAILABLE FROM VIDEO-ON-DEMAND STREAMING SERVICE NOVEMBER 26th, 2019 CHECK OUT CEARA'S PODCAST STANDARD DEVIATION
S1 E165 · Wed, November 13, 2019
Economics, Neoliberalism, Modern Monetary Theory, and the Left w/ Doug Henwood of Behind the News
On this edition of Parallax Views, economics is a topic that intimidate many as impenetrable. Concepts like neoliberalism, Modern Monetary Theory, and Universal Basic Income are often talked about in public discourse, but what are they? Doug Henwood, founder of the Left Business Observers and host of the Behind the News radio program, joins us to demystify economics as well as to discuss current events, specifically the Democratic Presidential debates and talk of an increased wealth tax drawing the ire of billionaires. Doug Henwood The conversation begins with Doug informing us how he went from being a young right-wing conservative to taking an interest in economics from a left-wing perspective. From their we have a conversation about the much-used-but-often-little-explained concept of neoliberalism and its history. Then we discuss the legacy of Keynesian economics and FDR's New Deal. This transitions us into the hot topic of Modern Monetary Theory, which, despite increasing popularity on the Left, Doug is remains extremely skeptical about. We also briefly discuss the idea of Universal Basic Income, challenges faced by workers under neoliberalism, the Democratic Presidential debates, and billionaires being in a furor over a greater wealth tax. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-s
S1 E164 · Mon, November 11, 2019
Dolemite is My Name, Rudy Ray Moore, and Black Cinema w/ Brian Shaughnessy and Casey Gane-McCalla
On this edition of Parallax Views, Eddie Murphy has made a much anticipated and critically-acclaimed comeback in the form of Dolemite is My Name, a Netflix-produced biopic of the legendary black comic Rudy Ray Moore. Known as "The King of the Party Records" and "The Godfather of Rap", Rudy Ray Moore, through his kung fu fighting, rappin' and tappin, anti-establishment alter ego Dolemite and various other characters, overcame all odds in the often fickle world of showbiz to entertain audiences with his bawdy, risque-brand of humor. From his comedy albums like Eat Out More Often to his cult classic movies like Dolemite, The Human Tornado, and Petey Wheatstraw, Rudy Ray Moore, despite unfortunately passing away in 2008, lives on in the pantheon of pop culture. His films have been name-checked by such respected and directors as Quentin Tarantino and John Landis. And rappers, specifically and most notably Snoop Dogg, have cited him as a major influence. His diverse fanbase even extends to such figures as Miriam Linna, a founding member of the psychobilly punk band The Cramps, and the notorious juggalo hip hop duo The Insane Clown Posse, who featured Moore, reprising his famous role of Dolemite, in their movie Big Money Hustlas. In other words, Rudy Ray Moore has earned his keep as an iconic figure and Dolemite is My Name serves long-overdue, fitting tribute to the man, the myth, and the legend. Rudy Ray Moore as "Dolemite" Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore in Dolemite is My Name Joining us on this edition of Parallax Views to discuss Dolemite is My Name, Rudy Ray Moore, and black cinema are returning guest Brian Shaughnessy and Casey Gane-McCalla , also known as the rapper "The Mighty Casey" and the author of Inside the CIA's Secret War in Jamaica. Among the topics discussed are our initial thoughts on Dolemite is My Name. We chat about Eddie Murphy's comeback and the ensemble cast that supports him in the movie including Keegan Michael-Peele, Craig Robinson, Chris Rock, and Wesley Snipes. Additionally, we delve into the world of blaxploitation movies from which Rudy Ray Moore, as his alter ego Dolemite, became a star. In particular we reference such films as the Wayans Brothers parody of the genre I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, the films of Mario and Melvin Van Peebles, and, of course, Dolemite. And, in the final portion of our conversation, we discuss the current state of black cinema with the popularity of hit movies like Marvel's Black Panther and Jordan Peele's Get Out. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;f
S1 E151 · Sun, November 10, 2019
The Devil and Shane Bugbee w/ Controversial Underground Publisher Shane Bugbee
On this edition of Parallax Views, one of the most controversial underground publishers to come out of the 1980s and 1990s counterculture joins us to discuss his life and times uncensored. He infamously republished Ragnar Redbeard's Might Makes Right , a book advocating the values of social darwinism that recently experienced newfound scrutiny when the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooter referenced it in one of his Instagram posts. He organized the Expo. He organized the Expo of the Extreme, which brought together artists from the worlds of punk, metal, industrial/noise music, and BDSM. He worked with the former child actress Dana Plato shortly before her passing and published a book/audio CD purporting to contain her "last breath". He published "The Trenchcoat Diaries" in the aftermath of the Columbine school shooting. And, after being run out of a small town in Minnesota, sought to make a documentary that would be an indictment of America. That documentary, The Suffering and Celebration of Life in America, sent him on a road trip across the country that may have inadvertently challenged the misanthropy which long drove him. The man in question is the controversial underground publisher Shane Bugbee and he joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to detail his storied life from a difficult childhood born in a Lubbock, Texas trailer to speaking at the prestigious Ivy League university Harvard. Shane initially gained notoriety for his involvement in what he calls the "Art That Kills" movement. Driven by anger and rage, Shane and others sought to create art with the misanthropic intent of hurt others. In other words, before there was 4chan edgelords, there was countercultural (in a much darker sense than the flower-power of the 1960s hippies) figures like Shane Bugbee. In many ways, the Shane Bugbee of today seems to be a completely different person from the misanthrope sometimes referred to as the "P.T. Barnum of the Underground". He's a proponent of LGBTQ+ right and believes transgender issues are at the frontier of freed speech and freedom of expression. He's a staunch supporter of Bernie Sanders and a proponent of Marshall Roseberg's Nonviolent Communication. After the election of Donald Trump to the Presidency of the United States he made the decision to pull his publication of Might Makes Right by Ragnar Redbeard from circulation. And, he now believes, contrary to misanthropy, that people aren't that bad. Despite this, Shane does not agree that he's changed. Rather he prefers to say that he's evolved. He makes no bones about his past endeavors, nor does he necessarily apologize for them. In this conversation he's completely frank, open, and uncensored. You may not agree with everything he says here or how he speaks concerning his past, but Parallax Views believes that no matter what you, dear listener, will find it fascinating. <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#00
S1 E163 · Thu, November 07, 2019
Project Censored’s Andy Lee Roth on Censored 2020: Through the Looking Glass
On this edition of Parallax Views, arising from the aftermath of the Watergate scandal the media watchdog organization Project Censored was founded in 1976 by Dr. Carl Jensen of Sonoma State University to "educate students and the public about the importance of a truly free press for democratic self-government". For over 40 years it has sought to shine a much needed light on issues like censorship, junk food news, news abuse, and critical media literacy. In addition to producing documentaries and a weekly radio program on these important matters, Project Censored publishes an annual yearbook which attempts to collate the top censored news stories and media analysis of the past year. Joining us to discuss the latest yearbook in this series, Censored 2020: Through the Looking Glass, is Andy Lee Roth, the associate director of Project Censored and coordinator of Project Censored's Validated Independent News program. The conversation begins with a discussion of Project Censored's mission. Andy Lee Roth references the work of the 20th century Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Walter Lippman in this regard and his famous quote arguing that journalism should, "Tell the truth and shame the devil." From there we delve into how Project Censored decides what stories will go into the annual Censored yearbook and fills us in on the Project's Validated Independent News program. Andy then shares with us the poem that opens up Censored 2020 and explains why it used in this edition of the annual yearbook. Then we discuss the Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass motifs that inform the book. Roth explains how these motifs seem prevalent in an age of fake news and media distortion. This brings us into a discussion of fake news and some of the possibly problematic solutions being offered to combat it. From there we discuss some of the chapters contained in Censored 2020: Through the Looking Glass starting with April Anderson and Andy's report on coverage of LGQBTQ+ issues in the age of Trump. We then talk about the annual "Media Democracy in Action" chapter which includes contributions from transparency advocate Russ Kick, Kathyrn Foxhall of the Society of Professional Journalists, and others. Andy and I then discuss a few of the stories included in the top 25 censored stories section of Censored 2020. In particular, Andy tells us about the upsetting story of flawed investigations into sexual assault at Children's Migrant Center and the more positive story of new programs that are making school food systems more equitable. We begin wrapping up the conversation by discussing the state of journalism and the media ecosystem today, specifically in light of the recent collapse of Splinter and Deadspin under G/O Media. Andy and I chat about what the future may
S1 E162 · Tue, November 05, 2019
The Program: Inside the Mind of Keith Raniere and The Rise and Fall of NXIVM w/ Toni Natalie & Chet Hardin
On this edition of Parallax Views, the multi-level marketing NXIVM has gained national infamy as the "Hollywood Sex Cult" that landed its founder Keith Raniere, Smallville actress Allison Mack, and others in prison on multiple counts related to horrifically abusive behaviors against its members. The sensational headlines, however, may not do justice to understanding the true depravity of Keith Raniere, known within the cult as "Vanguard", and the horror show of NXIVM. Joining us on this edition of the program to unravel the sordid story and provide insight into the mind of a cult leader is Keith Raniere's ex-girlfriend, the "Patient Zero" of NXIVM, Toni Natalie and journalist Chet Hardin , who has been one of the main journalists covering the cult. Together Natalie and Hardin have authored the new book The Program: Inside the Mind of Keith Raniere and The Rise and Fall of NXIVM. We discuss Toni's story from how she met Raniere through the company Consumers Byline Inc. to the gaslighting she experienced after crossing Raniere and finally bearing witness to the fall of NXIVM's founder at his trial. Chet fills us in on how he began reporting on NXIVM and his experiences with its members. Additionally, Chet notes that, while NXIVM may have connections to political campaigns of the Clinton family, Raniere and his cult's beliefs share a great deal in common with the right-wing ideologies espoused online by "incels" and "the red pill" in regards to women. Toni notes that the story of NXIVM is not over yet and that victims, like the late Kristin Snyder, still deserve justice. We close out the conversation by trying to offer some kind of light amidst all the darkness. NXIVM founders Keith Raniere and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) expert Nancy Salzman, known within the cult as "Vanguard" and "Prefect" The Smallville actress Allison was a particularly high-profile member of NXIVM and has admitted to coming up with the idea for the human branding of NXIVM members Sara and Clare Bronfman, heiresses to the immense wealth generated by the Seagram Company, were also high-profile figures associated with NXIVM THE PROGRAM: INSIDE THE MIND OF KEITH RANIERE AND THE RISE AND FALL OF NXIVM BY TONI NATALIE W/ CHET HARDIN AVAILABLE NOW <a href='https://www.
S1 E160 · Sun, November 03, 2019
From Evangelical Christian to Post-Punk Goth Humanist w/ Joshua Strawn of Azar Swan
On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished conversation with Joshua Strawn of the musical duo Azar Swan on his journey from growing up as an evangelical Christian to becoming a highly acclaimed post-punk musician with a militant humanist worldview in the goth music scene. In addition to Azar Swan, a collaboration between himself and the mysterious Zohra Atash, Joshua has also been in musical innovator in such bands as the indie rock outfit Religious to Damn, the experimental black metal-influenced project Vaura, and the New York post-punk revival band Blacklist. As well as being a multi-talented musician, Joshua has a keen interest in matters related to politics, humanism, and atheism and, during his time in New York's The New School, was mentored by the late, acerbic New Atheist provocateur Christopher Hitchens. Zohra Atash and Joshua Strawn performing as Azar Swan The Blacklist album Midnight of the Century has attained a cult status Joshua has also tried his hand at a very experimental form of black metal with the band Vaura During his time studying at The New School, Joshua struck up a friendship with the controversial and acerbic social critic Christopher Hitchens During this conversation, Joshua and I discuss his experiences growing up in an evangelical Christian family and understanding the evangelical mindset. From there we dive into how Joshua became a militant atheist driven by humanism and how his interest in music initially blossomed. We discuss his music from Azar Swan to Vaura and Blacklist as well as his involvement in the Wierd Record music label and scene founded by Peter Schoolwerth. And finally we delve into his relationship with Christopher Hitchens including his personal anedotes and feelings about the late social critic with an acidic wit. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helve
Fri, November 01, 2019
CLASSIC REPLAY: Billie Winner-Davis on Her Daughter Reality Winner, the 1st Target of Trump’s War on Whistleblowers
In light of whistleblowers being in the news cycle as of late, Parallax Views presents a classic replay of our conversation with Billie Winne-Davis about her daughter Reality Leigh Winner, an early whistleblower of the Trump era. Since the inception of the War On Terror there has been a parallel war waged by the National Security State to silence whistleblowers. Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, and John Kiriakou are just some of the victims in the War on Whistleblowers. In 2017 27 year old air force veteran and former NSA contractor Reality Leigh Winner became the first target of the Trump administration's continuation of this ongoing War on Whistleblower after leaking classified information concerning the possibility of Russian hacking in the 2016 Presidential election. Reality's mother, Billie Winner-Davis, joins us for an emotional conversation about her daughter's case and the ordeal Reality has been put through for being a conscientious citizen. Billie Winner-Davis <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;fo
S1 E158 · Wed, October 30, 2019
BONUS: The Life & Times of Bela Lugosi from Dracula to Ed Wood w/ Lugosi Scholar Gary D. Rhodes
On this Halloween bonus edition of Parallax Views, the Hungarian-born actor Bela Lugosi has become immortalized in pop culture since he starred as the title vampire in Tod Browning's 1931 Universal Studios monster movie classic Dracula. Additionally, Lugosi is also remembered for his collaborations with the notoriously inept filmmaker Ed Wood in the final years of his life. Together Wood and Lugosi made Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster, and, most infamously, "The Worst Movie Ever Made" Plan 9 from Outer Space. Lugosi's relationship with Wood went on to become the subject of a major motion picture, Tim Burton's Ed Wood, and garnered the late Martin Landau an Academy Award for his performance as the iconic thespian. Even after his passing 63 years ago, Lugosi's place in the pantheon of popular culture remains cemented into the collective imagination with the legendary actor being referenced in works by artists as varied as Andy Warhol and the goth rock band Bauhaus. In other words, the Lugosi legacy lives on all these years later. Joining us to discuss the life and times of Bela Lugosi, from Dracula to Plan 9 from Outer Space, is film historian Gary D. Rhodes. Having written multiple books on Lugosi, including Bela Lugosi, Dreams and Nightmares, Ed Wood and the Lost Lugosi Screenplays, and Bela Lugosi and the Monogram 9 (with previous Parallax Views guest Robert Guffey), Rhodes is without a doubt the foremost scholar of all things Bela Lugosi. In this previously unpublished conversation Rhodes takes us through the life and times of Lugosi, from his rise to stardom to his eventual struggles with addiction and infamous collaborations with Ed Wood. CHECK OUT BELA LUGOSI AND THE MONOGRAM 9 BY GARY D. RHODES <a href='http://www.bearmanormedia.com/bela-lugosi-and-monogram-9-softcover-edition-by-gary-d-rhodes-an
S1 E157 · Wed, October 30, 2019
A People’s History of Devil’s Night, Occultism, & Harvest Goth w/ Nestor of Black Banner Magic
On this edition of Parallax Views, we delve into the history of Devil's Night and Halloween from a "People's History of" perspective w/ Nestor of Black Banner Magic . Additionally Nestor and I discuss occultism, whether occultism is inherently right wing, Nestor's criticisms of the "Trump Binding" rituals performed by some witches across the U.S., the concept of "Harvest Goth", and much, much more. It's a free-wheeling conversation to cap-off our celebration of the Halloween season here at Parallax Views! Sorry if this description is short-but-sweet, but I have to go bob for some apples and binge watch horror movies before the Halloween season is over. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM
S1 E156 · Mon, October 28, 2019
TV Horror Hosts, Misunderstood Movies, & Counterculture w/ Cinema Insomnia’s Mr. Lobo
On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue to celebrate Halloween and the spooky season by diving into the world of television horror hosts. The character of the horror host has been a part of pop culture since the days of spook shows and radio, but have become a staple of late night television since the 1950s. Hosts like the buxom Vampira, the beatnik Ghoulardi, "The Cool Ghoul" Zacherley, the unrepentant redneck Joe Bob Briggs, the humorously sexy Elvira, and the currently nationally-syndicated Svengoolie have acted as guides for audiences wanting to embark into the world of the strange, uncanny, and often cheesy. Vampira, one of the earliest television horror hosts Joe Bob Briggs hosting "The Last Drive-In" The alluring Elvira, Mistress of the Dark Long-time host Svengoolie is now nationally-syndicated on MeTV Mr. Lobo and his houseplant sidekick Miss Mittents host strange movies somewhere in "The Void" for the long-running Cinema Insomnia Joining us to discuss the world of horror hosts, and their often unspoken countercultural heritage, is Mr. Lobo of Cinema Insomnia and the streaming service OSI 74 (Outer Space International 74). His motto is, "They're not bad movie, just misunderstood." Alongside hosts like Joe Bob Briggs on Shudder and Svengoolie on MeTV, Mr. Lobo is likely one of the most high-profile horror hosts in America today. In addition to hosting outre movies on Cinema Insomnia for a whopping 18 seasons (and still going!), Mr. Lobo has also made multiple appearances on Coast to Coast AM w/ George Noory, starred as "Criswell" in John Johnston's Plan 9 (a loving homage/reimagining of Ed Wood's notorious Plan 9 from Outer Space), and designed the title animation for Jenn Wexler's inventive 2018 neo-slasher The Ranger. Oh, and he's also a card-carrying member of the "religion" known as the Church of the Subgenius! Mr. Lobo stars as the foul-mouthed "Criswell" in John Johnson's PLAN 9, a reimagining of Ed Wood's notorious Plan 9 from Outer Space Mr. Lobo and I have a conversation covering all these bases from the history of horror hosts to his appearance in Plan 9 and work on The Ranger. Additionally, Mr. Lobo fills listeners in on how a houseplant became his movie hosting sidekick in Cinema Insomnia, the concept behind his character and the setting of "The Void", the subversive aspects of his show such as cutting jokes about copyright laws, his free streaming service OSI 74, and working with Sleazy P. Martini of the heavy metal band GWAR! <
S1 E152 · Sun, October 27, 2019
President Evil (Donald Trump Slasher Movie Parody) w/ Gregory P. Wolk & Ruben Estremera
On this edition of Parallax Views, what's more terrifying than the murderous force of nature Michael Myers stalking and slashing his way through innocent victims on Halloween night? According to the horror-comedy parody President Evil it's a murderous force of nature in a Donald Trump mask stalking and slashing his way through innocent victims on Election Night. Gregory P. Wolk and Ruben Estremera, the writer/producer duo behind the Donald Trump slasher movie President Evil and Giant Meteor films, join us to discuss their loving spoof of John Carpenter's 1978 cult classic Halloween with a timely political twist. In addition to discussing the movie itself, Gregory and Ruben also tells us a little bit about the fears they had making the film and the anger directed at them for spoofing the current sitting President of the United States. They also discuss their current views on political matters and the possibility of President Evil sequels, including a possible Terminator spoof, during our conversation CHECK OUT PRESIDENT EVIL AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON PRIME (STREAM AT NO EXTRA CHARGE WITH AN AMAZON PRIME SUBSCRIPTION) SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-
S1 E155 · Fri, October 25, 2019
Delirium Magazine’s Chris Alexander Returns! Horror, KISS, Full Moon’s Deadly Ten, & More
On this edition of Parallax Views, Halloween is around the corner and to celebrate Parallax Views is welcoming back Chris Alexander of Delirium Magazine to chat about the joys of horror! In addition to Delirium Magazine, Alexander has also been an editor-in-chief for Fangoria, a writer for Rue Morgue, and an editor for the official magazine of the rock band KISS. He's also a filmmaker whose cinematic efforts include Blood for Irina, Queen of Blood, Female Werewolf, and Blood Dynasty as well as his upcoming feature, produced as part of Full Moon Feature's Deadly Ten project, Necropolis: Legion. On this edition of the show, Chris tells us about his abiding love of not only horror but also rock 'n' roll and how the two are intertwined. From the we delve into a number of topics with a special focus on the history of independent film producer Charles Band and his studio Full Moon Features. Charles Band and Full Moon have created such iconic horror, sci-fi, and fantasy franchises as Puppet Master, Demonic Toys, Evil Bong, the Gingerdead Man, and many, many more. Chris also tells us about Full Moon's latest venture, The Deadly Ten, which will allow fans to watch the making of 10 Full Moon movie in real time for free via the internet. CHECK OUT FULL MOON'S DEADLY TEN! ALSO BE SURE TO CHECK OUT FULL MOON FEATURES STREAMING! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-sty
S1 E154 · Wed, October 23, 2019
Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, & Police Brutality w/ Tiffney Billions
On this edition of Parallax Views, Texas-based activist Tiffney Lee Billions of We the People Organize and Billions TV joins us to discuss the fatal police shooting of Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson as well as the broader problem of police misconduct in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Billions has tirelessly sought to raise awareness of police brutality in the Dallas-Forth Worth area by closely following and cataloguing multiple cases in the area. During the course of her activism she has visited the crime scene of the Botham Jean murder, come into conflict with the Dallas Morning News, and appears to have recently been monitored Dallas PD at an event designed to raise awareness of police misconduct. Although this may seem like a regional issue, Tiffney and I argue that the policing problem in Dallas-Forth Worth are an example of a broader crisis facing America as a nation. Much like the murder of Botham Jean by Dallas PD officer Amber Guyger, the fatal police shooting of 28 year-old Ft. Worth, Texas resident Atatiana Jefferson has sparked outrage in the Lone Star State that's garnered national attention. Atatiana was babysitting her 8-year old nephew Zion when she heard noises outside her home during the early morning hours of October 12th, 2019. Likely alarmed by the possibility of an intruder, Atatiana, as per the testimony of her nephew, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the window. A voice yelled out, “Put your hands up! Show me your hands!” Seconds later a shot was fired. Those were the final moments of Atatiana Jefferson’s life before she was terminated from this mortal coil. Ft. Worth officer Aaron Dean arrived at Jefferson’s home for a police welfare check after a neighbor had called a non-emergency number to report that the front door of Jefferson's home was open. He did not, as far as we know, announce his presence. Two days after the fatal incident, on October 14th, Officer Dean resigned from the Dallas Police Department and was arrested on charges of murdering Atatiana Jefferson. Coupled with the murder of Botham Jean on September 6th 2018, the deadly shooting of Atatiana Jefferson has raised serious concerns about police misconduct in North Texas and America as a whole. In this conversation Tiffney dissects both the Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson cases and offers her critique of how local police and media handled said cases. Additionally, she explains why members of the Dallas-Fort Worth community see these incidents as being part of a broader, systemic problem that demands immediate reforms within DFW police departments. CORRECTION: In the intro I state "shot were fired
S1 E153 · Mon, October 21, 2019
Dallas Police & Media Misconduct (Botham Jean Murder) w/ Barrett Brown
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist, whistleblower, and former Anonymous associate Barrett Brown joins us to discuss misconduct by police and press in Brown's hometown of Dallas, Texas. Dallas police have come under heavy scrutiny since the shooting death of Botham Jean, in his own apartment, by police officer Amber Guyger. Guyger lived in the same building and says she mistakenly entered Jean's apartment thinking it was her own. According to Guyger she believed that Jean was an intruder and fatally shot the 26-year old Harding University alumnus and PricewaterhouseCoopers accountant. Guyger has since been convicted for Jean's murder and sentenced to a 10-yea prison sentence. Barrett Brown Brown, a recipient of the National Magazine Award during his time with The Intercept, covered the murder of Botham Jean for the local press outlet D Magazine. While covering Botham Jean's murder he has been critical not only of the Dallas Police Department, but also the city's local press. Since then a Facebook account going by the name "Wesley Taylor, Jr." made a bomb threat directed towards D Magazine for publishing Brown's columns. Moreover, this person has harassed Brown's girlfriends and made threats directed at U.S. Democratic Presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke. In the following conversation Brown discusses all of this and Dallas PD's response to the bomb threat. Trey Garrison aka alt right personality Spectre Additionally, Brown and I discuss how journalist Trey Garrison (real name: Norman Asa Garrison III) wrote for major city publications while living a double-life as the alt right personality "Spectre". Under this alias, Garrison became a notorious Twitter troll and host of the white nationalist podcast Third Rail. As Spectre, Garrison promoted #DayOftheBrick which encouraged harassment and physical violence against journalist. Under his Garrison byline, he wrote a column for the Dallas News entitled "Why I Don't Want Diversity in My Neighborhood" that was republished by the alt right outlet American Renaissance. Dallas Morning News Coverage of the Guyger Trial Brown argues that, all of these things, taken together display misconduct and lack of reflection on the part of both the Dallas police department and the city press. Moreover, he believes that these issues in Dallas represent a microcosm of a broader national issue that points towards an urgent need to reform media and police institutions in America. Barrett Brown and Julian Assange At the beginning of the show, Brown addresses his recent Twitter ban and the controversial comments he has made concerning Julian As
S1 E150 · Sun, October 20, 2019
Exposing Hollywood Pedophile Victor Salva w/ Filmmaker Connar Frazier
Victor Salva on the set of Jeepers Creepers 2 On this edition of Parallax Views, the second in a two-part exposé of convicted Hollywood pedophile Victor Salva. Salva is perhaps most famous for writing and directing the Jeepers Creepers (2001-2017) franchise and the Disney movie Powder (1995). Before making his big break, however, the low-budget horror movie Clownhouse (1989). Salva was convicted of molesting that film's 12 year old star, Nathan Forrest Winters in 1988. Despite this, Salva has maintained a career in Hollywood and his latest feature, Jeepers Creepers 3 (2017), was given a theatrical rerelease for the Halloween season this year. In part one, CSA (Childhood Sexual Abuse) survivor Nathan Forest Winter joined us to tell his story of abuse perpetrated by Salva, the process of healing, and his upcoming documentary 7he 6oy. In part two, Connar Frazier, the director of 7he 6oy, joins us to discuss Nathan's story and Victor Salva further. Connar also discusses how their documentary, 7he 6oy, came about, their experiences making it, and more. Additionally, the intro to this episode features a very brief clip of testimony from Brian McHugh, Nathan's co-star in Clownhouse, that Connar has offered to us as a Parallax Views exclusive. 7he 6oy Available October 31st, 2019 <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-tr
S1 E149 · Wed, October 16, 2019
Exposing Hollywood Pedophile Victor Salva w/ Survivor Nathan Forrest Winters
On this edition of Parallax Views, the first in a two-part exposé of convicted Hollywood pedophile Victor Salva. Salva is perhaps most famous for writing and directing the Jeepers Creepers (2001-2017) franchise and the Disney movie Powder (1995). Before making his big break, however, the low-budget horror movie Clownhouse (1989). Salva was convicted of molesting that film's 12 year old star, Nathan Forrest Wintters in 1988. Despite this, Salva has maintained a career in Hollywood and his latest feature, Jeepers Creepers 3 (2017), was given a theatrical rerelease for the Halloween season this year. In part one, CSA (Childhood Sexual Abuse) survivor Nathan Forest Winter joins us to tell his story of abuse perpetrated by Salva, the process of healing, and his upcoming documentary 7he 6oy. In part two, Connar Frazier, the director of 7he 6oy, will join us to discuss Nathan's story and Victor Salva further. Nathan Forrest Winters in Clownhouse (1989) Nathan Forrest Winters today 7he 6oy Available October 31st, 2019 SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:tran
S1 E148 · Mon, October 14, 2019
The British State: A Warning w/ Chris Nineham
On this edition of Parallax Views, a founding member of the Stop the War Coalition and author of How the Establishment Lost Control (Zero Books, 2017), joins to discuss his new book The British State: A Warning (Zero Books, 2019). As the chaos of Brexit rages on, Chris and I discuss the mythology of the British state and its role in propping up the status quo. Chris begins by discussing how the mythology of the British state is underpinned by a belief in gradualism. This is to say that the state exists to slowly bring about progress towards liberal freedoms. Chris argues however that the British state, even viewed from a left wing perspective, has a darker history that has supported the Establishment by repressing dissidents, particularly the working class. From there we discuss a number of different topics from the Establishments maneuvers against the Labor government of Harold Wilson, the rise of neoliberalism under Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and New Labor, why the Left needs to consider the role of the State even if victories are made by figures like Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders in the future, and much, much more. THE BRITISH STATE: A WARNING AVAILABLE FROM ZERO BOOKS SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:
S1 E147 · Sun, October 13, 2019
Trials & Tribulations of a Low-Budget Horror Filmmaker w/ Todd Sheets
On this edition of Parallax Views, it's Halloween season and that means horror movies are all the rage. Although until recently dismissed as "low-brow" entertainment by some segments of society, horror movies have proven time and time again to be huge profit-makers that can reliably make financial returns. In fact, Hollywood titans like Oliver Stone, Peter Jackson, Sam Raimi, and James Cameron first cut their teeth in filmmaking through the world of horror. And it shouldn't be any wonder why since audiences can't seem to get enough of a good ol' fashioned scare coupled with the fact that such films can be produced on tight budgets and even tighter production schedules. Although low-budget horror has, due to it's financial viability, proven popular since the early days of cinema, an even lower-than-low-budget emerged in the 1980s thanks to the VHS boom. SOV (Shot-on-Video) horror are the fright flicks made on a micro-budget, sometimes for as little as a couple thousand dollars, that represent the underground of the horror genre. SOV horror has developed a cult fandom since its heyday in the 1980s with VHS What are the trials and tribulations that go into making movies on such a shoestring budget? And who are the people who make such movies? Joining us on this edition of Parallax Views to answer those questions is Todd Sheets, who has been making SOV horrors and micro-budget terrors for over 30 years. The conversation begins with Todd and I hashing out what constitutes a micro-budget movie and how Todd was mentored in the art of shoestring movie-making by the American-Canadian filmmaker David Decoteau. From there we discuss the difficulties Todd making what he considers his first "real" movie, 1993's Zombie Bloodbath. Specifically, he relates how he and his crew had to make the movie during the Great Flood of 1993 that devastated the Midwestern United States! Todd Sheets' VHS-era terrors From there, Todd and I discuss armchair movie critics. Specifically, Todd talks about some of the harshest, nastiest experiences he's had with critics and trolls over the years. On the other hand, Todd also notes that he has disowned many of his earlier efforts due to his belief that those movies don't meet quality standards. That being said, Todd argues that some critics go over the line into the realm of personal mean-spiritedness that lack basic human decency. In this regard, Todd relates a particularly callous trolling incident that targeted an actress, namely 80s scream queen Linnea Quigley, in one of his movies. Todd Sheet & Scream Queen Linnea Quigley From there we discuss the trials and tribulations of his two latest labors of love. We start by talking about last year's Bonehill Road, a th
S1 E145 · Fri, October 11, 2019
Poetry & Terror: Politics and Poetics in Coming to Jakarta w/ Peter Dale Scott & Freeman Ng
On this edition of Parallax Views, the American poet Louis Untermeyer once wrote that, "Poetry is the power of defining the indefinable in terms of the unforgettable." In the case Peter Dale Scott, however, that quote may be worth modifying "the unforgettable" in that quote to "the unspeakable". Scott, a Professor Emeritus at UC Berkeley, is perhaps best known for his non-fiction prose which conceptualizes a parapolitics or deep politics that occurs alongside and parallel to everyday politics. For many decades now Scott has tirelessly investigated the nature of U.S. power as it relates to drugs, oil, and war. This has led him to write a number of thought-provoking articles and books that cast a critical eye on intelligence agencies, the American defense industry, and Wall Street among others. For some this may sound like an intellectualization of conspiracy theory and, indeed, Scott has played a pivotal role popularizing the now common parlance idea of the "deep state" for American audiences. Scott's approach to these matters, however, prove to be much more hard-nosed than the American right and Donald Trump's crude appropriations of these concepts. Scott's interest in history and deep politics has not just been limited to his prose writing though. These issues also greatly inform his poetry, particularly Coming to Jakarta: A Poem About Terror which deals with the Indonesian massacres and U.S. involvement in said atrocities. What sets Scott's political poetry apart from his political prose is quite simple: the personal element. In a great number of ways Scott's work, in both poetry and prose, have been committed to what the Catholic theologian and social activist Thomas Merton referred to as "raids on the unspeakable". What does it mean to investigate the unsettling aspects of U.S. policy, particularly in relation to war? What kind of trauma does it incur to bear witness to history in its fullness? And how are we, as citizens living in the U.S., implicated in these matters? Scott's poetry, and especially Coming to Jakarta , may provide a few answers or at least the clues to them. In this conversation, Professor Scott joins us, alongside Freeman Ng, to discuss their new book Poetry and Terror: Politics and Poetics in Coming to Jakarta . Peter discusses his family life, thoughts on deep politics, experiencing a dark night of the soul, and more in this thoughtful conversation. <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spaci
S1 E146 · Wed, October 09, 2019
Climate Emergency & The Greta Thunberg Phenomena w/ Kollibri terre Sonnenblume
On this edition of Parallax Views, Kollibri terre Sonnenblume , author of Roadtripping at the End of the World , joins us to discuss the climate crisis and his recent piece "The Teachable Moment of the Greta Thunberg Phenomena", which responds to the provocative six-part report "The Manufacturing of Greta Thunberg – for Consent: The Political Economy of the Non-Profit Industrial Complex" by investigative journalist Cory Morningstar. This is not, however, an attempted takedown of Greta Thunberg or the phenomena she has sparked in regards to climate activism. Kollibri finds a great deal of inspiration in Thunberg, but argues that we must guard against her message being co-opted by those seeking to only make gestures about climate change and take half measures in response to it. Indeed, Thunberg herself seemed to express this same sentiment in her now famous "How Dare You!" speech delivered at the 2019 UN climate change summit in New York . Additionally we discuss politics, the environmental movement as a whole, the Green New Deal, generational difference between boomers, Gen X, and millennials, the media, and much, much more! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <a href='https://www.patreon.com/paral
S1 E144 · Mon, October 07, 2019
America's Secret Jihad: The Hidden History of Religious Terrorism in the U.S. w/ Stuart Wexler
On this edition of Parallax Views, Stuart Wexler, author of America's Secret Jihad: The Hidden History of Religious Terrorism in the United States (Counterpoint Press, 2015), joins us to uncover a far-right anti-Semitic movement known as Christian Identity and what he argues is its often overlooked role in stoking violent hate crimes and white supremacist terrorism across the United States for decades. First, however, Stuart relates an uplifting story about how students of his Government and Politics class at Highstown High School drafted The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act. In this amazingly inspiring story, Stuart's student lobbied social media and Congress to the point that they gained enough support for the bill to end up on President Trump's White House Desk. President Trump then signed that bill into law. Put another way, these young students made history. Stuart Wexler and His Students From there we pivot into a lengthy conversation about Stuart's excellent book America's Secret Jihad: The Hidden History of Religious Terrorism in the United States. Stuart details the origins of the Christian Identity movement and its peculiar interpretation of the Bible. In addition to noting its apocalyptic, millenarian nature, Stuart explains how Christian Identity's adherents believe in a variation of a discredited theory known as British Israelism, which argued that the English are the true descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Furthermore, they hold that those generally understood to be Jewish by mainstream society are, in actuality, bearing false witness and belong to a "serpent seedline" they describe as "The Synagogue of Satan". Put in layman's terms, Christian Identity's adherents believe that Jews are demonic entities. Despite the admittedly fringe nature of these beliefs and the movement itself, Stuart makes the case that Christian Identity's extremist orientation has left a trail of violence in its wake dating back to the days of Civil Rights. He also describes how the movement eventually came under greater scrutiny in the 1980's through the activities of The Order (aka The Silent Brother or Bruder Schweigen) and The Covenant, The Sword, and The Arm of the Lord. Moreover, Stuart argues that Christian Identity's fingerprints and presence can be found in or around the periphery of historical events such as the Ole Miss race riots of 1962,the siege of Ruby Ridge, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and possibly even the Atlanta Child Murders. Stuart also argues that today the traces of Christian Identity extremism can be found in the recent Pittsburgh and San Diego synagogue shootings. <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-va
S1 E143 · Fri, October 04, 2019
Was Gilligan's Island Communist? w/ Documentarian Cevin Soling
On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished conversation with filmmaker Cevin Soling on his fascinating documentary The Gilligan Manifesto, which argues that Gilligan's Island acts as a depiction, inadvertently or otherwise, of Karl Marx's communist ideals. What's perhaps most interesting about Soling's documentary is that is neither a left-wing or right-wing polemic. Instead, The Gilligan Manifesto seeks to deal with philosophical issues related to utopianism, cooperation, and more through the lens of Gilligan's Island and the writings of Karl Marx. Cevin deftly argues that Gilligan's Island, despite it's reputation as a low-brow sitcom in it's time, is actually an extremely radical and subversive show and that it has a great deal to say about social relations built on a cooperative, as opposed to competitive, foundation. In the course of our conversation we cover the myriad of reasons that Gilligan's Island proves to be a subversive sitcom that challenges many of our ideas about capitalism, communism, and the concept of paradise. But will we get to the biggest question of them all? Namely, Ginger or Mary Ann? You'll have to listen to find out! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spacing:0px;margin:0px 0p
S1 E139 · Mon, September 30, 2019
Satanic Strippers 4 Bernie w/ Venita Estella
On this edition of Parallax Views, what could possibly be scarier to America's Christian Right than a stripper, alternative model, and dominatrix who self-identifies as a Satanist and a feminist? Answer: A stripper, alternative model, and dominatrix who self-identifies as a Satanist and a feminist that also happens to be a huge supporter of Bernie Sanders! Our guest on this edition of the program, Venita Estella, checks all those boxes. Don't let the admittedly provocative title of this episode fool you, however. The conversation Venita and I have is not a Howard Stern-esque hour of shock jockery. Instead, we delve into a number of topics seriously while also having a bit of fun. Venita begins by explaining what Satanism, specifically what she calls "modern romantic Satanism", means to her as a member of the now Satanic Temple (whose prankster-infused activism fighting for the firm separation of Church and State has gained widespread media attention in recent years) and how it is different from both devil worship and the form of Satanism espoused by Anton LaVey's Church of Satan. From there we delve into Venita's experiences as a stripper, alternative model, and dominatrix. Additionally, Venita and I discuss sexuality as it relates to her spirituality, the changing dynamics of gender relations in 21st century America, internalized misogyny, and masculinity. Finally, we delve into how Venita became a Bernie supporter, how it changed her life, and why she is hopeful for a future in which people of all genders, sexual orientations, and races can be more free, equal, and prosperous. Artwork for this episode kindly provided by James Curcio , author of MASKS: Bowie and Artists of Artifice This Episode is Dedicated To CULT MOVIE ACTOR SID HAIG RIP (1939-2019) SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-inden
S1 E140 · Fri, September 27, 2019
High Weirdness: Drugs, Esoterica, and Visionary Experience in the Seventies w/ Erik Davis
On this edition of Parallax Views, the mythology of 20th century counterculture, that zeitgeist in which rebellious youths experimented radically with sexuality and psychedelic drugs, began and ended in the 1960s. Scholar of esoteric Erik Davis , however, excavates the countercultural moment of the 1970s in his new book High Weirdness: Drugs, Esoterica, and Visionary Experience in the Seventies (MIT Press) through the figures of sci-fi author Philip K. Dick, philosopher Robert Anton Wilson, and psychedelic explorer Terence McKenna. In this conversation Erik and I discuss the possible pitfalls of counterculture in the 60s/70s as well as how Erik came to take on the project of examining 70s counterculture. We particularly hone in on the work of Robert Anton Wilson and its similarities to the ideas of postmodernism that gained ground in continental philosophy around the same period Davis writes about in High Weirdness. Additionally, Erik and I delve into the concept of the Chapel Perilous, an experience which cause one to question his/her reality, in relation to Wilson, Dick, and McKenna and how we, as a society, may be experiencing a collective moment of High Weirdness and the Chapel Perilous in the 21st century. HIGH WEIRDNESS: DRUGS, ESOTERICA, AND VISIONARY EXPERIENCE IN THE SEVENTIES BY ERIK DAVIS AVAILABLE NOW FROM MIT Press SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! <p style="backgrou
S1 E138 · Wed, September 25, 2019
A Dark Deleuze for the End of the World w/ Andrew Culp
On this edition of Parallax Views, the French continental philosopher Gilles Deleuze has had an impact that's moved from the halls of academia into places like Buzzfeed and even the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Deleuze is perhaps most well-known for either his metaphysical treatise Difference & Repitition or his seminal two-volume collaboration with Felix Guattari on Capitalism and Schizophrenia that began with Anti-Oedipus and concluded with A Thousand Plateaus. One key aspect, perhaps even what could be called the motivating force, of Deleuze's work is the cultivation of joy. In other words, a positive philosophy. However, our guest for this conversation, media scholar Andrew Culp, has sought to, through an engagement with this popularly imagined Deleuze, birth a new Deleuze. In other words, a monstrous child of the "Joyous Deleuze" that Andrew calls "Dark Deleuze". Andrew argues that in this current moment, when neoliberalism demands constant happiness from its subject, we must harness a "hatred for this world" that reacts to the global injustices of our time with a righteous contempt and rage (although not a crude misanthropy). All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views. Dark Deleuze by Andrew Culp Now Available For FREE Reading Online @ University of Minnesota's Manifold Project SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:ce
S1 E137 · Tue, September 24, 2019
America’s #1 War Tax Resister Larry Bassett Talks Peace & Protest!
On this edition of Parallax Views, America's #1 War Tax Resister Larry Bassett , the subject of the recent award-winning independent documentary The Pacifist , joins us to discuss his life and times. War tax resistance is a radical subset of the peace movement that refuses to pay the IRS, but not for selfish reasons. Rather war tax resisters like Larry do not want their tax dollar going to the funding of America war abroad. Given that a hefty portion of income taxes go to the defense budget, war tax resisters often redirect their money that would go to the IRS into charitable organizations. Larry's story is particularly unique in that he's been a war tax protesters for decades and, since then, has inherite $1 million dollars after the passing of his father. Larry owes over $200k to the IRS, but, interestingly, has exceeded that amount in his donations to charitable causes locally and globally. One thing that is striking about Larry is that he lives a relatively inexpensive life that resists not only the war tax but also hedonism. And in doing so he seems all the happier for it as Larry, in the opinion of this podcaster, is one of the most upbeat personalities to have graced this program. This is an extremely fascinating and touching episode of Parallax Views that you're can't possibly miss. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#00000
S1 E135 · Mon, September 23, 2019
Hypermodernity And the End of the World w/ John David Ebert & Michael Kamins
On this edition of the Parallax Views, comparative mythologist and media theorist John David Ebert returns to discuss his book, co-authored with Brian Francis Culkin, Hypermodernity and the End of the World . Along with John, poet Michael Kamins, who provides the preface for the book, also joins us to turn this episode into a roundtable discussion on the current zeitgeist and the apocalyptic anxieties that accompany it. Given the jam-packed nature of this over two-hour juggernaut of an auditory adventure for mind, it may be best to list some of the topics covered in bullet points: - What is hypermodernity? - The strange synchronicities of Ingersoll Lockwood's Baron Trump novels and The Last President - The history of media from stone tablets to the Gutenberg press and finally the digital age - An analysis of David Cronenberg's Videodrome and it's relations to the ideas of media theorist Marshall McLuhan - Conspiracy theories, semiotic excess, and pattern recognition - 9/11 as a "Hyksos event"; a catastrophe presaging a new epoch - Neoliberalism and Silicon Valley capitalism; the commodification of human relations - Trump phenomenon as the return of Caesarism; immanentizing the eschaton; the internet as Terence McKenna's transcendental object at the end of time - The philosophical problem of transhumanism; catastrophic climate change - Reality television politics and the Truman Show; the Truman Show Syndrome, the Mandela Effect, the Berenstain Bears Conspiracy
S1 E136 · Fri, September 20, 2019
Against Empire Roundtable w/ Sameera Khan, Robbie Martin, & Marlon Ettinger
On this edition of Parallax Views, a roundtable discussion with foreign policy analyst Sameera Khan, Media Roots' Robbie Martin, and freelance journalism Marlon Ettinger on American hegemony and the antiwar/anti-imperialist movement. Sameera, Robbie, Marlon, and I begin by discussing the field of Democratic Presidential candidates in regards to their views on foreign policy. Although I myself am supportive of the Sanders campaign, our guests offer a more critical view of all of the candidates. From there we delve into a number of different topics including and especially the state of the antiwar movement. In particular we note the ways in which the paleoconservative, anti-interventionist right seems to have captured the antiwar movement. Sameera offers her critique of Tulsi Gabbard as well as discussing matters related to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and China. Robbie gives insights into the role neoconservatism has played in paving the current tumultuous course of American foreign policy. Marlon chimes in with his usual astute observations about matters related to the politics of the current zeitgeist as they relate to America's foreign adventures. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spac
S1 E134 · Wed, September 18, 2019
In Chains: The Dangerous World of Human Trafficking w/ Alan R. Warren
On this edition of Parallax Views, author and radio host joins us to discuss his book, co-authored with RJ Parker, In Chains: The Dangerous World of Human Trafficking in light of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Although human trafficking has previously been dismissed as a myth or the sensational fodder of B-grade horror movie and trashy daytime talk shows, Warren and Parker attempt to provide a sober analysis of and introduction to this dark, unsettling topic. Warren explains how human trafficking is not limited to sexual slavery, but also forced labor and organ harvesting. Additionally, we discuss how alleged human trafficking ties into the current controversies around immigrant detention center vis-à-vis private prison companies like GEO Group. Warren and I also discuss the problems of fake news and phenomena like QAnon, which, he argues, serve to muddy the waters around the topic. Perhaps most strikingly Warren details how the United States contributes to human trafficking through consumption. This is a difficult episode on a difficult topic, but running away from the subject, Warren says, will only lead human trafficking to continue and grow worldwide. LISTEN TO ALAN WARREN'S HOUSE OF MYSTERY on KCAA Radio 1050 AM IN CHAINS: THE DANGEROUS WORLD OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AVAILABLE NOW FROM RJ PARKER PUBLISHING SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-tran
S1 E133 · Mon, September 16, 2019
What is QAnon? w/ Travis View of the QAnon Anonymous Podcast
What is QAnon? Is it an attempt to expose an alleged conspiracy of elite Satanic pedophiles or the ravings of an apocalyptic, millenarian cult in the making? Joining us on this edition of Parallax Views is Travis View , co-host of the QAnon Anonymous podcast , who has been covering the dystopian beat of post-truth America through his reporting on the QAnon phenomenon for outlets like The Washington Post. Travis guides us through the history of the QAnon conspiracy theory and it's many strange contingents, including a faction of the subculture that believes JFK Jr. is still alive. For most, the QAnon conspiracy theory is so outrageous that it doesn't even merit sociological consideration. However, while the theory itself may be sensational, the subculture around it may be worth keeping an eye on in light of a recent FBI memo and the murder of mob boss Frank Cali by a QAnon believer. Additionally Travis and I delve into the topic of Alternate Reality Games as touched upon in the Parallax Views conversation with Joseph Matheny and try to untangle what the broader implications of QAnon as a social phenomenon. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spacin
S1 E132 · Sun, September 15, 2019
NY Hardcore Punk Legend Paul Cripple of Reagan Youth Goes Off!
On this edition of Parallax Views, New York hardcore punk legend Paul Cripple (aka Paul Bakija) of Reagan Youth joins us to talk music, politics, and anti-fascism! Reagan Youth is one of the most iconic bands of the 80's New York hardcore punk (NYHC) scene and were known for sticking it to the Reagan administration with fast, catchy anthem of anarchism and antifascism. Paul has a lot to say about how Reagan Youth got formed with lead singer David Insurgent (aka Dave Rubinstein) and the early days of the band. He also GOES OFF on the current political climate in America giving his thoughts on the Obama legacy, current President Donald Trump, and even has some positive thoughts about firecracker Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Additionally, we discuss Reagan Youth's appearances on film and TV soundtracks (Airheads, The Frozen Ground, and Shameless amongst others), what life was like in the Reagan Years, other bands in the punk scene, and more on this edition of Parallax Views! CHECK OUT REAGAN YOUTH @ THEIR OFFICIAL WEBSITE! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spacing:0px;mar
S1 E131 · Fri, September 13, 2019
Literature, the Left, & Liberation w/ Protean Magazine’s Tyler Walicek & Mel Gammie
On this edition of Parallax Views, Tyler Walicek and Mel Gammie of Protean Magazine join us to discuss literature, the left, and liberation through militant joy. Protean Magazine describes itself as collecting "cutting edge literature and art for the discerning leftist, sans-advertisements". We begin by discussing the impetus for and goals behind Protean Magazine, the reason for the title of the publication, and the background of Mel and Tyler. From there we delve into a number of topics ranging from how Tyler and Mel became politicized to the nature of podcasting (Mel is also a host at the Coffee with Comrades podcast ). Additionally, we discuss social media, paying writers, and Protean's first, "Pattern Machines", along with a conversation about the state of literature. CHECK OUT PROTEAN MAGAZINE! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS AFTER HOURS! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;f
S1 E130 · Wed, September 11, 2019
The Watchdogs Didn’t Bark: The CIA, NSA, & the Crimes of the War on Terror w/ Ray Nowosielski & John Duffy
On the 18th anniversary of 9/11, Parallax Views would like to present listeners with this previously unpublished conversation with Ray Nowosielski and John Duffy, authors of The Watchdogs Didn't Bark: The CIA, NSA, and the Crimes of the War on Terror. Despite the cliché that "9/11 changed everything", few have proven willing to dive into the deep history of September 11th and ask the $1 million dollar question: how did this event, that constitutes not only America's worst terrorist attack but also it's greatest intelligence failure, happen? For over ten years, Nowosielski and Duffy thought to answer this question. This led them eventually being granted an interview with Richard A. Clarke, the counterrorism advisor to both President Clinton & President. What Clarke alleged to them was that the CIA, under the directorship of George Tenet, was guilty of "malfeasance and misfeasance" in the lead-up to the September 11th attack. Watchdogs Didn't Bark tells the chilling story of events which culminated in the September 11th terrosist attacks including tensions between the FBI and CIA, the CIA's Alec Station or Bin Laden Unit, and key 9/11 hijackers Khalid al-Mihdhar and Nawaf al-Hazmi. In this conversation you will hear about Bin Laden's arch-nemesis John O'Neill (who died in the WTC on that fateful September day shortly after leaving the FBI), the saga of the Alec Station's Michael Scheuer and "The Unidentified Queen of Torture" Alfreda Bikowsky, and the war on whistleblowers that was kickstarted by the War on Terror. And, by the end of it, you, dear listener, will understand that the watchdogs didn't bark. PLEASE READ THE WATCHDOGS DIDN'T BARK: THE CIA, NSA, AND THE CRIMES OF THE WAR ON TERROR <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacin
S1 E129 · Mon, September 09, 2019
Hong Kong Protests w/ Carl Zha of the Silk and Steel Podcast
On this edition of Parallax Views, protests are raging across the streets of Hong Kong. Joining us to unpack the situation is Carl Zha of the Silk and Steel Podcast . In light of Steve Bannon's recent insertion into the protests and some of the protesters calling for the help of President Trump, Carl offers a critical take on what is happening right now in Hong Kong. I myself have been supportive of the protests, but have seen parallels with some of the problems found in the Yellow Vest protests in France. Namely, that some of the protesters seem to be of a right-wing nativist variety. In any case, Carl and I both agree that Hong Kong citizen have legitimate grievances and we attempt to unpack the unfolding situation with nuance in mind. What is your take on the Hong Kong protests? Do you have suggestions for guests that could give a different perspective on the protests? Feel free to drop me a line on Twitter or by email at parallaxviewspod@protonmail.com . LISTEN TO CARL ZHA'S SILK AND STEEL PODCAST SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-alig
S1 E128 · Sun, September 08, 2019
Exit Intellectual Dark Web, Enter Left is Best w/ Michael Brooks
On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished conversation with Michael Brooks of the Majority Report and The Michael Brooks Show on the Intellectual Dark Web and building a strong, robust, left in America and the world. This conversation feels extremely relevant in light of the recent controversies surrounding #CancelCulture and Contrapoints among other current hot-button topics on the left. We cover a number of topics including Mark Fisher's Exiting the Vampire Castle and ideas around Acid Communism, building a worldwide political movement, Sam Harris, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, classism, spirituality, expanding human empathy, and much more. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS AFTER HOURS! - <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-va
S1 E127 · Thu, September 05, 2019
Brexit Update w/ Matthew Alford + Post-Modern... Conservatism??? w/ Matt McManus
A PARALLAX VIEWS DOUBLE FEATURE: First... IS IT ANARCHY IN THE U.K.? The Bollocks of Brexit Update! w/ Matthew Alford Then, POSTMODERN... <p style="color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-tran
S1 E125 · Tue, September 03, 2019
The John McAfee Interview w/ Special Guest Co-Host Marlon Ettinger
On this edition of Parallax Views, an equal parts wild and tense conversation with the founder of McAfee associates (the creators of McAfee Antivirus), bitcoin bull, Presidential candidate, international fugitive, and person of interest in the Belize murder of Gregory Faull, John McAfee. Joining me to help ask some of the more probing questions in this interview is the inimitable freelance journalist Marlon Ettinger , who previously joined us to discuss his experiences at the NY trial of the now deceased Jeffrey Epstein . Marlon was helpful in trying to ask questions that dug a little deeper during the course of the conversation. I trust that, unlike some podcasts dealing with the controversial figure of McAfee, this is not an exploitative or "comedic" conversation and gives some insights into both the notorious John McAfee and some of the infamies associated with him. In any case Marlon and I tried to do something different with this interview and we hope that you, the listener, get something out of it. Special thanks to Jamie Curcio, author of Mask: Bowie & Artists of Artifice , for help with this episode PRE-ORDER JAMIE CURCIO'S MASKS: BOWIE & ARTISTS OF ARTIFICE FROM INTELLECT BOOKS
S1 E106 · Sat, August 31, 2019
The Dark Side of Hollywood w/ Albert Lanier: The Unsolved Murder of Bob Crane
Parallax Views Presents... THE DARK SIDE OF HOLLYWOOD Returning guest and journalist Albert Lanier joins us for the first in a potential series of episodes dealing with mysterious Hollywood deaths and scandals. In this episode Albert and I dive into the unsolved, cold case murder of TV actor Bob Crane, star of the cult classic sitcom Hogan's Heroes. Crane met a grisly demise in June of 1978, the aftermath of which unraveled an entire side of Crane's private life that proved shocking to the public: it was discovered that the popular TV star had not only been engaged in a slew of extra-marital affairs but had photographed and filmed them as personal pornography as well. Crane's friend John Henry Carpenter, who helped filmed the aforementioned sexual foray of the actor, has long been considered the main suspect. Albert, however, has an entirely different take on the case that provides a whole new perspective on this long-standing cold case that may be of interest to those interested in cases like Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein. So sit back, relax, and grab a glass of wine... because it's true crime time on... THE DARK SIDE OF HOLLYWOOD
Thu, August 29, 2019
A Parallax Views Health Justice Fundraiser Pt. 2 w/ Marlon Ettinger, Alley Valkyrie, Dave from The Serfs, The Horror Vanguard, & Eric Draitser
A Note to Listeners: Please Consider Supporting This GoFundMe for the Medical Expenses of this Pittsburgh Family. Your Support Would Mean the World to Parallax Views & J.G. Michael It's a special fundraiser edition of Parallax Views! A family in Pittsburgh needs your help with a GoFundMe campaign for their father and Parallax Views is doing a podcast-a-thon on health justice to support the cause! Voice featured in this episode include: - Marlon Ettinger, freelance reporter and co-host of the upcoming podcast series Footnotes - Alley Valkyrie of Gods & Radicals Press , pagan activist, political theorist, and American living abroad in France - Dave from The Serfs , an increasingly popular left-oriented YouTube channel - Ash and Jon, hosts of the Horror Vanguard podcast - Eric Draitser
Wed, August 28, 2019
A Parallax Views Health Justice Fundraiser w/ Ben Burgis, Chuck Ochelli, Patrick Farnsworth, & Terry Tapp
A Note to Listeners: Please Consider Supporting This GoFundMe for the Medical Expenses of this Pittsburgh Family. Your Support Would Mean the World to Parallax Views & J.G. Michael It's a special fundraiser edition of Parallax Views! A family in Pittsburgh needs your help with a GoFundMe campaign for their father and Parallax Views is doing a podcast-a-thon on health justice to support the cause! Voice featured in this episode include: - Ben Burgis , author of the Zero Books title Give Them an Argument: Logic for the Left - Radio host Chuck Ochelli of the Ochelli Effect radio program and network - Patrick Farnsworth , host of the Last Born in the Wilderness podcast - Terry Tapp , artist, author of the Zero Books title A Serf's Journal: The Story of the United States' Longest Wildcat Strike, and host of The Other Future podcast. We cover the debate around Medicare-for-All, the moral questions around healthcare, the connection between environmental justice and health justice, and the possibility for a better future with this variety of guests for the fundraising effort.
Wed, August 28, 2019
Culture Wars: Antifa vs Alt Right Brawls, the Die Antwoord Controversy, & Epstein w/ Robbie Martin of Media Roots
A Note to Listeners: Please Consider Supporting This GoFundMe for the Medical Expenses of a Family in Need. Your Support Would Mean the World to Parallax Views & J.G. Michael On this edition of Parallax Views, the culture wars are raging as Antifa brawls in the streets with the alt right and the South African hip-hop sensation experiences a controversy around homophobia. Meanwhile the Jeffrey Epstein case becomes a conspiratorial tennis match between Trump and Clinton supporters. Joining us to cover the culture wars in the age of the 24/7 news cycle is Robbie Martin, co-host of Media Root Radio with his sister Abby Martin and the director of the documentary A Very Heavy Agenda about the history of neoconservativism along the D.C. beltway. Discussion of cancel culture, deep fakes, and more on this edition of Parallax Views! LISTEN TO MEDIA ROOTS RADIO WITH ROBBIE AND ABBY MARTIN Abby Martin's New Documentary Gaza Fights for Freedom Now Available for Streaming SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!
Sun, August 25, 2019
Spaced Out Gonzo Swapcast w/ Wikileaks on Weed (Epstein, Andrew Yang/UBI, & General Mayhem)
A Note to Listeners: Please Consider Supporting This GoFundMe for the Medical Expenses of a Family in Need. Your Support Would Mean the World to Parallax Views & J.G. Michael Parallax Views joins forces with Wikileaks on Weed for a nearly 3 hour, spaced out, laidback, gonzo swapcast! This is probably the most I've let loose on a show and we cover a wide-range of bases including: - the death of right-wing billionaire David Koch - a crash course on the kooky world of QAnon - the aftermath of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, Jean Luc Brunel of MC2 Modeling's connection to it, and Epstein's wacky ideas about cryogenically freezing his penis. - The art of podcasting, my experiences interviewing everyone from a professional e-dominatrix to the Godfather of Reality TV, WikileaksOnWeed's interviews with "sudden savant" artist Jon Sarkin - The Democratic Presidential debates, how Tulsi Gabbard would fry Trump's brain in a debate because he'd be... erm… distracted, a little debate over Andrew Yang and UBI as well as healthcare, and more! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-ali
S1 E120 · Thu, August 22, 2019
Project Censored’s Mickey Huff on The United States of Distraction + #ManBunGuy Trump Protester & Comedian Sam Spadino!
+ Parallax Views is back with another auditory double feature for your listening pleasure. First, Mickey Huff of the media watchdog group Project Censored joins us to discuss his new book, co-authored with Nolan Higdon, The United States of Distraction: Media Manipulation in Post-Truth America. Then, comedian and activist Sam Spadino joins us to talk about how he gained notoriety as the "Man Bun Guy" Trump protester arrested after heckling the President with a Trump/Epstein photo last year. Much has been made of Bernie Sanders' recent swipe at the Washington Post. Some have even gone so far as to call it a "Trump-like attack" on free press. Mickey Huff, director of the media watchdog organization Project Censore, however, believes there's room for a nuanced critique of corporate media outlets while also avoiding the pitfalls of Trump's crude attacks on news media. In the new book The United States of Distraction: Media Manipulation in Post-Truth Amerca, Mickey Huff and Nolan Higdon skillfully chronicle American media's journey from a Fourth Estate that kept government and corporate interests in check to it's decline in the post-Truth era. Additionally Mickey and Nolan argue that good media and journalism are necessary to a healthy functioning democracy and offer ways that our society can navigate its way of the post-truth malaise. For those unfamiliar with issues related to media criticism, Huff and Higdon's The United States of Distraction, featuring a foreword by the legendary consumer advocate Ralph Nader, is a brilliant introduction for citizens and students as well as a teaching tool for professors and activists. THE UNITED STATES OF DISTRATION: MEDIA MANIPULATION IN POST-TRUTH AMERICA (AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT) BY NOLAN HIGDON AND MICKEY HUFF AVAILABLE NOW FROM CITY LIGHTS BOOKS Then, comedian and activist Sam Spadino, known in the news as the #ManBunGuy Trump protester, joins us to discuss his experiences at two separate Trump rallies last where he heckled the President over his relationship with the now deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. At the second rally, Spadino managed to rile enough feathers to be arrested. His protests managed to garner a fair amount of media attention, including by Fox News, and he goes over the experience with us in this conversation. Additionally, Sam reveals how he developed his anti-authoritarian tendencies, gives his take on the power of humor and pranks when politically applied, and talks a little bit about h
S1 E119 · Wed, August 21, 2019
Chatting w/ Streetfight Radio's Bryan Quinby About the Working Class, Comedy, & More
On this edition of Parallax Views we have a previously unpublished conversation with Brian Quinby of Street Fight Radio , the World's #1 Anarcho-Comedy Podcast. The "working class Republican" and "blue-collar conservative" have become a trope, especially in light of the Trump Presidency. Right-wing personalities like Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson claim to speak for the forgotten workers while railing against coastal elites. Meanwhile, Dirty Job's Mike Rowe injects libertarian talking points into his valorization of the Protestant work ethic. But do these figures have the final say on the ethos of the working class? Brian Quinby, along with his Street Fight Radio co-host Brett Payne, argues that shouldn't be the case. And he would know give that Street Fight Radio is a left-oriented podcast based around its hosts personal experiences of being part of the working class. Bryan and I chat about a number of topics related to the public discussion around the working class as well as talking a bit about comedy, culture, and, yes, pro wrestling!
S1 E118 · Tue, August 20, 2019
Parallax Views Gets Hit by the Ochelli Effect: A Conversation w/ Radio Host Chuck Ochelli
Chuck Ochelli, host and producer of the Ochelli Effect radio program/network, is an eclectic figure within the world of online media. He has a keen interest in the JFK assassination, got through a rough and tumble early life that brought him into contact with organized crime and outlaw bikers gangs, and was heavily involved in the East Coast punk and metal scenes. Both articulate and street-wise, Chuck Ochelli has managed to do a great deal in his lifetime. And, inspirationally, he's done it while overcoming the limitations of being legally blind. I've appeared on two Ochelli Effect network shows, The Age of Transitions and Porkins Policy Review (both of which the workman Ochelli produces in addition to his own show!), and thought it was high time to have Chuck on Parallax Views. We discuss a number of topics starting with a little background on Chuck's life, specifically his wild childhood years onto his experiences amongst the criminal underworld and the outlaw biker gang known as The Pagans. From there we delve into his affinity for the Black Panthers and shows he's done covering the little known Civil Rights figure T.RM. Howard. Chuck's also gives a firsthand perspective on the rise of Trumpism through his experiences, as an online talk radio host, with the eerie proto-Trumpist militia and Patriot movement. He's got some thoughts on these so-called "Patriots" and their ties to the white nationalist movement. Additionally, Chuck tells listeners about the crackpot conspiracy shock jock and generally distrainable figure James Fetzer. During this portion of the conversation Chuck goes no-holds-barred on many elements in the so-called "alternative" media. We start wrapping up the conversation by discussing a very fun story from Chuck's days in the East Coast punk/metal scenes. Specifically, Chuck tells the tale of how he was offered the role of lead vocalist for the infamous Murder Junkies after the passing of the infamous G.G. Allin! All in all it's a fascinating, free-wheeling conversation that you're not going to want to miss on this edition of Parallax Views! LISTEN TO THE OCHELLI EFFECT NETOWORK HERE! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:
S1 E117 · Sun, August 18, 2019
Showbiz Legend & Godfather of Reality TV John Barbour UNLEASHED & UNCENSORED!
John Barbour John Barbour is a showbiz legend. He worked with Frank Sinatra. He interviewed such figures as boxer Muhammad Ali, gangster Mickey Cohen, Ronald Reagan, Jane Fonda, and American labor leader Cesar Chavez among others. He helped create reality TV in 1979 with the groundbreaking show Real People. He was a player in the 1960's "sick humor" comedy circuit alongside greats like Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, and Lenny Bruce. And now he's telling his story in a funny, warm, and comprehensive autobiography entitled Your Mother's Not a Virgin!: The Bumpy Life and Times of the Canadian Dropout Who Changed the Face of American TV! John joins us UNLEASHED and UNCENSORED to discuss his life and times. He doesn't mince words and speaks his mind at all times. He may surprise you. He may upset you. He may make you laugh. But, if you're like me, you'll never find him boring. We discuss a number of topics in this conversation including his take on Quentin Tarantino's latest movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, coming to Hollywood during the heated cultural turmoil of America during the Cold War, his relationship with the legendary cinematographer and director Haskell Wexler, his role in creating reality television with the show Real People, and his involvement in 1960's stand-up comedy. You'll also hear John's takes on politics, something he's very passionate about and finds a way to interject into the conversation. Agree or disagree with those views, John is always an engaging speaker with a fascinating life story. YOUR MOTHER'S NOT A VIRGIN BY JOHN BARBOUR AVAILABLE NOW FROM TRINEDAY SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!
S1 E116 · Sat, August 17, 2019
Roberta Glass on Epstein, Dershowitz, the NXIVM Sex Cult, & Her Firsthand Trial Reporting Experiences
The sordid saga of Jeffrey Epstein has gained widespread public attention, however it is not the only case of wealthy, well-connected abusers to make waves in recent years. The cases of Jimmy Savile, Bill Cosby, and Harvey Weinstein have likewise helped open the floodgates. One of the strangest, however, is NXIVM. Presenting itself as a multi-level marketing organization peddling self-help under the tutelage of the manipulative, Manson-esque guru Keith Raniere, NXIVM has since been exposed as a sex cult that counted Smallville actresses Allison Mack and Kristin Kreuk as well as American heiress Claire Bronfman amongst its famous and influential members. The cult's alleged activities included brainwashing, blackmail, physical branding of members, and BDSM practice of master-slave relationships sans anything that could reasonably be understood as consent. Raniere and other members have since been convicted on charges including racketeering, forced labor, and sexual trafficking. Joining us on this edition of Parallax Views to discuss both the Jeffrey Epstein and NXIVM cases is Roberta Glass of True Crime Report. Roberta, in addition to the True Crime Report podcast, has done firsthand reporting from court on both the NXIVM trial and the Epstein-related Virginia Roberts Guiffre v Ghislaine Maxwell. She gives her experiences reporting on these cases and personal recollections concerning Alan Dershowitz, what she saw at the NXIVM trial, and much more on this sobering edition of Parallax Views. LISTEN TO ROBERTA GLASS TRUE CRIME REPORT ON SPREAKER (ALSO AVAILABLE ON ITUNES & OTHER PODCAST APPS) SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!
S1 E115 · Fri, August 16, 2019
David Frum & the Post-Epstein Circus of DOOM! w/ JP Sottile
The post-Epstein media ecosystem has been a clown car crash. You could say it's a... CIRCUS OF DOOM! Faithful listeners will remember the Circus of Doom from when Parallax Views covered the media brouhaha over Roger Stone w/ Pearse Redmond and Ed Opperman. This time returning guest JP Sottile, the NewsVandal himself, joins us to discuss not only the media circus around Epstein, but also establishment pundit David Frum's clownish declaration that Trump could be the US's "1st Marxist President". The conversation takes us down the general nightmare funhouse of media mayhem that's been gripping the U.S. since 2016 and is packed with JP's always articulate analysis. So step right up to hear... DAVID FRUM AND THE POST-EPSTEIN CLOWN CAR CRASH OF DOOM! Check out JP's work at Newsvandal and subscribe to the Newsvandal Rundown
S1 E114 · Thu, August 15, 2019
Conspiracy Theories in the Aftermath of Epstein w/ Gumby (@Gumby4Christ)
#ClintonBodyCount. #TrumpsBodyCount. The concern trolling over all the speculation. Conspiracy theory is experiencing its moment in the mainstream thanks to the demise of wealthy sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Joining us to discuss this renewed public interest in conspiracy theories is a student of "parapolitics", Gumby (@Gumby4Christ) , whose Twitter following has been experiencing an uptick in light of recent events. Gumby begins by commenting on the public response to Epstein's death before telling us how he became interested in the subject of conspiracy theories. He relates a personal story involving confirmed. secretive, Cold War era radiation testing in St. Louis that has lingering effect today. He recommends a book on the subject by sociologist Lisa Martino-Taylor called Behind the Fog that proposes an intriguing academic theory of "elite deviance". From there we bounce around to a number of different topics including media responses to conspiracy theories, disinformation, the seemingly astroturfed origins of Pizzagate, Netflix's Wormwood series, Tom O'Neill's popular new book on the Manson murders called Chaos, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, MKULTRA, mob-related conspiracies involving infamous organized crime figures like Whitey Bulger and Lucky Luciano, the strange career of FBI agent and Satanic Panic peddler Ted Gunderson, and, of course, the sordid saga of Jeffrey Epstein. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views!
S1 E113 · Tue, August 13, 2019
Libertarian Hunter DeRensis Critiques the National Conservatism Conference
On this edition of Parallax Views, libertarian Hunter DeRensis , foreign policy reporter for The National Interest , joins us to discuss last month's National Conservatism Conference that set out to define the path of America's conservative movement in the age of Trump. DeRensis and I are no doubt divided on most political issues given that I'm openly to the left whereas he positions himself on the libertarian right. However, both DeRensis and I stand in opposition the war-hawk foreign policy mentality that was on prominent display, despite Trumpism's alleged affinity for non-interventionism, at the National Conservatism conference. DeRensis and I talk about the hawkish figures at the conference such as Cliff May, Rebeccah Heinrichs, and Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton among others. This also leads to some discussion of neoconservatism and its history, the ideological differences between neocons and those who spoke at the National Conservatism conference, Saudi Arabia, US-Russia relations, the geopolitical situation with China, war-hawks against Iran, and Hunter's recent article on concerns of nuclear catastrophe that some expert believe are more of a threat now than during the Cold War. Links: “Dangerous Foreign Policy at the National Conservatism Conference” by Hunter DeRensis (The Libertarian Institute) "Will Nationalism Become the New Credo of the GOP?" by Hunter DeRensis (The National Interest) "The Danger of A Nuclear Catastrophe Is Greater Than During the Cold War" by Hunter DeRensis (The National Interest)
S1 E112 · Mon, August 12, 2019
NY Journalist Marlon Ettinger on Epstein’s Death, Unsealed Files, & Experiences Reporting at the Courthouse
Over the weekend Jeffrey Epstein, the wealthy sex offender whose sordid saga has taken the nation by storm, was found unconscious in prison and later declared dead. New York-based journalist Marlon Ettinger, who has been covering the case at the courthouse, joins us to discuss this huge development as well as discussing the recently unsealed documents from the Giuffre v Maxwell and his experiences reporting the case from the courthouse (including encounter with Mike Cernovich and Conchita Sarnoff as well as seeing Epstein in the flesh). Consider this an emergency podcast with more to come... Links & Resources: Data Dump: Giuffre V Maxwell unsealed documents (Porkins Policy Review) Conchita Sarnoff, Investigative Journalist & Author of TrafficKing Jeffrey Epstein could have ‘paid’ for help with suicide: Former Gotti pal (New York Post) FBI Record: The Vault - Jeffrey Epstein
S1 E111 · Fri, August 09, 2019
Daniel Hopsicker Says We're Living on Gangster Planet: Organized Crime, Trump, & Epstein (+ QAnon Revealed?)
Are we living on a Gangster Planet? That's the explosively provocative but intriguing claim investigative reporter Daniel Hopsicker has made for almost two decades since he began delving into the wild story of Medellin Cartel drug smuggler Barry Seal. But Hopsicker say Barry Seal, who recently became the subject of the major motion picture American Made starring Tom Cruise, is only the tip of the iceberg. In fact, it took him down many rabbit holes from the Venice, FL flight school where 9/11 hijackers like Mohammad Atta trained to the underworld of the Russian mafia. It's also led him to dig into an assorted rogue's gallery of infamous figures like international arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, the Russian mob's "Boss of Bosses" Semion Mogilevich, billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and even the President Donald Trump. Roberto Saviano, a critically acclaimed essayist and reporter whose exposés of organized crime and the international drug trade has placed his life in jeopardy, famously proclaimed, "Look at Cocaine and All You See Is Powder. Look Through Cocaine and You See the World." "Here it is, laid bare: cartel as corporation, corporation as cartel; cocaine as pure capitalism," write Ed Vulliamy of Saviano's ZeroZeroZero, "Here it is, laid bare: cartel as corporation, corporation as cartel; cocaine as pure capitalism." Hopsicker shares alot in common with Saviano, albeit trading in the Italian reporter's continental literary stylings for his own fittingly hard-boiled approach. In any case, both Hopsicker and Saviano scrutinize the lucrative business of what has come to be known as "Narco-Capitalism". And given the amount of money the illicit drug trade makes within the global economy it's an apropos portmanteau. Together, Daniel and I weave through the labyrinth of his reporting on what he dubs "transnational organized crime" and it's intersection with politics and business. Along the way Daniel gives his take the late Gary Webb's "Dark Alliance" series covering the alleged connection between Iran/Contra and LA's crack-cocaine epidemic, the notoriously controversial ex-Trump strategist Steve Bannon, and, near the end of our conversation, even offers a compellingly probable contender for who the "Q" is behind the madness of QAnon. Links: "CONTAINER SHIP CRIME WAVE!" by Daniel Hopsicker "The Jeffrey Epstein Social Network & The Container Ship Crime Wave" by Daniel Hopsicker "The Jeffrey Ep
S1 E109 · Wed, August 07, 2019
Arun Gupta on the No More Concentration Camps Movement/Remembering Investigative Satirist Paul Krassner w/ Joseph E. Green
Questioning Authority... Now And... Then On this edition of Parallax Views, the them is questioning authority with two guests who highlight resistance in both the present and our historical past. First up, investigative reporter Arun Gupta , founding editor of The Indypendent , joins us to talk about his work organizing the No More Concentration Camps movement . Firecracker congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez caused a stir recently by referring to ICE detention centers for migrants and refuges as concentration camps . Some pundits have decried AOC's statements as a bridge to far and argue the concentration camp characterization is irresponsible. Arun Gupta, however, agrees with AOC's take and joins us to explain why in this pertinent conversation. Paul Krassner April 19, 1932 - July 21, 2019 Next up, Joseph E. Green , a contributing writer at Garrison: The Journal of History and Deep Politics, joins us to celebrate the life and times of investigative satirist, Yippie activist, and all-around counterculture icon Paul Krassner . A consummate rebel and subversive humorist who proved a thorn in the side of the establishment thanks in part to his groundbreaking underground press 'zine The Realist , Paul Krassner passed away at the age of 87 in late July of this year. Alongside Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, Krassner helped found the Youth International Party, or Yippies, who pranked on right-wing authoritarians throughout the turbulent times of the Vietnam war. Green, who currently publishes his own underground zines through Microcosm Publishing , was heavily influenced by Krassner's work and helps us celebrate the legacy he left behind. Be sure to check out two book reviews that Green mentioned on this episode here and here
S1 E108 · Tue, August 06, 2019
ARG Pioneer Joseph Matheny on the Counterculture's Hijacking from Corporatization to QAnon
On this edition of Parallax Views, a special, previously unpublished conversationwith Joseph Matheny, a pivotal fixture of the bohemian tech counterculture during the early days of the internet, who may offer a key to understanding the wild social media phenomenon of QAnon and the general hijacking of counterculture by right-wing and corporate forces. This should be of particular interest in light of the recent FBI memo pointing towards QAnon conspiracy theories presenting a potential domestic terror threat. Joseph Matheny is perhaps best known as a transmedia artist who pioneered the Alternate Reality Game (ARG) with the inter-based collaborative fiction Ong's Hat. An ARG is a type of game that uses the real world as platform and have been used in marketing campaign for Halo 2, the Lost TV series, and Nine Inch Nails' Year Zero album. The genre has flourished because of the internet and is particularly interesting in that it does not require the player realize that they are playing. The parallels between ARGs and the QAnon phenomenon are striking. In fact, due to the focus of conspiracy theories and arcane secret histories found in Ong's Hat, some have whispered that Matheny is having a bit of a laugh as the possible mastermind behind QAnon. Matheny adamantly denies this and I believe him when he says he's not involved in QAnon. However, both of us agree that QAnon, whether knowingly or otherwise, uses the mechanics of an ARG in a way that is quite eerie. In addition to discussing alternate reality games and things like Pizzagate and QAnon as "Dark ARGs" in the age of MAGA, Joseph Matheny and I more generally delve into how counterculture appears to have been hijacked, perhaps even weaponized, by corporate and right-wing elements. It's a fascinating episode that you're not going to want to miss!
S1 E107 · Thu, August 01, 2019
T.J. Coles on Boris Johnson, Neoliberalism, & The Great Brexit Swindle
On this edition of Parallax Views, British author and commentator T.J. Coles joins us to discuss the UK's controversial new Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the midst of Brexit. Since June 23rd, 2016, when the U.K. voted in favor of a referendum to leave the European Union, Britain has experienced a sustained period of political turbulence. Who was behind the Brexit campaign? Who were the forces opposing it? What does the British exit from the United Kingdom entail? And, of course, how did this happen? T.J. Coles, author of The Great Brexit Swindle: Why the Mega-Rich and Free Market Fanatics Conspired to Force Britain from the European Union, provides interesting answers to these questions while also unpacking the ideas of neoliberalism, the state of democracy in Britain, criticisms of the EU's technocratic nature, the negative media portrayals of Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn, and parallels between the political economies of the U.K. and the U.S. Articles: "The Tragic Inevitability of Boris Johnson MP" by T.J. Coles (Counterpunch) "'Strategic Extremism': How Republicans and Establishment Democrats Use Identity Politics to Divide and Rule" by T.J. Coles (Counterpunch) "The Billionaires Behind the Far-Right" by T.J. Coles (Counterpunch) "Corbyn and the Mainstream Media: A Case-Study in Fake News" by T.J. Coles (Counterfire) "We Need a People's Globalization to Defeat Global Neoliberalism" by T.J. Coles (Truth Out) Books: Real Fake News by T.J. Coles (Red Pill Press) Privatized Planet by T.J. Coles (New Internationalist) The Great Brexit Swindle by T.J. Coles (Clairview Books) See also: Parallax Views Ep. 61: Matth
S1 E105 · Tue, July 30, 2019
Journalist Eric Draitser on Peter Thiel’s Palantir, ICE, & The Surveillance State (+ #29Leaks)
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Eric Draitser of Counterpunch , joins us to discuss his recent article "Records Show Palantir Made $60 Million Contracting with ICE for Mobile App" . Palantir Technologies, a software company co-founded by the controversial Silicon Valley Trump supporter Peter Thiel, has recently come under heavy scrutiny thanks to a July expose that detailed it's relationship with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) . Draitser, however, argues that ICE's use of Palantir's FALCON mobile app is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, the big data giant's fingerprints can be found in everything from the Cambridge Analytica scandal to the targeting of dissident journalists. Put another way, it can be argued that Palantir may well represent the Orwellian nightmare of 1984's Big Brother or Phillip K. Dick's Minority Report made a frightening reality. Additionally, Eric tells listeners about the announcement of Counterpunch's collaboration with previous Parallax Views guest Barrett Brown, Distributed Denial of Secrets, and others to expose the corruption of a scandalous London investment firm through #29Leaks . IF YOU ENJOY ERIC DRAITSER'S ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING HIS EFFORTS ON PATREON INDEPENDENT ALTERNATIVE MEDIA CAN'T EXIST WITHOUT YOU!
S1 E104 · Thu, July 25, 2019
Pearse Redmond on The Sordid Saga of Jeffrey Epstein: The New Arrest
On this, the return edition of Parallax Views, independent journalist Pearse Redmond of Porkins Policy Review joins us once again for the latest in the sordid saga of Jeffrey Epstein, the billionaire sex offender with associates in the highest positions of wealth and power. Pearse famously joined us for a two-part deep dive into the dirty details of the Epstein case in September of 2018 (see episodes 29 and 30). Fast-forward to July 2019: Epstein has been arrested in New York on federal charges of sex trafficking and his sordid saga has broken into the mainstream consciousness. This episode touches on a number of the new developments in the case such as the Palm Beach Police Department's PR crisis in relation to the work-release program they gave Epstein, grifting "journalist" Mike Cernovich inserting himself into the latest arrest, the decoy passport authorities found in Epstein's New York mansion, claims of intelligence agency ties to Epstein, the mainstream and alternative media's approaches to the story, Epstein's movements in Hollywood after 2008, and much, much more. It's a jam-packed return for Parallax View that runs over 2 hours dealing with a case that could crack open the taboo discussion about how the wealthy and power wield undue influence in society. Links: Lette Response in Support of Motion by Jeffrey Epstein Regarding Foreign Passport (PDF) Letter by USA as to Jeffrey Epstein Regarding Foreign Passport (PDF) Jeffrey Epstein: Model prisoner who swept, mopped floors, official says (Palm Beach Post) Jeffrey Epstein’s Sick Story Played Out for Years in Plain Sight (The Daily Beast) Jeffrey Epstein Moved Freely in Hollywood Circles Even After 2008 Conviction (The Hollywood Reporter) Jeffrey Epstein discloses assets of $560m in court filing (Washington Business Journal) Alan Dershowitz Now Says He Was Not ‘Close’ To Jeffrey Ep
S1 E103 · Tue, April 30, 2019
Ep. 88: Video Essayist José on the Youtube Alt Right Pipeline, Journalism Vs. Psuedo-Journalism, & Culture Wars
Reports indicate that YouTube has become a breeding ground for alt right radicalization. How did this powerful platform become a haven for the far-right? Joining us on this edition of Parallax Views to tease out some details that may answer that question is video essayist José . José, whose Youtube videos feature deep-dive critiques of right-wing ideologues like Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux, explains how the reactionary turn of the YouTube community goes back to the New Atheist Movement. Additionally, José talks with us a bit about some of the alt right's favorite talking points like social Darwinism and the "white genocide" conspiracy theory in South Africa and the pseudo-journalism of personalities like Lauren Southern. Then José and I turn to the subject of culture wars from Gamergate to the more recent Comicsgate which has found elements of video game and comic book fandom becoming enraged over what they see as a politically-motivated effort to force racial, gender, and sexual diversity onto their favorite media. Check Out José on YouTube! Show Notes: The alt-right loves YouTube (Vox) How YouTube Built a Radicalization Machine for the Far-Right (The Daily Beast) From the Enlightenment to the Dark Ages: How "new atheism" slid into the alt-right (Salon) The New Atheist "Elevatorgate" Controversy (RationalWiki) Trump’s tweet echoing white nationalist propaganda about South African farmers, explained (Vox) South Africa: The groups playing on the fears of a 'white genocide’ (BBC) South Africa and the Far Right Pt. 1 (Rational Disconnect Youtube) What is Comicsgate? The Newest Geek Controversy, Explained (Inverse) Relevant José Video Essays:
S1 E102 · Fri, April 26, 2019
Ep. 87: Barrett Brown on Anonymous, Whistleblowing, Wikileaks, Journalism, & the Pursuance Project
On April 11, 2019 Wikileaks founder Julian Assange was arrested by British authorities after almost 7 years of asylum in London's Ecuadorian embassy. Reviled by many and revered by others, Assange and Wikileaks became a magnet of controversy for over a decade thanks to their publishing leaked media like the Collateral Damage video and the Podesta emails. Wikileaks, however, was part of a broader movement called "hacktivism" that became increasingly popular in the early 2000's through work of the informal, online collective Anonymous. This movement raised increasingly relevant questions about whistleblowing, journalism, and transparency that have only became more pressing as the highly technological 21st century rolls forward with concerning revelations made public by whistleblowers like NSA contractor Edward Snowden and former Cambridge Analytica data consultant Christopher Wylie. Joining us on this edition of Parallax Views to unpack these issues is journalist, whistleblower, and former Anonymous associate Barret Brown of the Pursuance Project. Like Julian Assange, Barrett Brown ran afoul of government authorities due to his involvement with Anonymous eventually culminating in his arrest and a 63 month prison sentence in relation to the Stratfor email leaks case. Brown has written for such publications as The Daily Beast, Vanity Fair, True/Slant, The Huffington Post, The Guardian, and D Magazine as well as winning a National Magazine Award for his work at The Intercept. During the course of our discussion Brown tells his story and gives his takes on the arrest of Julian Assange and the media's coverage of it, the state of journalism, Wikileaks, Anonymous, The Intercept's shutdown of the Edward Snowden archive, and much. In addition, Brown fills us in on his latest endeavor the Pursuance Project and his hop
S1 E101 · Thu, April 25, 2019
Ep. 86: Jen Hobbs on American Hemp’s History, Health Benefits, & Environmentalist Uses
Hemp, a strain of cannabis sativa, has had a long, strange, and storied history in America from being grown by the Founding Fathers to being rendered virtually illegal by the United States government for decades. There was even a state-sponsored effort encouraging farmers to grow hemp to support the U.S.'s efforts in WWII! Now, with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill Act, hemp is finally receiving its moment in the 21st century. And according to our guest on this edition of Parallax Views it's a moment that's long overdue. Jen Hobbs, author of American Hemp: How Growing Our Newest Cash Crop Can Improve Our, Clean Our Environment, and Slow Climate Change and co-author of Governor Jesse Ventura's The Marijuana Manifesto, joins us to discuss the many utilities of this incredible plant including making us healthier, solving the lead crisis, assuaging the problems arising in the aftermath of major fires like those that have recently ravaged California, and even, she argues, combating climate change! Sound to good to be true? Well, hear Jen out because she may just be able to make you into a believer! AMERICAN HEMP: HOW GROWING OUR NEWEST CASH CROP CAN IMPROVE OUR HEALTH, CLEAN OUR ENVIRONMENT, AND SLOW CLIMATE CHANGE BY JEN HOBBS AVAILABLE NOW FROM SKYHORSE PUBLISHING! KEEP UP WITH JEN HOBBS AT THE AMERICAN HEMP SUBSTACK BLOG/NEWSLETTER! Show Notes: The United States Department of Agriculture's WWII-Era Hemp for Victory Short Film Jesse Ventura's Marijuana Manifesto "Hemp is Our 'Green New Deal'" by Jen Hobbs @ Salon 2018 Farm Bill Primo Nutmeg Podcast Black Op Radio (Recently Featured Jen as a Guest) Friend of the Show Pearse Redmond's Porkins Policy Radio Has a New and Improved Live Show on Tuesdays from 3-5 P.M. EST at The Ochelli Effect Upcoming Episode of Parallax Views Will Feature Whistleblower & Journalist Barrett Brown of the Pursuance Project on the Early Days of A
S1 E100 · Wed, April 24, 2019
Ep. 85: Terry Tapp on Art, Culture, Religion, Psychedelics, & Picto-Philosophy
On this edition of Parallax Views, New York-based author, artist, and returning guest Terry Tapp joins us for a discussion of his latest creative endeavor, The Lungfish Project, which traverses questions of evolution, time, human origins, religion, storytelling, and more in the form of what Terry calls picto-philosophy. Terry explains how the Lungfish Project found inspiration in the late beatnik writer William S. Burroughs' rumination on the space age at the Nova Convention and how the project is influenced by such varied sources as religion, philosophy, storytelling, anti-authoritarianism, and much more. Additionally, Terry and I discuss his interest in psychedelics and where psychedelic culture has gone wrong in recent years, the idea of the cynic and the philosopher Diogenes of Sinope, the aesthetics of time, and much more. A Serf's Journal: The Story of the United States' Longest Wildcat Strike by Terry Tapp (Zero Books, 2017) SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!
S1 E99 · Mon, April 22, 2019
Ep. 84: The Serfs’ Lance on Youtube Banning, Algorithms, the Alt Right Pipeline, & Breadtube
On this edition of Parallax Views, Lance, one half of the YouTube lefty comedy duo The Serfs, joins us to discuss The Serfs getting removed from YouTube and the grassroots campaign that has brought it back, algorithms and the alt right pipeline, combating the right-wing presence on YouTube, the lefty YouTube equivalent Breadtube, and The Serfs taking on Intellectual Dark Web figures like Joe Rogan and Stefan Molyneux. We get into some doom 'n' gloom that explains how we got in our present politico-cultural predicament as well as the opening that may exist for getting out of it. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! CHECK OUT THE SERFS ON YOUTUBE! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!
S1 E98 · Sun, April 21, 2019
BONUS: ”Zizek Vs. Peterson” w/ Slimy Clearing’s Nathan Sacket
Here's an Easter gift from Parallax Views! Slimy Clearing 's Nathan Sacket and I discuss the April 19th "Great Debate" that saw public intellectuals Jordan B. Peterson, the Jungian psychologist of the Intellectual Dark Web, and Slavoj Zizek, the Slovenian bear and Hegelian-Lacanian philosopher, face off in the squared circle... er, the Sony Center in Toronto. The debate was titled "Happiness: Capitalism Vs. Marxism" and generated a great deal of fanfare for both Peterson and Zizek. Nathan and I tackle the debate as well as what it means and represents in a larger context, and Nathan argues pointedly that we can do better.
S1 E97 · Sat, April 20, 2019
Ep. 83: Brian Rosenquist on the Christian Scare Films of Ron Ormond (EASTER SPECIAL!)
On this Easter weekend edition of Parallax Views, filmmaker Brian Rosenquist joins us to discuss the Christian scare films of Ron Ormond. Evangelical convert Ron Ormond, along with his wife June Ormond and the help of Baptist minister Estus W. Pirkle, created supremely bizarre, gory, and shocking movies meant to literally scare the hell out of sinners and convert them to Christianity. Ormond's notorious "Christsploitation" films The Burning Hell, The Believer's Heaven, The Grim Reaper, and the anti-communist Red Scare flick If Footmen Tire You What Will Horses Do? scarred a generation of Sunday school children before becoming sought after cult classics of the cinematic underground vis-à-vis the legendary experimental band Negativland's sampling of If Footmen Tire You What Will Horses Do? in their hit single, played at college radio stations across America, "Christianity is Stupid". Brian fills us in on the life, times, and films of the Ormonds and tells us about his upcoming documentary about the Ormonds on this edition of Parallax Views. Brian Rosenquist
S1 E95 · Tue, April 16, 2019
Ep. 82: Bobbie Brown on Modeling, Dating Rock Stars, & Life on Hollywood's Sunset Strip
Drugs. Sex. Rock 'n' Roll. Big hairdos. They're the hallmarks of 80s/90s glam metal, which is finally experiencing its nostalgia moment thanks to the new Motley Crue biopic The Dirt on Netflix. Everyone knows the stories of sleazy rock star debauchery on the Sunset Strip, but what about the female perspective on those wild days? Joining us on this edition of Parallax Views is Bobbie Jean Brown, author of Dirty Rocker Boys: Love and Lust on the Sunset Strip and a starring figure in Fuse's reality TV hit Ex-Wives of Rock, to discuss the her life on the Sunset Strip from activating a millions of teenaged libidos in Warrant's "Cherry Pie" music video to marrying Warrant's Jani Lane and dating Motley Crue's Tommy Lee. Bobbie Brown as "The Cherry Pie Girl" in Warrant's "Cherry Pie" music video The conversation begins with Bobbie and I discussing the Alice in Wonderland-esque "down the rabbit hole" nature of Bobbie going from a quite life in Louisiana to becoming the hottest girl on L.A.'s Sunset Strip. From there we get Bobbie's take on modeling and her long winning streak on Starsearch before delving into how she became the it girl of glam metal in Warrant's "Cherry Pie" music video. We discuss what life was like in Hollywood in the 90s and her experiences dating rock star's like Warrant's Jani Lani and Motley Crue, the later of whom controversially broke things off with Bobbie to marry Baywatch's Pamela Anderson. Additionally, we discuss some of Bobbie's experiences working on Married... With Children,her former interest in the occult, thoughts on the #MeToo movement, the Netflix's Motley Crue biopic The Dirt, online dating, and her recent work in the realm of stand-up comedy! Bobbie Brown and Warrant's Jani Lane Bobbie Brown and Motley Crue's Tommy Lee Bobbie Brown still rockin' today! Check out Bobbie's new book Cherry on Top! Coming out in July! And be sure to read Dirty Rocker Boys <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-t
S1 E94 · Thu, April 11, 2019
Ep. 81: Journalist Jenna Orkin on 9/11's Deadly Dust
A fine detail of the latest budget proposal by President Donald Trump is that it will defund the federal agency responsible for compensating first responders to the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attack who were adversely effected by the dust and degrees at Ground Zero in New York. The story of 9/11's "Deadly Dust" , however, goes much deeper and the lives it has damaged reaches far beyond the heroic first responders of that fateful September day. Joining us on this edition of Parallax Views to discuss the full story of 9/11's Deadly Dust is Jenna Orkin, who has tirelessly pursued the saga as a journalist, activist, and concerned parent in the vicinity of Ground Zero since its earliest stages. Jenna Orkin We begin by discussing how Jenna became involved in activism related to 9/11's deadly dust. From there we delve into a number of different areas including the EPA's assurances that "the air is safe to breathe" after 9/11 and the conflicts of interest that existed with then EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman. Jenna and I dive deep into the asbestos and toxins that were inhalable throughout New York in the aftermath of 9/11 and the lives adversely affected by it, including schoolchildren. We also discuss how the media covered the story initially and how the saga of 9/11's deadly dust has changed since those days. Additionally, Jenna tells us about her work with investigative journalist Michael C. Ruppert, the 5th anniversary of whose death will occur on April 13th, and how Ruppert's work on 9/11, peak oil, Wall Street, and energy issues ties into not only Jenna's writings on the 9/11 deadly dust but also a broader picture of our world and where it is headed. Read Ground Zero Wars: The Fight to Reveal the Lies of the EPA in the Wake of 9/11 and Clean-Up Lower Manhattan by Jenna Orkin Read <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Scout-Investigative-Journalist-Michael-Ruppert/dp/1500
S1 E93 · Wed, April 10, 2019
Ep. 80: Ben Burgis DESTROYS the Right w/ LOGIC, FACTS, & REASON
There's a meme, perpetuated by figures like "Facts Don't Care About Your Feelings" Ben Shapiro and "Not An Argument" Stefan Molyneux, that the left runs only on emotion while the right are the bastions logic, reason, and Rationality(TM). Ben Burgis , author of the upcoming book Give Them An Argument: Logic for the Left, disagrees and joins us on this supersized edition of Parallax Views to DESTROY the right-wing noise machine. Ben Burgis is a regular contributor at The Michael Brooks Show , The Serfs , and Zero Books (publisher of Ben's upcoming book) as well as a Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers University. Ben Burgis DESTROYING someone like Ben Shapiro on The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder The conversation begins with Ben describing his background as a professor who teaches critical reasoning before explaining what drove him to write the upcoming book Give Them An Argument: Logic for the Left. We then delve into online obsession, particularly on YouTube, for debates with "[X] DESTROYS [Y]" in the titles and how Ben feels about the way rhetoric, logic, and debate have been twisted by the right. In addition, Ben and I discuss some of the fallacies that occur during debates such as the ad hominem and the appeal to authority. From there the discussion takes many twists and turns too numerous to get into in this synopsis. We discuss issues such as transgender acceptance, "Social Justice Warriors", deplatforming, cultural appropriation, the notion of "The West", Hume's Law as it relates to Ben Shapiro, social constructivism vs. standpoint epistemology, how Ben DESTROYS the right's "I AM AN APACHE ATTACK HELICOPTER" argument, equality of opportunity vs equality of outcome, and the ideas of Karl Marx amongst much, much more. We even get into the idea of panpsychism unexpectedly but naturally! Hear Ben Burgis on The Michael Brooks Show Patreon's Exclusive Segment "The Debunk" Every Week! <p style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:center;text-decorat
S1 E92 · Tue, April 09, 2019
Ep. 79: David Golumbia on The Silicon Valley Ideology, Racism, and AI
On this edition of Parallax Views, we probe the possible intersection between the ideology of Silicon Valley tech culture's obsession with strong AI, or General Artificial Intelligence, and the issues of racism and white supremacy with David Golumbia , author of The Cultural Logic of Computation, The Politics of Bitcoin: Software as Right-Wing Extremism, and the recent essay (and subject of this episode) "The Great White Robot God: Artificial General Intelligence and White Supremacy" . We begin the conversation by discussing how David became interested in the topic of philosophy and ideology as it relates to tech culture. David explains how he was interested in the analytic philosophy of figures like Hilary Putnam, specifically the philosophy of language as it relates to mind, and its relation to the left intellectual tradition. In particular, David discusses the computational model of understanding the mind and why he has been critical of it. Additionally, David notes how he saw the early tech culture, or computer liberation, as engaging with right-wing ideology as opposed to left-wing intellectual traditions. During this portion of the conversation we delve into the philosophical differences between the left and right's intellectual traditions, and especially how they view freedom in extremely different ways. From there delve into what's been called the Silicon Ideology or the California Ideology, and in particular it's obsession with logic and rationality. During this portion of the conversation we delve into the elevation of rationality to a place of almost quasi-religious veneration by both elements of the tech community and the alt right as well as the denigration of emotion by both these elements. This leads us into the main topic of this episode, namely David's essay "The Great White Robot God: Artificial General Intelligence and White Supremacy". Sam Harris, the New Atheist leader that has become embroiled in the race/IQ discourse David explains how New Atheists like Richard Dawkins and, in particular, Sam Harris served to spur his interest in writing the Great White Robot God essay. David notes that figures like Harris and Dawkins have become entangled in Islamophobic rhetoric and the race/IQ discourse. We delve into how the ideology of New Atheists seem to coincide not only with a number of right-wing talking points but also the Silicon Valley tech culture. David navigates us through the ways in which Artificial General Intelligence, or strong AI (see The Terminator or The Matrix movies for pop culture imaginings of th
S1 E91 · Fri, April 05, 2019
Ep. 78: The Satanic Panic & the Repressed Memory Myth w/ Joseph L. Flatley and Lucien Greaves
On this edition of Parallax Views, we uncover a world of mass hysteria and medical malpractice known colloquially as the Satanic Panic with journalist Joseph L. Flatley , author of Satan Goes to the Mind Control convention, and Lucien Greaves , founder of The Satanic Temple . In Reagan's America, the 1980s, the suburbs became gripped with a paranoia. Through and amalgamation of the Christian Right, television hucksters, and "repressed memory therapists" a narrative arose that cadres of secret-devil-worshippers-next-door were conspiring to bring impressionable youths under the thrall of Satan through everything from Dungeons and Dragons to heavy metal. Out of this came a number of people claiming to have been victims of "Satanic Ritual Abuse" and mind control alongside a number of dubious mental health professionals who bolstered them. Joseph and Lucien describe how this strange moment in American pop culture came to be and it's serious ramifications for both those accused and for the patients taken advantage of by the mental health figures that helped promote the panic. Dr. Colin Ross At the center of Joseph's telling of this sordid affair is the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and it's founder Dr. Colin Ross. Joseph and Flatley fill listeners in with what this seemingly credible-sounding organization really believes and what they promote including conspiracy theories about Satanic ritual abuse, mind control, and other conspiracy theories. In addition we delve into the character of ISSTD's founder Dr. Colin Ross and the case of one of his patients, Roma Hart, who suffered greatly under Ross's "care". Ross claims to be an expert on mind control, often citing the legitimate and disturbing CIA project MK-ULTRA, but, Joseph and Lucien argue, seem to engage in some of the very same practices of MK-ULTRA and various cults. Roma's story, in particular, is a chilling one that we cover in-depth. Additionally, we discuss "The Satanic Panic" in light of the "conspiracy presidency" of Donald J. Trump and conspiracy theories like QAnon and Pizzagate. Also, Lucien discusses some matters related to the Satanic Temple including his appearance on Tucker Carlson's FOX News program and the Satanic Temple bid to erect a Baphomet statue at the Oklahoma Capitol in response to the Christian Right's attempt to install a Ten Commandments Statue there. Joseph L. Flatley Lucien Greaves <p st
S1 E90 · Wed, April 03, 2019
Ep. 77: Journalist David Bixenspan on Reporting on Pro Wrestling & Wrestlemania 35
On the eve of WrestleMania 35, which will be presented by WWE this Sunday April 7th, 2019, journalist David Bixenspan joins us on this edition of Parallax Views to discuss his reporting on the world of pro wrestling. Hot off the heels of John Oliver's recent segment on treatment of pro wrestlers within the industry, David and I discuss all of wrestling's various controversies from pay to steroids to the depiction of race and gender in the sports entertainment spectacle. Additionally, we discuss how media has covered the topic over the years and how the product has changed through the decades. Links and Resources for This Episode: Fall Guys: The Barnums of Bounce David Bixenspan Article Archive The Concussion Legacy Foundation (founded by former WWE superstar Chris Nowinski)
S1 E89 · Fri, March 29, 2019
Ep. 76: JP Sottile on the Mueller Report and Russiagate Fallout & Jaya Sundaresh on Journalism and Ishmael Reed's Anti-Hamilton Play
On this edition of Parallax Views it's another double feature! Two guests, one episode! First up a return conversation with "The Newsvandal" JP Sottile recorded only hours ago on the hot off the presses developments in the fallout from Russiagate and the end of the Mueller Probe. Then journalist Jaya Sundaresh joins us to discuss a number of topics related to media and activism as well as her recent piece on a new play by the legendary playwright Ishamel Reed that criticizes the musical phenomenon of Hamilton on historical and political grounds. JP Sottile Jaya Sundaresh
S1 E88 · Tue, March 26, 2019
Ep. 75: Confronting the Right w/ Twitch Streamer "Destiny" Steve Bonnell II & Antifascist Activist Shane Burley
The far right has been on the rise internationally as many citizen around the globe feel themselves disaffected by globalization. How should the Left respond to this dangerous development. On this edition of Parallax Views, two guests join us to answer that question. First up is Twitch gaming steamer Destiny aka Steven Bonnell II who has become popular for debating right-wing ideologues on topics like race, immigration, gun control, gender identity, and more. Then, noted antifascist activist and author Shane Burley rejoins the show to discuss the VICE's Lords of Chaos, fascism and antifascism in the black metal and neofolk scenes, and the recent Christchurch terror attack in New Zealand. Destiny aka Steve Bonnell II Our first guest is Destiny aka Steve Bonnell II, a video game streamer turned political debate maverick. Destiny fills listeners in on his journey into political debating from the gaming world and his transition from libertarianism to a more center left position. From there Destiny and I delve into his infamous debate with the popular YouTube and video game personality JonTron, which garnered coverage in TIME for showing JonTron's transition to the alt right. We use this to discuss how much of the New Atheist movement went in an alt right direction. Destiny and I then discuss the right's rhetoric of "facts don't care about your feelings" and "realz over feelz" and why Destiny believes that it is actually these reactionaries who are arguing from a place of emotion rather than rationality. We then begin to discuss how Destiny tries to counter some of these arguments and how he views the people he is debating. Destiny argues against assuming that the vast majority of people he debates are acting in bad faith. We then discuss political debates as they relate to families, which has become a major topic since the election of Donald Trump, and Destiny's debates with his highly right-wing mother. From there we delve into the topic of social shaming, how right-wing pundits like Dave Rubin try to claim the mantle of being "left", the controversies around de-platforming, and free speech. We then pivot into the topic of Destiny's debate with white nationalists describing themselves as "race realists" and biological determinists who rail against changing gender norms and the transgender community. During this portion of the conversation Destiny and I define the concept of social constructivism and his recent debate with Carl Benjamin aka Sargon of Akkad about transgender people. Additionally Destiny gives his take on the right's flirtation or outright acceptance of biological determinism. At the same time, he says, many of them believe in libertarian free will. Destiny, in contrast, says he is a hardline determinist but tha
S1 E87 · Sat, March 23, 2019
Ep. 74: Radio Gunk's Monique on The Hypocrisy of Howard Stern
Howard Stern has gone from a sleazy shock jock interviewing C-list celebrities to a pop culture icon whose a friend of Jimmy Kimmel and a judge on America's Got Talent. Not all of Howard's fanbase have stayed with him through thick and thin, however. In fact, a group of former fans have started a podcast called Radio Gunk dedicated to exposing what they see as the alt-radio host's hypocrisy. Radio Gunk's Monique joins us to discuss the podcast and her journey from Howard fanatic to Stern critic. Howard Stern has been feuding with shock jockette Wendy William who accused Howard of being a sell out recently Monique and I begin the conversation by discussing the genesis of Radio Gunk. Then Monique turns the tables to ask why a non-Howard Stern listener like myself invited her onto the show. From there we delve into why the Radio Gunk crew have become ex-Howard Stern fans since Stern's famous jump from K-Rock to Sirius Radio. We then discuss a number of issues related to the hypocrisies of Howard Stern and even how Donald Trump and Howard Stern, who fancies himself as a feminist Democrat nowadays, have a lot in common. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!
S1 E86 · Fri, March 22, 2019
Ep. 73: Phil Torres on Existential Risks, Steven Pinker's Sloppy Scholarship, & Superintelligent AI
Catastrophic Climate Change. Superintelligent AI. It's the end of the world as we know it on this edition of Parallax Views as author and researcher Phil Torres joins us to discuss the emerging field of study known as existential risks. The concept of existential risk, which philosopher Nick Bostrom describes as "One where an adverse outcome would either annihilate Earth-originating intelligent life or permanently and drastically curtail its potential", may seem like the stuff of a dystopian sci-fi story, but in an age of rising right-wing populism, declining democracies, and anthropomorphic climate change it may be worth considering the topic seriously. Additionally, Phil and I also delve into his recent run-ins with New Atheist. Despite being influenced by the New Atheists, Phil has been more than willing to criticize where he feels they get things wrong. In particular Phil recently took issue with what he argues is the poor and sloppy scholarship of juggernaut New Atheist public intellectual Steven Pinker's Enlightenment Now. Phil and I discuss why he critiqued Pinker's latest book, the fallout from it, and his run-ins with other New Atheist and "rationalist" adjacent figures like Peter Boghossian. Moreover, we also cover the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and whether it is a threat to human life. Phil argues that, while the popular conception of a Terminator-style Skynet scenario isn't likely, there are real risks involved with the development of artificial intelligence. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!
S1 E85 · Thu, March 21, 2019
Ep. 72: Billie Winner-Davis on Her Daughter Reality Winner, the 1st Target of Trump's War on Whistleblowers
Since the inception of the War On Terror there has been a parallel war waged by the National Security State to silence whistleblowers. Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, and John Kiriakou are just some of the victims in the War on Whistleblowers. In 2017 27 year old air force veteran and former NSA contractor Reality Leigh Winner became the first target of the Trump administration's continuation of this ongoing War on Whistleblower after leaking classified information concerning the possibility of Russian hacking in the 2016 Presidential election. Reality's mother, Billie Winner-Davis, joins us for an emotional conversation about her daughter's case and the ordeal Reality has been put through for being a conscientious citizen. Billie Winner-Davis Reality Leigh Winner We begin the conversation with Billie giving us a brief outline of who Reality is as a person and her many passions. From there we delve right into how reality became a whistleblower af
S1 E84 · Thu, March 21, 2019
Ep. 71: Journalist Albert Lanier on the College Admissions Scandal and Diploma Mill Skullduggery
Lori Loughlin, known as pop culture's beloved Aunt Becky on the hit 90s sitcom Full House, has been in the news lately, alongside Desperate Housewives actress Felicity Huffman, for being embroiled in a college admissions bribery scandal. But the story of this scandal is not limited to these two higher-profile celebrities and is a deep case of privilege and corruption in America's New Gilded Age. Joining us on this edition of Parallax Views is returning guest and veteran journalist Albert Lanier to unpack the whole shameful affair, including the Operation Varsity Blues investigation that has brought it to light, and discuss the adjacent scandal of diploma mill skullduggery. We begin the show by discussing how Albert Lanier got the news of "Collegegate" and why, unlike many, he was taken surprise by the college admissions bribery scandal. Albert explains how he was previously interested in the skullduggery of diploma mills and how he sees the college admissions scandal in a broader context. Additionally, he points out the impacts a higher education can have on one person's life and why the parents embroiled in this scandal were willing resort to illegal activities to ensure that their children received that education. We then begin to discuss the relation of class and privilege to college admissions and this scandal in particular. Albert discusses the various ways in which the wealthy "rig" the system for their kids and focuses especially on how this is done with athletics. Albert discusses in-depth the concept of "the preferences of privilege" outlined by Daniel Golden in The Price of Admission . We then change topics to an
S1 E83 · Tue, March 19, 2019
Ep. 70: Journalist JP Sottile on the Mueller Probe, the College Admissions Scandal, & the Christ Church Terror Attack
Following a brief tribute to the legendary surf rock guitarist Dick Dale and some other opening comments, two-time Emmy-award winning producer and journalist JP Sottile of Newsvandal returns to discuss the Mueller Probe, the college admissions scandal, the Democrats' freshman congresswomen, rising Islamophobia in culture, and the Christchurch terror attack. The conversation begins with JP and I discussing a recent poll showing the Americans may be turning on the Mueller Probe . JP gives his take on the Mueller Probe and cautions against saying anything definitive about the report until we can see it. Additionally, we discuss how disastrous the Mueller Probe could end up being for the Democrats in the 2020 elections, Glenn Greenwald's infamous criticisms of Russiagate, if it does not deliver the goods on Russian collusion. We then segue into the topic of what could be called "The New Gilded Age" in which wealth inequality and the rigging of the system for the mega-rich continues to grow. In particular, JP and I cover the college admissions scandal that has ensnared celebrities like Felicity Huffman and Full House's Lori Loughlin. We discuss how this case is emblematic of the "rich people gone wild" age that we live in. JP details the main player in the case, William Singer aka "Rick". We delve into how Singer's college admissions scheme ties into branding culture and creating a side-door to get wealthy parents into prestigious colleges. We also relate how the college admissions scandal is only one of many scandals and discuss the Trump family fortune's equally sketchy background. From there we delve into the Christchurch Mosque shooting, which JP recently wrote about. We go over how the rhetoric behind the neoconservative's "War on Terror" has influenced Islamophobic sentiments. Then we delve into JP's thoughts on the shooting and what it says about the alt right's mindset and philosophy. Check out JP's work at Newsvandal and subscribe to the
S1 E82 · Sun, March 17, 2019
Ep. 69: Pop Culture Esoterica from Paranormal TV Shows to Pro Wrestling w/ Coast to Coast AM's Tim Binnall
And now for something completely different! On this edition of Parallax Views, Coast to Coast AM news editor Tim Binnall , "The Sublime Scoundrel of the Paranormal", joins us to discuss all things esoteric (ie: fringe, weird, off-the-beaten path) in pop culture including paranormal TV shows, History Channel's Project Blue Book UFO drama, conspiracy theories going mainstream, the Momo Challenge, and even pro wrestling! Did that last one throw you for a loop? Listen to this episode to find out why we talk pro wrestling! I myself am a skeptic, but thought Tim was worth having on the show because of the impact that the paranormal, conspiracy theories, UFO folklore, and related topics have had on pop culture. The conversation begins with Tim describing how he got interested in the paranormal, UFO subcultures, and other fringe topics in the early 00's after 9/11, Tim cites Jim Marrs' Alien Agenda and Rule by Secrecy as early inspirations for his foray into esoterica before becoming a fan of Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell and George Noory. Additionally Tim tells listeners about how he became one of the early adopters of podcasting (before it was even called that!) with Binnall of America: Audio, From there Tim fills us in on how he ended up working for Coast to Coast AM after being a fan for years. We dive into the popularity of Coast to Coast AM. What turned C2C AM into a late night radio sensation and made Art Bell a household name? And what are some of Tim's favorite Coast to Coast AM moments? Stanton T. Friedman, "The Man Who Put Roswell on the Map" Then Tim tells us about his relationship with nuclear physicist and UFOlogist Stanton T. Friedman. Friedman appears annually on Tim's Binnall of America: Audio's holiday special and is, perhaps, the most recognizable face in UFO lore due to his countless radio and TV appearances as well as lectures at colleges across the country. Tim goes onto explain how Freidman is the reason that Roswell became a part of the popular consciousness. And, of course, Tim explains how Friedman became an annual holiday guest on Binnall of America: Audio. Then we delve into why Tim chose to describe Binnall of America as an exploration of the "esoteric" rather than the paranormal. We discuss some of Tim's favorite interviews from his BoA: Audio tenure including his show covering Rumspringa, in which Amish youths are allowed to leave the Amish community and decide for themselves if they want to return, and the uncredited inventor of television Philo T. Farnsworth. In addition, Tim tells us how he came to speak wi
S1 E81 · Fri, March 15, 2019
Ep. 68: The REAL Roger Stone w/ Former Stone Collaborator Robert Morrow
On this edition of Parallax Views, we return to the subject of political "dirty trickster" Roger Stone, whose trial has just been set for November 5th . Who is the "real" Roger Stone behind the public image? Joining us to help answer that question is the controversial former Roger Stone collaborator Robert Morrow, who co-authored The Clintons' War on Women with Stone. Robert tells the story of how he came to work with Roger Stone through the book The Man Who Killed Kennedy: The Case Against LBJ . Robert then describes how he came to co-write The Clintons' War on Women with Stone. From there we discuss how the case of Jeffrey Epstein led to a falling out between Stone and Morrow. Morrow discusses how behind Stone's charming personality is a narcissist with a low self-esteem who seek to curry favor with larger-than-life figures like Donald Trump. He dishes the dirt on Stone's cheating on his wife, his little discussed anti-Semitism, and his bullying of various figures in the JFK assassination community. Additionally we discuss some periphery figures in the Stone saga like Jerome Corsi, Randy Credico, and Saint John Hunt. In the end Morrow has a very harsh critique of Stone that pulls no punches. And a story about Stone and Ann Coulter that will keep you from sleeping for weeks. All in all it's an episode that you won't want to miss if you want an insight into the mind of Roger Stone from someone who worked with him. WARNING: THE VIEWS CONTAINED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THOSE OF ROBERT MORROW. SOME CONTENT MAY BE ADULT AND GRAPHIC IN NATURE SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!
S1 E80 · Wed, March 13, 2019
Ep. 67: Jeffrey Epstein Update & the Cindy Yang Scandal w/ Pearse Redmond
On this edition of Parallax Views, Porkins Policy Review's Pearse Redmond rejoins the show to discuss recent developments in the case of billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein (see eps. 29 & 30 ) and the recent prostitution scandal that ties together New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, seedy-massage-parlor-owner-cum-MAGAhead Cindy Yang, and Donald Trump. Trump and Epstein The conversation begins with Pearse and I discussing how the Jeffrey Epstein case has gone mainstream. We talk about the work Pearse as well as previous guest and friend of the show Ed Opperman have done on the case and how it predates the coverage coming out today. We then delve into the recent developments in the sordid saga of Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire pedophile who stands accused of being involved in a human sex trafficking ring, while also refreshing new listeners on some of the basics of this story that illustrates a case study of a one percenter's disgusting display of power in this New Gilded Age of injustice. Trump's Labor Secretary,Alexander Acosta, stands accused of giving a sweetheart pleas deal to Jeffrey Epstein In particular we hone in on the lawsuit that could lead to the unsealing of court documents in the Epstein case . Pearse and I discuss what could be at stake for three of the case's principal actors in the case: victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre (a teenage runaway who was for Epstein at Trump's Mar-a-lago), celebrity lawyer Alan Dershowitz, and British socialite (and Epstein's procurer of young girls) Ghislaine Maxwell. Moreover we examine how Trump's Labor Secretary, Alexander Acosta, ties into this case. Additionally we also delve into a recent story detailing how Epstein funded Russian model Lana Pozhideva's "Education Advance" which claims to advocate for "Women's Empowerment" . Pearse explains how Pozhidaeva's denials of knowing anything about Epstein seem far-fetched and tells listeners a little bit about the MC2 Modeling Agency in relation to this story. Lana Pozhidaeva We then shift our attention to another scandal. Recently, New England Patriots own
S1 E79 · Sun, March 10, 2019
Ep. 66(6): Lords of Chaos Movie & Black Metal w/ Alex Gendler
On this extremely casual weekend edition of Parallax Views, sometimes Antifada co-conspirator Alex Gendler joins us to discuss VICE Films' Lords of Chaos, a dark dramedy detailing the arsons, murders, and other acts of delinquency committed in the name of Satan by Norway's teenaged black metal scene in the 1990's. In addition we also discuss the film's director Jonas Akerlund and his connection to the metal genre, Mayhem's Euronymous as a precursor to tankie edgelords that worship Stalin, the insane neo-Nazi antics of Burzum's Varg Vikernes and his wacky racist Dungeon and Dragons knock-off RPG, the rise of the legitimately unsettling and serious National Social Black Metal (NSBM) scene in Eastern Europe and its connections to the Azov Battalion, the acoustic black metal parody Impaled Northern Moon Forest, and other black metal nerdiness along with much, much more! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!
S1 E78 · Fri, March 08, 2019
Ep. 65: Alexander Stille on the Importance of Journalism, Trump's Italian Precursor Silvio Berlusconi, & Truth Decay in Media
On this edition Parallax Views, award-winning veteran journalist Alexander Stille joins us to discuss the importance of journalism, understanding President Donald Trump and the rise of right-wing populism through the scandalous reign of Italy's longest-running post-war Prime Minsiter Silvio Berlusconi, and how we arrived at a moment of "alternative facts" and fake news that have led to a social "truth decay" in which media consumers have wildly different conceptions of what constitutes reality. Note: Some commentary on SCOTUS and Congress in this episode slightly date this recording, but only make up a few lines of the conversation.
S1 E75 · Thu, March 07, 2019
Ep. 64: Shadowproof's Kevin Gosztola on the State of Journalism, the War on Whistleblowers, & Bernie in Chicago
On this edition of Parallax Views, Shadowproof Press managing editor, producer and co-host of Unauthorized Disclosure , and all-around maverick reporter Kevin Gosztola joins us to discuss the state of journalism today, his extensive coverage of whistleblowers from Chelsea Manning to Reality Winner, the recent tensions between CNN and his colleague Rania Khalek, and witnessing the Bernie Sanders 2020 campaign rally in Chicago. We begin the conversation by discussing the state of journalism and the media ecosystem today. Kevin and I take on the claims that media criticism, specifically aimed at corporate media, is the stuff of tinfoil-hat wearing conspiracy theories. Kevin discusses the difference between establishment media and corporate media as well as the ways this biases many American reporting outlets. Whistleblower Chelsea Manning, whose case Kevin Gosztola covered extensively From there we take a deep dive into Kevin's history of covering cases of whistleblowers including Pvt. Chelsea Manning, CIA analyst and case officer John Kiriakou, and NSA contractor Reality Winner. Kevin describes how he first became interested in whistleblowers cases via the early work of Wikileaks and goes on to describe his involvement in the cases of Manning and Kiriakou as well as discussing the surveillance whisteblowers of the NSA. Then we take a dive into Kevin's latest whistleblower reporting with the case of Reality Winner, a former Air Force veteran and NSA contractor who leaked classified documents on potential Russian hacking in the 2016 Presidential election. Kevin and I discuss who Reality Winner is, the media's lack of coverage in regards to her story, how she was treated by federal investigators, nd the illegitimate smears against her because of her name and personality. Kevin also gives a bit of insight into the character of this young woman and paints a picture of a creative, conscientious, and humanitarian individual who was punished for trying to do what she felt was right and moral. Air Force veteran and NSA contractor Reality Winner standing strong in the face of adversity "Jail Buddha" sketch art by Reality Winner We then switch topics to another female firecracker more than willing to speak her mind: alternative media journalist Rania Khalek. Rania was in the news recently when <a href='https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/15/tech/russia-facebook-viral
Thu, March 07, 2019
Ep. 63 PREVIEW: Shadowproof's Kevin Gosztola on the Bernie 2020 Chicago Rally
In this special preview of Parallax Views episode 63, guest Kevin Gosztola , ace reporter and managing editor of Shadowproof , discusses the Bernie Sanders 2020 Presidential Campaign's recent rally in Chicago!
S1 E74 · Wed, March 06, 2019
Ep. 63: Investigative Journalist Joshua Frank on The Big Heat: Earth on the Brink
On this edition of Parallax Views, award-winning investigative journalist and Counterpunch co-editor Joshua Frank joins the show to discuss his new book, co-authored with Jeffrey St. Clair, The Big Heat: Earth on the Brink . We are living on the frontlines of a warzone, argue St. Clair and Frank, and the fate of the planet is at stake as we hurl towards the probability of climate change catastrophe, continued destruction of wildlife, and an environmental nightmare. The conversation begins with how Jeffrey and Joshua sought to portray the trajectory of our little blue planet and the grassroots movements fighting for our environment. Joshua explains how he and Jeffrey approach environmental journalism as a form of war reporting and how it differs from much mainstream reporting on the issues of climate change, wildlife destruction, etc. We also discuss how telling the stories of climate change and how it's impacting our lives is what may be the key to awakening the populace to the severity of environmental issues. We then discuss what the situation is on the ground in this environmental war zone. During this portion of the conversation we focus on specific stories of the destruction of wildlife, including the harm done to animals like buffalo and bears, and the increasing intensity of damaging wildfires among other heartbreaking stories happening around the world. This opens us up for a discussion of a specific piece of reportage in the book by Joshua about billionaire Ted Turner and the privatization of wildlife that is threatening bison in Montana. We use this as a launching off point to critique the moderate political position of "Green Capitalism" and how it is highly unlikely to mitigate the environmental crisis in a meaningful manner. In particular, Joshua gives his take on the green energy solution and its inefficiency. We then gone on to discuss the rage-inducing essay "The Blood-Stained Shores of Taiji" which discusses the mass slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan. We discuss what is being done to endangered species being pushed to the brink of extinction. This then leads into a conversation about how humans, as well as wildlife, are being impacted in the current predicament, especially with regards to lead-poisoning via the Flint, Michigan water crisis. From there we delve into how we got into the horrific situation. In particular, Joshua highlights how the Democratic Party is culpable in environmental decay as well as the Republican Party. Josh
S1 E73 · Sun, March 03, 2019
Ep. 62: Erica Duggan on Lyndon LaRouche & the Mysterious Death of Her Son Jeremiah Duggan
On this edition of Parallax Views, Erica Duggan joins the show for a very sobering conversation about the recently deceased fringe political figure Lyndon LaRouche and the LaRouche Organization cult's relationship to the mysterious death of her son Jeremiah Duggan. Lyndon LaRouche died on February 12, 2019, but left behind a legacy of damaged lives at the hands of his private intelligence agency and cult, the LaRouche Organization. The LaRouche movement has broken apart families, ended marriages, stolen the hopeful futures of idealistic youths, and, in the case of Jeremiah Duggan among others, led to the fatal consequences for those who've crossed them. Despite this, obituaries for Lyndon LaRouche tend to paint him as a mere kooky fringe politician prone to conspiracy theories. Erica Duggan, however, explains why LaRouche and his movement are far more insidious than a brigade of mere odd eccentrics. This is a very serious and, dare I say, harrowing episode of Parallax Views that exposes not only a political cult but also a failure of justice on the part of authorities to deal adequately with the unnerving unanswered questions surrounding the death of a bright young man, Jeremiah Duggan, whose future was fatally robbed from him in his prime. Jeremiah Duggan Normally Parallax Views would provide extensive show notes for the episode. In this case, however, we recommend taking a look at the Justice for Jeremiah campaign website and LaRouche-Danger.Org. Parallax Views cann
S1 E72 · Fri, March 01, 2019
Ep. 61: Matthew Alford on Corbyn, Brexit, and the "Union Jackboot" of British Foreign Policy
On this edition of Parallax Views, we travel across the pond to the United Kingdom to discuss Jeremy Corbyn, Brexit, and British foreign policy with Matthew Alford, co-author with T.J. Coles of Union Jackboot: What Your Media and Professors Don't Tell You About British Foreign Policy . The conversation begins with Matthew filling listeners in on his prior work investigating the Pentagon and CIA's little-known role in the entertainment industry. In his books Reel Power and National Security Cinema w/ Tom Secker, Matthew exposes how the military-industrial complex has influenced and manipulated Hollywood films and television show to promote an uncritical image of the national security state and recruit impressionable youths to the war machine. From there we delve into how Matthew came to work on his latest book, Union Jackboot: What Your Media and Professors Don't Tell You About British Foreign Policy , with T.J. Coles. T.J. is, by day, an academic researcher at the Plymouth Institute's Cognition Institute focused on visual impairment and blindness. By night, however, he is an astute analyst, commentator, and investigator of human right abuses and geopolitics related to the United Kingdom and its foreign policy. Matthew gives an insight into T.J., his parallels to Chomsky, and the important insights he provided in the Union Jackboot interviews. We then move onto discussing the rise of the Labour Party's Jeremy Corbyn, whose political leftism has led many to consider him the British equivalent of Bernie Sanders. We discuss the many attacks that have been made on Corbyn including accusations of anti-Semitism. Matthew and I delve into how Corbyn is a throwback to an older version of the Labour Part before the rise of Tony Blair and Third Way neoliberalism. From there we discuss T.J.'s views on Britain's foreign policy and how it has been downplayed in not only the British mainstream media but also many left-wing circles. Matthew also discusses how Britain, although not the Empire it once was, has a great deal of standing in the international scene and still is involved in many foreign policy actions that should be up for criticism. Then we briefly switch our focus to the U.S. with a discussion of Donald Trump and Matthew provides his own English-flavored take on the controversial POTUS. Matthew you and I then have an extended discussion about Brexit and Britain's leaving the European Union (EU). This makes up an entire, fascinating chapter in Union Jackboot that's a must read. Matthew lays out the complicated nature of Brexit and how there are
S1 E71 · Wed, February 27, 2019
Ep. 60: ”BEWARE! THE D.C. BLOB!” SUPERSHOW! w/ Media Roots’ Robbie Martin
On this edition of jam-packed, 2 1/2 hour edition ofParallax Views, Media Roots Radio's Robbie Martin returns to the show to discuss what has been referred to in Washington, D.C. beltway media circle's as "The Blob": the foreign policy consensus that dictates the United States' actions abroad. BUT FIRST... Ben Shapiro, Gavin McInnes, & Other Right-Wing Loons Go to the Circus in... KILLER KLOWNS FROM THE PERPETUALLY ANXIOUS RIGHT! Robbie and I begin by discussing the right-wing meme of "clown world" . During this portion of the conversation Robbie gives his take on the right-wing's hysterics over cultural change and how they take focus away from issues like late-stage capitalism and antiwar issues. And, of course, we talk about Gavin McInnes and his bizarre stunt involving wearing a Southern plantation owner outfit out the Southern Poverty Law Center . THEN... Robbie tells us about the D.C. "Blob" that guides foreign policy decisions in the United States! We begin by discussing how the metaphor was popularized through the former Obama administration National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes to describe the beltway figures that led the U.S. into the disastrous mistake of the Iraq War . From there we delve into how the "Blob", the D.C. foreign policy establishment, seeks to dictate a highly interventionist war/peace ideology within the beltway regardless of who is holding court in the White House. Robbie details how the Blob's rhetoric is permeating all areas of the political discourse from the-right-to-the-left and, in his view, originates with the neoconservative movement ( for more on that see Robbie's first appearance on Parallax Views in ep. 22 ). We then have a short back-and-forth about the idea that "neocon" is a codeword for Jews. Robbie argues that this is not true, although I counter that elements of the paleoconservative movement were using the term as an anti-Semitic shorthand for Jews within the beltway. Robbie calmly answers these criticisms and outlines the problems and faults of the paleoconservative conception of the neoconservative movement as a Jewish "Israeli-firster" conspiracy. He then goes onto argue that the neocons are no
S1 E69 · Sat, February 23, 2019
Ep. 59: Eric Draitser on Wealth Inequality, NY Progressives Beat Amazon, & the 2nd Bernie Moment
On this edition of Parallax Views, Counterpunch Radio host and political analyst Eric Draitser ( guest on episode 27 ) returns to the show to discuss skyrocketing wealthy inequality , New York progressives victory over Amazon HQ2 , and Bernie Sanders announcement that he'll be running for President on the Democratic ticket in the 2020 election . The conversation begins with an observation from your host that our current cultural moment feels like a nightmare that could've been written by Hunter S. Thompson. From there we delve into reports that wealth inequality is approaching levels not seen since The Great Depression. Eric and I discuss how this issue has come to the fore of mainstream discourse as well as examining former Starbucks Chairman and potential 2020 Independent Presidential candidate Howard Schultz's wanting to be referred to as a "person of means/wealth" rather than a billionaire and Kylie Jenner's claims that she her wealth is wholly self-made . Are the billionaires nervous that the 99% has had enough? From there we dive into how the façade of neoliberalism's promises are falling away as millennials find themselves being crushed under the weight of massive student debt and the progressive awakening that it may be creating. This leads us to a discussion of the New York progressives activists who recently scored a huge victory over Amazon HQ2 . Eric explains what this victory means for New York as well as what it could mean for progressive activists across the nation. Then he informs listeners of his recent interview with two activists who directly participated in the New York fight against Amazon HQ2 . <p style=
S1 E68 · Fri, February 22, 2019
Ep. 58: Synthetic Zero's Michael James on Speculative Realism, Post-Nihilism, Accelerationism, & Climate Catastrophe
On this edition of Parallax Views, Synthetic Zero's Michael James joins the show to discuss speculative realism, post-nihilism, the problems of accelerationism, and catastrophic climate change. If you enjoy this conversation there will be a Patreon-exclusive Part II this weekend in which Michael discusses Synthetic Zero's interest in the theory of patchworks, which they are attempting to bring into real-world practice via an experiment akin to the 60s counterculture's communes and shared-living spaces. Synthetic Zero is a "multimedia research and design collective seeking adaptive responses to the various crises and unequally distributed realities of contemporary life." Michael and I begin by discussing the origins of Synthetic Zero and how it was envisioned by Michael, alongside Aaron Crawford, as a para-academic unit born out of philosophical explorations that arose from the speculative realist movement spearheaded by figures like Graham Harman, Timothy Morton, Quentin Meillassoux, and others. We discuss what speculative realism and object-oriented ontology are and their relation to Meillassoux's ideas about finitude. Michael outlines how speculative realism attempted to deal with philosophical conundrums around our perception of reality and reality itself. From there we delve into the topic of nihilism. We give particular mention to the works of philosopher Ray Brassier during this portion of the discussion and Michael goes over some of the basic ideas found in Brassier's Nihil Unbound . From there we delve into Michael's essay "From the Ruins" which deals with Synthetic Zero's interest in the concept of "Post-Nihilism". Michael argues vis-à-vis the philosopher Gianni Vattimo that an emancipatory potential exists within nihilism. Is it possible to find meaning in simply being human rather than searching for meaning in a transcendental narrative like those provided by religion? Is it possible to reach beyond the language games of philosophy and the grips of ideology? Are there new ways of thinking beyond the registers of postmodernism? Can we bridge the gap between theory and praxis? These are just some of the issues we cover during this portion of the conversation. Nick Land From there we delve into Michael's interest in, and harsh critiques of accelerationism. Accelerationism has been a topic we've covered in previous episodes , and has proven a popular topic. Michael has had many interactions with accelerationist thinkers and has become highly critical of them, incl
S1 E67 · Tue, February 19, 2019
BONUS: J.G. Michael Joins Trans Resister Radio to Discuss the Weird World of Alt Right Adjacent Transhumanism
Special Presentation! Parallax Views host J.G. Michael joins Aaron Franz and Trans Resistor Radio to discuss the alt right adjacent elements that litter the weird world of transhumanism, a techno-futurist ideology with sci-fi aspirations for the future and a potential capacity for attempting to revive the 20th century horrors of eugenics. Topics covered include: - Elizier Yudkowsky, LessWrong, and the debacle of Roko's Basilisk - Mencius Moldbug - Disgraced "Neoreactionary" Michael Anissimov and his sad interactions with libertarian e-girl Julie Borowski - The amphetamine-soaked nightmare saga of Nick Land - Yuval Noah Harari's Homo Deus and the unsettling idea of the "useless class" - And more! Listen to Trans Resister Radio Live on The Ochelli Effect Radio Network Every Friday from 10-11 pm EST
S1 E66 · Thu, February 14, 2019
Bonus Ep.: Roger Stone & the Circus of Doom w/ Pearse Redmond & Ed Opperman
On this bonus episode of Parallax Views returning guests Pearse Redmond of Porkins Policy Reviews and private investigator Ed Opperman of The Opperman Report join us for a roundtable discussion of political "dirty trickster" Roger Stone and his recent, highly publicized arrest in relation to the Mueller Probe. But first Pearse talks about getting blocked on Twitter by sleazeball "journalist" Mike Cernovich. Then Ed and Pearse give their takes on Alan Dershowitz in relation to the ongoing sordid saga of billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein (see episodes 28 , 29 , & 30 ). "Weird" Mike Cernovich being weird Epstein lawyer Alan Dershowitz and "Weird" Mike Cernovich Jeffrey Epstein and Alan Dershowitz From there we dive straight into the weird, wild, and exceptionally sleazy world of Roger Stone. What exactly landed Roger Stone in hot water with the Mueller Probe? Is Stone, as Pearse argues early on in the discussion, or is he, as Ed believes, a formidable operator? What bombshells did former Stone collaborator Robert Morrow drop on Ed in an exclusive Opperman Report interview about the GOP dirty trickster? Did the FBI raid follow proper procedures? Will Stone receive a gag order? What of the required drug testing of Stone in the Mueller Probe indictment? Who is Randy Credico and what is his relation to Stone? What are the experiences of folks in the JFK assassination conspiracy field with Stone? And what's going on with Wikileaks? All this and much more in this jam-packed special edition of Parallax Views!
S1 E65 · Thu, February 14, 2019
Ep. 57: Heidi Matthews on #MeToo, Gender Relations, & the Importance of Playfulness
Heidi Matthews On this edition of Parallax Views, Prof. Heidi Matthews of Osgoode Hall Law School and host of the recently debuted HMOD (Heidi Matthews On Demand) Podcast joins the show to discuss gender as it relates to law, sex, and social relations vis-à-vis #MeToo as well as the possible potential of using irony, humor, and playfulness to help bridge some gaps in the cultural "Battle of the Sexes". Although I myself have tended to view the #MeToo moment as an overall positive, previous guest and professional cyber-dominatrix Ceara Lynch voiced a certain amount of criticism for it in a relatively recent edition of the podcast . Around that same time a listener requested that they'd like to hear Heidi Matthews, who herself has garnered much attention, both positive and negative, in recent months for her critical views of #MeToo (see also: Heidi's Toronto Star op-ed ), on Parallax Views. In that sense, the first half of Heidi and I's conversations follows some threads explored in the Ceara Lynch episode. The discussion begins with Heidi giving her background in international law. This serves as a springboard for understanding Heidi's perspective and launches us into the conversation of #MeToo. Despite my own views of #MeToo this conversation is not by any means a debate or argument, but rather an attempt to fairly allow a #MeToo critic to outline what they see as problematic with this movement. Among the topics discussed are the Louis C.K. case, the possibility of "slippery slopes" arising from using punitive and legal language in a non-legal context by both sides of the #MeToo argument, avoiding oversimplification of the debate, the discourse around consent and how we as a society conceptualize sexual encounters, the literary subgenre that has come out of #MeToo, Conner Habib's quoting of Heidi's thoughts on ambiguity as it relates to sexual experience, how Heidi views her work as coming from a left-wing feminist perspective, conservative attitudes that deny the possibility of bridging the gap between genders and their relation to the #MeToo conversation, intentions vs the situations those intentions can create, and much more. It's a conversation that's equal part surprising, civil, and, as is usually the case with the topic of sex, sometimes awkward. Most of all though, I hope, is that it's a discussion
S1 E64 · Sun, January 27, 2019
Ep. 56: Albert Lanier on The GOP's Brand is Crisis, or How the Republican Party Became a Pretty Hate Machine
Returning guest and veteran journalist Albert Lanier rejoins the show for the first of a two-part conversation on current goings-on in Washington, D.C. and their relation to history. In Part 1, Albert and I cover the long degeneration of movement conservatism into its present Trumpist form. We begin the show with Albert Lanier giving his thoughts on the continued meltdown of Alex Jones, who was the subject of Lanier's previous appearance on Parallax Views. From there we jump right into the mayhem that is the Trump Administration, which Albert describes as being driven by the desire to manufacture crisis and create chaos. Albert and I reference the goals of disruption that typify former Trump strategist and ex-Breitbart head honcho Steve Bannon's ideology, which Albert believes is reflective of the broader right-wing movement in American. Albert argues that the Trump Administration and the 21st century American right-wing has gone from seeking to downsize the federal government in the Reagan era to becoming singularly obsessed with the destruction of the federal government today. We tie this into the ongoing shutdown of the U.S. federal government and try to hash out what the right's endgame is with all this chaos. This leads us to a discussion of the radical transformation of the American right wing from the American conservative intellectual tradition exemplified by figures like Edmund Burke and Russell Kirk to its' current, degenerated form. Albert specifically references how Kirk's The Conservative Mind and Burke's belief in "slowing change down", which he argues come from a conservative tradition that was not a politicized movement, stands in stark contrast contrast to today's movement conservatism and its embrace of libertarianism and right-wing, evangelical Christianity. Furthermore, Albert argues that traditional conservatism was pro-societal whereas movement conservatism is defined by its' anti-societal agenda. In this regard Albert speaks about what he calls the "War on College" being waged by the American right. We then delve into the history of the religious right and how it has been used and exploited by the Republican party as well as the element of social Darwinism, a bastardization of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution that can be traced back to the thinking of social scientist Herbert Spencer, that has often lurked in the shadows of the GOP platform. Albert then discusses President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his idea of the "Four Freedoms". Albert explains that the Roosevelt's were an elite family that believe in "noblisse oblige" and how such beliefs are foreign to the wealthiest classes in America today. He then goes on to detail how the Democrat party's slow move towards a party-of-big-
S1 E63 · Fri, January 25, 2019
Ep. 55: The REAL Alternative Media ft. Project Censored's Mickey Huff & Current Affairs' Nathan J. Robinson
Parallax Views returns from a holiday vacation with a special on REAL alternative media. First up, a conversation with Mickey Huff, director of Project Censored . Then a discussion with Nathan J. Robinson, founder and editor-in-chief of Current Affairs . Before presenting these two stimulating conversations, however, I open the show with a special musical intro and an op-ed by yours truly on the state of alternative media today. In this segment I discuss how a new, real alternative media is rising up to counteract the phony, false opposition that has tried to claim the alternative media mantle while wholly supporting the status quo and railing against any attempts at truly substantive social change. In particular, I give what I hope is an amusing burial to Infowars' Alex Jones and disgraced ex-hipster Gavin McInnes in light of their spectacular downfall late last year. As these pretenders to the thrown fall down truly alternative voices continue to blossom. Alex "THEY'RE TURNING THE FRIGGIN' FROGS GAY!" Jones and "Mr. Boo-Hoo the Hipsters Kicked Me Out of Their Club" Gavin McInnes of the ̶I̶n̶f̶o̶w̶a̶r̶s̶ DorkWars Squad DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR... Project Censored is an organization aimed at promoting media literacy, exposing news censorship, and championing independent, investigative journalism since 1976. Project Censored's Mickey Huff joins the show to discuss this organization's rich history and it's continued work in the 21st century. Mickey helps us unpack how the problems of media so prevalent to public discourse today, such as fake news and junk food news, actually has a storied history long predating the rise of Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential election. In addition we discuss the new Project Censored anthology Censored 2019, which covers what the organization considers to be the top 25 underreported stories of the past year. Mickey explains why this anthology is subtitled "Fighting the Fake News Invasion" and how the infamous 1938 Orson Welles' War of the Worlds radio broadcast, alleged to have created a mass hysteria in its time, provides an insight into today's predicament. What is the "black smoke" of fake news and how can it be fought? Mickey Huff and Project Censored are here to provide the answers. Mickey Huff CHECK OUT CENSORED 2019, AVAILABLE NOW FROM SEVEN STORIES PRESS! <p
S1 E62 · Sat, December 22, 2018
Ep. 54: A Very Gothy Xmas Special w/ David Ian McKendry & Ramsey Campbell
Ho ho ho! It's a very gothy Christmas at Parallax Views and we're celebrating the holidays in spooky-style with not one but two guests known for their work in the horror genre. So crack out the eggnog, cobwebs, and gingerdead men because the slay bells are ringing at Parallax Views! First up, filmmaker David Ian McKendry joins us to discuss holiday horror movies and All the Creatures Were Stirring , a new yuletide horror anthology directed by David and his wife Rebekah McKendry that stars Crazy Rich Asian 's Constance Wu and House of the Devil 's Jocelin Donahue among others. If you're looking for an unconventional way to cinematically celebrate the holidays this year look no further than All the Creatures Were Stirring . It's a collection of seasonal terror tales that turns such mundane horrors as last minute, holiday office parties, and awkward Christmas dinners into the stuff nightmares are made of! All the Creatures Were Stirring is cult classic in the making that'll be required viewing for horror aficionados during the holiday season. David Ian McKendry Constance Wu and Morgan Peter Brown in All the Creatures Were Stirring Jonathan Kite in All the Creatures Were Stirring Jocelin Donahue in All the Creatures Were Stirring Check out All the Creatures Were Stirring , streaming now on Shudder , YouTube , Amazon Prime , Google Play , and Vudu And be sure to listen to David's podcast, Fear Initiative As well as Rebekah McKendry's podcast, Shock Waves Then, in the second half of the show, Parallax Views is joined by the legendary British horror author Ramsey Campbell, the mind behind such nightmarish masterpieces as The Inhabitant of the Lake and Less Welcome Tenants , The Nameless , Demons by Daylight , Alon
S1 E61 · Wed, December 19, 2018
Ep. 53: Shane Burley on The Alt Right Since Charlottesville & The James Fields Conviction
On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Shane Burley , author of Fascism Today: What It Is and How To End It , joins the show to discuss the trajectory of the alt right since the Charlottesville "Unite That Right Rally" and the recent conviction of alt right activist James Fields for the death of protester Heather Heyer at that event . The conversation begins with a discussion of the aforementioned August 2017 rally and it's aftermath. We dive into who James Fields is and why people like him become involved in white nationalist and far-right populist movements. Additionally, we discuss the ways in which the far-right recruit and target alienated young men. From there Shane assesses the threat the alt right poses in the present especially in relation to lone wolf violence . This leads to a discussion of the "alt lite" and there role in the broader ecosystem of the populist right. Specifically, we delve into the personality of Gavin McInnes and the group he founded, the Proud Boys, and how they've courted white nationalists through their rhetoric. Shane then lays out what the tactics of deception that are utilized by the alt right with special reference to the idea, often promoted in alt right circles, of "hiding your power level". We then move onto the question of what fascism is and how it takes on different forms. Shane talks about how fascism manifests in other ways than the popular image of Nazi Germany's Third Reich. This leads us into a conversation about former Breitbart head honcho Steve Bannon and his brand of right-wing populism. During this portion of the conversation Shane and I talk about the Republican Party and its relation to Bannon's right-wing populist platform. And, of course, we discuss the recent Bannon/Frum debate and Shane's take on the question of de-platforming. We then move onto the alt right's rhetoric about "Social Justice Warriors" (SJWs) before delving into the role misogyny plays in the alt right ecosystem. This opens us up for a brief conversation on the phenomenon of women in the alt right. Shane and I then discuss the topic of entryism and the concept of the "Third Position", which Shane describes as the anti-capitalist "left-wing" of fascist ideology. Richard Spencer's advocating for the alt right to "move left" gets special mention during this segment. This leads into an
S1 E60 · Wed, December 05, 2018
Ep. 52: Dr. Harold Schechter on True Crime, Violence in Culture, Moral Panics, the Art of Joe Coleman, & More
On this edition of Parallax Views, Dr. Harold Schechter , one of America's most prolific and voluminous true crime authors, joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on history's real-life monsters from Ed Gein to H.H Holmes that attempts elucidate why society is fascinated by serial killers, violent art, murder, and mayhem. The conversation begins with Dr. Schechter explaining how he became interested in true crime through his teaching literature, specifically of the gothic horror genre, as a professor at Queens College, CUNY. This leads us into a discussion of his first book, Deviant: The Shocking True Story of the Original "Psycho" , about the ghoulish exploits of the murderous graverobber "The Butcher of Plainfield" Ed Gein. We delve into how Gein served as a source of inspiration for Psycho , Texas Chainsaw Massacre , and The Silence of the Lambs as well as a brief rundown of Gein's case that attempts to separate fact from fiction. From there we delve a bit into why we, as a society, are so fascinated by serial killers. Dr. Schechter makes a connection between the gruesomeness of folklore and the mythic status that killers take on in our culture. He argues that their are probably psychological reasons that we tell ourselves stories real-life murderers and madmen. We then dive into one of Dr. Schechter's most famous works, Depraved: The Shocking True Story of America's First Serial , which chronicles the life and crimes of serial killer H.H. Holmes. Holmes has re-captured the popular imagination in America thanks to Erik Larsons' The Devil in the White City and the hit TV series American Horror Story: Hotel , but Dr. Schechter was one of the first to revisit the case. The story of Holmes is one of insurance scams and murder combined that has taken on a legendary status since it first hit the headlines in the late 1800's. Dr. Schechter discusses how he came to question a lot of the more sensationalistic aspects of the Holmes case, which have now become accepted uncritically as fact for many, that were popularized by the yellow journalism of Holmes day. This opens up a discussion about how Dr. Schechter goes about his research in a field that is often rife with misinformation and sensationalism. During this segment we make reference to Wes Craven's The Hills Have Eyes and the legend of Sawney Bean, Tobe Hooper's Eaten Alive and Joe Ball, "The Confessions Killer" Henry Lee Lucas, the ways in which folklore about murderers and other rogues becomes accepted as historical fact, and even Grimm's fairytales. We then get into Harold Schechter's
S1 E59 · Mon, December 03, 2018
Ep. 51: Cyber-Dominatrix Ceara Lynch on Kinks, MeToo, Incels, & ThotAudit
On this edition of Parallax Views, cyber-dominatrix (or as she advertises herself, "humiliatrix extraordinaire") Ceara Lynch joins the show to discuss her career catering to men's most taboo kinks and fetishes, the MeToo movement, culture wars, incels, and the current social media brouhaha over ThotAudit. Ceara's stories views are bound to enlighten, amuse, and offend in equal measure, and her opinions on a number of these topics will surprise people from both the left and right wings of the culture wars. We begin the conversation with Ceara explaining how her work as an online dominatrix differs from the popular conception of a dominatrix and why she uses the term "humiliatrix" to describe herself. From there we delve her journey into the world of kink through a chance experience she had in Japan. We then discuss some of the kinks and fetishes that Ceara caters to, how people react when they find out she is a dominatrix, what kind of men are into being sexually submissive, and more about what goes into her work. Ceara Lynch's Appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience As the conversation progresses we take a deeper dive into psycho-sexuality, ethics and related topics. What differentiates what Ceara does from the "female power fantasies" found in pop culture artifacts like Wonder Woman and Basic Instinct ? Does Ceara's line of work constitute taking advantage of men? Are there ethical problems with certain kinks? From there we discuss the boundaries that Ceara has set up for herself and a particularly boundary-pushing request from one of her clients that leads into a conversation of MeToo. This portion of the discussion is fascinating not only due to the unique perspective Ceara provides as a dominatrix but also because it gets into how objectification can manifest itself in ways we usually don't think about. Additionally, Ceara's views may well surprise both supporters and detractors of the MeToo movement as whole. After that we go into a discussion of the concept of "aftercare" and a rare occurrence of it experienced by Ceara that leads into a conversation about the "hall of mirrors" nature of the dom-sub relationship. This allows us to delve into the almost video game-esque, virtual reality-like component of what Ceara does and one of the rare experiences she had with aftercare that highlights how the lines between fantasy and reality can blur for her clients. We then dive into a discussion of how the kind of kinks Ceara specializes in have become mainstream in both culture wars discourse and mainstream culture. We speculate on what effect this mainstreaming will have on public attitudes towards kinks whether perversion is really a bad thing. Then we turn to the topic of incels, a subject for which Ce
S1 E58 · Fri, November 30, 2018
Ep. 50: Vadge Moore on Punk Rockin' with The Dwarves, Noise Music, & the Occult
On this edition of Parallax Views punk rock legend Vadge Moore, former drummer for The Dwarves, joins the show to discuss his lifelong engagement with primality, taboo, and transgression through his time in the hardcore scene on through to his noise music and writings on occultism and philosophy. We begins the conversation with Vadge's recollections of the hardcore punk scene and how he became involved with The Dwarves. This includes a discussion of the contrast between the violence of the scene and its brotherhood-esque comradery, the danger and excitement of going to live shows, and the legendary wildness of The Dwarves' live performances. From there we delve into a number of Vadge's other pursuits and interests starting with transgressive writing. We discuss how Vadge became fascinated with the works of the Marquis de Sade, from whom the term sadism originates, while he was touring with The Dwarves. This leads us into a discussion of Vadge's general interest in extremity and how he became interested in the noise music scene through the work of industrial provocateurs Throbbing Gristle. This portion of the conversation leads allows us to delve into Vadge's noise project, Chthonic Force. Vadge explains how Chthonic Force was influenced by the work of Carl Jung and how the project reflected Jung's exploration of "The Shadow" and the primordial Id. We discuss some of Chthonic Force's "greatest hits" and what many would consider an unlikely source of inspiration for the project: Vadge's studies of the Bible, specifically the Old Testament. We then pivot towards Vadge's interest in philosophy, specifically the works of Friedrich Nietzsche. Vadge puts special emphasis on the Nietzsche's idea of "The New Man" and how it's played a role in his work. We also discuss the writings of occultist Aleister Crowley and comparative mythologist Joseph Campbell in relation to some of Nietzche's ideas. We then backtrack a bit into the topic of transgressive fiction with a discussion of Peter Sotos, whose writings deal with sexual psychopathology, and whom Vadge collaborated with on the Chthonic Force track "Mouth Pigs". Vadge explains how he became interested in Sotos' writing and its raw power. After that we delve into Vadge's interest in the occult with special reference to the Gnostic Voudon of Michael Bertiaux, the Gnosticism of William Blake, the Thelemic ideas of Kenneth Grant, and a brief mention rocket science's (in)famous occultist Jack Parsons and the resurgence of interest in him due to the CBS TV series Strange Angel . We wrap-up the show with Vadge talking about the new anthology The Servants of the Star and Snake: Essays in Honor of Kenneth & Steffi Grant , which Vadge is included in. The conversation ends with Vadge giving some words of wisdom to people who are just becoming interested in the occ
S1 E57 · Thu, November 22, 2018
Ep. 49: Mike Crumplar on The Weird End of Twitter & Fringe Online Politics
On this Thanksgiving edition of Parallax Views we invite you to ditch watching the football game after trying not to kill your relative during that turkey dinner and instead listen to cultural commentator Mike Crumplar aka m.crumps discuss the weird end of twitter and the darkest fringe corners of online political discourse. Among the topics covered are the alt right, Kantbot, the homoerotic underpinnings of an oddball reactionary called Bronze Age Pervert, Mike's Lacanian psychoanalytic turn, incels and Eliot Rodger's, the tension between Mike's left politics and coverage of alt right weirdness, and much more.
S1 E56 · Wed, November 21, 2018
Ep. 48: Daniele Bolelli & Brian Shaughnessy on Masculinity & Gender Roles/Prof. David Detmer on Howard Zinn & His Critics
IT'S A PARALLAX VIEWS DOUBLE FEATURE! First up, a roundtable discussion on masculinity and gender relations with previous guest and visual artist Brian Shaughnessy and Daniele Bolelli , writer, martial artist, university professor, and host of the History on Fire and The Drunken Taoist podcasts. We discuss the masculinity identity in an age of changing gender roles, integrating masculine and feminine traits, self-improvement, Daniele Bolelli's critique of Jordan B. Peterson, and much more in this fascinating and relevant dialogue. Daniele Bolelli Brian Shaughnessy After that Prof. David Detmer of Purdue University Northwest joins the show to discuss his book Zinnophobia: The Battle Over History in Education, Politics, and Scholarship ( Zero Books , 2018) about the rabble-rousing American historian Howard Zinn and his critics. Perhaps most known for his book A People's History of the United States , which has been referenced in pop culture from The Simpsons to Goodwill Hunting , Zinn taught history from a bottom-up, as opposed to a top-down, perspective that emphasized the role of marginalized peoples in shaping America's past. Loved by many and reviled by others, Zinn was a lighting rod for controversy even after his passing when, as Prof. Detmer details in Zinnophobia , the President of Purdue University Mitch Daniels was accused of attempting to censor and prevent Zinn's work from being taught in the university curriculum. We discuss the Daniels controversy as well as the popular criticism leveled at Zinn, Prof. Detmer's personal experiences with him, and much more. Howard Zinn Prof. David Detmer
S1 E55 · Mon, November 19, 2018
Ep. 47: Eliot Rosenstock on Zizek in the Clinic: A Revolutionary Proposal for a New Endgame in Psychotherapy
On this edition of Parallax Views psychotherapist Eliot Rosenstock returns to the show to discuss his upcoming book Zizek in the Clinic: A Revolutionary Proposal for a New Endgame in Psychotherapy (Zero Books, 2019). Among the topics we discuss are CBT therapy, capitalism and the perfect neoliberal subject, mental health services and economic status, the medical-judicial apparatus, the pathologization of the poor, psychoanalysis and it's importance, Guattari as the hysteric, technocapital and its relation to our psychic state, the failure of language, the Lacanian point of Westworld Season 1, and more.
S1 E54 · Thu, November 08, 2018
Ep. 46: Theory Talk's Taylor Adkins on Freud, Guattari, Schizoanalysis, & The Anti-Oedipus
On this edition of Parallax Views Theory Talk's Taylor Adkins joins me to discuss the life, times, and works of activist and "schizoanalyst" Felix Guattari. Guattari is perhaps most known for his collaborations with the French philosopher Gilles Deleuze, most notably the two volume Capitalism and Schizophrenia, which cleverly subverted Freudian psychoanalysis in the age of Jacques Lacan. As such we begin the conversation by discussing Sigmund Freud and the foundation of psychoanalysis before taking a deep dive into Guattari, his radicalism and time at the experimental clinic Le Borde, the failed uprising of May '68 that influenced Deleuze and Guattari, The Anti-Oedipus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia Vol. 1 , rhizomes and nomadic war machines, Guattari's The Three Ecologies, "lines of flight", the concept of schizoanalysis, and much more in this over 2 hour episode! Felix Guattari (left) and Gilles Deleuze (right)
S1 E53 · Sat, November 03, 2018
Ep. 45: Midterm Special w/ Michael M. Hughes on Magic for the Resistance
On this edition of Parallax Views, from the unreleased back-catalogue and just in time for the midterm elections, author and occultist Michael M. Hughes joins me to discuss his book Magic for the Resistance: Rituals and Spells for Change and the history of anarchic and egalitarian tendencies in the occult.
S1 E51 · Tue, October 30, 2018
Ep. 44: Robert Damon Schneck on Strange History, Folklore, & The Bye Bye Man
On this extra-spooky edition of Parallax Views, just in time for Halloween, "Historian of the Strange" Robert Damon Schneck joins me to share strange-but-true tales from America's past from a folklorist's perspective that attempts to discover their sociological significance. Robert specializes in researching and writing about odd and unusual stories from America's past and is the author of The President's Vampire: Strange-but-True Tales of the United States (now reprinted as The Bye Bye Man: And Other Strange But True Tales ) and Mrs. Wakeman Vs. The Antichrist : And Other Strange-but-True Tales from American History . The chapter "The Bridge to Body Island" from The President's Vampire was adapted into the major motion picture The Bye Bye Man starring Douglas Smith, Lucien Laviscount, Cressida Bonas, Jenna Kannell, The Matrix 's Carrie-Ann Moss, Bonnie and Clyde 's Faye Dunaway, and Hellboy 's Doug Jones as the title villain. Robert is also a freelance writer and contributor to Fortean Times . The conversation begins with a discussion of the strange-but-true paperbacks that influenced Robert in his youth. This leads into a discussion the connection between paranormal publishers and early 20th century pulp fiction, the eccentric ideas of anomalies researcher Charles Fort, FATE magazine and the Shaver Mystery, and work of Long John Nebel, the granddaddy of paranormal talk radio who predated Coast to Coast AM's Art Bell by decades. From there we discuss paranormal "boom" cycles, Ouija boards and the panics that have arisen around Ouija seances, Robert's thoughts on the Slenderman stabbings and similar cases from prior years, a deep dive into Robert's essay "The Ku Klux Klowns" about the possible sociological underpinnings of creepy clown sightings, stories of phantom attackers and mad gassers terrorizing small town America, the possible connection between werewolf lore and serial killers, the true story behind a murder case that turned into a sensational legend Robert dubs "The President's Vampire", the proto-Manson Family homicidal cult of Mrs. Wakeman, and, of course, the real story of The Bye Bye Man along with much more.
S1 E50 · Mon, October 29, 2018
Ep. 43: Delirium Magazine's Chris Alexander on Horror Cinema
On this edition of Parallax Views, just in time for Halloween, film critic, filmmaker, and musical composer Chris Alexander of Delirium Magazine joins the show to discuss the joys of horror cinema. We begin by discussing how Chris became interested in horror before delving into other areas, particularly the socially subversive potentials of horror. In this regard we discuss Chris's article on the blaxploitation cult classic Blacula as well as his friendship with George A. Romero and how Romero's "Living Dead" trilogy ( Night of the Living Dead , Dawn of the Dead , and Day of the Dead ) contain scathing social commentary and satire. In addition we discuss the wild films of Texas Chainsaw Massacre director Tobe Hooper, the Euro-Horror of Jess Franco and Jean Rollins, the cinematic universe of David Cronenberg and the horrific themes that tie his early film in with his later work, Chris's take on the slasher genre and excitement over the newest entry in the Halloween franchise, the way film critics often unfairly overlook the horror genre, and finding horror in unlikely places like the films of Orson Welles and Werner Herzog. Jess Franco's The Awful Dr. Orloff Tobe Hooper's Lifeforce , a major influence on Chris's own films And, of course, we discuss Chris's own filmmaking efforts starting with Blood for Irina , Queen of Blood , and, most recently, Space Vampire . Chris explains the influence of directors like Werner Herzog and Curtis Harrington on these films , their themes, and the highly experimental approach, which included an early use of filming on an iPhone, he took in making them. It's a perfect episode for the Halloween season that'll be followed by a few other Parallax Views Halloween specials in the coming days! Check Out The Latest Edition of Delirium Magazine Featuring an Interview With David Cronenberg
S1 E49 · Mon, October 22, 2018
Ep.42: John David Ebert on Myth, Modernity, Postmodernity, & Hypermodernity
On this edition of Parallax Views cultural critic John David Ebert ( Youtube , Patreon ) joins me to discuss myth, modernity, postmodernity, and John's concept of hypermodernity. Among the topics we delve into our Joseph Campbell and comparitive mythology, Nazism as a degeneration of myth, Carl Jung, Oswald Spengler and his two-volume series The Decline of the West , religion and the metaphysical tradition, William S. Burroughs, chaos and chance vs order and structure, modernity's relation to the Holocaust, postmodern thinkers like Deleuze & Guattari as well as their critics like Jordan Peterson, sociologist Zygmunt Bauman's idea of liquid modernity, and the digital age of what John calls hypermodernity and much more. Support John David Ebert's Work at Patreon
S1 E48 · Fri, October 12, 2018
Ep. 41: Patrick Farnsworth on Hope in Perilous Times, Or a Meditation on Eco-Catastrophe
Patrick Farnsworth of the Last Born in the Wilderness podcast joins Parallax Views for a nearly two-hour, wide-ranging, sobering conversation on man's future in light of the possibility of catastrophic climate change. Despite the grim subject matter Patrick tries to offer a glimmer of hope in what many are dubbing the "Anthropocene", arguing that if we are past overshoot in climate change there nonetheless remains a redemptive potential in how we, as species, deal with it. Among the topics we cover are Patrick's TedX talk "Forging Connection in Perilous Times", "doomerism", grief in relation to the possibility of eco-catastrophe, how lifestylist environmentalism is not enough, alienation and technology, Dr. Christopher Ryan's writings on human sexuality and anthropology, ideology and the narratives we tell ourselves, psychedelics, critiquing Steven Pinker's defense of neoliberalism and the culture of logic-bros, the importance of love and human relationships, the idea of "Exit" and Patrick's discussion with Douglas Rushkoff about Rushkoff's article "Survival of the Richest", consciousness and panpsychism, religion and dogma, the little talked about problem of global dimming, and much more.
S1 E47 · Thu, October 11, 2018
Ep. 40: Doug Lain on The Left, NRx, Anti-Imperialism, & The Cathedral
On this edition of Parallax Views returning guest Doug Lain , author of the sci-fi novel Bash Bash Revolution and publisher at Zero Books , discusses Zero Books severed ties with author Nicolas Hausdorf after finding out that he had began writing for the "post-political" (reactionary) magazine Jacobite. You can hear Doug discuss this issues with the author in question on Zero Squared #171: Pssst... Socialist Oppose Reaction . During the course of the conversation we discuss a number of topics ranging from how leftists activists end up going down the reactionary rabbit hole, free speech, the anti-SJW industry, Neoreaction (NRx) and its idea of The Cathedral , Doug's memories of the occult-flavored synchromystic subsculture of the 00's and how it may tie into these matters, whether "politics is downstream from culture", Moishe Postone's essay "History and Hopelessness: Mass Mobilization and Contemporary Forms of Anticapitalism" and unrefined manifestations of anti-imperialism on the Left, Adorno and the Frankfurt School's views on culture, alienation in political activists and the youth, Angela Nagle's critique of transgressive or "edgelord" culture, psychedelic and New Age reactionarism, socialism as "The Loyal Opposition", Jordan Peterson and the IDW vs. the reactionaries of the alt right and NRx, and more. And yes, Doug does speak about the recent kerfuffle around the recent Angela Nagle vs. Sargon of Akkad debate in this conversation.
S1 E46 · Thu, October 04, 2018
Ep. 39: C. Derick Varn on Peter Hitchens
On this edition of Parallax Views returning guest, my partner-in-crime at Zero Books ' Alternatives podcast, and personal friend C. Derick Varn returns to discuss the life and punditry of Britain's arch-conservative pessimist Peter Hitchens . Although his renown, at least in the U.S., has often been eclipsed by that of his brother, the late New Atheist crusader Christopher Hitchens, Peter is a fascinating figure in his own right who has become the UK's resident doom-and-gloom reactionary that liberals and leftists alike love to loathe. And yet Hitchens rejection of Reagan-Thatcherite individualism, coupled with his scathing critiques of elites on both sides of the political spectrum, have made him a commentator of interest to left-leaning individuals like myself, C. Derick Varn, and Kill All Normies author Angela Nagle among others. He may not be someone we agree with, but he is a refreshing and worth adversary, especially in the sea of grifting hacks that make up much of the right-wing media ecosystem today.
Mon, August 13, 2018
BONUS MINISODE: Steve Alten on The MEG
On this special minisode edition of Parallax Views you'll hear from Steve Alten on his best-selling Meg series, about the mysterious megaldon shark, which was recently turned into the runaway blockbuster The MEG , which managed to chomp away the cinematic competition this weekend by raking in a whopping $44.5 on it's opening weekend ! This is the book and movie series that's already given Steven Spielberg's JAWS more than a run for it's money! BUY THE LATEST TALE IN THE MEG SAGA, MEG: GENERATIONS, AT STEVEALTEN.COM!
S1 E21 · Wed, July 18, 2018
Ep. 16: Terry Tapp on Yuval Noah Harari’s Homo Deus
Yuval Noah Harari On this edition of Parallax Views I speak with author and artist Terry Tapp about his reflections on reading Israeli historian and New York Times bestseller Yuval Noah Harari's Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow and its worrying elitist underpinnings. We begin by discussing how Terry became interested in reading Harari's Homo Deus and his extremely negative reaction to it. We then back up a bit to discuss Harari's previous book Sapiens which leads us to a brief detour into the works of Lewis Mumford. After that we return to Terry's reading of Homo Deus and his many problems with it. This leads us into a discussion of issues related to the book such as the free will debate (which leads to a short anecdote about Terry's experience with New Atheist figurehead Daniel C. Dennett) and the elitist tendencies Terry found throughout Homo Deus which he ties back to Califronia's Silicon Valley tech community or the what he calls the "TED class". During the conversation we end up touching on the differences between the working class and the elite, Harari's unsettling concept of "the useless class", shamanism and art vs. Harari's data-ism, and the direction the Left should go in contrast to Harari. A Serf's Journal: The Story of the United States' Longest Wildcat Strike by Terry Tapp (Zero Books, 2017)
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