Listen in on revealing and thoughtful conversations with fascinating men and women who took an oath to support and defend our Constitution and our nation – leaders in law enforcement, the military, the intelligence community, and many more. What inspired these people? What drew them to this work? How did they overcome adversity and failure? And what are the lessons for our country and our democracy as we move forward? These captivating stories exemplify what is best about our nation: integri ...
…
continue reading
Keeping democracy alive Democracy is not a spectator sport, it requires informed participating citizens. On Keeping Democracy Alive, we delve into dynamics that both inhibit democracy and reinvigorate it. looking into issues from: domestic economic issues to foreign, labor, trade, and education policy, NSA spying, the drug war, prison, police, and judicial issues, electoral and protest politics, middle east realities, right and left wing populism, environmental and energy issues, the wealth ...
…
continue reading
It may have the word “liberal” in it but it’s anything but. Until the Biden/Harris years, the corporate wing of the Democratic Party had its deserved image of serving the richest among us. Trump understood raw populist anger to win The post Waving Goodbye to Neoliberalism? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Hawley And the Right: Terrified About Their Manhood
59:28
59:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:28
Now with the nomination of not just a woman, but a woman of color, they feel even more threatened. Today’s right encourages and seeks to use men’s anger in the culture war, even though those very policies actually harm working The post Hawley And the Right: Terrified About Their Manhood appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
With Walz, Can Democrats Win Back Rural America?
58:58
58:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:58
Since at least 2016, the Democratic policy has been driven by big contributors, yielding rural voters to Trump who at least pretended to hear them. With Minnesota Governor Tim Walz nominated as VP for Harris, middle America people who had The post With Walz, Can Democrats Win Back Rural America? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Avi Chomsky: 21st Century Colonialism and Extractivism
57:06
57:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:06
Colonialism: Now it’s called corporate globalization. As the energy appetite of the west continues to accelerate, so does extractivism, without the consent of the people directly affected. In this revealing discussion, Professor Avi Chomsky explodes the many myths we white The post Avi Chomsky: 21st Century Colonialism and Extractivism appeared fir…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Jails and Prisons Were a Hotbed of Covid. Needlessly.
59:09
59:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:09
The ideal breeding ground for the Covid virus: A place where people were forced to have constant close contact with each other and with the wider community. In other words: prisons. You know how awful it was for us on The post Jails and Prisons Were a Hotbed of Covid. Needlessly. appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Make the Winner of the Popular Vote President
55:46
55:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:46
We were taught in elementary school that every vote counts in America. But as we all know the 2016 winner of the popular vote did not become president. The truth is the presidential candidates will spend a billion dollars this The post Make the Winner of the Popular Vote President appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Term “MAGA” Acknowledges US Empire is Over
59:33
59:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:33
Make America great “again?” What does that phrase assume? Our guest today, retired Lt Col. William Astore served 20 years in the military. No, he’s not a stereotypical macho militarist, far from it. He says our “full spectrum global empire” The post The Term “MAGA” Acknowledges US Empire is Over appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
White Male Supremacists Fear and Hate it But “Romance” and Nuclear Families Aren’t the Only Option
57:34
57:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:34
We assume our picture of romance and marriage has always been there, but according to our guest author and professor Sabrina Strings, it was invented in the 12th century as a myth about Sir Lancelot. Marriage was about power, domination, The post White Male Supremacists Fear and Hate it But “Romance” and Nuclear Families Aren’t the Only Option appe…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Dems Need the Middle Class: Why is the DNC Still So Corporatized?
57:27
57:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:27
There is a palpable movement under Kamala Harris; so why is party leadership still so out of touch with working people as they were in 2016? Our returning guest, veteran party insider Norman Solomon, says the DNC is still top-down The post Dems Need the Middle Class: Why is the DNC Still So Corporatized? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What’s Behind Trumpism: The Open Attack on Democracy
59:26
59:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:26
As Trump heads into the 2024 campaign, you might wonder who is behind it, who benefits from destroying our republic. Here is the story. The religious nationalists see him as a fierce leader. They believe God sends such kings to The post What’s Behind Trumpism: The Open Attack on Democracy appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
It’s not high on people’s reason to choose a president, but the power of pardons today is often corrupt and the promise of a pardon has been known to encourage crimes. In this discussion of her forthcoming book, Law Professor The post The Power of Pardons and Democracy appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
Unions have achieved some historic victories recently. But though many workers are curious, there’s still reluctance to joining a union. As co-author of a new report called “Union Curious,” UC San Diego’s political economy professor John Ahlquist explains on this The post Union Curious in the Mid-2020s appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
After The Shooting of July 13, Is it Over?
57:31
57:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:31
Today, more than ever, politics is theater. On today’s big stage we see Biden as an old weakened man, and then we have Trump with blood on his face, standing strong, defiant, fist in the air. On today’s show national The post After The Shooting of July 13, Is it Over? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
In 21st Century Western Culture, there’s a variety of impressions average white people get when you say the word Muslim. Most of them wrong. On this edition of Keeping Democracy Alive, Toronto author Saqib Qureshi brings some needed clarity to The post The Challenges of Being Muslim Today appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How Liberation is Only Found In Community
56:30
56:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:30
Today’s guest is Dr. Rachelle Winkle-Wagner, author of the new book The Chosen We. She’s a professor of Educational Leadership and Policy a U.Wisconsin-Madison. Over a period of ten years she interviewed 105 Black women from five selected cities about The post How Liberation is Only Found In Community appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
In Our Climate Threat, There Are Opportunities
59:10
59:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:10
Many still think “We don’t have to deal with it now,” but a new report from the Union of Concern Scientists is titled “Looming Deadlines for Coastal Resilience” for a reason. As co-author Dr. Rachel Cleetus explains on this show, The post In Our Climate Threat, There Are Opportunities appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
US Africa Policy: “Willful Disregard of Reality”
1:00:01
1:00:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:01
So much history of over-reliance on military solutions when governments don’t have the support of the people, yet we’re doing it again in Africa. Our guest who has major experience in the White House and Defense Department is Dr. Gordon The post US Africa Policy: “Willful Disregard of Reality” appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
On the French Election: First Far Right Regime Since WWII?
57:55
57:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:55
In phase one of French elections, the far right of Marine LePen did very well, winning about a third of the total. The next and crucial vote is July 7. According to on-the-ground reporter, Oliver Haynes, President Macron is likely The post On the French Election: First Far Right Regime Since WWII? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
Many Americans say they are people of faith. But how many of us integrate our faith into our daily lives? Philip Berrigan was one of America’s most faith-driven people. Our guest is Brad Wolf, author of the new book on The post Ministry of Risk is it’s Own Reward appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Do We Really Want to Get Back to America’s Founding Ideals?
57:14
57:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:14
This book actually changed my view of US History. The author says the Confederates and the January 6th assault are the inheritors of the original intent! He argues that the standard story is not the truth. The surprising reality of The post Do We Really Want to Get Back to America’s Founding Ideals? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Dan Ellsberg Died One Year Ago. Long May He Live.
57:33
57:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:33
What do we mean by the word “hero?” Is it not a person of extraordinary courage, putting the good of the country above his or her own safety? That’s Daniel Ellsberg, most famous for the Pentagon Papers which he released The post Dan Ellsberg Died One Year Ago. Long May He Live. appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Juneteenth and the Persistent Economic Racial Divide
59:31
59:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:31
Though it is finally a federal holiday, a lot of people still don’t really know about Juneteenth. It was the day in 1865 when formerly enslaved people learned of the Emancipation Proclamation. But what kind of freedom was it then The post Juneteenth and the Persistent Economic Racial Divide appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Heather Cox Richardson: Yes Democracy is Awakening
59:57
59:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:57
In a democracy, we expect to have our own say over how we are governed. There’s a great grumbling throughout America because many don’t feel listened to. That’s the impetus behind today’s Trumpist populism. This populism is the voice of The post Heather Cox Richardson: Yes Democracy is Awakening appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Inspiration from Massachusetts: A New Wealth Tax Works
58:13
58:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:13
Across the United States there is tremendous support for a taxing the wealthiest among us. So why doesn’t it happen? Well, in Massachusetts, it has. As Inequality.org’s Sam Pizzigati explains in this segment, there was powerful resistance to the new The post Inspiration from Massachusetts: A New Wealth Tax Works appeared first on Keeping Democracy …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
It Wasn’t Just Politics; The Art of Jazz Integrated America
57:38
57:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:38
In his new book The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America, prolific author Larry Tye shares what he learned about the lives of the three men, now recognized as great Americans. The racism they faced The post It Wasn’t Just Politics; The Art of Jazz Integrated America appeared first on Keeping Democracy Al…
…
continue reading
Used to be Labour was left, Tories were conservative. Now it seems each party is trying to be just like the other. This right before PM Rishi Sunak shocked everyone by scheduling a new election for July fourth. And stirring The post Snap UK Elections: A Fight for Mediocrity appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
The final chapter in our guest’s new book, Liberalism as a Way of Life asks the question: Requiem for a Liberal Way of Life? Well, is it really over? Reached in Sydney Australia where he’s professor of politics and philosophy The post Under Attack the World Over, What Is Liberalism? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
Many Americans were appalled at the violent January 6th assault on the capitol. The thought was: That’s not who we are. But in truth throughout our history, a great number of Americans have supported hierarchies and authoritarianism; freedoim for us The post The Deep Roots of American Illiberalism,Yes Illiberalism appeared first on Keeping Democrac…
…
continue reading
They wanted to stop abortions, instead there were more after the Dobbs decision than before. One the first segment, Mother Jones magazine writer Julianne McShane tells how women are maintaining their reproductive rights despite the attacks. And on the second The post AntiChoice: In A Hole, Keeps Digging appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
When the Supreme Court Was About Fairness to All
59:54
59:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:54
Imagine a Supreme Court whose only agenda was “equal justice under law.” It was real. Unlike today’s court, which is openly an arm of the MAGA movement, when that court ended legal segregation 70 years ago, the Chief Justice was The post When the Supreme Court Was About Fairness to All appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Wisconsin Rural Voters: Challenge and Opportunity for Democrats
59:51
59:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:51
Wisconsin is a key swing state in the upcoming election, with traditions of both real right and real left. On today’s show on-the-ground journalist Christina Lieffring tells us about realities in that 90% rural state. She says to win voters, The post Wisconsin Rural Voters: Challenge and Opportunity for Democrats appeared first on Keeping Democracy…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Rugged Individualism And The Role of Luck
57:44
57:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:44
America is an outlier: here it’s commonly accepted that if you succeed or fail you deserve it. We believe we make our own luck. And we blame ourselves for what’s really random bad luck. But that’s counterproductive, according to the The post Rugged Individualism And The Role of Luck appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
CEOs cry that shorter work weeks will bankrupt their companies. The reality is a 4 day work week around the world has already brought results that are “off the charts.” A shorter work week means more jobs. And people lose The post A 32 Hour Work Week: The Time is Now appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
The environmental movement is often derided as elitist. But as our guest Liza Featherstone of the New Republic and Jacobin magazines tells it, by planting wild miniforests there’s no such polarization. The ultra-rich may have their gated sanctuaries whereas miniforests The post Miniforests as a Joyous Part of Class War appeared first on Keeping Dem…
…
continue reading
Laws intended to fight mafia crime are being used to crush legitimate protest. We’ve all seen excessive police force on campuses, and many legislators are also doing their part to chill our treasured freedom of speech and assembly. In These The post The War on Protest Escalates appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Court Versus the Voters: Who’da Thunk it?!
59:54
59:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:54
For many decades the Supreme Court was reliably on the side of voting rights. Incrementally, quite steadily, the justices have chipped away at our constitutional rights. On this show Professor Josh Douglas and I discuss his new book: The Court The post The Court Versus the Voters: Who’da Thunk it?! appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
Another Earth Day has come and gone, and how are we doing? The 19th and 20th century systems of control of the earth have failed; there’s a connection between famines, global warming and empire. Especially in the face of climate The post The Earth for Humanity: A How-To appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Yes, Biden Can WIn the Working Class
1:01:02
1:01:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:02
Listening to working people’s concerns is key. Democrats have almost always won this constituency. That is until recently. Biden’s shift to the economic left is connecting and can yield electoral success. The New Republic’s Timothy Noah says tangible gains like The post Yes, Biden Can WIn the Working Class appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Power of What Appears to be Improvisation
59:52
59:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:52
Democracy is itself largely improvisation. Pushing back against the powers that be; the mainstream. Our guest Randy Fertel, author of the new book Winging It; Improv’s Power and Peril in the Age of Trump, says rationality alone is not enough; The post The Power of What Appears to be Improvisation appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Should Biden Whistle Stop Campaign Across America?
58:28
58:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:28
Truman was down and nearly out. Then he did a campaign whistle stop tour of America and beat the odds. TV eye candy is one thing but seeing a president in the flesh connects far better, and connection is needed The post Should Biden Whistle Stop Campaign Across America? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Trumpism is a Movement; Movements Are How Democrats Have Won
58:59
58:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:59
The Right gets it; where are Democrats? In his new book What it Took to Win, author and history professor Michael Kazin looks at the last hundred or so years and says it’s clear what has and still works. Whether The post Trumpism is a Movement; Movements Are How Democrats Have Won appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Nuclear Rebranding as “Green?” Mere Window Dressing.
58:43
58:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:43
After decades in a coma, the nuclear industry is back. But the truth is nuclear power is not an acceptable stopgap measure, it’s a diversion from real, actually economic, safer solutions. On this show policy analyst Paul Gunter tells the The post Nuclear Rebranding as “Green?” Mere Window Dressing. appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Wealth Supremacy is On Autopilot: That’s Not the Only Option
59:32
59:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:32
In the current American version of capitalism, all of us are “thingified:” our only value being as digits on the way to corporate profits. This reflects a core bias in the system toward serving the very richest. But it doesn’t The post Wealth Supremacy is On Autopilot: That’s Not the Only Option appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
There’s No Conflict Between Commercialism and Idealism
57:24
57:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:24
It’s basic to the very essence of America. On this show Constitutional Law Professor John O. McGinnis argues that commerce was the mother’s milk of the American Revolution and that the virtues of commerce and idealism need not conflict. Listen The post There’s No Conflict Between Commercialism and Idealism appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Seek Higher Ground: The Laws of Nature are Not Optional
58:00
58:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:00
We’ve built all the dams we need and that nature can handle. Development in flood zones is still happening faster than more sustainable locations. In his new book; Seek Higher Ground, The Natural Solution to Our Urgent Flooding Crisis, award The post Seek Higher Ground: The Laws of Nature are Not Optional appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Why Place Supplants Issues in the Heartland
59:58
59:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:58
Most of us can guess but there’s nothing like serious scientific research when it comes to understanding political change. In her forthcoming book How the Heartland Went Red, Harvard’s Stephanie Termullo shares her findings from extensive field research in three The post Why Place Supplants Issues in the Heartland appeared first on Keeping Democrac…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Shielded: How Did Police Become Untouchable?
58:24
58:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:24
It’s a systemic problem: what is “reasonable,” what is acting “in good faith” when America’s police violate citizens rights or even kill them? As of now, police are protected, enjoying unique immunity which no one else has. In this show The post Shielded: How Did Police Become Untouchable? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Gender Identity: Is it Fixed or Changeable?
58:07
58:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:07
They claim loudly they’re protecting freedom and innocent children, but the truth is the right is oppressing both. On this show psychoanalyst Avgi Saketopoulou, co-author of Gender Without Identity, argues there is not one true and immutable authentic identity with The post Gender Identity: Is it Fixed or Changeable? appeared first on Keeping Democ…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Is There Journalism That Doesn’t Love A War?
59:11
59:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:11
It’s gotta be eye catching. Journalism works by way of fear and anxiety. How it gets presented affects how we understand the news. On this show Tufts University lecturer and author Nan Levinson and your host discuss questions about the The post Is There Journalism That Doesn’t Love A War? appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Irony of Racism in Decrepit MLK Urban Schools
58:29
58:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:29
If you have cared about equality in education in recent decades, you know of the work of America’s foremost advocate for public schools Jonathan Kozol. In schools named after Martin Luther King Jr, he sees a new punitive autocratic pedagogic The post The Irony of Racism in Decrepit MLK Urban Schools appeared first on Keeping Democracy Alive.…
…
continue reading