In this timely interview, author and civil rights attorney Alex Karakatsanis unpacks the powerful thesis of his book, “Copaganda: How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News.” He argues that the mainstream news media—including trusted liberal outlets like NPR, the New York Times, and PBS—operates in collaboration with police, prosecutors, and the multi-billion dollar prison industry to systematically distort our understanding of crime and safety. Through what he terms "copaganda," these institutions manipulate well-meaning people by narrowing our concept of threat to focus on offenses by the poor and marginalized, while ignoring far greater harms like wage theft and pollution. Karakatsanis masterfully explains how the media uses "selective anecdotes" and sheer volume of coverage to create a false perception that crime is perpetually rising, even when data proves it’s at historic lows, all to justify ever-increasing investments in what he calls the "punishment bureaucracy." Moving beyond critique, the conversation delves into the real-world consequences of this propaganda machine. Karakatsanis reveals how every crisis, even a police killing, is funneled by the media into demands for more system funding—like more training or more officers—instead of prompting deeper questions about the system's purpose. He dismantles the "common sense" idea that more policing means more safety, presenting compelling data that shows investments in healthcare, housing, and education are vastly more effective. Ultimately, this podcast is a powerful call to recognize how we’ve been deceived and to shift the focus from punishment to addressing the root material conditions—like poverty and inequality—that truly determine community safety.   Alex Karakatsanis is a civil rights attorney, founder of the nonprofit Civil Rights Corps, and author of Usual Cruelty and Copaganda. A former public defender, he has dedicated his career to challenging the inhumanity of the American legal system. His work has been featured in major publications, and he is a leading voice in the movement for abolition and transformative justice. Follow Alex & Civil Rights Corps: Order the book: https://thenewpress.org/books/9781620978535/ Civil Rights Corps: https://civilrightscorps.org/ Alex on Twitter/X: @equalityAlec Subscribe to his newsletter: https://equalityalec.substack.com/   Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/   #copaganda#alexkarakatsanis#criminaljusticereform#policereform#mediabias#massincarceration#prisonindustrialcomplex#defundthepolice#abolition#criminaljusticesystemexplained#UsualCruelty#PatCummings#GregGodels#ZZsBlog#ComingFromLeftField#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

Carranza Medina was a 42-year-old fisherman killed when the U.S. military bombed his small boat in the Caribbean off Colombia’s coast on September 15, 2025, in a strike the Trump administration described as targeting drug traffickers. In this podcast, we have a conversation with human rights lawyer and author Dan Kovalik, who represents the Carranza family and has filed a petition before the Inter‑American Commission on Human Rights arguing that the United States carried out an extrajudicial killing and violated both his right to life and Colombia’s sovereignty.   Kovalik discusses the escalating U.S. military intervention in the Caribbean, analyzing the blockade of Venezuela, deadly strikes on suspected drug boats, and the return of "gunboat diplomacy" under the Trump administration's new "Monroe Doctrine."   The conversation broadens to include the political struggle across Latin America, speculating why the progressive "Pink Tide" has receded and how right-wing forces have become ascendant. From the coups in Bolivia to the resilience of Cuba and Nicaragua, Kovalik draws crucial lessons for the left. Finally, the hosts confront the parallel erosion of democratic norms at home, the weaponization of the law, the dismantling of the administrative state, and the silent crisis in due process. This is a sobering yet essential analysis of modern imperialism and the urgent fight to inform and mobilize public resistance.   Dan Kovalik has taught International Human Rights at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he has shared his experience with students and broader audiences on labor struggles, Colombia, and international law. He has lectured internationally on human rights and U.S. foreign policy and has been active in public forums, media appearances, and conferences, including talks on Venezuela and other conflict zones. He is the author of several books, including: The Plot to Scapegoat Russia (2017), on efforts in U.S. politics to vilify Russia. The Plot to Attack Iran and The Plot to Control the World, extending his critique of U.S. foreign policy and election interference abroad. The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela: How the US Is Orchestrating a Coup for Oil, with a foreword by filmmaker Oliver Stone. No More War: How the West Violates International Law by Using “Humanitarian” Intervention to Advance Economic and Strategic Interests (co-authored, 2020). The Case for Palestine: Why It Matters and Why You Should Care (2024), with a foreword by George Galloway.     Dan Kovalik’s Wikipedia Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Kovalik   Dan Kovalik’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dan-Kovalik/author/B06XZ9ZRSD    Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/   DanKovalik#Venezuelablockade#USinterventionVenezuela#MonroeDoctrine#extrajudicialkillings#Colombiafishermanlawsuit#Inter-AmericanCommissionHumanRights#regimechange#gunboatdiplomacy#LatinAmericapolitics#PinkTide#USLatinAmericapolicy#Trumpforeignpolicy#oilwars#politicalassassination#dueprocess#humanrightslaw#NicaraguaCuba#socialisminLatinAmerica#USimperialism##PatCummings#GregGodels#ZZsBlog#ComingFromLeftField#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

In this deep-dive episode, we sit down with legendary investigative journalist and author John Dinges to discuss his acclaimed book, “Chile in Their Hearts: The Untold Story of Two Americans Who Went Missing After the Coup.” Journey back to the early 1970s, when Chile became the global epicenter for progressive hope, attracting thousands of idealistic foreigners, including young Americans, to witness Salvador Allende's democratic "revolution with red wine and empanadas." Dinges, who was there, sets the scene of this vibrant, politically charged moment. The heart of the conversation is Dinges's decades-long investigation into the fates of two such Americans—Charles Horman and Frank Teruggi—who were killed after Pinochet's brutal 1973 coup. We tackle difficult truths and enduring myths, including the 1982 Academy Award-winning film, “Missing.” Dinges reveals his startling conclusion: while the U.S. government did not directly order their deaths, it was utterly complicit in the regime's terror and the ensuing cover-up. We also explore Operation Condor, the sinister international assassination network Dinges helped expose, detailing the intimate and damning role of U.S. intelligence. This is a masterclass in investigative journalism, as Dinges explains why following the evidence—even when it contradicts your beliefs—is paramount. John Dinges is an American investigative journalist, author, and longtime chronicler of U.S. involvement in Latin America, especially during the era of military dictatorships. He began his career at the Des Moines Register & Tribune and later worked as a freelance correspondent in Latin America, serving as a special correspondent for Time, The Washington Post, and ABC Radio. Dinges worked on the foreign desk of The Washington Post and then at NPR, where he became managing editor and helped shape the network’s foreign coverage.   Get the Book: https://www.ucpress.edu/books/chile-in-their-hearts/paper John Dinges’s Homepage: https://johndinges.com/    Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/   JohnDinges#Chile#ChileInTheirHearts#1973#Chilemilitarycoup#SalvadorAllende#Pinochetdictatorship#OperationCondor#CharlesHorman#FrankTeruggi#Missingmovie1982#USinterventionChile#CIALatinAmerica#HenryKissingerChile#Investigativejournalism#LatinAmericanhistory#ColdWarChile#PatCummings#GregGodels#ZZsBlog#ComingFromLeftField#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

In this podcast is an interview with Dr. Carla Kaplan, author of the biography "Troublemaker: The Life and Times of Jessica Mitford." The conversation centers on the extraordinary life of Jessica "Decca" Mitford, one of the famous (and famously eccentric) Mitford sisters.   Jessica "Decca" Mitford was an aristocratic British rebel who became a formidable American left-wing activist and muckraking journalist. Born into the famously eccentric Mitford family—where her sisters included a Nazi sympathizer and a fascist—Decca rejected her life of privilege to join the Communist Party in the United States. As the author explains, Decca was a "biographer's gift": fiercely principled, incredibly hard-working, and gifted with a brilliant sense of humor that she used as a powerful tool for activism. Her training in the Communist Party, particularly on the West Coast, taught her to listen to marginalized communities, shaping her into a highly effective and empathetic ally in the civil rights movement.   Dr. Carla Kaplan is a distinguished scholar in American literature, women’s writing, African American literature, and feminist theory. She holds the Davis Distinguished Professorship in American Literature at Northeastern University and founded the Humanities Center to encourage diversity and interdisciplinary dialogue. Her academic career includes roles at Yale University, the University of Southern California, Wellesley College, and the University of Illinois. Dr. Kaplan also teaches writing through various arts councils and writers’ centers.  She earned a Ph.D. in English from Northwestern University. Get the Book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/troublemaker-carla-kaplan Dr. Kaplan’s Homepage: https://carlakaplan.com/ Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   JessicaMitford#Troublemakerbiography#CarlaKaplaninterview#Mitfordsisters#DeccaMitford#AmericanWayofDeath#CommunistPartyUSA#muckrakingjournalism#leftwingactivism#biographypodcast#Britisharistocracy#fascistMitfordsisters#DianaMitford#UnityMitford#civilrightsmovement#investigativejournalism#funeralindustryexpose#famouswritersschool#historicalbiography#PatCummings#GregGodels#ZZBlog#ComingFromLeftField#ComingFromLeftFieldPodcast#zzblog#mltoday

In this podcast we discuss the just released book, “No Neutrals There,” labor historian Dr. Jeff Schuhrke outlines the US labor movement's century-long, official alliance with Zionism and Israel, arguing that this stance was driven both by early ideological sympathy for Labor Zionism and, more significantly, by the labor bureaucracy's strategic alignment with US imperial aims during the Cold War and the "War on Terror." He reveals a history of top-down suppression of internal dissent, where national leaders routinely quashed rank-and-file efforts to support Palestinian rights and the BDS movement. However, Dr. Schuhrke also highlights a persistent tradition of grassroots solidarity, a movement galvanized by the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which has created significant cracks in the official position and serves as a critical litmus test for a labor movement at a crossroads, forcing it to choose between entrenched power and principled internationalism. This book, “No Neutrals There,” was released three weeks ago, and we were honored to be one of his first interviews. Other publications to feature his work which focus on the intersections of labor, foreign policy, and political organizing, with a particular emphasis on current events and historical trajectories within the US labor movement include Democracy Now!, Jacobin, In These Times, Common Dreams, Jewish Currents, and Workday Magazine. Dr. Jeff Schuhrke is a labor historian, journalist, union activist, and assistant professor at the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies, SUNY Empire State University in New York City. He has a Ph.D. in History from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master's in Labor Studies from UMass Amherst.   Get the Book: https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2608-no-neutrals-there Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   JeffSchuhrke#NoNeutralsThere# USLaborZionismandthe StruggleforPalestine#AFL#CIO#AFLCIO#CIA#AFCIO#Zionism#Palestine#LaborHistory#Imperialism#AntiCommunism#Genocide#Gaza#RankandFileOrganizing#GeorgeMeany#LaneKirkland#PatCummings#GregGodels#ZZBlog#ComingFromLeftField#ComingFromLeftFieldPodcast#zzblog#mltoday

Think you know the story of the American Revolution? Think again. In this episode, acclaimed author and history professor Dr. Richard Bell joins the podcast to discuss his book "The American Revolution and the Fate of the World,” where he dismantles the myths and explores the shocking global story behind America's founding. Forget the simple tale of colonists vs. the British crown. Dr. Bell reveals the Revolution as a world war, a chaotic and contingent struggle whose outcome was never certain. We dive into the fascinating, often overlooked connections to China, India, and the Caribbean, and uncover the critical roles played by Native Americans, enslaved Africans, and European powers.  Dr. Richard Bell is a historian and professor specializing in early American history, currently serving as a Professor of History at the University of Maryland. Dr. Bell received his BA from the University of Cambridge and his PhD from Harvard University. He joined the University of Maryland in 2006, earned tenure in 2012, and was promoted to full professor in 2020. His teaching and research focus on American history between 1750 and 1877, with a particular emphasis on social history, slavery, and revolutionary transformation. Get the Book: https://kingsbookstore.com/book/9780593719510   Richard Bell’s Website: https://www.richard-bell.com Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   RichardBell#TheAmericanRevolutionandtheFateoftheWorld#AmericanRevolution#RevolutionaryWar#USHistory#WorldHistory#GlobalHistory#FoundingFathers#EarlyAmerica#MythvsHistory#Loyalists#250thAnniversary#Washington#KenBurns#ThomasJefferson#KingGeorgeIII#MollyBrant#HarryWashington#Hessians#MarquisdeLafayette#BenedictArnold#PeggyShippen#BaronvonSteuben#PatCummings#GregGodels#CFLF#ComingFromLeftField#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

In this episode, acclaimed author and law professor Joan Williams joins the podcast to discuss her book "Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class and How to Win Them Back."   Williams delivers a powerful diagnosis of the political rift dividing America, arguing that the Democratic Party has become dominated by a cosmopolitan elite and has alienated the "middle 50%" of Americans through economic neglect and cultural condescension. She describes how alienation is a primary reason for Trump’s appeal.   The conversation offers a roadmap for how the left can reconnect by acknowledging a rigged economy, ditching neoliberal policies, and finally showing respect for the communities it has left behind. The New York Times Magazine described Joan Williams as having “something approaching rock star status” in a 2007 profile highlighting her influence as a leading voice on gender equality and workplace reform. She is currently Distinguished Professor of Law (emerita) at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, and previously at American University. As Founding Director of WorkLife Law (WLL), Williams has played a leading role in documenting workplace bias against mothers. In 2012, Williams was honored with the American Bar Foundation's Outstanding Scholar Award.   Get the Book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250368980/outclassed/ Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   #JoanWilliams#Outclassed#WorkingClass#DemocraticParty#TrumpVoters#PoliticalDivide#ClassDynamics#DEI#CulturalElites#EconomicInequality#Wages#GigEconomy#Neoliberalism#Populism#Classism#Cosmopolitanisvs.Rootedness#WhiteWorkingClass#EconomicAnxiety#PoliticalRealignment#UnionDecline#StoptheSteal#BrahminLeft#CulturalCondescension#HillaryClintonDeplorables#DonaldTrump#JDVance#JohnFetterman#RubenGallego#RachelMaddow#TeaParty#JenniferSherman#NewDealCoalition#PatCummings#GregGodels#CFLF#ComingFromLeft Field#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

In this episode of "Coming from Left Field," we discuss the book, "Domestic Causes of American War: Economic and Political Triggers," with author and former National Security Analyst for Congress, Dr. Ivan Eland.  This is a provocative reassessment of American military history. Dr. Eland systematically argues that the standard narrative of the United States going to war for national security and democratic ideals is largely a myth. Instead, he contends that the true drivers behind most major US conflicts, from the early Barbary Wars and the War of 1812 through the World Wars and up to the invasion of Iraq, have been domestic economic interests and political calculations. This revisionist history challenges us to see past patriotic rhetoric and recognize a persistent pattern where commerce, territorial expansion, and the political benefits of war have consistently outweighed genuine defensive needs.   Dr. Eland's analysis extends to re-evaluating America's most "righteous" wars, suggesting that even the Civil War and World War II were more complex and less morally clear-cut than traditional histories claim. A central theme of his work is the powerful role of the "military-industrial-congressional complex," an iron triangle of defense bureaucracy, weapons manufacturers, and Congress that perpetuate interventionist policies for economic gain. The book ultimately serves as a cautionary tale, urging greater public skepticism toward the justifications for war and highlighting the recurring and often ill-effects that these conflicts have had on American society and civil liberties.   Dr. Eland has worked for more than four decades in the foreign policy, national security, energy, and presidential studies fields, including 16 years working for the U.S. Congress. He currently is the Director of the Center on Peace and Liberty at the Independent Institute. Dr. Eland has written and published eight other books, written many pieces in prominent newspapers and journals, appeared on hundreds of major TV and radio interviews, and has testified before congressional committees. He has a PhD in defense policy, an MBA in business economics, and a BA in Poli Sci/International Relations. Dr. Eland is the author of many books, including the forthcoming US Role in a New Multipolar World: Less Military Intervention Brings More Security with Fewer Costs. Some of his eight previously published books have won publishing awards. He is a contributor to numerous other books and the author of forty-five in-depth studies on national security issues.   Get the Book: https://www.claritypress.com/product/domestic-causes-of-american-wars-economic-political-triggers/   Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/   Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   #DomesticCausesofWar#EconomicTriggers#PoliticalTriggers#MilitaryIndustrialCongressionalComplex#IronTriangle#Warof1812#MexicanAmericanWar#SpanishAmericanWar#CivilWar#WorldWarI#WorldWarII#VietnamWar#WarinAfghanistan#IraqWar#WaronTerror#IndependentInstitute#Libertarianism#GeopoliticalConcepts#TerritorialExpansion#CommerceProtection#Isolationismvs.Interventionism#Sanctions#IsraelGazaConflict#PatCummings#GregGodels#CFLF#ComingFromLeftField#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

In this episode of "Coming from Left Field," we sit down with world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Robert Zatorre to discuss his book “From Perception to Pleasure: The Neuroscience of Music and Why We Love It.” We discuss the connection between music and the human brain, exploring how abstract sounds are transformed into intense emotional experiences and profound pleasure. Dr. Zatorre shares the fascinating science behind musical "chills," why we have emotional epiphanies with new music, and how our brains are physically rewired by the music we love. Moving from the laboratory to daily life, the conversation delves into the vital role music plays in our social and emotional well-being. We discover why musical taste is formed during adolescence, how music functions as a powerful tool for mood regulation across all cultures, and the critical importance of music education. Dr. Zatorre also addresses the puzzling question of why some people don't enjoy music at all, a condition known as "musical hedonia." If you've ever wondered why a particular song can evoke such a profound emotional response, our discussion offers an accessible look at the neuroscience behind one of life's greatest joys. Robert Zatorre, PhD, is a distinguished cognitive neuroscientist renowned for pioneering work in the science of music and auditory cognition. He is a professor at the Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University in Canada, where he holds a Canada Research Chair in Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience. In his lab, he studies how the brain processes complex auditory abilities, especially speech and music. He has published over 300 scientific papers spanning topics such as pitch perception, auditory imagery, music production, absolute pitch, and the role of brain reward circuitry in musical pleasure.   Get the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Perception-Pleasure-Neuroscience-Music-Love/dp/0197558283/   Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   #FromPerceptiontoPleasure#TheNeuroscienceofMusicandWhyWeLoveIt#neuroscienceofmusic#RobertZatorre#neuroscience#musicpsychology#brainscience#whywelovemusic#musicandthebrain#cognitivescience#dopamine#auditorycortex#neuroplasticityandmusic#musicalhedonia#musicchills#fromperceptiontopleasure#McGillUniversityneuroscience#PatCummings#GregGodels#CFLF#ComingFromLeftField#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

In this podcast, we have a conversation with poet Bill Ehrhart, whose new poetry book, “Smart Fish Don’t Bite,” serves as a testament to a life fully examined. While Ehrhart's identity is often intertwined with the war—a theme he explores but resists being solely defined by—the discussion reveals a writer whose poetry grapples with a vast range of human experience, from the nostalgic innocence of childhood and the enduring comfort of love and friendship to sharp, satirical critiques of modern politics.   The interview traces his unconventional path to becoming a writer, sustained by his wife's support and his own determination to prioritize art over career, and evolves into a broader philosophical reflection on memory, aging, and finding perspective in the face of political and personal turmoil, all punctuated by readings of his evocative and powerful poems.   Ehrhart is a Marine Corps veteran who served in the Vietnam War and was involved with Vietnam Veterans Against the War. He has authored numerous books of prose and poetry, such as "Vietnam-Perkasie: a Combat Marine Memoir" and "Thank You for Your Service: Collected Poems." He is a prominent interview subject in the 2017 PBS documentary by Ken Burns, “The Vietnam War.” Ehrhart earned a PhD from the University of Wales at Swansea and worked for many years as a Master Teacher of English and History at the Haverford School for Boys, retiring in 2019.   0:00 - Introduction to Bill Ehrhart16:17 - Poem: "Eating Oysters in Easton"24:24 - Poem: "Things My Mother Gave Me"30:54 - Poem: "Night Stalkers"38:11 - Poem: "On Smedley Butler's Grave"44:46 - Poem: "Cycling at Vésinet"48:28 - Discussion on Politics & Poem: "Soup Can Blues"53:38 - Poem: "MAGA Voter's Lament"55:30 - Philosophical Discussion on History & Democracy     Get the Book: https://moonstone-arts-center.square.site/product/ehrhart-w-d-smart-fish-don-t-bite/YD2QGAXXBUFHBNEM4K6HS6AF   Mentioned:  Hollywood Progressive article "Cycling at Vesinet" https://hollywoodprogressive.com/art/cycling-at-vesinet Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   #BillEhrhart#WDEhrhart#SmartFishDon'tBite#PoetryReading#VietnamVeteran#PoetInterview#WarPoetry#KenBurnsVietnam#SmedleyButler#HaverfordSchool#VeteranStories#AntiWarPoetry#GregGodels#PatCummings#CFLF#ComingFromLeftField#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

Richard Beck was 14 years old when planes flew into the Twin Towers on 9/11. He grew up in a Philadelphia suburb as a “mainstream liberal Democrat,” and during high school, was more concerned with music than politics. After graduating from Harvard, Beck moved to New York, where he still resides, and began contributing to the progressive journal n+1, a print and digital magazine of literature, culture, and politics. In this podcast, we discuss his new book, “Homeland: The War on Terror in American Life,” a groundbreaking history of how the decades-long war on terror changed virtually every aspect of American life. Key Themes Discussed: Impunity Culture: A major shift was the open defense of previously clandestine or denied practices (like torture) by officials from both parties (Bush and Obama administrations). This created a precedent where powerful figures face no consequences for their actions. Media & Propaganda: The press became "stenographers" for power, exemplified by Judith Miller's reporting in the New York Times, which helped propagandize the case for war. Political Culture: A climate of intense nationalism and suppression of dissent was created (e.g., the backlash against the Dixie Chicks). Pop Culture as a Reflection: Superhero movies (e.g., Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, Iron Man) are analyzed as cultural products that processed the anxieties of the War on Terror, glorifying special forces-type heroes and wrestling with themes of torture, surveillance, and extra-legal violence. New Atheism: The movement (Hitchens, Harris, Dawkins, etc.) is criticized for devolving into a racist, Islamophobic project that framed the conflict as a "clash of civilizations," similar to the Bush administration's rhetoric. The Economic Purpose ("The Missing Why"): A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the book's third section, which argues that the War on Terror had a deeper economic logic. The Illusion of Democracy: The hosts and Beck reference a study suggesting that U.S. government policy has no statistical relationship to public opinion, arguing that the undemocratic trends exacerbated by the War on Terror were long underway.   Get the Book: https://www.kingsbookstore.com/book/9780593240229 Mentioned:  https://www.nplusonemag.com/ Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about RichardBeck#Homeland:TheWaonTerrorandAmericanLife#WeBelievetheChildren#WaronTerror#9/11#AmericanPolitics#HomelandSecurity#ImpunityCulture#PoliticalEconomy#DonaldTrump#GeorgeW.Bush#BarackObama#n+1Magazine#SuperheroMovies#NewAtheism#Islamophobia#Trumpism#Authoritarianism#DemocraticErosion#U.S.Hegemony#Torture#Surveillance#MilitaryIndustrialComplex#GregGodels,PatCummings,CFLF,ComingFromLeftField,Podcast,zzblog,mltoday  

Was the founding of the United States a "great leap forward for humanity" or a project deeply rooted in slavery and settler colonialism?   In this episode, we sit down with renowned historian Dr. Gerald Horne to discuss his new book, “The Capital of Slavery: Washington, D.C. 1800-1865.”   We dismantle the myth of Washington, D.C. as a pure symbol of democracy and reveal its brutal reality as the nerve center of American slavery. We discuss how enslaved people were sold in the shadow of the Capitol and how their resistance—including joining the British to burn the White House in 1814—shaped the nation's politics. We explore: How the "unpaid sector of the working class" built the capital and constantly challenged their oppression. The direct link between the American Colonization Society (which created Liberia) and the backlash against Black resistance. The parallels between the Fugitive Slave Act and modern ICE raids, and the historical roots of family separation. Why this suppressed history is so threatening that it sparks modern-day battles over "woke" museums and critical race theory.   Dr. Horne places this history in an urgent contemporary context, arguing that understanding this past is essential to comprehending the rise of neo-fascism and the political struggles of today. This is a conversation about America’s hidden past and the fight for its future.   Get the Book: https://www.intpubnyc.com/browse/capital-of-slavery/   Mentioned:  https://www.kpfk.org/on-air/freedom-now/ Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   GeraldHorne#AmericanHistory#Slavery#WashingtonDCCapital Slavery# 1619Project#AmericanRevolution#SettlerColonialism#BlackHistory#Historiography#Trump#Fascism#Smithsonian#Reparations#IndigenousHistory#BookInterview#CriticalRaceTheory#NatTurner#GregGodels#PatCummings#CFLF#ComingFromLeftField#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

In this episode of Coming from Left Field, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with author Leigh Claire La Berge about her book “Fake Work: How I Began to Suspect Capitalism is a Joke. Drawing from her surreal experience documenting Y2K compliance for a Fortune 500 company—a job focused on generating legal cover rather than solving technical issues— La Berge explores the absurdity of modern corporate culture and how "bullshit jobs" reveal deeper flaws in capitalism. The discussion touches on Marxist critiques, parallels between the dot-com bubble and today’s AI hype, and Lee’s humorous project Marx for Cats, which uses feline behavior to explain economic theory. Blending memoir, satire, and political analysis, the episode challenges listeners to rethink the meaning of work while offering sharp insights into alienation, class dynamics, and the possibility of systemic change.   Get the Book: https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2534-fake-work Mentioned: http://marxforcats.com Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   #LeighClaireLaBerge#FakeWork#HowIBegantoSuspectCapitalismisaJoke#Capitalism#Marxism#BullshitJobs#Y2K#CorporateCulture#MarxforCats#DavidGraeber#LateStageCapitalism#GregGodels#PatCummings#CFLF#ComingFromLeftField#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

Join us for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation with poet Janice Cummings O’Mahony as we dive into her new collection of poetry, “Raise Your Hand If You Hear My Voice,” exploring memory, family, love, grief, and resilience. Janice’s work blends nostalgia with sharp wit, tackling themes like childhood, military trauma, aging, and social justice. Her poems move seamlessly between emotional depth and snarky humor, offering a raw and authentic look at life’s complexities. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why Janice turned to poetry after a career in social work and government How her father’s PTSD from WWII and Korea shaped her writing The challenge of editing poetry—killing your "darlings" for clarity Feminist themes in poems like "Sleeper Cell" and "Decorum" Satirical takes on privilege in "First World Musing" The haunting reality of gun violence in "Uvalde Lament" Why You’ll Love This Episode: Poetry for skeptics: Even if you’re not a poetry fan, Janice’s earthy, relatable style might change your mind. Personal & political: From family secrets to social critique, her work bridges the intimate and the universal. Raw readings: Hear Janice perform excerpts, including Pat reading the poignant "Morning Glory” and Greg reading darkly funny "Bad Art." Get the Book: JaniceO’Mahony.com (https://JaniceOMahony.com ) Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   #JaniceOmahony#JaniceCummingsOmahony#O’Mahony#RaiseYourHandIfYouHearMyVoice#Poetry #PoetryPodcast #PoetryCommunity #PoetryLovers #SpokenWord #AuthorInterview #PoetInterview #BookLaunch #NewBook #PoetryBook#MemoryPoetry #FamilyPoetry #LovePoems #GriefAndHealing #Resilience #MilitaryPTSD #VeteranStories #WhidbeyIsland#FeministPoetry #SocialJustice #AgingAndTime#GregGodels#PatCummings#CFLF#ComingFromLeftFieldPodcast #zzblog #mltoday

In this thought-provoking episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Greg Grandin joins us to discuss his groundbreaking book, “America, América: The Origins of Hemispheric and Global Hegemony,” which challenges traditional narratives of U.S. history by centering Latin America’s pivotal role. We discuss: Why does U.S. history begin with the Mayflower—and not the Spanish conquest? How did Latin America pioneer social rights (healthcare, education) decades before the U.S. or Europe? The dark legacy of U.S. intervention: From Cold War coups to the rise of Trumpist politics in Latin America today. Myth-busting the frontier, the Catholic Church’s dual legacy, and the untold stories of Indigenous resistance.   We also debate FDR’s New Deal, the failures of neoliberalism, and why Latin America’s leftist "Pink Tide" (Chávez, Lula, Morales) faced backlash—leading to today’s right-wing surge (Bolsonaro, Milei, Bukele). This is a must-listen for history buffs, political junkies, and anyone questioning the standard U.S. origin story! Order the book: https://www.kingsbookstore.com/book/9780593831250 Greg Grandin Website: https://greggrandin.com/ Follow Greg Grandin on Twitter: @GregGrandin Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   #GregGrandin #USHistory #America, América # The Origins of Hemispheric and Global Hegemony #LatinAmerica #AmericanRevolution # Pulitzer Prize-winning historian #ColdWar #PinkTide #SocialRights #Trumpism #PoliticalHistory #American Revolution #Spanish Conquest #Colonialism #New Deal #Cold War in Latin America # Indigenous Resistance #GregGodels# PatCummings#CFLF#ComingFromLeftFieldPodcast #zzblog #mltoday

This episode features an interview with Pam Beal, a board member of Radio Tacoma (KTAH 101.9), a grassroots low-power FM station dedicated to democratizing media and amplifying local voices. Pam attended Wilson High School, Concordia Lutheran College, and Reed College. She received her Ph.D. in English (dissertation on William Blake and Enlightenment philosophy) from SUNY Buffalo, which provides a perfect background to run a community radio station. Radio Tacoma is part of the rise of low-power FM (LPFM) community radio stations, focusing on local content that includes progressive politics, labor rights, climate activism, indigenous rights, and the homegrown music and poetry scene. Coming From Left Field has been added to the content broadcast on Radio Tacoma, making this a reciprocal interview that blends media critique, local activism, and radical philosophy, with a common “left field” ethos shared by the podcast and station.   Radio Tacoma (KTAH 101.9): https://radiotacoma.org Also streamed on TuneIn: http://tun.in/sfyVw Radio Tacoma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadioTacoma101.9 Find your LPFM station: https://lpfmdatabase.weebly.com/ Good resource for LPFMs: https://recnet.com Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/  Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   #PamBeal #CommunityRadio #LowPowerFM #LeftistPodcast #MediaJustice #Tacoma #Activism #CommunityRadio #LowPowerFM #IndependentMedia #GrassrootsJournalism #MediaReform #Political & Philosophical #LeftistPodcast #Marxism #Socialist #ProgressiveTalk #AntiCapitalism #ChristianSocialism #LiberationTheology #Tacoma #GritCity #LocalPolitics #ActivistRadio #ClimateJustice #IndigenousRights #PublicBanking #RadioTacoma #SarahAugustine #PoliceReform #NoamChomsky #GregGodels# PatCummings#CFLF#ComingFromLeftFieldPodcast #zzblog #mltoday

This is a 10-minute "deep dive" overview of the Coming From Left Field Podcast created by Google's AI NotebookLM research assistant.  It provides a summary of the content and highlights selective episodes that have been aired over the past four years, where we discuss politics, history, economics, social justice, media, and philosophy—often from a critical, leftist perspective. Core Themes Include: Politics & History: Critique of mainstream narratives, discussions on democracy, imperialism, and historical events (e.g., Greensboro massacre). Economics & Labor: Focus on neoliberalism, wealth inequality, and labor movements. Education & Media: Analysis of education policy, media bias, and press freedom (e.g., Julian Assange coverage). Social Justice: Indigenous rights, civil rights, and critiques of policing. Philosophy & Marxism: Deep dives into Marxist theory, socialism, and ideological debates. Health & Culture: Intersections of politics and health, mental health, and occasional cultural topics (poetry, music).   Final Thought: I hope you will conclude that our podcast exemplifies how niche, persistent media can deepen public engagement with specific ideologies and counter-narratives, filling gaps left by traditional news cycles.   Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/  Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   Leftist podcast#Political analysis#Socialist podcast#Marxist theory#Progressive media#Critical politics#American imperialism#Labor movement history#Neoliberalism critique# Media bias explained# Education reform debate# Capitalism vs socialism# Academic discussions# Book review podcast#Investigative journalism#Greg Godels# Pat Cummings#CFLF#Coming From Left FieldPodcast,zzblog,mltoday

113-“Bonfire: American Sociocide, Broken Relations, & the Quest for Democracy” with Charles Derber In this episode, we dive deep into America's social crisis with sociologist Charlie Derber, author of “Bonfire of America: Sociocide, Broken Relationships, and the Quest for Democracy.” Derber explores the concept of "sociocide"—the systemic unraveling of societal bonds—arguing that hyper-individualism, neoliberal economics, and political polarization have eroded trust, community, and collective identity. The discussion traces how Reagan-era policies, Silicon Valley's disruption, and the Democratic Party's abandonment of class solidarity have fueled Trumpism as a symptom, not an anomaly. While bleak, Derber highlights grassroots resistance as a path forward, warning against nostalgia for a pre-Trump "normal" that never addressed inequality. A provocative mix of history, sociology, and urgent political critique that concludes with a tone of hope for a better future.     Order the book: https://tinyurl.com/5t3ye96s Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/  Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   #Sociocide# Trumpism# Neoliberalism# Political polarization# Social capital# Decline of democracy# Economic inequality# Authoritarianism# Charlie Derber# Leftist podcast# Breakdown of society# Civic deserts# Loneliness epidemic# Working-class alienation# Democratic Party failure# Silicon Valley billionaires# Fascism in America# Social media isolation# Resistance movements# Fight oligarchy# Political sociology# American crisis# Democracy podcast# Pat Cummings#Greg Godels#ZZ Blog#Coming From Left Field#CFLF#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

In this episode of Coming from Left Field, we dive into America’s broken elder care system with Judy Karofsky, author of “DisElderly Conduct: The Flawed Business of Assisted Living and Hospice.” We discuss how corporate greed and lack of regulation have turned assisted living into a profit-driven nightmare, where facilities—often run by private equity firms—prioritize cost-cutting over resident dignity. With shocking stories from Judy’s own mother’s ordeal (including wrongful death notices and evictions), the conversation highlights systemic neglect, underpaid staff, and families left powerless. Our discussion pivots to solutions, from policy reforms (like Biden’s stalled staffing mandates) to grassroots activism. Judy’s book serves as a rallying cry, comparing the crisis to Silent Spring—a wake-up call to demand dignity for the elderly. While the system feels rigged, the episode ends on a note of defiance: by sharing stories, organizing, and pressuring lawmakers, change is possible. This is a raw, urgent look at a crisis affecting us all—because, as Judy warns, “Every one of us will need or provide this care someday.”     Order the book: https://diselderlyconduct.com/ Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/  Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   #private equity healthcare#elder care crisis#assisted living problems#nursing home abuse# private equity healthcare#elder care costs#aging in America# hospice c#are flaws#Judy Karofsky interview#Diselderly#Conduct book#senior living scams#Medicare assisted living#elder care reform#caregiver burnout#elder rights advocacy#aging parents care#elder care horror stories#VA vs private elder care#Pat Cummings#Greg Godels#ZZ Blog#Coming From Left Field#CFLF#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday

In this podcast, we discuss Greg's article "Obscene Wealth" from MLToday, based on Gabriel Zucman's research on U.S. wealth inequality. Zucman reveals that in 2024, the wealth of the top 0.00001% (19 households) increased by $1 trillion, surpassing Switzerland’s GDP. The top 10% possess 67% of the wealth, while the bottom 50% hold just 3%, leading to economic and political marginalization. The article argues that capitalism inherently concentrates wealth, reinforcing class divisions between capital owners and workers. A few topics we cover in our conversation include: Why wealth inequality is worse than income inequality—and how it strangles democracy. The death of the middle class: From thriving factory towns to hollowed-out economies. Cold War secrets: How post-WWII prosperity was a fluke (and why it collapsed). Why both Democrats & Republicans serve the ultra-rich (hint: lobbyists, gerrymandering, and media control). Possible answer: Replacing capitalism with socialism is presented as a viable solution.   Article in MLToday: https://mltoday.com/obscene-wealth/ Greg’s Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/  Pat’s Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/about   #Obscene Wealth #Wealth Inequality #Billionaires #Late Stage Capitalism #Robber Barons #1Percent #Oligarchy #Marxist Analysis #Rust Belt #Working Class #Leftist Podcast #Economic Justice #Jeff Bezos #Elon Musk #Dark Money#Rust Belt #Democracy In Decline#Leftist Podcast##Pat Cummings#Greg Godels#ZZ Blog#Coming From Left Field#CFLF#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday