Death Panel

Subscribe on Patreon and hear this week's full patron-exclusive episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/117646789 Beatrice and Tracy Rosenthal speak with Marques Vestal about the history of political conflicts over eviction and property in Los Angeles, the role of removal in producing property value, and using history to help us tell new stories about the past to shape our present. Get Health Communism here: www.versobooks.com/books/4081-health-communism Runtime 1:34:00 🧬

A recent Supreme Court case could significantly affect access to medical transition for young people. The discussion dives into the historical context of gender-affirming care, challenging myths about its recent emergence. It highlights the vital voices of trans youth in shaping healthcare policies. The conversation also critiques misconceptions surrounding gender dysphoria and emphasizes the importance of inclusive narratives in legal frameworks. Listeners are encouraged to advocate for comprehensive healthcare access and support trans rights.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Cassandra Kislenko, who reports on Canadian healthcare with a focus on disability justice, delves into the complexities of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) laws. She unpacks the ethical dilemmas surrounding MAID, highlighting its implications for vulnerable populations, especially those with disabilities. Kislenko also critiques the influence of austerity on healthcare, revealing how systemic issues shape the narrative around assisted dying. Her insights connect Canada's policies with broader debates on healthcare privatization, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

The hosts delve into the alarming implications of Trump's recent federal nominations, highlighting figures like Dr. Oz and their potential impact on Medicare and public health. They discuss the dubious allure of Medicare Advantage and the dangers of privatization. The conversation critiques Marty Makary's controversial COVID stances and unpacks the Great Barrington Declaration's troubling legacy. The episode also reflects on the broader ideological shifts in health policy and the pressing need for resilience in navigating upcoming challenges.

Subscribe on Patreon and hear this week's full patron-exclusive episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/116717109 Beatrice speaks with Astra Taylor about how the capitalist state constructs and reproduces insecurity, the eugenic logic of austerity, and Astra's new book The Age of Insecurity: Coming Together as Things Fall Apart. Get Health Communism here: www.versobooks.com/books/4081-health-communism Runtime 1:34:10 🧬

Join John Pring, founder of Disability News Service and author of "The Department," as he delves into the chilling impact of welfare privatization in the UK. He reveals how bureaucratic violence and austerity measures have tragically affected disabled individuals, leading to societal distrust and psychological trauma. Pring discusses the shame surrounding benefit assessments and exposes the dark realities of the welfare system. His insights urge accountability and shed light on the urgent need for public inquiry to address the hidden costs of welfare reform.

Subscribe on Patreon and hear this week's full patron-exclusive episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/116273220 Beatrice and Artie discuss Trump’s nomination of prominent anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services, the agency overseeing healthcare, infectious disease, food safety, and more. We discuss some of RFK’s more unseemly beliefs, the responses to his nomination so far, and how his nomination doesn’t come out of nowhere, but instead follows decades of struggles over the political economy of health that have laid the groundwork for a figure like him to come into power. Get Health Communism here: www.versobooks.com/books/4081-health-communism Find Jules' new book here: https://www.versobooks.com/products/3054-a-short-history-of-trans-misogyny Runtime 1:26:33

Annie Powers, an organizer with Union de Vecinos and scholar of landless people's movements, dives deep into historical and contemporary housing struggles. She shares insights on resilience among unhoused individuals, highlighting the importance of mutual aid during crises like COVID-19 and police sweeps. Powers reflects on the lessons from the 1932 Bonus March, emphasizing the need for solidarity in the face of systemic oppression. The conversation serves as a vital call to action for organizing around tenant rights and confronting the criminalization of homelessness.

The discussion dives into the consequences of the recent presidential election, particularly the implications of a potential Trump return. It critiques how pandemic welfare reductions have disproportionately affected marginalized communities. The conversation also highlights the Biden administration's shortcomings in addressing economic disparities and rising inflation. Additionally, there’s a focus on the lack of public engagement with disability politics and the challenges that emerged during the pandemic, revealing deep gaps in social policies.

Join Sarah Jaffe, a labor journalist and author known for her insightful critiques on work and social movements, as she dives into the politics of grief. She discusses who is deemed worthy to mourn and how capitalism undermines emotional experiences. The conversation touches on grief during COVID-19, the complexities of mourning in Gaza, and the systemic failures in care for those suffering. Jaffe emphasizes the power of grief as a catalyst for community and political change in our challenging times.