Laura Flanders and Friends: Solutions-Focused Progressive Perspectives on Politics, News, and Culture

Full Description:  Election 2024 is happening in a media environment unlike any other. With legacy papers closing and digital media in crisis, too, election ads are filling the news vacuum with misinformation and lies. What is to be done? In this episode of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, co-hosts Laura Flanders and Kadia Tubman of the Scripps News Network examine the state of election media and ask, could this be a moment of opportunity for others to transform the news and build power? Our guest Lara Witt is the editor-in-chief of Prism and co-founder of the new Movement Media Alliance and Media Against Apartheid & Displacement. Joining us again is Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist Imara Jones, creator of TransLash Media, a cross-platform journalism project created to save trans lives and expose threats to democracy. The gripping new season of “The Anti-Trans Hate Machine” podcast dives into the extremist groups using transphobia to stoke political violence. Find out how BIPOC media are meeting this moment and working to cover the issues that mainstream media have largely ignored.“There's not one single trans analyst or contributor on any of the cable networks, even though trans issues are front and center as a mainstream political issue, not as a marginal political issue.” -  Imara Jones“. . . People are getting their political information from [campaign] ads because they're likely not getting it from a reliable source. Since August, we know it's been reported that Republicans have invested over $65 million in anti-trans TV ads alone, and some of those talking points in those ads are actually coming from dubious sources . . .” - Kadia Tubman“We very much are invested in ensuring that our communities are safe, that folks can live their lives as fully autonomous beings and mainstream media often just misses that or doesn't care . . .” - Lara WittGuests:•  Imara Jones: CEO, TransLash Media;  Podcast- The Anti-Trans Hate Machine.•. Lara Witt: Editor-in-Chief, Prism.  Movement Media Alliance•. Kadia Tubman (Co-host): Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channel Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•. Imara Jones: Countering The Anti-Trans Hate Machine, Watch / Podcast•. Democracy Under Siege: Battling Disinformation in the 2024 Election:  Watch / Podcast + Uncut Conversation•. Meet the BIPOC Press: Is Worker-Owned Media the Future of Journalism?: Watch / Podcast Related Articles and Resources:•  Columbia Journalism Review: The Decline of Local News Has Become a Campaign Problem, by Jake Lahut, September 24, 2024, Columbia Journalism Review• The Guardian: TV giant known for rightwing disinformation doubles down on its national news agenda, by Eric Berger, July 2, 2024, The Guardian• Right-wing propaganda infiltrates local news stations as 2024 Election ramps up, June 12, 2024, MSNBC•. TransLash Presents: Capturing The New York Times, July 20, 2024, TransLash Podcast•. This Election Season, We Need Tools for Media Literacy More Than Ever, by Lara Witt, Maya Schenwar, Aysha Khan, Joshua Potash, PRISM, June 8, 2024, TruthOut Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Delve into the fierce debate over abortion rights in the U.S. and how recent measures could alter the course of reproductive freedom.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Description: The 2022 Supreme Court ruling to overturn Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health dramatically changed the political scene. Still, just two years on, we are witnessing another watershed moment in the struggle for abortion rights. This Election Day, 10 states will vote on whether to enshrine abortion rights in their state constitution. Since 2022, every ballot measure to protect abortion rights has passed while every measure to restrict or weaken those rights has failed. Meanwhile, extremist Republicans are pushing for a total national abortion ban and seem to have Trump on their side. He told Fox News just days ago that a national abortion ban is “off the table,” but “we’ll see what happens.” Joining us to share what’s at stake and what can be done are Nadine Smith, the director of Equality Florida who heads the state's largest organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Heidi L. Sieck is a Political Strategist & Founder of VOTEPROCHOICE that focuses on reproductive freedom at the state and local levels. And Renee Bracey Sherman, a reproductive justice advocate is the co-author of the just-released book, “LIBERATING ABORTION: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve.” Together they unpack how abortion, access to trans health, contraception and freedom from sterilization abuse are all part of the far Right’s agenda to control bodies. Could reproductive rights leap forward in 2024, not back? Plus a commentary from Laura.“. . . Just last month we had the Gender Liberation March in DC . . . We had a tent for banned books because as they're banning sex ed, as they're banning trans youth healthcare, trans healthcare and abortion, they're also banning books . . . It's the same people. They're just fighting about a different thing on a different day. And so when we come together, we'll be able to stand against them.” - Renee Bracey Sherman“We have to remember that this is an infrastructure investment issue . . . For decades, the money on the anti-choice side has been going to investments in these local infrastructure. We don't operate like that on the progressive and political Democratic side. Most of our investments are going into the federal infrastructure, and that is the problem.” - Heidi L. Sieck“The governor in Florida has been so extreme. He has sent investigators to people's homes for signing the petition that got the constitutional amendment on the ballot that would restore access to abortion in Florida . . . He's threatening television stations that run ads that are in support of the abortion ballot measure.” - Nadine SmithGuests:•  Renee Bracey Sherman: Co-Author Liberating Abortion; Founder & Co-Executive Director, WeTestify•  Heidi L. Sieck: Political Strategist & Founder, VOTEPROCHOICE•  Nadine Smith: Executive Director, Equality FloridaMusic In the Middle:  “Freedom And Progress” by Nicola Conte featuring Zara McFarlane from the album Umoja released on Far Out Recordings.  And additional music included- "Steppin"  by Podington Bear.Watch the episode at our YouTube channelRelated Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Democrats Stave Off Disaster, For Now? YouTube / Podcast• Post Dobbs Crisis: Visions for Abortion Access & Radical Care: YouTube / Podcast• 50 Years After Roe, Is Reporting on Abortion Still Too White?: YouTube / Podcast Related Articles and Resources:• State Laws & Policies as of October 7, 2024:  State Bans on Abortion Throughout Pregnancy, By Buttmacher•  Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2024:  The ACLU is tracking 530 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S., ACLU.org• The Maga Legal Networks That Could Topple Planned Parenthood and Gut Women's Healthcare, by Melissa Segura, October 21, 2024,  The Guardian• Ron DeSantis accused of ‘intimidation campaign’ against abortion rights, by Joseph Contreras, September 29, 2024, The Guardian• Florida LGBTQ+ Rights Groups and Plaintiffs Reach Historic Settlement to Roll Back Key Discriminatory Provisions in “Don’t Say Gay” Law, Equality Florida *Recommended book:“LIBERATING ABORTION: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve” by Renee Bracey Sherman and Regina Mahone *Get the Book(*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Full Description: The 2022 Supreme Court ruling to overturn Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health dramatically changed the political scene. Still, just two years on, we are witnessing another watershed moment in the struggle for abortion rights. This Election Day, 10 states will vote on whether to enshrine abortion rights in their state constitution. Since 2022, every ballot measure to protect abortion rights has passed while every measure to restrict or weaken those rights has failed. Meanwhile, extremist Republicans are pushing for a total national abortion ban and seem to have Trump on their side. He told Fox News just days ago that a national abortion ban is “off the table,” but “we’ll see what happens.” Joining us to share what’s at stake and what can be done are Nadine Smith, the director of Equality Florida who heads the state's largest organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Heidi L. Sieck is a Political Strategist & Founder of VOTEPROCHOICE that focuses on reproductive freedom at the state and local levels. And Renee Bracey Sherman, a reproductive justice advocate is the co-author of the just-released book, “LIBERATING ABORTION: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve.” Together they unpack how abortion, access to trans health, contraception and freedom from sterilization abuse are all part of the far Right’s agenda to control bodies. Could reproductive rights leap forward in 2024, not back? Plus a commentary from Laura.“. . . Just last month we had the Gender Liberation March in DC . . . We had a tent for banned books because as they're banning sex ed, as they're banning trans youth healthcare, trans healthcare and abortion, they're also banning books . . . It's the same people. They're just fighting about a different thing on a different day. And so when we come together, we'll be able to stand against them.” - Renee Bracey Sherman“We have to remember that this is an infrastructure investment issue . . . For decades, the money on the anti-choice side has been going to investments in these local infrastructure. We don't operate like that on the progressive and political Democratic side. Most of our investments are going into the federal infrastructure, and that is the problem.” - Heidi L. Sieck“The governor in Florida has been so extreme. He has sent investigators to people's homes for signing the petition that got the constitutional amendment on the ballot that would restore access to abortion in Florida . . . He's threatening television stations that run ads that are in support of the abortion ballot measure.” - Nadine SmithGuests:•  Renee Bracey Sherman: Co-Author Liberating Abortion; Founder & Co-Executive Director, WeTestify•  Heidi L. Sieck: Political Strategist & Founder, VOTEPROCHOICE•  Nadine Smith: Executive Director, Equality FloridaFull Conversation Release:  While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  The following is from our episode "From Ballots to Bodies: Abortion, Trans Rights & the Battle for Bodily Autonomy."     These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Watch the episode at our YouTube channelRelated Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Democrats Stave Off Disaster, For Now? YouTube / Podcast• Post Dobbs Crisis: Visions for Abortion Access & Radical Care: YouTube / Podcast• 50 Years After Roe, Is Reporting on Abortion Still Too White?: YouTube / Podcast Related Articles and Resources:• State Laws & Policies as of October 7, 2024:  State Bans on Abortion Throughout Pregnancy, By Buttmacher•  Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2024:  The ACLU is tracking 530 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S., ACLU.org• The Maga Legal Networks That Could Topple Planned Parenthood and Gut Women's Healthcare, by Melissa Segura, October 21, 2024,  The Guardian• Ron DeSantis accused of ‘intimidation campaign’ against abortion rights, by Joseph Contreras, September 29, 2024, The Guardian• Florida LGBTQ+ Rights Groups and Plaintiffs Reach Historic Settlement to Roll Back Key Discriminatory Provisions in “Don’t Say Gay” Law, Equality Florida *Recommended book:“LIBERATING ABORTION: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve” by Renee Bracey Sherman and Regina Mahone *Get the Book(*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Discover how the Left is envisioning a liberated future in today's political climate at the Socialism Conference, hosted by Haymarket Books, featuring key activists and organizers from diverse backgrounds.En el Socialismo Conferencia en Chicago, Laura Flanders y activistas discuten la abolición, descolonización e inmigración con un enfoque en estrategias más allá del ciclo electoral.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Description: Abolition, decolonization, immigration, Palestine — how is the Left thinking about the future in this perilous political moment? Socialists and activists showed up in the thousands to this year’s Socialism Conference, a four-day event packed with discussion of today’s most pressing issues and strategies for organizing. Laura Flanders & Friends was there, in Chicago (just days after the Democratic National Convention) for a live taping with three renowned organizers: Nick Estes, a citizen of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and author of “Our History is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance” and co-founder of The Red Nation, an organization dedicated to Native liberation; Rachel Herzing, an organizer, activist, and advocate fighting the violence of surveillance, policing and imprisonment and co-author of “How to Abolish Prisons: Lessons from the Movement Against Imprisonment”; and Harsha Walia, co-founder of No One Is Illegal, an anti-colonial migrant justice organization and author of the books “Undoing Border Imperialism” and “Border and Rule”. As you’ll hear, they’re not counting on politicians to step into office and grant their wishes. They’re focusing beyond the election cycle. Join us as we envision a liberated future and explore all that it takes to get there. Plus Laura’s commentary.“. . . Having Deb Haaland [serve as] the Secretary of Interior, has been good in the sense that we've gotten these really amazing reports on things that we've already known, that there was this massive systematic genocide of Native children . . . But at the same time, her department has overseen more oil and gas leases on federal lands than the Trump administration, and that's not an indictment of her as a person. That's an indictment of that department . . .” - Nick Estes“. . . We know every single fall in an election season that Black women get told we're the saviors of the entire world and everything relies on us, even though the rest of the time it's very happily that we're kind of left to die, quite literally. We are given this message on a regular basis, and I don't know what to say to people about that. The policies of the so-called United States are not life-affirming policies for Black people, for imprisoned people, and for people living as women.” - Rachel Herzing“I just think that the strongest counterforce to fascism and anti-colonialism is an organized Left. It is not a candidate . . . Sometimes I think we get fixated on what candidates will or won't do, and we don't think about the conditions that the Left can create to actually make those possibilities happen . . .” - Harsha WaliaGuests:•. Nick Estes (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe): Author, Our History is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, & The Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance•  Rachel Herzing: Co-Author, How to Abolish Prisons: Lessons from the Movement Against Imprisonment; Former Co-Director, Critical Resistance•. Harsha Walia: Author, Border and Rule & Undoing Border Imperialism; Co-Founder, No One Is Illegal Music In the Middle:  Iman Hussein remix of “Diane Charlamagne” by Lefto Early Bird, released on Brownswood Recordings.  And additional music included- "Steppin"  by Podington Bear. Additional Credits: the crew for the socialism conference included Jordan Flaherty, Jonathan Klett, Baili Martin and Brooke Guntherie.  And special thanks to Anthony Arnove and Sean Larson from Haymarket Books  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donateFull Conversation from our episode "Trump, Netanyahu & the Weaponizing of Fear One Year After October 7":Israel’s far-right leaders, assisted by their allies in the U.S., have waged a year-long assault on Gaza in the name of “self-defense” after the attacks by Hamas on October 7 2023. Now Israel stands accused of genocide and war is breaking out across the region. Military conflict won’t make Jews — or any of us — more safe, so why do leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. president Donald Trump continue to get away with casting themselves as the “protectors” of Israel and the Jewish people? The Trump campaign is actually deeply allied with anti-semitic Christian Zionists whose investment in Israel is tied up with a belief in Biblical “End Times” when Jews convert or perish. In this report, (which was recorded before the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon,) we turn to Ben Lorber, a Senior Analyst at Political Research Associates and co-author of the book “Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism.” Also joining us are Phyllis Bennis, Director of the New Internationalism Project and fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington D.C. and the author of several books on the United Nations and the Middle East; and Yoav Peck, an organizational psychologist, Executive Director of Solidarity of Nations and Israeli peace activist based in Jerusalem. Together we unpack the links between Christian Zionism and Jewish Zionism, look at how trauma has become a political tool, and ask, how might any of us become less vulnerable to the weaponizing of our fears, with a commentary from Laura.“Real antisemitism is on the rise, but the problem is with all the attention being put on the false claim that criticizing Israel, demanding a ceasefire, demanding an end to genocide, standing with South Africa, asking the International Court of Justice to hold Israel accountable for genocide [is antisemitic]. Those things are not antisemitic. But if you put all your focus there, you're not out there ending the kind of real antisemitism that comes from the Right.” - Phyllis Bennis“It doesn't make us any safer to empower the state, to go after protesters in this way, and as a Jew it’s, especially galling to me that it's done in the name of Jewish safety . . . Taking away people's speech rights, deporting people in the name of keeping me safe doesn't keep me safe.” - Ben Lorber“People are traumatized and retraumatized and dwelling on October 7. The media is supporting it every day . . . But October 7 is a year ago, and where we are now is a completely different place. So now we have a major educational challenge ahead of us to get people to see the link between Israel's occupation of the Palestinians and the present situation.” - Yoav PeckGuests:• Phyllis Bennis: Fellow, Institute for Policy Studies & Director, New Internationalism Project; International Advisor, Jewish Voice for Peace• Ben Lorber: Senior Research Analyst, Political Research Associates; Co-Author, Safety through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism• Yoav Peck: Organizational Psychologist; Executive Director, Achvat Amim/Solidarity of Nations Full Episode Notes are located HERE.  They include related episodes, articles, and more.  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Fears Exploited: The Dangerous Alliances of Netanyahu and Trump with Religious Extremists.  As tensions escalate further in the Middle East, it's crucial to explore the unexpected alliances driving conflicts, as **I s r a e l ’ s f a r - r i g h t l e a d e r s** are fiercely defending their military actions under the banner of "self-defense" while leaving the safety of the Jewish people in question. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Description:  Israel’s far-right leaders, assisted by their allies in the U.S., have waged a year-long assault on Gaza in the name of “self-defense” after the attacks by Hamas on October 7 2023. Now Israel stands accused of genocide and war is breaking out across the region. Military conflict won’t make Jews — or any of us — more safe, so why do leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. president Donald Trump continue to get away with casting themselves as the “protectors” of Israel and the Jewish people? The Trump campaign is actually deeply allied with anti-semitic Christian Zionists whose investment in Israel is tied up with a belief in Biblical “End Times” when Jews convert or perish. In this report, (which was recorded before the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon,) we turn to Ben Lorber, a Senior Analyst at Political Research Associates and co-author of the book “Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism.” Also joining us are Phyllis Bennis, Director of the New Internationalism Project and fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington D.C. and the author of several books on the United Nations and the Middle East; and Yoav Peck, an organizational psychologist, Executive Director of Solidarity of Nations and Israeli peace activist based in Jerusalem. Together we unpack the links between Christian Zionism and Jewish Zionism, look at how trauma has become a political tool, and ask, how might any of us become less vulnerable to the weaponizing of our fears, with a commentary from Laura.“Real antisemitism is on the rise, but the problem is with all the attention being put on the false claim that criticizing Israel, demanding a ceasefire, demanding an end to genocide, standing with South Africa, asking the International Court of Justice to hold Israel accountable for genocide [is antisemitic]. Those things are not antisemitic. But if you put all your focus there, you're not out there ending the kind of real antisemitism that comes from the Right.” - Phyllis Bennis“It doesn't make us any safer to empower the state, to go after protesters in this way, and as a Jew it’s, especially galling to me that it's done in the name of Jewish safety . . . Taking away people's speech rights, deporting people in the name of keeping me safe doesn't keep me safe.” - Ben Lorber“People are traumatized and retraumatized and dwelling on October 7. The media is supporting it every day . . . But October 7 is a year ago, and where we are now is a completely different place. So now we have a major educational challenge ahead of us to get people to see the link between Israel's occupation of the Palestinians and the present situation.” - Yoav PeckGuests:• Phyllis Bennis: Fellow, Institute for Policy Studies & Director, New Internationalism Project; International Advisor, Jewish Voice for Peace• Ben Lorber: Senior Research Analyst, Political Research Associates; Co-Author, Safety through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism• Yoav Peck: Organizational Psychologist; Executive Director, Achvat Amim/Solidarity of Nations Full Episode Notes are located HERE.  They include related episodes, articles, and more.Music In the Middle:  “Crystalized Greif” by Badawi from the album Protection released on UPA Recordings, Underground Producers Alliance.  And additional music included- "Steppin"  by Podington Bear.  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  The following is from our episode Reporting on Policing at the Polls & BIPOC Voter Suppression in 2024.  And was recorded on September 17th, 2024.  These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.  Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donateDescription: Just this month, billionaire immigrant and Republican mega donor Elon Musk amplified a post that seemed to suggest that the system would work better if voting was restricted only to “high status men.” Voting should be simple, but we’re seeing more and more barriers — especially for BIPOC voters — this election. From purges of the rolls, to efforts to eliminate same-day voter registration, new voter-ID laws, and vigilante style “election integrity” watchdogs turning up at the polls, voters in many states and tribal nations face serious challenges they’re working hard to overcome. What’s it all mean for the candidates and, more importantly, the millions of eligible voters of color whose ability to cast their vote could ultimately decide the outcome of this election? For this episode of our monthly feature, Meet the BIPOC Press, Laura is joined by co-host Kadia Tubman of the Scripps News broadcast network, along with guests Chenjerai Kumanyika, NYU journalism professor and host of Empire City, a gripping new podcast on the origins of the NY police, and investigative journalist Christopher Lomahquahu of the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism within the Cronkite School at Arizona State University. Together we investigate who gets to vote safely, and who is being excluded from participating in democracy. Will all who want to vote be able to?“. . . Voter disenfranchisement has been so consistent that we might as well go ahead and call it a principle of American so-called democracy. Even in the constitutional convention, we know that there were efforts to make sure that not everyone can vote.” - Chenjerai Kumanyika". . . It wasn't until a hundred years ago that Native Americans were granted citizenship in this country . . . With the [groups] Western Native Voice, Arizona Native Vote, other organizations that you're finding across these different states, they understand that history but it hasn't deterred them from looking ahead as far as what they can do to activate those other voters, especially the youth . . .” - Christopher Lomahquahu (Akimel O'odham/Hopi)“Whenever I report on or hear about election integrity or election security, the phrase ‘safe and secure’ seems to tag along. It's almost like it's replacing the term free and fair elections . . .” - Kadia TubmanGuests:• Chenjerai Kumanyika: Host, Empire City & NYU Professor• Christopher Lomahquahu (Akimel O'odham/Hopi): Investigative Reporter, ASU Howard Center for Investigative Journalism• Kadia Tubman: Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News Full Episode Notes are located HERE.  They include related episodes, articles, and more.  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Elon Musk's controversial comment reignites debate on voter suppression and democracy amid new voting barriers.Description: Just this month, billionaire immigrant and Republican mega donor Elon Musk amplified a post that seemed to suggest that the system would work better if voting was restricted only to “high status men.” Voting should be simple, but we’re seeing more and more barriers — especially for BIPOC voters — this election. From purges of the rolls, to efforts to eliminate same-day voter registration, new voter-ID laws, and vigilante style “election integrity” watchdogs turning up at the polls, voters in many states and tribal nations face serious challenges they’re working hard to overcome. What’s it all mean for the candidates and, more importantly, the millions of eligible voters of color whose ability to cast their vote could ultimately decide the outcome of this election? For this episode of our monthly feature, Meet the BIPOC Press, Laura is joined by co-host Kadia Tubman of the Scripps News broadcast network, along with guests Chenjerai Kumanyika, NYU journalism professor and host of Empire City, a gripping new podcast on the origins of the NY police, and investigative journalist Christopher Lomahquahu of the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism within the Cronkite School at Arizona State University. Together we investigate who gets to vote safely, and who is being excluded from participating in democracy. Will all who want to vote be able to?“. . . Voter disenfranchisement has been so consistent that we might as well go ahead and call it a principle of American so-called democracy. Even in the constitutional convention, we know that there were efforts to make sure that not everyone can vote.” - Chenjerai Kumanyika“. . . It wasn't until a hundred years ago that Native Americans were granted citizenship in this country . . . With the [groups] Western Native Voice, Arizona Native Vote, other organizations that you're finding across these different states, they understand that history but it hasn't deterred them from looking ahead as far as what they can do to activate those other voters, especially the youth . . .” - Christopher Lomahquahu (Akimel O'odham/Hopi)“Whenever I report on or hear about election integrity or election security, the phrase ‘safe and secure’ seems to tag along. It's almost like it's replacing the term free and fair elections . . .” - Kadia TubmanGuests:• Chenjerai Kumanyika: Host, Empire City & NYU Professor• Christopher Lomahquahu (Akimel O'odham/Hopi): Investigative Reporter, ASU Howard Center for Investigative Journalism• Kadia Tubman: Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News Full Episode Notes are located HERE.  They include related episodes, articles, and more. Music In the Middle:  “Indifference” by Brkn Record featuring Antohony Joseph from his album The Architecture of Oppression Part 2 released on Barely Breaking Even Records, BBE.  And additional music included- "Steppin"  by Podington Bear.   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

LGBTQ rights in North Carolina are under attack, but activists and organizers across the state are standing up to hate. In this conversation, Laura brings together featured guests in our award-winning series, “The Roots of the January 6th Insurrection” to hear their stories now leading up to the 2024 election. She first investigated LGBTQ backlash in the state in 2023, one year after a deadly power grid attack in Moore County. It coincided with a “Downtown Divas” drag show that had been harassed for months by anti-LGBTQ leaders. Now nearly two years after the attack, there are still no arrests. Plus, legislators and local leaders have introduced bans on books and gender affirming care for minors. On the heels of 2024 Durham Pride, we bring you this roundtable discussion featuring House of Coxx drag artists Stormie Daie and Naomi Dix; Dix is this year's grand marshall. Also featured are PFLAG Southern Pines founders Kristen Parker and Erica Street, and Street’s daughter, Alex Lafferty, a young trans activist, artist and composer. How are they creating safety and building community in this moment?These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member at https://LauraFlanders.org/donateGuests:• Erica Street, Mother of Alex Lafferty; Co-founder, PFLAG Southern Pines• Stormie Dai, Drag Artist; Member of Durham, NC, House of Coxx• Alex Lafferty, Daughter of Erica Street; High School Student & Youth Activist• Naomi Dix, Drag Artist, Activist & Member of Durham NC BIPOC Operated House of Coxx;  Co-Chair, Pride: Durham, NCGrand Marshall 2024 Durham Pride, • Kristen Parker, Co-Founder of PFLAG Southern Pines  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Josh Stein vs. Mark Robinson: The Fight for Rights in North Carolina's Upcoming Elections.  In-depth analysis of North Carolina’s political landscape reveals increasing threats to democracy and individual freedoms, with exclusive interviews by Laura including Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein and activists on the frontline.  This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Description: North Carolina is a battleground state, and a petri dish for extremist policy and practice. Whether it's the right to vote, the right to read, or the right to decide the fate of one’s body, North Carolinians are on the frontlines. The state has banned gender-affirming care for minors; its MAGA Republican gubernatorial candidate is calling for death for LGBTQ people and a total abortion ban. Will Proud Boys show up at polling sites this November to intimidate voters? In this special report, Laura speaks with Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein, and correspondent Lewis Raven Wallace examines the agenda of his Trump-endorsed opponent, Lt. Governor Mark Robinson. Laura also checks in with organizers and activists from past episodes. Among those: Serena Sebring, Executive Director of Blueprint NC; Mab Segrest, Writer, Organizer & Consultant with Blueprint NC; Courtney Patterson, Eastern North Carolina Organizer at Blueprint NC; and LGBTQIA+ youth activist Alex Lafferty. As you’ll hear, North Carolina is a microcosm of this country. The question remains: where is the state headed this November and beyond?“There’s a lot of people I know, a lot of trans people who want to go on hormones but don’t have the ability to. And there are things coming up where they want to ban gender affirming care for not just minors but of any age, which is genocide. You can’t destroy an entire community and see that as legal.” - Alex Lafferty“I'm seriously afraid that [Proud Boys] will show up in these polling places . . . They feel empowered right now. They feel that they are above the law, so they will do things, make things, they'll take chances because they feel like they'll get away with it.” - Courtney Patterson“I think we use infrastructure and people in order to meet a threat that ultimately is countered by one thing, and that's massive turnout. The best thing that we can do to protect safety in North Carolina is register and turn out voters at a scale that is historic.” Serena Sebring“In 2024, state capture is possible at the national level because it's been petri dished in these other places like North Carolina . . . If they get it, they can do anything they want to. And so they get more and more extreme, more violent, more dangerous because they're unchecked.” - Mab Segrest“North Carolina really is a bit of a microcosm of this country. We're a 50/50 state, elections swing back and forth. We're on the front lines of a number of critical battles, whether it's people's right to vote or whether it's their right to exercise decisions about their own bodies through reproductive decisions . . . We're really on the front lines about protecting people's freedoms.” - Josh SteinGuests:• Alex Lafferty:   Trans Activist, Artist and Composer • Courtney Patterson: Eastern North Carolina Organizer, Blueprint NC• Serena Sebring: Executive Director, Blueprint NC• Mab Segrest: Writer, Organizer & Consultant, Blueprint NC• Josh Stein: Attorney General & Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Full Episode Notes are located HERE.  They include related episodes, articles, and more.  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel