The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

Richard Wolff, a Professor and co-founder of Democracy at Work, dives into the aftermath of the shocking assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He highlights the striking public outrage aimed at the healthcare industry rather than the victim. The discussion critiques profit-driven motives in healthcare, emphasizing how corporate interests often overshadow patient welfare. Wolff also touches on class consciousness and the potential for revolutionary change amidst systemic flaws, urging for a shift towards a more compassionate, socialized healthcare system.

Jamie Tyberg, an organizer with Nodutdol and an expert on South Korean politics, joins to discuss the recent martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol and the mass protests demanding his impeachment. They delve into the historical struggle for democracy in Korea and the impact of U.S. involvement on the political landscape. Tyberg highlights worker discontent over anti-labor laws and critiques Yoon's militaristic policies. The conversation also explores the cultural legacies of the Korean War and the urgent need for improved U.S.-North Korea relations.

Richard Wolff, Professor and co-founder of Democracy at Work, shares his insights on the precarious state of the U.S. financial sector. He discusses the alarming bubble in the stock market and its potential burst consequences, particularly for the working class. The conversation touches on historical financial crises, the shift from production to finance in the U.S. economy, and global trade dynamics. Wolff also critiques recent tariff proposals against BRICS nations, highlighting the contradictions within U.S. economic policies that could further threaten stability.

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, whether it will hold, and what it means for Palestine, and also how Trump’s new foreign policy team has embraced the Biden administration’s pro-war foreign policy. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

In this engaging discussion, Richard Wolff, an esteemed economics professor and co-founder of Democracy at Work, delves into Scott Bessent's controversial nomination to lead the U.S. Treasury. They explore Bessent's ambitious vision for a global economic overhaul, while analyzing the political divide surrounding proposed economic policies. Wolff sheds light on the cyclical crises of capitalism and the often-overlooked role of undocumented workers, advocating for their rights and unionization over punitive measures.

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss the arrest warrant that the International Criminal Court issued for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for the war crimes they’ve waged against the Palestinians people, Biden’s dramatic escalation of the war against Russia and Russia’s retaliation, and China helping to build a mega-port in Peru. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian and Nicole discuss Biden’s major escalation in the Ukraine war, his vetoing the UN ceasefire resolution to end the genocide against Palestine, whether it’s time for a third party in the U.S., how to fight the far-right Trump agenda, and more. This is a preview of the full Q&A seminar for members of our Patreon community. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest of this seminar, support the show, submit questions and register for next time, and access the highly valuable archive of years of socialist analysis.

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss Chinese companies outperforming the West in the electric vehicle industry, a new European Union announcement begging China to share its technology, and what the U.S. government could be doing instead of tariffs on China from Trump and Biden. Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

On this patrons-only episode, Brian & Layan discuss Trump's foreign policy, Netanyahu's so-called ceasefire 'gift,' the Marxist electoral sweep in Sri Lanka, Trump's cabinet picks, the fightback on Trump's first day in office, Jan 20. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Trump is filling key cabinet positions with a range of MAGA diehards. Some are Christian fundamentalists, some are fascistic, some are neocons, but nearly all are ultra-right extremists who want to implement his agenda for the billionaires. Brian and Walter Smolarek analyze his picks to enable us to defend our rights and fight for a better system. This was recorded hours before the announcement of Matt Gaetz and Tulsi Gabbard for Attorney General and National Director of Intelligence. Brian is joined by Walter Smolarek, editor of Liberation News and a producer of The Socialist Program. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.