Mark Riley: The Intersection of Politics Culture

There are lies, damn lies, and lies masquerading as journalism and politics. Lies in the press can span the complete political spectrum and no party is exempt, but the right wing, with its echo chamber and system of ping ponging utter foolishness, seems to have a particular problem with the truth.  This episode is also dedicated to my brother, Norman Riley, R.I.P.

Biden pledges to make America’s energy 100% carbon free by 2035, and to cut emissions 50-52%...That’s the strongest pledge the US has ever made! Meanwhile, it’s said that some cops across America are training extremist right wing groups like the Oath Keepers. Fact or fiction?  We talk to Clayton Moore, retired police officer and author of the book, “Good Cop, Black Cop,”  about the Chauvin verdict and much more.

20 cities with the largest police departments have paid over $2 billion dollars for alleged misconduct and civil rights violations from 2015-2020. How about paying future settlements from police pension funds rather than taxpayers? The brutality would drop if cops knew their future pensions would be at risk. Current gun regulations and background checks haven’t served to stop mass shooters, the NRA has filed bankruptcy, and the GOP blocks reform saying gun control is racist! Guns are out of control in America: Where will all this end?

Coronavirus vaccines and the new war on variants; COVID vaccine passports; and Major League Baseball and Voter Suppression with special guest and former Phillies’ Doug Glanville.

As Derek Chauvin stands trial for the death of George Floyd, I reflect on the scores of similar cases I've reported -- on all ending in acquittal; Matt Gaetz is a member of Congress and rabid Trump supporter - he's in so much trouble even Trump has been advised to keep his mouth shut; and Part II of my interview with renowned poet and screenwriter, Quincy Troupe.

Biden's first 100 days and all the media focuses on whether he will run again in 2024? CEOs of Facebook, Twitter, and Google faced Congress to answer for their role, if any, in the January 6 riots on The Capitol. Is this a move towards Congress governing Social Media? And there's still China...can the Biden Administration get the Chinese government to stop human rights violations? Also, an exclusive interview with Quincy Troupe, award-winning Poet and Journalist.

American hate against Asians is nothing new. In 1875, the Page Act became American law restricting Chinese women who were seen as unclean and engaging in prostitution. President Arthur signed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 excluding an entire nationality lasting until 1943; Legislatures in 43 states have proposed no less than 250 bills that would restrict ballot access that will make voting more difficult for tens of millions of Americans. Enacting stricter ID requirements, limited poll hours, closing polling sites in areas where people of color live, narrowing eligibility to vote absentee…every trick they have in the voter suppression handbook. All this and more with Part III of my interview with Chuck D.

While the pandemic and stimulus were front and center for Biden, the GOP focused on Dr.Seuss, Mr. Potato Head, and Pepe Le Pew. The right wing ecosystem that has elevated cartoon characters to the level of public discourse is all about putting cancel culture back in the minds of Donald Trump’s base; Meghan, Harry and Oprah - Buckingham Palace should never be confused with Camelot but follow the money and you will see the similarities to how following Trump's every tweet said cha-ching across all media; Part II of my exclusive interview with Public Enemy founder, Chuck D.

Suckers (Proud Boys, Q Anon), seriously thought Trump would pardon them before he left office? Congressmen and senators who voted not to impeach Trump put their stamp of approval on the events of January 6th, 2021. I'm calling out the 7 Dems who voted AGAINST the $15/hr min wage. With a combined net worth of $43m, shame on you Joe Manchin (WV), Jon Tester (MT), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), Maggie Hassan (NH), Angus King, (ME), and Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper, (DE).  Special guest interview with legendary Chuck D.

Is Neera Tanden and her Tweets being held to a different standard to male Conservative counterparts? Beware the mask you buy...it could be a fake; and an exclusive interview with music industry icon and Progressive voice, Danny Goldberg.