Summary:

Today we look at the high-stakes drama of American politics amidst looming government shutdown threats and internal GOP conflicts. Joined by experts Tonye Altrade, Aram Fischer, Logan Phillips, and Zee Cohen Sanchez, the conversation explores Speaker Mike Johnson's contentious budgeting strategies, the Republican Party's internal struggles, and the potential repercussions on US governance. Shifting focus to the UK, the panel discusses the provocative comments by MP Lee Anderson about London Mayor Sadiq Khan and their impact on the Conservative Party, examining the broader implications of political rhetoric on race and religion.

1. "As the United States teeters on the brink of yet another potential government shutdown, the political drama intensifies, reflecting deep-rooted party divisions and challenging the GOP's governance capabilities." - Roifield Brown
2. "The GOP dysfunction we're witnessing is a stark illustration of the party's internal battles, where ideological extremes hinder coherent governance and compromise." - Aram Fischer
3. "Despite the frequency of government shutdown threats, their normalisation risks undermining public trust and the essential functions of governance." - Logan Phillips
4. "Lee Anderson's comments not only stir controversy within the Conservative Party but also ignite critical conversations on how political discourse shapes public perception of race and religion." - Tonye Altrade
5. "The dynamics within the Republican Party and the UK's Conservative Party showcase a global political trend where internal conflicts and polarizing rhetoric threaten the principles of democratic governance." - Zee Cohen Sanchez

Further Reading Suggestions:

1. "The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America and How to Get It Back on Track" by Thomas E. Mann and Norman J. Ornstein - An insightful analysis of the issues plaguing the American legislative branch, offering historical context and potential solutions.

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We have a comprehensive dialogue with Dr. Robert Marbut, a renowned figure in the realm of homelessness advocacy and a former appointee of President Trump to lead the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Dr. Marbutt known for his pragmatic approach to tackling homelessness, sheds light on the multifaceted nature of this crisis, emphasising the need for a nuanced understanding and targeted interventions.

Show Notes:

1. Introduction to Dr. Robert Marbut:

• Background in homelessness advocacy.
• Experience in government and policy-making.
• Founding of Haven for Hope.

2.Understanding Homelessness:

• The scale of homelessness in the U.S. and its societal impacts.
• Differentiating between various groups within the homeless population.
• The critical distinction between housing shortage and homelessness.

3.Dr. Marbut's Approach:

• Critique of one-size-fits-all solutions.
• Advocacy for a holistic approach: Engage, assess, and treat before housing.
• Success stories from cities that have implemented comprehensive strategies.

4.Policy and Perception:

• Addressing misconceptions and stigmas around homelessness.
• The importance of data-driven policies and community involvement.
• Future directions in homelessness advocacy and policy.

5.Resources:

• "No Address" documentary and movie for insights into homelessness.
• FixHomelessness.org for data and success stories.
• MarbutConsulting.org for more on Dr. Marbut's work and philosophy.

Dr. Robert Marbut: "The way you exit homelessness in most parts of the country is death. That, I think, is a way you judge a society — how you deal with the least, last, and lost."

Roifield Brown: "The future of humanity is for us to live closer and closer with each other, and if that is going to be the future, we need a way that all of us can have the equity of at least a roof over our heads."

Dr. Robert Marbut: "We love you so much we take you as you are, but we also love you so much to let you stay that way."

Dr. Robert Marbut: "We're making it easy to get high and hard to get treatment. We need to make it easy to get treatment and hard to get high."

No Address Documentary and Movie: These works explore various aspects of homelessness, providing insights into the challenges and potential solutions. The documentary, in particular, features various perspectives from across the political and ideological spectrum, illustrating the complexity of the issue.

FixHomelessness.org: This website, associated with the Discovery Institute, offers resources, articles, and data on successful interventions and policies aimed at reducing homelessness. It advocates for evidence-based approaches and highlights case studies of communities that have made significant progress.

MarbutConsulting.org: Dr. Robert Marbut's consulting website provides information on his approach to addressing homelessness, his experience, and the services he offers. It also includes resources and publications related to his work in the field.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, few names resonate as profoundly as Kevin Jennings. A guest on the "Mid Atlantic" podcast, Jennings, a leader of Lambda Legal, provided an illuminating discourse on the history and ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. His insights offered a rare window into the resilience and triumphs that have marked the movement from its nascent days to the current era.

Jennings' tenure at Lambda Legal stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause of LGBTQ+ rights. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Lambda Legal, under Jennings' leadership, has been instrumental in several landmark legal battles. Most notably, Jennings highlighted Lambda Legal's role as co-counsel in the historic Obergefell v. Hodges case, which granted marriage equality to same-sex couples in the United States. But Jennings' involvement extends beyond this singular victory, tracing back to earlier milestones such as the 1983 lawsuit securing protections for individuals living with HIV and the pivotal 2003 case, Lawrence v. Texas, which abolished so-called sodomy laws.

Jennings' journey, characterized by both legal advocacy and policy-making, underscores the multifaceted approach necessary in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. In an era marked by shifting political landscapes and persistent challenges, His work, as detailed in the "Mid Atlantic" podcast, is not just a narrative of legal triumphs but a broader story of societal progress, one where the fight for equality continues with relentless vigor and unwavering hope.

1. Guest Introduction: Kevin Jennings, leader of Lambda Legal and renowned advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
2. Topic Overview: Tracing the history of gay rights in the U.S., including key milestones and ongoing challenges.
3. Key Discussions:The formation and impact of Lambda Legal.
4. Jennings' work in the Obama administration and its effects on bullying prevention.
5. The intersection of LGBTQ+ rights with other civil rights movements.
6. The impact of the AIDS crisis on the LGBTQ+ community.
7. The evolution of LGBTQ+ rights from Stonewall to the present day.
8. Actionable Insights: How listeners can support LGBTQ+ rights and Lambda Legal.
9. Audience Q&A: Engaging discussion with listeners about the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community globally.

1. "We've been fighting the good fight for 51 years now, and we have the receipts to show that we're effective." - Kevin Jennings
2. "We showed the government can make a difference. And our successor showed the government can make a difference in the opposite direction." - Kevin Jennings on bullying prevention
3. "LGBTQ+ people have experienced a lot of oppression, but for a century, LGBTQ+ people have been fighting back. So it's a very hopeful story." - Kevin Jennings
4. "The government hostility towards gay men in particular, during the AIDS crisis, is why half a million people died." - Kevin Jennings
5. "We are not going anywhere, and we are not going to let this happen." - Kevin Jennings on fighting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation

1. Lambda Legal's website: lambdalegal.org
2. Kevin Jennings' book "Becoming Visible": An exploration of LGBTQ+ history for young readers.
3. Documentary "Welcome to Chechnya": Showcasing the plight of LGBTQ+ individuals in Chechnya.
4. PFLAG's website: pflag.org - Support for families of LGBTQ+ individuals.

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In this episode of the Mid Atlantic Podcast, we look into the complex world of AI and political bias with expert guest Maxim Lot. A seasoned journalist and data connoisseur, Maxim brings over 15 years of experience to the table, having worked with ABC, Fox, and as the founder of Maxim True Substack. His latest project, TrackingAI.org, is at the forefront of analysing political biases in AI, offering a unique perspective on the issue. The discussion navigates through the intricacies of data harvesting, AI algorithms, and the potential societal impacts of AI-driven technologies.

• Introduction to the topic of political bias in AI.
• Maxim Lot's extensive background in media and data analysis.
• Discussion on data harvesting, AI algorithm training, and their inherent biases.
• TrackingAI.org's innovative approach to evaluating AI biases.
• Debate on AI regulation and the balance between innovation and societal impact.
• Listener Q&A: Addressing the practical and ethical challenges of AI in various aspects of life.
• Closing thoughts: The need for a holistic approach to AI development and regulation.

1. Maxim Lot: "They just vacuumed the data and fed it into these AI algorithms. And so that's step one. Where there could be bias if Wikipedia is biased, if the Google News results are biased, that could lead to a biased data set."
2. Roifield Brown: "However, I'm profoundly scared about an AI future and a scale of one to 10. You're a better man. You deal with statistics. How scared should I be about an AI-driven future?"
3. Maxim Lot: "So I basically did this for all the AIs, ChatGPT, Bard, Rock, and just to see where they would come down on this political quiz."
4. Roifield Brown: "I don't believe in a future which is run by tech companies and tech companies alone. I must admit, and that scares the bejesus out of me."
5. Maxim Lot: "But in the nuclear industry, for example, where you obviously need some regulation, but now we have a situation where France, for example, most of their energy is produced with nuclear, and it's great, they've never, no one's, died from it, and they produce 70 percent of their energy with it, and it's clean, there's no CO2.

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Today we delve into the highly charged topic of President Joe Biden's age and its political ramifications. Host Roifield Brown leads a panel of experts through an incisive discussion, beginning with Robert Herr's report on Biden's handling of classified documents and his response about his son, Beau. The conversation pivots to the media's portrayal of Biden and Trump, exploring biases and the impact on public perception. As the debate heats up, our panelists weigh the consequences of an aging leader, comparing media scrutiny and voter sentiment. We also venture across the pond, examining the Labour Party's challenges in the UK, from antisemitism to policy stances on Gaza.

• Deep dive into Robert Herr's report and its implications.
• Discussion on media's treatment of Biden vs. Trump, focusing on age and mental acuity.
• Analysis of Biden's policy successes and media's search for sensationalism.
• Exploring the potential for a Democratic alternative to Biden.
• Transition to UK politics: Labour's turmoil and antisemitism challenges.
• Insights on Labour's stance on the Gaza conflict and its political repercussions.
• Reflections on leadership and the role of age in politics.

1. Aram Fischer: "I think the short answer is no, [Biden's] obviously not too old because he's currently in the job and by a lot of metrics, he's doing a good job."
2. Mike Donoghue: "The media needs to look in the mirror quite a bit here because what our media really thrives on is less left-right and more sensational at all costs."
3. Jarett Kobek: "Biden seems old. Trump seems young because psychosis always has a sort of youthful break to it. Everybody's ancient and it's not good for the health of the Republic to have two people this old vying for the highest office in the land."
4. Steve O'Neill: "One of the ways that Keir Starmer and his team have rescued the Labour Party is by stamping out and having a zero tolerance line on antisemitism."
5. Tonye Altrade: "South Africa has shown that by willingness and by the intent to do the right thing, they can start making a difference. By taking that case to the ICJ, South Africa have shown that with boldness and courage, they can stand up to people or their friends and tell them when they're doing something wrong.
6. Cory Bernard: I think [the Labour Party's handling of antisemitism] has the potential to be damaging, but I just don't think it will be, just because the Conservatives right now are just not able to capitalize on anything that can give them that edge to maybe narrow the polls a bit more.

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Today we delve into the world of Wayne Campbell, renowned street photographer and visual activist. Wayne shares his unique journey from capturing powerful moments in protests to creating an evocative gallery and book. His work, symbolising mental health, resilience, and the potency of activism, transcends traditional photography, offering a profound commentary on contemporary issues. Join us as Wayne discusses the impact of his peers, the significance of his gallery and self-published book, and his ambitions for global empathy through art. Don't miss this blend of creativity, activism, and personal insight!

1. Introduction to Wayne Campbell: Learn about Wayne's background and his unique approach to photography and illustration.
2. Inspirations and Collaborations: Wayne talks about the influences in his art, highlighting his peers Aubrey Fagan and Wayne Critchler.
3. The Role of Galleries and Books: Discover how these platforms have been crucial in bringing Wayne's work to a broader audience.
4. Activism in Brixton: Wayne shares his experiences growing up in Brixton and how it has shaped his perspectives on activism and art.
5. Creating a Community Hub: Learn about Wayne's vision for his gallery as a space for discussion, learning, and showcasing visual activism.
6. Photography Tips: Wayne offers practical advice for aspiring photographers looking to capture the essence of demonstrations.
7. The Power of Visual Media: A discussion on the impact of smartphones and professional cameras in modern photography.
8. Wayne's Book and Gallery: Details on where to find Wayne's work, both online and in-person.

1. Wayne Campbell on Inspiration: "The greatest inspirers are people you probably have never heard of. They are the ones who keep me honest, the ones I trawl the streets with. Their work is the true inspiration behind my work."
2. On the Importance of Galleries and Books: "I've always considered myself a Ferrari with wooden wheels. The exhibition and the book, they were the big push I needed to introduce my work to the world."
3. Discussing Activism in Brixton: "Growing up in Brixton, I've seen what activism looks like in this environment. Bringing this gallery space and exhibition of activism back to Brixton, nestled between frappuccinos and lattes, makes it more relevant."
4. Reflecting on the Power of Photography in Protests: "When I initially came up with the idea to create a safe space for protest, I realized that it's never going to be possible to be comfortable with everyone's politics. But that's the journey and part of my learning."

A Celebration of Demonstration

Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London, SW9 8PS

https://wacfoo.com/product-category/blm

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Rami Khoury, Director of Global Engagement at the American University of Beirut. This conversation sheds light on the ongoing Israeli invasion of Gaza and its ramifications. Khoury, an acclaimed journalist and academic, brings a unique perspective, honing in on the imminent famine crisis in Gaza and exploring the historical context of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of Palestine, the role of Hamas, and the shifting global response to this century-old struggle.

1. Introduction to Rami Khoury: Brief background on Khoury's achievements and his perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
2. Current Crisis in Gaza: Discussion on the Israeli invasion of Gaza, focusing on the humanitarian crisis and the threat of famine.
3. Historical Context: Exploration of the conflict's history, tracing back to the early 20th century, and the role of colonial powers in shaping the current landscape.
4. Role of Hamas: Insights into Hamas's influence and actions within the conflict, including the October 7 attack and its global perception.
5. International Response and Legal Perspectives: Analysis of the International Court of Justice's rulings and the shifting stance of Western governments, including the U.S. and the U.K.
6. Prospects for Peace: Envisioning a two-state solution, the challenges ahead, and the potential roadmap to peace.
7. Audience Q&A: Responses to listener questions, providing clarity on complex issues.
8. Conclusion: Summarising key takeaways and reflections on the future of the Israeli-Palestinian relationship.

1. On the Historical Context of the Conflict: "It was in 1923 that the League of Nations gave a mandate to Great Britain...and now it's 101 years, and this is still going on." - Rami Khoury
2. Regarding the Role of Hamas: "Hamas has developed since the late 1980s, and it has become over time a very proficient military force... recognising what the capabilities they have developed." - Rami Khoury
3. On International Response and Legal Perspectives: "The International Court of Justice decision... is very significant because this is the first time in the history of this entire conflict, the two sides were able to present their case in public at a legitimate venue." - Rami Khoury
4. Looking Towards the Future: "The Israelis and the Americans when they talk of states, they say states for the Palestinians, but the Israelis have security rights to control the borders... We're done with that. The Arab world is done with that." - Rami Khoury
5. Hope:I am 75 years old. I was born in 1948. So I've lived, this has been my whole life, but it seems to me that this year is the turning point. 2023, 2024. This is the most dramatic week that we've seen where changes are happening... it seems to me that this year is the turning point. - Rami Khoury

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Roifield Brown delves deep into the heart of American politics with seasoned political journalists Luppe Luppen and Hunter Walker. The duo, famous for their book "The Truce: Progressive, Centrist, and the Future of the Democratic Party," unpacks the complex narrative of the Democratic Party from the 2016 election to the present. Get ready for an insightful exploration of the party's internal struggles, the rise of pivotal political figures, and the events shaping its trajectory. This episode promises a thorough discussion on the party's future and its leadership, comparing its dynamics to British politics and exploring the underlying themes influencing both nations' political landscapes.

• Introduction to Luppe Luppen and Hunter Walker, authors of "The Truce."
• A deep dive into the Democratic Party's journey and internal conflicts.
• Comparison of the Democratic Party's dynamics with the Labour Party in the UK.
• The impact of the 2016 election on the Democratic Party's future.
• Analysis of Joe Biden's role in unifying the party and the challenges ahead.
• The generational divide and the youth vote's influence on American politics.
• Interactive Q&A session with the audience, featuring discussions on progressive policies, youth engagement, and the 2024 elections.

1. Luppe Luppen: "We didn't really understand early on in the process how the Democratic Party was doing, what it was doing. How does Joe Biden end up consolidating the party in this sort of rapid fire weekend after the South Carolina primary and sweeping Bernie Sanders aside and taking the nomination and then going on to defeat Donald Trump?"
2. Hunter Walker: "Biden both, I think, governed more progressively than those on the left might've expected, but also he worked behind the scenes and these calls with Obama that Lupe is talking about."
3. Hunter Walker: "As we were talking earlier with RM about that sort of paradox where Democrats have the majority, but they don't always get the victory. A big part of that is youth engagement and the fact that young people are not engaged."
4. Luppe Luppen: "America does change more gradually than anyone would like, but we are in a far more progressive place now, even with the threat of Trump, which I don't discount at all."

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In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," we explore the world of UK politics through the eyes of Steve O'Neill. Steve, a seasoned political strategist with a background in education and international policy, shares his journey from the British civil service to his involvement in political strategy with the Liberal Democrats, and his eventual shift to the Labour Party. The discussion delves into the dynamics of British politics during critical times like the end of New Labour in 2010, the coalition government, and the post-2015 election challenges faced by the Lib Dems. Steve also discusses his time in New York, including a stint with the United Nations, and his work on the "No Man's Land" podcast, offering a perspective on political division and the quest for unity.

1. On Political Awakening: "I wasn't really interested in politics until I was 23, 24 years old. A lot of what I learned about policy and politics was from my day job in the civil service."
2. On Coalition Compromises: "I thought a lot of the big ideas happened in politics. This led me to sympathize with the Lib Dems, particularly their stance during the coalition government."
3. On Shifting Allegiances: "The world felt politically different around the Brexit referendum. That's when I realized no more fence-sitting – it was time to support a more progressive party."
4. On Political Identity: "I'd probably describe myself as centre-left now, aligning more with the Blair-Brown era of politics, having moved away from my earlier centrist views."

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Roifield Brown invites Canadian political pundits Laura Babcock and Adam Schaan to dissect the shifting dynamics of Canadian politics. As they delve into the complexities of Trudeau's leadership, the rise of Pierre Poilievre, and the influence of U.S. politics, the conversation illuminates the pressing issues shaping Canada's future.

From the climate of political discourse to the impact of housing and immigration policies, this episode offers a deep dive into the heart of Canada's political climate as it stands on the brink of significant change.

• A deep dive into Canadian political attitudes and the public's perception of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
• Analysis of Pierre Poilievre's rise in Canadian politics and his potential impact on the country's future.
• Discussion on Canada's housing crisis and its political ramifications.
• Exploration of Canada-U.S. relations and their influence on Canadian politics, especially considering potential changes in U.S. leadership.
• Insights into the role of social media and communication strategies in contemporary Canadian politics.
• Predictions for the future of the Canadian political landscape and the potential outcomes of upcoming elections.

1. Laura Babcock: "Canada has been going through a really deep affordability and housing crisis like nothing else that we've ever seen. Despite doing well compared to other G7 nations, we are completely not feeling it on the ground."
2. Adam Schaan: "Pierre Poilievre's rise is significant. He's been a member of parliament for nearly two decades and is now seen as sharp, competent, and a potential prime minister. His approach, blending traditional politics with savvy social media strategies, marks a new era in Canadian politics."
3. Laura Babcock: "What's important is for people who say, 'Yeah, that's just Trump. That's just his BS.' He has had a very intelligent and deep and sophisticated and widespread machine behind him the last two years that has been organising how to, in fact, bring in all loyalists, how to take apart the justice system."
4. Adam Schaan: "Canadians recognise how important immigration is and are in support of it, both on a moral basis as a multicultural society and also due to the economic necessity to bring in people to fill in shortages in the labor force and to counteract an aging population."

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