RevolutionZ

Episode 310 of RevolutionZ asks what  drove millions of Americans to rally behind a figure as vile as Donald Trump? What attracted and held them despite so much that ought to have repulsed them? What can now stop Trump from implementing full-on fascist outcomes? Wtih Immigration policy as an example, how might activism subvert Trump's plans? And is there a way to simultaneously effectively communicate with the over half the voting electorate that supported Trump without compromising values and denying reality?

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Ep 309 of RevolutionZ offers insights from an essay by over a hundred Palestinian, Arab American, Muslim, and progressive leaders in Arizona, takes a historical detour into the emergence of Nazism in Germany and its then U.S. echoes, considers the meaning of the label shill for the Democratic Party, considers Trump's voters, and post election communications.

This is my last pre-election episode. Hopefully my next one, recorded once the tallies are tallied, will offer some comments on what happened and, dare I say it, on what (I think) is to be done.

So what am I expecting from the election? I'd rather not speculate, but if I must, I would put 40% Trump will win a very close race, 40% Harris will win a very close race, and 20% and honestly, I think maybe more than that, that Harris will win quite comfortably, at least as these things go. 

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Episode 308 of RevolutionZ has as guest Norman Solomon to talk about election 2024. Does who is in the White House matter in general, and in this election? Is there contradiction or synergy between personal conscience and the broader ethical responsibilities of electoral decisions? Is voting for Harris in swing states not only how to beat Trump but also how to advance progressive post-election prospects in coming months and years and thus compatible with conscience for organizers--or is the better choice third party voting or abstention? What are the diverse motivations and thoughts of Trump supporters? How might organizers relate effectively with Trump's half of the voting population, and, for that matter, with Harris's half. 

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Episode 307 of RevolutionZ has Bill Fletcher Jr. applying lessons from his extensive labor and general activist organizing to discuss the real origins of Trumpism, conflicting approaches to the coming election, diverse broader strategies for change, how to address critics and who to not address at all, and much more. The exchange is passionate and also pointed at times. It emphasizes what is at stake in our current world and what people might most usefully do to make serious progress in these difficult times. 

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Episode 306 of RevolutionZ has as its guest Peter Bohmer to discuss Israeli and U.S. motives in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and more widely as well. It addresses past history and the present prospects, and particularly the global outrage genocidal policies have  provoked and calls for meaningful actions to effect real change via an arms embargo. The discussion carries into questions about the coming election, both party's strategies, and diverse voter sentiments. The episode is a call to remain engaged and offers a cautious optimism for the future while urging listeners to navigate the current political landscape thoughtfully.

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Episode 305 continues, reacts to, and adds to episode 304 to again address the MIdeast and Israeli and U.S. motivations, the U.S. election and Democratic and Republican Party motivations, plus popular reactions to all that, and also rampant escalating ubiquitous dishonesty plus AI's dangers and finally a personal AI experience in podcast creation's larger implications.  Why again with confusions? Partly because these matters are incredibly important. Partly because I suspect I am not alone in feeling as I do. And partly because the confusions that I discussed last time left some listeners confused about why I am confused, so I clarify and also raise the stakes this time. 

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Episode 304 of RevolutionZ is a bit unusual. Most of it poses more questions than answers. It moans "I don't get that," more than it proclaims "here is what is right about that." And what "thats' does it take up. Israeli and U.S. war making. Ecological suicide. Empathetic caring individuals supporting or turning a blind eye to genocide. The pervasive nature of deceit in our society from the normalization of "clickbait" culture in digital media to collective tolerance for and involvement in deception in daily life. Voting Green in contested states, or abstaining altogether, or supporting Trump. But then the episode ends with a dreamy positive formulation of of program. 

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Episode 303 of RevolutionZ again addresses the complex web of issues, and contending responses that have arisen regarding this coming presidential election in the U.S. How do we understand emerging views of various constituencies? What priorities in dealing with voting and organizing options until November and then after November make most sense or even any sense at all for those seeking a better society and world? 

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Episode 302 of RevolutionZ is titled The Olympics Paris and Beyond. Together, we uncover the complexities of the Olympics including the make-up and power of International Olympic Committee (IOC), who gets the billions generated through broadcasting rights and corporate partnerships, how cities are selected and the often rather horrible effects on them, and much more. We expand our focus to the situation of athletes more broadly, the dynamics of sports and competition per se, and finally on what is underway and possible to alter relations and outcomes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and for sports more widely. The Olympics becomes a highly graphic case of corporate commercialization and profit seeking run wild even as it also contains instances of justice, human solidarity, and pursuit of excellence. 

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Ep 301 NAR 16 is the last episode in the Next American Revolution sequence. In it Senator and then President Malcolm King, Governor and then Vice President Celia Curie, Lydia Luxemburg, and Bert Dellinger discuss the benefits and debits of electoral participation and the purpose and features of RPS's 2048 campaigns and their major victory in 2048 ushering in the birth of RPS transition. 

This one time, below is what the AI associated with the platform I upload podcast episodes to, Buzzsprout, offered as its summary of the episode, spit forth upon its listening to the material. I employ it so you can see the kinds of writing AIs now generate.So here it is:

"Unlock the secrets to navigating the complex world of electoral politics with our final chapter in the Next American Revolution sequence, "2048 and Beyond." Have you ever wondered whether running for political office can truly bring about transformative change, or does it come at the cost of compromising core values? Join us as we explore the real-life experiences of Malcolm King and the multifaceted challenges he faced, from the pressures of fundraising to the struggle of staying connected to grassroots movements. This episode offers a candid look at the intricate dance between visibility, change, and the risk of self-aggrandizement.

Dive into the strategic depths of electoral work with compelling historical and personal anecdotes. Hear untold stories from the early days of Hugo Chavez's presidency to Celia Curie's courageous run for Governor of California. Their journeys highlight the moral tightrope walked by leaders striving to remain true to their principles amidst the temptations of political victories. Lydia's insights as the RPS shadow government president further illuminate how institutional structures can either hinder or help the path to meaningful progress. Discover the critical importance of leveraging popular support while navigating the institutional landscape to achieve far-reaching policy changes.

As we examine the nuanced relationship between radical movements and existing institutions, Miguel and Bert provide invaluable perspectives on working within flawed systems without losing sight of transformative goals. Revisit the pivotal moments that led to RPS considering a presidential run, culminating in President Malcolm King's transformative UN speech in 2049. Reflect on the broader struggle between revolutionary change and entrenched power through the lens of Malcolm's fierce debate and his vision for an equitable society. This episode promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of the intricate balance between electoral ambitions and grassroots activism."

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