The Socialist Program with Brian Becker

Trump is beating Biden in the polls in several key swing states. The Democrats have pushed the logic of ‘the lesser of two evils’ argument for years, yet the country has moved to the right. They give voice to many key issues people are struggling with, but their solutions never address the roots of them and often they sabotage their own meager solutions. Brian Becker is joined by Eugene Puryear, author, activist, and co-host of The Freedom Side LIVE, which airs every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern on BreakThrough News. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://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 today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the lies both parties are telling about the effects on climate and jobs of tariffs slapped on electric vehicles from China. 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.

In a massive, nationally coordinated crackdown, the United States has arrested nearly 3,000 U.S. students in the last week. Many have been beaten, pepper sprayed, and tear gassed; expelled from their housing; and many will be expelled from their university altogether. Using U.S. bombs and missiles, the Israeli military has launched a devastating assault on people in Rafah—where more than one million Palestinians took refuge from previous Israeli bombing. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, organizer, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books, and Manolo De Los Santos, researcher at Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research and founder and executive director of The People’s Forum in New York. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://www.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 today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the latest fear-mongering over the solvency of Medicare and Social Security, the two most popular programs in the United States. 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.

Starting with the illegal UN vote to partition Palestine in 1947, this second episode in a series goes over the colonial, racist history of the zionist project up until the 1967 Six-Day War. Listen to the first one on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. This was recorded April 26, 2024. Brian is joined by Richard Becker, the author of the newly updated book, "Palestine, Israel, and U.S. Empire," published by 1804 Books. 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 today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff explain why and how workers actually do make all of our goods, including what capitalists claim is what they bring to the table—the production equipment, buildings, desks, work tables, machines to harvest raw materials, and more. 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.

As the Pentagon and U.S. elite provide Israel more weaponry and urge a Mosul, Iraq-style mass demolition in Rafah, protest encampments on college campuses are erupting nationwide. And in the face of evictions from student housing, arrests, threats of bringing in the National Guard, and more repression, students are standing strong for the Palestinian people. Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, organizer, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://www.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.

The Socialist Program presents a new special 3-part, more than 5-hour-long podcast series on the legacy of Russian Marxist V.I. Lenin, based on a class series by Brian Becker at The People’s Forum in November and December 2023, enhanced with historical audio recordings and more. This series provides a specific approach to studying Lenin's writings for a new generation of socialist organizers. It discusses the war in Gaza and the struggle of the Palestinian people for national liberation, and outlines Lenin's organizational and tactical outlook in the era of modern imperialism. This is Part 3 of Lenin and the Path to Revolution Below are details of historical audio clips included in this episode that may not be otherwise identified by listening: 5:56 - Eyewitness to the Russian Revolution, from documentary ‘Images of a Revolution,’ 1987 7:35 - Eyewitness to the Russian Revolution, from documentary ‘Images of a Revolution,’ 1987 10:08 - Member of the public asks president Obama a question during a town hall meeting, 2009 12:02 - Then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi at a town hall responding to a question from a member of the public asking if the Democratic Party could move left on economics, 2017 54:39 - Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Winston Churchill speaking in 1954 58:49 - Andy Stapp of the American Servicemen's Union, speaking at the Black Panther Anti-Fascism Conference, 1969 /// Help make this show possible by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram

The Socialist Program presents a new special 3-part, more than 5-hour-long podcast series on the legacy of Russian Marxist V.I. Lenin, based on a class series by Brian Becker at The People’s Forum in November and December 2023, enhanced with historical audio recordings and more. This series provides a specific approach to studying Lenin's writings for a new generation of socialist organizers. It discusses the war in Gaza and the struggle of the Palestinian people for national liberation, and outlines Lenin's organizational and tactical outlook in the era of modern imperialism. This is Part 2 of Lenin and the Path to Revolution Below are details of historical audio clips included in this episode that may not be otherwise identified by listening: 12:28 - Eugene Puryear speaking at the National March On Washington for Palestine, November 4th 2023 30:04 - Brian Becker speaking at anti-war rally in Washington, D.C., January 18, 2003 56:37 - ‘John Brown’s Body’ - popular song in the U.S. Civil War 1:36:28 - Joe Biden (then a senator) speaking in Congress, 1986 /// Help make this show possible by joining our patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram

The Socialist Program presents a new special 3-part, more than 5-hour-long podcast series on the legacy of Russian Marxist V.I. Lenin, based on a class series by Brian Becker at The People’s Forum in November and December 2023, enhanced with historical audio recordings and more. This series provides a specific approach to studying Lenin's writings for a new generation of socialist organizers. It discusses the war in Gaza and the struggle of the Palestinian people for national liberation, and outlines Lenin's organizational and tactical outlook in the era of modern imperialism. This is Part 1 of Lenin and the Path to Revolution Below are details of historical audio clips included in this episode that may not be otherwise identified by listening: 5:50 - Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, written in 1893 (a favorite of Lenin) 8:53 - Excerpt of Lenin’s speech “What is Soviet Power?” recorded March 1919 14:28 - Recording of Tsar Nicolas II addressing soldiers in 1910 37:45 - Journalist John Pilger speaking with a U.S. soldier in Vietnam, 1970 52:02 - Eyewitness account of the February Revolution from the Kennan Institute Russian History Audio Archive 1:21:14 - Marching Song of the First Arkansas Regiment (U.S. Civil War) 1:28:36, 1:28:56 - News report on House Un-American Activities Committee investigation in Hollywood, 1947 1:29:44, 1:30:15 - Anderson Cooper and Bernie Sanders at the Democratic Party presidential debate in Las Vegas, 2015 /// Help make this show possible by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram

In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian & Nicole discuss the danger of a regional war in the Middle East, U.S. crackdown on supporters of Palestine, China's proposal to the US to commit to no nuclear first strikes, a class analysis of modern U.S. society, and more. Links referenced during the seminar: Video show with Mohammad Marandi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdCyssFsWsc Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/posts/iran-doesnt-want-102492180 Petition to reinstate Professor Jodi Dean: https://www.change.org/p/revoke-professor-jodi-dean-s-suspension-from-teaching-at-hobart-and-william-smith-colleges Jodi's article: https://www.versobooks.com/blogs/news/palestine-speaks-for-everyone

What is Iran’s military and political strategy now that it has struck back against Israel’s illegal bombing of its embassy, and with another cycle of escalation looming? Israel’s strikes killed over a dozen people, including two Iranian generals, while Iran’s response produced no casualties. Why is Israel escalating? What does global public opinion look like towards the U.S. Empire on one side and the “Axis of Resistance” on the other? What consequences could the U.S. face in the region if Israel strikes again? Brian Becker is joined by Prof. Mohammad Marandi, an expert on American studies and postcolonial literature who teaches at the University of Tehran. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://www.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.

U.S. officials are saying a negotiated ceasefire is near in Gaza, but Israel just killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s three sons in an airstrike, after bombing Iran’s embassy in flagrant violation of international law last week.  Brian Becker is joined by Mohammed Nabulsi, organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement and an attorney based out of Houston. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://www.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 today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the favorite new complaint against China voiced most recently by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. She argues that China is producing too much. What does this mean and what does it say about the U.S. economy? 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.

Jorge Arreaza, former Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs, describes the historic fight against U.S. imperialism in Venezuela, Latin America & all over the world. Brian Becker is joined by Jorge Arreaza, Executive Secretary of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) and former Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://www.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.

Large labor unions have joined the massive movement in solidarity with the Palestinian people and have publicly called for a ceasefire in Gaza, an end to weapons shipments to Israel, and more. This involvement of the labor movement in the fight for Palestine is key for the Palestinian cause and for building solidarity among U.S. workers. Brian Becker is joined by Aminah Sheikh, labor and community organizer in Toronto, and Husayn Karimi, a labor organizer and a host of the labor podcast On The Line. 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.

A massive terrorist attack targeting civilians in Moscow killed more than 140 people and wounded hundreds more. Meanwhile, the Biden administration and the Pentagon are demanding billions for more war against Russia in the asymmetric, proxy war being waged in Ukraine. Brian Becker is joined by Eugene Puryear, the author of the article “Should We Really Blame NATO for the Ukraine War?,” a political activist, and a co-host of The Freedom Side LIVE, a live video show every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern on BreakThrough News. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://www.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 today's episode Brian and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss US attempts to minimize China's production of computer chips, the scale of which is proving to be a big draw for US-based corporations. Is it really possible to ice China out of the global supply chain? 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.

Israeli general’s son turned activist for Palestine Miko Peled describes why this huge shift in support for Palestinians is a turning point and “the beginning of the end of Israel.” Brian Becker is joined by Miko Peled, a human rights activist and son of Israeli general. He is the host of The Miko Peled Podcast and author of “The General’s Son - A Journey of an Israeli in Palestine” and "Injustice: The Story of the Holy Land Foundation Five.” You can find his podcast, books, and much more at mikopeled.com. Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://www.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 today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the new push by U.S. officials to pressure financial institutions in the global south to enforce U.S. sanctions against Russia. 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.